Life's a Drag - Chapter 3 (Patreon)

“Number 15, Sarah Angel is in 2nd!” The announcer called out, “Three more laps to go folks, and this is anyone's race!” the bombastic voice shouted as Sarah shifted hard into 5th, taking the turn with nothing but drift.  The guy behind her she recognized the car as one of the new racers, looked like he was starting to move over to pass her.  She wasn’t really feeling herself today, but nothing that would stop her from racing to win.

“You want my position, you’re gonna earn it buddy,” she said to no one in particular as she rounded the turn doing 160 and climbing.  As they hit the corner, things went horribly wrong.  The driver behind her went to put on one of his dials, but instead hit his nitrus, slamming into the back of Sarah’s Mustang hard at 165 miles per hour and causing her to spin out of control.

Sarah could hear the squeal of the tires, the shattering of glass, and the crunch of metal all around her, even through her padded racing helmet.  “OH SHI-” she heard herself scream at a sharp pain in her head, and then sirens screaming, as her car slammed violently into the railing, upside-down and leaking gasoline.

“Oh no!” was all the announcer could get out at first.  “Number 24 Devin Pulse just knocked Number 15 Sarah Angel into the railing on turn number 17!”  As those words rang out, the crowd grew deathly silent.  The other racers even stopped.  

One of them  struggled with his seatbelt before bolting from his car, abandoning it on the roadside as he sprinted to Sarah’s side.  There was nothing he could do in the twisted metal but shout her name.

“Sarah!  Sarah stay with me!” Kevin yelled.  “God damit somebody do something!” he shouted, running from Sarah’s car to Devin’s to check on him next.  Kevin was a colossal jerk, but even he, at least, was still human.

The firetrucks and EMTs quickly responded, dousing her car with flame retardant foam, as they pulled out the jaws of life to get her out of the car, while the others worked on getting Devin out of his car.

After several long minutes, Sarah staggered to her feet as the announcer stated, “Looks like Number 15 is going to walk away from this one folks!  The EMT’s are going to take her in and monitor her for a concussion!  However Number 24 is in bad shape ladies and gentlemen, looks like the preliminary is broken ribs and other bones, but we’ll know more when they get him to the hospital.” 

Let’s get that helmet off you sweetie.” one of the female EMTs said as she carefully helped Sarah to remove her helmet as they entered the ambulance and it rushed off as well, but not in code like the first one.   It had a new, massive crack two thirds of the way down, but it served its purpose.

“God, my head...” Sarah groaned softly. 

“It’s going to hurt.” The male EMT stated, “You hit it pretty hard.  Damn lucky that’s all that was hurt...” 

“Is the other guy okay?” Sarah asked, flinching as the paramedic tended to a minor cut on her arm from where she was pulled out of the smouldering wreckage.

The female sighed, “We think he’s got a few broken bones.  You are really lucky girl.  God must really love you.” she laughed softly.

Sarah laughed a little and then flinched again.  “Oh God, I’m gonna be feeling that one in the morning...  It all happened so damn fast.  One second I’m taking a turn at 163, next thing I knew someone was screaming at me to stay awake.”

“Usually does.” The male EMT stated, “It’s a good thing we’re there for such emergencies.”

“Yeah,” the female EMT added.  “If these were illegal street races, you might’ve died.”

“I might yet,” Sarah grimaced.  “That was my Dad’s car.”

“Ouch.” The female EMT said, frowning.  “I’m glad it’s you not me.” she winked as they pulled into the hospital and rushed Sarah in.  “Major concussion, and small cuts and bruises.” the female EMT stated to the woman at the window, as she nodded them in.

“Can you tell me your name sweetie?” one of the receiving nurses asked.

“Sarah,” Sarah stated.

“She races under the name Sarah Angel,” the female EMT said.

“It’s um actually Sarah Miller.” Sarah corrected.  “Birth name for insurance purposes is temporarily Andrew,” she added more softly.  At first the nurse gave her a kind of ‘Are you sure?’ glance.

“You’re a minor right?  I need you to give me your parents’ contact information sweetie.” The nurse stated.

“It’s...  Oh God my phone was in my car,” Sarah sighed.  “Dad’s going to shit a buick.  Christopher Miller, either his cell phone number, or the company line, and my emergency contact is Doctor Amy Snider - my therapist” she said, giving the nurse all three numbers.  “If Gracie answers, tell her it’s a 911 about Andrew, she’ll patch you through.”

“Ok.” The nurse said, giving Sarah a reassuring smile.  “We’ll get you into X-ray and have a doctor see you right away.”  

She left to make the phone call to Sarah’s dad and also to Doctor Snider.  Of course, she had no way of knowing that Doctor Snider - and her daughter Morgan - were at the racetrack and saw the whole thing, and that they were on their way now.

“Hello is Mr. Miller available?” The nurse asked the person on the other end of the phone.

“Who may I ask is calling please?” a friendly young woman asked.

“I’m Judy, from South Haven Hospital, It’s about his da...  Andrew.” she stated.

“Oh my goodness, just a second,” the woman gasped.  Judy was on hold no more than ten seconds before a frantic male voice answered.

“Yes?  What’s wrong?  Is Andrew okay?”

“Calm down Mr. Miller, Andrew has a concussion, and some minor cuts and bruises. But since he’s a minor we had to contact you.”

“Oh, thank God he’s okay,” Christopher sighed.  “What happened?”

“Andrew was in a car accident.” The nurse stated.  She kept wanting to call Andrew his daughter, out of respect, but she wasn’t sure if it was the proper thing to do over the phone.

“Thank you for calling.  I’m glad he’s okay.  I’ll be there as quickly as I can,” he said, still sounding concerned, but somewhat more relieved at least.

~oOo~

Mike was a clean cut guy, blond hair and steel eyes, late 30s, expensive suit.  He was Christopher’s lawyer, but also one of Christopher’s oldest friends.  He looked over at Christopher, “Take the damn helicopter Chris.  I know I would if it was my daughter.” 

Mike was also Morgan’s father, but Sarah didn’t know that.  There was a lot she didn’t know about her dad’s connections.  She had really been living in her own, self-constructed bubble for so long now, she never stopped to question the small coincidences.

Christopher sighed and nodded.  “You’re right.  I’ll just get into an accident myself if I try to drive it in this traffic.”

“Exactly.  Want me to join you?” Mike asked, “I mean it’s a good excuse to get home, and check on Amy.  She must be torn up.”

Christopher nodded again.  “God, poor Sarah,” he sighed.  “I don’t know if I should call ahead, if I should tell her what Amy told me, or just show up and let it play out from there.  I wanted to get home early to surprise her, but not like this...” he sighed again, as they headed for the elevator.  “When did being a parent become so damn complicated anyway?” he laughed a little.

“Oh, I’d say from about the time they were born,” Mike laughed.  “Morgan makes Amy crazy with her interest in engines.”

Chris laughed, “Morgan’s always been a bit tomboyish, ever since she was little, I kinda regret not bringing Andrew over to play after Susan left.”

“You can’t blame yourself for that Chris.  Susan was my best friend, and even I didn’t see it coming,” Mike sighed.  “Did she ever contact you or Sarah after ... you know, hitting rock bottom?” Mike asked as they reached the rooftop helipad.

“She’s still not tried to talk to Sarah at all.” Chris answered as they got onto the helicopter, “It’s like she’s forgotten about us really.  The only reason I know about it, is because of Freddie in the LAPD.”

“Maybe it’s better this way...  Sarah doesn’t know why she left.  Telling her now might just reopen old wounds.  Amy did say she cut Sarah’s antidepressants way back,” Mike added optimistically as the pilot took off with all haste for South Haven.

“Yeah, she also said that we wouldn’t even know it was Sarah when we see her.” Chris laughed a little, trying to take his mind off the accident. “Andrew was dead inside, it’s hard to believe anything could make my angel happy, but if it’s being Sarah, then I’m all for it.  I haven’t seen An.. Sarah smile since her mother left.”

~oOo~

Christopher and Mike parted ways at the hospital, Mike telling Chris that he would send his daughter later to check up on Sarah.  As Chris entered Sarah’s room, he put on his mad face. 

“Andrew James Miller! What the hell were you thinking?”  

Sarah flinched - or perhaps it was Andrew.  The medicine helped with the pain, but she didn’t have an answer.  Chris’ face softened.  He didn’t yell this time.

“You know you shouldn’t race without a proper roll cage, princess.”

Sarah blinked, and laughed a little.  “I couldn’t convince Isabella to put in a velcro-removable one so I just stayed out of the Nox races.  I figured they’d be safer.”

Chris smiled at Sarah proudly as he approached her bed.  “They defaulted the race you know.  George called me.  The winners conceded to you.”

“Great,” Sarah sighed.  “I won by pity vote.  The other guy got it way worse than me.”

Chris laughed, “Actually the lead car said that you would have got him anyway.”  He leaned over and kissed his daughter’s cheek. “So Sarah, when were you going to tell me I had a daughter and not a son?” he asked with a knowing smile.

“... Tomorrow?” Sarah answered meekly.  “I just... I couldn’t take it anymore.  Hiding, pretending to be someone I’m not.  The only time I’m ever really alive is as Sarah, like Andrew’s just a mask I put on for school and crap.”

Chris nodded, “No need to explain.  Amy told me everything, but we both need to have a talk when we get home ok?”

“Yeah...” Sarah sighed.  “About the car... It’s totaled.  Last I saw of it was just a smouldering pile.”

“I don’t care about the car,” Chris laughed and shook his head.  “Cars are a dime a dozen.  My child is priceless,” Christopher stated as a doctor came in.

“I need to check her out real quick to see if we can discharge her, if she’s ready to go home.  I want her to stay awake for at least another nine hours though.”  He pulled out a small flashlight.

“I’m ready,” Sarah laughed a little.  “Not sure if my head is though.  Ow,” she flinched at first, but tried to stare at the flashlight so the doctor could check her eyes.

“I think she’ll be fine, she’s got no broken bones, just some minor cuts and a concussion, as I said before, she’ll have to stay awake for another nine hours.  We’ve given her something for the pain, and I’ll write up a prescription.  I don’t want her driving for at least the next three days, and I want her to see her PCP on Monday.”

“Hey, Doc...  Is Devin doing okay?” Sarah asked.  “I know I wanted to punch him when I first got here, but now I just hope he’s doing alright,” she sighed.

“The boy they brought in?” he asked, turning his attention back to Sarah.  “He should be ok, but he’s not going home anytime soon however.”

Christopher looked at Sarah, “Well, let me go call us in a car, and i'll be back up for you ok?”

Sarah nodded a little and lay back on her bed again, staring at the ceiling.  Staying awake was harder than it sounded, even with all the noise from the open doorway, so she resolved to start counting the spots in the tile ceiling.  She made it all the way to 1,233 when there was a sudden knock on the door.  

“It’s open I think,” Sarah called back without looking over, not realizing it was wide open.

Morgan entered the room.  “Hey you,” she said gently as she approached.  She was holding a gift shop teddy bear in a cute white nurse outfit.

Sarah laughed a little, motioning for her to come closer.  “Hey stranger.  Sorry I can’t give you that ride...”  She giggled a little and flinched afterwards.

“The announcer said it was just a concussion.  Are you really okay?” she asked.

“I’m okay,” Sarah managed to get out after a moment.  “Just a concussion and some cuts where they pulled me out of the wreckage.  Listen, Morgan...  There’s something I have to tell you.  I was going to tell you after the race, but... Well...”

“Hey, whatever it is, it can wait,” Morgan answered.  “Don’t strain yourself, ok?” she insisted, squeezing Sarah’s hand gently.

“I’m sorry,” Sarah sobbed.  Neither Andrew, nor Sarah, ever cried - even in private, but her emotions were running roughshod at seeing Morgan.  “I wanted to tell you last night... I ended up going to see my therapist, as Sarah, and I told her everything, how I’d been living as Sarah since I was little and just going to school as Andrew.  I was going to tell you today after the race...” she trailed off, after rambling for a bit.  “Morgan...  I’m Andrew.”

“We’ll talk more tonight at your house,” Morgan said calmly.  “Daddy says we are having dinner at your place.” Morgan said as she leaned closer, hugging Sarah.  “I don’t blame you for not telling me sooner...  But I wish you had, so I wouldn’t have felt so guilty wanting to make out with you at the movies yesterday,” she teased, causing Sarah to giggle softly.

Just then Big George knocked on the open door, “You ok kiddo?” he asked, “I just got done checking in on Devin and his parents.”

“Apart from being yelled at for not having a roll cage - which I totally deserved by the way, I’m doing okay,” Sarah laughed a little.

George laughed, “Good.  Well I’ve come by to drop off a check, and to see how you were doing.  I also wanted to tell you, that Devin admitted to accidentally using Nox, which is against the rules, and calls for a racing suspension, however since it was an accident, I don't think six months is fair.  What about you Kiddo?”

“I think he’ll be lucky if he can race in six months,” Sarah sighed.  “Do me a favor?” she asked, glancing at the check in his hand.  “Give that to him?  I know everybody says I deserve it, but I got a damn concussion.  He broke so many bones he’ll be walking funny for months.”

George laughed again. “I knew you’d say that.  Devin said to split it 50/50, so that’s what I’m doing.”  He set the check on the bed for Sarah to see it was only for half the winning pot.

“Outta my head wouldja?  It’s crowded enough up there already,” Sarah giggled softly.  “Thanks George...  I really appreciate it.”

“Hey sweetie, you’ve been racing with us for the last two years, I know you as well as I know my own daughter.” George winked.

“So, like, just to be clear,” Morgan said, “Am I the only one who didn’t know your secret identity?”

“Actually nobody knew.“ George stated, “The only reason I knew, was because she had to use her real name on the entry forms, and those are otherwise confidential.”

“... Crap,” Sarah groaned.  “The one flaw in my otherwise perfect plan.  Well that and taking my only real friend on a date as someone else,” she trailed off as Morgan smacked her arm gently.  “I deserved that too,” Sarah chuckled as she squeezed Morgan’s hand.  “Honestly I’m surprised you’re even speaking to me Morgan.  Grateful, but surprised.”

George left as Morgan shook her head, “Boy, girl, whatever, you’re the same person Sarah: Andrew, but happier.”  She smiled and kissed Sarah softly.  Sarah smiled as she put one bandaged arm delicately around Morgan, hugging her.

“I’ve wanted to take you out to a nice dinner like that for so long.  I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you the truth.”

Morgan giggled, “I’ve been waiting since the 7th grade for your happy ass to ask me out, Sarah Miller.  You need to do it properly!”

Sarah giggled softly.  “Well... I’d take you for a ride in my car if it wasn’t scrap, but I still have a Clover voucher...  So what do you say?  Will you go out with me?”

“Next Friday, I’ll pick you up; how’s that sound?” Morgan grinned.

“Sounds great,” Sarah giggled.

“I approve.” Christopher stated as he stood at the door.

“... Oops.  Hi Dad,” Sarah half-stifled a giggle.

Christopher smiled as he approached. “Car’s waiting for us.  Had to call the office to send us a driver.”

“Hey, Morgan?  Are you busy this afternoon?” Sarah asked, looking over at Morgan.

“Nope, other than getting ready for dinner at the Millers’,” she teased.

“Oh, well if you have plans,” Sarah trailed off and grinned.  “I’m supposed to stay awake for at least the next nine hours.  I was wondering if you and the girls could help with that.”

“I’ll ask them.” Morgan laughed.

Christopher cleared his throat, “After we have a talk, you can text Morgan and tell her when we are done.”

“Oh... Right,” Sarah sighed.  “Yeah, um, I’ll text you later.”

~oOo~

Mike was waiting for Christopher and Sarah when they got home. He was in a nice Rolls Royce in the driveway, and as soon as they pulled up, he got out of his car. 

“Sarah.” he said, smiling as he opened the door for Sarah.

“Hi Mr. Dad’s Lawyer,” Sarah teased as she eased herself up out of the car.

“Actually i’m your lawyer right now.” Mike said.

Christopher piped up, “This is part of what we needed to talk about, Sport.”

Sarah nodded slowly because nodding quickly caused the world to spin just a little too much.  “What about?” she asked, unsure if this was about her wanting to be a girl, or about the accident - or both.

They escorted Sarah into the house, and then to the dining room.  Mike sat down and put his briefcase on the table, “Well I’ve been on the phone with the school district since we got home.”

“Oh,” Sarah said, bracing herself for the worst as she eased herself down.  It wasn’t one big ache, so much as several small ones, like she had just gone through spin cycle on a giant washing machine.

“The school and I agreed along with your father,” Mike nodded to Chris, “That you will be taking two weeks absence from school.  You will get your homework and submit it to the office online via email.”

Sarah nodded her head slowly again, not wanting to interrupt, so she remained silent.

Mike then pulled out some papers, “When you’re feeling up to it I want you to read these, and make amendments to them as you feel something unfair, then we’ll submit them to the school.  In return they’ll amend to it and return it for you to sign.”

“Sounds fair,” Sarah answered as she accepted the documents, trying to at least glance over them for a moment.  The text was a little bit blurred, so she put them down again.

“Secondly, I was going through the waiver forms for the race and was wondering...  I realize if you are anything like Morgan that you wouldn’t want me to even ask this, but I have to ask as your lawyer, would you like to press charges against Mr. Pulse?”

“You mean Devin?  No, absolutely not,” Sarah answered flatly.  “He admitted it was an accident, and to be honest, he’s not going to be racing for awhile anyway with those injuries.  I’d be surprised if he ever races again.”

“Ok” Mike said, and then turned to Christopher, “Then we won't be turning it over to the insurance company.”

Chris shrugged, “As long as Sarah is ok, I don’t care about the car.”

“I care,” Sarah sighed.  “That was a 2016 Mustang.  That was a tragic loss to the world.  Even if the steering was a bit off and the traction was kinda loose, and the distributer cap rattled if you didn’t set it just right...” she trailed off.

“You never told her?” Mike laughed now too.  “That was your car Sarah.  The title was in your name - well, Andrew’s.”

“Wa..?” Sarah did the whole cartoon what look.

“I wanted to let you get used to driving it thinking it was mine, so you’d be more careful, and then tell you on your 16th birthday,” Christopher chuckled.  “If I had known you were sneaking around like some Racer Z I would’ve come to your races myself - and got you a damn roll cage,” he teased.

Mike laughed, “I think your company is going to have to invest some money in your daughter’s race club I take it?” 

“Oh, absolutely.  Upgrade the pit crew tools for the default crews, better announcing equipment, maybe an endorsement deal,” Chris trailed off now.  Sarah just sat dumbstruck, unable to believe her ears.

Mike grinned, “I’m thinking you could get Sprint to sponsor these races Chris.”  He winked.  “They’re getting their balls busted by Verizon lately.  Anyway I better get off and make sure Amy and Morgan are ready for dinner tonight.”

“... Wait,” Sarah called after him.  “Amy?  As in Doctor?  As in...  Oh holy-” she cut herself off before she could swear.

Christopher laughed, “As in Aunt Amy, young lady.  She and I went to school together since college.  I hooked her up with Mike after your...” he stopped.

“But Morgan’s my age,” Sarah answered, confused, thinking he meant after her mother left.

“He means once him and your mother started dating, not when she left.” Mike said as he closed his briefcase.

“Ohhhh...” Sarah giggled softly.  “... Sorry.  I’m still not firing on all cylinders.”

Mike nodded, “Your mom and I were best friends like Amy  and your dad are.  That’s why your Dad moved you out here to South Haven after Sue left.”

“So... Why didn’t anyone mention that sooner?  I’ve been going to Doctor Sn-I mean Aunt Amy for like ever.”

“Because we didn’t want to hurt you any worse than you already were.” Chris sighed, “Anyway, Amy will talk to you tonight about it in private if you want.”

Sarah nodded a little.  “Yeah...  I’ve... got a lot of questions I think I’m ready to ask,” she said, and then added, “Like, how grounded am I.”

“Not grounded at all Sport - or should I say Princess?” Christopher smiled and hugged Sarah, as Mike had already left.

Sarah leaned up to hug her father and kiss his cheek.  “Thanks Daddy...” she said quietly.  “Sport’s fine, but I like ‘Princess’ too...”  She giggled a little.

“You should text Morgan before she starts to wonder if she’ll ever hear from you again,” Chris laughed.

Sarah nodded slowly, and pulled out her Sarah phone which one of the EMTs had gotten to her, along with her purse, and texted her, “I guess I should give you this number too huh Dad?”

“So you did get an iPhone,” Chris laughed.  “Good.  I don’t trust those cheap things.”

Sarah grinned sheepishly, “I got this for Sarah stuff, and a cheapo one for Andrew stuff.  Unfortunately it was in the glove box.  Oh shoot.  So were my sunglasses!”

“You know, Mike was right about the Sprint sponsorship thing,” Chris said thoughtfully.  “And if you want I can put you on my unlimited business plan.”

“Sounds good.  Both my current ones are pre-paid through Straight Talk.” Sarah grinned sheepishly.  “Between my allowance and the money you leave every weekend it’s pretty easy to keep up with and still have lots left over for clothes, and race entry fees, makeup...” she trailed off and giggled.

Chris laughed, “Well I’ll be taking care of your phone bill, and your entry fee, and your clothes bills from now on.  All you ever had to do was ask.”  He slapped a credit card down on the table with Sarah’s name on it at that.  “I got that for you right after Amy called me.”

“I... Um...” Sarah stammered.  She was so used to having to be independent to get what she wanted, that she was literally speechless for the first time in her life.  “T-thank you,” she said as she hugged him again.

“You know you could have even asked me for stuff as Andrew.  You're my kid,  and I love you a lot, boy or girl.  That’s what I was mad at, that you never talked to me.” Chris stated. 

“It snowballed,” Sarah sighed.  “I mean, it started with just little things, people calling me ‘miss’ and stuff, and I realized how happy it made me, like something clicked into place, and eventually it came to racing as Sarah, this bad-ass no nonsense driver who can run with the boys and still be a girl off the track.  Before I knew it ‘Andrew’ was just a name at school I put up with to get through the day.”

“So you and Morgan Snider are dating now huh?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Sarah giggled.  “I promised to take her for a ride, but now I’m the one who’s bumming rides for awhile.”

Chris chuckled, “You know she’s technically your cousin, even though she’s not related by blood.” he winked at his daughter as he quickly rushed into his office.

“No fair!” Sarah laughed.  “Dropping THAT mental image and then running off.  You just wait until I’m better!” she called after him as she checked her phone finally. The text just read, “OMW” and a moment later, someone knocked on the front door.

“I’ll get that.” Chris called.

“Hi Uncle Chris,” Sarah could hear Morgan’s giggles from the kitchen.  “Is Sarah dead yet?”

“Har dee har har har,” Sarah called from the dining room.

Morgan appeared in the doorway carrying an extra large pizza.  “I called your doctor to make sure you could eat pizza,” she giggled.  “It’s your favorite.  God it’s so amazing seeing you so... happy.  Well I mean you look like Bride of the Mummy right now, but still...”

Sarah stuck her tongue out at Morgan, “Make fun of me why don't you.”

“Well you’re due like, four years of girlfriend teasing for making me wait this long,” Morgan giggled softly as she put the pizza down, and then kissed Sarah’s cheek, hugging her gently.  

“No having sex in my kitchen.” Chris called out from his office laughing, “Take that up to Sarah’s room.”

“Gross!” Sarah and Morgan said in unison.

“It gets worse,” Morgan groaned.  “I already got the ‘you know she’s technically your cousin’ one before I left the house too - from my mother,” she said, trying not to laugh.

“I got that from Dad.” Sarah sighed.

“Our parents are pervs,” Morgan giggled.

“I totally agree.” Sarah nodded.

“Don't eat too much, though,” Chris called again.  “I’m going to fire up the barbecue grill in a bit.”

“I don’t care how bad I get banged up,” Sarah giggled, “I will never be too sore for Dad’s backyard barbecued ribs.” 

Morgan giggled, “Well Mom and Dad kinda made me pack to stay the weekend with you.  I hope you don’t mind.  I’m first aid and CPR certified, so it’s not really just them being weirdos.”

“No way, I’d love the company.  I’m afraid to watch a movie alone even because I don’t want to fall asleep.”

“Crystal and Jenny can come over tomorrow, but they’re both busy today helping clean a highway with the GSA.  I wish they could come over and help keep you awake too.” Morgan sighed.

“That’s okay,” Sarah said as she finished off her pizza crust.  “We were supposed to have a sleepover next weekend after I told you the truth, so we could figure out what to do with my room.”

“Uncle Chris, I know we’re having dinner later, but can I take Sarah and go get a sleeping bag for tonight?  I don't have one.” Morgan called.  Chris’ office was just off the hallway across from the dining room.  He’d have to have the door closed not to hear.

“Well,” Chris said thoughtfully as he came into the room.  He waited until he had taken a small slice of pizza and chewed it thoughtfully before continuing, “The doctor did say it would be good for her to stay somewhat active.  You know what to watch out for?” he asked, glancing at Sarah.

“Yeah.  I had at least three nurses run down the list with me.  I got it memorized.”

“Yay!” Morgan giggled.

“Oh, and Morgan, when she finds out her balance on her credit card take a picture of her face for me.” Chris whispered.

Morgan giggled and nodded, and Sarah glanced up at them both.  “... Now what are you two whispering about?” she said, trying to keep her best mean daughter face - and failing miserably as she started to giggle.

Chris put on a hurt look, “We aren’t plotting against you.  I just told her to help you buy some sleeping clothes.” he winked with a chuckle.

“Uh huh.  Well I already have a lot of those, but any excuse to shop,” Sarah grinned as she picked up her new credit card, and Morgan sang.

“Danna dada ta da!”

“Charge!” Sarah cheered.  For someone with a major concussion, she was in major spirits as well, although that may well have been the medications.

Morgan giggled, “I can’t help it.  I love shopping.”

“I know right?” Sarah teased.  “I love dragging Jenny shopping, although sometimes it’s just to watch her face as total strangers come up to get my autograph or something.  She get sso jelly.  Oh hang on.  I need my backup sunglasses.  My good ones were in the glove box,” she sighed.

Morgan’s car was nothing fancy like Sarah’s was, but it was a nice Lexus Hybrid convertible, “Nice car.” Sarah said as she eased herself into the passenger seat.

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t try to race in it, but it’s great on gas milage,” Morgan giggled softly.

“Me either, Lexus’ have crap for cornering.” Sarah laughed, “Great on the straight races though.”

“You okay by the way?” Morgan asked, seemingly out of the blue.

“Yeah.  My headache is dying down now.” Sarah answered.  “They gave me some good drugs for the pain.  Still light sensitive, but that’s why the sunglasses.”

“I mean emotionally?” Morgan asked more tentatively.  “I mean if it was me, I wouldn’t get back in a car again for like a month.”

“The wreck? Oh God, I don't remember much of it, so it doesn’t really bug me, but I've been in smaller ones before, so it’s ok.”

“I’m so glad,” Morgan sighed.  “I almost jumped over the fence when you spun out.”

“Good thing you didn’t, the EMT guys said that I was pinned, and pulling me out would have hurt me worse.” Sarah stated.

Morgan reached over, squeezing Sarah’s hand lightly as they reached the stop light where they had met the day before.  “Sarah, I don’t want this to sound weird or anything, but seeing you like this, it makes me realize what you said last night is true.  If something happens and you can’t race again tomorrow, then you should enjoy it for all you can today.  So, I’m not holding back anymore either.”

“What do you mean?” Sarah looked at Morgan.

Morgan looked up at Sarah and smiled.  “I love you.”

Sarah blushed slightly, “I.. I love you too.” 

Just as they were about to kiss, a siren squealed just behind them, causing both girls to jump.  Then a loud horn honked, and both girls looked behind them to see an ambulance just behind, and two EMTs waving and laughing - the same two that had taken Sarah to the hospital earlier.

Sarah groaned, “I know them..”

Morgan giggled softly as she threw on the turn signal, pulling into a small parking lot, where the ambulance pulled up beside them.  The female EMT hopped out for a moment, walking around to Sarah’s side.

“You’re looking a lot better!” she said cheerfully.

“I feel a lot better, thank you.” Sarah answered.  “I was going to send you both a thank you card, actually.”

“Oh you don’t have to do that sweetie,” she said as she leaned down to give Sarah a hug.  “By the way, your helmet’s still in the back if you want it for a memento.”

“I don’t think it's safe anymore, but sure.” Sarah giggled.

The woman laughed as she walked to the back of the ambulance and opened the door.  A moment later she returned, showing the girls the badly damaged helmet.  Morgan gasped, swearing in Spanish under her breath.

“I didn’t realize it was that bad!”

“Saved her life too,” the paramedic said as she handed the helmet to Sarah.  “We have to get back to work, but we just wanted to say ‘hi’ and we’re glad to see you’re already back on your feet.”

“Thanks again.” Sarah called as the paramedics left, and then turned to Morgan.  “Do you think we could stop by the spot where I wrecked while we’re out?” she asked almost hesitantly.

“Sure,” Morgan answered.  “Where was turn 17?”

“Near Isabella’s.  It’s the last turn before the finish line over on Broadway.  We can go past it after we finish shopping.  Everything should be cleaned up by now.”

~oOo~

Following a bit of ‘retail therapy’ the girls pulled into the parking lot of Martin’s Garage.  An older woman wearing a black t-shirt and jeans, with her long, graying blonde hair up in a bun came out of the front door carrying an iPad in one hand, shaking her head as the girls stepped out of Morgan’s Lexus.

“Why aren’t you in bed, young lady?” she teased Sarah.

“Because the doctors told me I had to stay awake for nine hours, Mom...” Sarah teased back.

Isabella laughed as she wrapped Sarah in a motherly hug.  “You gave us a hell of a scare girl.  Don’t ever do that again.”

“She wanted to come back to the scene of the crime,” Morgan giggled softly.  “It looks like they were able to clean everything up?”

“Unfortunately there’s nothing salvageable from your or Devin’s cars though,” Isabella sighed.  “What a waste of a beautiful Mustang.”

“That’s what I keep telling everyone,” Sarah whined.  “The worst part is, it was my car all along.  Dad just told me it was his so I’d learn to drive safely.  I could’ve modded that thing out.”

“Well speaking of mods,” Isabella said as she held out her tablet to show Sarah a sketch of a Mustang with custom Angel wing decals along the door panels fender to fender in one seamless stretch on each side and a custom ‘feather wing’ like spoiler on the back.  “What do you think?”

“Oh my God, I so would have wanted that on my ‘stang,” Sarah sighed.

“I have some friends over at NASA who generously let me test the spoiler in their wind tunnel to make sure it won’t throw off the car’s balance,” Isabella said, winking at Sarah.  “As soon as you get another car, she’s all yours.  100% original Sarah Angel, one of a kind just like you.”

Sarah hugged Isabella, “OH my God thank you!” 

Isabella laughed softly as she hugged Sarah again.  “Hey, you’ve been good for business.  Since you started racing sales have gone way up, plus I kind of think of you as the daughter I never had, so it’s the least I can do.  I was going to surprise you with it, but after the wreck I figured you could use some good news.”

Sarah sighed as she leaned into Morgan, as Isabella headed back inside.  “Next thing you know Danica Patrick is going to show up and give me a new car or something,” she teased, as they started down the sidewalk together.

As they neared the corner, at first they couldn’t tell there had even been an accident.  The city had taken care of all the cleanup, and most of the temporary barriers set up for the race had been taken away, but when they crossed the street, they could clearly see the tire marks where Sarah spun into the wall, and the scorch marks on the ground where her car had caught fire despite the fire department’s best efforts.

“Jesus Sarah,” Morgan whispered.  Sarah just nodded.

“The paramedic said I must’ve had an angel with me,” Sarah sighed.  “You should see the car.  If I hadn’t left my purse with Isabella I would’ve lost everything.”  

She pointed at the road, adding, “Here’s the last thing I remember seeing.  I was in my zone and took the turn too fast.  I was about to lay off and drift when I got hit from behind.  The rest is-” she stopped, as an older girl with an expensive looking camera snapped a couple of photos of her with Morgan, surveying the scene.  She couldn’t have been much older than Sarah - about 19 at most.

“Hi Sarah,” the woman said warmly.  “I’m Katherine Day, and I’m working on your story for the South Haven Chronicle.  They want a full front page spread about your accident.  Do you think I could ask you a couple of questions?”

“Oh sure,” Sarah giggled nervously.  “But I have to warn you I’m still a little bit out of it.  They gave me some heavy pain medication at the hospital and then told me not to sleep,” she sighed.

“Aww.  That’s okay, I won’t take up much of your time,” Katherine replied warmly.  “What was it like being inside a car during a high speed crash like that?”

“Honestly?  It was over before I realized what was happening almost,” Sarah answered.  “I mean, I knew I had been hit from behind, and the next thing I knew my airbag had deployed, and part of the roof was pinning my head against the seat.  If it hadn’t been for my helmet I probably wouldn’t have walked away.”

“Do you want to see the helmet?” Morgan chimed in.

“Oh, gosh that would be great,” Katherine said excitedly.  “Could I get a picture of you holding it?” she asked, and Sarah nodded.

“Sure.  It’s back at Morgan’s car just over at Isabella’s.”

As they walked back to the body shop together, Katherine asked, “So I hate to ask this question, but it’s important to get all angles for a fair and balanced story,” she trailed off, and Sarah smiled back at her.

“You want to know if I’m going to press charges right?” she asked, and Katherine nodded sheepishly.  “No.  It’s like I told Mr. Evans, Devin made a mistake, and he admitted it.  It was an accident.  Plus he’s way worse off than I am.  He’ll be lucky if he can race again any time soon.”

“So no hard feelings eh?” Katherine asked with an honest smile, and Sarah nodded.

“Exactly.  We’re all very competitive, but at the end of the day we shake hands and move on because we share a common love for racing - and the alternative’s just too dangerous.”

“You mean illegal street racing?” Katherine asked as Sarah retrieved her shattered helmet.

“Exactly,” Sarah said.  The photographer had to bite back a gasp as Sarah showed her racing helmet.  “The EMTs said that I would’ve died if this had been an illegal race because of the response time it would’ve taken to get to me.”

Sarah posed for a couple of pictures with her helmet, standing in front of Morgan’s Lexus, and when Katherine asked if she could take a photo of the girls together, Morgan blushed a little, and Sarah pulled her closer.

“Thanks so much for your cooperation, girls,” Katherine said warmly.  “If you have a contact address I could have I can send over a copy of my story before I send it to the editor so you can approve it,” she said with a wink.  “This is my first real news story as a journalist so I’m trying really hard not to screw it up,” she added with a laugh.

“You’ll want to talk to my Dad,” Sarah answered and gave Katherine his phone number and work e-mail address.  “He’s making dinner at home right now, so you have a good chance of catching him this evening.”

“That’s great.  Thank you again Ms. Angel,” Katherine said as she began to break down her camera, putting it into her camera bag.  Sarah giggled.

“Actually it’s Miller,” Sarah said without a second thought as she climbed back into Morgan’s car.  “Angel is just my racing handle.”

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Katherine said, taking two forms from her camera bag and offering them to the girls.  “Standard model release forms.  I’d be really grateful if you could fill these out and have your parents sign them so I can use your photos on the paper’s website.”

~oOo~

It was late Sunday afternoon, and Sarah sat with her friends watching movies.  They had the movie Fast and Furious playing, occasionally teasing Sarah about the similarities, when someone knocked at the front door.  Since it was just off from the living room, Morgan paused the movie while Sarah got up to answer it.

To her surprise Katherine was standing at the door, dressed in a nice business skirt suit and heels.  She had her camera bag slung over her shoulder, and a small, inexpensive briefcase in her hand.

“Hi Sarah,” she said, smiling nervously.

“Oh, um, Katherine right?” Sarah asked.  “What’s up?”

“I’m not actually sure,” Katherine said hesitantly.  “I got a call from the CEO of Muscle magazine’s secretary asking me to stop by this address, and to bring my portfolio-” she paused as Christopher appeared behind Sarah.

“You must be Katherine?” he said, smiling as he extended his hand to shake hers.  “I’m Christopher Miller, Sarah’s father, and CEO of Muscle.  I apologize for not inviting you to our office in L.A. but after Sarah’s accident I decided to work from home for the next week or two,” he said with a wink.

“Oh!  It’s an honor to meet you Mr. Miller,” Katherine said excitedly.  “I’ve been reading Muscle since I was 13 thanks to my older brothers.”

“Good, then you’re already familiar with the format.  Your article about Sarah was, to be blunt, very well written and researched.  You have a lot of raw talent, and I’d like to talk about your future, if you’d like to step into my office?”

“Oh, but I’m just an intern,” Katherine admitted sheepishly.  “I only got the story on Sarah because I was at the races as a fan.”

“Well I certainly wouldn’t ask you to drop out of college,” Christopher replied as they walked into his office.

“What was that about?” Crystal asked as Sarah returned, sitting next to Morgan on the sofa again.  Sarah giggled.

“That’s that college girl who did the story on my and Devin’s wreck for the Chronicle.  I think Dad’s offering her a job.”

“Cool,” Jenny said.  “I read the article.  She even interviewed Devin and did a full photo spread.  You’re like a celebrity now,” she teased.  “Like you weren’t already.”

“Oh please,” Sarah laughed.  “I’ve never won the big race.  I don’t count the pity vote as winning either.  If I’m going to get first place, I’m going to earn it.”

“That sounds like a comeback race to me,” Jenny said with a grin as she passed Sarah the popcorn bowl.  Sarah laughed, popping a piece in her mouth.

“I have to get a new car first.”