Heartaches

Chapter 75

By Kellyq

Bruno blinked a few times. "The race is canceled?"

Mina nodded her. "It rained hard last night flooding the track, and it's going to continue to rain for the next five days."

Jack, Yusei, Bruno, and Crow sitting in Jack's living room, shocked. No one paid attention to happened after the race with Team Toiya. Jeager called Mina saying that he was going to cancel the race. So she called everyone and Jack decided to have the meeting at his place.

"So … technically, we're going to have to wait," Jack grumbled. He wasn't thrilled having to wait until he was going to have his rematch with Dragan.

"Sorry, Mr. Atlus, but Jeager made the decision early this morning," Mina sympathized. Jack grumbled, slouched in his chair and crossed his arms.

Crow bit his lip, trying not to snicker about his friend's behavior. "That's okay with me. It will give me time to work on my motorcycle …" Crow paused and scratched the back of his head nervously. "I do want to ask a favor, Yusei …" the dark-haired teen glanced at Crow. "Can you look after Kiryu for the next couple of days? I'll have my bike done by then."

"Sure. I have no problem with that. It would be nice to see him," Yusei answered.

"Is there anything I can help with?" Mina asked. "Like helping out with the kids?"

"I can help out too," Bruno suggested. "I'm not too bad with kids."

"If you guys could … that would be great! It would give Aero and Blister a break from taking care of the tikes."

"I have no problem with that," Mina and Bruno said at the same time.

All the kids moaned in disappointment when they all heard that the race was canceled.

Kiryu frowned. "No you on TV?"

Crow blinked. "You watched me?" A soft blush made its way to Crow's cheeks.

"He wasn't paying attention until we started to root for you," Aero explain.

Crow smiled. He was touched that Kiryu would even do that. "Anyways … Mina is going to stay here for a couple of days, so that you and Blister can have some time for yourself." All the kids started to protest. "Calm down." Crow chuckled. "She's not that bad, and it's only fair that Aero and Blister have some time to themselves." The kids started to talk in hushed whispers, and one by one, they agreed. "Good."

"When is the race going to start again?" Leo asked.

"I don't know. The weather is going to be nasty for the rest of the week," Crow answered.

The kids groaned again, but they stopped when there was a knock at the door. Blister turned, and made his way to the front door. He opened it to see Mina and Bruno. Blister stepped out of the way for the duo to come in. Rally was the first to walk up and hug Mina.

"Now that you guys are here, I was going to drop off Kiryu at Yusei's."

"Yus?"

Crow smiled. "Yea! You're going to see Yusei! Would you like that?" Kiryu nodded his head. "Great!"

"Are you going to come back?" some other kids asked.

"I need to fix my motorcycle before the next race," Crow explained.

Leo frowned. "Aren't you and Yusei are going up against Team Ragnarok?" Crow nodded his head. "Be careful! I checked up on their background, and they don't mess around on the track!"

Crow smiled. "Don't worry about it. I know them." With that, Crow pushed Kiryu's wheel chair out the door.

Carly looked out the window to see heavy mist blanketed the city. Misty walked up holding two cups of tea in her hand. Carly turned slightly and took the cup of tea, and turned to face the window again.

"I'm assuming that the race is going to be canceled," Misty spoke up, after she took a sip of her tea.

Carly nodded her head. "The race won't start again until next week. It's too bad, but that's okay. I have to work the rest of his week and half of next week anyways."

"I see." Misty took another sip. "How about I take you out camera shopping?"

Behind, Carly's thick spiral glass, her eyes widened with confusion. "What's wrong with my camera?" she asked, facing the model.

"You're a good photographer, Carly, and I think you deserve a good one," Misty answered.

Carly smiled. "Sure! There was one at Camera World that I always had my eye one, but I never had enough money to buy it."

"Shall we get going?" Misty suggested.

"Okay! Let me get my bag!"

Jack walked into the Hospital to see Akiza sitting at the front desk, looking at something at the computer screen. Movement caught her eye and she shifted in her chair, and looked up.

"Hi, Jack."

"Is Martha awake?" He asked.

A kind smile made its way to Akiza's face. "She should be." Akiza rose to her feet, and walked out from behind the desk. Jack followed her down the hallway. "I'm glad you came. When I told Martha that you were coming, she was thrilled."

Jack cocked his head side to side twice, as they continued to walk. They made it to Martha's room and Akiza knocked gently on the door.

"Come in."

Akiza opened the door and the two walked in. Martha was sitting upright in bed, and she looked more alert. For the first time, Jack took in her appearance, and his heart dropped. Martha was paler than was, and skinnier. Jack walked to the right side of the bed, leaned in and gently pulled Martha close. He hugged her tenderly in his arms. Martha smiled and hugged Jack. She could scene that Jack was trying to refrain himself from falling apart.

"I'll be okay, Jack," she whispered in his ear.

Jack let out a shaky sigh. "I … I just don't want to lose you, that's all."

"I'm not going anywhere. I love you and the others to much to even leave."

Jack nodded his head and gently laid Martha down. "That's good, because I'd rather not see you dead, and neither would Yusei."

A sad smile made its way to Martha's lips. "How is he doing?"

"He's doing alright for the most part, even though he hasn't gotten that much sleep."

Martha nodded her head. "I know. I can tell that he hasn't. He's going to make himself sick if this continues."

"Don't worry Martha, The race has been canceled for the rest of the week," Jack informed, "so I'll try to get Yusei to rest."

"Please do."

Jack nodded his head, scooted closer and hugged Martha, before he got up and walked out. He stood there to see Dragan walk out of the room next store. They glanced at each other.

To Be Continued …