Lightning woke up with a sigh. Felt very well rested and good and it was nice to wake up in such a nice bed. It was so comfortable this morning. He could almost lay in bed all morning, all day. He opened his eyes. Wait.. Where was Sally? Lightning sat up and realized he was still in yesterday's clothes. He didn't even change? Oh no, the kids! He was suppose to go back down and watch a movie while they had dinner. Did he? It was morning. Lightning got up and after a quick trip to the bathroom headed to the stairs and paused. Where would he even look? The last time he was really here, the place was empty.
Now it had been filled with furniture and decor and rooms with beds.. He didn't even know which kid slept where? Lightning walked over to the closest room it had two toddler beds, one on each wall and was filled with all the toddler toys and games for Landon and Ece. Ece's bedding was bright pink with purple flowers and ponies. Landon's with race cars. It was cute. Lightning then headed to the next room where it hit hard. It hit hard how much time he had lost with his son, the twins.
Colton's room did not look like a toddlers room at all anymore. A twin bed with striped, blue and grey bedding.. Posters on the walls of cars and movies he liked. Which were cartoons still for now. One big poster board of photos over a desk. Had his own tablet there and an insta camera. Lightning sat on his son's bed. Had a box of toys in the corner and books in another. This was a child's room. Colton was growing up and Lightning was missing it. At least that's what it felt like. It was his own fault to. Lightning hated it. Things needed to change before this went on into Colton's teenage years to...
Lightning headed down to the kitchen to find Sally at the dining table. One thing he noticed was all the stuff in here now. The place looked like a home... But not his home.. Sally looked up from her papers and stared at him. She didn't exactly look happy. Lightning walked in slowly and greeted "Hey..." Her brows lowered. Yep, she wasn't happy with him. Lightning sighed and began his apology "Sorry I was tired.. I really wanted to have dinner and watch... Whatever you guys watched. Really, I did. I guess I'm just."- Sally set or rather slammed down an empty sleeping pill bottle as she glared harshly at her husband. "..Adjusting.." Lightning finished.
Sally sighed saying "These were in my bathroom. I had quite a few left until you went up there." Lightning stared at her and at the bottle. It was not what it looked like or how Sally was going to make it seem at all. "You took more than your suppose to of these things Lightning. Not to mention, you're not suppose to be taking anything other than your ONE medication!" She was mad. Lightning nodded with some shame. "I know.. Look, I was.. Having trouble calming down." "Than you talk to me! Not take sleeping pills to avoid it!.. I tried waking you and you wouldn't wake up, so I wound up calling 911 and talking to them over the phone and they told me that the dose you took wasn't deadly or anything, just will knock you out. I had to watch you and make sure you slept it off without choking to death again! DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW STRESSED OUT I WAS ALL NIGHT!?" She asked.
Lightning sighed and apologized. Sally shook her head scolding "That's not okay... Lightning.. You want me to trust you with things, you got to open up. Stop doing drugs." "I'm not doing drugs. That's rather dramatic Sally." Lightning growled softly. Sally only snapped "It's not!" Then she gasped with wide eyes. Lightning raised a a brow asking "What?" Sally thought for a moment. At first, it made no sense Why Lightning had become such dependent in medicines. He took only what he was told and nothing more. Sometimes even less than he was suppose to. "Okay..." Lightning mumbled awkwardly as he made his way to the fridge.
Sally walked over and opened it before he could and grabbed him out a water, handing it to him. "Cleo got you this way." She announced. Lightning stared at her, she had his attention. "Cleo started making you drink remember?.. Though it's alcohol, you slowly began looking for that buzz it gave you and you started using more medicine, getting high.. Cleo pushed you down this path and probably wanted you to become addicted." "That doesn't make sense.." replied Lightning. Sally shrugged. "I think it does. She's a bitch and you know she'd do it." "Yeah... I have to go back to Radiator Springs and at the least, get all my stuff moved here." He reminded.
Sally frowned and nodded. "I know you do.. I just don't want you to go alone.. I'm afraid Cleo will hurt you again.." "I'll avoid her. I honestly don't want to deal with her.. It's just stress. " "Good. But.. I'll ask my Dad to watch the kids for a few days again and maybe I can come with you. Just in case." "In case what? I'm not going to Cleo." "Right. In case.. Anything else should happen.." she mumbled. Lightning glared down at her and asked "Do you think I'm going to go out and find drugs or somethin?" Sally's eyes widened. "What? No... I just... Want to make sure you... Don't..." yeah, she definitely didn't trust him right now. It really and truly only made Lightning want to go alone even more. He didn't need Sally's over protective side pushing his stress button the entire time.
"I can manage Sally." He growled. Sally only reminded of the sleeping medicine. Lightning sighed and explained "It was one thing and it's not like I took some street drug Sally.. You really need to calm down." Sally sighed and frowned. Watching Lightning take a drink of the water she gave him. "I'll probably go see Jackson though.. I messed up big time there." Lightning admitted. Sally nodded agreeing there. "I don't know.. Jackson... Is a loose canon now. He has nothing to loose and he has probably moved out of Radiator Springs by now to." "Maybe." Said Lightning.
Then Sally took Lightning's face in her hands and stated deeply into his eyes. Gazing at each other. "I can't loose you again." She whispered. Lightning stared into her eyes. She looked so... Upset. She meant it. She couldn't handle losing him again. "Why don't you hate me?" He asked. Sally's expression changed. "What?" She asked. Lightning removed her hands from his face and asked again. "Why don't you hate me? After everything I have done to you. And now I'm forcing Cruz into our lives.. That's not fair." "Well.. I try not to think about it to much... If I do.. I always wind up over thinking it and consider options. Hey, we start our own therapy soon to." She reminded.
Lightning sighed. So stressful. Certain meds, feeling weird inside his head right now, two different therapies, new home with Sally, the kids growing up, Cruz with the baby. Life was hard. "Can't I go to Radiator Springs alone?" Lightning asked. Sally glared answering "No. Not on my watch." "But Cal and Bobby are there. I think... Wait.. Are they?" He asked. Sally shrugged. She didn't know. "I haven't talked to either of them sense I left.. Sorry Lightning." Lightning frowned. Those were or use to be some of his closest friends. "Where are the kids anyway?" He asked. "Well, Colt is at school and the twins are at daycare." "Don't you have work?" "Yeah, I did. But... I couldn't leave you alone knowing you were knocked out still after taking those pills." Explained Sally.
Lightning frowned further apologizing. "Sorry.. I shouldn't have worried you. It won't happen again." "Mmhmm.." Sally replied. The tone in her hum sounded like she didn't believe him and maybe she shouldn't. Sally placed her hand on his, taking his in her's. They stared at each other with almost looks of pity. Or at least her's was. Lightning looked away with shame. He didn't know what to say. Sally pulled his face back to her's and she was smiling. Lightning wondered why she was smiling through her trust broken disappointment.
"Love you Lightning." She purred. Lightning sighed and smiled some. A gentle, real smile. His eyes gazing down at her lovingly. "I love you more Sal." Sally snickered hearing the playfulness in his tone. Sally glanced at his lips. She had been wanting his kiss. But she did not want to push or stress him any further. Lightning saw her eyes look. He thought it was rather sexy. Kind of cute of her. His gaze turned more into a suspicious stare as he asked "Are you hinting something or am I reading this all wrong?" Sally's eyes widened. "I don't know. What are you thinking I'm hinting?" She asked. Lightning smiled a little answering. "Well.. I think you want me to kiss you, but I also think you want me to just pull you close and just man handle you all over." Sally snickered a little bit. "Maybe a little of both. Hey, are you hungry?" She asked. This changed the subject fast.
Lightning's expression changed. "Not really." He admitted. Sally raised a brow scolding "I don't believe that one bit. You should eat." "I'm really not hungry. Not for food anyway." He teased. Sally shook her head replying "Don't tease. I'll happily take these clothes off right here and now. I'm not playing. I haven't had sex in what feels like decades because of you." Complaining mostly. Lightning chuckled a bit which Sally slapped his shoulder gently, snapping "How dare you laugh at my misery." "Misery? So that's what you call it?" He asked. Still a slight chuckle at the end there. Sally glared playfully. "Watch yourself." She warned.
Lightning looked her up and down. Thinking about it for sure, but could he act on it right now? He sure didn't feel completely up to it. Sally turned away, but Lightning grabbed her arm and pulled her back, forcing their bodies against each other's. Both instinctively embracing each other as if they would never let go. Sally looked up into his eyes and that's all it took for Lightning to kiss her. His tongue wasting little time to dart out and enter her mouth. Sally sucked his tongue, flickering her's against his own.
Her body melted in his arms as it often did. Sally parted lips, pulling away slightly and looking into her husband's eyes. "Why don't we take this to the bedroom.." she suggested quietly. Lightning hesitated silently. Staring at her as he thought of everything quickly in his mind. Staring at her as he looked her up and down. When was the last time ge even saw her? Saw her beautiful skin and eyes glisten. Lightning swallowed a bit nervously. Why was he nervous? Sally took his hand and lead him up to the bedroom.
Sally sat on the bed and patted the seat next to her. Lightning stood in the door way and a small smile crept to his face. He walked over to her and leaned over, kissing her lips with a smack. Sally wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him over her. They both scooted more onto the bed, Lightning over her, kissed her neck once or twice before his lips met her's again. Sally moaned softly into his mouth. Oh how he loved her sounds.
As they made out, which felt like a dream. A beautiful and long awaited, perfect dream. Lightning used one of his hands to brush her side. Up her side, over her belly, up her chest and back down. He slipped his hand under her shirt and immediately fell in love with the softness of her skin. So soft and warm as he caressed up and worked the shirt up over her breasts. Sally quivered at his touch. It was electric!
Lightning pulled her bra up then parted their lips. He gazed down into her teal blue eyes and smiled. Sally smiled back up in such a lovely and alluring way. She was and is absolutely stunning. Lightning's lips met her nipples. One then the other. Suckling and biting gently. Lightning took his hands low and began unbuttoning her pants and then taking them by the hem and pulling them off her hips and her but. Wasn't all that difficult. Her panties accidentally came off with them and Lightning gazed at her bare and shaved area. Smiling a little and glancing up at her.
Sally smiled back at him then he went to kissing away at her breasts again. As he did, he slipped his hand between her legs and played with her clit. Sally closed her eyes and took a deep, satisfying breath. Lightning suckled at her breasts, taking turns between them. He pushed one finger inside her. She was so wet.. So perfectly wet and he scent. Lightning could faintly smell her familiar scent. Oh how good it smelt. Opening up his inner animal as it inflamed his soul.
Then suddenly, but gently. Sally pushed him away. Lightning sat up on his knees and watched as Sally sat up, removed her top and bra completely, tossing it to the floor. Her small breasts were perfect. Just as perfect as the first time he saw them. It sure felt like it was the first time all over again. He couldn't help the huge smile that appeared on his face seeing her bare before him. He opened his mouth to speak, but was stopped by a single index finger. "Shh." Sally ordered. Lightning swallowed loudly as he stared all wide eyed at his wife. She reached for his pants and loosened them. His member was already hard, and really Lightning could feel it pulsing with anticipation.
Sally looked up into his eyes as she unzipped his pants. "Why don't you loose the clothes?" She suggested. Lightning's expression was rather humorous. All wide eyed and stunned. Sally giggled quietly asking "Well?" Lightning smiled a little cricked like then got off the bed and removed his pants and top. Relieving himself of all clothing restrictions. Both naked. As Lightning got back onto the bed, Sally kissed him and pushed him down.
Lightning began to sit back up, but Sally pushed him down at his chest. Lightning stared up at this beautiful creature. He had never had the connection he had with Sally with any other woman. With Lightning laying still, his member up and pulsing with eager anticipation. Sally knelt next to his side on the bed. She smiled at him then her eyes went to his member. She knelt over as of she were about to worship at the altar. His member up, hard, pre cum glistening from the tip.
Sally leaned over it and kissed his member. Right on the tip. As she lifted back up, pre cum stretching like string from her lips to his member until it broke and dropped from her lips. That was pretty hot. She grabbed his hard rod and squeezed. This caused Lightning to flinch slightly. It would be a lie to say that didn't make Sally smile proudly. She did it again. This time, Lightning moaned slightly and quietly. She loved that. She loved all his expressions of pleasure. He always made the sexiest expressions. Sally leaned down and took his member into her mouth. All the way until it reached the back of her throat.
Lightning gasped as she swallowed. Sucking him in and tightening her mouth around him. Then she pulled up, removing him from her mouth completely. Lightning whimpered a bit, so Sally leaned back down, sucking him in with a swallow and tightening her mouth around him. She did this again, and again. Rather frustrating and yet pleasuring. Bearable torture really. Sally felt his one of his hands rub her lower back. Oh how he loved that little tattoo. It drove him wild with memories of how they use to have such fire. He smiled at the memories as they briefly came. His hand rubbed up her back and her neck. He then grabbed her short pixie hair and pushed her down.
His member hitting the back of her throat hard, he began pulling and pushing Sally's head up and down, up and down in a rhythm. His member continuously hitting the back of her throat. Sally moaned and gagged quietly. It did not bother Lightning one bit. She couldn't take it and she was going to need to breathe for air! When he pulled up for what felt like the thousandth time, Sally pushed up, popping his member out of her mouth as she gasped and coughed. She knew what really got him going and Sally was determined to show him she was his good little wife.
She got off the bed and stood up, confusing Lightning a little. She walked over to the might stand and grabbed out a silk, black scarf and walked back over to Lightning. She handed it to him. (He looked confused still.) And smiled slightly. No words. She turned around and placed her hands behind her back. Lightning's brows raised. This came as such a surprise. Unexpected for sure. Lightning stared at the scarf a moment then at her hands behind her back over that pinstripe tattoo. This could become very interesting. "Um.." he chuckled. "You sure?" He asked. Sally looked over her shoulder answering "Yes. Please." Please? Lightning sighed and after a shrug, he tied her hands behind her back tight. Giving a slight tug to make sure it was secure.
He stood up behind her and kissed her right shoulder. His breath sending a shiver down her back, but she loved it and he knew it. Lightning kissed the back of her neck and her ear next. Kissing her cheek then caressing her ass cheeks with his hands. His member rubbing between them. Oh her skin was so soft and warm. She smelled of lavender and... Rose? Oh she smelt so good.. More lavender than rose. The scent filled his nostrils. Overwhelmingly. His senses felt heightened. As if her scent went in his nose and throughout his veins it hit so deep!
He scent his weakness, her scent was hypnotic. Lightning kissed her neck again with a growl. That growl only making Sally more wet. More and more, her area between her legs throbbed to be filled by him. By his member that was teasing between her cheeks. "Oh Lightning... Stop playing around.." she hissed. Her voice so sharp and yet soft. Sexy as hell as it shook him. He lean into her ear and growled "Get on the bed." She turned around and placed a knee on the bed. Lightning was a little impatient, and pushed her up onto the bed. Face down into the blankets, her ass raised up. Lightning leaned over and kissed the tattoo then lower, he licked her area. Oh he licked her good and well. Leaving her so wet. Trialing his saliva over her slit. "Ooohh Lightning..." Sally moaned. Egging him on. Then she felt it. She felt the tip of his member pressing against her throbbing, warm, wet, hole.
He buried himself, balls deep into her honey sweet hole. Sally's eyed rolled to the back of her head as he completely filled her. Her eyes watered as he began to slightly thrust within her. Feeling his balls rub against her each time he shoved in. Faster and faster, plowing into her. Lightning grabbed the scarf as if it were reins and deeper, deeper. Pure ecstasy. Sally bit her lips to restrict her moans and cries as he fucked her into bliss!
With one last thrust, he busted hard inside her. Filling her with all he had bottled up! Sally could feel his every little, tense, pulse! Each and every spurt inside her! One.. two... three..lost count. So warm as it oozed from her hole. Lightning pulled out and his finger immediately playing with her clit. Using his own cum as lubes. So warm and yet cold as it hit! "Fuck... I.. I'm cumming.." Sally husked. Her area was so sensitive, it only took seconds! Her legs throbbing and flinched as she came! Lightning shoving his fingers inside her as she did and thrusting them in and out. It only made her orgasm harder, tighter, her hole more sensitive. Fuck it felt amazing!
Sally honestly almost forgot how good he was at this! Her legs trembled as she finished. Lightning removed his fingers and cum dripped from her hole all over the bed comforter. He smiled, slightly proud of himself. Sally lowered her ass down and he removed the scarf before laying next to her. Sally rolled over and gazed at him smiling. "I needed that.." she admitted in a pant. Lightning snickered. "We needed that." He corrected. Sally giggled a bit. An out of breath sort of quiet giggle.
"I'm sore." Sally whimpered. Lightning snickered snapping "Hey, no complaints. You started it." "Me!?" She laughed! "Please. You always start it." Lightning shook his head with a smile. Both then staring up at the ceiling. "We should shower." Said Sally. Lightning sighed and agreed. "Yeah. Probably. Together?" He asked. Sally laughed and slapped his shoulder gently and playfully. "Another time Stickers." She then got up and made her way to the bathroom. Lightning grabbed some lounge pants to wear until his shower then made his way down to the kitchen for a glass of water. At the moment, things felt like they actually might get better...
It was like a new leaf had turned. Lightning laughed. He was smiling and he was happy. The kids were happy to. Coming home to see their Father. Lightning would make dinner some nights and even let Colton help cook once. The kids played with their Dad. He had become their best friend. Playing chase through the house and when Sally would snap at them, spinning her into a beautiful and passionate kiss. Ece is Awe of the sight and Colton growling about how gross a kiss was. Everyone was happy and getting along. Even Cruz. Cruz came by once during the week. She came for dinner and got to sit down with the kids and play a little game with them. Lightning and Sally watching from the door way.
Sally leaning on her husband and his arm wrapped around her shoulder. Though they still hadn't explained that Cruz's baby belly was in fact a baby, Colton seemed to know it meant a baby. Though again, the kids still didn't know that was actually their half sister. Lightning didn't really know how to explain it to them yet. He would have to before long though. Cruz and Sally seemed Alright. Sally opened up a bit and began to trust Cruz around Lightning and the kids. It was odd, but good. It really was for the best and maybe the best things have been in a while.
Then the first wave hit.
A small problem arose on the vehicle that Sally drove. One that Lightning knew how to fix easily. He was fine. He walked into the garage and took out a few tools, approached the car, popped the hood and went blank. As he stared at the engine, he forgot what he was doing at first. Then he forgot how to fix the problem. Lightning stared at the engine for a good thirty three minutes before his head hurt so much from thinking, stressing. He gave up and shut the hood. Went he went inside the house and Sally asked if he had fixed it, well,
"No!" He snapped rudely! Sally's brows lowered. "Okay. Sheesh.. What got into you?" She asked. Lightning shot her a harsh glare then walked away. Sally became worried and knew that this could happen. A sudden mood change like this. She quickly went after him and stopped him, grabbing a shoulder and turning him. "Lightning. What's wrong? You okay?" She asked. Lightning looked down at her with such anger then up at the ceiling at the light. Back down to her, he snapped "Can you just stop! I don't want to deal with it." "It? What do you mean? The car?" Sally asked with confusion. Lightning growled quietly and rolled his eyes.
Sally was dead lost. "It's... It's fine. I can take it to a mechanic." "You don't need a mechanic, I can fix it! I just need more.. Time.." he mumbled that end there. Sally saw him struggling. Lightning looked up at the light. Buzzing. He could hear the buzzing getting louder and louder. As if the buzzing had a face and it was staring him down, staring into his soul. Lightning looked back down at Sally whose lips were moving, but all he could hear was that dam buzzing. Lightning stared back up at the light fixture. Buzzing.. More like a nauseating hum. He could hear it loudly along with his heart beating. Badum. Hhhuuummmmm. Badum. Hhhuuuummmm. His breathing getting heavier, stress was already high.
Staring at the light. The buzzing hum. His heart, badum. Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum. Then it stopped. Silence. Lightning looked back at Sally. She looked just as confused as he did. "Are you going to be okay?" She asked. Lightning hesitated. Staring. He glanced back at the light. Still silent now. Back at Sally, he answered "Yeah.. Yeah, I think I'm just going to.. Take a nap.." he then turned and walked up to the bedroom alone. "I'll come get you when it's time to go to your therapy than." She reminded. Lightning stopped. Crap. He forgot about that. "I don't think I"-"Nuh uh. You're going Lightning." Sally snapped firmly. Lightning frowned a bit. He didn't have it to fight her about it right now. Just mumbled a quiet "Okay.." then continued to the bedroom for a nap. A depressing, stressful nap. Sally sighed. That was weird, but not that bad. She really didn't think anything of it...
Sally sat on the computer, going over the budget of some things she was looking onto buying. She suddenly heard a crashing sound. Her brows lowered as she sighed and stood up. "Colton McQueen! I swear if you threw something at your brother again"- she stopped sudden as she stared at Colton in the living room. Playing alone with some cars on the rug of the floor. Sally stared at ger son confused. "Where's Landon and Ece?" She asked. Colton pointed to the next room so Sally went over and there Ece was playing with barbie dolls and Landon napping. "What?" Sally muttered. Then gasped. Lightning.
Sally rushed up the stairs and into the bedroom, slinging the door open. "Lightning?" She called. He was NOT in bed. She panicked. Unwillingly panicked. She heard something fall to the floor. Sounded like an empty bottle. Coming from the master bath. Sally ran over to the cracked door and pushed it open. "Lightning?" She called. He was sweating. He was upset, sweating and back against the wall as he threw an empty pill bottle into the tub and yelled "Why don't we have anything for some dam sleep!" Sally sighed and stepped inside saying "I'm sorry.. I put everything up.." "Why!?" "You know why.." Sally mumbled.
Lightning stared at her. Breathing a little hard and looked so upset. His anger faded into shame and he turned away. "Please go.. Just leave me alone.." he whimpered and slid down to the floor. Sally hated seeing him like this. She knelt down next to him and assured. "I'm not going anywhere Lightning.." she scooted close and leaned on his shoulder. "You can talk to me when you have trouble.. And I can make you something warm that might help you sleep.." Lightning sighed. No words, just a sigh. "What happened? What happened with the car?" She asked. Lightning closed his eyes and leaned his head back before answering "Well.. I forgot what exactly I was doing at first, then I forgot... (sigh) I forgot how to fix it..." "You forgot how to fix the car?" She asked in slight disbelief. Lightning didn't repeat it and he didn't need to. Sally heard him. She took his hand in her's saying "I'm sorry you have to go through this Stickers." Lightning remained silent. He was tired. Physically and mentally, emotionally. So tired.
"What do I do Sally?..." he asked. His voice cracked and whimpered. Sally didn't know entirely. Not this time. "Well.. You have therapy soon.. Talk to your psychiatrist. Maybe he can help." Lightning really felt it. He was so... Depressed. He felt like darkness was closing in. He felt alone and broken and he felt like he was dying. Not exaggerating. He felt like he was dying inside. Sally stood up and lent out her hand. "Come on. I'll help you get relaxed into bed." Lightning stared up at her and asked "What about the kids?" As he took her hand. Sally smiled and assured they'd be Alright alone for a few minutes. "Come on. Into bed mister." She was so caring.
Lightning flowed Sally to bed and she lay down then patted his side. How and why was she this way? He did not deserve her. Lightning lay down, back towards her. She leaned in close and kissed his shoulder then his cheek and began to brush her fingers through his hair. "What are you doing?" He asked. Sally snickered saying "Sshh.. Trust me, it'll help you relax." Lightning was quiet. Laying there and thinking, over thinking really. He was tired. And it was sort of relaxing. Sally brushing his hair gently. His eyes fell heavy. Barely able to hold them open. It felt easier to breathe. So heavy. Lightning closed his eyes as he relaxed and drifted to sleep...
Lightning and Sally waited quietly in the waiting area for the psychiatrist. Lightning tapping his foot. Quickly, annoyingly, up and down, up and down, up and-"Lightning. Stop." Sally snapped quietly. Lightning froze and glanced down at his leg. "Sorry... Can't really help it anymore..." he admitted. Then the small office door opened and a woman stepped out wearing a bright yellow pants suit with bright turquoise shoes. She looked maybe Asian, her hair long and flowy. "Monty McQueen." She called. Lightning glanced at Sally who sent him a reassuring smile. "Go on. I'll be right here." Lightning sighed then got up and walked into the room. The woman shutting the door...
"Hi, how are you doing Mr. McQueen?" She asked. Lightning stood there, staring. "Um.. I'm.. Okay. Uh, are you my therapist?" He asked. The woman flipped her long hair back then nodded. "Yes." "Oh. Okay," Lightning chuckled. "I.. I just sort of figured you'd be a.. uh."-"Man?" Asked the woman. "Does me being a woman intimidate you? Would you like me yo request a Male therapist?" "Uh...No. No, it's fine.. Just... Unexpected." Lightning muttered. The woman smiled. A little fake like then said "Please. Sit down and make yourself comfortable Mr. McQueen." "Lightning.. Lightning is fine.." "Okay Mr. McQueen." Lightning glared at her as he sat. The woman sat down and introduced herself.
"I'm Maggie Low. I'll be your behavioral therapist for the next ten sessions. And if you do well, we won't need to see each other further. So let's get started." She smiled. Lightning sighed and agreed with a gentle nod. "So, what brings you here today Mr. McQueen?" Asked Maggie. Lightning's brows lowered. "Uh.. The doctor's orders." Maggie snickered and asked differently. "Yes, but.. It sometimes helps when a patient knows the deeper meaning, reasoning behind being sent to me. Do you know why you were sent here Mr. McQueen?" That Mr. McQueen thing was going to get old for sure.
Lightning sighed, rolled his eyes, then answered. "I was on a medication that.. may have made some.. Temporary behavioral changes I guess and.. I guess because I.. Accidentally uh, over dosed I guess, on.. Some other medications. I think that the doctor, my doctor, thinks I might have been addicted and or uh, dependent on the drugs. Which I wasn't. That is a lie. I've been off my medications for a month now and I feel fine, I feel.. fine.." Maggie stared suspiciously. "Mmhmm. How do you feel about that? About.. your doctors thinking you might be dependent?" Lightning sighed. "Um.. Annoyed. I guess angry. It's frustrating because no one will believe me that.. I'm fine." "You believe you're fine?" "Yes." "Great. Why are you bouncing your knee?" Maggie asked and pointed out.
Lightning looked down at his knee and stopped. He didn't know he was even. "I.. Um.. Get a little nervous some times." "Have you always done that? Bouncing your knee when you feel nervous?" "I.. Don't think so." "Why are you nervous Mr. McQueen?" Lightning's brows lowered. "Well for one, you keep calling me Mr. MCQUEEN. It's Lightning!" He snapped. "Is that the only reason?" She asked. Lightning glared at her. Not sure. He was angry, but before answering he began thinking. His angry expression turned to a frown a bit. He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. "No.. I'm going to mess up. I know I will.. I always do." He whined.
Maggie seemed more interested. "How so?" She asked. Lightning began tapping his foot again. "Just.. With my wife, my family... I fuck up every time, every day, some how. If there's a way to fuck everything up, I promise I will find it. Not on purpose, not.. Intentionally." Maggie frowned a bit replying "I'm sorry you feel that way. So.. You're anxious. Feel like you're waiting to make a mistake?" "Yes! Exactly. I am waiting to fuck up everything I have. And it's not just that... I feel.. Hopeless." "I'm sorry you feel that way. So... I'd like to try to get to the root of that first with something called the ladder challenge. Where... You start at the bottom or rather beginning of all this negativity you tell yourself and.. And you go up step by step into these deeper more.. Negative thoughts that ultimately self destruct... And worse, can lead to relapse."
"I'm not an addict." Growled Lightning. Maggie nodded and apologized. "Let's start with this anxiety. So... you're worried you'll make a mistake with your family?" "Mostly my wife.. I.. Well, I'm sure you have heard all the rumors and stories. I've cheated on her. A lot and.. Badly.. I think I have again, but.. I'm not entirely sure of the things that have happened lately or.. Before I was in the hospital." Maggie nodded replying "That's fine, it's normal. So you are afraid to cheat again?" "Maybe?. I mean.. I don't feel like I will. I'm to tired really. I don't want to cheat." "So why do you think you will?" "I don't know... Because I'm good at it?" He questioned.
Maggie sighed and stared a moment. Thinking. "Is there another woman now?" "No." "Is there someone you have in mind at times that isn't your wife?" "No." "So why worry?" Lightning stared at her. "Because I always screw up." He repeated. Maggie frowned a bit and took a moment before continuing. "So.. Let's work with that, let's use that. Your automatic thought is I'll screw up, so, how or what I mean. What does that thought mean to you?" Lightning looked confused. "What do you mean?" "What does that thought mean to you? What does it mean when you say, I'll mess up." Lightning glared saying "It means I'll mess up. What else could that mean?" "Okay." Maggie replied. "What does it mean if say, that happened? What happens if you make a mistake in your relationship with your wife or kids?"
Lightning thought a moment. The use hurt. "Well.." he began. "It would.. It would mean that things could never be good again. The last thing I remember before this.. Before being in the hospital was feeling happy with Sally. But.. That doesn't make sense to me because I also remember us fighting. Badly." "Mmhmm. Maybe deep down you are happy and you are letting your own negative emotions get the best of you?" Maggie debated. Lightning shrugged.
Maggie sighed and continued "I think you should leave the past in the past. A lot of this anxiety..." staring at his knee. Lightning noticed and stopped bouncing it. "I think that your hung up on something that happened in the past and now you are letting it consume you with this anxiety. You'd feel more freedom if you let it go." "I can't.." "Why do you feel that way Mr.. Lightning?" Lightning frowned answering "The other woman is pregnant with my baby. Sally knows and all.. Actually I.. I think they might even be getting along better.." he snickered a bit and maybe even smiled some. Maggie cocked her head. Thinking.
"Do you feel a connection with this other woman still?" Maggie asked. Lightning stared and did he? Did he feel a connection with Cruz? "No.. I never have felt the same connection that I have with Sally." "Do you still feel connected to Sally?" Lightning hesitated. Hurting. Thinking about everything that has happened. Good and bad. "No.. Not really.. I don't feel connected to anything anymore." "Not even racing?" Asked Maggie. Lightning shook his head. Maggie nodded apologizing. "I'm sorry you feel this way Lightning. But getting this out is good. And I must say, you are much more open than I expected." She smiled.
Lightning shrugged replying "Yeah, well.. I don't have the energy to fight back." "Hhmm. Well.. When you start thinking about the negative thought of, I'm going to mess up. I want you to look at what you have. Look at your children and your wife. They are still there and you might mess up in the future. Accept that, but.. You have now to be something else. Whatever you want and it doesn't have to be a screw up. You can make them see you how you wish you could be seen." "How? How do I do that when I feel like a stranger around them?" He asked softly. Maggie stared a moment before answering "To that, I say be a stranger. Get to know them all over again." "..Right.." "How are things at home than?" Asked Maggie.
Lightning sighed and stood up. "Look.. I'm.. Good for today. I have other things I need to attend." "You do?" "No." Lightning snarled. Both he and Maggie stared at each other. She was kind of giving him a judge mental glare.
Lightning sighed and sat back down, so Maggie continued. "How were things once you got home from the hospital?" Lightning shrugged answering "I don't know.. Things were fine then.. I started forgetting things.. Like.. I forgot how to fix this small problem on my wife's car. It really hit me that.. I'm not the same person anymore.. I went to school for years and worked in shops with my brother and all for nothing because I couldn't remember it." "That's a side effect and part of healing from your substance abuse." "Again, not an addict." "Okay."...
Lightning stepped out of the office and Sally stood up immediately. "Are you done already?" She asked. Lightning nodded. "Yeah.. Can we just go home. I'm... Tired.." he sighed. Sally stared. He was always tired anymore. She frowned a bit, but nodded replying "Sure. Let's go." She took his hand as they walked out. That did make Lightning feel a little better. Staring at their hands being enclosed together. It made a warm feeling inside. Maybe he did still feel connected to this amazing woman.
They got into the car and Lightning asked the most unexpected thing. "Hey Sal, think we could.. I don't know.. Head to the track? I know it's about an hour out, but.. I think.. I think I want to just.. Just see it." Sally's brows raised as she looked over at him. "You want to go to the track?" "We don't have to." "NO, NO. We'll go. Of course we'll go Lightning. Just.. Remember you can't drive yet.." she tried gently reminding. Actually, Lightning forgot about that. Made him wonder if it was even worth going than. "Right, uh... Um.." "Lightning?... Do you want to try driving?" Sally asked.
"Racing. I mean." She corrected. Lightning shrugged mumbling "Maybe.. I don't know. I really just want to.. To feel alive. Right now I feel... Nothing. I feel like I am nothing." "You're not nothing. You are Lightning McQueen. A husband and a father. You mean a lot to a lot of people." "Right. I'm a shitty husband and an absent Father and you know it." He griped.
Sally sighed and placed her hand on his knee. "You made mistakes." "Cruz is pregnant Sally." "Yeah..." she whispered. Could tell by the tone on her voice, she wished that wasn't actually happening. Lightning placed his hand over her's. "I love you Sally. I've never been more thankful to have someone like you in my life." He cooed. Sally gazed at him, smiling. But Lightning wasn't smiling. "Sal... I gotta ask.. Why do you push the idea of racing lately? Wasn't it you who for the longest time kept pushing me to retire? Before the accident?" He asked.
Sally sighed and pulled her hand away before answering "I did.. And I shouldn't have. I've just realized that you're a racer. And I have no right to take that from you. You tried the simple life at home and look where it's lead us? You needled racing and racing needs you really." Lightning snickered hearing that.
Racing didn't need him though. "I want you to.. To come back to life. And if racing is what does that for you, than I want you to race." She sounded so supportive and caring and loving. Lightning smiled a bit at her replying. "Thanks Sal, but.. Something in me is different.. I've changed. I mean, I'm not even good enough or young enough to race anymore.. I did enjoy teaching it, but .. I think I've ruined my reputation beyond repair at this point." "I don't think that's true." Argued Sally. Lightning glared reminding "There's a lot of clout with me and women and Cruz and students.." "True.. But..There has to be something you can do to fix this?" Sally was trying to help.
Lightning didn't know how though. "Well.. First thing's first, I have to fix what I did to Jackson. That and get my stuff from Radiator Springs still." "And what about Cleo? What if you run into her there?" Asked Sally. Lightning shrugged again. "Ignore her. I don't know?.. She got what she wanted, she has the academy or her shopping plaza. Probably already building it with it being so long now..." that hurt.
Sally frowned and rubbed his shoulder gently with her hand. "I'm sorry Light.. Want me to go with you? I feel like I should." "No. Please don't. If you go, Cleo will have something she can do or hold to me. I can't have that. I can't hand her something like that, like you or the kids. Pleas let me go alone. I promise I'll be okay. I'm a grown man." "A grown man who has a few problems with control." She griped.
Lightning turned away. Little true there. "Yea, but.. Please. You can trust me." He assured. Sally glared at him suspiciously. Could she really? "Colton won't be happy." She reminded. Lightning sighed and nodded. "Yeah... I know... He thinks I just run out all the time anymore." "Well tell him the truth. You need to help Jackson then get your stuff to move in." "Yeah. Yeah, that's the best I should do." "Good. And... You still can't drive yourself. You need me." "The kids need you. I can get a ride to Radiator Springs." "Hmmm...Maybe Mack?" Suggested Sally.
Lightning shrugged. "Maybe.. I sort of don't want anyone seeing me after what happened.. I feel ashamed.. I feel like an idiot." He growled. Sally snickered then kissed his cheek unexpectedly. "You are an idiot, my idiot though." She teased. Lightning glared at her. Crude humor.
He rolled his eyes replying "I'm serious. How could I not just lose to Jackson Storm and fade away from the racing world, screw up my marriage, publicly destroy the name I worked so hard to build and screw up Cruz, trust from fans, future students, friendships, become obsessed with a psycho woman and then over dosed some stupid pills? That's not me." "I know that. Why do you think I've stuck by you some how?" Asked Sally. Lightning stared at her. A rather pathetic and gloomy stare.
"But it is me.. I did those things.." He whimpered. Sally stared back blankly. Not sure what to say to that. "I think Cleo pushed you into the addiction Lightning. She started making you drink and slowly got you use to that feeling so when she stopped, you felt like you needed that feeling. I truly think that it's her fault." "Than she won. Cleo did exactly what she set out to do. She trained me and was grooming me into the man she wanted." Lightning growled. Sally never thought of it that way, but maybe Lightning was right. Cleo was doing that and if so, maybe she was winning or won...