The Home Race

[FknParker]

March 17, 2023. Austin, Texas.

 

The European Racing Organisation’s 9th season arrives in Texas for the United States Grand Prix, the home race of the only American in the 5th tier, former OCW competitor Elliot “The Prophet” Parker. With fans of the league, hometown hero fans, and followers of his word alike in the stands, he’s hoping to put on a great show for those in attendance. After the Driver’s Parade, he heads to the Red Bull Racing garage, where he finds his engineer, Alex Wells, waiting for him.

 

Alex: Hey, Elliot, you got a minute?

 

Elliot: Sure, what’s up?

 

Alex: So, you got this package waiting for you back in the office. I was told by the person delivering it to have you come back and give it to you personally.

 

Elliot: …And who is this person?

 

Alex: You’ll see.

 

The pair head back to his office in the team trailer, where he is greeted by his wife, Alyssa, and his children, Loretta, E.J., Marguerite, and Marie.

 

Elliot: You guys made it!

 

Elliot begins to give hugs to everyone in the room.

 

Alex: I’ll be back shortly.

 

Loretta: Of course we would, you’re only 5 hours away this time. We had to come and see you win with our own eyes.

 

Elliot: Win is a reach. This is quite the difficult track. As long as I finish the race, I’ll be fine with that.

 

Loretta: Not really the Parker family mindset, don’t you think, dad?

 

Elliot: Calm down now, Etta. I do like winning, yeah, but is it something you can have fun with if winning is the only option? EJ, my boy, how's training going?

 

E.J.: Great! I tried that training regimen you said you got from Miguel, and I gotta say, it works wonders!

 

Elliot: That's great to hear. Next time though, I want you to talk to him one on one. We may not see eye to eye all the time, but he works wonders on that mat. Ally, my baby, I saved the best for last. How are you, my queen?

 

Alyssa: Could be better. I talked to the doctors and…

 

A look of joy from being surrounded by his family quickly turns to a quite stern one as he has an idea of what Alyssa is about to say.

 

Elliot: Wait, should we talk about this in front of…

 

Alyssa: Loretta and EJ are adults, and I've talked to them about it. The twins won't even understand. Now where was I? Oh…

 

Alyssa: The cancer's back, Elliot. This is round 3 for me. I’m not destroying myself with chemo again. So I'm not fighting it this time.

 

Elliot: Is that so…

 

Elliot sits down on the floor of the garage, the gravity of what she’s saying weighing heavily on him. Alyssa walks over to kneel by his side.

 

Alyssa: Don't worry about it. When it's my time, it's my time. As you’d say, They will provide.

 

Elliot: You can’t give up, just yet, Ally. I can’t lose you. I need you.

 

Alyssa: And I’ve lost you before. You’ll survive.

 

After about 5 minutes of silence from the whole family, The Prophet stands up and starts to walk out of the office.

 

Alyssa: Elliot? Where are you going?

 

Elliot: To show you how to not give up.

 

Alyssa: Elliot, I've made my choice. I'm finishing my story before it's too late. You should think about yours.

 

Alex: Parker, you ready?

 

Elliot: As always, Alex.

 

Alex: Now, what was that all about a moment ago?

 

Elliot: It was nothing, Alex. Right now, I just want to focus on racing.

 

Elliot Climbs into his RB18 as his crew stars the engine, and those who are not racing clear the grid.

 

Alex: Remember, it’s your home race. Give them a show.

 

The Angel: She has a point, Elliot. Don't forget why They brang you back.