CRAP. I DIDN'T MEAN TO ABANDON THIS STORY FOR SO LONG. YIKES. BUT I WILL FINISH IT, I PROMISE.
...
Was it actually possible for a car to glow? It would seem so. Sally looked like the Ghostlight Mater had warned Holley about - blue and glowing. But Holley didn't think the Ghostlight ever wore an expression of pure delight with a flicker of terror.
It was, finally, the day of Sally and Lightning's wedding. Holley was glad for her friend. She had never seen Sally so happy and excited. The bride was also a bit nervous.
Holley grinned at Sally as they waited for the wedding to begin. The Porsche's blue paint was decorated with white floral patterns trailing down her side. Her hubcaps were white as well. Sally had opted not to wear a veil, unlike most women. The wedding was small, with the families of the bride and groom and the residents of Radiator Spring attending, plus a few additional guests such as Spray and Finn, who had arrived that morning. Holley was pleased to see the spy once more, but to her concern, he looked worn out. When she asked about this, Finn brushed aside her worries, saying that work the previous few days had been tiring but not unmanageable. Holley wondered exactly what he had been up to, but didn't ask, as Finn would likely be unwilling to share the information.
"Oh my gosh, I can't believe this is happening," Sally muttered for the tenth time. Holley's grin widened.
"Well, believe it, because today's only going to happen once, so you better enjoy it," she said.
Sally looked up at the ceiling, beaming. "I know, but - this is nuts. I'm getting married. I'm actually a little nervous."
"That's normal," Holley said, deciding not to add I think to the end of her declaration. "Just take a deep breath. Everything will be great."
"I hope so."
"I know so. I'm pretty amazing like that."
Sally laughed, her voice trembling a little. "You're pretty amazing in a lot of ways. Thank you for helping with the wedding."
"It was my pleasure," said Holley. "I really enjoyed helping organize this."
The door opened. Sally's eyes widened - was it time to go down the aisle? It was Sally's sister, Mary.
"Good luck," the silver Porsche grinned. "You'll be great, just don't run into anything."
Holley groaned.
"Are you kidding, Mary?"
"I am. Everything will be great."
The door closed. "Sisters," Sally huffed, smiling slightly.
It must be nice to have a sister, Holley mused. Maybe she did. She had asked Finn about her family, but he said C.H.R.O.M.E. spies didn't communicate with their families. If enemies knew of the spies' families, the families would be in danger. When an agent joined C.H.R.O.M.E., they were given a new identity. Their histories were removed from society's records. They were given new surnames. Some even underwent surgeries to change their appearance. That conversation had rattled Holley. As if she hadn't had enough identity issues.
"Holley?"
"Hmm? I'm sorry, I got lost in my thoughts."
"Troubling thoughts? You were frowning."
"I'm fine," Holley said, giving Sally a smile. "I'm excited. This is going to be - I can't even think of a word to sum this up. It's amazing."
"I can't believe this is happening."
"I repeat myself - believe it, and enjoy it!"
"Sally, honey?"
Sally looked up. Her father, Robert Carrera, was in the door. He smiled at Sally. "Wow, honey, you look - you look wonderful."
"Thanks, Dad," Sally smiled. "Is it time?"
"It is."
"Oh. Oh, wow."
"This is will be amazing," Holley promised her, beaming at her. She rolled out the door to find where she was supposed to be.
...
Darla and John, close college friends of Sally and Lightning's, began the procession. They rolled down the aisle of the courthouse, and Holley followed. Behind her, Mater and Mary, the best man and maid of honor waited a few moments, before making their way after Holley.
The wedding was small, not as opulent as one might expect a celebrity's wedding to be. It was in the courthouse, and the attendants were the long-time residents of Radiator Springs, Sally and Lightning's family members, and a few close family friends. Holley, Finn, and Spray were honored to be among the guests.
Holley reached her spot, and spun around. She caught Mater's gaze flickering away from her as he took his spot by Lightning.
Sally and her father pulled into the room. Sally gave no sign of being nervous. She and Lightning locked eyes right away, and Sally grinned. They both looked so happy. Holley was so glad for them. They deserved it.
The wedding was beautiful, and went smoothly. The small audience almost cheered louder than the crowds at one of Lightning's races when the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
The wedding reception was what Holley was told was a classic Radiator Springs cruise. The neon lights glowed, glasses clinked, and people talked and laughed animatedly. Holley found herself chatting with Flo, who was a little teary eyed. The maternal woman shared stories from when Lightning first arrived in Radiator Springs, and Holley was fascinated by those. She could hardly believe that Lightning had once been such a - well, a jerk.
Eventually, Ramone stole Flo away for a cruise. Sipping a drink, Holley watched as cars cruised down Main Street. Her green eyes wandered to Lightning and Sally, who were conversing with Lightning's parents. The new couple looked so happy. Holley thought back to Flo's stories, and she felt envy bubble in her tank. She bit her lower lip - she just wanted to be happy for the two, especially on their wedding night. But she couldn't help wishing she was as lucky as them. They had found their places in the world, and they had found someone to stand by their side.
"Hey, dere, Miss Holley," Mater pulled up beside Holley, interrupting her thoughts. Looking away from Sally and Lightning, Holley smiled at Mater.
"Hello, Mater," she said.
"They sure done look happy, don't dey?" said Mater, looking over at the newly-weds.
"Yes, they do," Holley agreed. "It's so wonderful."
"Yeah, it sure is."
The two were silent for a minute before Mater cleared his throat and said, "You look real pretty tonight, Miss Holley."
Holley felt a blush of pleasure creeping up her fenders. "Thank you, Mater. You look quite nice, yourself."
"Thank ya."
"You have these cruises often, don't you?" asked Holley.
"Not so much lately. Kinda been savin' it all for ta'night," Mater said. "Would you like to cruise?"
"I would," Holley accepted, and they rolled onto the street. Bruce Springsteen's Dream Baby Dream rolled through the desert night.
"Dream baby dream.
Dream baby dream.
Dream baby dream.
Come on and dream baby dream.
Come on and dream baby dream.
"We gotta keep the light burning.
Come on, we gotta keep the light burning.
Come on, we gotta keep the light burning.
Come on, we gotta keep the light burning.
Come on and dream baby dream."
"So, ya gonna be running the Cozy Cones while Miss - er, Mrs. Sally is gone?" said Mater.
"Yes, I am," replied Holley. She smiled. "I'm actually excited."
"Really?"
"Yes. I like being able to be in control." Holley shook her head. "That makes me sound like an autocrat. I just mean, life gets so wild and out of control sometimes, and it feels good to be in charge of some things."
"I understand whatcha mean."
Holley and Mater continued to cruise for several minutes. But then a sheepish looking plane peeped out from beside Flo's diner and said, "Holley? May I speak to you, alone?"
"Oh. I - will it take long, Spray?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Alright," Holley turned to Mater. "I'm sorry, can we resume this in a few moments?"
Mater nodded, looking a little disappointed. "Sure thang, Miss Holley."
"Thank you, Mater," said Holley, grateful. Mater went off to get a drink, and Holley and Spray parked by Flo's diner.
"What is it you want to talk to me about?" Holley asked.
"I've been meaning to bring this up for a while, but I just couldn't think of how to best approach the subject," said Spray, looking down at his hood. "I guess I should have just gotten it over with sooner, because the longer I waited, the worse and more awkward the timing felt."
"It's alright, just what is going on?"
"I should have told you sooner, but it's honestly not a piece of information I'm comfortable with carrying... I was a human, once."
"What?" Holley's mouth fell into an O. "You were a human?"
"Yes. I was born in the human world, but three years ago, my family, friends, and I were on a cruise. We passed through the Bermuda Triangle," Spray sighed, his eyes glazing over with the memories he recounted. "There was a storm, and we wrecked. I woke up as a plane. Chrysler, I was terrified. I got lost, wound up by a place Propwash Junction. A cropduster called Dusty help me get on my feet - wheels. I joined him in his occupation, but quit as soon as possible."
"Why... why tell me this now?"
"I meant to tell you sooner, when I first came to Radiator Springs. I thought... it could help you cope, knowing you weren't the only one. And it's evidence, that this is real. I know you're kind of struggling with believing this was real..."
"I think... I've accepted this as my reality," Holley said. "I'm alright with it. I'm with people I care about, and the feeling is mutual. There are people in the human world I miss, but I'm happy here. I'm in a better situation."
"I didn't know if it would be reassuring or something."
"I'm fine." After a minute, Holley added, "What about you?"
"What about me?"
"Are you fine with being a plane?"
"I like it here. I like my job. I've learned new things about the world, and myself, through this experience. But I do miss my family and friends. A lot."
Holley didn't get a chance to answer when Mater hurried up. "Miss Holley, Spray, Ah'm sorry, but can Ah talk to you alone, Miss Holley?"
"Of course," Spray said immediately, backing away. "Thank you for listening to me, Holley. Have a good night, both of you." And the plane hurried off.
Quietly, Mater told Holley, "Finn just left."
"What? Why?" Hurt squeezed Holley's metaphorical heart. They had only seen each other for a while. They had barely even talked.
"He received a call from C.H.R.O.M.E. There was a breakout. Professor Z. an' his Lemons escaped."
"Who?"
"Uh, we, dat is ta say, you, Finn, an' me, put 'em in jail after dey sabotaged the World Grand Prix," Mater explained. "Dey... don't like us very much."
"And now they're out of jail?"
"Yeah. But don't worry bout it, Finn's gonna take care of 'em. He says he's sorry for leavin', and he hopes he sees you again soon."
Holley nodded. "Yeah. Okay."
...
And that's that. Hopefully I'll update again soon. I have a vague idea of what the next chapter's gonna be about.
Anyway.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for sticking with me. It means so much.
Some reviews would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Kitty
Dream Baby Dream citation:
Springsteen, Bruce. "Dream Baby Dream." Martin Rev, Alan Vega. High Hopes. Columbia Records, 2014. CD.