Lightning walked back into his academy. He did need to help Cruz get back into racing shape and get her signed back up. Lightning walked past one of the academy's room's and stopped. He glanced in seeing Celia, Jethro, Guido, Luige and Cruz all watching the tv. He curiously stepped in and asked "What you guys up to?" Guido quickly shut off the tv and everyone stared at Lightning. "Nothing." Celia muttered. Lightning stared at Cruz immediately. She shrugged asking "What?" "What are you guys watching?" Lightning stepped in and tried grabbing the remote from Guido. But Guido began doing these quick and crazy sign flipping moves with the remote like a child. "Alright! This isn't funny!" Lightning scolded. Guido tossed the remote to Jethro who tossed it to Cruz.
Lightning glared and snapped "What is it? is it the academy?" He asked. Cruz muttered softly "Well no.. But you don't wanna see it." Lightning's glare was intense enough that Cruz sighed and flipped the tv back on. Everyone looked to the screen. It showed a replay of Lightning's crash. His last actual race. Lightning's expression grew somewhat weak. A sick to his stomach feeling. The car hitting the wall and lifting inti the air. Then smashing into the pavement and rolling several times, scraping across the track and rolling again intio finally landing on its tires to a stop and steam and smoke coming from the car. Lightning sighed and asked in a low tone "What is this?" Cruz shut off the tv before answering "Top crashes of nascar.." Lightning nodded. "You know?.. Statistically?.. You are really lucky to even be alive from a crash like that!" Jethro said. Celia nodded and added "Yeah seriously! Dale basicly baby bumped a wall and died!" Lightning snickered and left the room. Cruz frowned and they all sat there a moment. Cruz bucked up and then scurried off after Lightning.
"Lightning!" she called. He ignored her as he continued to walk away. "Light!" she called but still he ignored her. "Mr McQueen!" that caught his attention enough. Lightning stopped and turned toward her with a glare. Cruz walked up to him and asked "You okay?" Lightning sighed and shook his head asking "When you hear my name? When they hear my name? What is the thing that comes to mind?" Cruz raised a brow and answered unsure where this was going "Uuhh?.. Racing?" "No Cruz. YOU think that! Everyone else though!? They think that-that crash! They think of us! I slaughtered our names. Sally's name.." he admitted. Cruz shrugged "It's not that big if a deal. It's.. Normal if you think about it? Not the name thing! But, the celebrity gossip stuff. Right?" Lightning shrugged "Yeah.. I guess." he replied.
Cruz smiled and asked "How about a race Mr McQueen? I'll even go easy on you." Lightning snickered with a small smile and nodded. "Alright. Yeah, a race is just what I need." Cruz smiled with excitement! The two walked out to the track behind the school. Getting two of the race cars out of the show room and lined up. Lightning leaned on his car and Cruz sat on hers hood as he put on some racing gloves. Lightning stared and asked "Do you really need those? We aren't really racing?" Cruz smiled answering "What? I like 'em! Come on old man, if I'm gonna beat you? It's totally gonna be in style." she joked. Lightning rolled his eyes but gazed at Cruz. She noticed enough she asked "What?" Lightning gazed with his charming smile "It's good to have you back." he answered. Cruz smiled proudly. She loved nothing more than racing with Lightning McQueen! "It's good to be back Mr McQueen."..
Cruz's car screeched to a dusty stop! Followed by Lightning's! Cruz slid out the window and fell on her butt. Lightning got out his window and walked around. Cruz stood up and "Wooh! Yes! That felt good!" she exclaimed loudly! Lightning chuckled a little and agreed "It did. It really did." Cruz was super happy to back in the game. "Now Storm better watch out cause I'm coming for him!" she added with a sly grin. Lightning smiled and his eyes widened "That! That's why I started this place!" Cruz stared. "What?" "You!" Lightning explained. Cruz was even more confused "Me?" she asked and pointed to herself. Lightning nodded and continued "Yes! I wanted to teach young racers, people just like you! I wanted to continue the legacy, Doc's legacy!" Cruz wasn't completely following yet.
"You just reminded me of that Cruz. Seeing you excited and your passion out here. Thank you. I really needed that." he admitted. Cruz smiled replying "Wow. You're welcome." she gazed at Lightning. She loved that they were here together. Then she frowned a little. She wanted a real answer so bodly... Bodly Cruz asked "Why can't we be together? And don't give me the vague answer! Please. Why?" Lightning sighed and had to be gentle with her still. But he was taking to long to answer and Cruz asked "Why can't we be involved for real?" Lightning stared at her and her soft brown eyes. He swallowed a gulp down of nervousness before answering "We can't be involved because I'm afraid I'll fall in love with you. We can't be together because I don't want to be with you and risk whatever relationship I have with Sally. She is the mother of my children. She.. I don't wanna say hates you but.. She strongly dislikes you."
Cruz frowned but kept quiet and listening "Cruz, you are an amazing woman. And one day. One day, someone is gonna find themselves very lucky to be with you. It's not me. I love someone else. I can't jeopardize that. I'm not sorry for it. I'm only sorry it hurts you." Cruz shrugged "It's okay.. I wouldn't want you to be unhappy." Lightning sighed then wrapped an arm around her and smiled "Come on partner. One more lap. This time, I'm not gonna let you win." Cruz snorted a little "Oh you LET me win?" she joked asking. Lightning chuckled and stepped back to his car teasing "Why don't we race and find out?" Cruz smiled and growled playfully "Oh it's on old man!"...
Sally walked into the daycare center to pick up the kids and head home for the day. Cleo was there and talking to her little group. Bragging about her oh so glorious life! She was an infuriating woman. But, Sally was trying to atleast be friends with her. Just while they were going agaisnt each other gor mayor. Cleo did have a few good ideas that did benefit the town. Cleo noticed Sally and approached her greeting "Oh hey Sally! I am so excited for our lunch tomorrow." Sally nodded and with a deep breath, she put on a smile "Yes, me to. I am really hoping we can learn.. Or um.. Grow as friends and as.. fellow members of the community." Cleo giggled. "Oh Sally, you are such a card sweetie. We are going to be stellar friends! I am sure of it." Sally nodded but quietly disagreed. Who the fuck says stellar?
"So how are the kids? I think they should have a little playdate. They have missed each other surely?" Cleo suggested. Sally shrugged answering "Maybe. But I'm really busy during the weeks. Lunch is about all i have. That and the weekends but then i don't have the kids." "True.." Cleo muttered. Sally took the chance to maybe worry or scare Cleo out of the running "Because I am the mayor still. I mean I am always working. Busy, busy. No time for a massage or pedicures or men even!" Cleo snickered and added "No time to do your hair either huh sweetie?" Sally glared Being friends with Cleo was going to be tough. Maybe tougher than she thought. Cleo sighed and smiled "Don't worry. When I kindly relieve you of your duties you will have time for all that. Maybe you can get that new dick your friend screamed about the other day?" Sally blushed red. Oh Jesse why!?
"I get plenty myself. Got some just the other day during lunch actually." Cleo bragged. Sally rolled her eyes and snarled as kind as she could "Good for you Cleo.." Cleo smiled and rubbed it in saying "Could say he struck the right spot like lightning." Sally's eyes widened. Nope! She could not be friends with this woman! Sally turned and quietly snapped at this rich ex model "What do you want!? You like making me mad for fun!?" Cleo shrugged answering "No honey. I just play mean. I know what your playing. Wanna be friends to steal my power. But baby it's not gonna happen. I have all the power I need between my legs. We both know you don't have the balls to do what I do. You maybe a smart woman. But sometimes playing dumb is the smart way to play." Sally was so furious!
"You want some advice miss mayor?" Cleo asked. Sally but down on her teeth and growled "Not really." Cleo leaned close and whispered "Spread your legs a little. Men like a woman who makes them feel good. Not a woman who's more of a man than them? You are just.. So bossy? Controlling and to planned out. Simple. And.. Old." Sally was so mad and snapped at Cleo saying "We are the same age!" Cleo just smiled "I'll see you at lunch tomorrow Sally." She then walked away. Sally growled a bit to herself. Landon walked up and asked "Are you okay mama?" Sally took a deep breath and had to pretend that little thing with Cleo didn't happen. "Yeah sweetie... Go get your brother and sister." Landon nodded and rushed off. Sally couldn't believe Lightning possibly slept with that woman again! But.. Cleo may have been lying to get under Sally's nails...
"Jackson Storm! Over here!' "Over here!" "How do you feel about the up and coming return of Cruz Ramirez!?" "Do you have any new strategies for the season?" "Does team Storm still plan to do a pop in at the failing school of Cal Weathers?" the questions came over and over by reporters. Flashes from their cameras getting all kinds of pictures of the super star from all different angles. Storm smiled and posed a little as he answered all their questions, "No worries guys. I can't wait for Ramirez to return to the track. Her clumsy little fall was more like a vacation for her. So she will be fun with her new moves she probably learned. I promise to give you guys a few surprises on the track too." he winked. "And yes! I definitely still plan to pop in at that school of Dinicos next week. Someone has to give those students hope?"
Cruz shook her head and turned the channel. Storm was ridiculous. But he was her biggest rival. She needed to get into shape and back into her racing spirit so that when she got back on that track with him. He knew she meant business. Now Cruz wasn't racing this weekned sense she just got out the hospital. But as soon as she could, she'd be on the track again! Lightning walked into the room and spoke up "Hey." Cruz sighed "Hey." Lightning walked in as Cruz asked "Did you know that while I was in my coma Jackson set a NEW TOP SPEED!? He is becoming unbeatable!" Lightning sighed "You can beat him. I'll help you prepare." Cruz patted the seat next to her. Lightning hesitated but went and sat down with her.
"What's up?" he asked. Cruz stared at him a moment then leaned onto his shoulder answering "Nothing. I just wanted to sit with you a minute." Lightning sighed and let her be for a few minutes. She smelled good. He reached in his pocket and grabbed out his cigarettes and offered her one with a motion. Cruz stared a moment then said "You go ahead." Lightning shrugged explaining "Sally hates that I smoke.. Just.. sometimes it helps stress and.. Things." Cruz giggled replying "Oh I get it. I really do! Sometimes..." She began admitting then stopped and changed the way she said it "I have my own ways of dealing with stress sometimes." Lightning curiously asked "Like what?" He was about to light the cigarette but Cruz pulled it out of his mouth and answered "I got the good stuff if you're up for it?" Lightning stared at her a moment.
"What?" he asked. Cruz held a finger up then instructed "Meet me in your office." then took off. "Wait Cruz!" Lightning tried stopping her but she was quick. Lightning did go up to his office to meet Cruz. When she got there she had this little purple and orange coin purse thing. "This was hand made in india. Cool right?" she explained. Lightning raised a brow and asked "I am not smoking that stuff. Been there, done that." Cruz took a few rolls out and handed them to Lightning explaining "I'm not either tonight. But you can have a few. You know? For stress." Lightning stared at them in his hand and rolled his eyes thanking Cruz then on his way out asked "You locking up?" Cruz nodded "I will. I think I'm gonna try the simulator a few times before heading home." "Get some sleep. Be safe heading home." Lightning said then left...
Lunch with Cleo De Frank.
Sally was early. There before Cleo. She sat down and ordered herself a coffee. Friday. So she didn't have to worry about picking the kids back up. Cleo walked in looking at over done ar always. Outshining everyone. Sally gave an eye roll before Cleo sat down and greeted "Hello beautiful." Sally smiled replying "Hey Cleo. Hope you had.. A good night." Cleo nodded seeming very happy and well rested "Ofcourse. And.. you know I wanna apologize for yesterday. We really should keep our relationship nore professional than that." Sally agreed to that. "Thank you Cleo." Sally exclaimed. Cleo picked up the menu and sighed complaining "I've never truly liked diner food... Think I'll just have a salad and some water. Gotta stay thin." Sally just sipped her coffee not replying to that. Cleo was so beautifully skinny as it was!
"You know," Cleo began "When you talked about being so busy being mayor? It had me truly more interested in what the mayor actually does. So." Cleo grabbed out her phone and began going over some things "I decided to go ahead and make a pre mayor schedule for myself. You know? Pop ins, reviews, speaches, donations, set up some council shit." Sally raised a brow and asked "But you're not the mayor?" Cleo shrugged explaining "I know. But I thought as a strategy. I could go ahead and start acting like one. If I start doing everything I can to help the community before I am even mayor? Than I am sure to get the job. Prove to Radiator Springs that Cleo De Frank is suitable to be the mayor." Sally glared but sadly it was a sort of good plan. Strategically.
Sally then gave some of her own opinions "As much fun as it is to run against you Cleo. I was thinking, what if we work together? To better the community." Cleo rubbed her jaw and her cheeks then asked "What? Like two mayors?" Sally bit her lips as he tried to think of how to put this. "No... More like.. An assistant maybe.. I mean I am mayor still. Maybe your ideas and.. Organization skills could work along side me." Cleo messed with her jaw again then shrugged and gave her opinion "I think you think it's a good idea. I would love to help with your wardrobe. But wouldn't that make it easier for me? To take your job? I mean I would love to have someone like you as my assistant when I'm mayor of Radiator Springs." Sally shook her head.
Cleo rubbed and messed with her jaw and cheeks again before continuing "Besides that Organization skill is my door boy's. He is real handy when he needs to be." Sally nodded but couldn't believe this woman. She didn't even do half the work herself! she rubbed her chin and jaw line again and Sally had enough and asked "Okay what is wrong with you? Are you on something?" Cleo stared a moment then giggled explaining "No Sally. I, as mayor am totally against drugs. Just.. my jaw is so sore from.. Well we are being professional.. So.. My jaw just hurts from.. too much sausage in my mouth." she said this in such a snotty way! Sally growled and slapped the table yelling "What is it with you!? Is this just fun for you!? make me mad and fired up!? I get it! Lightning fucked you! But stop rubbing my ex husband in my face!" Cleo shrugged snarling quietly "Oh please save your breath. You'll probably need it to blow up your next date with your new dick right?" Sally had enough and just a reaction grabbed Cleo's water and tossed it at her! The water not the cup! Soaking Cleo drenched in the liquid! Cleo whined with a gasp then loudly cried out "Oh my god!.. You psycho! The mayor just threw water at me!" Everyone was staring! Sally was so embarrassed and oh god all the eyes! Everyone heard the rude words she snapped at Cleo. And how she mentioned Lightning. Oh fuck.
Sally stood up and placed some money on the table, all while people stared and watched. "I'm sorry.. I'm just.. Gonna go." Sally muttered and walked out the diner quietly and awkwardly. She sat in her car and hit the steering wheel. Multiple times! Yelling and cussing herself out. She took a deep breath and rolled down the window. She noticed a mom and her kid that went to the same daycare. Staring. Sally blushed and quickly apologized "Sorry! Just.. One of those days!" she faked a laugh as the mother and child walked into the cafe. Just Fuck. Sally dropped her head on the wheel. That was gonna help Cleo win...