Thanks for the reviews. They're greatly appreciated. Sorry again for the hiatus.

Chapter 45-Understanding

Later that day

Sasha's POV

"Okay Chrys, show me what you know," I said from the passenger seat of my black Porsche 911 GT2. Since Dom built her for me, I rarely let anyone drive her. I think Vince drove her maybe once or twice. Now I was letting a fourteen year old girl who I barely knew race her. I think I'm losing my mind. But I had confidence in Chrystal. But if she put one scratch on my baby, she'd be less a few limbs.

She started the car, making her purr to life. I still got that tingling feeling each time I heard that sound. It was breath-taking. She shifted gears and punched on the gas, sending the car flying down the deserted road we were on. Chrystal let up on the gas and shifted gears again, the car kissing speeds up to 110 mph. I gripped the harness as she shifted again, reaching up to 140 mph. As the town was becoming visible from the road, she slowed down and turned her around.

"Damn! Where'd you learn to drive like that?" I asked her, surprised at her abilities.

"I used to go to races about a year ago. My friends raced and I rode shotgun, watching their hands and the shifting and whatnot. I just studied how they did eveything," she replied nonchalantly. I was hard to believe she learned to race by JUST watching. She was a natural.

"Who taught you to drive? Ricky?" I asked.

"Her and my mom," she said, pulling the car to a hault once we got back to the starting line. I didn't know much about Ricky's parents or how she came to gain custody of her little sister.

"What happened to your parents? If you don't mind me asking," curiousity was getting the best of me.

"She passed away about a year ago. Leukemia. Our dad's in prison," she said, her voice cracking a bit.

"I'm sorry about your mom. Letty, Tony, and my mom died from cancer too," I said, remembering the woman who taught me so much in life. I missed her a lot. "What happened with your dad?"

"He used to have this friend, Jim. They were partners at his big office company or whatever. He was always at the house. He and my dad were close. They had their Sunday Night Football parties and they went to bars. My mom liked him too. He complimented her food and ran errands for her. I always thought he was a little weird. My dad walked in on him..." she paused, taking a deep breath. This was obviously a hard subject for her. "My dad walked in on him molesting me. He always spent the night at our house because he was having problems with his wife. For months, he'd creep in my room. I was scared shitless of the man. I told my dad about it plenty times, but he blew it off, like I was lying. He told me that Jim wouldn't do anything like that because he had too much money. He wouldn't ruin his life over me. I hated my father for that. That he would believe this man over his own flesh and blood. Jim slipped in my room, held a gun to my head if I screamed, and did whatever he wanted with me. One night my dad caught him," she finished, small tears falling from her eyes.

"I'm so sorry. What'd your dad do?" I asked.

"Killed him. Beat him to death. We tried to tell the police and the judge about what Jim was doing to me. The judge ruled in his favor and sentenced my dad to life in prison. When my mom died, Ricky was twenty-one so the courts gave her full custody of me," she finished, her usual scowl returning to her face. I understood now. Why she was always so bitchy to people she met. She didn't trust anyone. She wasn't willing to let anyone in. She built up a barrier to block everyone out. I understood because I was the same way. Years ago I was Chrystal myself. Hurt, alone, angry. I knew what she was going through.

"Wow. Whether you wanna believe it or not, I know exactly what you're going through," I said, putting a comforting hand on hers.

"You do?" she raised her eyebrows skeptically.

"Yep. My dad used to hurt me when I was little too. All the time. I hated him for it. I never knew how you could hurt your own child like that," I said, remembering the memories that haunted me for so long.

"Wow. Did your mom know?" she asked, showing interest in my story.

"Not until I was eighteen. I didn't want her cause her heartbreak. I just wanted him to leave me alone and get lost. My mom felt so guilty that I didn't tell her. It was horrible," I said, taking a deep breath.

"Well, what happened to your dad?"

"I don't know. After I told the Team, Dom and Vince beat his ass," we shared a laugh, "But I honestly haven't seen my father in almost fifteen years. I don't know where he's at or even if he's alive. I don't really care. I know that's harsh, but I'm living well without him," she nodded, deciding to end the conversation. I got out the car and lifted up the passenger seat. I turned on the tanks. "Okay, you're great now. Have you ever used nitrous oxide?" I asked her.

"N-no," she said, nervously. "Are you sure you wanna let me drive your car? I mean, I could borrow one from my friends," Chrystal rambled.

"No, you're driving this. Look, you're an awesome driver as far as I can see. This will just make the car go a whole lot faster. You just need to know how to use and control it. Let's get started," I said, strapping back in the harness.

xxx

Letty's POV

Tonight was the night. I had to tell him. I couldn't hold it in any longer. The longer I held it in, the more worn out I felt. I'd have to suck it up and take whatever response he was going to give me. I was keeping this baby, whether he wanted to or not. The whole pregnancy deal was a pain in the ass, but the feeling of creating something so small and graceful and beautiful was breath-taking. Bringing a life into this world and raising it to become something powerful felt unimaginable.

Dom and I were seated at the dinner table with the kids. I cooked spaghetti, simply because it was the only thing I knew how to cook. Dominic usually cooked for us. The talk at the table was quiet, with the exception for Elijah, who couldn't seem to shut up for two seconds. I swear, sometimes I thought that kid was ADD. He was always talking and asking questions and bouncing all over the place. He couldn't sit still for two seconds. Sometimes, I welcomed his hyper activity. Other times, I just wanted him to chill the hell out.

"Letty, what's really up with you? I mean, you walk around here acting moody and jumpy. What's going on? And don't give me that 'I'm fine' bullshit, cuz I know you're not," Dominic said, dropping his fork on his plate. Now's the time.

"I'm pregnant," I said it so low that I wasn't sure if I said it at all.

"What?" Dom asked again.

"She said she's pregnant," Elijah said, stuffing spaghetti in his mouth.

"Thanks Elijah," I said sarcastically, looking at him. I turned my glare at Dom, who's jaw was scraping the table, "I'm pregnant Dominic," I said, looking back at my food. I waited for a wrath, but was only greeted with silence. I looked up at Dominic, who had the most childish grin on his face.

"How far?" he asked. I could tell he was trying to keep himself composed.

"About a month," I answered, finishing off my food. He just nodded, though the smile plastered on his face was hilarious.

"Great, another pest," CJ said, smiling at Elijah, who stuck his tongue out at her in response. I laughingly picked up the plates and took them to the sink. When I turned around, Dominic was standing in front of me. He picked me up and spun me around a few times. His deep roar of a laugh filled the room, causing the kids to laugh. I chuckled as his facial hair tickled my neck. He finally put me down.

"Does anyone else know?" he asked me, not letting go of my waist.

"The ladies do," I replied.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked, his smile fading. Time for the screaming.

"I didn't know how you would react Dom. We're running low on cash. We both know the store and garage can't support us. I just didn't think you wanted another kid right now," I answered, walking over to the dishes.

"So what? You were gonna get rid of it? Letty you know I want kids. And we aren't running low. I have plenty money in the stash okay. We're good for a while okay. Even then, I have the retirement money my dad left me in his will. I haven't touched it yet because we're doing good. If I need too, I'll dig in it to help us," he said, his voice rising.

"Kids go to your room," I said. I knew the conversation was gonna get heated. Elij and CJ did as they were told and left the table. I turned around from the dishes and leaned on the counter with my hands.

"Look, I know you're the father and everything, but it's my body Dom. I decide if I'm ready for another baby or not. You don't have to walk around feeling helpless for nine months of your life; I do. I don't want you digging in the retirement money, that's yours and Mia's. Do with it what you please. I just don't know if I'm ready yet Dom," I screamed, trying to control my anger.

"Letty it takes more than one person to decide if they want a baby. I have as much say in this as you!" he yelled, his face dark with rage. He furiously wiped his hand down his face, taking deep breaths. He pointed to me without looking and spoke between gritted teeth, "you're having that baby. End of discussion," he stomped out of the kitchen.

I angrily grabbed a plate and slammed it to the floor, screaming as it shattered into pieces. I paced the kitchen floor trying to contemplate whether to run to our bedroom and give him the bitching of a lifetime or to just drop it for a couple days. Smiling, I took the latter and exited the kitchen, marching up the living room stairs. I burst into our bedroom, finding Dominic laying back on the bed, staring at the television. I walked over in front of it and crossed my arms.

"What?" he said deathly calm.

"Why must you be such an inconsiderate asshole all the time Dominic? You should be a man and respect the fact that I'm not ready to have another baby right now. We still have so much to learn about parenting. I can't take on another baby while trying to raise the twins!"

He sat up. "It's not like you're raising the damn baby alone Letty!"

"I might as well be! You have barely been home to take care of the kids we got now. You're always out on business or hangin' with the boys!" I was determined to show the arrogant bastard he needed to be the best father he can be because everyone knows he can do better than what he was now.

"What about a couple weeks ago? I took you all out and we had a great time!" he growled, standing from the bed.

"One god damn day Dominic! That was one day! I shouldn't have to tell you when you need to be home and take care of your fucking kids!" Dominic now stood toe-to-toe with me. Noticing I wasn't backing down, Dom grabbed his jacket from the bedpost and flung it on. "Do what you do best Dominic Toretto, run away from your problems!" I knew I struck a nerve with that one; he stopped dead in his tracks.

"I'm not running! I'll be back when you learn to shut the fuck up!" he roared, stomping out the room, slamming the door behind him.

I sighed heavily and ran my hands through my dark hair as I stood in the middle of the room alone. I exhaled and walked down to the twins' room. CJ was watching some cartoon on the television while Bruno was playing with his cars on the floor. They looked up at me as I entered the room.

"Daddy isn't happy is he?" Bruno asked innocently. I sat on the floor next to him. I just looked at him; he looked so much like Dominic. They were alike in so many ways, and in others they weren't, which I was glad for. I ran my hands threw his long hair (he refused to let me cut it).

"Nope, honey, he's not. But that's okay. Do you guys want another girl or boy running around here?" I asked them.

"It'd be fun. A brother to team up on Casey with," Elijah replied giddily.

"Alright," I laughed, "what about you CJ?"

"I guess it'd be okay. I kinda want another girl around. But not like cousin Angel cuz she's too girly," CJ's face looked happy, but disgusted at the thought of girly things. I laughed.

"Mommy doesn't know if she's ready for another baby yet. She needs time. Is that okay?" Bruno put his cars down and sit in my lap facing me. He grabbed my face with both hands and looked me in my eyes.

"Take your time Mommy. We can wait," Bruno replied smiling. showing all his bright, white teeth. My eyes watered; I never knew children could be so understanding for people who didn't know as much.

"You okay Mommy?" CJ asked, crawling to the floor where we sat.

"Yeah, babe, I'm fine. I just wish your Dad was as understanding as you guys," I replied, kissing them both.

xxx

No POV

It was 10:25 p.m.and Mia, Brian, and Angel sat at the dinner table eating dessert. Mia had picked up some things to bake a cake with and cooked up a great chocolate cake. It was way past Angel's bedtime, but Mia allowed her to stay up for a few more hours.

The family was laughing and joking when the phone began ringing.

"No way Brian, you'll be the one dressed like a penquin for this years Halloween party, not me! That was so embarassing," Mia said laughing as she lifted the phone from the receiver. The look on Mia's face changed from happy to horrified. She cupped her hand over her mouth before looking at Brian.

"What is it Mi?" Brian asked, panic immediately in his tone.

"Bri, Tej's in the hospital. He's been shot," Mia said, tears forming in her eyes.