Crashing Into You ✅

Chapter 2: Taking You Home

Kyle's POV

So close, yet so far away. That's the only way that you can describe how that played out tonight. I had the speed and knew what I needed to do. I had been able to close on him much more than several others could say they had been able to. 

However, I knew I needed that little extra to have a shot so I sent it in a little harder, hoping it would somehow stick. If only it had because that would've been the move the century. Instead, it was a little too much, going over that edge, losing a spot and a third-place finish.

It wasn't the typical night that you'd expect to have. Heck, if you consider the past couple months, it just seemed below standard. However, starting ninth and knowing how the heats had gone, I guess you can't complain too badly.

Or perhaps I'm just not complaining tonight because there's other stuff on my mind. I know Alex kept saying it didn't hurt much, it was nothing serious, he'd be fine - but I couldn't help but worry. It was why perhaps we missed that set-up slightly because I was too pre-occupied in checking my phone to see if Katelyn had sent anything to tell me an update on how he was doing. 

I couldn't say the messages were pleasing either, for the record, as it wasn't like she had anything defining or comforting for that matter. You'd think the doctors at this hospital would be able to figure something out.  That said, there was one for sure that I had read - and don't worry, I followed through. 

It was why not even changed out of my own firesuit, I made my way to the hospital with the backpack that had been requested with a change of clothes, placing it at the foot of the bed. My eyes then catch his, and it was a flurry of emotions at once.

I had convinced Alex to come play with Brad and I, telling him it'd be a great way to let loose and have some fun mid-week. He had talked about wanting to hone his sprint car skills, and I told him that the best opportunity was against some of the best in the business. Besides, there'd be lots of us there to offer advice and tips to improve. 

Now here he sat before me, in pain. I couldn't imagine the pain he was going through, and knowing him - he's probably suffering more than he's putting on right now. I hated to see him in pain. 

I also hated to realize that he'd be out of the car for a bit probably. He'd just spent weeks last year due to a concussion out of the car. How was it fair to be happening for the second time in less than a year? That certainly wouldn't be how you'd want things to go. 

It'd also mean we wouldn't get to have our weekend conversations and see each other. That'd mean he'd be missing out in the team meetings just as Chase comes back into the fold. Could you imagine what Rick is thinking? He's probably ready to wrap us all in bubble wrap. Cue the be careful, please don't be next speech that's bound to happen. 

Taking a deep breath, though, I had to realize something. It wasn't all doom and gloom as I looked into the eyes before me. At least he was sitting there, staring at me, ready to talk to me, conscious, able to walk and do everything. That's pretty damn lucky compared to how some of the guys unfortunately have been making out in similar situations. Remind me to thank the boys at ABR for ensuring their boss was safe. Looking at the replay, and glancing over the frame with the way it bent, there was a lot of concerns to be had if you know your sprint cars. 

"Joe and the guys pulled ou-" I start, knowing like any racer, he'd be caring about his racecar and team before himself. Those were the guys that put in the days and hours that never receive the credit. However, we both know without them, we'd be nothing in this world right now. 

"I told them to start to make the trek home as soon as they wanted as I knew I'd be here for awhile," Alex cuts me off, which seemed fair enough. Why should they have to wait around? It wasn't fair to keep them another night away from their families and beds after all the time they'd put in to date - and were going to have to put in fixing that thing. I can't even imagine where they'd begin with how mangled it is in spots. "I asked Joe to give you a change of clothes for me."