"Continue expressing your thanks in the form of more chapters." I like this theory, and I shall continue to. ;)

Chapter Five

"Tangible Memories"

(Sally's POV)

When I arrive back at the lobby I can't sleep. I remove every trace of Lightning's existence and put it in a box under my bed. Each photograph is tucked away, along with the blueprints for the racing headquarters. I'm about to leave the bedroom when I spot an article of clothing on the floor.

I shuffle over to it and scoop it up for a better look. It's a black and red t-shirt with Lightning's name and number on it. I can still smell his cologne saturated in the material. I can feel my heart constricting and clutch it to my chest. I crawl onto the bed and lie my head on the pillow, keeping the shirt close enough to let the scent drift up to my nose. If I close my eyes and breathe deeply it almost feels like he's right there.

Suddenly I'm gone, and I don't wake until hours later in the hot afternoon. I run my hands through my tangled hair and rise from the bed. I was my tear-stained face and I can't believe how much better I feel.

I make my way to the door and enter the lobby. I find Doc lounging in one of the plastic orange chairs. At the sight of me, he jumps to his feet and grabs my hand.

"Sally, please, sit down," he orders.

I give him a puzzled look but sink into my ergonomic swivel chair.

He's still holding my hand and his eyes never leave my face as he says abruptly, "Sally, I've got the results of the tests."

"Oh! Well, if it helps, I'm feeling a lot better. I think it was a killer hangover," I explain with some humiliation.

The unnameable look in his eyes doesn't fade. "I agree with that, but there's something else. You're hormone balance is a bit out of whack," he begins to tell me.

My eyes widen while my mind makes the connection. Does he mean to say that-?

"Sally, I believe you're pregnant."

His words defy time and I'm left speechless. It must be wrong! Simply impossible! Accidents don't just happen behind your back! Or is that what they call a surprise? My free hand slips to my stomach while I try to gain control of my thoughts.

"If you've been faithful, then it's Lightning's child you're carrying…" he says gently.

I nod my head fiercely, still unable to speak.

Something tugs at the corner of Doc's mouth; the start of a weak smile. He adjusts his glasses and stands up while he instructs firmly, "Come by the clinic later on. And certainly, certainly, no more drinking."

I started seeing Doc for regular appointments, and soon the whole town knew about our expected visitor. It still hurt to think of Lightning, but knowing I still had a part of him brought great comfort at such a terrible time. Five months into pregnancy, Doc told me I'd be giving birth to a girl. I started visiting Lightning's grave daily, with not a day in exception.

I sit on the ground before his grave with one hand on my ballooning stomach, and the other tracing shapes in the dirt. I stop running my fingers through the soil and fix the folds of my shirt, or rather, Lightning's shirt. Ever since finding I was pregnant, I haven't gone more than 12 hours without wearing it. It's starting to stretch quite noticeably and I decide now is a good idea to announce what I've been meaning to say. Soon it will be too much hassle to travel out here in my state.

"I picked out a name last night," I say into empty air, "Her name is going to be Levina. Its Latin…it means, 'flash of lightning'. Isn't that…beautiful? I picked it for you, Stickers. And someday when she's old enough I'll tell her…" It trail off to swallow the lump in my throat. "When I find the courage, I'll tell her what a good daddy she has."

Surpise? Yes? No? :P Bonus points to my smart reader who knew it was coming. ;) Oh, and "Levina" does actually mean that in Latin, that's why I picked it. :3 I hope this chapter was enjoyed, please review for more!