My Escape

Chapter 45: Playing in the Dirt

Friday, April 23 – Talladega Short Track

Danielle stands back as she watches him break down how the car was feeling during the brief pre-race practice session given to the dirt late models that night.

It was only a month ago he was making his debut behind the wheel of one, and here he was running another once again. It was a last minute opportunity that came up through a mutual friend, and of course he said yes right away.

Danielle didn't know whether to be accepting, or angry at this time.

She wanted to be selfish. She was wanting cuddles and support. It'd been a week, and yet there was no phone call to come back to court for a decision in regards to Thomas. Why was it taking them so long deliberating? The evidence was obvious. He should be found guilty without any issues.

She understood he was a racer. She understood he'd accept any opportunity to get behind the wheel and go fast. She understood this was a fun way to get out for the night, have some fun, and kick off their weekend a little differently. The positives from his side were easily understood.

Her eyes focus towards the race car as she watches him get his helmet, slipping it back on his head. She watches as he climbs in, sliding the lap belts over his shoulders. Her eyes were glued on watching the five-point harness come together. ensuring the extra tug was given for insurance reasons. She watches the steering wheel go on the shaft, the extra tug to make sure it was on at that point.

She glanced at other pit stalls, watching as the girls walked over and offered a last minute wish, a kiss of good luck. She willed her feet to carry her to do the same, however she couldn't move. She felt stuck. She didn't want to do it, catching him off-guard, ruining his concentration. Were they that far along she was deserving of that opportunity? Was that part of their relationship? What if he got mad, and shooed her away?

Her feet instead carried her to the edge of the track, watching him come on-track as part of his hot lap group. She watched as he went into the corner, sliding the car perfectly sideways, kicking up dirt in every direction. The momentum of the slide just seemed to carry him all the way through the banking, followed by straight off, power down on the straightaway.

His effort paid off as he was ranked second at the end of the session.

She watches him climb out, walking over to where she stood, eyes locked together as she tried to read every single emotion on him, still debating her own feelings in the process.

"How was that performance?" He questions, to which the smile shined through back in return on her face immediately.

"Someone is certainly getting the hang of this dirt," she offers, to which he nods his head in return. Admittedly, he had surprised himself in the type of lap he was able to put down.

"Now I just need to somehow make sure to do that over and over later on tonight." She nods her head, knowing that was the obvious challenge. She believed he could do it, though, knowing his determination and focus were second to none.

"Just do the best that you can and learn as much as you can. No matter what happens, or where you finish, the key is learning and having fun tonight." He knew she was right, but also knew if he messed up a bit or missed a top spot by mere inches, he'd still be grumpy just like any other race day.

Who could blame him, though? That was part of a racer's DNA.

Unfortunately, it did not go as he wanted with the transmission breaking, ending his night early. A sigh escaped his lips as he leaned back against the car, knowing there was nothing he could do differently that would've stopped it from happening. It just sucks, because he thought they could've done something decently without that happening.

"I'm sorry I dragged you out here to watch me break it," he comments as he reaches for Danielle's hand, pulling her over to where he stood. She knew she could be smart in return, but felt too bad for him to do so.

"You were doing a good job before it broke, and that's what matter," she tells him, placing a light kiss on his cheek. "As long as you had fun, that's why we're here tonight." He couldn't hide the small smile forming on his face as he looked into her eyes.

"It's all about taking advantage of opportunities, having fun when you can, and living life to the fullest – because you never know when it will be your time..." His voice fades out, to which Danielle wraps her arms around him a little tighter in knowing exactly where those words were coming from. She understood, though, knowing any moments longer with Thomas could've resulted in the same fate as Annabelle.

"She'd be proud of you for getting out of your comfort zone and doing something different, Chase." He smiles, knowing the comment was coming from a genuine spot as he wraps his arms tightly around Danielle in response. He takes a deep breath, letting everything settle as his mind flips between thoughts of both Annabelle and Danielle together.

"She'd also be proud of you for being how brave you are in doing what you're doing. She'd tell you about how strong and courageous you were, and how she wished she could've done the same.." Chase clinches his eyes shut, knowing he wished that would've been the case as he wondered what could've been otherwise. "Gosh, I miss her so much some days..."

"She'll always be with you, Chase." Danielle then pulls back a bit, placing her hand on his chest. "She's always with you, right here, held close to you. You have your own guardian angel as we both know she wouldn't just let go so easily of you. I know I wouldn't at least."

"How can you say that, and be so certain of that? And what does that mean for us?" Danielle takes a deep breath, knowing they were back at the big question it seemed they always came to when it came to their relationship. It was why they were stuck at this point, little kisses and comfort, with nothing more, as both were afraid of that next step for their own reasons.

"I don't know, but like we've said, we're going to take it slow and see where this goes, and try to take this one step at a time. We'll find that right comfort in having Annabelle as part of your heart, but ready to move forward; there's a way to do that without having to let her go completely. It's the same with me, in learning how to love again and not be afraid of being hurt again." Chase nods his head, remembering those various conversations. It was normally him sharing those with hers, so at least it seemed she was starting to convince herself of the truth.

"I hope you're right, because I can tell you right now, I miss her so much." A tear trickles down his cheek as Danielle keeps him held close, allowing him to bury his head into his shoulder as a couple more follow.

"I've got you, and I'm here for you, always. Just as you love me, I love you Chase..."