May We All

Chapter 4

"Ain't no way I'm lettin' you in there." Tim told Jed as they finished the last truck of the day. 

"Come on, Tim. Just one race." Jed pleaded. "It's too risky. I can't let you get hurt." 

"You let Mark in there!" "Mark doesn't have a family like you do. And most importantly," Tim pointed out the window to where Kayla was sitting with Sophie. "You have her. I can't let you risk your life for a few extra bucks." 

"The money would help Kayla pay for tuition." 

"She would rather pay it all yourself than have you hurt!" Tim practically yelled. "She only moved here cause you did! Something happens to you and that's practically all thrown away. Do you really, and I mean REALLY wanna do that to her?" Tim slammed the door on the truck shut and turned to walk into the office. Jed sighed and slammed his fist against the wall, wincing in pain afterwards.

"How was she?" Hank asked Kayla at the end of the work day. 

"Just fine, as always. You're raising a great kid, Hank." Kayla smiled as she handed Hank Sophie's cars. 

"Thanks, Kayla. It means a lot to hear that." He smiled and picked up Sophie. "Alright, tater tot, time to go home. Say bye to Kayla." 

"Bye, Kayla!" Sophie yelled as they walked out of the garage. Kayla waved and turned to go find Jed. She walked into the work room and found Jed working under a truck, laying on a roller. "How long's this repair gonna take?" Kayla asked. 

"Give me five minutes." Jed answered, not even rolling out from under the vehicle. "I'm almost done." he sighed. Kayla frowned. There was something about the way he answered. 

"Something wrong, babe?" Kayla asked. She sensed something wasn't quite right. 

"I'm fine, gorgeous." he answered. It wasn't a cheerful answer though, and both Kayla and Jed knew that. 

"No you're not." Kayla sighed and turned back into the office. Jed frowned from under the car, knowing that he wasn't fine. Kayla continued walking into the office, sighed and sat down on one of the chairs. Tim walked in to hang some keys back up. He glanced over at Kayla and frowned. 

"Homesick again?" Tim asked. Kayla forced a smile and shook her head. 

"Nah, I'm wondering what's up with Jed." 

"What did he do that made ya worried?" 

"Nothing, he just didn't seem right. The way he spoke." 

"Ya know you two really scare me some days the way you can tell what's wrong with each other." 

Kayla chuckled. "We know each others triggers." she sighed and looked out the window to where Jed was. She could see him roll out from under the vehicle, slam his fist to the ground, get up, and put away his tools. Kayla sighed. She knew something was wrong, but Jed knew he couldn't tell her what it was. Kayla watched as Jed shook his head and walked into the office. 

"You ready to go, Kayla?" he asked, without smiling. Kayla took this as her cue to smile and nodded. Jed forced a smile, trying to hide how he truly felt. 

"Guess I'll see ya'll tomorrow then." Tim said as he shook Jed's hand. Tim gave him a look, and Jed just nodded. They both knew what the other was thinking about. Racing.

Jed yawned and put his arm over her seat as they rode back to Jed's house. "Oh you must be so tired." Kayla teased. 

Jed smirked. "Simply exhausted. I vote we grab some hot cocoa and watch a movie when we get home." Jed suggested. Kayla nodded as he parked the car. They hopped out and Jed walked over to put his arm around Kayla. They both smiled as they walked into the house. Dexter was running across their big front yard, being chase by Jed's dog, Yardly, and his older brother, Joshua.

"Yardly!" Jed called for the dog and whistled. She instantly perked her ears and turned towards him. She proceeded to run towards him, but then saw Kayla and went to jump on her. 

"Hey girl!" Kayla laughed as she reached down to pet the dog. 

"Traitor." Jed huffed as he picked her up. "Come on, let's go inside." Yardly continued to reach for Kayla until they got inside.