Jessica ran into the hospital. Running by her mother. "Mom!" Cruz looked up at Jessica. She hugged her mom. "Hows dad?" Cruz sighed with a bit of a smile
She answered "He will be fine." Hudson walked up. Catching up to Jess. Cruz stared at Hudson breathing rapidly. "You really should get in better shape?" Hudson glared. Jessica went to the room and ran in straight to her dad. Hudson stayed out with Cruz.
Jessica hugged her father. Jackson painfully hugged her to. "Dad I'm sorry!? I didn't mean to cause this!?.." she cried out. Jackson pulled her away and looked his daughter in the eyes and explained "What? No? You didn't do this? This is bad driving and a drink. Which also wasn't caused by you." Jessica sat at the bed. Seeing her fathers leg in a cast. "Why did you drive and drink? That's stupid?" She asked Jackson answered cautiously "I know it was. I just got into a little fight with your mom and I over reacted." Jessica asked "Was it about me?" Jackson chuckled and answered "No. I just started crap about things I shouldn't have." Jessica frowned. "But you guys are fine right?" Jackson hesitated to answer. But he said "Yeah. Always are." He really did believe Cruz would come around like she always had before. Hudson knocked and walked in. "Hey Mr.Storm?..". Jackson glared at the kid. Still a little upset. Jessica spoke up "Please dad.. I really do love him okay?..". Jackson looked at his daughter. He sighed and glared and spoke up to Hudson. "I don't like you. But.. if Jessica.. loves... you.." it was hard saying that. "Than I guess I shouldn't be so quick..". Hudson walked in a little closer. Jackson firmly threatened "But if you hurt her or drag yourself back into anything stupid! I will be way worse than that other guy was to you." Hudson smiled and nodded saying "I understand.. it's not in my intentions to hurt her..". Jessica smiled at her love. Jackson sighed.
It was a few days and Jackson was able to go home. He had to use crutches for a while. He couldn't go to the races with Cruz and Jessica. Hudson stayed and helped and drove him around when needed. He really stepped up.
Cruz and Jessica got back from one the races. Cruz walked into the house. Jackson greeted them both. Jessica smiled "I finally won this one dad. Telling you I'm doing better than you!" Jackson chuckled and replied "Your mom is better than me." Cruz glared at Jackson. Jackson grabbed her arm and softly spoke "Hey.. please talk to me?" Cruz answered pulling her arm away "Hi." Then walked on. Jackson sighed. Jessica asked "Is mom that mad?" Jackson didn't know how to fix this. "Just.. I need to talk to her..". Cruz had been shutting him out. Treating him cold for the past few days.. Jackson used his crutches to walk into the kitchen where Cruz was getting cans and meat out to make something. "Cruz. Please stop treating me like this? I am sorry I left and I'm sorry about the things I said. I'm sorry I done what I did okay?" Cruz slammed a can down and snapped "So!? It's not enough to say you're sorry!?" Jackson put his crutches against he counted and leaned over near Cruz and asked "Tell me what I have to do? Tell me and I'll do it!?" Cruz answered with a frown "There isn't anything ya can do this time? Please just.. I need you to stop. Just leave me alone and let me be..". Jackson frowned. It hurt. He had never been treated so cold by anyone he loved before... "Cruz.." he began and reached for her hand "No!" She snapped and pulled away. Jackson was lost. He sighed and grabbed his crutches and left the room. Cruz sighed. She just.. she couldn't even look at him without feeling hurt right now..
Dinner was quiet.. Jessica spoke up "So.. I think I may have found me a place?..". Cruz replied "That's great. Where is it?" Jessica answered "Well.. I mean it's nice and really got a good view. I haven't told Hudson yet. He may not like the idea much." Jackson then asks "Why does that matter? You find you a place that you want and like. I'll help you get it if you like." Jackson smiled. Cruz glared. What did he say wrong now?..
Jessica replied "Thanks dad. It's not in town though. It's in California." Cruz and Jackson both stared at their girl. "What?" Jackson asked. Suprised. Jessica answered "Yeah.. it's small. So don't worry dad. No parties. And it's even got a little gym. So I'll be kept in shape mom. Alright Hudson helps me out a lot there.." she mumbled. Jackson's brows lowered and he snapped "What was that?" Jessica stared and smiled awkwardly as she answered "Nothing..". Cruz then spoke up "That's great honey. If that is what you want?" Jessica thought for a moment. Jackson then spoke to his wife. "This is good as usual babe." Cruz glared and answered. "Thanks.. I made sure I put extra salt on yours." Jackson stared as Cruz continued. "Sure you don't want that to go?" Jackson glared and replied "Stop." Cruz continued "I mean you're always in such a rush to leave!?" Jessica sat there staring.. Jackson hit the table and yelled "Stop! I said I was sorry!?" Cruz yelled back "And I don't want an apology!" Jackson growled "Than I'm not sorry!? Fuck this! I am trying Cruz!" Cruz stood up and yelled "Well Stop!? It's not working anymore okay!" Jackson yelled "No! I won't stop!" Jessica stood up and yelled at the both of them "Stop! Both of you! This is ridiculous!? I don't know what exactly happened that night between the two of you, but I can't take this!" Cruz and Jackson both stared shamefully at Jessica. Cruz spoke to Jackson "Your hurting Jessica over this!?" Jackson yelled "I am not!?" Jessica hit the table and yelled "You both aren't hurting me!? But I can't take the constant fighting all the time!" Cruz frowned. Jackson yelled "Than you need to stop pushing me away! I told you! Tell me what to do and I will do it cruz?!" Cruz glared and answered loudly "I don't know!" Jackson growled and replied "Why do you have to be like this!?" Jessica threw her hands up and said "That's it! I'm staying over with Sky!" She began to leave. Cruz called out "Wait Jessica.." Jessica yelled "No! I need some air!" She stomped out the house. Slamming a door. Cruz glared at Jackson and yelled "See what you did!" Jackson defended himself "Me!? I just want things to be better again!" Cruz yelled "Well maybe they just can't be!" Jackson's eyes widened. He stopped. He didn't want this. He didn't want to lose her for good.. "I.. I'm sorry.." he turned away. Cruz walked out. Jackson hit his head gently a few times on the table. "Stupid.." he muttered.
As bed time rolled around, Jackson was already sitting down in bed. Cruz just got out the shower. Jackson stared.. Cruz just glared.. "What?" She asked. Dressed in just one of his shirts. Jackson began to say something but Cruz spoke up "I am only wearing your shirt because it's comfortable. Don't flatter yourself." Jackson closed his mouth. Cruz sat down and began to put some hydrating lotion onto her smooth legs. Jackson spoke up "You look good..". She ignored him.. Jackson tried to think of something.. "I love you?..". Cruz turned and glared at him. He smiled.. feeling kinda stupid. Nothing was working. "Cruz please.. stop treating me this way I can't stand it?" Cruz snapped "Well I can't stand what you did either!" Jackson swallowed hard trying not to yell he said "Okay I get it. I am sorry. I will do anything to fix this. Please?" Cruz growled "You don't get it!? I have just!.. I can't!.." she stormed off to the bathroom and shut the door. Jackson sighed.. Cruz cane back out after a few minutes. "Are you done?" Jackson asked. Cruz became more angry with that and answered "Are you kissing me!? That's what you ask!?" Jackson yelled "Hey don't get mad at me!? I told you tell me what to do!" Cruz yells back "You left me!" "Because you told me to cruz!?" Jacksom yelled back. Cruz lowered her brows more and snapped "Well I'm gonna tell you again! GO!" She pointed toward the door. Jackson held his tongue and calmly but harshly said "Fine." He stood up and took his crutches "I'll sleep on the couch." He said as he left. Cruz slammed the door behind him. Frustrated.
Jackson woke up slowly and rolled over. Falling onto the floor. He yelled in pain. His ribs and leg still healing and all. Cruz ran down. She came in seeing Jackson on the floor she asked "What's wrong?.." Jackson smiled and chuckled "What? Um.. nothing I just.. fell off.. the couch..". He sounded like he was straining in pain. Cruz rolled her eyes and walked over helping Jackson up and sit on the couch. Jackson smiled at her saying "Thank you." He meant it. Cruz glared.. she began to walk away but Jackson grabbed her hand and spoke softly "Cruz please.. I can't take this.. I know I messed up but I won't do that again?" Cruz pulled her arm away and walked away arms crossed. Jackson sighed. Did he loose her?..
Days went by of Cruz giving Jackson the cold shoulder.
Cruz and Jessica just got back from another race.
Hudson was on his way to pick Jessica up. She had expected things to go south so she planned to have a late dinner with her boyfriend. Cruz and Jessica came inside. Jackson heard them but decided not to even bother today.. he wasn't getting anywhere anyway.
Jessica walked in "Hey dad." She sat down by him. Jackson smiled and greeted "Hey Jessica. I saw the race. You did great!" Jessica smiled and replied "Thanks. Even though Ash won again..". Jackson smiling replied "You'll get him next week." Cruz walked in and asked Jessica "What Time is Hudson coming over?" Jessica looked back and answered "Within the hour. I'll be back. But tomorrow Hudson and I are going to look at a few places out of town." Cruz nodded. Then glared and greeted "Hello Jackson." Jackson sighed and answered back "Cruz." Cruz left the room. Jessica frowned seeing her parents acting so distant. Like strangers more and more.
Cruz prepared dinner. She just wanted to keep busy. Even though she was tired from traveling. It wasn't long Hudson came over. Pulling up in the rover. He knocked and Jessica let him in. Hudson greeted Jackson. Then walked into the kitchen with Jessica to see Cruz before heading out. "Mom I'm headed out okay?" Cruz looked shocked. Then she burnt herself and explained lOh my gosh I forgot!? I'm so sorry. Yeah okay go ahead baby." Hudson asked "Did you already cook for you all?" Cruz nodded and answered "Yeah I... I forgot you were coming over." She giggled embarrassed. Jessica sighed at her mother. She was stressed. Hudson mentioned "As long as Jessica doesn't mind I mean we could always stay here? It'd be a shame to waste such good food?" Jessica glared but replied "Sure. If that's what you want mom?" Cruz answered "Up to you two. There is plenty for everyone." She burnt herself again. "I see where you get your cooking skills from." Hudson chuckled. Jessica rolled her eyes. "Come on we will set the table mom." Jessica said as she pulled Hudson.
Dinner was quiet. Felt weird. Hearing utensils hit the plates. Lasagna. It was.. okay?.. kinda toasted... crunchy.. Hudson politely complimented. "This is.." he bit hard and swallowed , "Really.. good Mrs. Storm..". He lied. It wasn't that good. Cruz smiled and replied "Just call me Cruz. Mrs Storm is out dated." Jackson glared. Hudson didn't answer. Just stared. Jessica spoke up "Um.. so we will be going to look at a few places tomorrow. Any advice house hunting for myself?" Jackson answered "Well one. Don't move into together please." Cruz spoke up "Why do you care?" Jackson sighed and continued to the kids "I just don't want you to move to fast Jessica. Okay?" Jessica nodded. Cruz played with her food. She was upset. Jackson asked "How was your day Mrs Storm?" Cruz glared and slammed her fork down answering sarcastically "Great! What about your couple days alone Mr. Storm?" Jackson answered harshly "Amazing. I love having the place all to myself." They stared. Hudson chuckled awkwardly and spoke up "Hey.. maybe we could use something to drink. Take the um.. edge off? Right?.. I'll be right back.." he stood up. Jessica stood up and said "I'll go with him.." The two left. Cruz spoke up "So you didn't leave the house?" Jackson leaned back and answered "Now why would I do that? No one here bitching at me?" Cruz yelled back "So now it's gonna be like that!?" Jessica and Hudson stood on the kitchen listening to Jackson and Cruz fight back and fourth. Hudson whistled and spoke "Wow.. they really had each other huh?" Jessica frowned. They heard glass shatter. The kids ran in. Seeing Cruz run up the stairs and Jackson yell up "So now you're gonna leave!?" Hudson and Jessica stood there. Not knowing what to do besides watch. Cruz cane back down with a suitcase. Jessica grabbed her mother and asked "Wait! Your leaving?!" Her tone sounded scared. Cruz pulled away from her daughter and shoved the suit case at Jackson and yelled "No. He is!" Jackson growled "Fine! Just remember you want me to leave!" Cruz rolled her eyes and replied "No I don't!? But I can't take this!" Jackson yelled "You!.. I!..." he stopped. He didn't want it to get worse. He took a deep breath and spoke calmly "I think I should go. I think we need some space.. I do not mean forever. I just.. Your right. You can't take this. And I can't either. I don't want to make it worse.. I'm gonna go. But I'm coming back." Cruz snapped "Don't bother!" Jackson frowned and spoke up "Hudson. Please. Just drive me to the diner. I'll get myself a ride from there..". Hudson stared at Jessica.. "Um.. sure.." Hudson said. And he helped Jackson leave.
Jackson went to his fathers place.. he drank. He went to bed. In pain. Broken hearted.. he spent a few days here.. not even visiting the town of radiator springs for a while.. he hasn't seen or heard from Cruz in this time..
It was raining. Jackson was just reading some old book in the living room and drinking a bit. By the warmth of the fire place. The door bell went off. Jackson made his way to the door. He opened to find a vey unexpected visitor. Crying.. make up running.. hair and clothes soaked... she waved and smiled fake... Jackson opened his mouth and said her name shocked. "Kenna?...". She smiled. "Hey Jackson.." she wiped her tears and nose.. Jackson stared and let Kenna inside. She shut the door. Seeing his crutches. "I heard about the accident. How are you doing?" Jackson answered "Um.. okay? Why are you here?..". Kenna sighed rubbing her eyes, "I miss him.. and I came here to just.. I don't know.. but I saw your car and so I figured I'd knock..". She began to cry a little.. Jackson spoke up "There's tea as always in the kitchen.. if you want some you can help yourself. I'll.. find you some clothes.."
Oooh Kenna shows up!?
Anyways!!!
1. Does Cruz finally try to let Jackson back in again. She knows where he is. She will go to him. Forgive him. Try and hope things can get better again. (Remember Kenna is over and what will Cruz walk into?)
Or...
2. Does Cruz find herself tempted and maybe even moving on with a new handsome doctor in town? As Jackson has not returned home yet. (Could put Cruz in a hard situation as she might have to choose as she falls for now two men. Jackson, and this new interest?)