Chapter 27
Things had certainly calmed down since that day in Loudon. Junior finally was able to get much needed rest and time to heal. After 3 weeks of just straight sleeping he had about enough of lying on his butt all day.
Opening the back door on his garage, he winced hard and inhaled deeply. His baby sat in front of him, broken and from the puddle under it, bleeding as well.
“Got my work cut out for me.,” he muttered while grabbing a rag off a kitchen rack and heading out to the heap.
His pickup truck was a mangled mess on the drivers’ side. The windshield and windows we all smashed out. The side panels looked just like what it went through… hell. The metal was bent up and scrapped down from sliding on the pavement. Jr wasn’t sure he wanted to see what it looked like underneath. He had to find out though… this was going to take a while.
He grabbed his toolbox and rolling it over, he popped the hood open and peered inside. It looked like a bomb went off. Fluids for all different uses splattered the hood and engine. He would have to look deeper for the real problems.
Ten minutes later he was on the floor of the garage stuffed under the front of the bent up Chevy Silverado.
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He didn’t know what made him decide to do this today. He barely remembered getting in the car in the first place. But there he was… Standing at the gate. He knew who he was looking for was home. All of the cars were there and the garage door was wide open. He saw the red pick-up with its hood up. He decided that would be the best place to start.
They hadn’t talked since the morning of the race in Loudon. It also wasn’t exactly a great conversation either. They needed to talk… even if he didn’t want to hear what he had to say.
As he walked up to the open garage he caught sight of feet coming out of the bottom of the truck… one leg lay flat, the other one bent at the knee with the heel of the Addidas sneaker being used for leverage. He could here clinking from underneath the broken beast and stood there for a few moment wondering if he would be noticed.
He didn’t know what do say first or how to start the conversation. How could he say sorry for almost killing his younger brother? Yes he had always been jealous of him but in no way did he ever have thoughts to ever hurt him! But his family was in danger and so was he. He couldn’t’ let his wife and kids be killed. His actions were of a desperate father and husband and those actions were not clearly thought out. He didn’t know exactly how to explain why he had done what he did and sound sincere. And he was… he was truly sorry. Yes his family was in danger… but he had put an other family member in danger and to take the brunt of it.
The disappointed and hurt filled face on his younger half brother still haunted him every night since Loudon. And maybe talking to Jr so soon wasn’t such a great idea but he’d soon find out how his brother would react to his presents as he cleared his throat in a loud suggestive manner to indicate to the man under the Pick-up Truck that he was indeed not alone.
Suddenly a grunt filled his ears followed by the sound of a metal tool landing on the ground under the truck. He noticed the legs of his brother slightly flinch at the sound as well before a vocal reaction escaped the Bud driver’s lips.
“DAMN WRENCH!”
Kerry winced at the shouted words and instantly regretted showing up unannounced… hell… even at ALL! He wanted to turn around and run! Get back in the car and pretend this ever happened! But his feet wouldn’t’ move. His body wouldn’t’ obey. He stood like stone in his brother’s driveway. His injured arm was sucked closer to him from some instinctual craving to protect himself. He was not prepared for any of this but had no choice as he watched Jr toss the wrench out from under the truck and hit the toolbox with a loud clang.
Great… a Mad Earnhardt.
Jr inched himself out from under the truck all the while rubbing the place where the wrench hit him in the head. Hissing slightly and with his eye’s looking like Laser’s, he looked up to see who had startled him and got another surprise. Suddenly the pain in his head was forgotten as the two Earnhardt’s stared at each other.
Their eyes were locked for several seconds before Junior broke the contact. He looked down to the floor with a piercing stare and desperately tried to control his suddenly ragged breathing. He slowly stood up off the garage floor and while still not looking at Kerry he rummaged in the toolbox and grabbed a Socket Wrench.
“Go away.” He said sternly as he turned his back to him and leaned over the open hooded pick-up truck desperately trying to find something to do and hope it was a good enough reason to make Kerry go away. He wasn’t ready for this.
Kerry was actually a little shocked that his Brother’s voice was as calm as it was. Though stern and a little shaky it wasn’t as scary as he thought it would be. He expected shouting, yelling, or even screaming but there weren’t any of them. Kerry stood there staring at his brother’s back. He was this far. He couldn’t’ turn back now.
“Dale, I think we should talk.” He took a step foreword while still clutching his arm to his side.
“I have nothing to say to you…” Jr said from under the hood. Kerry watched as Jr pulled a bent piece of metal out from around the radiator and tossed it to the side.
“Fine… but I do.” His voice shook a little but went unnoticed.
“What do I care?”
Kerry was starting to get anxious and took an other step foreword.
“Jr…”
“NO…” Jr yelled spinning around. “YOU… don’t call me that!” He warned, waving the socket wrench at him as he spoke. The young Earnhardt’s eyes were piercing as he stared at his older half brother. Anger ripped through him at the mention of a name only close friends and people that respected him should EVER call him.
“I’m sorry.” Kerry said quickly but any extra words were cut off.
“Good your sorry… I heard it before! Now GO AWAY! I DON’T want to talk to you! And I’m surprised I’ve put up with THIS much closeness between us as it is!” Jr’s knuckles were turning a pale shade as he squeezed hard on the handle of the Socket Wrench.
“But we should talk!”
“ABOUT WHAT?!?!?! That you helped some guy try and kill me? GREAT conversation piece don’t you think? How about I make the coffee and you order the pizza? Or better yet! Lets go OUT to eat! Cause I just LOVE being in your presence! Besides?! I’d be safer now wouldn’t I? In PUBLIC? Harder to attempt to kill me in PUBLIC!”
“I tried to explain to you why…”
“You FORCED me to listen to you try and explain Kerry! I heard what you said! So we don’t need to frickin talk now… or Ever!! I want you off my property right now… and don’t come back!”
“Bur Jr! You wont let…” Kerry’s words were cut off again when a Socket Wrench hit him square in the shoulder of his bad arm sending pain jolts in every direction. Kerry winced from the pain and squeezed his eyes shut willing the pain to subside.
Jr’s expression never changed at the look of pain his brother had on his face. Not even one bit and this fact scared Kerry more then flying tools or harsh words. His brother hated him… hated him so deeply that he could care less what happened to him. And he had a good reason to feel that way. There was no way he could fix things. But it didn’t stop the Stubborn Earnhardt in him to at least try.
“I… Just… Want to talk.” Kerry struggled out between pain jolts.
“We talked enough in Loudon don’t’ you think? Oh wait! Don’t care what you think! GO!”
“J… Dale… What can I do to change things? I can’t turn back time and I’ve tried hard to tell you what happened in the hopes that you would somehow understand. You are the most understanding person I know… and… Dale I screwed up! I screwed up big time and I will regret it for the rest of my life!” Kerry took a small break to suck in air. He was starting to lose control of his emotions and he couldn’t let that happen.
Jr didn’t speak so Kerry continued when he felt ready. He had to get anything in he could.
“Your my family! My Blood! My brother! And I almost sacrificed your life for my selfish reasons! I wasn’t thinking or feeling anything but concern for my wife and kids! When you survived all that I came to my senses… that what I was doing was sooo wrong! Something any normal person would see right off the bat! And then I had hope! You woke me up! But it was too late. If I had only gone to someone… to YOU! Told you the plan so you could be ready. Had YOU help me get them back and safe… then none of this would have happened!”
Finally tears streamed down Kerry’s face as he pleaded and ranted. Jr’s face lightened for only a moment only replacing the small void with confusion. Kerry? Crying?
“You almost Died! Dale you DID! You left us! Why you came back I have no idea? Why would you want to be in this world? It’s worse then hell itself! And why did you drive your ass off in Loudon? Why did you care enough to help me and my wife and kids? After all it was BECAUSE of us you almost lost your life! But you drove anyways knowing what was on the line and made DAMN sure you made it happen! I honestly could never thank you enough for such loyalty that I surely don’t deserve!”
Kerry took a couple steps back and tore his eyes away from Jr, looking anywhere but at him. He was losing a battle against his emotions and fought to control himself with zero results. With a large intake of air he spun around and took two more steps toward the outside of the garage. He walked to the side of it and slide down the wall putting his head in his hands.
Jr watched the whole scene as Kerry started weeping into his hands softly. Slowly he walked over to stand in front of his crying half brother. Not knowing what to say he didn’t say anything. He wasn’t prepared to forgive him but suddenly wasn’t as mad as he was 2 minutes ago. Not even close.
After a few minutes the weeping died down. Kerry lifted his head up slightly; noticing how close Jr was to him. He looked back down and took an other sigh.
“The boys ask about you almost every day. They want to see their uncle Dale. I keep putting it off that your busy… How am I supposed to explain to them about this? ‘Sorry kids! Can’t go see your uncle today! Why? Tried to kill him that’s why!’ Not exactly a good move in parenting…”
Jr crossed his arms, taking the famous Earnhardt stance while listening to his brother.
“And why in the hell didn’t you tell the cops about all this? Why did you ask your friends who knew to keep it a secret? I should be locked up! I’m evil! Jesus… If dad were still here he would be so disappointed in me.”
Kerry wiped his eyes a little with the sleeve of his good arm and half slumped in a defeated heap leaning against the garage. He didn’t have anymore to say.
Jr was in a tiny bit of shock at all of this coming out now. He never thought he’d feel sorry for Kerry ever again but there it was. Without even thinking much about it, Jr squatted down in front of his brother. His hands rested on his knees as he stared at Kerry who now wouldn’t look at him.
“No…”
Kerry looked up finally at Jr. He had done all the talking for a while now, not expecting Jr to participate at all.
“Dad would have just taken one of his own guns and shot you his own damn self.”
Kerry looked into his brother’s unreadable eyes. Suddenly a slight smirk graced the Bud drivers’ lips.
“Hell better yet… the bow and arrow! He always loved that damn thing more!”
Kerry was slightly confused. Jr now had a smile on his face and extended his hand out to help Kerry up.
Kerry accepted his hand slowly with caution and lifted himself to his feet.
“I’m glad Renee and the kids are all right.” Jr said while shoving his hands in his pockets. “I wanted you to know that… I’m glad you are alright too.”
Kerry looked up with shocked eyes.
“Why?!”
“Cause you’re my damn brother ya ass! Why wouldn’t’ I care?” Jr’s tone was soft and playful which put Kerry at ease somewhat.”
“I thought you’d hate me forever.”
“Kerry… you are definitely not my favorite person… and won’t be for a good while but I can’t hate you. I’m sure nothing will be the same between us again but that doesn’t mean there can’t be something. After listening to you I realized… well… that you know you were wrong and you wouldn’t do this again… RIGHT?”
“Of course not! Never!” Kerry started to plead again and Jr held up his hand to stop him from continuing.
“You don’t need to continue. I’ve heard enough. I just wish you would understand that I simply wanted you to leave because I cant stand your presence right now. It really just is what it is. I wasn’t ready to talk to you and certainly not ready to listen.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Well what’s done is done. Everything’s out so I suppose you did me a favor in pushing me.”
A smile came to his lips as he crossed his arms again.
“… Don’t do it again!” Jr said with a sideways smirk. “Now go away so I can fix my truck. The shop is gonna help me re-body it next week and I want it running by then.”
“Can I help?” Kerry offered feeling like he should so something.
“Nope I can handle it thanks. Plus what good are you with one arm?”
“I can hand you tools!”
“GO HOME!” Jr said with a chuckle and threw a dirty rag at him.
“Fine fine I’m going.” Kerry turned around and began to walk down the driveway to his car.
“Kerry hey wait!” Jr called out after him.
The older Earnhardt spun around on his heels hoping that his brother changed his mind and was welcoming his help. Sensing that his brother probably thought what he thought he quickly shot it down again.
“No I still don’t’ want you to help… but if the boys want to come over I’d love to see them.”
Kerry paused for a second before letting his face light up.
“Sure thing!”
After getting back in his car Kerry sighed and leaned his head on the wheel. That was harder then he had thought… but turned out pretty well considering. He at least still had his brother and he was going to damn well make sure he didn’t make a stupid mistake to lose him again.
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Kelley sat at her desk in the JR motor sports office sipping on her coffee. It had been one long ass morning filled with more and more calls from all different places. Everyone wanted to interview Jr, have him make an appearance… Hell… just SHOW UP somewhere. Jr had pretty much been MIA since Loudon. He wanted a chance to be to himself to rest and recuperate. The calls didn’t actually start until a week after Loudon. Kelley supposed it was out of respect to give him some time. But apparently these people thought one week was long enough for someone to get over the injuries and emotional damage that was inflicted on her brother.
Jr hadn’t even been to any of the shops. This was actually through Kelley’s actions. She told him if she caught him in any of the shops or offices any time soon he’d better have a damn good reason or he’d feel the wrath. She was met with no arguments, which in a way scared her. Jr was so into his racing career that it actually got him up early on Monday mornings. A sure miracle in itself. The fact that he didn’t fight her to be there didn’t comfort her.
The ringing of her phone threw her out of her thoughts. Kelley snarled in disgust and sat her mug down before hitting the speaker phone button. She didn’t feel like going through this all again. She contemplated putting a message on a machine for the phone calls saying “NO Jr is NOT doing your show! Have a nice day!” The thought honestly was a good one.
“JR Motorsports… Kelley speaking.”
Her tone was of a snippy nature and was noticed by the caller right away.
“An other rough day Kelley?”
Kelley let out a smile at the voice over the phone.
“Yea Kay… and its not even noon.”
She was relieved to her Karla’s voice over the phone. It was a breath of fresh air and at least she wouldn’t’ have to try to be nice to pushy booking agents. She was so happy Teresa shared her idea to hire Karla at JR Motorsports. It really helped Kelley out and she couldn’t help but notice the positive effect she had on Jr. She was like his second mother… making sure he had food in the house, that the cats were taken care of and that he rested when he needed it. Kelley also didn’t miss the fact that Jr enjoyed her company immensely… it surely was something to ponder.
“I’m so sorry. What a pain it all is. If you need a break I can handle the phones for a while.”
“Aww Kay thank you… but I think I’ll stick to it. I’m already in a bad mood I might as well take it out on them huh?”
The two women giggled a tad before Karla continued.
“Well hey… my real reason for calling was to let you in on something interesting that you might want to know. I was downstairs hauling in the mail when I saw a number being entered into the security pad from the gate. I think you might want to know the name that popped up after it.”
Kelley paused for a second before smacking the edge of her desk with her palm.
“No shit! Really? I have to say I’m shocked… I didn’t expect… hmm…. Thanks Kay… I’m gonna go do more yelling. It seems a direct order was violated!”
“Glad I got ya away from the phones! Don’t’ tell him I ratted him out!” Karla laughed before the two women hung up and Kelley went in search of one Dale Jr who was presently in the building.
Kelley headed down a few halls before coming to her brothers office door. It was left slightly ajar and the light shined from under it.
Wasting no time she let herself in with a slight coughing sound. It successfully got the attention of the offices’ occupant and he turned his head around to see who was there.
“Hey Kel… Sup?” Jr said while turning back to his slightly bent over position at his desk, obviously very interested in what he was reading there.
“I was going to ask you that. I believe I gave you an order?” She walked up closer to her brother and crossed her arms in that Earnhardt fashion and glared at him.
“Yes you did… and I believe you also said not to come back till I had a damn good reason. Well I got one so I’m in the clear.”
“Oh really? Now what would that be?”
Jr finally fully turned around with papers in his hand. He handed them over to her to let her read them while half sitting on the edge of his desk.
Kelley gave him an odd look before letting her eyes skim over the papers in front of her.
“Whoa… Jr… are you serious? But… its in a month!”
“You are lucky I don’t want to go to the next one Kel…”
“Jr you have to be cleared by your doctor to drive. Who knows if you’ll be ok for Dega in a month!”
An impish grin spread across her brother’s lips and Kelley suddenly sagged a bit. She knew that smile. This wasn’t good.
“Last page… check it out.”
Kelley thumbed through the papers to the last one. It was a hand written note directly to Mike Helton and John Darby from his doctor. She read part of it out loud.
“… I give permission for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to return to full competition…”
“Isn’t that the best sound in the world?” Jr said while laughing at his sister’s face. He knew Kelley was not happy about this and thought it was too soon but lying around on his ass all day while he felt perfectly fine was eating away at him.
“Well… This certainly is a damn good reason.”
“Told you…”
“Do you really think you want this? It says in these Nascar papers you need to have a test before being reinstated to drive. Why don’t’ you wait till next year. Test during speed weeks?”
“Aww hell Kelley I cant wait that long. I gotta get back out there. If I don’t’ do it now who knows how I’ll feel about things in February.”
Kelley saw the look of determination in he younger brothers eyes and sighed.
“Alright. Well you made your decision… and I’ll support you. But why did you need to come in here to the office? You could have just sent this out on your own.”
Jr reached into his top desk drawer and pulled out a set of keys.
“I’m just pickin up my truck. The boys from the shop took it over to have it re-built and told me they left it out back with the keys in my office. And now that they are in my hot little hand I’ll be leavin sis!”
“Wait wait whoa! Be careful you here me!”
“Kelley! I’ve been cleared to drive a 2000-pound bullet I sit in and do about 200 MPH! I think I can handle a Chevy pickup doing 70!”
“70?!?!”
“Uh… 60?”
“Try the speed limit Jr… Sometimes it’s a challenge but I’m sure you are up for it.”
“Yea... sureee… Bye Kel… I’m gonna go see what Kay is doing. I feel like a drive!”
And with that he skipped out of the office leaving Kelley still holding the papers and carrying a smile on her face.
Her brother was back… Maybe a little mangled in certain places… body and mind… but he was going to be ok. She knew it in her heart. It surely made her day a whole lot brighter.
~~~~~~~~~
Jr stepped out into the North Carolina sun. His hands were plunged deep in his jeans pockets and a smile was plastered on his face. For the first time in a long time he felt truly happy. There was no reason to be scared anymore. He was healing up and no longer in pain and he knew where he was in the scheme of things. Now he was set to get back into action and go back to what he felt was normal.
He let out a content sigh and headed in the direction of his Baby. As he walked around it scanning it over he heard the back door open and Kay come fumbling out carrying a bundle of papers.
“What the hell is that?” Jr yelled over as she dropped a few of the papers on the ground.
“Who gives a crap what it is Earnhardt! You could help me pick it up though!”
Jr laughed out loud and jogged over to her to help.
“Thanks GENTLEMAN…” She joked as they headed over in the direction of his truck.
“Har… Har… No seriously … what are these for?” he said while his eyes scanned the papers in his hand.
“Well you wanted to go for a drive and some of these things need to be dropped off in certain places. So technically I’m using you.” She grinned and gave him a small Jab before walking to the passenger side of the truck.
“It looks good Dale!”
“It looks GREAT! Get in!”
As Jr and Karla pulled out of the parking lot… a pair of eyes watched from the parking lot. Stepping out from behind the car that was their hiding place, the owner of the emotionless eyes let a cigarette fall from their fingers and onto the asphalt. Slowly they let the heel of their boot crush and kill the burning and smoking while exhaling. Finally when the Red Pick-up was out of sight the watcher spit on the ground in the direction the truck went in.
“You have no right to be happy… and I’m going to make sure it doesn’t last.”
And with that the person turned on their heels and disappeared.
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THE END!!!!!
…. For now…
