Long day

Looking down into Cassy's eyes, Leo studies them, becoming enveloped in the light and life reflected through her gaze. His own eyes held so many things that were not being said... so many things on his heart that were not uttered on his lips. Though his mouth is poised to speak, his voice does not bring to the surface that which he longed to say.

He doesn't know how long he just stands there not saying anything. The music had stopped for him, long before this. But did it have to be that way? Even Cassy, with her world torn apart, could still hear it and let herself be lifted up by the melody. Why had his world become silent... still... lacking of life?

Without thinking, Leo's hand slips from around her to rise to her cheek. His fingers brush over her skin lightly before tucking a wispy lock of hair behind her ear. "To hear the music is a gift," he whispers, "and a telltale sign of an inner beauty."

Swallowing hard again, he slowly backs up a step, his hands falling back to his sides, though his eyes remain on Cassy. "I should get you back," he reasons, clearing his throat. "It's been a long day."


"Okay... right... right." Sketch nods while the wheels in his mind turn. "Let's get this thing loaded and get out of here before anyone else sees."

It doesn't take long and soon Sketch is steering the pickup down the road, pulling the trailer with Roth's car. Silence had ruled since leaving the shop, neither man wanting to admit how nervous they were. But as they get nearer and nearer to the race, the tension only rises.

"Someone else already had the car ready," Sketch reasons as he comes up with a lie to save their hides. "It was already on and the tarp over it so we didn't see a thing... we just pulled out." He gives Crash a sidelong glance. "Right?"