Sally, her Father, and the kids sat at the dinner table. Eating a nice and warm, quiet family dinner. It was kind of awkward. Carson stared at Sally. Cutting her hair was odd. Looked.. "Your hair looks..Nice.." he complimented. Sally flashed a bit of a smile, but could tell by her Father's tone that he didn't like it all that much. Colton looked at his Mother asking "Why you cut it?" Carson cleared his throat correcting "Did. Why did you cut it?" Sally looked to her son answering "Just did honey. Eat your pasta." She pointed to the Mac and cheese on his plate.

Carson sighed and sipped his water. Sally decided to announce. "Found a place.. And I'll be moving in throughout this week." "That's great honey." "Lightning is flying in tomorrow." She added. Carson's brows lowered. "Why?" "I shouldn't have to explain myself Dad.. Kids should see him." "Not if he's over using that drug." "He's not!" Sally defended. Carson nodded and took a bite of his food.

"He's not staying here." Carson said clearly. Sally sighed replying "I know Dad. I have it worked out... Hey, did you take the case on G. Etc? I overheard... A few people saying that someone filed." Asked Sally. Carson swallowed his drink and nodded explaining "It's a good paying case. Be a good money maker and I have plenty of experience for a case like that." "Okay... So.. You agree that the drug is making people have serious side effects?" Carson nodded answering "Yeah. Ranges from patient to patient. I have someone looking into different files and finding people who show problems."

"Like Lightning?" Sally asked. Carson stated at her a moment in silence. "I don't know the names yet of the people that can file. Even if I did, you know I can't tell you those names." He reminded. Sally whined a bit arguing "Yes, but if Lightning is suffering from something caused by that drug then"-"Then his doctor would be informed. But unless Lightning's reported anything, his name won't come up." Sally sighed and pouted a bit in her seat. "Do you think that his medications played a part in his... Dances... With Cruz?" She asked carefully in front of the kids.

Carson shrugged answering "Maybe. I mean the type of medication he is on is more of.. Um.." Trying to think how to word it. "I think that the meds might have depressed his ability to make good or bad decisions, but it was always there." "Always there?" Sally asked with confusion. Carson thought a moment then said, "Lightning was dancing with you. He vowed to only dance with you. But in the back of his mind, he always wondered what it would be like dancing with someone else, like Cruz. I think he took his meds and they made that thought an impulse maybe. It can and does happen. But it didn't change who he was Sally. Lightning is a horrible person and you deserve better."

Sally frowned and thought about that. She wished that there were an Excuse. But she didn't have excuses for her affairs. Lightning just messed up and slept with Cruz.. A lot. "Yeah..." she mumbled. "Maybe you're right.." she hated admitting that. "You'll move on. You'll see. Men like Lightning and that other guy you almost married... What was his name? Francesco? They are playboys... You aren't that kind of girl. Look where men like that got you." He pointed out. Sally's brows lowered. That was rude.

Sally had to put on a brave face. She had to with the kids around. Thankfully they knew him as Daddy, so talking about the man named Lightning was like mentioning a stranger to the kids. Sally was a bit anxious in seeing Lightning tomorrow. She hoped some how he could explain himself, but it was doubtful...

Lightning sat at the airport.. Waiting for Sally to pick him up. Tapping his foot. Feeling anxious mostly. He messed up so badly just leaving her like he did. And worse, he couldn't even remember talking to her sense that stupid race. He would apologize again anyway. He hated himself. Whoever he was anymore. People were walking all around him. Maybe Cruz was right.. Maybe he was depressed. Ge had lost what felt like everything. He stared and watched people walking. Being busy and looked over to see Sally. Lightning felt relief in her presence.

She smiled a warm smile as he stood up and she ran to his arms, embracing him tightly! Lightning wrapped his arms around her to! Oh how good it felt to hold her, to smell her, to feel her! "Sally, I'm so sorry.. I don't know why I left like I did." He admitted. Sally nodded then reassured "It'll be okay.. Come on.." she took his hand and pulled him along. Never letting go. Lightning held her hand tight and he was not letting go. "How is Cruz and the baby?" Sally asked.

Lightning glanced at her, a little surprised. "Good. They're good." He answered. "Did you enjoy the race?.. I assume you went." She added. Lightning nodded the jumped in front of her asking "Can we not talk about the race or even Cruz?.." Sally stared up into his eyes and nodded. "Yea, sure, okay." She answered. Lightning smiled and grabbed her close, hugging her again. "I missed you." He said. Sally let out a sigh and hugged him again saying "I miss you all the time Lightning.. Come on, we have to get going." Sally ordered. Lightning followed her out and asked "Where are we going in such a hurry?" "Your doctor."

"What? Why?" Lightning snapped a little rudely there. Sally turned and explained. "Because I'm worried about you Stickers." Stickers. Felt good to hear that. "Ben told me that one of your medications are harming other people who are taking it. Cal is going to see his doctor in to." "Ben? Why were you even talking to him?" Asked Lightning. Sally sighed snapping "Because he's a doctor Lightning. Don't make this about something it's not. You need to get scanned and tested." "Woah, tested? For what? I'm on all kinds of stuff!" He reminded.

Sally nodded replying "Yes. But they'll run test anyway to make sure you're taking then and nothing you shouldn't be. Stop this attitude. It's normal and protocol. You literally have nothing to worry about." Lightning stared at her and the face he made was way to dumb founded and suspicious. "You are just taking the medicine that you're suppose to be? Right Lightning?" She asked. Lightning nodded. Lie though and she was about to find out. "Okay. Gosh.. Had me a little worried there.." she admitted. Lightning nodded muttering "Yea... Wouldn't want to do that..." how was he getting out of this one?...

Lightning could feel his heart beating inside his chest as be and Sally waited for the doctor. Was taking forever. "Wonder why they are taking so long..." she mumbled. Lightning began tapping.. Shaking his leg like crazy. Focusing on it. His heart beating.. And beating... Badum.. Badum.. Shaking his leg up and down.. Badum.. badum.. Shaking.. Shaking..then Sally grabbed his knee and snapped "Stop." With a slight giggle. This snapped him out of whatever weird trance he put himself in.

The door opened and the doctor walked in and looked at the couple. "Mr. McQueen. How are you doing?" The man asked. Lightning sighed answering "Fine. I feel great." Lie. The doctor nodded and sat down in that little swivel stool. "Just want to ask you a few questions about your medications. Taking them all, correct?" "Yes." Answered Lightning. "And as you are suppose to?" "Yes." "And... Do you feel funny? Woozy? Nauseating pains? You can keep them down?" He asked. Lightning nodded. "Good. So.. First, let me explain that the medicine G Etc has been showing some negative reactions after long term use. You've been on it a few years now... Any increase in appetite? Worse depression? Anger? Any thoughts of suicide?... Um..." the doctor paused and gave Lightning a weird look.

Then waved Sally down as Lightning answered "No. No, I'm fine really. Nothing is messing with me." "What about anxiety?" "Nope." Lightning shook his head. The doctor nodded then asked "Have you been taking any other drugs not prescribed?" Lightning hesitated.. "No, um.. Well... Yeah, um.. Just the.. Cold medicines when I need to.." hoping that lie would suffice. The doctor nodded and asked "Are you okay Mr. McQueen?" Lightning nodded asking "Why would you ask me that? I'm just ready to get out of here and back to a.. To the house and relax. See the kids." He chuckled. The doctor pointed to Lightning's leg saying "You haven't stopped shaking your leg sense I came in here."

Lightning looked down and then actually stopped shaking his leg. He smiled awkwardly saying "No, that's.. Just a tick." "A tick?.. So your nervous.. Hmm.. Okay. The drug test came back with high levels of THC." Lightning immediately sighed and lowered his face in his hands. Sally raised a brow asking "THC? What's, what's that? That's an effect of the other drugs or something, right?" The doctor shook his head explaining "No. It's"-"I GOT HIGH!" Lightning shouted! He whined a bit repeating "I got high for a little while.. Okay?.." Sally stared at Lightning with just disgust. The doctor sighed and asked "How did you take it?" "I smoked it.." "How long have you been doing that?" "Just last night.. I think it was, no.. Wait.. The night before. I just took it the night before.." answered Lightning.

Sally's jaw dropped. "Of course! This is just like Cruz! I tell her to take care of you and she gets you fucking high!?" Lightning snapped back into Sally's face yelling "Don't you start that! Cruz had nothing to do with it!" "She was suppose to look out for you Lightning! Because you won't let me!" "BECAUSE YOU DO THIS SHIT!? LIKE TRICKING ME INTO A FUCKING DRUG TEST!" Sally could not believe his attitude! "I didn't trick you Lightning! This was routine because of your meds! How was I suppose to know that you've been doing other drugs!?" "IT WAS ONE TIME!" Lightning yelled! The doctor cleared his throat, grabbing both of their attention.

"No more..No more smoking. Stop. Okay? If you think you need help, I have these." He paused and turned in the swivel seat. Opening up a drawer and taking out some pamphlets and handing them to Sally. "I recommend Loral. She's excellent in helping with addiction." Sally nodded. Lightning smacked the pamphlets out of her hands and into the floor yelling "I don't need rehab! I AM NOT ADDICTED, It was one time! ONE! TIME! I'm aloud to relax and take a break once in a while! FUCK!" He defended then stood up and rubbed his head, whining bit..

The doctor continued. "Okay, but it can react with the medications you're on. Like this anger we're seeing.. I do want to go ahead and get you slowly off G. Etc. We'll lower the dosage and start from there. But I highly recommend no over the counter medications, of anything, maybe Tylenol. No alcohol, nothing else. Not until we get you weaned off the possible harmful drugs. Okay?" Lightning didn't answer. He just sat back down and looked away as if he were childishly pouting. He knew a fight was about to go down. Once they got into Sally's car, all hell would start and that wasn't something he had the emotional or mental energy to handle right now. "I recommend he be watched during the next few weeks. As we decrease the dosage, he may suffer uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms."

Sally nodded asking "What sort of symptoms?" The doctor swiveled around and looked through pamphlets. "Awe, here we go. Now he won't feel to much of a reaction to it until we lower the dosage again. So no big changes for the next two weeks. Just stay hydrated, don't put off taking it at all. But it'll be rough the next time I see you at the end of those weeks because.. We'll really limit the amount of G. Etc you take. Lucky no problems with the scans. Other than some moody behavior here, I think Lightning is fine." He announced. Which was good, also not. Sally wanted to hear that Lightning was so bad off that he wasn't himself at all. That maybe the affairs were the drugs...

Lightning and Sally got into the car and doors shut. At first it was quiet. It was just the calm before the storm. Lightning sighed and started "Look, I'm sorry. It was a one time thing and I"-"Why? Why would you even want to do that!?" Sally interrupted. Lightning opened his mouth, but "No! No, you don't get to make up some lame excuses for this one! I can not believe you'd think that was the way to go?" "It was ONE TIME! How many times do I have to say that!?" Lightning yelled! "You know how easy it is to addicted to stuff like that Lightning!? I'm trying to help you!" "THAT'S MY PROBLEM, YOU!" "What? Me!? Me helping is the problem?" Sally snapped. Lightning yelling "YES! STOP HELPING ME!" BAM! he hit the dash of the car so hard it actually cracked!

Sally stared a moment. This wasn't Lightning. This was the drugs. Please be the drugs.. She said over and over in her head. She took a deep breath and moved the conversation on. "Lightning you need to calm down and.." she paused and stared at him. All hunkered over, head low.. Tapping that stupid foot again. She felt bad for him. "Just... Talk to me.. Please." She begged. Lightning closed his eyes replying "I just want to go home.. I want to see the kids, I just want things to be normal..." Sally frowned and she wanted that to. Things to be normal. She knew this next thing she said would start a fight, but "Lightning, I can't let the kids see you like this.." "Sally"-"I can't." She repeated. Lightning sat up and snapped "You aren't doing this to me again! I'm fine! I'm... Fine... Please.. Please take me to a motel or somethin and let me see the kids.. Please." He begged.

Sally stared at him a moment. Thinking. "Okay.. I'll take you to my place and you can stay there. There's a bed.. A little food and water. I'm moving in throughout the week. You can stay there, help me move in.. See the kids soon and I'll stay with my Dad while everything gets moved over..." The fight seemed to have ended thankfully. "Do you have... The drugs on you now?" She asked quietly. Lightning glared at her snarling "No! I'm not some addict with a problem, so don't treat me like one!" Sally nodded without a word, then started the car and backed up. Beginning the drive. Lightning sat back in his seat and stared out the window. What the heck was wrong with him? Was he crazy? Was Sally just wanting him to be all messed up? Sort of felt like Sally wanted him to be, which sort of made him even more frustrated. What started as a pleasant return to see Sally was feeling like therapy and giving him a head ache all over again...

Lightning walked into Sally's new house with her close behind. It was a beautiful beach house with a front garden and basement. "This place is beautiful Sally.." he complimented. Sally smiled and walked up to Lightning and stood next to him. She sighed and took his hand in support. Lightning looked at her asking "Are you okay? After the accident?.." Sally nodded answering "Yeah. Just a scratch really. Car took most the hit." "Good. I never would have done that if I had known it was you driving." He assured. Sally giggled saying "You never would have raced if you had known it was me." "True.. It did feel good." He admitted.

That made Sally smile. "You get through withdrawal and then maybe we can see about racing again." "I'm retired Sally. No one is going to race me." He griped. Sally shrugged asking "You don't think you, the great Lightning McQueen could make a come back?" Lightning smiled a bit. "I don't think the great Lightning McQueen wants to." Sally rolled her eyes and leaned on his shoulder.

"You gotta get yourself together Lightning.." Said Sally. Lightning sighed answering "I know.. I will.. Hey, you said we were still married.." "..Yes.." "What are you wanting to do about that?" He asked. Sally had to think a moment. Still leaning against her husband. "I don't know... Did you and Cruz maybe talk about what your plans are? With this baby?" Lightning shook his head. "No, not really.. She is having it Sally. If you don't want to be with me becau"-"That isn't the only reason Light." "Okay... What else?" He asked. Sally frowned and looked up at him answering "You're a liar.. Constantly.. You are obsessed with Cleo and Cruz to.. You are mean and you are always looking for trouble as if you need it to survive." "No I'm not." He argued.

Sally glared answering "Jackson says you are probably looking for a thrill that makes you feel alive like racing did." "Why are you talking to Jackson? I thought I made it clear that I don't want you speaking to Jackson?" "You can not control me Lightning!" Snapped Sally, then she took a step or two back. As if she were afraid he would do something to her. Lightning noticed that. He hurt seeing that. He did that to her. "Sally, I won't hurt you.." He cooed. She crossed her arms mumbling "I know..." she sure didn't sound like she knew that. Lightning hated that so much. He messed up. Grabbing her and saying he owns her.

"I'm sorry.. I'm sorry for everything.." he whined. Sally nodded. "Get some sleep Lightning.. I'll.. Bring the kids by in the morning.." she began heading to the door. Lightning watched her as she stopped and stood in the door way saying "I love you you Light.. Please... You gotta come back to me.. The real you." He nodded agreeing "Yeah.. I know, I will Sal.. I'm.. I'm still me." Sally faked a small smile then shut the door behind her as she left. Lightning sighed and looked around. The place was so empty... So quiet.. So lonely...

It was dark, late, quiet. Lightning tossed and turned. He wasn't really able to get comfortable. The bed was to firm, the blankets to thick, pillows to lumpy. He sighed and sat up. Why did Sally care about him trying to race again so much? What did she think that was going to solve? How could she think that was what would fix him? There was nothing wrong with him anyway. She was the problem. Always being two faced, always pushing, getting into his business, sticking her nose where it didn't belong and now she was treating him like he was some messed up junkie when he was not at all. Was he?

Lightning's head hurt with all the thinking and over thinking he was doing. BBbbbzzzz. He glanced over at his phone that was laying in bed next to him. Text.

Cruz

Hey, I can't sleep.. Been sick all night so far.. Hope your night is going well. How are the kids? And Sally?

Awe Cruz. Poor, poor Cruz. Lightning sighed and ran his hands over his face then through his hair. What was he going to do about that. Why did he sleep with he again? He didn't want Cruz, he wanted Sally. Why was he doing this to himself, to these two women? Sally was right for sure about one thing. He just isn't himself anymore. Maybe he didn't know who he was anymore. He sure as hell wasn't a racer anymore. And if he couldn't race? Who was Lightning McQueen?

Feeling a little bad for Cruz, Lightning called her back.

Hey.. Did I wake you up with that text?

"No. I can't really sleep either.."

Oh.. I'm sorry.

"You're sick tonight?"

Yea.. Once I feel fine and try laying down I just.. Get sick all over again so.. Kind of giving up on any chance of sleep.

"Hmm.."

How are the kids and Sally?

"I haven't seen the kids yet.. Sally seems fine."

That's good. Have you seen her new place? IS it nice? I bet it's nice. Sally always had neat taste.

Lightning looked around answering, "Yeah, it's nice."

You really want to name the baby Diamond or what was the other name?... Bliss?

Lightning chuckled. "No. I was high. I shouldn't have done that...

You needed to wind down.. Once in a while never hurts.

"I'm not so sure about that.."

You okay?

"Yeah.. Look, I'm getting taken off that.. G something drug. Slowly.. Agonizingly slow. Is there some way to get it done and over with faster? Doctor says he's going to take two weeks before actually limiting it."

There are lots of ways to quit at quicker speeds, but I'd do what the doc says. They know more about the drug than anyone, right?

"But you've helped me before. Can't you tell me what to do to get this over with and get my life normal again?"

Not really.. Let's remember that when you wanted to take shortcuts in training, it didn't exactly work out either...

"Yeah..."

Ope, hold on.. I don't.. Feel so good.. BE RIGHT BACK!...

Lightning sighed and waited as he lay back down, placing the phone on his chest. He just wanted his life to be like it was before everything went wrong. Why couldn't he had waken up before Sally had that dam affair.. Would that have actually changed anything? Maybe. Laying there.. He was a little more relaxed at least...

She missed him.. She needed him.. It was the first Monday of December, it was stinging cold out. Even for Arizona. That is where they transported Lightning. The small town of Radiator Springs didn't have the medical tools or type of doctors Lightning needed. He was hurt too badly. Sally sat at his side. His loving and beautiful, caring wife. Loyal. She was loyal.

"Please make it through this Light.." She whispered aloud as she stroked her fingers through his hair. He looked horrible. He had pushed himself to hard. Sally blamed herself.. She should have stopped him.

"Knock, knock?.." Called the sweet voice of that familiar man. Sally turned towards the door calling "Ben?" she called softly. Ben entered the room and instantly Sally ran over and hugged him. He felt warm.. She hadn't felt that in so long it seemed now.. It had been nearly three weeks sense the crash and Lightning still hadn't woken up.

Sally smiled up at Ben, "You came early?" She asked. They usually met up in January, once a year, in honor of their son they had lost many years ago. Ben nodded answering "I came for you. I saw the news and knew you'd need the support. I would have come sooner, but.. I had some things to get into order first, but I came as soon as I could." He assured. His voice was quiet, deep, and calm. Sally just smiled. Probably for the first time in days, maybe weeks.

"Thank you.." She said. "I mean it. I do have the support of friends from back home in Radiator Springs though... But.. Another friend in this bad time is nice." Ben smiled back at her. "How is everyone in town doing anyway?" He asked. Sally sighed answering " "they've been good up until now.." She was hurting and looked over at Lightning.

Ben then asked "Why don't I grab you something to eat? You should eat." Sally shook her head answering "No.. No, I'm not leaving his side.. If I do, I feel like something might happen.." Ben sighed and stared at the racer. He trusted Lightning with his ex wife. Ben was glad Sally found someone who cared about her as Lightning did.

"I'll go grab you something. You need rest to. I can stay with him if you'd like?" He offered. Sally looked at Ben and smiled. She was tired. Extremely tired. She nodded and thanked Ben. He left for the time being.

sally sighed and stared out toward the window. It felt like the world was crashing down around her. She was depressed and scared. This was it. Lightning was going to die. "..Sal?.." Sally's eyes widened! "Lightning?.." She whispered. Was that him? Really? She waited for him. "Say something Light.." She begged as she rushed to his side. Grabbing his hand. He breathed in harder then mumbled "I love you.." HE WAS AWAKE! "I LOVE YOU TO!" She exclaimed! She loved hearing his voice! Now more than ever!...

Lightning took Cruz to his room and lay her on the couch, brushing her hair out of her face. He then went and grabbed a wet cloth and wiped down Cruz's face. She was young. He really saw it now. She made him see how old he and Sally were really getting. He sighed and grabbed his phone out pacing, but then Cruz moaned a bit as she woke up, coming to. "Ugh.. What.. What is going on?.." She asked.

Lightning walked over and she must of thought she was dreaming. "Mr. McQueen?... Where are we?.." She looked around. "I always dreamed you'd have me one day.." SHe was groggy. Lightning's eyes widened and his cheeks blushed a bit as she continued. "I'll do whatever you want me to Mr. McQueen..." She opened her legs up. Lightning turned away fast. Things were getting weird and he would never cheat. Never had and never would.

"Cruz.. You're drugged on something.." He began to walk past her when she put his hand in his groin. Lightning froze. That was no go! "Mr. McQueen.. I.. I'm really into anything you can dish out.." She teased and smiled. Drunk or drugged or something. Lightning chuckled nervously, a fake laugh really. He pushed her had away saying "Flattered.. Really, but.. Get some sleep." He ordered.

Lightning sat in the chair and sort of watched over Cruz. She was drunk. Badly. That was the last time they go out celebrating a win. Cruz stood up and stared at Lightning in his chair. "Yes?.." He asked. She really looked sexy even in her drunk state. The way she walked over towards him was even sexier. She placed her hands on his knees and came towards his face. Lightning fell back into the chair, not able to escape her, she whispered into his ear "MR.. McQueen.." It tickled and sent chills down his spine.

He could feel the temptation building. "I was raised in a broken home.. You and your racing?.. Was all I had.." Lightning wasn't sure where she was going with this. "Mr McQueen.. Please take me.. I know I'm drunk.. But.. Please.." Cruz pleaded in a soft and seductive tone. Yeah, tempting. She was hot, young, drunk, easy. A fan girl. Lightning knew this type all to well. She then slid her hands down his inner thigh to his groin. Lightning's brows lowered. He grabbed her hands and pulled her up as he stood. "Stop. I'm married. I'm not doing this. You're drunk so this is your free pass. You do it again, and I'm not going to train you or coach you ever again. Get some sleep." He was firm and very, very serious...

Lightning returned home and took off his shoes calling, "Sal?" Sally came out of the bedroom. "Hey! That was rather quick?" She pointed out. Lightning chuckled saying "Yeah, well.. Ramone knew I was just that good." and winked. Sally rolled her eyes then approached her husband. "Lightning, I've been meaning to talk to you about something." "Sure Sal, what's on your mind?" He asked. Sally took his hands and guided him to the bedroom and to the bed.

"Well.." She began. "We're both getting older and you know...I think we are doing really, really well. Don't you?" "Oh yeah, totally." He agreed with a charming smile. Sally smiled replying. "Good. And we've waited for a few years now because YOU asked me to.." His expression changed quick. He knew where this was going. "Now remember Lightning.. I am older than you to.. I mean I know we'd have to make some changes and it would be fine. Even if you want to try racing again or keep coaching Cruz..." Suddenly Lightning kissed her!

The kiss was amazing! Sally moaned into her husband's mouth. She smiled as their lips parted. What a good kisser. "You've been promising me a baby one day Light.. You can't make me wait until it"-"Let's do it.." Lightning said with a smile. Sally's eyes widened. "REALLY!?" She was excited! Lightning nodded with a shrug. "Yeah. I think I'm ready." Sally screamed like a little girl and wrapped her arms around Lightning, making them fall over onto the bed with her over top of him! "When can we start!?" She exclaimed. Lightning chuckled and checked his watch before answering "Well... We could always start right now?" Staring into each other's eyes. Sally kissed him roughly, passionately.. Yeah.. That's how things should have went...