Sally woke up suddenly and sat up in bed. Panting a bit as she felt warm. Sally grabbed her lower abdomen. Cramps. Her heart stopped. Cramping? Why was she feeling cramps!? Sally got up out of bed and walked into the bathroom. Sliding her panties down and sitting on the toilet. That's when she noticed the spots of light blood in her panties. She stared at the blood spots. It was very little. Barely noticeable. But.. To her… This confirmed.. She wasn't pregnant. If she was, she was losing it already. Sally wiped. No blood. But terrified. She quickly went and changed.
Changing into some clean panties and sweats for the day. She just felt… Full and cramping and her lower back was killing her. Sally walked out of her room and to the kitchen to find her Dad making coffee. "Morning." He greeted.
Sally stared a moment. But Carson could tell something was off. "Baby?. What's wrong?" "I was… Bleeding some through the night…" "Okay… Like?… your menstrual?" Asked her father. Sally shook her head answering, "No, maybe… I'm late by ten days now.." "What?" "Ever sense we started trying so much, my period isn't normal…" she admitted with a white face.
Carson stared a moment. Growing a bit nervous. "Are you pregnant?" He asked quietly. Sally stared a moment before answering, "No…" "Sally?…" "There's a chance… There's always a chance, but…" she paused. Carson sighed and asked, "Do you have tests? If not, I can run by and get you a few.." "Lightning and I agreed not to take one until he got back…" "Okay, but if you are, you need to go to the hospital. He'd want you to take care of yourself if you were. He'd care more about that than waiting to see if you were when he was back.." Sally thought about that for a moment. Then grabbed her phone out and said, "I'll call my doctor." "They have been keeping track of your hormone levels? Blood counts? Right?" Carson asked suddenly.
Sally stared a moment before answering, "Yes, Dad. They are monitoring everything because of the medications." Carson nodded. That was good. Sally then stepping out of the room. Carson stood there. Worried. Seriously worried about his daughter.
If she were pregnant, this was bad. She always had a rough time and rough pregnancy and worse… She always lost the baby. She needed to stop before she snapped and broke into an entirely different person or worse; the baby took her life with it….
It had been a few hours. Carson knocked on the bedroom door and slowly walked in. "Sally?.." he called. Then he heard her puking on the bathroom. Carson sighed and walked to the door. Hesitating and hearing her sick. He creeped the door open slowly and announced, "I'm just coming to check on you.." Sally looked up from the toilet and at her father. Her eyes glossy from the violent vomiting. Carson stood near the door and asked, "What did the doctor say?.." Sally wiped her mouth before answering, "Not to worry right now.. She said if it was dark red blood or heavy bleeding, go to the emergency room. Other wise I can wait for my appointment.." "When is that?" "A few weeks.." Sally said then swallowed down the vomit she could feel coming up.
Carson sighed. Staring at her. She looked awful and miserable and tired. Carson nervously then asking, "Are you sure you are ready for this?…. it's not been that long sense"-"YES! I want this! Lightning and I want this!" "Are you sure you're mentally prepared for… What could happen, Sally?… I just… I don't want you to get hurt again.." her father admitted softly.
Sally stared at him. Was she? No. No matter how many she lost, she could never be prepared. Carson frowned then walked closer. Flushing the toilet and grabbing a rag. Dampening it then wiping his daughter's face. "Your mother and I always hoped you and Samantha never had the problems she had.." "What do you mean?.." Sally asked as her Father sat next to her.
Carson sighed and began, "We never told you kids this.. But your Mom had miscarriages. She had problems with her hormones and keeping a pregnancy. Eventually it lead to the discovery of her cancer.. We lost two before Nathaniel and one after him.. Then a few months before her cancer was discovered, we lost another.. We struggled. Our marriage struggled… I don't want to see you suffer anymore.. I don't want to see you and Lightning struggle anymore than you already have… Our marriage was strong. Our love and faith in each other was stronger than the conflict the struggles made.." Sally frowned as she asked, "You don't think Lightning and I are strong enough, do you?…"
Carson hesitated answering, but felt it best to open his daughter's eyes up. "Your Mom and I never had an affair.. That's something that changes the way someone sees and trusts you, Sal…" "But Lightning is happy. He's fine. We're fine. Stronger than ever." "Okay. Good.. Just… Be careful, baby girl.." Carson warned softly with a smile.
Sally stared at her Father. Deep down, alright she had doubts about how Lightning really felt. I mean, the man was a professional as putting on a show and faking a smile for the crowd. He had gotten so good at it that she even couldn't tell at times.
Was he putting on a show for her too? He definitely wasn't happy here .. Not without racing. It was fine. Their love for each other was stronger than that. His love was the one thing she knew was not a show!
Bbbzzzzz. Carson and Sally looked towards the bed. Bbzzzz. Sally's phone. Carson walked over and grabbed it. Bbbzzzz "It's Lightning." He announced. Sally walked over, took the phone and answered, "Stickers."
I'm so sorry I couldn't talk sooner. I left. A voicemail from some number but we just kept having no signal.
"It's alright. Are you-Are you two okay?"
Yeah, we're fine. Back out on the road. Things were a little crazy for a bit. But we aren't far from our destination.
"Well that's good to hear."
How are you doing? You alright? Not over working yourself, are you?
"No, not at all. I'm fine. My Dad is here. He wanted to see you too, but I think he's gonna stay for a few days."
Oh. Everything okay?
"Yeah, of course. You don't need to worry about me."
Okay… Well, I'm going to.
"I'm fine, Stickers."
Hmm. Alright. I love you.
"I love you. Very much. Are you having fun though? Relaxing? Enjoying your time with Mater?"
Yeah, it's been nice, I guess.
"You guess?"
I'm just tired. A few hiccups, but we're okay.
"Hiccups?"
I'll explain later. I just wanted to hear your voice. See how your last couple days have been.
"Been good. It's nice seeing my Dad."
Yeah, I get that. Nothing… New?
"New?"
Well, I mean that one test result. You aren't showing any signs or anything? Or is that too early?
"You really want this, don't you?…"
Well, of course I want this. We want this.
"Yeah.. Yeah, I know.."
Are you sure you're okay?
"Yep. Great. Doing great, Stickers."
Alright… I'll call you later tonight once we get settled in.
"Sounds good, love."
Love you, Sally.
"I love you more. Be safe."
Always. Bye.
"Bye." Sally hung up and sighed. He wanted this. He wanted something that her body wasn't giving. That hurt. That sucked. Carson placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder for support. Sally turned and smiled at her Father. She was happy to see him, but… She was really starting to miss her husband….
"Wow… Whole lot of nothin out here." Lightning stared as he drove the suv down the stretch of road. Mater snickered. Lightning then asked, "Could you get the insurance policy out of the glove box?" Mater opened the glove compartment and grabbed out the papers. "You ain't gonna be on to much trouble with the rental, are ye?" Asked Mater. Lightning sucked in his lips and thought about the damage. Missing side passenger mirror, missing hood, now it had a light bar up top and holes from the bar being drilled into the roof. Wiring was messed with for that, it had stickers all I've the back about big foot, the thing was covered in mud and dirt and not to mention, the suspension would probably need some work from the off-roading in the woods on the hunt for big foot.
Lightning shook his head answering in a higher pitch, "Nah, no… It's not.. That bad…" but how on earth is every time he is around Mater, something like this happens?
Mater then pointed out the open passenger window at the beautiful sun set ahead, "Look at that. Ain't nothin prettier than a sky full of clouds at sunset. I think we've gone numb to the simple pleasures." Lightning glanced at his friend. Raising a brow.
Mater then waved his hands outward and cried, "What have we become!?" But then the wind from his rolled down window sucked the paperwork for the SUV out the window. Mater quickly sat back in his seat, sucked in his lips, and all wide eyed, awkwardly rolled up the window. Hoping Lightning didn't notice. He didn't. Lightning then chuckled and asked, "What? Me? Numb? Hey! I appreciate life's simple pleasures. I-Oh geez!" Lightning's entire demeanor changed! "It's a circus." He muttered in fear. Mater glanced at the sign and asked, "What's wrong with a circus?" Lightning cowering a bit as he drove, "Nothing." "Then let's stop by! I could use a little rest break and some good old fashion hot dogs." He said patting his stomach.
Lightning sighed and rolled his eyes and argued, "We can stop at the next stop." "Come on. You just said you ain't numb to the simple pleasures. What's more simple than a circus?" "Literally anything." Lightning growled.
Mater raised a brow and teased, "Baby." "I'm not a baby." "Chicken." "I'm not chicken!" "Come on! Just a quick bite and some Cotten candy and a balloon or two then we head back out. We can take a second to stretch our legs, plus I could use a bathroom break. I don't think the stew we ate from the hunt mixed well with me." Mater reminded and admitted.
Lightning sighed. Staring at the tent. "Fine.." he caved in. Turning into the parking lot and parking the SUV…..
As the two friends walked through the circus was.. Really empty. "Mater… Something isn't right about this place…" Lightning mumbled quietly. Mater glanced at his friend and asked, "What do you mean?" "Well.. There's no one around… Not even seeing anyone who looks like they work here.." "shoot. I think it's because we are early." "I don't know, Mater.. It's weird. We haven't seen a ring master, the freak show people, food stand workers or even"-Suddenly a clown jumped out in front of the friends and Lightning jumped back with a "Ah!" Then one beside him tapped his shoulder, "Ah!" Then a funny car drive out and a two more hopped out of the trunk! Lightning grabbed his mouth and about puked right there and then!
Mater stared at his friend and made the assumption, "You're scared of clowns? Come on! They are just plain adorable is all!" Mater tried reassuring his friend. One of the clowns stared at Lightning as another clown sprayed water into the clown's face.
His smile… Never.. Leaving… Lightning stared with disgust and fear. Mater nudged Lightning and teased a bit, "Afraid of a few clowns." And chuckled. "Jiminey Christmas." Then Mater took off and left Lightning alone for a few seconds or minutes.
Lightning walked carefully through the walking path. Trying to avoid any and all clowns. "Mater… Where are you?.." He called quietly. Careful not grab attention of the clowns near by. Mater then waved from the seats and shouted, "Over here! I got us seats!" Lightning whined a bit and rolled his eyes. Then he looked next to him. Clown. "Ah!" He yelped and took off towards the seats. Cautiously sitting next to his best friend. But it was dark. No lights, no show. Silence. Nothing. Lightning let out a sigh of relief and said, "Oh well, too bad. No show today." Standing up to leave, but then the lights flooded the arena. Mater grabbed Lightning's shirt and pulled him back into his seat. Lightning hated this. Nope. This was the line!
"Fellow patrons! Now witness the show that is the circus.." the ring master announced. Mater gasped with excitement and anticipation. Lightning on the other hand just sighed with a growl.
Then the other one said, "You will tremble before the feet's of daring dos, gasp at impossible strength, followed by tears and… Wait?… Tears first then um…" "Now sit back! And behold the greatness!" They stepped aside and some clown walked in the center. Sweeping the floor.
Lightning whined a bit. Mater noticed and assured, "It's okay, Buddy. He's all the way down there." But Lightning could feel the presence of one of those things near him. A clown then shot from a canon, jumping on trampolines. Another rolled out in a giant wheel, some in a moving ring, then another began juggling, then one holding up three other clowns with one hand! Mater cheered them on! Then a plane came through and six clowns jumped from the sky! All landing around the seating area below. Mater nudged his friend and asked, "Wow! Did you see that!?" Lightning nervously stood up and announced, "You know… I think I'm just gonna wait our front…" Mater replying, "Well that ain't polite. Besides!…"
He paused and leaned in close, "They'll drag you back…" Lightning glared at his friend's teasing, but the idea alone was enough to scare Lightning back into his seat!
Then he looked over and saw two intimidating clowns smiling and giving him what he considered death stares. Lightning stared a moment at them. Shivering a bit. Gross and terrifying. The friends continued to watch the show.
Lightning could feel the panic attack building up. But as soon as it started, the show was over and clowns all gathered in center stage and bowed. Lightning sighed with relief and muttered, "Oh finally…. it's over…" Mater cheered them on! Loving this! Lightning stood up and patted his friend on the back saying, "Okay! Come on. Let's go." The two began walking down and into the walking grounds when a few clowns stopped in front of them. Lightning swallowed loudly. Nervously. One of the clowns took a red nose and placed it on Lightning's nose and another leaned on him and blinked his eyes rapidly as she swept the dust from the dirt. Lightning nervously said, "Hi there…." Mater snickered and said, "Well look at that! Look who's coming around to the circus."
Lightning took the nose off and handed it back to the clown who then pretended to cry. The two friends headed back to their SUV and got in. Lightning sighed with relief.
Mater then exclaiming, "Hey! I got an idea! On the way back, we should stop by again!" "Oh!… I don't think we need to.. We don't have to decide that right now, right?…" Lightning replied. Mater chuckled. As they began their drive, Lightning glanced at his friend and asked, "Hey, did you find the insurance agreement?"
Mater's eyes widened as he answered, "Uh, nope. Nope. Not in there. Sorry. Maybe you uh… Left them somewhere…" "I could have sworn I put them in the glove box." "Nope. You must be getting old." "Mater?…" "Oh look, a clown!" "What!?" Lightning shouted as he jolted the suv on the road. Mater laughed as he slapped his knee! Lightning glared and growled, "Not funny, Mater. Not funny…" "Does Miss Sally know you are afraid of clowns?" "I'm not afraid." "Oh okay, mister I'm not afraid of clowns." Mater teased as he chuckled...
Sally was sitting in the garage on the floor next to the bolt. Carson walked in and asked, "Are you ever coming back inside, baby?" Sally grabbed her mouth and shouted, "Close the door!" Carson was confused, but closed the door softly.
Extremely confused. Sally about puked again, but seemed to calm down. Carson walked over and leaned on the race car asking, "Are you okay?" Sally shook her head answering, "No! The smell of the house is sickening! This is the only room I can be in that doesn't make me sick. It's to clean in there!" To clean? For Sally?
Carson looked around the garage. Trying to take in the scent, he sniffed the air a bit before stating, "It smells like oil and metal in here." "Well great! It's the only thing that doesn't make me nauseas right now!" Sally griped with frustration. Carson smiled a little and stared down at his daughter. Oh yeah, she was definitely pregnant. Carson knelt down and sat in front of his daughter and asked, "I can clean up and try spraying some shelters stuff around. You can't spend all day on the garage. It's hot in here." "If I go inside, I feel awful…" Sally whimpered and almost began crying.
Carson snickered and assured, "It's gonna pass. Calm down. Um…" He stood up and looked around. Finding a rag that looked dirty he grabbed it made sure it was somewhat clean then sniffed it.
Oil and metal. "Here." He handed it to his daughter. "Just put this over your nose. It won't hurt the baby or you if it's short term. Just enough for me to figure something out around the house." Sally stared up at her dad. Baby? Did he really believe she was pregnant?
Sally took the rag and sniffed it loudly. The smell was amazing. Never smelt something so good in her life! The smell of oil, metal… The smell of Lightning when he raced.. Fuck… It was amazing, hypnotizing! This could work temporarily….
Sally lay in bed. Almost asleep when her phone buzzed. She opened her eyes and felt around for it. Picking it up and seeing her love's name. "Hey…" she answered in a sleepy voice.
Hey, I'm sorry. Did I wake you?
"No, I wasn't asleep yet."
Sorry. I'll make it short so you can sleep.
"No, it's fine. I love hearing your voice.." She said with a smile.
Love you.
"Love you. Good travels today?"
Yeah..
"I wish you were here."
Everything okay?
"I mean yeah… I just want to smell you."
What?… Um.. Okay?
"Sorry. I know it's weird. But the house stinks to me. Nauseating. The only thing that smells good is the garage."
What do you mean? You have been sick?
"Some.."
Hey, that's good, right?
"I can't stand the smell of clean today…"
Oh geez… I'm sorry.
"Don't laugh."
I'm not. The garage huh?
"Yeah.."
That's weird. I don't know if that's safe though.
"My Dad said it's fine."
I'm glad your Dad is there for you. Maybe I should have stayed home.
"No, you should enjoy yourself. You needed a break. I needed a break."
Right.. I love you, Sally.
"Love you too. Call me tomorrow?" She asked in such a groggy voice. She was just extremely tired from vomiting through the day.
Of course. You have a good night, Sal. Sorry I kept you up and called late.
"Not a problem. Night, Stickers…"
Night.
He hung up and Sally set her phone down, but grabbed the rag from the garage and placed it next to her face. The scent filling her nose as she closed her eyes. Relaxed by the scent and drifting to sleep…..
Lightning set his phone down and sat on the couch of the motel. She had been sick? Scents were bothering her? Oh fuck. This was happening, wasn't it? She was pregnant. That test had to be true! Oh god… The panic setting in. If she?.. She was though. She had to be! He could feel it inside his heart. He was absolutely terrified and yet, excited and… This was a new happy feeling. What the hell was he feeling? They were going to be parents!?…..