in honor of thr holidays, i am making it around christmas. someone sent me a message asking, so i said sure, why not. gave me a few ideas. thats why it took a but longer to update this one made a few changes and new ideas and new plan for Cleo... enjoy!
Cruz was actually already back home in Florida. She was scared of the unknown. She placed her hand on her stomach ans wondered.. What would it be like if she was? It couldn't be good. Lightning would be furious.. Unhappy. Sally might leave him again and more than likely, this time it would be for good. And Cruz was trying to get Miguel back! Would this compromise that? Would this make her even more unfit?
What if the child protection service would take this one to! Cruz went to the kitchen and got some water out of the fridge. She was about to go exercise to help clear her mind when her phone rang. Cruz looked at it. Lightning. She stared and let it ring for a bit before finally answering. "Hello.."
Hey..
"Um.. Something tells me we're about to have the first real conversation we've had in a long time.."
Probably.
It went silent. Both ends perfectly quiet. "So.. um.."
I'm sorry, are you in town still?
"No, I went back home, I'm home."
I should have called sooner.. I'm sorry.
"No, I'm sorry.. I... I.."
I can tell from the surveillance video that you pushed me away multiple times. I should have stopped. I'm sorry for that. I want to get to the point.
"You have us on video?.."
Urm.. Yeah.. Don't worry. I'm making sure no one sees it... I just wanted to apologize for what happened and to talk..
"Well.. You were drunk.. Um.. Why were you dru-drinking?"
I cant remember. I don't even remember going back to the academy, but.. Why were you there?
"Well.. Heather called me a few days before saying you wanted to see me after hours one day that week and so she and I scheduled that time and day, but.. Looking back I think it was Cleo and not Heather.. Heather and Cleo sound ALOT alike over the phone to be honest..."
Hmm.. I um.. Boy... I also know from the surveillance.. That.. We didn't use any protection...
"Yea.. Sort of just hopped right in there. Wow.. That.. That was stupid."
Are you on any birth control by chance? I hate asking because it makes me seem like a jerk, but... I have Sally again Cruz...
"Yes.. You do, don't you... I.. I wasn't.. I'm not on any birth control, no.."
Well.. I pulled out at least, right? Did you maybe take a morning after pill? To be safe..
"Um.. Yeah. Ofcorse. Because you.. You exploded like a rocket in there.. Like..A rocket.. Haha.. ha..Yeah.. That was.. Worse." She awkwardly joked and nervously laughed as she stared at the box of the pill Lightning asked about. She hadn't taken it, she lied to him..
I'm sorry.
"Oh stop.. It's not all your fault.."
Hmm..
"Are you going to tell Sally?.."
I should.. I promised her I would be honest from now on.. No secrets, but.. I think this should be just.. It should stay between you and me..
"I agree."
Right.. Yes.. Because even though I promised her total honesty.. This would crush her.
"Would it? I mean.. Did she cheat?"
No, ofcorse not.
"I'm sorry! She has before though. I kind of.. Just thought maybe she did sense you were.. All... Um.. Sense you were coming onto me.."
No.. No, Sally hasn't cheated...
"She did kiss Jackson and sneak into the bathroom with him."
No. No, that was one huge misunderstanding.. Sally and I talked about that Cruz. It's behind us.
"If you tell her you drunk fucked me, do you think she will call that a misunderstanding?"
It fell silent as Lightning thought about that and no. If Sally knew he slept with Cruz again, even drunk, she'd be done and over with him. They would be over and this time it would probably be for good. They couldn't keep going back and forth, back and forth for the sake of the kids.
I'm.. I have to go.. I just... Are you going to be okay?
"Would it matter?.."
That stung badly.
"I have to come back to town in two weeks.. Maybe I can stop by?"
Maybe.. are you not coming by during Christmas?
"Hadn't planned to.. UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO!? I mean if.. If you want me to? Because I could."
No, don't change your plans becau- No.. I.. sorry.. I just was.. Curious. Um.. Glad you took care of things.. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and.. This messed up drama.. Thanks for how you went about it. Goodbye Cruz.
"...Bye.."
The line went dead before she could say much of a goodbye back. Cruz glanced at the phone before hanging up herself. Part of her hoped she was pregnant, but she knew it wouldn't be right. But having your dream man's kid was a nice thought. Plus she missedout on a lot with Miguel. Things would be different with the new baby. Even if he, Lightning, didn't want to be with Cruz. Maybe she should stop by for the holidays and make some sort of Dinico appearance anyway...
Lightning leaned back in his chair and sat there in the quiet alone. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He felt absolutely miserable. He remembered Cleo showing him that tape, the tea. What did she put in that tea!? Lightning rubbed his eyes and opened his phone up to Sally's name. Her picture.. He stared at his beautiful wife. He loved Sally so much and he never meant to sleep with Cruz. He didn't even remember doing it! It felt so weird seeing yourself, himself do something that he couldn't even remember and would never do again!
Lightning knew he couldn't tell Sally. Not yet. But he also knew this guilt was going to eat him alive. What if she understood. Maybe Sally wouldn't be too angry sense it wasn't all his fault. Who was he kidding, he did this. He always found a way to mess up. The way to handle this was to find something on Cleo maybe. He needed her to delete that recording. And truthfully, not just for him, but for Cruz to. He had to talk to Sally anyway. Not about this drunk mistake, but in general. He dialed her number and it rang a few times before she picked up.
Stickers! Gosh it's nice to finally hear from you. How was your Uh sleep over? With Bobby?
"It was good. I'm starved though."
You sound a whole lot better Light.
"I think I feel a little better to. Hey, wanna come to the academy? I'll run out and grab us something to eat. If you're hungry?"
I could eat. I'd love to sit down and talk finally to.
"Talk?..."
Yeah. I've been wanting to for the past couple days, but.. You've been so out of it that I didn't want to stress you out.
"About what?"
Well.. Bobby told me something that just.. I couldn't believe it and.. I don't know. We can talk once I get there. What do you want? I have to drive out there anyways. I'll grab the food.
Lightning was silent for a minute or two too long.
Stickers?
"SORRY.. um.. I don't care.. Just.. Something that is lighter.. I still feel a bit.. Queasy.."
You got it. I'll be there soon. And Lightning,
"Yes?"
Love you. I didn't even get to say goodnight last night.
"Oh.. Sorry.. I love you to. See you soon babe." He then hung up. He didn't think Sally knew about him sleeping with Cruz again, but he also didn't think Bobby knew. Did he?...
Sally got there and went up to Lightning's office where she found Lightning laying on the couch again. "Stickers?.." She called. Lightning immediately sat up assuring "I'm not asleep!.. Sorry.. I was just resting my eyes." Sally giggled a little bit as she set the bags of food on the table. She walked over and took a good look at him saying "You look better. That's good." Lightning faked a bit of a smile and Sally knew it. She went back to the desk and bags and got Lightning's water out and handed it to him. "You need to drink some before you eat." She instructed then sat next to him.
This time Lightning smiled a real smile at her and began sipping the water. "Just.. slowly this time." Sally reminded. Lightning sighed and gazed at her. He loved her so much. But he was torn between doing whatever Cleo wanted next, and I mean next. Lightning just knew that woman wasn't done with him. That and telling Sally the truth. That Cleo made him drink tea that obviously had something in it yesterday and used his drunk mistake now to get him to do what she wanted. Cleo was blackmailing him. Sally noticed Lightning's over thinking and concerned or worried expression and asked "What's wrong now?.." she was worried.
Lightning shook his head and told her nothing was wrong for the time being. Sally wasn't so sure about that and unknown to Lightning already had suspicions that if Lightning had hired Cleo, that she had something to do his behavior the past couple of days. "So.. Bobby told me Cleo works here." THAT'S what Bobby told Sally? Honestly it was pure relief for Lightning hearing that! "Um.. Yea." Lightning reluctantly admitted. Sally began to get a little angry asking "Why?" Lightning sighed and tried to think of how to explain. His head was still hurting and causing him not to think clearly.
"I was taking a different approach to watching her. Figured I could keep my eye on her better if she were near me.." "Keeping your enemies closer? Seriously? That was your plan?" Sally asked. Lightning nodded. Sally got up and grabbed Lightning's food and brought it to him, letting him eat a little before asking "So.. Is she the reason you've been drinking the past couple of days? Bobby was covering for you.. I already know that so please don't lie to me." DONT LIE TO ME. Those words really made Lightning sick to his stomach.
And maybe it was from whatever drug Cleo spiked in that tea he drank or the excessive drowsiness, but Lightning felt the flood of emotions pulling him down. He wanted to burst into tears! He was going to lose Sally inediblely. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but he would. "Lightning? What's going on? Did Cleo do something to you again!?" Sally furiously asked. Lightning shook his head and rubbed his head, his eyes. "No. Awe fuck.." He suddnely growled. "What? What is it?" Sally asked in a worried tone.
Lightning sighed explaining "Ollie Masterson.. One of the students. His phone was the one found at the break in." "He broke into the academy and stole two cars? Alone?" Lightning shook his head replying "I don't think he did it at all. He's one of the best students I have. He's one of the nice guys." "Hmm.. Well.. You can look into it another time. Right now, you need to eat and then go home and shower, then see the kids. Colton has asked me where you've been. They miss you already Lightning.." Sally placed a hand on his shoulder adding "I miss you." She smiled. Lightning smiled a little back, but it faded. "I love you." She exclaimed. "Love you to." Replied Lightning.
Sally then got back up for her food, sitting and eating next to her husband. It was rather nice. Especially sense for now, Sally didn't hate him yet. Lightning was taking this in, enjoying the moment, never wanting it to end. "You should just go ahead and fire Cleo." Sally exclaimed. Lightning sighed saying "I can't.." "Yes, you can." "No, I can't. I need her here to keep an eye on her Sally. This is just what I feel I need to do. Just.. Trust me for now." Sally raised a brow, staring. "Oh... Okay.. But I hope you have a real plan.. Knowing Cleo, she's planning something right now." She replied. Lightning nodded and knew that was true. He just needed to some how get ahead of Cleo again or maybe he could just try giving her whatever she truly wanted?...
Lightning woke up late in the morning. He sat up with a yawn and woke up more at the sight before him. Sally was near the balcony doors on a mat, in tight black pants and a tight blue tank top with her hair in a short pony tail. She was doing.. Yoga or stretches near the sunlight. Lightning cocked his head a bit then asked "What are you doing?" Sally turned and looked at him with a smile answering "Yoga workouts." "Sense when do you do yoga?" He asked with a bit of a chuckle. Sally let out a deep breath before changing into a pose called chair pose.
Looked like a difficult squat. "I just feel like I should get myself into better shape. I'm also going to start going to the gym again with Megan." "Not in those pants." Lightning snapped. Sally rolled her eyes and changed position again. "Why don't you show me that one called downward dog." Lightning playfully suggested. Sally giggled and stood up. "Glad to see you are definitely feeling better." Then she walked up to him and kissed him sweetly. Lightning smiled warmly. Pretty much completely forgetting about his drunken mistake at this point. Sally began to walk away, but Lightning grabbed her by the hips and whined "Don't go yet.."
Sally snickered with a smile, wrapping her hands around the back of his neck. Both gazing at each other, Sally leaned close and they kissed again. More passionately this time. Sally pulled away asking "What does Lightning McQueen want for Christmas this year?" Lightning snickered answering slyly "I have everything I could want. A super sexy wife, three children that I don't deserve, a beautiful home and literally an academy full of race cars.. What does Miss Sally want though?" Sally giggled slightly with such a gleaming smile saying. "Surprise me." Teasing him and she knew it
Lightning smiled even more replying "Challenge accepted."
Sally only rolled her eyes then changed the subject asking "How about brunch?" Lightning smiled and agreed, "But on one condition. I make you brunch and you relax. You've been taking such great care of me the last few days. Let me do something for you." Sally smiled and nodded, "I think I'd like that." Lightning stood up and kissed her lips once more before going to get dressed. "What are the kids up to?" He asked. Sally shot Lightning a funny look answering "What do you think?" "Tv?" "Yep." Lightning chuckled. Dressed, he went ahead downstairs to make brunch for the family...
Sally parked at the courthouse to go up to her office for work. She shut the car door. "Sally!" Called a woman's voice. Sally looked across the parking lot to see Cleo. She sighed and continued to enter the building. Cleo rushed and caught up asking "Are you ignoring me? Because there's no reason for that." "Drop the act!" Sally snapped viciously! Then getting into Cleo's face snarled "i know you work with Lightning now! And I just know you had something to do with Lightning drinking so much! AND when I find out what you did, you are going right back to jail!" "I am innocent!" Cleo yelled back! Sally poked Cleo's shoulder replying "You are never innocent. I will find out what you have done and what you're planning. YOU stay away from my husband!"
Cleo glared correcting "I work for him.. Kind of hard to stay away." "THAN QUIT THE DAM JOB!" Sally exclaimed! Cleo snickered with an eye roll which only made Sally furious! "SHOW ME SOME RESPECT!" She yelled and shoved her! "THAT'S ASSAULT!" Cleo yiped! Sally's brows lowered. She stepped closer into Cleo's face, "I am mayor now... You better watch your step... I will destroy you.." She threatened. Cleo snickered with a laugh saying "Please... You don't have it in you dear. You are the nice little housewife who follows the rules. You're an attorney and live by a code." Sally harshly glared at Cleo in such a threatening way. "Nice bitch face though." Cleo complimented.
Sally then asked "Why did you come here? To me?" Cleo sighed answering "Well.. I'm here to invite you to an event. For Christmas. At my home. The entire town is invited along with fresh tourist. It's going to be such a huge bash.. I plan to make sure it's one that you won't forget. As mayor you should be my.. Special guest.." Cleo reached into her purse and pulled out a pink and gold outlined envelope, handing it to Sally. Sally took it and stared at it with confusion. "An event?" She asked. Cleo nodded with a smile.
"Yes mam. It's just to welcome me back to Radiator Springs, celebrate the holidays and families and ofcorse there will be a charity to. So I'm actually going to make the town money. For you. As a thank you for giving me my home back." Sally glared correcting "You forced me to give that place back to you Cleo..." "Yes.. I know.. Such a shame it came to that..." Cleo was so fake in friendliness. "I'll be inviting Lightning tomorrow personally when I get into work. Oh! Sense you're my special guest, why don't I make you a cake! Tell me, how do you spell Miss Sally again? Is it M-a-s-sive slut?"
Sally's brows lowered again. "Details on the invitation. You better show and not disappoint your fellow citizens and potential voters... tata!.." Cleo waved and went on. Sally watched the woman get into the car and drive away. Sally stared at the christmas party invitation thinking.. What exactly did Cleo have planned?...