Race Life Pt. 10

Story by Foxi Hemi on SoFurry

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Race Life

Pt. 10

Angela spotted me as I ran in, the look on her face was grim. My heart sank lower and lower.

She exclaimed, "Allan!"

As she did, she got up and met me half way, embracing me in a tight hug. I could hear her crying hard.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't me-"

Bill interrupted, "Allan, it was not your fault. Don't even blame yourself for what happened out there."

Angela let me go and grabbed my paw with her equine hand, her eyes full of sorrow. Bill came up to her side and put his hand on my shoulder.

I stammered, "What... is Trip going to be alright?"

Bill was the first to answer, his voice so soft. It was the first time I really got to see this side of him.

"So far, all we know is that he has suffered a concussion. We know nothing else. We are on edge, just as you are."

I shook my head, saying, "I need some air."

Both of Trip's parents nodded their heads and I turned around, walking back down the hallway. As I reached the elevator, the doors swung open and Gwen stepped out.

"How is he?" She asked.

"He's suffered a major concussion, that's all Trip's parents know so far." I replied half-heartedly.

"I'm sorry Allan. Trip is a strong guy, he'll pull through it, I know he will."

Gwen walked up to me and gave me a hug, it didn't do much. I still felt awful sick inside, and I just wanted to fall down and rest. I was dead tired.

Pulling away from Gwen, I said, "Gwen, I need some air. I feel hot and I need some water."

"Go sit back in the lobby and rest, I'll get you some water. Your mom should be up in a couple of minutes. Go, sit down."

She gave me a weak smile and took my paw in hers, leading me back to the lobby area where Trip's parents were. I sat in a corner, alone. I didn't want to be around anybody, I just didn't want to talk. Gwen returned shortly with a cup of water. I took it greedily and drank it down in a quick second.

"More?" She asked.

"Please."

She got up and went to get some more water. I glanced over to the hallway and saw mom walking in, her pace was quick. She first went over to Bill and Angela, giving them a hug and wishing them the best. She then made her way to the back where I was sitting. She took a seat next to me, and we sat in silence for a moment.

She broke the silence, "Allan, Bill and Ang told me all they know, which isn't much. There's not much we can do here Al."

I didn't answer at first, but looked up to her and said, "Then we wait. I'm not leaving until I know he's okay."

"Alright, fair enough."

Gwen came back over and handed me the water. I didn't drink much of it, I wasn't in the mood anymore. My eyes felt heavy, sleep was taking a hold of me. I put my head on Gwen's shoulder and shut my eyes to rest. Sleep soon took me and I hoped everything would be back to normal when I woke up.

"Trip!" I yelled out.

There was no light, only darkness and silence. I didn't move a muscle. I waited for a sound, but it didn't come.

"Trip! Anyone?" I yelled again.

Nothing.

Then, a voice filled with hate and disgust boomed out, "Hahahaha! Is the little fox scared? What happened to mister tough guy? Huh!"

I shivered, the voiced was evil. It sounded so familiar, yet I couldn't place my finger on it.

I yelled out, "Who are you? Why can't I see anything?"

The dark voice replied, "Why should you see anything? You don't deserve it! You're a self-centered person! Where were you when I needed you? Where! I know, with some skanky girl!"

"T-t-t-rip?" I stammered.

The voice cackled loudly, a dim red light grew in the distance. It got closer and closer, soon I could make out a face, Trip's. His fur was dark, black as night, but his eyes were of fiery orbs.

"Scared?" He asked.

"Y-yes."

"Well, you should be. I'm going to make your life hell, just like you made mine!"

His hooves rose in the air and came crashing down on me.

"No!" I yelled out loud.

Gwen jumped up from her seat and looked over at me. She look flustered.

"Allan! You scared the shit out of me! What is it?"

"I'm sorry. It was just a bad dream." I replied, wiping my forehead of sweat.

"Oh, okay. Are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes. I'm fine."

I looked around and saw that the lobby was empty of people. I then looked out the window and saw that it was dark out. I must have been out for some time.

"Gwen, how long was I out for?"

"A couple of hours." She replied.

I looked at the clock overhead and the time read 7:12. I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my racing suit and looked over to Gwen again.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"Bill and Angela are with Trip and your mom is at a hotel, just across the street."

"Trip! Is he alright? Is he awake?"

"No, he's still unconscious." Gwen said, her voice trailing off.

My ears sank down and I let out a sigh. When was he going to wake up? I wanted to know!

"Allan, your mom brought over a duffle bag full of extra clothes for you to change in."

Gwen handed me the bag, and I gladly took it. The racing suit was driving me insane, it was itchy and tight. I thanked Gwen and got up, heading off to the nearest bathroom. I took a quick walk down the hallway and saw the men's bathroom on the first right. I went to the first stall and put on some sweats, a loose T-shirt, and some flip-flops. I also saw that there was a blanket. I threw the rest of my racing gear in the duffle bag and took a seat on the toilet. I still felt tired for some reason. Shaking off the sleep, I exited the stall and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were red and my fur a mess, I desperately needed a shower.

I said out loud, "Things couldn't get any worse than they already are."

Bag in hand, I left the bathroom and headed back over to Gwen. I saw that she was reading some magazine. The yellow light on her fur made her look like an angel. Her eyes were full of concern, yet they had a happiness factor to them. I approached her and took a seat, staring.

"Feel better?" She asked.

"Yeah, more comfortable."

"Hm, that's good."

"Yeah."

Gwen put the magazine down and took my right paw in hers and looked into my eyes.

"Allan, you need some sleep. Why don't you head over to the hotel and get some rest. Nothing is going to happen tonight."

"I appreciate how you're looking after me, but I can't leave here until I know that he's going to be fine."

Gwen cocked her to the side, a mysterious look showing on her face.

"I see. Tell me, it sounds like you care for him quite a bit. Is there something more than 'just friends?'"

I stared at her wide-eyed, that was a good question. I cared for Trip, maybe I like him more than just a friend, but I also love Gwen at the same time. I didn't have an answer for her.

"I dunno." I said meekly.

"I think you do Allan. Why don't you just tell me how you really feel?"

"Gwen! As of now, it's not the time. Okay?" I retorted back at her in a pissy tone.

"Okay okay, sorry I asked. Well, I'm tired and frankly I'm not going to stay here all night, so I'm heading over to the hotel. I'd ask you to come with me but I already know your answer."

She got up swiftly and gave me small kiss on the cheek. She then hurried off down the hallway, towards the elevator. I put my head back on the seat abruptly, letting out a breath of relief. Finally, I was alone. I took a look at the clock, 7:50. I grabbed the magazine Gwen was reading and opened it up. The article was about some celebrity's drug addiction.

"Who the fuck reads this shit. Who cares!" I said a loud.

I threw the magazine down and looked for couch I could sleep on instead of a chair. I got up and walked around the lobby. Sure enough, in the opposite corner, there was a small couch. I returned to my seat, grabbing my bag and trudged over to the couch, shutting the small lamp off as I passed by. I took out the blanket and put it over me, I felt so warm and cozy. Soon, I lost the fight against sleep.

"Allan."

I heard a soft voice, somewhere off in the distance.

"Allan. Wake up honey."

I felt someone grab me by the shoulder and shake me gently. I opened my eyes slowly and saw that it was Angela. She had a small smile on her face.

"Huh? Wha time ish it?" I asked, still half asleep.

"A little pass midnight. Allan, Trip is awake!"

My eyes instantly shot open, any trace of sleep in me had disappeared.

"Really? Is he alright?" I asked.

"Yes. He's pretty beat up though, he has some bad bruises."

"Can I see him?" I asked nervously.

"Of course, Bill and I are going to get some coffee. Keep him company if he's still awake. The doctors say that he may drift in and out of sleep for the next twelve hours or so."

I got up from the couch and wrapped the blanket around me. Angela pointed me in the direction of his room and I walked off. As I walked, I became nervous. Would he even want to see me? Would he blame me for what happened? I shook my head and got those thoughts out, I had to be positive.

I reached the door, and as I did, Bill came out.

"Hey Allan. He's half awake, half asleep. I dunno if you'll get much out of him."

"Oh, well should I come back another time?" I asked.

"No, he wants to see you."

A small smile forged on my face, he wanted to see me? I thanked Bill and opened the door slowly. I shut it just as slow and to my left, I saw trip under some covers on a bed. I grabbed my blanket tighter and approached his left. As I got closer, I saw that his eyes were closed, his chest moving up and down at a slow pace. Now by his side, I just stared at his face. He had a right black eye and a brace on his neck, he looked to be in pain. A tear fell from my eye onto his arm, and he opened both of his eyes half way.

His voice was gravely, "Hey, I know that face."

I started to shed more tears and let out a muffled laugh, thank god he was okay.

"Al, I'm the hurt one here. I should be crying, not you."

I wiped the tears away and said, "I'd give you a hug right now but-"

"Get your skinny ass over here!" Trip said, his voice full of joy.

I bent down and gave him a tight hug, his breathing was heavy.

"Okay, Al. It's starting to hurt."

"Oh, I'm sorry." I said as I backed off.

"No, I should be the one who's sorry. I've been selfish." Trip replied.

"Trip, don't say that, it's not true."

He scoffed and said, "Allan, you know it's true. Just because I couldn't have you made me furious. I don't know what came over myself. And for that, I hope you can forgive me so we can be friends."

"You'll always be my friend no matter what happens."

Trip gave me the best smile he could and let out a cough.

"Ah! That fucking hurts!" He said angrily.

"Well, don't cough then."

"Pft, easy for you to say."

I took a seat next to him in the chair. I wrapped myself in the blanket tighter, I felt cold.

"Cold?" Trip asked.

"Yeah, sort of."

"Well, these blankets and stuff have me covered. If anything, I'm a little too hot."

"I'd rather be hot right now!" I replied jokingly.

"Hahaha, okay fox man. Tell me, how was the wreck from your view? All I remember is the front of my car disappearing."

"Well, the 56 hit me and sent me up into you and after that all hell broke loose."

"I'll return the favor next year." Trip said slyly.

"Oh no you're not; you can't crash like that again."

"Concerned for me much Al?"

"Yeah, so, I care."

"On a scale of one to ten, just how much?" He asked.

"Trip, that's not funny!"

"It wasn't meant to be funny, just answer the retarded question."

I looked him in the eye and my heart nearly melted, he was a ten. My ten. I got up from the chair and leaned over him, my snout making contact with his. I gave him the most passionate kiss I could at the moment. I don't think Trip was expecting it because at first, he was motionless. After a couple of seconds, he warmed up. His long equine tongue slipped into my mouth, searching for my tongue. I pulled away slowly, not taking my eyes off of him.

"Does that answer your question?" I said kinkily, our snouts still close to each other.

"Wow, I had no idea that you were that good of a kisser Al. I'm jealous of Gwen."

"Don't be."

I slipped my right paw under the sheets, making contact with his chest. I could feel bandages wrapped around him. I was about to withdraw my paw but Trip stopped me.

"Don't. Your touch is soft and light, it doesn't hurt at all."

I gave him a smile and put my left paw on his snout playfully.

"You're such a tough boy, you know that?" I said quietly.

Trip raised his hand up and took my paw off of his snout, "I know. That's why you like me so much."

My right paw, still on Trip's chest, moved lower and lower until I was rubbing around his waist line.

"Allan, Gwen."

"Trip, she doesn't have to know."

"No, it isn't right. You have to tell her or something."

I kissed him lightly once more and pulled away slowly, "I guess you're right. It's so hard though, why can't I just have the both of you?"

"I wouldn't mind that!" Replied Trip.

"Psh, I know you wouldn't!"

"So, what are you gunna tell Gwen?"

"You know, I don't know. She's sorta mad at me right now I think."

"Why?"

"Cause she wanted me to leave your side and go to a hotel. I just couldn't leave until I knew you were alright."

Trip said, "Hm, I see. Well, maybe she's jealous that you're not giving her attention."

"Probably. Women, I tell ya!"

"I hear you. Well, I'm starting to get tired again, so imma fall asleep unfortunately." Trip said sadly.

"Aw, okay. I'm just glad you're fine and good."

I got up and leaned over him once more. I leaned in closer for a kiss, but I shoved my blanket lightly on his face instead.

"Hey!" Trip stammered.

"Sorry, I just had to."

"I didn't mind it, smells like you." Trip said.

"Trip, I wanna do... well you know."

"I know you do, as do I. We have to wait though, good night buddy."

I gave him one last kiss on the cheek and left the room quietly. Shutting the door behind me, I was greeted by Gwen. She looked furious.

"Hey, Trip is okay, I was just going to he-"

"Allan, shut the fuck up. I saw everything through the damn window. You love him, don't you? I knew it!" Said Gwen, her voice full of anger.

"Gwen, I'm... confused right now..."

"Confused? Then become unconfused. You can't have both of us Allan, only one. I don't want to share you, nor does Trip. So, what's it going to be, me or him? Choose."

"You're being ridiculous right now Gwen!"

"Am I? I have a right to be. Have you and him had something all along during this race weekend? Don't lie to me either."

"Something? There might have been some touching, but that was all. Why are you so upset over this? You weren't like this over at Jake's house and you shared him and Angela, so what is it Gwen?"

She didn't answer right away, only giving me the death glare.

"Fine, I'll answer for you." I said. "I think you're jealous of Trip, as he is of you. You don't like him, am I right?"

She responded, "Y-yes. I'll be at the hotel. Good night."

She began to walk off but stopped and turned around and said, "By the way, your mom said to tell you that we are leaving tomorrow around eleven."

She continued her path towards the elevator, not looking back once.

I stood dead-still, things couldn't have gotten any worse. I shook my head and put my paws in my pockets, my blanket still around me. I took one last look at Trip's room and then slowly walked off to the elevator. As I did, I grabbed my duffle bag, shoving the blanket back inside.

The hospital was quiet, not a sound was heard. It was sort of creepy, but I soon put it behind me and trudged along.

I thought to myself, "Well, I'll fix this shit in he morning. As of now, I'm too tired to care!"

I took the elevator down to the first floor and walked out of the lobby, exiting the hospital. Sure enough, across the street was the hotel. I put my head down and moved along at a snail's pace. A few minutes later, I reached the front of the building. I was about to go in when a thought popped into my mind.

"I don't want to see any of them; I'll just sleep out in the truck."

I turned back around and looked for the parking lot. To my left I saw a bunch of cars parked so I headed off into that direction. My eyes half closed, I looked for the truck. Mom just so happened to park on the very end, what a surprise.

I approached the driver's door and gave the door handle a tug. Locked.

"Damn!" I said aloud.

I looked at the passcode keys on the side and thought for a second what the code was. A few seconds passed, but I remembered it, 5-2-3-6-9.

The door made a 'click' noise and I opened it. I unlocked the rest of the doors and climbed into the back, making sure to lock all of the doors again. I once again got my blanket out and wrapped myself in it.

"J-jeeze, it's cold in here."

I took out my phone and sent mom a text message, saying that I was sleeping in the truck and not to worry about me, I didn't want to be bothered.

Putting the phone away, I laid down on the rear bench seat. As soon as my face hit the leather, my eyes shot open. It was cold as ice, how I hate leather seats! They're either too hot or too cold, useless things!

I rubbed the seat with my paw, warming it up. Satisfied, I laid back down, holding he blanket closer to me. I thought about what happened, how my life was in complete chaos. I thought of Gwen, of Trip. I loved them equally, but I couldn't pick one. What should I do? Choose one, while I lost the other? I would probably be better off if I chose neither of them, but I wanted someone. A tear fell from my eye as I fell asleep, not wanting to wake up.

*Large bump*

I shook my head, what the hell was that? I opened my eyes and saw sunlight; I wondered what time it was? I noticed that I was sitting up, seatbelt on. I looked ahead and saw mom and Gwen in the front.

"What's goin on? Why are we driving?" I asked groggily.

"Oh your awake! About time Allan!" mom said.

"Yeah, but where are we?"

I looked out the window and saw nothing but rolling hills with mountains in the background.

"Honey, you're not going to like this but we're heading back home. Your dad is in front of us. At the next stop I'll let you drive the rest of the way if you want to."

I couldn't believe it, they didn't even wake me up! I didn't get to wish Trip well or even say goodbye! I was livid. I crunched my paws together, my blood boiling over.

As calm as I could, I said, "What. The. Hell! You didn't even wake me up in the morning to say goodbye or anything?!"

"Allan-"

"Mom! Seriously, stop the truck! I want out! I can't take it anymore!"

"Allan! We aren't stopping the damn truck! Calm down! I'm sorry, your father didn't think I should wake you, nor did Gwen. You needed sleep, I'm sorry."

I shot an evil glance over to Gwen, she would go against me. This was payback.

"How long have we been driving?"

"For only about half an hour or so. We are stopping at a gas station ahead."

I didn't say anything more, I was in shock. My own parents went against me. I crossed my arms and held my jaw firmly, I wanted to punch something.

Fifteen minutes passed and I felt the truck slowing down. We made a right hand turn and stopped by a pump. Ahead, I saw dad pulled over to the side waiting for mom to get in.

"Allan, do you-"

"Yeah, I have my card. I'll fill it up, don't worry." I said, interrupting her.

"Okay, are you two going to be fine riding together?" she asked.

"I am, I don't know about her."

I got out of the truck and swiped my card, grabbing the nozzle and inserting it into the truck. Mom got out of the driver's seat and walked over to me.

"I'm sorry, Trip is fine. Angela told me he understood that you couldn't make it."

"Why couldn't you tell me? Is it that hard?"

"I don't know, is everything alright with you and Gwen?" she asked curiously.

"Honestly, no. We'll figure it out on the way back, that is if she still wants to ride with me."

"She is. I hope you work it all out."

She gave me a tight big and walked off to the RV. Once she got in, it pulled away. I topped the rest of the tank off and got into the driver's seat. I started up the engine and put it into drive, heading back towards the highway. At the stop sign, I was tempted to turn around, but I couldn't. I miserably headed home, in defeat.

As I turned in the right direction, Gwen spoke up.

"Looks like you don't care that much." she said in a bitchy voice.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"You know what it means."

"No, no I don't. So why don't you enlighten me!"

Gwen fell silent, I win. I was about to turn up the volume when she freaked put.

"I FUCKING HATE YOU! You're such a tool, a liar! You've always liked him, yet you couldn't tell me! Fuck you!"

She took her seatbelt off and began to hit me. I swerved into the other lane, almost hitting the car next to me. I slammed on the brakes and pulled over. Gwen went forward and hit her head on the dashboard. The look in her eyes was hate, she reached over and tried to hit me again, but I grabbed her paws and pulled her in towards me.

I said in a small voice, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for all of this."

She didn't struggle anymore and started to bawl. She leaned her head into my chest tight, sobbing away. I didn't know what to do, we were obviously done. This lasted for a good five minutes until she gained control of herself.

"Let me go." she demanded.

I did just that, starring at her.

"Gwen, I don-"

"Don't say anything. We are done. I don't like you, I just want to rip your heart out like you did to me."

I wanted to argue with her but decided against it. I once again got the truck back on the road and turned up the radio. I was very uncomfortable, this whole situation sucked. I ruined everything!

An hour of silence passed, my stomach growled for food. Ahead, I saw a gas station. I pulled in and parked up front.

I turned to Gwen and said, "Hungry at all?"

"No."

I shut the truck off and took the keys with me. I grabbed a soda and a sub sandwich. I went back out to the truck and got in. Getting situated, I noticed Gwen had an evil grin on her face.

Setting the food down, I asked, "What did you do?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"Yeah, I would."

"Like I'm going to tell you."

"Fine."

I started the truck up and got back on the main road. I ate half of the sandwich and offered the rest to Gwen, she declined. A few minutes passed by, but Gwen suddenly spoke up.

"You know, you gave me the worst fucking in my life, honestly. The two guys I did before you were better, it's a shame. I guess foxes just suck at sex."

I laughed aloud, replying, "So you were a whore! Damn, hope I didn't catch anything!"

She grew serious and said, "Allan, you know who has pleased me the most? You know him..."

I looked over to her with concern, if she was going to say who I thought, I would explode.

"If you and Trip fucked, I swear to god..."

"Hahaha! I wouldn't let that moron touch me with a ten foot long pole!"

I let out a sigh of relief. She was just messing with me now.

"No no, you were in the same house when it happened... intoxicated... ring a bell?"

"No! You didn't! That's a lie!"

"It's not Al, when you finally passed out, I let Jake fuck me hard and long. I screamed out his name, I screamed until he filled me up, something you couldn't do!"

"Whore." I said half-heartedly, I didn't care anymore, I just didn't.

"Whore? Is that the best you can do you fag?"

"Gwen, why are you acting like this? You're acting like a child. It sounds like we both screwed up, so how about we forget it and go our own ways. Sound good?"

She started to mimic me in an annoying voice, I was beginning to get frustrated.

"Tell me Allan, how do you think everyone will react when I tell them that you have a thing for another male horse? How!"

"Honestly Gwen? I don't care."

I glanced over and saw that Gwen had a sour look on her face. She wanted me to lose it, but I couldn't give in.

"Oh I think you will. People will think less of you, hell I just might fuck that dumb horse to screw you over!"

I laughed yet again, "Gwen, Trip wouldn't have sex with you, trust me on that. You also said you wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole."

"Whatever, I'll still fuck you over somehow.

"Gwen, you're crazy. You know that? It's a shame, it really is. Is this the true you? Is it?"

She scoffed at my remark and said, "Allan, you have no clue. You really don't."

"In that case, I don't want to know. How about some music to shut you up?"

"Go fuck yourself." she said angrily.

"With pleasure."

"I want to-"

"Gwen, shut the fuck up! I don't want to hear it! I get it, you hate me! You made it clear! I screwed up! I'll take all the blame! Just drop it, please."

"No! I'm not dropping it!"

"Then I'll finish it."

"Is that a threat Allan?"

"Buckle up."

"Fuck you."

"Gwen, put your seatbelt on."

"Again, f-u-c-k you."

I had enough. I planted the accelerator to the floor, the truck roared to life. Ahead, there was traffic. The truck quickly reached 90mph, and I didn't plan to stop there.

"Allan, slow down, now!"

"No. Not until you calm down."

"No!"

The truck now reached 100mph and I was approaching a car fast. The car moved over and I moved off the road to avoid the other one. Dirt kicked up everywhere and Gwen began to scream in fear. I wasn't done.

Now at 110mph, the truck was like a rolling tank. I moved into the slow lane and passed a car that was in the left lane. I quickly switched lanes again and weaved in and out of traffic. Cars honked as I drove by recklessly, but I didn't give a care in the world.

"Okay! You win, slow down! Please!"

"Gwen, put your seatbelt on."

"N-"

"Now!"

She quickly did and I pulled off at the next exit, slamming on the brakes hard. All the tires locked up as the truck came to a screeching stop. I looked over to her.

"You have two choices. You can sit there and be quiet or get out and walk. I don't care which one you choose, but make up your mind."

She didn't say a word.

I said, "Good."

I went across the road and up the on-ramp yet again. I felt sad, guilty. I hurt Gwen, yet she apparently cheated on me. So were we even? For the rest of the trip home, we didn't talk. I wanted to be in Trip's arms right now, I missed my big guy.

For the rest of the trip home, Gwen and I didn't talk. The only sound was the music playing on the radio. Once in town, I drove to her house rather quickly, I just wanted this to be over.

It was late afternoon once I arrived in her driveway. I put the truck in park and shut the engine off. The two of us sat in silence for a couple of minutes until I decided to say something.

"So, this is it I guess?" I said half-heartedly.

Gwen looked over me, her face full of disappointment and sorrow.

"Yeah, I guess so. It was good while it lasted." she said.

"Most definitely." I replied.

"Al, honestly, we wouldn't have lasted. I mean, we're so different from each other."

"I thought opposites attracted?" I said, speaking up.

"Me too. In this case, that generalization was wrong."

"Must be, look where we ended up. Gwen, do you really hate me?" I said, turning towards her.

Gwen let out a laugh as if she was about to cry.

"God no Allan. I just... I dunno. We both screwed up, as you said. I think it's best if we go our separate ways though. You've got a special guy waiting for you, don't lose him."

"What about you? Are you going to be okay?" I asked concerned.

"You don't have to worry about this girl, trust me."

Gwen leaned in and gave me one last kiss on the cheek. Pulling away, she grabbed her bag in the backseat and opened the door to get out. Before she could, I said one last thing.

"Gwen, if you ever need anything, just give me a call."

A smile came on her face, she actually looked happy.

"Allan, I don't think I need your help. I'm a crazy bitch, remember?" she said, letting out a laugh.

She shut the door to the truck and walked off to the house. I shook my head at what just happened.

I said to myself, "Didn't see that coming."

Putting the vehicle in drive, I headed home. On the way there, I thought about everything that had happened, both the good and bad. I had a great time, but in the end, things didn't turn out how I had planned them. That's life I suppose. Nothing ever goes according to plan; you've got to make the best of what you have in front of you. In a way, it seemed as if I failed, but I didn't. I still had Trip, and I plan on not losing him as I did Gwen.

About half an hour later, I finally arrived home. Driving up the driveway, a grin came across my face. I really missed this place, so quiet and peaceful.

By the garage I saw the RV, the car trailer still hooked up behind it. I pulled up by the RV and shut the truck off, letting out a sigh of relief. I got out and headed for the house.