Chapter 7 ~This Cant Be Happening~
“Are you sure?” Juniors mother croaked out while giving Steve a pleading stare.
“Yes I’m sure. I talked to the doctor right before I came in. He took Dale up to surgery. Ok? Now stop crying! You have to have strength for hope and prayers!” Steve said as brightly as he could. Brenda needed help and Steve was trying his best to give her encouragement.
“Ok” She sighed while slowly wiping her eyes off.
“Good. Hey you guys? Can you come out here with me?” Steve said while eyeing the drivers.
Harvick, Jarrett and Stewart followed Steve out into the hallway.
“Did you REALLY talk to a doctor?” Kevin blurted out. He didn’t even try to hide his doubtfulness or even wait for the door to shut behind him.
“Yes I did. Look you guys. He said he was critical and he wanted to tell the family himself… but I guess he didn’t have time before the surgery to do that. So I’m telling you guys… and DON’T say anything to them ok?” He motioned his head toward Junior’s family inside the waiting room.
They all nodded their heads.
“Now… Its time for me to tell you what probably happened….”
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A loud crash was heard in the garage area at Lowe’s motor speedway that made everyone in a 5 mile radius jump in place.
“Damn it Jimmy! What the hell are you doing?” Elliot Sadler questioned Jimmy Spencer as he watched him knock over a whole toolbox on purpose.
“Aw damn it! Why the kid!? I’m just so pissed off about this whole situation.” Jimmy sat himself down in a chair nearby in frustration.
“I know man… I know. I’m actually in denial right now. I mean… I’ve been friends with Junior since we were little kids.”
“Why aren’t you there then? A lot of others went over there.”
Elliot sighed and looked down at his feet as he stood above the older driver.
“I don’t know what to do. I kinda don’t feel like I belong there right now and I’m too scared to be in that atmosphere.”
Spencer noticed the strain in the young mans voice and knew he was going to break down.
“Look. Juniors gonna be fine ok? I know Mike said it looked bad but isn’t that someone’s job to tell you the worst of it? He’s an Earnhardt! He’s tough! AND stubborn and I don’t think something like this will take him away from us just yet.”
Elliot threw himself on to the garage floor and buried his head in his knees. His shaking shoulders told Jimmy all he needed to know.
“Kid lets go. I’ll get you to that hospital. No matter what you think. You are supposed to be there right now.”
And with that Spencer helped the sobbing man up and began to walk him out to find a ride.
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It had been hours since the others arrived. Some had already left to go to a hotel for the night yet there was still no word.
Kevin Harvick was sound asleep on the couch with his head rested on his wife’s lap. Tony Stewart was one of the drivers that found a hotel and Jarrett went down to the café with some of his team and a couple of other drivers and crewmen to pass some time with some coffee. Junior’s family had been separated from everyone else on the same floor where junior was still having surgery. They had promised to come down and tell them immediately if there was any news.
Steve sat in the corner unmoving but yet his mind was doing enough thinking for 10 men. He couldn’t help but play with the “If” word all night. Like what if he told someone before or what if he followed Junior around like a guard or something. The thoughts were eating at him.
He pushed his hat down to cover his eyes from the light. It actually didn’t take him long to slip into a restless sleep when a hand on his shoulder shook him awake.
“Steve… hey wake up…” Tony Jr. whispered as to not wake up Kevin and his wife.
Steve lifted his hat and sat up right away looking for news.
“He’s out of surgery. We can all go in an see him for a few minutes if you want.”
Steve could have kissed the Bud crewmember. He jumped up faster then his body wanted him too and he started following Tony Jr. out when he leaned over and smacked Kevin in the leg waking him up instantly.
“Ouch dude! What the hell!” Kevin said sitting up quick and rubbing his eyes. He wife was next to him yawning.
“We can see him if we want. I’m goin up.”
Kevin looked at his wife sideways and nodded slowly.
“Alright I’m comin.”
And they continued their way to the elevator.
~~~~~~~~
It was surprising how dark it was in the room. The smell of hospital filled his nose as Steve slowly approached Junior’s mother. She was sitting in a chair next to her son’s bedside. Even though it was dark Steve could tell she was clutching the young Dales hand with such desperation. It was like she felt if she let go just the tiniest bit then he would let go too.
It was a horrible sight. Junior’s once lit up face was now as pale as milk. His hair was partially covered by a bandage around his head. The parts that were sticking out showed tell tale signs of dried blood. Tubes came out everywhere. It was almost hard not to move your hand two inches without hitting one. But the one that bothered Steve the most was the one down his throat helping him breath. Something was ACTUALLY helping him breath. He couldn’t do it on his own... Machines were keeping him alive.
Steve stared down at the silent unmoving form on the bed. It was a sickening sight to see this once young energetic man who was full of health, lie there in front of him totally vulnerable. It just wasn’t in his nature to be vulnerable! He was an Earnhardt for Crying out loud!
It took a few minutes for Steve to acknowledge others in the room. Kevin and his wife had walked in behind him.
“Oh god… “ Kevin whispered. His wife pulled him closer rubbing his back to try and calm him.
“I can’t believe this… I… I can’t stay here…” He muttered and grabbed his mouth while swiftly walking out.
Steve walked to the other side of the hospital bed and quietly settled into an uncomfortable chair. He didn’t do it before… but know he was going to make up for his mistake and guard his young friend.
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