The next morning, Trixie was supposed to meet up with her local doctor so he could monitor her condition and make sure that she was healing correctly. Speed decided he was driving her himself.

He walked her outside and opened the passenger side door to the Mach 5 for Trixie. She sat down and he walked around then got in the car.

"Ready, Trix?"

"Yes," she said, and Speed started the engine and eased out of the driveway. He enjoyed the feel of the road under the tires and the power of the engine. The Mach 5 was soon on the highway and Speed was driving it almost as if he were in a road rally. Trixie didn't say anything, so Speed just assumed she was enjoying the open road as much as he was. Then he looked over to his girl.

She was sitting, wide eyes staring straight ahead, seemingly unseeing. Her porcelain skin was paler than he'd ever seen it, including after she had lost so much blood, and Speed knew now that she was beyond terrified.

Fortunately, he was nearing the doctor's office. Speed thought about slowing down, but now decided that she needed the doctor more urgently than ever. He cut off some traffic as he made a very illegal turn and drove straight to the parking space.

When he stopped, he looked at Trixie. "Trix?" Speed called out. She didn't seem to even hear him.

"Trix, come on. Snap out of it," Speed said, a little more urgently. Still nothing.

Speed jumped out of the car and ran around, then opened her door. "Come on, Trixie. We need to go inside now. You okay?"

Trixie just stared ahead, caught up in something only she could see. He shook her a little, and she turned to him, dazed. "Speed?" Trixie asked softly.

"Yeah."

She looked around the parking lot in confusion.

"Are you all right, Trixie?"

"I'm tired," Trixie said softly, still very confused. "Nightmare, I think."

Speed nodded. "Let's get you inside, all right?" He resolved to speak to the doctor about this incident. Trixie either did not recall it or was refusing to acknowledge it, but the doctor had to know, in order to treat her.

Speed had to acknowledge to himself: Trixie was in no condition to navigate for him this weekend. Now, he had to get her to accept it.

-5-5-5-5-5-Mach-GO-GO-GO-5-5-5-5-5-

Speed waited outside the examining room for the doctor to finish with Trixie. As soon as the doctor opened the door to leave, he approached him. "Doctor, I need to talk to you."

"Young man, I cannot tell you anything about my patients."

Speed nodded. "I know. That's my girl in there, but I've got to tell you something I don't think she'll tell you."

"I'm listening."

"My name's Speed Racer."

"The race car driver."

"Yes. And she's my navigator. Only now, she seems to be having a hard time riding in cars."

The doctor nodded. "It could be a stress reaction."

"That's what I thought. It was even worse when I brought her here today, in the Mach 5. That's the car she was shot in." Speed looked at him. "You can help her get over that, right?"

"That's not my department, but I will talk to her, and maybe make a referral."

"Thanks, Doctor," Speed said.

The Doctor knocked on the door again before going back in. Speed sat back down to wait. He seemed to be in the room for a while before coming back out. When he did, he nodded at Speed. "You can go in there with her, if you'd like. She can leave when she's ready."

Speed nodded and knocked on the door. He opened it slightly and found Trixie sitting on the examination table, looking very dejected.

"He didn't clear me to race on Saturday," she whispered.

Speed sat next to her. "That's okay."

"But you were counting on me," she said.

"Truth is, Trixie, I don't know if I'm up for it. I'm still a little shaken from Snowartica, if you want to know the truth."

She looked at him in disbelief.

"I really do mean it, Trix. Do you know how scared I was, sitting in those cold, dark caves, powerless to help you?"

Trixie gave him a half smile. "I don't believe you've ever been powerless, Speed."

"I couldn't even keep you safe, protect you, and you were sitting right beside me. You almost died, so that I could race."

Trixie looked at him, alarmed. "But you have to do the race."

"Why?" Speed asked her.

"You love racing. And if you don't, then whoever did this got what they wanted—you, out of the race."

"There are other races."

"I won't have you not racing because of me," Trixie insisted, her eyes watering. "You can't quit because I'm …"

Speed waited. But Trixie had looked away from him.

"You're what, Trix?"

"Weak."

Speed immediately wrapped his arms around her. "You're not weak."

Trixie laughed mirthlessly. "Speed, I'm afraid."

"I know you are. But you're not weak. Are you ready to go?"

Trixie took a deep breath and nodded. Speed stood and offered her a hand. "So, when is your next appointment?"

"Wednesday."

"So, if I do race, do you want to come with me?"

Trixie nodded. "Of course."

Speed grinned. "Let's go."

Trixie smiled and took his hand, standing up. Speed picked up Trixie's sweater and draped it around her shoulders before leading her out of the doctor's office and walking her to the Mach 5. Speed could feel Trixie shaking as she approached the car, but she would not say anything.

"Trix, are you okay?"

Trixie nodded.

"It's okay, you know. I understand," Speed said.

Trixie cleared her throat. "Understand what?" she asked, too brightly.

Speed just hugged her. "I'd be nervous too."

"I…" She paused and buried her face against his shoulder. "I don't want to be. This is the Mach 5. I love this car."

"I know you do," he whispered.

"Why am I afraid of it?" she asked him plaintively.

Speed tried to push her away from him so he could look at her. But she held tight, and he could feel her crying against his shoulder. So instead, he held her more tightly. "It's okay."

After a few minutes, Speed asked, "Would you like to walk home? I can get Sparky to come get the Mach 5."

"Oh Speed," Trixie laughed lightly. "No. I can do this."

"That's my girl," he said. Then he kissed her. "I love you. And you're not weak. You have more courage than anyone I know."

"I'm afraid of your car, Speed. That does not sound very brave."

"But you're still bravely facing that fear. And that is courage."

Trixie nodded. She walked over to the Mach 5 and started to open the door. Speed beat her to it. He held the door open while she took a seat, then shut it and smiled at her. Speed walked around and got into the car. "Ready?"

She nodded, and Speed started the Mach 5. Trixie held tight as he pulled out. Speed drove more slowly than usual, glancing over to watch Trixie as he drove. She seemed to be doing all right. But she was not smiling.

Speed frowned. "Trix?"

She looked at him.

"How are you?"

She forced a smile. "I just want to go home."

He nodded, and sped up. The less time it took to get there, the better.

When he pulled up to the house, Speed noticed that Trixie had her eyes closed, but he was pretty sure she was not sleeping. "We're here, Trixie."

Trixie nodded, taking several deep breaths. She opened her eyes and saw the Racer house in front of her. Before Speed could even react, she had opened the door to the Mach 5 and was running away from them as fast as she could.

"Trixie!" Speed shouted, then he took off running after her as the rest of the Racer family came outside. She practically collapsed as he caught up to her.

Speed gathered her in his arms and realized she was sobbing. "I can't do this. I can't navigate for you…I can't even ride in the Mach 5! I don't deserve to be here, I don't deserve you. How can someone who races for a living want to be with a girl who can't even ride in a car without panicking?"

He just held her. "Because that someone loves you." Speed looked at her. "Now, I'm pretty sure that foot races are not part of the doctor's orders."

Trixie nodded, tears still silently falling down her face. While she had not noticed that his family had watched the whole thing, Speed had. He looked at them intently before helping Trixie up. Mom and Pops ushered Spritle and Chim Chim into the house and Sparky followed. Trixie swayed a little as she stood. Speed steadied her. "I think you really need to get some rest. And Trixie, you are more important to me than racing. You don't have to race with me. You're more to me than just a navigator, you know that. Right?"

Trixie nodded. Speed felt her start to falter and caught her as she collapsed. He picked her up and carried her to the house.

Pops held the door open. "She all right, son?"

Speed shrugged. "Let me get her settled. I want to call the doctor and find out if he makes house calls."

"I'll take care of that, dear. You see to her," Mom said.

He nodded and took Trixie to her room. Speed laid her down on the bed and kissed her forehead. Mom came into the room and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I called the doctor and told him what happened. He said he'd be right over."

Speed nodded. "Thanks."

"Are you okay, son?"

"I don't know. I'm worried about her."

"She is expecting too much of herself too fast. She needs to give herself time to heal, physically and emotionally from this." Mom looked at him. "And so do you, Speed. You both went through a serious trauma last week." She shrugged. "I know I'm your mom, and I do worry about you. I think that maybe it's a little soon for you to race in a major event. But I'm not going to stop you."

Speed nodded. "I was just thinking that too. Trixie tried to tell me that I had to because then they'd have gotten what they wanted. But—I just don't think I would be able to concentrate on the race."

Mom smiled. "You do what you feel best, sweetheart."

Spritle ran into the room, followed by Chim Chim. "Is Trixie okay?" Spritle asked. "We've missed hanging out with her. Can we stay in here?"

"If you two can keep quiet," Mom said, "you can stay until the doctor gets here."

"We can keep quiet," Spritle promised.

Mom stood up and left Speed sitting next to Trixie, holding her hand.

Speed watched Trixie as Spritle came up beside him. "Speed?"

"Yeah," Speed asked distractedly.

"Why is Trixie so scared? She's safe here."

Speed looked at his little brother. "I know she knows that, but there are some feelings that she can't control right now." He shrugged. "And I think part of it is my fault. She's always thought had to fight to spend time with me, and since so much of who I am is racing cars, she's afraid she's going to lose me too. I mean, how many times has she asked me to go on a picnic, and I've brushed her off to work on the Mach 5? How many times have we gone somewhere, only to have me get involved with someone else's problem and brushed her off? Heck, Spritle, I'm amazed she puts up with me."

"You shouldn't miss out on Trixie's picnics. We've eaten enough of them to know she makes a really good basket," Spritle said sagely.

Speed laughed. "No wonder she's always fussing at you two."

"Sometimes, she gave them to us after you turned her down," Spritle said. "But we would have found a way to get to them anyway. I hope she gets better soon."

"Me too, Spritle," Speed looked at Trixie. "I can't imagine not being able to drive places with her. I don't mean races. Races aren't important."

"Races aren't important?! Speed, what are you saying?" Spritle asked.

Speed shrugged. "I don't know right now, Spritle. But I do know I'm gonna stick beside her as she recovers."

"Speed, the doctor's here," Mom called as she escorted the doctor into the room.

"What happened, Speed?" he asked as he reached out to take some of Trixie's vitals.

"I drove her home, doctor. She was uncomfortable, and as soon as I stopped the car, she took off running. I think she had a panic attack."

"She really should be at the hospital, but if I know this young lady, she won't go." The doctor looked at Speed. "I'll see if my referral will do house calls. I'd like to avoid her getting into cars right now. Particularly the Mach 5."

Speed nodded. "If he won't, we'll take a different car."

"I want her to rest, and stay in bed. I don't want her exerting herself."

Speed nodded. Spritle looked at him. "You don't know how stubborn Trixie can be!"

The doctor smiled. "Then I expect you all to out-stubborn her. She'll heal more quickly if she does not try to rush it." He frowned. "But another event like this could really cause serious damage. I am very serious, young man."

Speed nodded. Spritle and Chim-Chim sat on the bed on either side of Trixie. "You just watch her try and get out of bed with us here!"

Speed and the doctor both laughed. "I think she might have her hands full trying to evade those two."

"Thank you for coming, Doctor."

"No problem. Now, I want you to get these medicines filled for her. I noted that the ones she had were only good for a few days and she'll run out soon. She's a very lucky young lady."

Speed nodded.

Mom sat down in the chair beside Trixie. "Speed, I've made dinner. It's on the table and I want you to go eat. I'll sit with Trixie while you do. When she wakes up, we'll make her a tray." She looked at Spritle. "Spritle, you and Chim Chim go with Speed."

While Speed reluctantly left, Spritle and Chim Chim did not have to be invited to dinner twice.

-5-5-5-5-5-Mach-GO-GO-GO-5-5-5-5-5-

After Speed brought Trixie inside, Sparky left. He had some things he needed to get to prepare the Mach 5 for the race. Sparky had a feeling that they would not be going, but he wanted to make sure they would be ready if Speed decided to do so.

The store he usually went to was fairly close to Trixie's place, so Sparky figured he would stop by on his way over, to check her mail and make sure the place was okay. As he pulled up, he saw someone had left flowers on her doorstep, and Sparky put them in his car before checking the mail. Then he headed to the shop.

Sparky was looking at a trade press detailing the Ice Rally when Plugger Sparks approached.

"Hey, Sparky!"

"Plugger," Sparky said. "Congrats on the win!"

"Well, it would have meant a lot more if I'd actually beaten Speed. I can't believe someone did that to Trixie. How is she doing?" Plugger asked.

"About as good as we can expect right now," Sparky said.

"I tried to stop by her place, but she wasn't there."

"Oh, Mom and Pops Racer decided she shouldn't be alone right now, so she's staying with the Racers."

"That's good to hear. Please tell her I asked about her, all right?"

"Sure thing, Plugger." Sparky said. "I gotta go."

Plugger nodded and walked off. Sparky finished getting his parts and checked out, then he headed back to the Racer household.

-5-5-5-5-5-Mach-GO-GO-GO-5-5-5-5-5-

Mom watched Trixie for a few moments before deciding to waken her. Trixie looked at her. "Hello, Mrs. Racer."

"Mrs. Racer? Trixie, you've been calling me Mom almost as long I have known you. Why so formal?"

Trixie shrugged.

Mom got up and closed the bedroom door. "Just us girls here. What's wrong?"

Trixie looked away. "When Speed pushed me through the hospital in the wheelchair, it was so fast, and I know he wasn't going fast, and even if he was, he'd never let me fall. I got dizzy and felt like I was going to fall off. I get dizzy and scared every time I get in a car. And I have no idea what will happen the next time I get in my copter! I can't navigate for him. I'm afraid I won't be able to spot for him. And what if I can't fly? What am I going to do then?"

Mom reached over and hugged her. "It's been a week, Trixie. Only a week. Things will get better. You're family. Not just to Speed, but to me and Pops and even Spritle and Chim Chim. We'll help you get through this. But you have to give yourself time – time to heal."

"I just don't understand why I'm so afraid," Trixie said.

Mom smiled. "Well, I can think of a reason. You were in a place you felt confident, safe, and secure. You were with someone you know will go through fire to protect you. Out of nowhere, you were almost killed. It may take you a while before you feel safe again. But once you do, the rest of it will come back."

"You really think so?"

"Course I do. Now, Speed is worried sick about you."

"I know. I am sorry."

"Hush. All I ask is that you trust us. We're not going to kick you out just because you're not navigating for Speed or spotting for him. That's not why you're here. You're here because Speed loves you. Because we love you. So feel secure in that."

Trixie smiled. "Thank you, Mom."

"Now, I'll go tell Speed you're awake and help him make you a tray, and I expect you to eat everything I send up. Okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," Trixie said.

"Good girl."