August 25, 2001 – Sharpie 500, Bristol Motor Speedway

Days had turned into weeks and weeks into months. Junior and Noelle still weren’t talking. The last time he had seen her was at work and she turned and walked the other direction. He was hurt. She was hurt. But they were both too damn stubborn to do anything more. The whole incident with Kevin wasn’t even an issue anymore. Now it boiled down to who was going to break first. Tony kept Junior up to date on what was going on with Noelle. Hollie did the same for Noelle. Except Hollie would lash out at Junior if she was with him longer than five minutes.

Junior had gone as far as to file for divorce and that’s where it currently sat. Noelle had been served her papers and Junior was waiting to find out if they were actually going to go to court. He had instructed his lawyer to make sure nothing was to go forward unless Noelle contacted an attorney and filed against him. Hollie had really let him have it after Tony told her what Junior had done. She had showed up on his door step with a baseball bat. He of course didn’t let her in and called Tony to come pick up his psycho wife. But from the time that Junior called until the actual time that Tony got there to retrieve Hollie, they yelled at each other through the closed door.

“Junior.” Tony Sr.’s voice came through the headset. “You need to pit.”

“We just did.” Junior argued back. “I’m racin’ here, can’t you see that or are your eyes getting too old?”

“No, we need to swap drivers.” Tony Sr. said more urgently.

“Now why the fuck would I do that?”

“Noelle just went into labor.” Was the response. Junior grew quiet. “You need to get back home. Your sister is taking her to the hospital.”

“She’ll be there when I’m done.” Junior said and turned off the radio.

“Damn it!” Tony Sr. yelled and kicked the chair next to him on the spotter’s stand.

“What’s wrong?” Zippy, Tony’s crew chief asked. 

“Junior’s wife just went into labor and he won’t swap drivers.” Tony Sr. muttered. “He’s fucking stubborn like his father!”

When Junior pitted, Tony Sr. went down to the car.

“Get the fuck out of the car.” He yelled at Junior as the tires were getting changed. “Now!”

“No.” Junior said as he took off.

“I’m going to kill him.” Tony Sr. yelled as he headed back up to the spotters stand.

Junior came in 14^th and casually made his way back to the garage. He climbed out of the car and set his helmet down on the hood.

“I can’t believe you.” Hollie walked up to him from where she had been standing off to the side, waiting for him. “Your child was born over an hour ago and you wouldn’t leave the race?” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “Just so you know, baby and mommy are fine. Not that you fucking care. That’s pretty obvious.” She turned and walked away, leaving Junior alone in the garage. 

Junior leaned against his car and put his head in his hands. He was a father. Noelle had given birth to his daughter and he missed it. His own stubbornness had forced him to stay in the car and race to the end.

“Your father would be so ashamed of you.” This time it was Teresa who walked up to him, a look of pure anger on her face. “You have become a selfish son of a bitch.” Junior looked away from her. “My God, if he could see you now.” She shook her head. “He’d of kicked your ass for the shit you’re doing.”

“Stay out of it Teresa.” Junior said, still not looking at her. He was too ashamed to face his step-mother. “You don’t know what’s going on.”

“Yes I do. I heard about the whole thing. I’ve been talking with Noelle for the past four months, Junior.” Teresa’s voice raised a little. “I’ve had my say with her over and over again. She knows she’s wrong. But she also knows that you’re being a jerk about the whole thing. And I have to agree with her.”

“That’s mighty nice of you to say.”

“Grow up, Dale.” Teresa yelled. “You’re a father now. You have a hell of a lot more responsibility than just driving that car. It may put the bread on the table, but that’s not all there is to life.”

“Daddy thought so.” Junior yelled back. “He was gone all the time!”

“Don’t bring your father into this. This isn’t about him. If it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t have met Noelle!”

“I thought you were going to say if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am now.” Junior looked at the ground.

“I would never say that.” Teresa shook her head. “Balls in your court now.” Teresa left the garage and Junior put his head in his hands once again.

****

The hospital was quiet as Junior made his way to the maternity floor. It was almost one in the morning when he got the courage to finally go up there.

“Excuse me.” A nurse said as he passed the nurse’s station on the way to Noelle’s room. “Visiting hours are over.”

“My wife had a baby today.” Junior said. The nurse looked blankly at him. “Noelle Earnhardt.”

“Then go ahead. She’s probably sleeping.” The nurse looked at Junior with distaste. “I see that you chose to stay at the race and miss your child’s birth.”

“Bad judgment call.” Junior said as he walked past.

He quietly went into Noelle’s room and saw that she was sleeping. He sat down in the chair next to her bed and watched her sleep. Even with her hair a mess and in a hospital gown, she was still as beautiful as the first day he met her. He wanted to reach out and brush the stray piece of hair from her face, but he didn’t want to wake her. She needed her sleep and he was pretty sure that if he woke her, they’d start fighting. Especially since they hadn’t seen each other in almost two months other than the quick glances at work.

“Good morning.” A cheery voice woke both Noelle and Junior up the next morning. Noelle opened her eyes and looked around, a frown formed on her face when she saw Junior. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

“Thank you.” Noelle said sitting up in bed. She ignored Junior who was looking at her, but not saying a word. “What time is it?”

“Six thirty.” Dr. Shaw smiled at her. “I just need you to lay on your back so I can check to make sure you’re doing ok.” Noelle layed back and grimaced when he started pushing in on her stomach. “Everything seems to be ok. I’ll check back with you this afternoon.” He smiled again and then left the room. Noelle turned on her side, her back to Junior.

“Hi.” Junior said quietly.

“Hello.” Noelle said realizing she wasn’t comfortable on her side. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

“Should you be doing that?” Junior jumped up to help her.

“I had a baby, Junior. I’m not crippled.” She walked slowly to the bathroom and came out a few minutes later. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you and the baby.” Junior watched as she put on robe that was lying on the foot of the bed. “You look good.” Noelle ignored him. “Can we go see her?” Noelle shrugged and led him out of the room. They walked down to the nursery and Noelle stopped in front of the window and looked in.

Junior scanned two rows of little babies lined up in their bassinets until he found Earnhardt. His eyes widened when he saw the name.

“Noelle.”

“What?” She asked looking at him.

“It’s a boy.”

“I’m aware of that.” Noelle said crossing her arms over her chest. “I had him, remember?”

“They said it was a girl. The amnio.” Junior was confused. “I thought those were really positive.” Noelle shrugged.

“The doctor read it wrong.” Noelle walked away from the window and headed back to her room. Junior stayed at the window, staring at his son.

Junior couldn’t get over looking at his son sleeping. He wanted to hold him. Junior walked back to Noelle’s room where she was eating breakfast. He sat back down and looked at her.

“How long did you know you were having a boy?” he asked.

“I didn’t. Found out yesterday when I had him and the doctor said, ‘Congratulations, It’s a boy.’  I think we were both a little shocked.” Noelle took a bite of her toast and looked at him. “Thanks for being here when I had him. It meant a lot.”

“I’m sorry, Noelle.” Junior let his head hang. “I should have been here. I was being stubborn.”

“You were being an asshole.” Noelle took another bite of the toast and looked away from him.

“What are we naming him?” Junior looked at her. “Or did you do it already?”

“I figured we’d talk about it. That is if you’re willing to talk.”

“I’m here aren’t I?”

“That’s not saying much.” Noelle pushed the tray away and leaned back with her arms crossed over her chest. “I have to fill out the birth certificate form. So start talking.”

“It’s your decision too.” Junior leaned forward and put his hand on her leg. She quickly moved her leg and he pulled his hand back. “Noelle.”

“We can name him Ralph Dale Earnhardt III, if you want.” Noelle said. “It’s up to you. You’re the one who can decide, Junior.” Junior tried to take her hand, but she moved her arm away too. He sat back in the chair, looking dejected.

“Ralph Lee Earnhardt.” He said. Noelle nodded. “Is that ok? We can call him Lee for short.”

“That’s fine, Junior.” Noelle said, still not looking at him. She was afraid if she did, she’d start crying.

They sat in silence until the nurse brought the baby in. Junior watched as Noelle fed him. He wanted to move next to her and put his arm around her as she fed their baby. But he sat and watched. When she was done and had burped the baby, she looked at Junior.

“Wanna hold your son?” She asked. He nodded and stood up. He took the baby from Noelle and then sat back down and stared down at the little face. Noelle watched the two of them and held back tears. She could tell that Junior was doing the same thing.

Junior counted the baby’s fingers and smiled when Lee gripped one of his fingers and didn’t let go. Junior looked up at Noelle and smiled. When he did, Noelle looked away. He knew he hurt her and hoped that they could fix everything.

‘He looks like you.” Junior said after a while.

“A little early to tell, don’t you think?” she asked. “He’s only a day old.” Junior shook his head. “He’s got your blue eyes though.”

“Karsyn did too, but they changed to brown.” Junior said of his niece. “Kelley said all baby are born with blue eyes.”

“Heeeelllloooo!” Hollie’s voice called into the room. She walked in with flowers and balloons followed by Tony who had a few presents. When Hollie saw Junior holding the baby, she stopped suddenly, causing Tony to run into her. “Are we interrupting something?”

“No, come in.” Noelle sat up in the bed so that Hollie could sit down. Hollie leaned over Noelle and kissed her cheek. Tony did the same and handed Noelle the presents while Hollie put the flowers and balloons down. Noelle opened the gifts and laughed when she held up a pink baby dress. “Uhh…Hollie.”

“It’ll fit her, won’t it?” Hollie asked looking at the baby. “The size looks about right.”

“Size is right, but wrong sex.” Junior laughed. Hollie and Tony looked confused. “Aunt Hollie and Uncle Tony, meet Ralph Lee Earnhardt.” Hollie’s mouth dropped open.

“A boy?” Tony asked looking at Noelle. “Hollie said you had a girl!”

“Hollie didn’t listen to me yesterday when I was telling her everything. She hung up too quickly.” Noelle laughed. “Surprise…it’s a boy!”

“Holy shit.” Hollie leaned over Junior and looked at her nephew. “Damn, who’d of thought you two would have such a cute baby.” Junior looked up at her and Hollie patted him on the shoulder. “I’m kidding. Congrats, daddy.”

“Thank you.” Junior smiled and then looked at his son again. He couldn’t get over the fact that he was a father and he was holding his son. How could he have ever doubted Noelle? He looked at Noelle who was talking to Hollie and Tony. He took her all in. Her eyes, her smile, her laugh. The way she played with her hair when she talked. He smiled when he saw that she still had on her wedding ring. He had been pretty positive that she would have taken it off after she left. “I love you, Noelle.”

Noelle looked at him and then went back to talking to Hollie and Tony. Junior knew that she had heard him. At least she knew that his feelings hadn’t changed.

“Morning everyone.” Teresa said walking into the room with flowers and balloons. She hugged Noelle after putting the things down on the table. “You look fabulous for just having a baby!” Noelle laughed. “Where’s my granddaughter?”

“Teresa, we have something to tell you.” Junior laughed as he stood up so she could sit down. He handed the baby off to her.

“What’s that?” Teresa looked down at the baby and smiled. “She’s beautiful!”

“She’s a he.” Noelle said as Teresa’s eyes grew big. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told Hollie and Tony. Surprise it’s a boy!”

“Oh my word.” Teresa smiled. “He’s beautiful!” She looked at Junior who had sat down at the foot of the bed, away from Noelle. “Dale would be so excited! What did you name him?”

“Ralph Lee Earnhardt.” Junior said with a smile. “Lee for short.”

“What is it with all you people North Carolina people going by your middle names?” Tony asked. “Ralph Dale Earnhardt, Jr.  and you go by Junior or Dale Jr. Then you name your son Ralph Lee Earnhardt and you’re going to call him Lee.”

“Tradition.” Junior said with a shrug. “I don’t know what else to tell you. My daddy would have had a better answer, I’m sure.” He looked down at his hands. “Makes me wish he was here to see this.”

Noelle surprised him by leaning forward and laying a hand over his. He looked at her and she smiled. “He’s watching.” Junior nodded and entwined his fingers with hers. Teresa watched the too of them look at each other and then looked down at the baby.

“Well he’s gorgeous.” Teresa said as she bent down and kissed his head. “We finally have a grandson.” Junior smiled and looked at Noelle who smiled back at him. “So, I’m going to be the nosey one. What’s going on with the two of you?”

“Nothing.” Noelle pulled her hand away from Junior and sat back against the pillows. Teresa sighed.

The day was filled with visitors. Noelle tried to rest, but people kept flooding the room, bringing flowers and gifts and wanting to see the baby. Every one of them was surprised that the baby was a boy and not a girl.

*****

“Smile for the camera!” Junior’s brother Kerry said as Junior held Lee in his arms. Everyone had to practically pry the baby away from Junior the entire day. Noelle had to finally put her foot down and tell him to share. Junior looked hurt and actually went and stood in the corner away from everyone and just watched the people milling around the room. “Junior, sit with Noelle and the baby so I can take a family picture.”

Noelle and Junior looked at each other, but didn’t say a word. Junior moved to the bed and Noelle moved over so that he could sit next to her. Junior put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. Noelle eased up a little and put her head against his and sighed as Kerry took the picture.

“You two will have to have a family picture done now that you’ve had a baby. Teresa will want to hang it on the wall with everyone else’s.” Kelley laughed as she scooped up her nephew from Noelle. Junior didn’t move his arm and Noelle didn’t move either. They sat together taking everything in.

“Congratulations you two.” Tony Sr. said coming into the room. He kissed Noelle and shook hands with Junior. “You’re making me feel like an old man. I’m a great uncle now!”

“You are old, pops.” Junior laughed. Noelle laughed and moved away from Junior. “Where you going?”

“I have to get up and walk.” Noelle said getting up from the bed. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Noelle left the room, leaving Junior with his family. Her mom and dad had came and left, promising to come by her house when she got home from the hospital. Hollie and Tony had also gone home.

Noelle wandered through the floor, circling the nurse’s station twice before sitting in the waiting room. She sank down in a chair and pulled her knees up to her chest and cried. The last two days had been extremely emotional and it was finally coming out.

Junior being at the hospital didn’t make it any easier. She had never stopped loving him and the entire time that they had been apart, she wanted nothing more than to go back to him with her tail between her legs and her head hung. She had done the one thing that she had promised she’d never do to him. And that was leave.

She knew that she wasn’t entirely to blame. Junior was at fault just as much as she was. But he had taken it a step too far when he had filed for divorce. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to forgive him for that.

“I thought I’d find you in here.” Noelle looked up to see Junior standing in the doorway. “You ok?”

“I’m fine.” She brushed the tears from her eyes and looked away from him. “I’ll be back in soon.”

“Noelle, we need to talk.” He pulled a chair in front of her and sat down. “Just hear me out, ok?” Noelle said nothing and kept her gaze on the TV behind Junior. “I still love you. I never stopped. I was an asshole for accusing you of doing anything with Harvick and I was an asshole for never calling you and an even bigger one for filing for divorce.” Noelle felt her lip tremble and Junior reached out and touched her hand. “We have a lot to think about now that the baby is here.”

“And do you think I’m just going to smile and come home?” Noelle’s gaze shifted on him. “Because you apologized that everything is ok? You filed for divorce, Junior.”

“I did out of anger. David told me that you were out having dinner with Harvick. I didn’t think before I acted.”

“Shit…you did that a fucking week after we split? I guess you didn’t hear that I nailed him in the nose either, did you?” Noelle shook her head. “I don’t know if I can go back. It’s been how many months?”

“Four, but who’s counting?” Junior tried to make her laugh, but all she did was start crying. “I don’t know what else you want me to do. I apologized. I’m admitting I’m wrong. I want my wife back and I want my family.”

“Then you’re going to have to prove it to me. I’m not coming back. Not yet.”

“What about Lee?” Junior asked. “When do I get to see him?” Noelle shrugged as she stood up. “That’s not fair, Noelle. He’s my son.”

“I’m not keeping him from you, Junior. I’m just telling you that I’m not coming back yet. You can come see him at my house or I can bring him to you. Whatever works. But until you can prove to me that you really want this and we’re both going to work on it and fix what’s been broken…things are staying as is.”

Junior watched Noelle walk toward the door. “I love you.” Noelle stopped and turned around. “Does that help any?”

“I love you too, Junior. But as much as it kills me to say it…it doesn’t help much.” She turned back around and headed back to the room.

Chapters: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30