Second Chances // Chase Elliott

i need you

twenty-seven

CAROLINE JOHNSON

It's been two weeks since Chase's accident; two long and hard weeks. Thankfully, there's no major head injuries except for a bruised brain so now we're just waiting for Chase to wake up.

I haven't seen the outside of this hospital campus in two weeks. Everyone's been trying to get me to at least take one night away from the hospital but I can't bring myself to leave Chase. I just want to be here when he wakes up.

My parents came into town two days after the accident and rented an AirBnB that they could stay in. Chief had been staying with Bubba and Amanda still so my parents took him to their rental so he wouldn't have to stay on the bus for a longer period of time. I'm grateful that my parents are here.

Chase's parents have been staying with my parents since we got his test results back. I think knowing that he was stable and just needed to wake up gave them peace of mind.

"We brought you lunch," Mom said, handing me a McDonald's bag.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"How's he doing?" Dad asked, moving two chairs over by me for him and my mom.

"No change," I sighed.

"He'll wake up," Mom reassured.

"I just miss him."

"I know you do," my mom said, squeezing my hand.

"Where's Bill and Cindy?"

"They were still at the house getting ready when we left. They were gonna get lunch for themselves and then head on over here."

"Okay."

"They race today?" Dad asked as I started eating my lunch.

"Yeah, they're actually getting ready to start," I said looking down at my watch. "I think they're in Kansas this week."

Dad stood up and walked over to grab the TV remote. He turned it on and changed the channel to the race and they were starting to drive off of the grid.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was talking about Chase and gave an update on his condition. Once he was done, they played the driver's radios and every single person was giving their thoughts and prayers to Chase. I couldn't help but get choked up as they all gave their well wishes. It was incredible to see, and to hear, the support that Chase has.

Chase's parents came back to the hospital sometime during stage one and we all sat and watched the race together.

Ryan ended up winning the race and watching his post-race interview was incredibly emotional. In the short time that I've known Ryan, I've never seen him cry, or even get choked up, but when asked what winning this race meant to him, he completely broke down.

"These last two weeks have been hard and extremely draining and so to be able to pull this win out today is incredibly special. Chase, if you can hear me, this one's for you bud."

"We're gonna go for a walk," Cindy spoke up as we finished watching the rest of the post-race interviews. "Would anyone like to join us?"

"We will," my mom said. "Caroline?"

"I'm gonna stay here. I may go out in a little while."

"Okay, honey," Mom smiled and pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

The four of them walked out of the room, leaving me alone with Chase.

I turned the TV off and shifted in my seat to look at Chase as he laid in the hospital bed. I stood up and placed a kiss on his forehead and ran my fingers through his disheveled hair before I sat down again and took his hand in mine. I sat there, looking at him, wishing he would open his beautiful brown eyes and smile that bright smile of his so then everything would be okay.

"Wake up, baby," I whispered as a few tears pricked my eyes. "I need you."

And that's the truth. I do need him. I stopped needing people a long time ago but this is different.

I need Chase.

I need him because he picks me up on the bad days and celebrates with me on the good ones.

I need him because he is honest with me, even when I don't want to hear it and even more so when it hurts.

I need him because he can always make me laugh - one liners, bad dad jokes, or just being ridiculous.

I need him because he makes me feel beautiful and confident. He puts me first and makes me a priority.

I need him because he respects me.

I need him because no one else could tolerate the terrible singer I am.

I need him because of his constant support and encouragement.

I need him because he's patient, he listens, he understands, he lets me cry.

I need him because he opens the doors and does all the heavy lifting.

I need him because he gives the best, warmest, longest hugs that can instantly make my whole day better.

I need him because he holds my hand at all the right moments.

I need him because he knows just what I'm thinking by looking in my eyes.

I need him because he loves me through it all.

I need him.

My eyes started feeling heavy so I grabbed the blanket that was on Mom's chair next to me and wrapped it around my shoulders. I carefully laid my head down on Chase's bed and within seconds I was out.

"It's beautiful," I said as we sat on the beach watching the sunset.

"Yeah," Chase breathed, "it is."

I looked up at Chase who was looking down at me with the biggest smile on his face.

"Okay, Mr. Smooth, I was talking about the sunset," I laughed, a slight blush on my cheeks.

"Eh," he shrugged. "It's not as pretty as you.

"Stop it," I rolled my eyes.

Chase laughed and wrapped his arm around my neck from behind. I feel the most relaxed here, in Chase's arms, with not a worry in the world. I feel so at peace and like all is right in the world.

We sat there watching the sunset, listening to the waves crash against the shore, and talking about life for what felt like hours.

"Let's stay here forever."

"That sounds nice to me," Chase sighed.

I was woken up when I felt someone squeezing my hand. I quickly sat up and looked down at the hand that was wrapped in Chase's and saw him squeeze my hand.

"Chase?" I asked, tears pricking my eyes. "Can you hear me?"

"I told you I wouldn't leave you."

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I know this is a short chapter but I wanted to get this one out and take you all out of your misery lol but CHASE IS AWAKE!

We're coming down to the last six chapters of this story :( but I've been working really hard on some new ideas that I have!

Thanks for reading and I hope y'all enjoy this update!