Allison Nelson sat on her sofa, flipping through channels on her TV, holding onto the hope that there would be something on worth watching. Local access channels trying to raise money, political debates, another weather forecast, a cartoon. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. She felt frustrated. Frustrated that the father of her daughter left her three years ago for his ex girlfriend. Frustrated that she did not have a man in her life for her daughter to have as a father figure. Frustrated that at age twenty-four, she had no one to share her life with. At least she had her child, who was her pride and joy. But still, Allison longed for something more.
"Mommy! Mommy!" called out Allison's four year old daughter, Makayla. Makayla ran into the living room with a little car in her hand. Makayla was your average four year old girl. She loved playing with the neighborhood kids on the playground, she once wanted to be a ballerina, and loved playing beauty salon, and fixing her mother's hair in "The latest style", and playing with her vast array of dolls.
"What is it Mak?" asked Allison as she scooped her daughter up onto her lap.
"Jason gave me a car today. He said he is a nice guy." Makayla said as she held the car so close to Allison's face that it was on her nose.
Jason was the five year old boy who lived next door, and he and Makayla have been playmates ever since Makayla was born. His mother Marla, was the sweetest person she knew in her small town in northern Georgia. Allison was always willing to watch Jason when Marla was busy, and Marla always let Makayla come over when Allison had plans, or needed some time for herself.
"It's nice, Mak. Who is a nice guy?" Allison asked, as she pulled the car away from her face, still unsure as to what her daughter was talking about.
"The guy in the car, mommy." Makayla whined, as if she assumed that her mother should know what she was talking about.
"Does the nice guy in the car have a name, Mak?" asked Allison, who took the car from her daughter and looked at it.
"Casey. Mommy, I like Casey." Makayla said, and Allison laughed.
Allison took the car from Makayla's hands for a closer look at the car, and the name Casey Mears was on the car.
"Hmmm. That name sounds nice", smiled Allison.
Another toy to sit on her floor and get lost under mountains of stuff, thought Allison to herself.
"Mommy, do you know Mr. Casey?" asked Makayla.
"No honey, I don't know him. Come here silly, Mommy wants to talk to you." Allison said.
"I'm here, mommy." Makayla said matter of factly.
Allison looked at her daughter, and smoothed out her thin blonde hair and twirled it with her fingertips.
"Mak, I know you're not like the other kids. You don't know your daddy.", began Allison slowly. Makayla stared at her mom. Allison continued.
"Where is my daddy?" Makayla asked.
Allison dreaded that question, but she owed Makayla an honest explanation. She didn't want to lie to her little girl.
"Mak, your daddy and I had some fights when you were just a baby. He did not want to help me raise you. So, he left us and began a new life." Allison explained.
"Began a life?" asked Makayla, who looked puzzled.
"That means he went somewhere to do something else instead of stay with us." Allison told her daughter.
"Oh." said Makayla. It was clear that she didn't understand the concept of her father ditching her mother. But Makayla was only four. Such an innocent age. Allison wished that life could always be as innocent as it was in the eyes of a child. But it wasn't.
"But I want to find a nice man to spend some time with, but he has to like you too, Mak. I want to let you have a real daddy." Allison said with a smile.
"But what if the nice guy thinks I'm not nice?" Makayla asked.
"Then he wouldn't be so nice, would he?" asked Allison, who started to grin.
"No." giggled Makayla, who stood up and took the car back from her mother and slid it on the floor and spun around in circles.
Allison sat back and smiled, and watched her daughter play with the car. The spitting image of the man she thought she would share forever with was giggling and having a good time, but Allison was deep in thought. Deep in thought, and lonely at the same time.
If only I could find a guy to be there for my little girl, and me, thought Allison silently.
******
Later that night, after Makayla was tucked in bed, Allison was curled up in front of the sofa and watched a hockey game. The Detroit Red Wings were playing the Calgary Flames in Calgary. She pulled the fleece blanket up to her chin and dimmed the lights and tried to shut out the thoughts of lonlieness that she was feeling.
Nothing else on TV at this hour, she thought silently.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid." Allison muttered as she watched the Red Wings celebrate a goal. Allison was an Colorado Avalanche fan, so with every Detroit goal, she felt someone slap her in the face.
The phone rang. Allison looked at her clock on the wall. 8:13 PM. Allison sighed and stood up. The phone kept ringing.
"Hold your damn horses, I'm coming." Allison said under her breath, as if the person who was calling could hear her.
"Hello?" said Allison.
"Well, hello, hello, if it isn't Miss Allison!" rang out a cheerful voice. Allison smiled a smile a mile long. It was her best friend from high school, Stacy Watts.
"Damn girl, what's up with you?" Allison asked, as she turned the game on mute, and headed into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. She took out the kettle, and put some water in it, and sat it on the stove.
"I'm going to be in the Atlanta area this weekend and want to know if you would be my guest."
"Guest?" Allison asked. Stacy was always up to something, and if her prediction was right, this time wouldn't be any different.
"I won two tickets to the Nascar race there, but see, Kevin can't make it and I want to know if you'd go with me!" said Stacy in a singsong voice.
"And just how did you win the tickets?" asked Allison.
"Someone at work had the two tickets, and couldn't make it because they have to attend a funeral out of state. So he raffled them off, and I won." Stacy giggled.
"I think I can get Marla to watch Makayla...so sure. I don't know anything about Nascar. But I'll go to see my best friend for the day. You're going to have to fill me in." Allison laughed.
"All you need to know is Sterling Marlin is the best!" said Stacy with a laugh.
"So that's all? Sterling Marlin is the best?" asked Allison, as the kettle whistled, and she went to pour her tea.
"Well I root for his teammates too! And Tony Stewart is cool beans too." said Stacy, who was sounding like she was on the edge of her seat with excitement.
"Teammates? I thought Nascar was just a bunch of guys racing. I didn't know they had teammates..." said Allison, who was starting to get confused at this point.
"Yeah, teammates. Sterling has two. Jamie McMurray is one of them. He is hot too!" laughed Stacy.
"Ahh...Stacy, you never fail to have a chat with me without mentioning at least one guy is hot!" giggled Allison, and cheered under her breath, "GOAL!"
"Goal?" asked Stacy, obviously confused.
"Wings and Flames game. Hockey...continue as you were saying, Stac."
"Anyway," Stacy said, "I root for his teammates too."
"You said that already, girl." Allison said.
"Jamie is one of Sterling's teammate. The other is Casey Mears. He is a nice guy I hear, and very easy on the eyes." said Stacy.
Casey Mears. Wasn't that the name on the car that Makayla was given? This must surely be a sign. But a sign of what? Snap out of it, Allie! thought Allison.
"When can I meet you Stac?," asked Allison, "I'm here all weekend. I have no life."
Why is that name on a little toy car making me go crazy? For all I know, that guy is some old man with no teeth, and with fake hair, thought Allison as a smile appeared on her face, laughing at the thought of what this guy may or may not look like.
"I'll take a taxi in from the airport. I will be at your place sometime after six on Saturday evening." Stacy said.
"Allright girl. I will see you then! I can't wait!" Allison said with a smile.
"Later chica!" said Stacy, as Allison hung up the phone.
Allison stared silently at the TV with a blank expression, with the phone still in her hand. A Nascar race. No time like the present to get another new interest. But the name that was on that little diecast car of her daughter's would not leave her train of thought.
Casey Mears, Casey Mears...SNAP OUT OF IT!
"Surely this is a sign," thought Allison out loud, "Surely it must be."
She flipped the TV off and went to her bedroom. She turned down the covers on her bed, and flipped off the lights, but that name of that guy stuck on her mind as she drifted off to sleep.
******
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, the buzz in town were the Nascar drivers coming in for qualifying for Sunday's race.
"Hey teamies!" called out Sterling Marlin to Jamie McMurray and Casey Mears.
"Teamies? Is that some new slang word?" asked Casey.
"Sterlin'! What's happening man?" said Jamie as he gave Sterling a high five.
"Here's to Team Ganassi this weekend! Hell yeah!" laughed Casey. Casey was the only member of Team Ganassi without a win in his Cup career, but he knew deep down that that wouldn't stay that way.
"So how's Cielo doing Jamie? She in town for this one?" asked Sterling as he sat down on a stack of tires in the garage area, and opened a bottle of Coke.
"Doing good. Yeah, she is. She is flying in tonight, but she will miss the qualifying," Jamie paused to take a sip of his soda, "But she is gonna be here for the race and that's what counts." he said.
"Damn Jamie, if only I had a babe like her! Woohoo! She have a sister?" asked Casey with a laugh.
"Just no hitting on my daughter, Casey!" chuckled Sterling.
"Man, your daughter is only fifteen. Like I'd want to get with her." smiled Casey.
"She is in that boy phase now. Paula and I are keeping a close eye on any guy she tries bringing by." said Sterling with a twinkle in his eye.
"Ruh roh. A guy getting the third degree from Sterling." laughed Jamie.
Wonder if I will ever have a daughter to look out for, like Sterling has, wondered Casey silently.
"Hey you guys!" called out Jimmie Johnson as he walked over to the Ganassi guys.
"Jimmie! Hey!" called out Sterling.
"JJ! What's shakin'?" said Jamie as he shook his hand.
"Not much. A bunch of us are going to go to my trailer later for some pizzas. You guys in or out?" asked Jimmie.
"Count me in!" said Jamie.
"Bring Cielo with you, Jamie," said Jimmie, "Then Chandra can have someone else to yap with!" laughed Jimmie.
"Sorry, Jimmie. No can do. Paula and I are going out with some friends tonight who are in from Tennessee." Sterling said.
"What about you Casey? Want to join us?" asked Jimmie.
"Yeah he will join, if you bring him a hot date!" laughed Sterling.
"Hey there, shut up!" laughed Casey, and elbowed Sterling, "Yeah, I'm in."
"Sweet. I'll see y'all later. Good luck in qualifying!" called Jimmie as he walked off.
"Ditto!" called out Casey.
"Later, man!" yelled Jamie.
"Damn Jamie, if only I had a babe like her", thought Casey, as his teammates were chatting it up. Why did I have to make it sound like all I want is a girl to sleep with, when what I really want is a nice girl to spend forever with. Forever....
A thoughtful look appeared on Casey's face.
"Guys, I need to go back to my trailer. I have some thinking to do." Casey said as he stood up.
"Pre qualifying jitters?" asked Sterling with a concerned face.
"Nah. Other stuff. I'll see you guys later on." Casey said, as he walked towards his trailer.
"Later CM!" said Jamie.
Maybe having a relationship isn't for me. No one would love me for who I am inside. They'd only love me for Casey Mears, the Nascar driver.
Casey unlocked his trailer, shut the door behind him and layed face down on the bed.
Twenty-six years old. Most guys this age are married by now. Or at least engaged. Or have a serious girlfriend.
He closed his eyes, and all he saw were images of his teammates with their special someones. Sterling and his wife, Paula. Casey squinted. He wished his biggest worry was what guy his daughter was bringing home for a date.
He blinked repeatedly, and choke back the tears forming in the back of his eyes.
Jamie and his girlfriend, Cielo. She gave up being Miss Winston so she could continue dating him, once Jamie moved up to Cup.
Casey wished that he had a girlfriend who would fly into town to see him.
Damn it. Damn it, damn it. Is there something wrong with me?
Casey set his alarm so he could be awake in time to get ready for qualifying, and then closed his eyes and fell asleep.
******
That's one load of laundry done.
Allison folded the towels and began putting them away in the linen closet. She wanted the place to look halfway decent when Stacy arrived.
It was Saturday afternoon and Stacy would be at her place in about five hours. Makayla and Jason were playing with Legos in her room, and watching cartoons.
Im just glad she is only four, and having a boy in her room is acceptable, thought Allison to herself with a smirk.
"Mommy! Mommy! We want food!" yelled Makayla from in her room.
Allison looked up from the linen closet and saw Makayla coming her way.
"Makayla Nicole Nelson, when are you going to remember that you do not need to yell at Mommy when she is right in front of you?" asked Allison with a sigh.
"Sorry, Mommy," said Makayla shyly, "Jason and I are starved."
"Starved?" laughed Allison, "Sweetie, you mean hungry. Starved means that Mommy doesn't ever feed you."
Makayla laughed. Allison went to the kitchen, with Makayla at her heels, and pulled out a bag of animal crackers from the cabinet, and handed them to her daughter.
"Now, don't you two eat the whole bag, Mak," said Allison, "And clean up your room. Miss Marla is picking up Jason soon, and I want your room to be clean for when Miss Stacy comes tonight."
Makayla's eyes lit up like stars when her mother mentioned Stacy.
"When will she come over?" Makayla asked with a bright smile.
"After dinner, sweetie. About 6:30," Allison replied as she tok out the broom to sweep up the kitchen floor. "So hurry along and play with Jason before he leaves, but I want you to clean afterwards."
"Ok, Mommy!" Makayla called as she ran off back to her room.
"Thanks for helping Mommy with the dishes, Mak. You're such a big girl." said Allison, as she and Makayla finished putting the dishes in the dishwasher.
"Your welcome, Mommy." Makayla said proudly, as she went to play with her dolls in the living room.
"Is your room cleaned up like I asked? Miss Stacy hates clutter, and so do I." Allison said to her daughter.
"Yup!" she replied with a beaming smile.
"Good." Allison said as she walked into the living room and flipped the TV on. As she was scanning the channels, she stopped on ESPN, to hopefully catch some hockey highlights.
And if the Avs lost to the Blue Jackets, I'm gonna shoot myself, thought Allison with a perplexed expression. Then she heard the doorbell ring.
"MISS STACY! MISS STACY!" yelled Makayla, abandoning the pile of dolls on the floor to run to the door.
"Makayla, remember to ask who it is before you open the door," said Allison, as she grabbbed Makayla' s hand on the doorknob.
"Who is it?" yelled Makayla a little too loudly, and Allison put her hands over her ears and winced.
"Stacy!"
And with that, Makayla swung the door open, and grabbed onto Stacy's leg and wouldn't let go.
"STACY! STACY! STACY!" yelled Makayla.
"Well I see that Makayla is excited to see me again!," laughed Stacy, "And Allison, you look just the same as last time! Gimme a hug!"
Stacy gave her best friend a hug, and then they walked into the living room. Makayla was still attached to her leg.
"Mak, let go of Stacy." Allison laughed. Reluctantly, Makayla let go.
"Makayla, how are you doing? Anything new?" asked Stacy.
Of course, to a four year old kid, that question was meant "What did Mommy buy you lately?"
"I have a new doll, and she has a lot of hair things with her. And I have a new car!" Makayla said with a smile, and ran to the other side of the room to get the doll and the car. She proudly dropped them into Stacy's hands. Stacy looked at the doll, then the car.
"Hey Allie!" called Stacy. Allison was in the kitchen getting some sodas out.
"Yeah girl?"
" I see you have Mak here off on the right foot with this Casey diecast!" said Stacy.
"Jason gave me the car, Miss Stacy." Makayla said matter of factly.
"Just another toy!" laughed Allison.
Damn. Stacy just had to say that name again, didn't she?
Allison came into the room with sodas for her and Stacy, and she sent Makayla off to her room to play for awhile.
"So what's new in the love life, Alllie?" asked Stacy.
"My love life is missing in action," said Allison with a sigh, "No one around here is worth my time, and those that are, won't want a girl who already has a kid to raise."
"You will definetly find the right one. He's out there. Who knows when you'll find him? Today, tonight,tomorrow, next week? Keep positive, girl!" said Stacy.
"Ok" sighed Allison.
Yeah, Stacy...with your husband Kevin, a beautiful house, and the perfect life.
"I was thinking that tomorrow after the race, you and I could check out the new Italian resturant nearby the track. I heard it is great. Maybe a nice night out with you best friend could help clear your mind." Stacy said.
"That'd be great!" smiled Allison.
That is, if Im not too tired after the race.
******
Allright...race day. Let's see what magic I can do out there, thought Casey.
He squinted at the clock that read 6:36 am.
Damn it. I wanted to get up at 6.
He stood up and looked around to see if he had anything edible for breakfast, even though he wasn't very hungry at all. He had a restless sleep, tossing and turning out of frustration. He was frustrated that he had to take a provisional starting spot for the race. He was frustrated that he didn't have anyone to bring with him to Jimmie's trailer last night for pizza.
Frustrated that he was all alone in his life. Frustrated. Simply frustrated. He hoped it wouldn't affect his racing out there today.
There was a knock on his trailer, and he halfheartedly got up to see who would even come over at this hour of the morning. He swung the door open, and it was Jamie.
"What are you here for this early?" asked Casey with a yawn.
Jamie walked in and took a seat on one of the chairs and said, "You just didn't seem allright last night at Jimmie's. Are you okay?"
Casey walked over to get a cup of juice.
"Yeah, I'm cool. Just a little out of it." Casey replied, without looking his teammate in the eye.
Jamie raised an eyebrow out of concern, and paused a moment.
"You didn't talk much to anyone, and you seemed upset about something." Jamie said carefully, trying not to upset his friend, but at the same time, he wanted to get to the bottom of this. He never saw Casey this way before.
Casey shifted his feet and muttered incoherently.
"Huh?" asked Jamie.
"I'm alone out there." Casey thought out loud.
Damn it. Why did I have to say that out loud?
"Casey, you're not alone. That's what teammates are for. Sterlin' and I will help every chance we can. The three of us are a team." Jamie said.
"Not that...in my life, man. When am I ever going to find the one for me?" Casey asked quietly.
Snap out of it, Mears. Shut the Hell up and not a further word.
"Ohhh..." said Jamie.
"Yeah..." replied Casey with a sigh as he took a sip of his juice.
"Listen, man. You will definetly find the right one. She's out there. Who knows when you'll find her? Today, tonight,tomorrow, next week? Keep positive."
Casey thought carefully about what Jamie was saying.
"Allright I'm going to shower and get myself ready for the day. I'll catch you later?" said Casey.
"You got it, teamie!" laughed Jamie.
"Argh! That's Sterling's word!" chuckled Casey, with a smile.
"Sure, sure!" said Jamie as he waved to Casey and left the trailer.
I sure hope Jamie keeps hush about that. I don't exactly feel like being the talk of the circuit. At least not for those reasons....
******
"Damn, these seats aren't exactly what you'd call cozy!" exclaimed Allison as she took her seat next to Stacy in the grandstands.
"Sheesh! Next time, remind me to have you a built in recliner for your seat!" laughed Stacy. Allison laughed at her friend's comment.
"Wow, look!" Allison pointed, "There are the cars in a line!"
Stacy sighed. "The cars are on pit road. That's where they go get tires and fuel during the race. See that 40 car there?" asked Stacy. Allison nodded.
"That's my Sterling Marlin! Woohoo!" cheered Stacy, "Now you have to pick a driver."
"Damn, I don't know who any of the drivers are except Sterling Marlin, that Jamie guy you mentioned, and Casey Mears." Allison said to her friend.
Aha! Casey. Now where is his car?
"Pick someone! Find a car you like! Take a look!" Stacy replied urgently.
"What number is Casey?" asked Allison.
"41. Why?" asked Stacy, who at this point was snapping pictures with her digital camera.
Allison bit her lip and smiled, "Cause he's my driver." Stacy turned around to see her best friend with an ear to ear grin.
The National Anthem was performed by a local children's choir, and then the command to start the engines was given.
"Shit, that's loud!" yelled Allison, so Stacy could hear her, but Stacy was zoned out, watching the cars on the pace laps and yelling "GO STERLING!" every time the shiny Coors Light Dodge passed the grandstands where they were sitting. Allison shrugged.
There he is...the 41 car. There's Casey.
Stacy nudged Allison. "There he is girl!", as she pointed at Casey's car. Allison cheered wildly for Casey as his car passed by.
Allison watched the race and tried to follow the best that she could. There was a yellow and black 17 car in front, and from the cheers of the people in front of her, she learned his name was Matt Kenseth. Matt was the name of her ex husband, and she didn't like that name for that reason.
Matt. That name burns my heart. Why did Matt leave Mak and I? Asshole.
******
"Jimmy, I'm coming in this time by," said Casey over the radio to his crew chief Jimmy Elledge, "I don't think I can hold out much longer. I'm running dry on fuel here, man."
"10-4, Casey. See you this time by." said Jimmy.
I surely didn't think this was a top 15 car! For sure, I thought this would be a bad race. Only 50 to go and I can't make it on fuel. Shit. I'm glad I'm not the only driver in this predicament.
"Caution! CAUTION! DON'T COME IN UNTIL THE YELLOW IS OUT!" yelled Jimmy over the radio.
"Damn, I have ears thank you ver..."
"Oh no...Casey..It's Jamie and it doesn't look good." interrupted Jimmy over the radio.
"Shit." Casey said, as he trembled as he passed by Jamie's car in turn two.
That doesn't look good at all. Tears formed in Casey's eyes and he cried to himself quietly for a minute,and forced himself to finish this race the best he could.
******
"OH MY GOD!" yelled Stacy.
"Dear God..." sighed Allison, "Who is that?"
"That's Jamie. And it doesn't look good. Oh my God! Not the safety workers taking the window net down!" Stacy cried.
"Isn't that good that the net is off after a wreck?" asked Allison.
"No. A driver usually takes it down afterwards.But Jamie isn't moving." cried Stacy. Allison hugged her friend. Surely, this wasn't anything she was thinking she would witness today, even though she expected a wreck or two.
The race of the race passed in a blur for Allison and Stacy. Kurt Busch won, and Sterling took home 7th place. Casey took 15th.
Not shabby. Oh I hope Jamie is ok. I'm hooked on this now. Now a driver is seriously hurt? Poor Stacy looks like she is ready to burst into tears all over again.
Allison and Stacy made their way to the parking lot in silence. It was obvious that the wreck was on both of their minds.
"Where did you park, Allie?" asked Stacy.
"I'll be damned if I know. I think over there," pointed Allison. "Let's make it an early dinner. It's 5:30 now."
"Ok, I will show you how to get there." Stacy said as she flipped on the radio in the car onto a sports talk station.
"...and the Thrashers are now 0 for 3 on their current road trip, as they lost 4-1 to the dominant Philadelphia Flyers. Simon Gagne had a hat trick to help the Flyers on route to their 3rd straight win at home, and their 5th win in the last eight games. And what about those baseball boys? Spring training is on the minds of Georgians, as the Braves played the Cubs today. Mike Hampton started for the Braves, and Cubs sent Mark Prior to the mound, who took home a 3-2 victory over the Braves. Now for some racing news. Kurt Busch took home the checkers today at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and rounding out the top five were Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Jimmie Johnson. But on a serious note, our thoughts and prayers are with the McMurray family as young Jamie McMurray is in serious but stable condition after his hard lick in turn two this afternoon. McMurray is in a downtown Atlanta hospital, and has sustained rib injuries and a concussion. His vitals are in stable condition, and our prayers are that he regains consciousness very soon. Get well, Jamie. And now for March Madness...how about it, Dave? Those teams are..."
Allison flipped the station to a country music station and sighed. She loved the song on the radio, and listened carefully to the lyrics of it.
"Go straight for awhile. You don't need to turn anytime soon." Stacy said, as Allison listened to ths song. It was "Someday" by Vince Gill.
"I wipe the tears away,
As I give up this day,
Wonderin' if I'll ever find someone.
And when I close me eyes and dream,
These are the words I'm whispering:
Someday, love will come.
I won't have a doubt.
My head up in the cloud.
And certain as the mornin' sun.
I will always believe,
There's somebody just for me.
Someday, love will come.
Someday,after all these nights of waitin'.
And someday, I'll find the chance worth takin'.
And saving me,
From waking up alone.
My heart will find a home,
Someday.
And she'll be so beautiful,
The sweetest miracle,
Someday, love will come.
Someday,after all these nights of waitin'.
And someday, I'll find the chance worth takin'.
And saving me,
From waking up alone.
My heart will find a home,
Someday.
And when I close my eyes and dream,
These are the words I'm whispering:
Someday, love will come.
Someday, love will come."
"Make a left at this light." commented Stacy. Allison followed the instructions. She saw a resturant on the next corner over.
"Is that it over there?" asked Allison.
"Yep, that'd be it! Hope there is some decent parking." said Stacy with a smile.
******
Casey was pacing back and forth in the hospital waiting room for the intensive care unit. Surely someone would tell him something soon. Jamie's girlfriend, Cielo, was in tears sitting next to Matt Kenseth and his wife, Katie.
Shit. Someone should tell us something.
"This is a nightmare, it's gotta be," cried Cielo, "He was just with me before the race. He said we'd spend the night together, go out for dinner. We were.."
Cielo stopped midsentence and cried uncontrollably, and Katie reached over and gave her a hug. Cielo sobbed on her shoulder.
"I wish I knew what to say..." said Katie said softly, and looked over Cielo's shoulder at Matt, who was walking over to Casey.
"Casey, say something. You look horrible. No offense." said Matt as he walked over to where Casey was standing.
"No offense taken. It doesn't seem right. Jamie is laying there unconscious. Cielo is here for him, even though he doesn't know it, and Katie is here for you. Who's here for me? Who is here for me? Why won't they tell us a damn word about Jamie? I just wish I could know something, anything at all but they won't tell us. They just won't!" said Casey slowly as tears formed in his eyes.
Great. Now I look like an ass in front of Matt, Katie, and Cielo.
Matt winced. He was at a loss for words.
"I just wish they'd let us in to see him, man." Casey said slowly, as he looked down the long hallway ahead of him, and he felt Matt put his hand on his shoulder.
"I hope so too. It's been awhile now." Matt replied with a frown.
"Matt?" Katie said. Matt turned around and his wife was clutching her purse, "I'm hungry. I haven't had a bite of food since before the race. Would you like to come with me to grab a bite to eat somewhere? Nothing in these vending machines in here look at all appetizing."
Matt looked at Casey, then at Cielo on the lounge chair.
"You guys going to be fine for about an hour? We'll try to be back. If we're not, here's my cell number," said Matt, as he handed Casey a slip of paper, "Call if anything happens. I don't care what time it is. We're here for you."
I hope he takes a turn for the better. Hell, I hope they tell me something soon, or I'm gonna lose it out here, thought Casey as he slipped the paper into his pocket.
"Thanks man." Casey said as he gave Matt a hug.
"Cielo, you want to come?" asked Katie. Cielo shrugged and reluctantly stood up to join them.
"I guess." sighed Cielo.
"Call us if anything happens." said Matt as he handed a paper to Casey.
"Thanks, man." and he gave Matt a hug.
The three of them left the waiting room, and Casey took a seat.
******
"Damn, that was the best spaghetti that I've had in years!" exclaimed Stacy.
"I know! Mmm, mmm, good!" Allison replied. Allison was pulling out of the parking lot and was getting ready to start the drive back to her house.
The road was slippery after the late afternoon rain shower following the race.
"ALLISON WATCH OUT! THAT GUY IS GONNA HIT US!" screamed Stacy as she ducked.
Allison slammed on the brakes but not in time. A red Blazer crossed the median, and slammed into her vehicle head on.
"Stacy? STACY???" Allison cried out. But Stacy didn't reply. She was sitting motionless in the car. And the hardest thing Allison had to do was get out of her car with her friend inside, as a bystander called 9-1-1.
The sirens form the ambulance arrived moments later to whisk off Stacy. Allison got checked out by a paramedic and seemed fine, but she got escorted to the hospital, after she and the man in the Blazer gave their statements on the accident. Now all she could do was hope and pray for the best.
"Marla, Can you just keep Makayla for a few days. Please? Stacy and I were in a car accident on the way back from a resturant after the race." said Allison as she called Marla on her cell phone as she walked towards the stairway to get to the intensive care waiting room.
"Allison, are you ok?" asked Marla.
"Yes. I'm fine. Tell Mak that I am ok, please. I don't have any word on Stacy yet. I can't reach her husband or her father. I keep trying her father, but her husband is out of town for business. I just got done making a hotel arrangement for the next three days." Allison said as she took a seat in the waiting room.
Good. There's only one other person here. At least its not crowded.
"Ok. I will keep Mak as long as you need to be there in Atlanta. I need to get the kids to bed now though." Marla said.
"My spare key is under the planter on the side porch. Let yourself in if Mak needs anything ok?" Allison asked.
"You got it. Stay safe."
"I will. Thanks, Marla."
"Night!"
"Night!" Allison said as she ended the call.
She walked over to a magazine rack nearby a row of lounge chairs and grabbed the latest copy of Sports Illustrated and sat down. About ten minutes later the guy who was also in the waiting room spoke.
"Can I read that when you're done?" asked the guy sitting a few chairs over from her.
"Ummm. Sure," Allison replied, "Take it now. I don't need it." she said as she walked next over to him and handed it over.
"You know, you don't have to give that to me now. First come, first serve." he laughed.
"What brings you here?" she asked.
Option number one is to sit in silence, or option two is to talk to someone who is probably in a situation like mine,which is waiting for news.
Little did Allison know who she was talking to.
******
"I have a friend, and he was was in a car wreck today." said Casey very cautiously.
Well, that's true. It's not like I am lying to her, thought Casey to himself.
"Me too. I am actually in town for the Nascar race. We were eating dinner afterwards, and someone totalled my car on the way back. I don't know how my friend is." Allison replied.
"I am in town for that race too." said Casey.
"I know absolutely nothing about Nascar. This was my first race, what about you?" asked Allison. Casey felt cornered.
"I lost count. I've been to many races." he said. Allison laughed halfheartedly.
"It's not a race that I would write home about though." she commented.
"I'm with you on that one," said Casey, "Sure is nice to have company here." he said.
"I know. I'd go crazy here talking to myself." she laughed.
"Is anyone else coming to stay with you? Husband or someone?" asked Casey.
Allison hung down her head.
Like I want to think about that now.
"My husband Matt walked out on me and my daughter three years ago when I was 21." replied Allison sadly, "I don't like talking about that."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Casey said and rested his hand on hers, "How old is your daughter?"
"She is four now."
"What's your little girl's name?" asked Casey.
"Makayla. But a lot of people just call her Mak. I call her Makayla Nicole when I'm mad at her." laughed Allison.
"That's a beautiful name. If I ever have a girl, I'd consider that name." Casey said with a grin.
"She is my joy. Want to see a picture?" asked Allison, as she took her wallet out of her purse.
"Sure!" Casey said and leaned over towards Allison to take a look, but bumped his head on hers.
"Oww! Sorry about that!," he said as he took a look at the photo, "She is very pretty."
Allison rubbed her head and laughed, "It's fine. And thanks. That was taken last summer."
"Where is she right now?" asked Casey.
"She is at my neighbor Marla's house. Her son and Mak are good friends so she is with them until I get word on my friend." said Allison..
"What happened to her?" asked Casey.
"We were leaving the race, and went to get dinner. Afterwards, the roads were slippery and some guy crossed the median and totalled my car."
Casey frowned. "How are you going to get home?"
"Rental car," said Allison, "I have to talk to my insurance company tomorrow. Such a hassle. Getting through to them is like trying to get through to order a pizza on Super Bowl Sunday." said Allison.
"Nice analogy!" smiled Casey.
"Thanks, I try!" said Allison, with a laugh.
Cute guy! I'm flirting with a guy in a waiting room. This isn't how I usually am. I wish someone would tell me something about Stacy soon. I'm going nuts out here. But at least I have company...
"Hey, I'm going to get something from the vending machine. Want to walk with me?" asked Casey, interrupting Allison's train of thought.
"Sure!" said Allison as she stood up.
The two of them walked towards the vending machine down the hallway.
"How long have you been in the waiting room for?" asked Allison as they approached the vending machine.
Casey thought for a moment, "About two or three hours or so. I lost count." Tears formed in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just am trying to make small talk. It's not everyday that I chat with guys in hospital waiting rooms." Allison said.
"It's ok. Here, what do you want to eat?" asked Casey, "Let me buy you something."
"No, It's fine. I will get my snack." Allison said.
Casey put his hand over hers to stop her from putting the change into the machine. He pulled her hand away, put seventy cents into it, and said, "Pick a snack. I said I am buying!"
Allison blushed. She was very flattered by the kindness of this young man.
"Umm..barbeque chips sound fine. Thank you for treating!" sai.d Allison. Casey smiled, and pushed the button, and took the chips out for Allison.
"No problem. It's the least I can do for the person who is keeping me company." he said, as he put money in for a candy bar. The two of them walked back out into the waiting room and sat back down.
"I'm really getting worried," said Allison, as tears formed in her eyes, "I just wish someone would walk into this room and give me some news."
"Me too, me too." Casey said as he leaned over and gave Allison a big hug. Allison tried to smile, but even the hug form this kind stranger couldn't erase the fact that she was scared about her friend.
Allison and Casey silently ate their snacks, and as they were eating, a nurse walked into the waiting room. Allison and Casey both jumped up at the same time.
"Any word on Jamie?" asked Casey.
"What about Stacy?" asked Allison.
"Yes. Casey, was it?" asked the nurse.
"Yeah." Casey said slowly.
"Jamie has been stabilized and he is alert now. You can go to see him now, if you would like." said the nurse. Casey turned to look at Allison.
"Tell him I will be in shortly. I don't want to leave my new friend here alone." he said with a smile.
"Allright. He is in Room 301. Ask for me at the desk to let you in. My name is Anne." the nurse said as she walked away.
"Hang on, I need to make a phone call." Casey said to Allison, as he took out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"Ok." Allison said. Casey walked away from Allison for a moment to call back Matt
"Yeah Matt? Its Casey. Tell Katie and Cielo that he is alert now," he said then paused, "No, I didn't see him yet. I'm talking to this girl in the waiting room and she is waiting for news on a friend and I won't let her sit here alone," He paused again, "Yeah, I'll see you in a bit. Later!" He turned off his phone.
Casey turned and walked back towards Allison, and said "I can't believe I am still calling you 'This girl.' What is your name?" he asked.
Allison bit her lip shyly, "I'm Allison. But you can call me Allie if you'd like."
Casey took her hand to shake it, "Nice to meet you, Allie. My name is Casey."
"I figured as much. The nurse called you that." she said with a laugh.
"Yeah," stuttered Casey, "But there's something I didn't tell you."
"Ok?" asked Allison with a perplexed expression.
"The friend of mine who is here was in a car accident." Casey began slowly. Allison nodded.
Act cool, thought Casey.
Is this guy allright upstairs? He already told me this, thought Allison.
"The car accident was a Nascar car accident. His name is Jamie, and it's Jamie McMurray." continued Casey.
Uhhhh..., thought Allison.
"And I'm his teammate, Casey Mears."
Allison's heart dropped into her stomach and she felt like the room was spinning. A zillion thoughts rushed through her.
"Mommy, do you know Mr. Casey?" asked Makayla. Allison blinked, as she recalled her conversation with Makayla. Then the conversation with Stacy
"Jamie is one of Sterling's teammate. The other is Casey Mears. He is a nice guy I hear, and very easy on the eyes." said Stacy.
"Are you ok, Allison?" asked Casey with a concerned voice.
"Yeah. I just need to think for a moment." she replied.
"Allison. It's ok." Casey said. Allison stared blankly at the wall in front of her, and Casey waved his hand in front of her face to get her attention.
"Part of me wants to ask for your autograph, but the other part of me is saying that you being here for me to talk to is enough." Allison thought out loud.
Ok, that was a lame comment. Strike one, thought Allison. Casey took the wrapper from his candy bar, and grabbed a pen from the table in front of them, and scribbled some stuff on it and handed it to Allison.
"It's ok. You don't need to sign anything for me." she said, and gave it back to him.
"I'd read that again if I were you." and he handed it back to her.
Allison read it and she couldn't believe it. He had given her his cell phone number.
"Casey...I don't know what to tell you." she said.
"You can say yes to me when I ask you to let me take you for lunch tomorrow afternoon to thank you for being here for me tonight."
Did I just ask out a girl I met in a hospital waiting room? thought Casey.
Holy shit. Stacy, I wish you could see this now! I was asked out by Casey! Ok, we're meeting for lunch. Technically, that's just a get together, not a date, right?
"I'd...," Allison stuttered, "Like that. But I need to talk to my insurance company first to set up a rental car. I can't meet you for lunch without a car!" she laughed.
. "Nonsense. I'll pick you up," he said, "Where would you like to go?"
Allison shrugged, "I'm not picky. You choose."
"What about a place for pizza? I hear...." Casey began.
"CAN I SEE HIM?" called Cielo, as she ran back into the waiting room, with Matt, Katie, and three other guys that Allison did not recognize, but she assumed that they were either other drivers, or friends of Jamie somehow.
Casey walked over to Cielo and gave her a hug, "Yes. Go over to the desk and ask for Room 301. Cielo, I'd like you to meet Allison. She has been keeping me company here. Allison, this is Cielo. She is Jamie's girlfriend."
"Nice to meet you!" Cielo said with a huge grin.
"And this is Matt Kenseth, and his wife Katie. And this is Sterling Marlin, his wife Paula, Michael and Buffy Waltrip, Kevin and DeLana Harvick, Ryan and Krissie Newman, and Bobby and Donna Labonte. Everyone, meet Allison."
Oh. My. God. I wish Stacy was here with me! And I wish I could go see her!
"Hi. Nice to meet all of you." Allison said.
"Nice to meet you, Allison." said Ryan as he shook Allison's hand.
"Sorry to cut you short, Casey, but I am going to see if I can visit Jamie." Cielo said.
"It's fine," laughed Casey, "I'm going to see him shortly. That is if one of you will volunteer to stay here with Allison."
"Casey, I will be fine by myself for a few minutes, really, it's ok." Allison replied.
Casey gave Allison a hug, "Are you sure?" he asked.
"Positive." she replied. Meanwhile, Katie was walking back towards them.
"What is it Katie?" asked Matt.
"Only one person at a time can see him. Cielo is in there now. From what it sounds like from her, he wants to see Jamie and Sterling next." replied Katie.
Casey and Sterling looked at one another, "You can go next." said Sterling.
"Allright. Hang tight, Allie," said Casey, "And I'll ask if there is any word on Stacy. What's her last name?" he asked.
"Watts. Thanks, Casey." she replied. Casey smiled and walked down the hall.
Ok. Should I talk to these people? I don't know..., she thought.
******
Allison glanced at the people sitting down around her, and was too stunned to say anything. She was just hoping to get word on Stacy, and also hoping that if she was going to enter into a conversation with these people, that she wouldn't make a fool out of herself.
Krissie Newman sat down next to Allison and Ryan sat on the other side of her.
"Oh no, Allison is in a Newman sandwich!", said Bobby in attempt to make light of the tense situations, and Allison cracked a smile.
"So how are you, Allison?", asked Krissie.
"I'm allright, hanging in there I suppose. There's only so much I can do. So I am sitting here playing the waiting game.", replied Allison.
"I hear you, I was here since Jamie got admitted. Well, except when Matt and I went to get some food.", said Katie as she walked over to Allison and plopped cross-legged on the floor.
"Dear, you know you can sit in a chair. It is more comfortable.", Matt laughed, as he motioned to a chair. Buffy,Donna, DeLana, and Paula laughed, and joined Katie on the floor. Ryan stood up and went over to the guys.
"Girl talk convention over there. I don't think we're wanted.", Matt said to his fellow racers.
"You got that right. All they do is yap,yap, and yap.", Michael said.