My wish p2
The train yard was buzzing with excitement as racing season began. The kinetic energy was infectious as the junior racers geared up for their big debut. Green arrow was desperately looking for a partner because they waited till the last minute to ask anybody. Orange flash was trying to kill silver bullet for putting super glue in her helmet. Blue lighting was pacing around talking to herself to help get in “the zone”. Turbo smiled at the scene in front of him, feeling sentimental about the memories of his first race as he watched the youngsters prepare. However there was one thing missing from this picture. Diane the bright pink dining car franticly raced up to him, her eyes wide with worry.
”Whoa slow down kid, you’re gonna blow a gasket!” He said kneeling down to catch her, he felt a little worried that his kid wasn’t with her racing partner. “Where’s the fire?”
”Sir I… I don’t know what happened!” Diane started “We were warming up when all the sudden Tank just raced off! I tried to keep up but well… I’m a coach. I don’t know where she went!” Turbo heaved a sign patting the 13 years olds head.
”Don’t worry kiddo, I think I know what’s going on.” He said getting up. “I’ll be back in two whistles of a steam train! Just keep warming up!” He shouted as he left.
Sure enough the black and yellow engine was right where he’d thought she’d be. Hiding out by the junior track. Even long after Tank outgrew it she visited this place often because of all the memories attached to it. It’s where Tank found her wheels and her confidence, where she met Diane.
Currently the kid was sitting on the old swing set, her eyes were downcast and she was hugging herself tightly. “There you are kiddo, what’s the matter?” He said rolling up next to her and taking a seat on the swing next to her, he cringed a little when he heard it creek under his weight. Based on the sound of her voice he could tell she’d been crying.
”Oh uuuhhh nothing dad, just… first race jitters!” She said weakly.
”Hehe been there kiddo, my first race I nearly shat myself.” He jokes, Tank gave a halfhearted laugh in response. “You scared poor Diane half to death, I’ve never seen a coach move that fast.”
”Yeah I don’t know what happened, we were good. Then all the sudden I had this horrible feeling in my gut and a disgusting taste in my mouth.” She squeezed herself harder “It felt like everyone in the yard was watching and judging me, and I just wanted to disappear.”
“Yeah definitely sounds like pre-race jitters.” Turbo said back, “What do you think would help you feel better? Would you like a hug? Or maybe you want me to fuck off for a little bit?” Tank was quite for a second.
”I-I I’d like a hug.” She said quietly, Turbo happily obliged. Giving his girl a gentle squeeze. He felt her little hands wrapping around him and grasping him tightly, she buried her face in his chest.
“Breathe through it kiddo, breathe with me.” He spoke gently. Rubbing small circles on her back. They sat there for a couple minutes until Tank pulled away, her face looking a little more at ease. “What are you feeling Tank?”
“It’s just… everyone expects so much of me.” She said shaking “All I’ve heard all day is people talking about you!” She shouted “About how I have a huge legacy to uphold, how big the shoes I have to fill are! Everyone expects me to be the next you and I don’t know if I can do it! I’m scared of disappointing you!” She started crying. Turbo knelt down to her level, grabbed her face in his hands, and gently lifted her gaze to meet his.
”You’re not the next me, you’re the first you!” He softly whipped a tear from her cheek. “And you could never disappoint me!” Tank took a deep breath, the hint of a smile resting on her lips.
”Are you sure? What if I only make one lap and bite the curb?” She asked, Turbo laughed.
”Kid do you know what everyone’s first impression of me was?” He asked. “I rolled onto the scene of my first race acting like hot shit, bragging about how I was gonna thrash all of em. Then right as the starting bell rang I tripped over my own feet and ate pavement. I actually broke two teeth!” He said with a laugh, “Your mom was my racing partner that day and she nearly died laughing.” Tank fully smiled at that, a small laugh escaping her mouth. “So whatever you do today I doubt it’ll that bad.”
”Yeah… it’s just… what if I’m not ready?” She asked meekly.
”Are you kidding? When we were racing yesterday you beat me three times in a row!” Turbo said.
“Honestly I thought you let me win to boost my confidence or something like that.” Tank responded, Turbo laughed.
”Kiddo you know me, my ego wouldn’t let me. If you beat me you gotta earn it.” He said playfully punching her shoulder. “Hey kid, what am I always telling you?”
“You wouldn’t be making me do it if you didn’t think I could.” Tank said with a huff.
”That’s right! I have full faith in you.” Turbo said “I see you growing stronger every day and I’m just in awe. You amaze me kiddo, and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish.” Then he rested a hand on her shoulder as he stood up.
”And if I fuck up?” Tank asked, looking up at him.
“Then I’ll be there to catch you, always.” He answered, pulling her tightly into his arms. “Now, you’ve got a very anxious Dinning car waiting for you at the race track, are you gonna leave her hanging?” Tank gave a confident smile.
”Hell no!” She said racing off.
The race had gone smoothly for Tank and Diane, they started out a little rough. Getting stuck behind Blue lighting for a stretch, but eventually they pulled ahead. Tank was even able to hit a couple hills and catch some air time. Diane loved it when she did that.
In the final lap of her the race the only guy they had left to pass was Silver bullet. Tank found a perfect opportunity to do that on the last turn. She noticed that while he was great at hugging the inside rail he swung wide on turns. As they neared it Diane leaned out and, Tank slowed down. Diane and Tank started to drift around the turn. When they were about halfway through Tank hit her throttle as hard as she could. Diane nearly brushed against Silver Bullet and his partner as they passed. Diane gave them a cheeky wave as they zoomed away.
Tank and Diane raced across the final stretch, the wind whipping in their faces. Tank didn’t even notice the sounds of the crowd until at last her wheels crossed the finish line. Her heart leaped in her chest as Control announced her and Diane as the winners. Tank felt Diane uncouple from her and she turned around. When she caught sight of the beautiful dining car she grabbed her in her arms and spun her around. Diane shrieked in surprise and smiled wide. Their eyes met and they got lost in each other.
Tank was shaken out of the moment when big, muscular arms scooped both of them up and squeezed them tight. Tank’s dad would always be her biggest fan. Her Mom Dinah’s eyes were filled with pride as she hugged her baby. For that one moment everything was perfect.