hey guys, hope to get people back into the story. sorry for the cliffhanger. bad news good news. my family was hit with covid 19. good news. we all survived it! my mother and father had it, then me. thankfully by God's grace, kids and partner did not get it. If anyone would like to know how it went and was, I'm happy to do a chapter about it. my mother was having bad breathing problems and needed serious medical aid. my dad didnt need help surprisingly. I did need aid. I was put on an aspirator then an inhaler. I'm still on that right now. when I say I never felt like death could be a sweet escape until this virus. I meant it. at one point i was so at peace and couldn't breathe well i was just like.. if this is it.. okay.. im ready because I can't keep going. it's bad guys! I hope everyone is okay and no one has it?!?! plan on posting a bunch of chaps! here we go,

Lightning woke up suddenly! Doctors were surrounding him. One holding his shoulders down. "What are you doing!?" He panicked! "Let me go!" He yelled! He was afraid and awake and felt like his heart was running a marathon! One older man, doctor said "It's alright, you're back with us Sir." "DON'T TOUCH ME!" Lightning yelled! Then spit at the doctor's face! The man sighed and looked to his nurse saying, "Alright, let's get him restrained please." Lightning screaming at them "NO! Let me go! I shouldn't be here!" Fighting the doctors hard! It took a few to restrain him down, but once he was tied down to the bed, he felt needles in his arms. Pain everywhere as he screamed in panic!

Black.

Lightning woke up. Pain. Severe pain! He looked down as he opened his eyes.. A hospital gown?.. He questioned. OH did it hurt.. Everything hurt! His stomach, his kidneys, pelvis, everything lower hurt bad like a clamping feeling. He looked at his arms.. Needles, tubes in each arm connected to drippers above. His heart being monitored by some stupid beeping machine. Beep.. beep.. beep. Oh that was giving him a head ache. He felt numb and in such pain. Could barely move due to pain and restraints. It hurt so bad. Everything hurt and he would try to get up, but he was so weak. So, so weak. And sick to his stomach. Like he wanted to throw up, but had no energy to even try or do it. He was tired.. Mentally.. He messed up. He must of messed up. He felt so emotional. How could he do that? Why did he want to feel like that? That was absolutely horrible! Part of i'm just wished he didn't even wake up. Because now.. Sally.. Oh Sally. What time was it even? The door opened and Lightning looked over to see Sally.

She shut the door and turned and froze. Staring at him. The look on her face. He could never and would never forget the look on her face. It only made Lightning feel worst. He was such a disappointment and how could he do this to her? Lightning's breathing became heavier and it hurt. It hurt so bad to even breath rapidly and this, this was the lowest he had ever been. Tears began to fill his eyes and he didn't even have to say a word as Sally walked up to him and took his hand. He felt so guilty and now part of him wished that dam beeping monitor would just flat line already. He should have never done this. He shouldn't be here and making things worse on the love of his life. Sally leaned down, sort of hugging him as tears filled her eyes. Oh he was drained. Thinking. It hurt to have her lay over him,. but he didn't care. The smell of her hair made him sick, but he didn't care. The scene that use to be amazing and loving, now made him hurt and want to throw up in a way, but it didn't. He was too weak to try and even talk, to weak to really cry.

Sally sniffled and teared up, rubbing her hand over his arms and chest. She felt broken. How could she help him? Maybe rehab was best for him after all...

The couple sat there in the room. Lightning in the bed, still hooked up to all kinds of things, but no longer restrained. He swallowed loudly and stared over at Sally. Sally sitting in the chair and thinking and staring. "Sally.." Lightning whispered in a whimper. She looked at him saying "Don't.. Please don't." So once again it was quiet. She had so many questions and yet didn't ask a single one. Like why? Why would he do this? did he want to die? Everything seemed okay. Every time things seemed okay, something just had to happen. It wasn't right and it wasn't fair. Of course part of her thought if this was bad, him getting off the drugs would only be worse. She needed a good doctor's opinion. "Sal.." Lightning whimpered her name quietly again. This time, Sally stood up with tears in her eyes and snapped "Don't!.. I need a drink.." She left the room rather quick. As if he would stop her if he said her name again. She was angry and had a right to be.

Sally stomped out really. Walking down the halls. Wanting to hit the walls, scream in frustration and pain, cry as loud as she could, but she contained herself. She walked through this floor, up to the next floor and to the desk where she waited for the clerk. The woman was typing away on a computer and glanced up at Sally saying "Just one moment Mam." Holding up her finger. Sally waited. And waited forever it felt like.

Waiting is when she noticed all the flowers in the room. Odd. Roses in bows and vases, some random flowers and yellow. Some white. Sally's brows lowered as she then asked "Did someone order an entire flower shop?" More of trying to lift up her own spirits really. The woman stopped typing then looked up answering "No, um.. We lost a good doctor a few days ago..." "Oh.." "How can I help you?" Asked the woman. Sally sighed saying "I.. I was wondering if Ben Bentwheel had a moment to speak and meet privately to talk about a patient he had before.." The woman frowned explaining "Mam.. Dr. Bentwheel passed away.. He was the doctor we lost." Sally felt the world shatter. Lightning takes drugs and now Ben is dead? "Wait.. What? I, I don't understand.. Ben? Ben Bentwheel?" Sally asked in a stutter. The woman nodded.

Sally felt part of her break even more. She may love Lightning more and may be with Lightning, but Ben was a huge part of her life. Ben was her first love, her first husband. "This.. That doesn't make sense. Ben.. Ben was a,a,a great doctor. He.. He wouldn't have... Died just like that?" The woman didn't know how to react or speak to Sally really. Sally felt every thing crumbling. Ben could have helped Lightning! Ben was her comfort when Lightning wasn't there. And maybe that was bad, but Ben did not deserve to die!? "How did he die? What happened?" Sally asked. The woman hesitated, "WHAT HAPPENED TO BEN!?" Sally yelled, hitting the desk! The woman sighed explaining "I can not speak about that out here. I'm sorry." "FUCK YOU!" Sally yelled and turned, leaving. Heading back down.

She got into the elevator and once those doors shut, she screamed loudly in pain and frustration! Now what? What was she suppose to do? When the world is trying to break you, what do you do?...

Lightning lay in the bed with his eyes closed. Trying to relax and think. All he could do was think. Because he was to weak to do much else really. Then the door opened. Lightning sighed saying "Sally... Please.. I.." He then felt someone grab his jaw and force a liquid down his throat. Lightning gagged a bit and choked up, coughing. His eyes wide open in fear as he looked at the person holding his jaw shut now! Lightning grabbed the person's wrists, to weak to fight off as he tried to get his mouth free to spit out whatever he was just given, but the person only made it worse and covered his nose to. Lightning couldn't breathe!...

Sally walked into the halls. Hurting for so many reasons now. She didn't need Ben's comfort. She just... She didn't know. She thought Ben might be able to help Lightning in some way more than other doctors. Suddenly she froze. From the opposite direction came nurses running to Lightning's room!? To his aid and bedside! Lightning's body shook violently then he felt a peace suddenly over him. Like a happy, funny, ditzy feeling. Was this death? His body calmed from it's violent shakes as he lay there. Nurses grabbing his head and tilting it back as she looked down his throat. A light in one eye then the next. He felt underwater. A pressure and yet a peace. Everything was blurry. Nurses yelling at each other, machines beeping and in panic sounds. "LIGHTNING!" Sally's voice screamed! But it was faint and sort of calming as well. Like a sweet and calming echo, calling his name.

Flat line_ _ _ _ _

As it seemed to go dark and quiet and peaceful for Lightning, it became a world of pain and panic for Sally. She ran into the room screaming his name "LIGHTNING!" One nurse pushing Sally back! Sally watched in horror as a doctor ran in with some kind of machine in a cart. She watched as they tilted his head back and shoved a metal tube down his throat that suctioned the blockage in his throat then watched CPR begin. She could not handle all of this today. There was drool and vomit down Lightning's face. This wasn't okay! "What's happening to him!?" She yelled! Nurses ignoring her and trying to save Lightning's life though. Sally was lost. She could do nothing, but watch. She had done this enough times!

"I only left him for a moment!' She screamed. One nurse nodded and tried taking her out of the room. Sally wasn't having it though. She watched CPR continue. The machines in one flat line. He was dead! He was dead for far too long! "DO SOMETHING!" Sally ordered! Then that beeping started up again! "We're stable for transfer." announced one nurse. The doctor then looked at the nurse holding Sally back and said "Get her out of here!" Sally's jaw dropped. "NO! I'm not leaving him!" Sally yelled! The doctor had it and turned to Sally snapping "I am his doctor! Trust me and get out!" Pointing to the door. Sally's eyes read pure fear. Sally watched nurses put oxygen over his nose and mouth after wiping the vomit and spit from his face. The doctor turned to another nurse and said "I want a ventilator prepped and ready just in case. He doesn't have it in him to keep fighting alone and we got to get the lungs drained, now." To another nurse, "I need testing prepped. I want a scan of his head immediately so we can see the damage done. Let's hurry people!"...

Sally sat in the hall. Waiting for a nurse, a doctor, something. Why was Lightning always in hospitals. Of course this was different. This wasn't from or because of crazy, reckless racing accident. This was drugs. Lightning took drugs and caused this on himself. Sally hated this. Why did he need to do this to himself? Waiting. Waiting was the worst part of this. Bbbzzzz. Sally felt her pocket, her phone. She pulled it out to see her Father calling. "Hello.."

Hey, any news at to what's going on?

"Right.. Sorry.. I forgot to call you after I got here.."

It's alright, just.. Wondering what's happening. Car accident? Was he drinking?

"No Dad!.. It's serious!.. He died! I watched him fucking die! The doctors had to do CPR to get him back and they whisked him away without telling me much and I've been waiting!.. I've been waiting forever!.." She began crying. Carson was silent. Not sure what to say or do.

What happened?..

"Lightning... Lightning took drugs, Dad.."

What kind of drugs?

"Just more of his own medications. This is my fault... I, I shouldn't have trusted Cruz, I shouldn't have kicked him out again and I should have done something sooner!"

This isn't your fault. Lightning is a grown man and can make his own dumb choices.

"This is your fault! You scared him with talk if that stupid withdrawal!"

I know you are upset and looking for blame. The truth is, this is no one except for Lightning's own fault. I know that's not what you want to hear baby, but-

Sally hung up. She hung up on her Father because she couldn't stand hearing his crap right now. Then the doctor entered. Sally stood up and immediately asked "How is he?" The man walked over and began "Your husband suffered asphyxiation. It's not that uncommon in people who.. Used drugs or drank to much.." "So his medication caused this?" Asked Sally. The man sighed and continued. "I believe so, but we're looking into it. Sometimes the gag reflex can be suppressed when a person takes certain amounts of medications or alcohol. We had to drain fluid from his lungs because the inability to vomit caused that. We are keeping a close eye on him in ICU to avoid sepsis and to watch for another episode."

The man paused and placed a hand on Sally's shoulder. "He is in good hands.." he assured her. Sally's brows lowered. "Is he awake?" "No. No, we have him sedated on a ventilator. His lungs are to weak to push on their own right now." "More drugs!? You can't give him more drugs!? That could kill him!" She shouted and stepped back. She did not want some overdose induced by medical aid. The doctor agreed and explained "We didn't want to either. But it was this or hope his lungs don't quit, depriving him of any more oxygen. Now I'm still waiting on the results from scans, but I want to prepare you that there is a chance he suffered minor brain damage due to the lack of oxygen."

"What? But he was only out for like a second!?" Sally defended. Defended what, unsure. The doctor frowned a bit correcting "Mam, his brain didn't receive oxygen for about two minutes. Good news is that we rarely see any problems in that time frame. But sense he was already on so many medication withdrawal.. I'm not sure what to expect really myself.." "Fuck you! Fuck you and this entire hospital! Take me to him." Sally ordered. The man nodded and said "Right this way."...

Sally stared at him from the door way. Lightning laying in that bed, a tube down his throat, taped to the side of his mouth. She turned around towards the doctor asking "Does he really need the ventilator?" The man nodded explaining "He has suppressed his body to the point, nothing wants to work correctly. After we drained his lungs, they seem to keep quitting. Gonna hope for the best Mrs. McQueen." Sally nodded then asked "What happened in there? He was awake and I only left for a second." She whimpered.

The man sighed answering "Well.. He had drugs in his system and really, time is the only thing curing his body of the symptoms and effects of the drug. His gag reflex was suppressed. Very common in certain drugs. We can't pin point that clock exactly to tell when a person has fully recovered or not. He probably drifted to sleep and.. He began to vomit, but just.. He couldn't wake up." "He choked? He choked on his own vomit like some drunk?" Sally asked rudely. The doctor bobbed his head side to side answering "Kind of. Most patients are only on the ventilator for a week or two. I expect Lightning to recover in time and we'll wake him up once we know he is strong enough to breathe on his own." Sally looked over at her husband a moment then the doctor said "I'll leave you alone."

He began to shut the door when stopped him asking "Wait.. Ben Bentwheel.. What happened to him?" The man stared then made a funny face as he came to realize, "Oh. Oh you're that Sally McQueen." "What does that mean?" "Ben's ex wife. He talked about you a lot before he and Christina married. You and..." he paused, clearing his throat. "The baby you two were having a few years ago.. Sorry about your loss.." he mumbled. Sally's brows lowered. Clearly, he was crossing a line.

The man apologized again then back to her question. "There was a... Security breach and.. Ben was one of the fatalities that day " "Security breach?" Questioned Sally. The doctor nodded then assured her they were perfectly safe and in good hands. "Again, sorry for your loss.." as he left, closing the door quietly. Sally stared at Lightning. Machines beeping and keeping him alive. Maybe this was like Jackson said. Lightning pushing himself near death to feel that experience, that adrenaline, that drive. If so, Sally wasn't sure how to fix it. If not, she still wasn't quite sure what to do anymore...

One, two, three days went by of nurses and doctors in and out. Sally continuously there and being next to Lightning's side. She had to grabbed his stuff from that motel. Which was just a small bag and his dead phone. A week went by, three more days, four.. Sally needed to keep busy.

She finished her interview and the man smiled saying "Well Mrs. McQueen. This firm could definitely use someone like you. I don't even need to think on it for a few days, you're hired!" He smiled and lent out his hand. Sally smiled and shook her new boss's hand. "Thank you so much Sir. I won't let you down." "Oh I know it! Just.. Sense you are new, I'm putting you on the bench. You understand that? Right?" He asked. Sally gave a confused expression. "I'm sorry, the bench?" She asked. The man nodded explaining "Just a temporary position. Front desk." "Oh.. Yes, I.. I can handle that Sir." "Great! See you Monday!"...

End of another week, another day, another night...

Bbbbzzzzz "Ah!" Sally jumped and woke up. Asleep in bed at her house. Bbbzzzz. Her phone again. Sally sat up and grabbed it, looking at the time. It was sort of early. Kids were still asleep, but would be up soon. No school, no work today. She'd probably go check on Lightning at some point. Bbbzzzz. Right, phone. She glanced at it. Cruz? Cruz... Cruz didn't know about Lightning and his little accident yet. Part of Sally wanted to keep it that way. But.. Cruz was pregnant with Lightning's baby. Bbbzzzz. What if something was wrong? No. Nothing's wrong. Sally shook her head and stared at the name. Cruz. What a stupid name anyway.

Bbbbzzzzz.

Not going to answer. Cruz can think Lightning is ignoring her.. Bbbzzzzz. Sally sighed and hated answering the darn thing. "Hello."

Hi.. Um.. Sorry to call.. But.. Lightning's phone just goes straight to voicemail for a while now and I was wanting to... talk to him..

"Yeah, okay. Cruz, Lightning has been in the hospital. He had an accident with some medications and had to be put on a ventilator."

What?

"This is not a game. Lightning died Cruz. Because he took more drugs."

WHAT!? HE'S DEAD!?

"Oh for chryslers-No! Thankfully not.

I... I...Why did he take more drugs?

"You tell me."

What do you mean by that? I never made him take drugs? He was there with you the entire time!

"You introduced him to it!"

What!? I did not! Don't blame this on me!?

"I can and I will. Ever sense your horny little easy ass stepped into our lives, you've brought me and Lightning nothing, but pain and more problems!"

EXCUSE ME!? I helped him after his accident! I was there for him because you couldn't do the things I could!

"All you did was replace him like you planned!"

OH that is just ridiculous.

"NO, not really. You may have gotten Lightning and everyone else to fall for it, but I saw rught through your little play! You took Lightning so you could steal all his credit to racing and become a dam racer Cruz."

SO wait? You saw that, b ut not how badly you hurt him with Ben and couldn't see he would rather sleep with me than even be around you?

"You think you meant anything to him? You were just some easy fan girl that opened her legs up to wide! The drugs he was on made him do the crap he did with you!"

Whatever helps you sleep at night princess.

"What did you just call me!?"

I'm coming to see Lightning.

"Maybe he doesn't want to see you ever again Cruz. Maybe he started using because you raped him!"

Lightning sure as hell didn't call it rape.

"I better not see your face near that hospital Cruz."

You don't have to, but I'm going to be there for Lightning. You are welcome to join me anytime, but don't start this crap up again. I'm tired of being afraid of you and your stupid Mrs. McQueen name. See you at the hospital sometime.

"Oh I better not! You hear me Cruz!? If I see you there, than I"- Hung up. Cruz hung up on her!? Sally growled loudly with anger. Cruz was coming? Seriously?! This was all her fault to begin with! Sally wished her dead.. No that was too harsh. Sally sighed and frowned. Cruz was stuck in their lives as long as she was pregnant with Lightning's child...

Sally was typing away at work. Such fun to have to scan and file all the paperwork and back paperwork of the firm. Attorneys were good at that. Making a lot of paperwork for the front desk and office workers. Sally noticed the one her Father was working on. The E. etc drug suit. She hesitated filing it and about opened it to peek. That was illegal though. "Hey Sally." Greeted her boss. Nice man, same age as her. Always smiling which was a little weird. "Hello there.. Boss. Can I help you?" She asked. The man chuckled answering "Hey, just call me Jeff. You are way to well known to call me Boss here." He smiled. always smiling.. SO weird.

"Can I help you?.. Jeff?.." Sally asked. Jeff nodded answering "So I hear you have kids, right?" "Yes?.." "I do to. Two. Sasha and Kale." "Kale?.." "Yeah, his mother's idea. Anyway, thought maybe you might like a little bump up this probation period. Thinking maybe the kids might all like a play date together?" "Um... Maybe.. What are Sasha and.. Kale's.. Ages?" Sally asked. Jeff sighed, still smiling. "Sasha is thirteen, Kale is six." "My oldest is close to Kale's age. I think they might even go to the same school." "OH isn't that something." said Jeff. Still smiling.

"So? Wanna watch Sasha and Kale after school tomorrow maybe?" Jeff pushed. Sally's eyes widened. "That is a little last minute. MY husband is still in the hospital.. I"-"Need something to keep busy? I completely understand." Jeff exclaimed. Sally's brows lowered. "No. No, that's not what I mean Jeff." "I knew I could count on you. Look, I got to run. But I will talk to you more tomorrow about it. Kale will love it for sure and Sasha is just a hoot!' He smiled. As he began to walk away, Sally stood up saying "Jeff, I didn't say yes." "Didn't say no either." Jeff smiled and pointed at her and winked before rushing off to his office. Sally sighed and sat back down. Shaking her head. Why was she the nice person like that?

Bbbzzzzzz. Her phone. Sally knew she shouldn't during work, but it could be the school, the daycare, or the hospital. "Hello?" She answered quietly.

Yes, may I speak to Mrs. McQueen?

"This is she."

Great. So, you told us to call if your husband had any unexpected visitors. A Cruz Ramirez just got here about an hour ago and we told her she wasn't aloud to see him, but she is insisting and.. I know the image of you and your husband is something you'd like to keep quiet, but I don't think it will much longer if Miss Ramirez doesn't see him soon.

"Of course.. That little.. Okay. Okay, thank you. I will be down as soon as I can."

Sally hung up and glanced back at Jeff's glass office. He was on the phone and busy. Best not to bother him. Oh forget it. Sally had enough of being walked all over by people and men. Especially men! She got up and grabbed the E. etc suit and stomped over to Jeff's office, opening the door without knocking. Jeff stared at Sally with confusion. "Jeff, I have to go. There is an issue at the hospital with my husband." Jeff covered the phone with his free hand and asked "Is it an emergency? Can't it wait?" Sally shrugged answering "It is and.. It's not. More like petty drama that I have to deal with. It's"-"Yeah, yeah, look. You are the front desk here. The only one besides Gertrude.. And no one likes to approach that face." He admitted.

Gertrude was a much older, older woman. Wrinkled skin with spots and moles, glasses, she smoked and had died her hair an odd blue and some of it was falling out. She smelled like cat litter and tuna. Sally's brows lowered as she asked "Did you place me at the front because I am physically approachable?" A little rude there. Jeff stared at her and sighed answering "Yes, you're pretty and a good worker. Now go back and please just.. Sit there. I can talk to you in a moment. I am on a very important call right now..." He put the phone back to his ear and continued.

"Yes, I'm here. Thanks for holding. I had a little issue with some employee. You know how is Sir. Now, about that service you received from.. Hot Pink? IS it technically illegal, but it's black mail if she is holding it on you. So yes, you can get away with it... Um.. No, I.. I wouldn't hire a new.. Call girl.. One moment." He looked at Sally saying "This is a little private and probably a little.. Delicate for you.." Sally's brows lowered. She had enough! She snapped!

She stomped over and grabbed Jeff's phone and talked into it saying "Look! This is former city and town attorney Sally McQueen. If you are seriously considering hiring a call girl and she black mails you? I will personally defend her as you did make the call to her and I assume paid her! If she is black mailing you, there is a reason. Usually means your money is fake. In which case I will make sure you are sent to jail. Goodbye." She hung up and handed Jeff the phone back. Jeff became furious, but before he could say a word, Sally snapped at him saying "I am going to the hospital. And NO! I am not fired for that! Other wise, you'll deal with me in court for hiring me because of looks! Telling me to go sit and be pretty!? Are you kidding me Jeff!? I have YEARS under my belt as an attorney and at this very firm! I deserve MORE respect than this! MY Father is Carson Carrera for chrysler's sake!" "Your Dad is Carson?.. Car-car-Carson Ca-Carrera?.." He asked nervously.

Sally cocked her head a bit answering then asking. Yes. Why did you say his name like that?" Jeff hesitated answering. "Well.. He, he.. He told me to put you at the desk.. Because you didn't need to be all stressed out and over working. Trust me, I wanted you at my side! Be my best attorney! But.. Carson insisted I have you placed at the desk or have my head ripped off and a foot up my ass." Sally only became more and more enraged at everything and everyone! "I have to go to the hospital, I will talk to you tomorrow Jeff And I'm taking this!.."Referring to the case file. She was firm and a little rude. As she left, Jeff called out asking "Still on for tomorrow with the kids, right?" Sally froze. Last straw!...

Sally got to the hospital in rage. Pure rage, ready to grab Cruz by the throat and kill her. She had enough of her, of everyone! Then outside, Lighting's room, arguing with some nurse, was Cruz. That little.. Sally walked over and snapped "What do you think you are doing here?" The nurse and Cruz looking at her. "I'm here to see Lighting." Defended Cruz. Sally crossed her arms saying "Well that's not going to happen. Not as long as I speak for Lightning." "You shouldn't be. You're the one who let this happen." "ME? You, you can not be serious Cruz. I have been.. Been doing what I can to fix what you messed up." "I did not mess him up!" Cruz snapped!

Sally only snapped back with "OH, you did! The moment you stepped into his life, you screwed everything up!" "I'd say that was you, but you'll just argue back with me and well.. I don't argue with stupid people." Sally's eyes widened! She never wanted to slap another woman so hard in her entire life! The nurse stared and cleared her throat before asking "Um.. Should I call security?.. Or can this be settled some place else..?.." Sally glared at Cruz asking "You want to do this the easy way or the hard way?" Cruz glaring back, "I've never took the easy road." Sally snickered saying "Suit yourself. Nurse, please get security. This.. Woman needs to be removed and"-"OH GOD!.." Cruz shouted and grabbed her stomach. "Something's wrong!.. Feels like.. Cramping only worst!.." She cried. The nurse and Sally looked at her, a bit confused. It was obvious she was pregnant, her bump showing.

The nurse was concerned and asked "How pregnant are you?"Cruz slowly got down on her knees saying "I ..I'm a few months now.. I think it's just stress.. I'll.. Be okay.. But could I have some water?.." Sounding as if she were in pain. The nurse nodded and said "I'm going to grab a wheel chair and get you a room. Should check you out to be safe." She rushed off quick. Sally glared down at Cruz who was suddenly fine. "Guess you'll be dealing with me here for a while huh?" Cruz asked. Sally just glared. She hated Cruz and how dirty of her. How dirty...

Sally sat in Lightning's room. Staring at him. Still with the ventilator.. Still sedated.. Non existent again. She hated this part. Out of everything that had ever happen between them, this was what she hated most. She'd give just about anything to be in some awful fight with him right now. Not that she wanted to fight right now, but to have him back and alive and breathing. Then there was Cruz. Once he did wake up.. They would have to deal with that still. Sally sighed and stood up and walked over to Lightning's side. She took his had. So lifeless again. "Hey Stickers... Are you dreaming maybe?... Can you maybe even hear me?.." Probably not. "Cruz is here... She's.. Really pregnant huh?... She just wants to see you, but.. Maybe I'm being selfish. I have a right to be though, right?.. You're mine.. Aren't you?..."

She sighed and felt the tears come up. "It's been a while. Doctors say you'll be fine. Just.. You have healing to do really.. That's good right?.." No answer of course. "Ben died.. I mean.. Not that I wanted him like before.. I'd never do that.. I wanted to get his opinion on you and this.. Drug.. But.. He's gone Lightning. I don't know.. Maybe that's something you want to hear.." OH she was hurting. "I know Cruz is going to be apart of our lives.. I know I need to stop being a bitch to her and try.. I need to, but.. I'm sorry that I'm just such a bad wife.. I'm bad at this.. I'm not... I'm stressed out and scared and alone. Always alone it seems.. I didn't cause you to do this?.. Right?.. This isn't my fault.. I would never let you do this to yourself.." She stared at him. So silent.

"Kids are always asking if you are better yet.. Especially Colt. He misses you the most I think..." No answer, of course. "Lightning I need you to come back to me.. Just like you always do.. Please.." Nothing. "I'm not loosing hope this time. I know you will.. Just.. Don't take so long this time, alright?" She joked. It hurt though. She knew what she had to do. She had to try and get along with Cruz...

Cruz sipped her water. Watching the machine monitor her heart rate. Knock, knock, knock. "Come in." She called, thinking it was a nurse or someone like that. The door opened and Sally walked in. Cruz snickered asking "What are you doing here?" Rude. Sally took a deep breath then asked "How is the baby doing?" "She's fine. I was faking it." "I know.." Sally mumbled. "So.. It's a girl?" She asked. Cruz raised a brow and asked a question herself. "What are you doing?.." Suspicious.

Sally frowned and approached. "I know that I have to let you se Lightning.. That you'll be in our lives.. Forever I guess.." Oh she hated it though. Cruz was surprised of this turn really. Sally stood there at Cruz's side saying. "I'm going to forgive you.. I'm going to.. Trust you around my husband again.. And my kids... I don't like it.. I don't want to, but I need to. For everyone's sake.. So.. Just give me time and be easy.. I just.. I'm afraid that Lightning is always going to want you." Cruz stared at Sally.

At first silent. Unsure what to say. "Um.. Okay.. Thanks I guess..." She replied softly. "I.. I'm sorry for causing such a scene.. I just want to see him." Sally nodded replying "I know. I should have let you. Come on, we can go now if you'd like.." "Really?" Sally nodded. Cruz took off the monitor and got up. Sally stared at her, at he baby bump. "Does Lightning know it's a girl? I can't remember if he's told me or not." Sally admitted. Cruz nodded answering "Yeah. I told him a while back actually." "Have a name yet?" Asked Sally as they walked to Lightning's room. Cruz glanced back at her bed then asked "Aren't the doctors going to wonder where I went?" Sally glared asking "You want to see Lightning or not?" Cruz stared all wide eyed and nodded. Following Sally back to his room. They walked in together.

For Sally, this was so awkward, horrible, stressful, painful. Watching Cruz slowly walk over to Lightning's bed side. Cruz stared down at Lightning. "He looks horrible.." She whined. Sally walked up and snickered. "He overdosed Cruz. He killed himself." "I don't think he'd do that. Lightning loved life way too much." "Did he? Cleo made sure he never got a moment of peace.." Griped Sally. Cruz thought a moment then looked at Sally asking "What is Cleo up to now anyway? Does she know about Lightning?" "NO! NO, and she never will. Lightning and I are never going back to Radiator Springs.." Sally announced with a frown. Cruz stared at her. She could hear the pain in Sally's tone.

Cruz stared back down at Lightning. It was hard seeing him like this. "Sally.. I never gave him drugs.. I never.. If I knew things were this bad I would have done something more.." Sally nodded agreeing "Me too.." Well, something they both agreed on then. BBbzzzz... Sally took out her phone and sighed. Time to get the kids. She really didn't want to leave Cruz with Lightning alone.

"Something wrong?.." Asked Cruz. Sally shook her head answering "I got to go get Colton from school.." The two women stared at each other. Quietly staring. "Do I.. Need to go?.." Mumbled Cruz. Sally wanted to say yes, but.. She took a deep breath before answering "No.. No, you.. You stay.. I.. I could use the break honestly.. Just.. Promise me you will call when and if he is taken off that ventilator and wakes up? Okay?" She asked. Cruz nodded saying "Yes Mam." Sally stared a moment. Part of her didn't trust Cruz. She nodded. "Okay.. Call me when you leave him alone.." She added before leaving herself...

Dinner that night was with her Father. Aside from him helping her with the kids, she wanted to confront him about her job as the front desk lady. Kids were watching some movie on tv from disney as Sally cleaned dishes in the sink. Her father grabbing the spray cleaner and wiping the table down and chairs after the kids were a bit messy. "You can let the kids stay over night sometimes if you need to Sally." He offered. Sally smiled and thanked her Father then asked "Did you call my firm before I went in for my interview a few weeks ago?" Carson shook his head lying "No. Why would I do that?" "Because Jeff told me what you did Dad."

Carson sighed and then admitted. "Alright, so what if I did? You are way to stressed out to handle any real case right now Sally." "I can handle anything Dad. I don't need you to baby me and help me." She growled. Carson raised a brow asking "So why are you here? And not back in that middle of no where town?" Radiator Springs. Sally sighed explaining. "Because there is a.. A very bad person there that makes life there hard for Lightning and me to really." "I can get rid of her." Carson assured. Sally shut off the water then snapped. "Believe me, you can't. Besides... A fresh start is what we needed." Carson snickered saying "Yeah, except that fresh start is you, Lightning, the kids, and that whore of his."

Sally rubbed her fore head. "Dad... Please.. I have to learn to live with it.. With her. It wasn't entirely Lightning's fault anyway." "Oh really? Please change my mind." He snarled. Sally snapped saying, "OKAY! Lightning was drunk and Cruz took advantage of him! There!" Carson stared a moment. Waiting silently for a few seconds before replying "That's rape Sally... Not to mention... That means Lightning was on more than just drugs. Do you really expect things to be the same when he wakes up?" "What do you mean now Dad?" "He's going to be off medications. He's going to have to find new roots for himself. He'll be learning and trying to remember who he is and feel spacey a lot." "So? I can handle it Dad." Assured Sally. Carson nodded continuing. "He could relapse.. Might get worse.." "It won't." "It can though." "IT WON'T!" Sally snapped loudly!

Carson stared at her a moment then Sally apologized. Carson walked over and placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I love you baby girl.." "Love you too Dad.." She whispered, placing her hand on his. Bbbzzzzz. Her phone. Carson raised a brow asking "Hospital?" Sally shook her head answering "No, just Cruz." Then the phone. "Hey.. Yeah.. Okay. How was he?.. Okay.. Thank you for calling me before you left. Yep.. See you tomorrow.." She hung the phone up to see a nasty expression on her Father's face. "What?" Sally asked.

Carson snickered saying "You are speaking to that whore? And letting her stay with your husband? Really?" He asked. Sally sighed and tried explaining. "Yes.. Cruz is having his baby." "And you wonder how she got between you two in the first place?" He snarled. Sally's jaw dropped. "Great Dad. Thanks for that." She shook her head and walked in the other room to gather the kids. Carson stopped her and apologized. "I'm sorry.. I just.. I wouldn't trust this woman." "It's fine. Lightning's still sedated anyway. What more could she possibly do right now?" Asked Sally. Carson couldn't answer that as he didn't know.

"Come on kids, time to go." She called. They all three looked at her and Colton whined "Awe Mom.. I'm watching tv.." "Well you can watch it tomorrow after school. Come on." "Mom.." "Now, Colton." She was more firm. All three got up and headed over to their Mother. Saying goodbye to their grandpa before heading out. "Thanks again Dad.." Sally mumbled. Carson nodded and walked his daughter and grand kids to the car and waved them goodbye for now...