[B]Title: Without Him
Author:[/B] LadyLP
Rating: PG-13
Discalaimer: Although it would be an honor and bring me intense pleasure, I do not own any of the characters related to F&F.
Summary: The team has to learn to survive and cope without their leader, their rock...... Without Him.


Vixxen encouraged me to post and I sincerely hope that you enjoy,without further adieu.........Without Him.





I don’t exactly know how to tell this story. It’s a crazy ordeal about my life, our lives after the heist. Nothing was right anymore, and we had to grow again with each other, and without our glue, our rock, Dom. So here goes.

Dom had sent Leon and me away. We got back to the house, packed our essentials, and hopped into Leon’s car. I felt like shit, and I know I looked it. Dom held me and kissed me. “I love you Let. I’ll find you. It’ll be a month, two tops. Take care of her Leon.” I kissed and hugged Mia, Leon did the same. We took off down the street, and the only thing I could think about was Jesse. He didn’t come back.

I was hoarse a little, and hurting but we had to get Jesse. I wasn’t worried about Dom, because I knew he would come when he said. “Le, we have to turn back. Jesse is still out there, and he’s alone and afraid. I know it.” Leon and I were the closest to Jesse. He was a like a little brother to me, seeing as I was an only child at the time of my parents death. Leon just came along the same time as Jesse had, and they stuck like glue.

“I know Letty girl, but he’ll be fine. Dom’s gonna get to him don’t worry.” His voice sounded full of faith, but the same confidence didn’t reach his eyes. “Besides I gotta get you to a doctor before we cross the border. I can tell you’re in a lot of pain.” I was but I wasn’t concerned about myself at the moment. Too bad I couldn’t tell him that, I passed out from the pain.

When I woke up I was laying in a hospital bed, in one of those flimsy gowns.
“Leon!” I didn’t have much of a voice at the moment but it worked. He came from behind a curtain, with a girl I was certain I had seen once at the races, except she had on a nurses’ uniform. “Here I am Let. This is Chris. She works here.” I didn’t need to know where he was. The smell alone made my stomach curl. I was in a freakin’ hospital. I looked down and could see my left wrist was in a cast, and my ribs were wrapped up, so sitting up wasn’t a possibility. I just looked at Leon in annoyance and he understood. “Just another ten minutes Let. I got your clothes, and we can ease outta here. Chris got us in real quick and since this is a county hospital they’ll help but they asked a few questions, and I answered them for you. She even got you some pills for the pain.

” With that I almost spewed venom. I sat up with as fast as possible with the wrap and reached for my clothes. He gave them to me. Despite the fact that I hated hospitals since I was 14, they try and dope me up with some freakin’ pills. I gave the girl a once over and it came to me. “Christina. You’re Hector’s baby sister aren’t you?” She nods, but remains quiet. Leon dates her on and off. She’s quiet and very pretty with the right curves and long wavy hair, and light brown eyes. You would never notice her because Hector keeps her on a tight string. But give it to Leon to find her and keep her hidden. It was probably for the best so she won’t be corrupted by all the bullshit our world spews out. “Thank you very much for putting me up Christina, but we gotta go.” Leon looked at me strange and I smirked, I was never polite to strangers whether they helped me or not. And I have never thanked anyone before. Not directly at least. She notices, and looks at me with less apprehension and smiles shooing Leon out so I can change. Then she speaks, “Letty, will you be okay? I mean I know your wrist will be okay, but I don’t want you to damage your ribs. Don’t do anything strenuous, and you can’t drive; one because of your ribs and two because of the medication. It’s a very low dosage, because Leon told me you don’t take medicine. It’ll num the pain, but not make you drowsy.” She said all of that before I could get my t-shirt over my head. She can sure as hell talk. “Okay. I got it all. Now can I go?” She smiled and pulled back my curtain to a weary looking Leon.

“Hey Le. What’s up?” He looked like death warmed over. I looked at my phone and saw that it had been at least three hours since we left and had to get moving. “I keep calling home, and nobody’s answering. It ain’t right.” I swallow hard. They would have forwarded all calls or turned off the phone. But we never not answered. “Maybe they’re already headed out, Le. We are behind. Let’s hit the road.” He nodded and got up. I left him to tell Chris bye, and picked up my medication. We headed out on the highway flying towards Mexico.

We arrived in Mexico about a day and a half later. We still couldn’t reach anybody at the house, and I was tempted to trash the phones and get new ones so we couldn’t be traced. My grandmother was raised in Mexico and there was a small house in Baja that was abandoned but still in her name. It was where we had all decided to meet in case of any emergency. I never thought we would have to use it. As soon as we arrived Leon started cleaning and making it look livable. I walked down the street to get food at a little taco shack, called Pepito’s. When I got back Le was cleaning the kitchen and I damn near fainted.

“Letty!” That’s all I heard before I blacked out. It was daytime then. By the time I woke the sun was setting, and there was a cold cloth on my head. When I sat up Leon was asleep on the floor beside me, and an old lady was rocking in a chair along the window. She looked at me and smiled. “You a re awake hija. Tu amigo has been worried. How are you feeling?” She spoke with a hard Spanish accent, but was a sweet old lady if nothing else.

“Bien. How long have I been out?” She smiled. “ The entire afternoon. I think it is just the effect of the drugs in your system.” Then I threw up. I made it outside first, but as soon as I hit the door, I let it loose. I guess Leon heard my rush and woke up, because he was holding my waist and my hair as I emptied the contents of my already barren stomach. I could have cried.

That’s how it was for the next three days. I threw up everything I ate and was always woozy. The old lady, whose name I never got, was always there when I woke up. One night after I threw up my entire lunch and dinner my cell rang.

“Hello?” I heard breathing in the background, but no answer.

“Hello?”

“Letty?” It was Mia, she was crying and I could tell.

“ Mi? What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Aren’t you supposed to be on the way down here? What happened?” She was scaring me. I sat up, and Leon came into the room.

“ Let. Everything is wrong. Tran shot Jesse. He’s in the hospital in ICU. Dom isn’t here, and I don’t know where. He hasn’t called. Vince lost a lot of blood, but the doctors have him in stable condition. But he’ll be in here a while. I can’t pay the bill alone and manage the store and school. I have to close the garage. Let I don’t know what to do! I’m scared, and I need you. That son – of – a –bitch left, but the cops haven’t come. I’m lost.” I could here her desperation, and I was on the verge of tears, and fighting the urge to vomit.

“Calm down. We’re coming home Mi. Go home and stay there. Don’t move, just stay by the phone. Don’t leave except to go to the hospital. We’ll be there in at least a day.” I hung up and started putting my shoes on. Leon stops me. “ What happened?” I couldn’t lie. He was as tired and broken down as I was.

“Jesse got shot, Dom is gone, and Mia’s all alone.”

Then the tears came. I had only ever broken down in front of Dom or Mia. I never wanted to be seen as weak to anyone. But I’m too tired. He laid me down and started packing our stuff up, and getting dressed. He let me sleep, and got some rest too. That night we left to go back home.

It took us two days to get home, and we didn’t get into any trouble at the border. I didn’t know what but something felt strange. We headed straight for the house and found Mia asleep on the couch next to the phone, with the house looking exactly like it did when we left, but with fast food bags on the floor, and Jesse’s blood smeared on the sidewalk. I vomited as soon as I saw it. Mia held my head over the toilet. We sank down next to the tub and cried together. For all of our pain, suffering, and loneliness that we felt.

After I brushed my teeth we went to the hospital. I had to vomit before we went in. The smell made me nauseous. Mia was concerned. “ What’s wrong Let? We need to get you to a doctor.” I protested. “NO! We need to check on V, and Jesse. They need us, and doctors more than I do. It’ll be okay Mia.”

I had to see Vince first because I couldn’t stomach Jesse just yet. He was awake and yelling at a nurse when I came into his room. “Get the hell away from me lady! If you touch me with that fucking needle you’ll need a doctor!” I smiled because I missed the old Coyote.

“ V. Stop whining, and let her stick you.”

At the sound of my voice he turned and she got him one good one in the thigh. He howled in pain and I heard her whisper something about a mean old dysfunctional punk kid. I don’t know how I could have left all of this. “Letty Girl. Where you been. These damn people been sticking me, and keeping me cooped up in this room. The doc says that as soon as my arm gets stronger I can get out but I have to come for physical therapy everyday.” His arm is wrapped up in bandages, but he moves it a little as he gestures so I guess it wasn’t all that bad. But it still hurt me to think of what we sacrificed for money. If we had just doubled shifts or raised prices we wouldn’t be in this shit. No our leader wanted easy fucking money. Dammit Dom.

I guess Vince read my thoughts cause he grabs my arm and smirks. “ It ain’t that bad Let. The food stinks, but the TV is good company. I’m alright.” I smile again. I’ve been kind of short on words lately. Every time I go to open my mouth I feel like gagging. “ I know you’ll be okay. I’m just worried. You’re strong but Jess. He’s just a kid. Nothing but 19 V. Dammit.” I bow my head, and Vince squeezes my hand. “I’m a go see him. I’ll tell him you said hey. Maybe he’ll open his eyes, huh?” I turn to leave his room before my tears fall, when I hear Vince call my name.

“Let?” He takes a breath. “Dom?” A tear slides down my cheek, and I shake my head, and go see Jesse.

I KNEW I recognized you!!! Oh man.... I just love this story.

i know you too! thanks to nikki's post!

Haha us authors, we sit side by side in a round table and discuss where to post. Luckily I pulled my charm and got this crazy Lady!

:)

Good work chick!

Vxn

Nice.

OMG!!!! i absolutely love this story...i've already the whole thing over at FF.net....and the beggining of the sequel....i already know i will re-read it over here also.......great story!

Love it. Can't wait for more! Glad you posted! :)

Awesome. Love it! :grin:

loved it :D

Chapters 3 and 4.......Thanks guys! ~ LadyLP
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As I neared Jesse’s room I could see Leon talking to him, and holding his hand. He looked battered and broken. I knew he was worn out from all the driving, but I would soon take over. I think the drugs are making me sick. I stopped taking them, so hopefully it’ll pass. Mia is leaning up against the doorframe, and tears were sliding down her face.

“Mi. What happened after we left?” I lean against the other doorframe, and she wipes her eyes.

“That bastard came back to the house, and Dom was set out to look for Jesse. He asked about the two of you, and Dom told him he sent you guys away. As much as I was pissed at Brian, and hate him right now, I told Dom to leave him alone. He told me to get in the house, and they started yelling. Then Jesse pulls up and starts apologizing for running away. Dom just seemed to relax, and then we hear these motorcycles.” Her tears come faster and I hold her hand.

“ Bullets just started flying Let. All over the house, and the street. I duck under the porch, and in an instant its quiet all over again. Dom calls my name, and I tell him I’m all right, but when he yells for Jesse I hear nothing. I look up and Dom is leaned over Jesse’s body next to Brian screaming his name, and I just run. I hold his head and blood is all over the sidewalk. Brian hops in his car and races after the bikes. I’m crying and yelling. Dom gets up, and takes dads old shotgun, and gets into the Charger and speeds off. I called 911 and we end up here. After they admit Jess, and I filled out all his info, I check on Vince. I didn’t know how to tell him. He was already drugged, and I was scared shitless. For the first time I was alone Letty. When I did get around to telling him, he just held me while I cried.” Her tears started again and I sat her down on some of the most uncomfortable chairs in the world, and calmed her down.

Leon came out of Jesse’s room pale. His face was ashen white. I didn’t know how, but I had to keep this family together. Leon took up my place by Mia, and I went to go see my little brother.

Somehow Mia had managed to get Jesse, his own room, or maybe it was because with all the damn tubes and wires coming out of the kid, they couldn’t afford for an electrical short in the room. He had a tube coming out of his mouth, side, and his arm. Mia told me that he was shot three times; a bullet grazed his lung, side, and another was an inch from his heart. A fucking inch! Had Johnny’s aim been a little lower Jesse would’ve been dead before Dom got in his car. I believed in God since I could remember. I just hadn’t had much contact with him since a drunk driver killed my parents when I was 14. But now, I think that inch deserves a prayer. I grab Jesse’s hand when I reach his bed.

“Hey kid. I’m here. I know I left you but I’m here. It’s going to be all right. Mia’s outside wailing her eyes out for you kid. I think the last time she did that was when you collapsed at the diner when we found out you were anemic. We are some problem-oriented people huh? Especially you. ADD, anemia, and now. As soon as you wake up, we are going to have a serious talk about staying out of trouble. Both of us. I ain’t a complete angel. Vince is ready to go already. The ol’ coyote, just doesn’t like sitting in a bed all day watching TV. You’d think he’d be happy, especially since he’s got women doting on him 24/7. Never mind she looks like Tweety’s owner in those cartoons. What was her name? I know you know. You’re always watching it. Is it Granny? Anyway kid. You gotta wake up. I need my little brother. You’re the only one who can make me truly laugh. Hell you’re the only person I think I’m absolutely polite with. You keep me grounded. Whenever you’re around I never blowup. I never yell at Dom or cuss at Vince. You keep me sane. You’re my innocence. Please Jess, wake up.”

I squeezed his hand and kissed his forehead. Then his heart monitor sped up. I smiled. I hoped that was a sign. “Thanks kid.”

When I walked out Leon’s eyes were closed. “Come on guys. We gotta get some rest and get everything back in order.” Leon stands and helps Mia, and then monitors start going off in Jesse’s room, and nurses’ rush in. And the bastards have the audacity to close the door like we didn’t have the courtesy to know what the hell was going on. As I was about open the door, the doctor, I think he said his name was Wilson, came out. “Jesse, seems to want to get out of the hospital soon. The beeping noises were because he was in distress. His body wanted to start breathing on its own again, but the tube was suffocating him. We removed it, but he’s on watch. A nurse will be on call at all times just in case he has a set back. But nevertheless, he seems to be in good condition.”

I know what the doc had just said was good news, but my initial shock hadn’t gone away yet. So when it finally hit me, what did I do, but faint.
When I regained consciousness I heard Leon talking to the doctors on me on a bed. Mia was holding my hand, and I squeezed it as I opened my eyes.

“Well Ms. Rodriguez, I see you are awake. Your friend here tells me that for the past week you have been vomiting and fainting. We took your blood while you were out, and I think you will be happy with the news.” This bastard was smiling at me. What could be good news about me vomiting everything I eat? “ It seems that you are pregnant Ms. Rodriguez.” I think I broke Mia’s hand.

I was in shock. I was on birth control. And besides that, I wasn’t very trusting of Dom the past few weeks so I had been making him use a condom. I know it sounds childish, but after you get cheated on every little thing hurts.

“Doc. You need to explain this to me. I was on birth control. Besides that, right now I am in no kind of way prepared to bring a child into this world.” Mia squeezed my hand reassuringly but I was still unsettled.

“Well Ms. Rodriquez, birth control is only 99.9% effective. You my dear are the calculated .1%. Don’t worry about bringing the baby into your situation right now. By the time you are due, everything will be healed. Your ribs are only bruised and should be better in a couple of weeks. The fracture to your wrist will be healed in another four weeks. Everything will be fine.” He had no freakin’ clue what I was talking about. The trucks, the cops, Vince, Jesse, the garage, money, Dom. The father was AWOL, and we were still in hot water.

“Thanks doc. But I gotta go. I got stuff to do, and things to take care of. So do you think I could get a little assistance?” While he helped me out of the bed, he started another lecture. “Ms. Rodriquez, I warn you do not over exert yourself. Your body needs time to get used to this new life inside of it. You should try to stay off of your feet and not get too stressed out.” If he only knew.

Once we left the hospital, I had Mia drop Leon off at the house so he could rest. Then we headed to the garage, and scope out the damage. Mia had Hector get our stuff from Race Wars and it was in order, and everything in place. But the garage was lifeless. No cars, just tools laid out how we left them. I could smell the oil, and a huge stain on the floor, where Leon sprang a leak before we left. We started jacking trucks because keeping up the cars was a hassle, and Dom wanted easy money. I remember begging him not to do it. I pleaded, and that was a first for me. The last time I begged for anything was the night my parents died. I begged God to bring them back. You know how that went. I guess somehow in the back of my mind I knew something like this would happen. But he swore to me it was quick cash, and nobody would catch on. Well we got the money, so one out of two ain’t bad, huh?

Mia started putting the tools away and I went into the office and sat in Dom’s chair. Tony, Dom’s dad had opened the garage before Dom was born. After he was killed, and Dom got sent up people from both sides of the racing scene helped to keep it open. Dom swore he would pay them back, but they would never accept anything because they said if Mr. T was alive, he would have done the same. By the time Dom was out the garage was paid off with the bank. We just had to pay taxes. The same went with the house. Dom never knew it, but it wasn’t their contributions alone that kept everything afloat. Vince would race almost every night and bring in shit loads of money. He was the main reason why everything was in order. As the neighborhood got bigger, taxes went up on the house. So between both sets of taxes, mortgage on the store and keeping up these hundred thousand dollar cars, we were always in need of money. Then you had the bills. Money from the store paid all the bills on the house, money from the garage paid off the house, and garage. But those damn cars. Our addiction was the cause of our fall. How fucking ironic.

Leon and I agreed to close the garage, because he and I couldn’t do it alone. We would have to wait for Jess, and Vince to get better. But the Diner would remain open. We would have to find legal ways to make cash because racing was too risky for now.

“Hey Let. I’ve finished. Let’s lock up, and I’ll make you and my future niece something to eat. Huh?” Just like Mia to think it’s a girl. I want a boy so I don’t have to play fucking dress up all day.

“Hell no. It’s a boy, and don’t you think you’re going to get my ass going shopping. Jesse is going to take me, and we are hitting up one store. Wal-Mart. Everything a baby could want. You think if I tell Jess he’ll wake up Mi?” She smiled a sad smile and nodded.

“Maybe Let. You never know.”

When we got back to the house Leon was stretched across the couch sleeping like a baby. We covered him up, and started cleaning. I did the den because the smell of cleanser was making me nauseous. Surprisingly the vacuum didn’t wake Leon up. But when Mia started playing Kelly Clarkson, he shot up and started cursing under his breath. We laughed, and he went down into the basement. Just as Mia came out of the kitchen, I flopped down on the couch and was ready for a nap.

“Hungry Let? I could warm up the Lasagna in the fridge. I don’t fell like cooking.” She had her eyes closed. Tomorrow was Monday and she had a class. I wasn’t going to let her miss another one.

“I’ll get it. Go on to bed. It’s getting late, and you gotta class to get to tomorrow. I’ll go to the diner, and Leon said he’d see if Harry would take him on. He hasn’t talked much Mia. I think this is hitting him harder than I thought. He’s just, hell I think everything is just getting to him.” She smiled. “ He’ll work it out Letty. Just let him. You will too. I know you’re hurting inside. But everything will work itself out.” She gave me a squeeze and went to her room. I turned out the den light, and turned on the front porch light. The side walk was clean. When we dropped Leon off he had gone straight to the garage, and got a brush and cleaning solution and got all the blood off. He took out most of his frustrations out on the brush because it was brand new, and I found it in the trash when I was cleaning. I was locking all the doors when the phone rang, and my heart sank. God please let it be Dom.

“Hello?” The voice I heard made me take a seat. It was Brian.
“Hey Letty.” My breath was shaky.
“Hey Brian. I don’t know how it is everything is happening like it is. But I’ll wait for you to explain.”

He sighed heavily and spoke. “First off Letty, I just want to say I’m sorry for everything that happened. I was doing my job and I never meant to hurt anyone. Especially Mia. I wasn’t using her to get close to Dom, I was already in. I truly liked her, but I know that anything based on a lie, can’t be very successful, and she will always stay true to her family.” I smiled because I could tell he was genuine even over the phone.

“ Brian, I know why you did what you were doing and I don’t hold anything against you. I am not mad. You were doing your job. We were wrong, nothing can change that, even if you lied to gain our trust. We lied to ourselves thinking we were invincible, and couldn’t get caught for that we should be ashamed. As for Mia, I don’t know you should talk to her. But what I want to know is, where the hell is Dom?” It took a lot for me not to yell into the phone.

“Letty, I let Dom go. We got Johnny and Lance, and we raced a quarter mile. The Charger flipped and it was totaled, and he dislocated his shoulder. I gave him to keys to the Supra, and he took off. I have no clue where he is. But I can help you one thing. I quit the force, and left. There is no case. They can’t prosecute you or even charge you, at least not for the trucks. The most they can hit you with is street racing. They have nothing. I’m not in California anymore, but I’m traveling all over trying to find someplace. How are Vince and Jesse?”

I was still in shock from what he told me. “You’re on the run Brian? You threw your career away for us. That’s too much!” He laughed. The bastard laughed.

“Let, I grew to love you guys in the time I was there. I consider you my family. I would never turn in someone I love. Now how are Vince and Jesse?”

He’s fucking crazy.

“Vince is healing, and getting really bitchy with the staff. He might get out in another week, but he’s gotta do rehab. Jesse is in a comatose state. But he’s getting better, they took the breathing tube out today because he seemed to want to breath on his own. But he’ll be in there for at least another month.”

“Well then how are you? You w ere pretty banged up when I left.” For some reason I trusted Brian. I mean really trusted him.

“My right arm has a hairline fracture and my ribs are bruised. Then to top it off I’m pregnant.”

“What! That’s great Letty! But you don’t sound too excited what’s wrong?” He has to ask?

“ Brian, do you know what kind of situation we are in? I mean I know we aren’t going to jail or anything, but Jesse, and Vince are in the hospital. Leon and I can’t run the garage by ourselves. Mia has to go to school , and I get stuck at the diner, knowing I am not the most polite person in the world, while we close the garage and Leon finds a legal job. We can’t race right now because I don’t want too much attention. We have to continue paying the house, garage, diner, and bills. How am I going to afford a child? I’m already 4 weeks I think. I kind of zoned out on the doctor. It’s too much Brian. I won’t have an abortion, but I don’t want my child to suffer Brian. I won’t.” I could feel the tears flowing. I truly trusted this man. The man who almost turned my family into to the police. But no matte what I will always help him and thank him, because he didn’t, and he gave Dom those keys. Nothing can make me hate him.

“Letty, calm down. It will be okay, I promise. You have my word. I will send you guy’s money, and don’t even think about protesting, because I will still put it into the mail. I’ll be there when the baby comes. I promise. I’ll call once a week. Hopefully I can apologize to everyone, especially Mia. We may not ever be together, but I want her to know I was sincere.” I was in awe. This man is crazy. By this time my food was on my plate, and I was sitting. “ Letty? You still there?”

“Yeah. Sorry. You are something else you know that. I know this is a lot to ask, but could you see if you could get someone to try and find Dom? For me please?”

He laughed. Again. “Yeah I’ll do it Let. Get some rest and I’ll talk to you later. And expect something Tuesday. I might even mail you a basketball for the future hoop star you’re carrying. And don’t try and send it back, I ain’t putting a return address on it. ” I smiled. Thank God he thought it was a boy. Even if he did, betray us once, he was a good friend.

“Thanks Brian. Keep thinking it’s a boy. Mia swore it was a girl. Lata.”

As I hang up, I feel a little bit better about our situation. But I still need to get a better job than the diner. I don’t deal well with people.

Love the story so far, can wait to see what happen next.

I read this whole story before and even though...........forget it I don't want to ruin it....I think its one of the best Letty stories ever made. I don't care who she gets with in a story. They can all be assholes who don't deserve Letty. Dom doesn't deserve her 90% of the time. I'm just a fan of Letty. the other characters are a part of her team and life, but Letty is the story. Kickass story.

I don't think I've read this one. Maybe I did it not the one when Brian and Letty hook up is it?????

Kia

Chapters 5 and 6.....I hope you enjoy............Thanks!


LadyLP


It’s been a week and Brian’s money came. It arrived to our door Priority Mail, but we were at the hospital. They were discharging Vince and we had everything ready at the house. Leon was helping Vince change into a pair of clothes we bought him. I went to Jesse’s room while we waited, and Mia came with me. He had less wires attached to his body, and the doctor said his vital signs were getting stronger. I knew he would wake up any day. After my long talk with him I only go to say hi, and give him a squeeze. Mia talks to him enough for the both of us. But today I wanted to talk to him, and tell him about Brian. “Mia, can I talk to Jesse alone a minute. Tell Leon that I’ll meet you guys at the car.” She smiled and gave me a squeeze. She had two days off from classes because she finished enough work to not have to come in. The girl was amazing. She should be a doctor instead of a nurse. When I heard the door click, I took a deep breath.

“Hey J. I know I haven’t talked to you in a while and I’m sorry. I guess everything has been on my mind. I asked Mia not to tell you yet because I wanted to. Jesse, you’re going to be a Godfather. Yep. I’m pregnant. Can you see me as a mother? I sure as hell can’t, but we’ll make it work. I’ll be the good cop, Dom will be the bad cop, and you will just teach him how to sneak out, and recalibrate his engine. The doctor says I’m about 4 weeks. You’re going baby shopping with me too. I don’t want Mia to make me truck all over L.A. I’ll be worn out by the time we get to the second floor. Hey Jess, I got something else to tell you. I don’t think you know because everything happened so fast, but here goes. We did that last heist, when you ran. Vince was hurt, and he’s here in the hospital. He’s getting out today, and we’re taking him home, but he has rehab everyday for his arm. It got twisted up in the wire from his gun. Oh and Vince was right. Brian was a cop. He was investigating the heists and everyone thought it was us. He was good though, because I never would have thought. He got Vince untangled off that truck though and got him to a hospital. Now this takes us back to when you got back to the house. After you got shot Dom and Brian chased Tran. They got him Jess. He’s gone. The best part though is Brian let Dom go. He let us go, he didn’t turn us in. I can’t hate him Jess. Even if Mia does, and Vince does, I can’t. I know Leon can’t either, because he let us go. Nobody has ever sacrificed themselves for us except maybe Dom. But the bad thing out of this all, Dom isn’t here Jesse. He didn’t come back. I don’t know what I’m gonna do Jesse. I need you little brother. Brian called last week. We talked and he apologized. He’s running around the country now but he said he’d be here when the baby is born. He also said he hopes you get better. Everyone is rooting for you Jesse. So don’t leave us okay? I’ll try to come up here three times a week. We gotta pay the bill legitimately now. I love you kiddo.” Even with all my hormones, I didn’t cry. I’d been crying myself to sleep for the past week. I was all cried out.

“He let Dom go?” It was Leon. He scared me so bad I was holding my chest and the rail of Jesse’s bed so tight my hands were turning white. I hadn’t heard the door open.

“Yeah. He gave him the keys to the Supra.” Leon was extremely calm. I thought he might yell at me about not telling him, but he didn’t. He just had his hands stuffed in his pockets, and his green eyes were not readable.

“Are you okay? Is he going to call back?” His face was stoic, but I knew he was interested.

“He said he would call once a week and I told him I was pregnant. He promised to send us money, because he knew it was tight.” His eyebrows went up from that one. I didn’t accept gifts from anyone. Even on my birthday, I told them I hadn’t wanted anything, but they got me gifts anyway. Then he blinked and walked closer.

“That’s cool. I don’t have any hard feelings with him. He did his job, and we all had a bad feeling about the heists. But you still haven’t answered my question.” His eyes didn’t waver, and I knew he was serious. Leon was a fun loving person, and a great friend, but
whenever he got serious, so had you.

“I’ll be okay Le. Once everything settles down, and we get back on track. I’ll tell Vince and Mia, about Brian. Vince is excited about the baby, and so is Mia. You will barely talk to anyone, and I can’t do this alone Leon. I can’t!” My eyes must have sprung leaks because I was crying. Again. He pulled me to him, and held me there. When the tears stopped, I pulled away.

“We gotta get Vince home. Thanks Le.” He nodded and looked at Jesse. We left the room, and found Vince and Mia laughing by the car. They were getting closer.
I smiled when I saw them. Just another face for another day.

“Alright amigos. Who’s ready for a home cooked meal?” They all looked at me weird. I don’t cook. It’s not that I can’t I just don’t. I take too much time to prepare everything. “Not me you pendejos! Mama Garcia, Hector’s mom, cooked especially for this occasion. Hector called and he’s bringing the food over to the house.” Leon smiled a bit and jumped in the car. He wanted to see Christina. My guess is they haven’t seen each other since we got back.

During the drive home I was thinking about Jesse waking up, and Dom as a no show, and Brian. I hoped they would all be okay. I really just wanted Dom by my side. Kept me on my toes.
The package had been left sitting on the porch, and Hector had put it on the stairs when he came in. I didn’t see it until everyone was leaving. Christina had stayed of course, and cleaned the kitchen not letting Mia do anything. Mia and Vince were perched on the couch, side by side might I add, watching some scary movie. Leon was coming inside the house from talking to Hector, and we both saw the package at the same time. I picked it up, and took it to me and Dom’s room, and Leon followed me. We sat on the bed, and I saw it was addressed to me. I couldn’t open it, so Leon did. For some reason, I was praying for it to be from Dom, even though I knew it was from Brian. Inside was a letter, and ten thousand dollars. My eyes bulged out of my fuckin’ head. I had seen that much money before, but I wanted to know why he would send that big of a sum to us.
Hey Let,
Told you I would send you some money. Don’t worry about the money. I know it’s a lot but I won it street racing. Yep, I have gotten a whole lot better than the last time you saw me race. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing better. I’m sorry if the money was late, but I wanted to be able to send you some information on Dom as well. I’m sorry, but he’s vanished. I’ve asked all the cops I know who still talk to me. They haven’t been able to find a lead, but I promise I’ll stay on it. I send this priority so it should be Sunday when you get this. I’ll call you tonight. Thanks again for trusting me, and letting me back in Let. You won’t regret it. If you really need me, call me on my cell. The number hasn’t changed.
Brian

Leon had been counting the money while I read, and he was still at it. His hands were shaking. “Leon, what wrong?” He looked ashen. “Letty, we can’t take this. I don’t want Brian to be struggling while he’s running just because he wants to prove something. If we have to we’ll have to dig in the stash. We haven’t touched, it’s better than making Bri, race for us to survive.” I understood how he felt. It was rough for us right now, but not rough enough for this. But I also knew Brian wouldn’t take the money back.

“Le, he won’t take this money back and you know it. Besides, we can’t touch that money. I won’t, not right now. Not while Jess, is struggling, and Vince has to go to rehab. I know it’s selfish, but we could pay the bills, and taxes with this money right now, and use the difference to pay some medical bills. We work double time, and Let Mia finish school. She shouldn’t sacrifice herself for our stupidity. I won’t let her. Let’s just wait until the baby is born and then we can do something with it. Trust me I have an idea, and we’ll make it. I swear.”

He looked me in my eyes, green on brown, and I saw him relax. He trusted me to make this decision. “Thank you. Eight more months til’ the baby is born. I go to the doctor in two weeks, for a check up. It’ll be fine.”

Leon nodded, and kissed me on my forehead. Then he packed the money back in the box, and took it to his room. Mia didn’t like cleaning up down in the basement so I knew she wouldn’t find it. I heard him laugh and knew he was with Christina, they were probably watching the movie with Mia, and Vince. I changed into my pj’s and brushed my teeth. Before I could curl up into a ball, the phone rang. I picked it up, somehow wishing it to be Dom. It wasn’t.

“Hey Let. You feeling better?” I laughed, good ol’ Brian.

“Yep, I’m better. Thank you. You didn’t have to. We know you’re sorry, I’m sorry you have to run. But thank you.”

“It’s cool. Just don’t try and stop me. It’s not all my money, I’m surviving. Don’t worry. So how ya living?”

So he wants to steal my stuff? I laughed, and we talked for hours. That night, I didn’t cry myself to sleep.

It’s been two months. Two fucking months! Dom hasn’t called, written, nothing. Mia prays for him every night. Me, I just cry. Thinking about this child growing in my womb, and Jesse still in a coma keeps me sane. His status hasn’t really changed much. The doctor’s say he has to want to wake up; all we can do is wait.

I talk to Brian every week, and he keeps sending us money, ten thousand a week. We have more than enough to stay afloat. He says he races three times a week, so it’s no biggie. He’s settling down in Miami right now, he’s only been there a week, and says the racing scene is tight. Vince and Mia are closer than ever. He’s gentle with her, and she baby’s him. I think they should hook up already. Watching them sneak each other looks is making me nauseous. Christina and Leon are great. She got Le to go to a race yesterday, and he was excited. With the garage closed and him working for Harry being around everything, it makes him itch to race. But he promised he’d only go, just not race.

We are officially out of hot water. Not literally. I went down to the police station and talked to them, they slapped us with a $1200 fine. I was happy with that, we could have been worse. But I worked us out a deal. I secured us several places around L.A. to race. They are away from high traffic areas, and a little deserted, but just the right shape for a street race, and all its little quirks. All in all it’s about 15 different places, plus a handful of places unofficially. We stay in those locations, and they don’t hunt us down. Most of them weren’t really up for it because of who I am and what we do, but I just got to the chief a little. His not so innocent daughter loves street races, and she’s daddy’s favorite. Who would have known?

As for me, I’m hanging on. Mia helps me measure the baby’s growth every week. I’m showing a little, but everyone knows it already. Mia told Hector one day when we had a barbecue, and soon the whole racing scene knew about it. Mia’s parents’ room is so full of presents it unbelievable! Christina is always here now, and she’s with Mia thinking it’s a girl. They’re both crazy but I love them. Leon watches me close everyday. So does Vince. He goes to therapy everyday, then comes down to the diner with me. We get a rush during lunch and after school. Around 5 o’ clock, I shut it down and we go see Jesse. Mia and Leon go see him at their own times, but Vince say’s that if he has to go to the hospital twice a day, he at least wants company. Why he won’t go visit when he’s already there I don’t know. But I think it’s his way of looking out for me, staying by my side.

When we pulled up into the hospital, Mia and Leon’s cars were already there. That wasn’t normal so I knew right away, something was wrong. V and I raced to the doors and into the elevator. It wasn’t going fast enough for me. When we got to Jesse’s floor I saw Mia crying and Leon was nowhere in sight. Both Vince and I started running for her, before this old finch of a nurse, Linda, stopped us.

“Leticia, you are three months pregnant. You should not be running, slow it down. Vince I just saw you this morning for therapy, and you weren’t this active. Maybe we should have another session.” Vince’s scowl did not make her move out of our way, and neither did mine. Nobody called me Leticia but Dom, and my parents. None of them were here right now. Before I could get into my ‘bad girl’ mood, Mia ran up to us, and shooed Linda away.

“Letty! Vince! I was about to call you guys.” She had tears in her eyes, and her mascara was running. But she didn’t sound sad. “What’s wrong Mia? Is Jess okay?” She started smiling and laughing. She hugs me and laughs again. “He’s awake Let! He’s awake!” I stood in awe, and then I laughed. I cried. Then I hugged Mia back with all I could muster. Linda came over to check on all the commotion and tell us to quiet. Vince grabbed her up with both of his arms and started swinging her around. Just then Leon came out of Jesse’s room and saw us. I let go of Mia, and ran into his hug. “He’s okay Let. But he has to stay in here a little while later.” My laughter died down. Vince and Mia were hugging now oblivious to us. I was confused though. About Jesse I mean. “What do you mean? He’s been in here 3 months. His wounds have healed and he’s awake, what more does he have to do?” He squeezed my hand and led me to Jesse’s door. I looked through the window and saw nurses checking him over.

“Letty, he’s weak. He hasn’t moved in 3 months, and he needs physical therapy. He’s been fed out of a tube and his waste goes through a tube. It may be a couple of more months till he’s fully okay. But the doctors say he can be discharged in a couple of weeks. He’s been asking for you. Apparently when you’re in a coma, it feels like a never-ending dream. He remembers getting shot, and Mia screaming, and then blacking out. But he said he could hear us when we talked to him. It was like he wanted to wake up just couldn’t. Go talk to him Let.” He squeezed my hand and pushed me toward the door. I opened it and Jesse was staring back at me.

“How ya livin’ chica? Miss me much?”