24

by Cahaaz

Chapter One

In another place...in another time...

Before Zero there was a first meeting.

The warm summer heat on east central Europe could be felt in the face of the young lady who was guiding her red Mini Cooper, white top and white stripes painted in the hood along the country side heading to the big show that was taking place in the coming hours.

She was twenty two years old, hair that looked like gold, pinkish skin and freckles that gave the idea of one of those Greek statues dedicated to a goddess. She was submerged in her thoughts while the kilometers were passing by.

In the passenger’s seat, a pile of notebooks, medicine books were her companions. The back seat was a little doctor’s office. Stethoscope, briefcase, medical instruments placed in their cases, more files, books and notepads, all part of her studies in Chicago and London.

The black briefcase showed a shield with a large “A” in the middle of an eagle silhouette which showed its extended wings. The shield was carved in leather. In the other side her name written in italics: Candice W. Aldrey.

A small photo album and a black agenda were near the shift gear stick of the car. The photo album was open. A picture of a young man, wearing his best smile and holding a trophy naming him the best amateur driver of the year, was in such position that it looked like he was trying to catch her eyes.

Her face denoted nervousness but at the same time doubt. Her head was nodding, like she was answering the question of an invisible person. This nervousness was creating involuntary movements at the time of twisting the steering wheel before taking a curve or passing a vehicle that most likely was in the same direction to her final destination

The timid sunflowers were blushing when the young lady passed them by.

_______________________________________________

Walking slowly but with a firm step, alone, studying every single meter of the road, every curve, guard rails, every tree that was standing over a green fresh grass carpet, sunflowers, begging the sun light no to go away, all the cautions signs and lights, all of them observed like a falcon’s eye by the young driver.

A road Marshall , quietly walk toward the youngster so he will not cause him to lose concentration. The sneak of the judge’s shoes made the driver turn his head into his direction.

-Speed Racer? Asked the judge who was in his mid-fifties.

- Yes, sir! Can I help you?

- I was willing to meet the best racing driver of sports cars in the world! –said the Marshall.

- The pleasure is mine, sir! -answered Speed with a friendly gesture. All this is a result from all the help and wisdom of my father and support of my family –and from a special person I cannot tell him,- said Speed inside his head.

- You will go very far and you might reach and break all records in car racing! I am sure of that! The Marshall said almost shouting! You just need to win our race! You would have at least a win in every single sports car category. Our diamond of the crown! The 24!

- Reporters are not tired to write about that! Answered Speed.

- Are you nervous? -the Marshall asked him.

- It is not the race that worry me the most, –Speed answer slowly and closing his eyes.

- Is it because the car you will drive this time, I think?- Asked the Marshall with a soft voice. -I know you won’t drive your famous car, the Mach. It is going to be a private racing car from the well known Northern Sea-Porsche team.

- That is correct, sir!- Speed answered softly. -They are giving me the opportunity to race the prototype 917. The owner expect to win the title with this car.

- And how do you know Mr. Aldrey? I have worked for the Aldrey Group for many years in their France branch and I had not got the chance to meet him in person! –the Marshall said in a lowered voice.

- You are talking of Mr. Albert Aldrey, right?

- Yes! Yes, that’s his name. William Albert Aldrey is his full name. A curious man, he is!. He always help noble causes but I don’t know why his interest in car racing.

- I don’t know either. I know that he created the team because of his nephew who is crazy for car racing! His nephew is an engineer who's specialized in car engines. He was an ex-alumni of my father. He is a good person. Alistear Cromwell.

- But how you were able to meet this family? They are very important in the business circles. They saw something special on you!-The Marshall said with an exclamation. -Many car racing drivers will give their right hand to have his sponsorship!. We know you are an exceptional racer! But with only your family help? That unusual this days! Mr. Aldrey saw something in you, I insist!!

- I don’t know, sir. I don’t know...-Speed lowered his voice and closed his eyes.

In Speed’s mind, the images of a reunion with friends, while at high school, five years before came crystal clear. It was before the start of the Rally season in South America .

- Come on, Speed! Don’t be boring! Change that long face and let’s have some fun! -His best friend Sparky, a student of mechanics, said while pushing him out from the car.

- You know, Sparky…. –Speed said.-...I don’t like the ideas to go party or to reunions. I rather stay home, study or check the films for the next races…

- But... Speed! you need to relax and distract yourself a little bit! There are some friends I want you to meet! –Sparky said in a cheerful mood.

- That’s fine! I only hope they are not a group of guys that only talk about their new “love” conquests, luxury cars, places they will go on vacation or what their famous parents do!- Speed said with a serious and firm voice while they were reaching a group of boys and girls in the front door of big house in the outskirts of the city.

- Forget about it! -Sparky replied –Here comes one of my class mates. His name is Alistear Cromwell. They are members of the Aldrey family! The Scottish Oilers!!

-Stear,– Sparky introduced with a merry voice. – This is my best friend, Speed Racer.

- Nice to meet you Speed! I am a fan of yours! I follow everything related to car racing and you are the best GT driver! I dream in building a car like yours!

- Thank you Stear, Nice to meet you too. Your words flattering me!

- My brother Archie is also a big fan of yours. –Repliedd Stear with emotion. -He is not very interested in mechanics as I am. Here he comes with his fiancée, Annie Brighton and my cousin.

- Your cousin? –Said Speed looking at the most beautiful young lady he has ever met.

This girl was just seventeen years old, blond hair like gold, big green eyes that resembled two shiny emeralds, pearly white teeth, freckles over her nose and a cute smile that left Speed with his mouth wide open. She was walking softly. like a pixie walking over water.

The group of youngster approached Spark, Stear and Speed.

- Hello, champ! –Exclaimed Archie. –And she is my fiancée, Annie Brighton.

- Nice to meeting you, Speed,- said Annie with a timid voice.

- And you are…. –Speed with incredible nervousness like he has never felt before asked the girl with the lovely smile.

- I am Candice. My friends call me Candy. Candy White Aldrey, –she replied.

- Are you the daughter of Mr. W.A. Aldrey, the multi millionaire?

- That is right. I am her adopted daughter actually. He has made me part of the family. And I don’t pay attention to the disdain from other members of the Aldrey family.

- And look, we have some family cases, –Archie regretted, while combing his dark blond hair leaving a long lock resting in the right side of his face.

- I am Speed...

- Racer!!!! Yeah! The famous teenage car racer, –replied Candy. –My cousin Stear talks only about the races you win.

- Candy!!!!!- Yelled Stear to Candy.

- But it’s a true story, brother. You don’t have other topic of conversation. It’s only about racing cars.

-Don’t pay attention to them, Speed. I admire you so much but they are exaggerating,- replied Stear with a grin.

-And tell me Speed. Are you going to stay at the reunion? –Asked Candy with a soft tone and looking him with those beautiful eyes.

- Well…I was not so sure few minutes ago. But now….

- Speed will stay, Candy, –continued Sparky. –I will make sure he will stay all night long! –slapping Speed’s back.

- If that is the case, –Candy said with a sigh. –I would love to listen from a car racer his experiences behind the wheel. I have never had the chance to talk to a car driving racer before!- Candy said with emotion.

-Alright -exclaimed Speed,- and what about you, Candy? What are you planning on studying?

- I am studying to be a nurse. I am interested to aid people. Specially children. I grew up in an orphanage until I was twelve.

- Oh!! I had no idea,- exclaimed Speed with a little surprise.

-If I become a good nurse, then I would love to study medicine. Pediatrics, for obvious reasons.

- I understand…

Speed could not stop looking at the svelte and beautiful formed figure of this young lady. Her enchantment had him astonished.

- What Stear has been telling us is that it is your family who sponsors your team, is that right? –Asked Candy.

- Yes, that is correct. My father works hard for a company dedicated to build prototype cars and he is not willing to involve his job and the team. He is not interested in sponsorship from them.

-Maybe I can ask “dad” for his help. Probably one of the family’s business could be the sponsorship of your team! –exclaimed Candy with a giggle and trying to catch Speed’s deep blue eyes.

-Thank you very much,- said Speed with a low voice. –But I think it is not correct. My father is a good man, but prefers to do things on his own. He had had several setbacks with different corporations interested to exchange sponsorship for our cars technology. He had turned all of them down.

- That’s all right Speedy!- Candy said to Speed with a melodic voice. -Can I call you like that?

-Yes, it is fine with me! That doesn’t bother me at all!

-Then, let’s go, Speedy, all the others are already having fun! –Candy took Speed by his right arm and started guiding him to the ballroom of the Aldrey’s mansion.

-I am with you, yeah!- Said Speed thinking at the same time how it was possible to meet such a beautiful girl that could electrify his whole body. That could be a new meaning to the work “love at first sight” he thought for a second. Could it be.

Both youngsters chatted all night long, laughing and having the best time of their short lives.

Speed couldn’t take his eyes off of Candy.

"I saw her standing there"
Lennon/McCartney

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 !

Well, she was just 17,
You know what I mean,
And the way she looked was way beyond compare.
So how could I dance with another (ooh)
And I saw her standin' there.

Well she looked at me, and I, I could see
That before too long I'd fall in love with her.
She wouldn't dance with another (whooh)
And I saw her standin' there.

Well, my heart went "boom,"
When I crossed that room,
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoah, we danced through the night,
And we held each other tight,
And before too long I fell in love with her.
Now I'll never dance with another (whooh)
Since I saw her standing there

Well, my heart went "boom,"
When I crossed that room,
And I held her hand in mine...

Whoah, we danced through the night,
And we held each other tight,
And before too long I fell in love with her.
Now I'll never dance with another (whooh)
Since I saw her standing there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbeb4-7H830

Chapter 2