Lightning went to see Cruz and check on her the following morning. Maybe by chance she had woken up. He hoped so. Gosh he hated seeing her like that. He sat with her for a few hours. She never woke up yet, but she would soon. And hopefully she remembered what happened. Then a knock on the door. Lightning looked over and was really surprised to see Sally. He stood up as she walked in and asked "How's she doing?" Lightning sighed answering as he placed his hands in his pockets "Uh.. Well she's in a coma.. But.. Doctor says she will wake up." Sally nodded and stared at Cruz then at Lightning and asked "How are you doing with all this?" Lightning shrugged. "Long as she wakes up, I'm great." Lie. Sally made a weird face and sniffed his shirt. Lightning was confused and had to ask "Are you smelling me?.." Sally glared a little at him scolding "You've been smoking again. That is disgusting Lightning." Lightning glared a little and admitted "So I smoke.. It's not illegal." Sally shook her head muttering "It should be."
Both just stared at Cruz. "How's Francesco?" Lightning asked. Sally frowned and had to think what to say. It was best to be honest with Lightning, "I don't know?.. He left." "What?" Lightning asked. Sally nodded explaining "I got home yesterday and his phone was left but most of his belongings and his car were gone." Lightning couldn't believe this! Francesco was running! "He's a coward. Not to mention a criminal." he growled. Funny thing was, Sally didn't disagree. She didn't reply at all to that. It was kind of awkward them standing there. "So someone broke into the academy?" Sally brought up asking. Lightning nodded "I know it was Francesco Sally. I may not have the proof, and believe me. I know how it sounds coming from me.. And I know you love him and you are.. were marrying him. I didn't want to drive a wedge between us all exactly. But I was afraid. If he did this to Cruz, how could I trust him with you and Colton and the twins!?" Sally frowned a little but part of her was grateful for Lightning's over protectiveness.
"Well he's gone anyway.." She mumbled. Lightning did feel bad and "I'm sorry. He was a douchebag though.." Sally snickered "Actually... I'm a little relieved.." she admitted. "I don't think I want to be married again. Not for a while.. And he was pushy..." Lightning wasn't surprised.He knew she didn't truly want to marry the man deep down in her heart. Lightning couldn't help smiling a little. Sally noticed though and had to ask "Please.. Don't. I can't do us again.. I don't want to be with anyone right now.. I want to focus on me and the kids and.. if Francesco returns." "He won't. He won't because he tried to kill Cruz Sally." Sally shook her head snarling "Everyone is unbelievable. Francesco wouldn't do that! And he would never.. Hurt a woman like what Mateo said!" Lightning defended Cruz and Mateo saying "But Cruz told me what happened too! Francesco pushed her! He crossed the line and tried to RAPE her! That's what it is Sally! Francesco assaulted Cruz and you are defending him just because it's Cruz!" "Stop it!" she yelled! But Lightning didn't, "Why!? Why can't you handle the truth about him!? You know the law and you know that sometimes even the most decent people are criminals!" "Like you!? You came to this town and from the moment we met you broke the law! I find out you did so much illegal shit as a kid!? Then cheated on me for over a year, off and on! You are just as bad as any one else because you were a decent man who also happens to break the laws!" she yelled in his face. This fight was making no sense really as Lightning defended "I never tried raping a woman!? I never assaulted anyone!?" Sally rolled her eyes correcting "Oh but you have the practice! The way you like sex and hurting women!? its messed up!" Lightning honestly didn't know how to reply to that. Sally was just hurt and she knew something had to of happened with Francesco and Cruz and the academy because Why else would Francesco run away like he did?
"I can't.. I can't do this.. Just.." Sally muttered and sighed. "I hope Cruz wakes up soon. She is the only one who can tell me what happened.. Not like it matters... I'm so sick of beibeing with anyone.." Then she left angry. It was hurtful for her. Having the man she was going to marry be accused of so many horrible things all at once and then Francesco just took off like that. And Lightning knew she never truly liked the rougher stuff. She needed someone to lay her down and tenderly make love to her. Not fuck her, not have sex, not a hook up, not quick either. Sally needed to feel a spark of real true love making again and oh how Lightning ached to give her that again. How he wished she would let him in but when he pushed she only pushed away further. If only he could go back in time and never give into Cruz.. no, wait.. If he could go back and never have began lying and just gave Sally the family she wanted and made sure she was happy...
Lightning had the kids through the weekend, but that didn't stop him from working on places to look for students. Mack came over to help. Lightning was a little stressed and needed to avoid people like Celia and Jethro right now. So while the kids were playing, Lightning and Mack were looking into different races around that were moderately close and not professional. Mack was curious and asked "Why do you want to find young racers that are?.. Well?.. Cheap?..." Lightning quickly answered explaining "For one, they don't have the options like students Cal has. Which ask the question, why are they racing? if they don't really have the funds? They know they won't have a career racing? why are they putting so much into it?"
Mack nodded and understand. "Passion. Real racers don't need a fancy school to enjoy the sport. If they are in it because it's their passion they are immediately going to be better than anyone like Cal who was just born into it." Mack shrugged admitting "I don't know... Some the ways Cal is training his students is really good." Lightning agreed but argued "True. But I'm not going to just teach them to win. It's like your typical school system in that place. Cal is teaching his kids to pass the test. But if there's a question that wasn't on the test? They fail." "Like turn right to go left?" Mack asked. Lightning smiled "Exactly!."
The two looked at a few small town races coming up and Mack pointed out one, "Back before you? Rusteze looked into a racer here. It's no Small town Texas track school. It's just a little made up dirt track in a field of some farmer. His son loved racing." "We should go there first. It's only a few hours away." Lightning replied. Mack frowned reminding "Kid that may not even exist? That was what? Over ten years ago! Plus you're disguise?" Lightning sighed "I need this Mack.. I need to find just one or two students. Get this place started. Cruz would want us to. We have to." Mack nodded and asked how she was doing anyway. Lightning was upset about it. "But Francesco is gone now. He left town and hasn't come back. If he's smart he won't. I will not let him back in." Lightning snarled.
Mack looked at the calendar and asked "How is Sally taken it? Their wedding was next weekend." Lightning shrugged answering "She says she's relieved." It got quiet between them. "You still want her?" Mack asked. Lightning nodded "Yep. But.. She needs me to just be her friend right now.. So.. I need to just work. Distract myself." Mack snickered. It was funny. whatever was going on between Lightning and Sally was funny. "Remember kid, my wife can put you a good disguise on." Lightning nodded replying "May have to. It's that or.. No. That's probably the best and easiest way really. Think it'll work?" he asked. Mack Shrugged saying "Only one way to find out." Lightning agreed to try it. But wait until the coming work week at the academy. See if a disguise would be good enough to fool Celia and Jethro first.
Mack stared at the calendar and asked "Hey? don't you have that weird auction date thing tomorrow night?" Lightning glanced at the calendar then sighed griping "Yeah.. I forgot about that. No worries though, Cruz hired someone to bid on me and they'll win. So I'm not worried about it. Just gonna take the kids to my mom's for a few hours." "Well my wife and I will be at the benefit. I would not wanna miss seeing how much you go for and who wanted a taste of you." Mack joked. Lightning shook his head and rolled his eyes. But it was a curious question. Who would try to actually bid on Lightning at the event?
Mack stood up saying "Well.. It's getting late. I better get back home." Lightning nodded and shook Mack's hands. "I'll see you at the benefit tomorrow kid." With that Mack left. Lightning sighed and began cleaning up all the papers he and Mack had out. Ece ran in with one of her dress up dresses. Lightning smiled and asked her "What are you up to baby?" Ece pushed the dress toward her father. Hinting that she wanted to put the bright pink princess dress on. Lightning sighed and knelt down explaining "Ece, it's close to bed time." Ece frowned withwithout a word. Lightning really noticed this time. She just didn't talk. Lighting pulled her close and hugged her asking "What's wrong Ece?" Sitting her on his knee.
"Ece?.. You gotta talk to me." She shrugged. Lightning sighed. She wasn't going to. So Lightning kissed her head and caved in, "Alright. Let's put on this dress." Ece immediately smiled and jumped down holding up the dress and said "Thank you daddy." quietly. Lightning smiled and helped her into the dress over her clothes. "But we do have to get ready for bed." He reminded. Ece nodded and asked "Can I have a party?.." softly. Lightning wasn't sure what to say so asked "You want a party?" Ece nodded adding "A tea party daddy.." She was so quiet about it. Lightning decided to use it and knelt back down answering her "If you can start asking me for things more often and talking to me and.. And mommy, Ofcourse you can." Ece smiled and hugged her daddy tightly.
Then she ran off in a hurry to her room. Lightning smiled. He was happy with his kids. It just was upsetting that the thing missing was Sally. He stood up and he felt alone. He wanted to share these small moments with Sally but he couldn't. And that was his own fault...
It was late and Lightning had just gotten the kids to bed. He lay down himself and thinking of Sally grabbed his phone out to check on her. He pulled up her name but hesitated. She told him not to. Don't. Lightning sighed and stared at her name for a few seconds before setting the phone down and getting some needed sleep before the auction tomorrow...
Cleo smiled widely at the group of fine men and women that had agreed to be up for the auction. "Okay everyone! The event is about to start! And might I say, you all look fabulous!" she then turned to one woman that.. she didn't entirely like and complained "Except for you Justice.. You look poor.. Just go on home.. No one is going buy you?" Justice frowned and left. Lightning shook his head at that. Cleo was horrible. Why did he ever date her again? Cleo smiled still and walked up to Lightning in his nice black and white suit. "You look absolutely perfect Daddy.." she fixed his collar and straightened his jacket. Lightning cleared his throat replying "Thank you. You look nice." he complimented. She really did in her long sparkling navy blue gown that dragged behind her. She always had to look her best and out do everyone. "Why ofcorse." she said then leaned into his hear and whispered "I plan on taking you home.." Lightning's brows raised but he wasn't afraid of having to worry about that sense he had hired a personal bidder. No matter what anyone bid, they were hired to top them.
It did seem a bit weird and unfair of Lightning to be buying himself out of this and doing this just for looks. But he didn't want to have someone like Cleo bid and win a date with him. Cleo walked off and one man leaned over and obviously checked out Cleo's then said "She seems fun doesn't she?" to Lightning. Lightning snickered and replied "Been there, done that. Trust me, you DON'T want her to bid on you. Total gold digger." The man nodded. Then the event began.
Cleo took the stage at the Radiator Springs community center and took the microphone announcing herself first, "Hello everyone! I hope you all came here single and ready to mingle!" A few people did whistle. "Just kidding! Alright I am Cleo De Frank, running for mayor for those of you who.. Haven't heard. Welcome to tonight's evening event of Radiator Springs first ever Bachelor and bachelorette auction!" People clapped and a few whistled again. "Haha, I see we have some eager men out here tonight. We will be starting with the ladies in just a few moments. AND, I am sorry to say that I will not be one of tonight's bachelorettes.. I know.. So sorry. But I myself might just have to bid on a date myself." She giggled. Sally walked in at this time. Running a little late because she didn't plan on even coming. But she really could use the distraction.
Cleo noticed her and pointed her out, "Oh hey! And let's give a round of applause to our current mayor of Radiator Springs! Sally Carrera!" Naturally everyone clapped and Sally was surprised but smiled and thanked the crowd from her seat. Cleo sighed continuing "Just a quick reminder, all of the proceeds earned tonight go to Radiator Springs very own park management council to design and build us a brand new park! Isn't that great!?" Everyone clapped again. "So.. All dates start at a price of a minimum $500, and to claim your date just see Rhonda over there by the exit on your way out. She'll get your name, number and help set up your date with you lucky prized man or woman. So!? Is everyone ready to start!?" She yelled with such excitement! Everyone clapped, some cheered, one or two men whistled.
"Alright! So let's start with the ladies!" So the event began. Ladies first, bringing out and selling each bachlorette contestant. There were only about 7 women. The last woman came up and a few different men bidded, "Going once, twice? Sold! For two thousand dollars to the gentleman in the turtleneck!" People clapped and cheered for him as he stood up and took a bow. Cleo giggled and the lady stepped back into the back behind the red curtain. "Okay ladies, the moment we have been waiting for. Time to bring out the men!" The more wilder group of single mom friends of Cleo's cheered loudlyas people clapped. Sally rolled her eyes but only because she knew what was coming. Lightning being sold out to some tramp of a single mom. He'd probably sleep with her. Come on it was Lightning. He'd sleep with anything in a skirt. Well not really.. But it's how Sally felt sometimes.
"Let's start off with a rich man with even richer taste and a southern accent to match! Mr Tex himself!" Tex stepped out in his nice button up, jeans with a large belt and cowboy hat. The crowd cheered and clapped. Tex was an icon around here for sure. "Okay, bidding starts at $500." Immediately a lady called out and raised her hand "550!" "600!" another. Tex smiled and posed proudly."700!" another called. "700! Do i hear?.. 800?" Cleo asked. A woman raised her hand. "Great!" Cleo exclaimed. Then another raised it "$1,000.". A few people were a little surprised. "1,200!' Another. Cleo's eyes widened. But Tex was rich. What girl wouldn't want that! One single mom stood up and yelled "2,500!" People were surprised. Cleo was a little too "Alright 2,500! Anyone wanna say? 3,000?..No?.. Going once?.. Twice?... SOLD! For $2,500 to Trixie over there!" Everyone clapped loudly for her as she seemed pretty happy with her date.
Tex waved and winked at the crowd and said "I'll see you soon Trixie." Trixie turned a little red hearing that strong accent of his. Then Tex disappeared behind the curtain and Lightning appeared. Sally immediately stared at him. She couldn't wait to see how this was going to go. The spot light shined right on him. Single on group screamed and whistled! One woman even yelled "We love you Lightning!" Cleo giggled and spoke in her microphone "Well now! This one is gonna be our biggest hit I do believe. Our very own, small town celebrity. Lightning McQueen!" The crowd cheered. A lot more than Lightning expected them to. Still, he wasn't worried. He had hired Pam to bid on him for himself. No worries. This was just going to be fun to watch mostly for him. "And let me tell you from experience ladies! This man can make you sweat!" Cleo joked. Lightning's eyes widened hearing that joke. She quickly added "Relax people. Only a joke." Sally shook her head. Cleo was unbelievable.
"Well let's get this started ladies, $500?" Cleo asked. A woman raised her hand. Then a random single mom called out "1,000." Lightning could deal with buying himself out of this for a few thousand easy. So Pam raised her hand yelling "1,400!" Then another woman yelled "2,200!" Cleo smiled complimenting "Wow. Lightning is a bigger hit than I expected!" Sally rolled her eyes hearing that. Pam followed and raised her hand bidding for him with "6,200." Everyone's eyes widened. Cleo smiled "Wow! Biggest bid of the night! Okay girls, I just can't help myself. I'm bidding 10,000!" People cheered loudly! Cleo just knew she was going to win a date with Lightning! Lightning stared at Pam. A sort of come on bid higher kind of look! Pam raised her hand shouting "10,200 dollars!" Everyone cheered again but then unexpectedly Sally stood up muttering "This is ridiculous. 15,000!" Lightning fell shocked! Did Sally just bid on him!? the fuck just happened!? Pam immediately topped it with "15,200." "35,000." Cleo said so firmly that everyone gasped. Even Pam who was hired to spend money that wasn't hers was super stunned! It fell silent.
Just as Cleo was about to say going once,twice, Sally shouted "50,000!" Cleo glared at Sally then topped it "One. Hundred. Thousand." accentuating her words one by one. Lightning just stared back and fourth, jaw dropped at this little war between these two! Sally glared topping it "110,000." "200,000." "201,000" Cleo glared and loudly bid "500,000!". Everyone was jaw dropped, gasped, and eyes bounced back to Sally for her reaction! Lightning then realized, Sally didn't know that Pam was hired to bid on him and that she thought Pam was just thirsty like Cleo!
Suddenly, Pam jumped back in bidding "600,000!" Lightning's jaw just dropped again. Seriously!? He slapped his forehead. He would rather just go on the dam date at this point than pay $600,000.00 for himself!? "700,000 dollars!" Cleo raised! Lightning quickly motioned for Pam to just stop. He was going to have to just go on the stupid date with Cleo. Pam frowned feeling like she failed her job pretty badly. Cleo smiled proudly and opened her mouth but then "750,000 dollars." Sally said firmly. Everyone stared at her then at Cleo
Cleo was giving Sally some kind of death stare. Lightning just waited for Cleo to out bid again. Cleo sighed and replied "Going once... Twice... sold! For $750,000.00" Everyone cheered and clapped and whistled for Sally happily. Lightning just stared at her. His ex wife just bought a 750,000 dollar date with him! Cleo snickered and growled "Well... Gonna be hard to top that tonight ladies..." Sally sat down feeling a little embarrassed as Lightning just stared at her completely confused why she just did that!?