AUTHOR'S NOTE:

In this chapter, Heath's defiance doesn't quite go as he'd planned but the following chapter brings about some good news for the boys.

Enjoy :)

Chapter 61: Accident

Saturday night

After the three boys had dinner, Brax was helping Casey with his schoolwork and Heath went off to his room. Once he was certain Brax was preoccupied, he snuck into Brax's room, taking his car keys, which Brax had now hid in there since Heath's last attempt and snuck out his bedroom window, heading to Remington Hill.

Once he arrived at Remington Hill all his worries about Brax became forgotten. "Didn't think you were gonna show Braxton." Matt yelled.

"I never give up on a challenge." Heath boasted. Jeremy approached him.

"Hey you sure you're up to this? I mean after last time with your brother?"

"Yeah... I can't let these guys win. Beside Brax doesn't run my life." Jeremy patted him on the back. "Alright, come on then, let's get this race started."

Anthony got into his car and Heath got into Brax's. "Ready to eat my dust Braxton?" Anthony laughed.

"In your dreams." Heath replied confidently. He had to focus on winning this race.

Matt held up a flag ready and waved it down. Heath and Anthony speed down the road. Anthony was in front. Heath stepped hard on the accelerator. He overtook Anthony by several meters, too focused on speeding past his friend he did not slow down when he quickly sped down hill nearing a corner.

Heath was going too fast. Slamming on his brake to slow down for the turn caused the car to spin. Heath lost control of the car and it flipped before crashing engine first into a pole, shattering the front of Brax's car.

Anthony pulled over and the three friends raced over to help Heath. Luckily Heath was still conscious but injured. "Mate are you alright?" Anthony asked.

Heath touched his head. He felt dizzy and his face was bleeding, he had bruises on his hands and scraps on his arms and face. "Ah...yeah... I think so."

"Hang in there I'll call an ambulance." Jeremy panicked, but before he could make the call he is stopped by Matt. "Are you crazy? If we get found out we're in for."

"This is Heath's life!" Jeremy ignored them and made the call.

After calling the ambulance Jeremy called Brax. "Hello?" Brax answered. "Brax!"

"Who is this?" "It's Jeremy, you have to come down to Remington Hill quick! Heath's been in a car accident!"

Shock ran through Brax's body, he was scared at losing his brother but also furious he had disobeyed him and endangered his life. Jeremy continued, "Brax come quick please!" Jeremy hung up the phone.

Casey looked to Brax who stood in shock. "Brax what's wrong?"

Brax turned to Casey. "Casey come on, we have to get to Heath. He's been in an accident."

Casey looked at his brother confused but quickly followed him, racing down towards Remington Hill, which thankfully had been only a few blocks away.

Arriving at the scene of the accident Brax could see an ambulance officer attending to his brother and police around talking to Heath's friends. Brax told Casey to stay back from the accident.

"But Brax." Casey whined worried. "Just stay Casey." Brax told him firmly.

Brax went to leave but was stopped by Casey. "But I wanna see if Heath is okay." He spoke.

Brax sighed. "Casey please. I don't know. Just stay."

Casey slumped down and watched Brax race down towards his brother. "Heath what the hell?" He yelled.

"Excuse me sir, do you know this boy?" The ambulance officer asked.

"He's my brother." Brax looked around at the accident and saw his car smashed.

"Your brother has sustained a serious knock to the head and possible concussion. He has also appeared to have fractured his wrist and sustained some minor wounds. We need to take him to the hospital for further tests and observation." Brax nodded.

The ambulance officer guided Heath to the van. A policeman approached Brax. "Were you a part of this illegal drag race young man?"

"No but that was my car that was totaled."

"So you were not responsible for that young boy driving your vehicle without a license? Because that boy was underage, you may be eligibly charged."

"What! I had no idea my brother had taken my car and I had no part in this!"

"We still need to interview your brother once his injuries have been treated, but there is no guarantee he will be let off easily." The officer threatened and left.

Brax sighed, another thing he will have to get his brother out of. Brax went back and grabbed Casey's arm. "Come on. We need to get to the hospital."

"Brax, is Heath okay?"

"Not now Casey, just go." Brax shoved Casey towards the taxi stand when he heard someone shout behind him. It was Jeremy. "Brax wait! Let me give you a lift."

Brax glared at him. "It's the least I can do." Brax grunted and followed Jeremy to his car. Brax pushed Jeremy out of the way. "I'll drive, give me the keys."

Jeremy handed over his keys and the three got into the car and headed for the hospital.

"Why aren't the cops after you?" Brax questioned.

"I got off with a warning seeing as I wasn't racing." Brax grunted. "If it means anything Brax, we are all really sorry for what happened and hope Heath is gonna be okay."

"You better hope he will be." Brax threatened through gritted teeth.

When they reached the hospital Brax and Casey got out, leaving Jeremy to take his car and go. Brax told Casey to wait outside Heath's room as he went in. The doctor was filling out Heath's chart.

"Are you Heath's brother?"

"Yeah. I'm Brax."

"Where are your parents?" Brax hesitated "They're not around. I'm the sole career for Heath."

"Well I ran some tests and done a CT scan. Heath hasn't got any long lasting head injuries, just a concussion, his fractured wrist should heal fine and his other injuries will clear up with time. I'd like to keep him here for a few days for observation."

Brax nodded. "Thanks doc." The doctor left and Brax sat down next to Heath's bed.

Heath couldn't look Brax in the eye. There was silence for quite some time.

"Brax. I'm really sorry about your car. I'll make it up to you."

"Your damn right you will." Brax said in a short tone, not knowing what to say.

"I didn't mean for it to happen like that."

Brax glared at Heath frustrated. "What was supposed to happen Heath?"

"I'll pay for the damages. I know how hard you worked for your car." Heath pleaded.

Brax ran his hand through his hair annoyed did Heath not realize it wasn't about that.

"This isn't about my ruined car!" Brax shouted. "You got seriously injured doing that stupid race again! You could have been killed this time Heath!" Brax paused. "Have you any idea how that would feel for Casey and me."

Heath shook his head. "I...I didn't think."

"No you never do." Brax replied, frowning.

Heath struggled as he started to look pale before leaning forward and throwing up. Brax got up and rested his hand on his back. "Hey mate, take it easy."

Heath coughed and laid back down. "I am really sorry Brax."

Brax sighed. "Of all the stupid things Heath. Why?"

"I just wanted to be part of the gang."

Brax shook his head. "You don't do something this stupid ever again, ya hear." Brax threatened and Heath nodded and turned away from his brother.

"Seriously Heath, all this isn't worth impressing some friends for. If you didn't already have a head injury I'd be knocking some sense into that thick skull of yours."

"I know and I deserve it."

"Yeah you do." Brax smiled and rested his hand on Heath's shoulder.

"I have to get Casey back home. You rest."

Brax left and found Casey sitting on the chair outside. He ran up to Brax. "Is Heath okay? Can I see him please Brax?" Casey pleaded eagerly.

"Alright Casey but just quickly we have to go." Brax led Casey into Heath's room.

"He wanted to see you." "Hey kid."

Casey panicked at the sight of Heath's bandages and swellings. "Are you gonna be okay Heath?" He asked worried.

"For now. That is until Brax gives reason not to." Casey looked confused as Brax smiled at Heath.

"Let's go Case. Heath needs to rest." Brax guided Casey out of the hospital and then they went home.