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Chapter Nine

"Knock, knock." I said softly, rapping my hand against the wood doorway of the emergency bay.

"Who's there?" AJ said.

"Open your eyes dumbass and maybe you'll find out." I said, trailing off towards the end. Be nice Krista, I told myself silently.

"Oh...hey it's you."

"I brought you something."

"Yeah?"

I walked towards his bed, one hand tucked behind my back. He watched with curious eyes as I walked to the bed, gently sitting on the end.

"You gonna give it to me? I'm not gonna lay here all night."

"Alright...geesh."

Bringing my arm out from behind my back I produced an 'I Survived Darlington' shirt. Right between the I and Survived I had taken black magic marked and put Almost in between. I watched as his lips almost formed a smile. Thinking twice he just smirked.

"That's really nice. Thanks."

"Yeah...no problem. Anytime. Well I don't mean anytime. Don't think that I like you or anything. Because I still don't." I said gruffly, clearing my throat and rubbing my neck awkwardly.

His smirk turned into a smile as he watched me.

"Oh of course not. I don't like you either."

"Well...I'm glad we settled that then." I said, standing up. Running my hands over my jean legs I nodded.

"See you at Bristol."

I turned, walking back towards the doorway.

"See you there sweet cheeks."

"What did you just call me?!" I exclaimed, turning back.

"I said...see you at Bristol fat cheeks."

I clenched my face, shaking my reddened face before marching out.

Prick.

____________________

The next Sunday fog crept in all morning long making Bristol Motor Speedway look ominous. Set in the great state of Tennessee, Bristol has the fine distinction of being the shortest track on the Winston Cup circus. Yet, it also has the highest banking which makes for interesting races for not only drivers but also spectators.

"Hey Jerry, you think the fogs gonna let up?"

"You betcha. By race time you guys will be flying in the sun."

"I hope your right Jer."

____________________

"Gentlemen start your engines!" I heard the familiar voice scream.

"Hey there's a lady on this fucking track you pompous asses!" I screamed. I knew no one could hear me. I was locked securely in my car...the only other person around to hear being Jerry on the other end.

I saw the checkered flag ahead and watched as the pace car left us to fight it out on the track. As Jerry had predicted the day was sunny albeit warm.

"Get ready for the long haul Kris. It's gonna be a helluva race." Jerry said over the radio.

"I was born ready Jerry. Let's do this."

Around and around the track I went, intermingled with the other 42 drivers. Every so often I caught a glimpse on McLean. One moment he was ahead of me and then the next moment he was caught way back in the pack.

"He's fresh meat for the old guys back there." I whispered, shifting into second gear.

The hours ticked by and finally the last lap came into view. McLean was gone...I hadn't seen him since the very last pit stop. I couldn't help but think how pissed he was going to be with the bad standings he was going to receive.

I sped up a little as I rounded turn two of the last lap. Smiling I couldn't help but think of the first thing that I wanted to do as I slid out of the car: head to the bathroom. My rookie year I couldn't understand how the guys did it but then I learned the secret...stay away from all beverages before entering the car.

"Kris don't try to rush. You'll finish six if you just stay steady."

"I know Jerry." I called out. Rounding the last turn I easily slid into sixth place. As soon as I crossed the line I looked out towards Winner's Circle and the field leading to it. My face twisted up in horror as I saw what was happening.

McLean spun circles in the grass, his arm sticking out the window and waving at some of his cheering fans.

"How the hell could he have passed me?!" I yelled, falling back heavily against the seat. My shoulders slumping I drove into pit row and to my crew.

"Jerry how did he pass me? Why didn't you tell me?" I said the instant I slid out of the window.

"Krista if I had told you I know you would have tried to go up in the pack and kick his ass and probably would have ended up quite a bit farther back. We'll get him next race."

"We better." I answered back, taking off my helmet to shake out my hair. Sighing I began to walk away, my head held high.

"Where you going?" Jerry called after me.

"Where do you think? The fucking bathroom."

Jesus. Men.