Unchartered Waters ✅

Chapter 83: Dealing with Nerves and Worry

Saturday, January 15, 2021 – Tulsa Expo Raceway

Alex makes his way down to the Kyle Larson Racing pit stall, glancing around as he saw what was left of the midget sitting to the side.

He didn't want to see it, he didn't need a reminder of what happened right now. However, he couldn't take his eyes off the fact the cage remained completely in tack except for a single bar being pushed down. It was certainly a testament to the strength of the cars.

Though he didn't want to think about that right now, or anything for that matter. There was a single reason why he was down there, hands still trembling slightly, needing to see one person in particular and only him. He should be here. they brought the car back and they would give the driver a ride back.

"Kyle, where is Chase?" He questions catching his teammate's attention, actually glad in that moment Kyle knew the truth so he understood the desperation that was Alex was feeling – perhaps. He wouldn't think it was strange that he was looking or do anything out of character that would bring more questions.

"You're welcome to go up inside," he answers, pointing up in the trailer. It wasn't like there was anything hidden inside that he did not want his fellow competitor to see. He could also see the shaky hand, slightly caught off-guard at first, though understood in knowing the full truth now from the pair.

Alex didn't hesitate once given permission, immediately making his way up inside and down the hallway, trying to catch any glimpse of the man that he was looking for in that moment.

He then freezes once he comes upon him, their eyes catching each other, as an immediate sigh escapes Alex in seeing the sight before him. He was there, he was in his natural element, he looked as though nothing had happened. He was okay.

"Are you okay?" Alex questions as he faces the man before him, earning a nod in response.

"Are you okay?" Chase asks as he could see the worry Alex was feeling immediately.

"I'm not the one that just flew through the ai-"

"I'm not the one that is standing here a nervous mess." Chase then sits up, lowering his legs off of counter, reaching out to Alex's hand. He slowly grasps it with his, pulling him close to erase the gap that had been there between them in that moment. "I'm okay, Alex. I promise you."

"Fuck you scared me." Alex then wraps both arms around Chase's waist, holding him close as he lays his head on the man's lap before him. "I've never felt that at a race track ever before. I don't want to feel that again. But I was scared, beyond anything. I couldn't stop trembling, fearing the worse."

"I'm okay, Alex." Chase knew the words were simple, however he could tell by the shakiness of the man before him that all he needed right now was to hear those words and feel the comfort between them. "I was actually surprised that it took you this long to come see me. Heck, I've already texted Ryan and my mom assuring both of them they have nothing to worry about."

"I tried to come quicker but CJ stopped me..." Alex's voice trails off as he glances at the man before him, knowing he deserved to know. After all, Chase had told him immediately when Kyle found out. "CJ knows the truth, by the way. There's nothing to worry about in him knowin-"

"It's fine, Alex. I trust him. Were you that worried that he figured it out?" Alex nods his head slowly as Chase tightens the embrace they held together. "I never meant to scare that much..."

"But are you sure you're okay?" Chase looks into the eyes of the man before him, hoping they proved the message that he had already repeated multiple times. "They checked you out, right?"