Sally was furious! "You can't possibly allow that.. That.. FOOL to stay in our home!?" She shouted at Lightning. Lightning sighed explaining "Come on.. It's just for a fews days or so.. Just.. He's not himself." He defended. Sally snickered agreeing "You're right! We can't trust him! Would you seriously feel safe leaving me or the kids alone with him? And what about your mother?.." Lightning sighed and had to think. It was to late. He already assured and invited Jackson to stay. "First off, Jackson will never be left alone with our children and second, we would set rules." Lightning explained. Sally laughed. "Ha!, Like he would actually follow any rules. Besides, you wouldn't want him staying with us if you knew the extent of all he has done with Cleo."
"I know." Lightning replied. "I know what he's done and that he wrote the letters.." Sally's eyes widened. She didn't even know about that part! "He wrote the letters? What letters?" she asked. Lightning thought Sally knew and swallowed nervously before answering "The ones that Cleo got.. From me. They were actually written by Jackson." Sally stared at her husban. The anger was brewing now. "He.. He did? But.. That little fucker.." The language that came from her mouth surprised Lightning. "You realize if I knew that, I could have-... He told the jury that!-... That little..." Oh she was mad and had a right to be. Lightning grabbed Sally's shoulders and announced "I forgave him." Sally was shocked!
Lightning forgave Jackson!? "Really?" She snapped and yanked away from him. Lightning was a bit confused. He felt it was a good thing. "Well, yeah.. Cleo used Jackson and hurt him to. The things he did because he was threatened by her? The things I did while threatened by her.. I wasn't myself, and I believe Jackson wasn't himself. Right now, he's a little lost and he's hurting. That wreck he had was no accident Sally.." Lightning had to tell her. Sally frowned and sighed replying. "I knew it.. I knew Cleo had someone else here." "What? No. Gosh, I hope not. I meant Jackson wrecked on purpose." He explained. Sally raised a brow. Why would?.. oh.
"He needs us Sal. Sadly... We're all he's got right now." Lightning tried reasoning, swaying Sally over with his charming smile. Sally looked at that smile and snickered a bit with an eye roll. It was hard to say no to that face. "Could put him in a psyche ward.. Get him professional help." She suggested. Lightning glared. He wanted to help Jackson before turning to that. Plus, Sally knew they needed him sain and in good mental health for the re trial. She sighed. Finally agreeing with "Alright.. But he stays down stairs away from all of us and under MY rules." "Yes! Thank you Sally." Lightning exclaimed and took her hands in his and kissed her cheek. "I'm gonna go pick him up." He about left.
But Sally stopped him, grabbing his hand. "I called Chad." She admitted. Lightning's older brother. Lightning raised a brow and asked "Uh.. Okay, but why?" Sally frowned answering "For your mother. I mean.. Chad should see her anyway, but.. If you can't make the decision that needs to be made for her.. Maybe Chad can.." Lightning's brows lowered and he only growled in a husky voice. "We'll discuss this when I get back tonight.. Before bed.. You didn't need to do that and I can handle taking care of my mother. Stop butting in... When will Chad be here?" He asked. Sally shrugged answering "Any day I would guess.." Lightning nodded. He was angry though with her for that. It kind of felt like she snuck around his back. He then left. Sally touched a nerve there, but she did what she felt was right for Minty...
The door bell rang. So Jackson stumbled over to the door and opened it. "Little early, aren't you champ?" But it wasn't Lightning. It was Dianna. Jackson's brows lowered as he began to shut the door, but Dianna forced it open and snapped "No! Do not shut the door on me again!" Jackson sighed and pitifully asked "What do you want?.." Dianna stared at Jackson who was a little beat up from the crash. Suicide? Really? "Did you try to kill yourself by car accident?" She asked rudely. Jackson refused to answer. Dianna forced herself in and slammed the door shut! BAM!
She pinned Jackson to the wall, his eyes wide staring into hers! "You so fucking stupid!" She snarled! "How could you do that!?" That only made Jackson snap back with "Me!? How could you do what you did!? I think self committed suicide is redeemable! What you did was pure evil and sneaky! You will burn in hell!" "Self committed suicide!? What other suicide is there that's not self acquitted!?" She yelled back! Jackson furiously answered "I don't know!? I've been drinking!" Dianna stepped back and shook her head. He wasn't just drunk he was "Pathetic. So this is the great first rookie to win a piston cup huh? You let a lot of people down.." She growled.
Jackson snickered with a come back, "And you're suppose to be the daughter of the legendary Hudson Hornet. I think you win the biggest disappointment award Miss shitbag." Dianna's eyes widened and brows lowered. She looked absolutely crazy eyed. "I'm sorry!" She yelled. Jackson laughed in her face. "Sorry for what?! You, you, you can't be sorry shitbag, because that would require you have a heart and feelings. After what you did in there, you definitely don't." Jackson snarled. Dianna only tried to defend herself, but Jackson finished chuckling and rubbed his eyes from the headache growing more painful inside. "If you are sorry than leave.. Please.. You are just.. So painful to look at.." And he turned away. Dianna stood there for a moment.
She never felt so awful in her life. "I... I.." She began, but couldn't find words. "Please don't make me.. I.. I am so sorry.." She said again. Jackson looked at her with such a sad expression and said. "If you were sorry and cared for me at all.. You'd go.. Don't come back!.. I can't forgive you.. I'm not the bigger person Dianna. Just go." She stood there. "Leave! Dammit!" Jackson yelled! It was enough to make Dianna step back. But she still didn't leave. Jackson grabbed the nearest thing, a picture off the wall and slammed it to the ground! It shattered into peices. "Get out!" he yelled! Dianna began to cry and ran out!
At least she finally left. Jackson stood there and went to shut the door when he saw Lightning standing there. Jackson sighed and muttered to him. "I'll go get my things.." Then went to grab to bag before getting into Lightning's car. The two men sat a moment before Lightning asked. "Do you?.. Need to talk abou"-"No." Jackson rudely snapped. Lightning stared at him and Jackson quickly apologized. "I'm sorry.. I.. I'm just not me anymore.." He admitted. Lightning nodded and began to drive. "You'll find your place. But.. We need to talk about what you will be doing at the academy." "The academy? So I'm not at the school rehabilitation anymore?.." Jackson asked with a frown.
Lightning shook his head and explained "Cal is shutting his doors. Sally is going to convert the school into a regular school for the kids in town. My academy will be the college for racing students. You don't need rehabilitation any longer Storm. What you need is a job. With task and real deadlines. Something with goals." Jackson crossed his arms and grubbled "Work.. Great.." "Yes, great! Be greatful! You need to keep yourself busy." Lightning added. Jackson sighed then mentioned "I thought you wanted me to be your racer one day?" "I did.. But.. You can't race in your condition anyway.. If you still want to race.." Jackson thought about that. He frowned and replied. "Racing is a dying sport.. I hate saying that, but it is. There aren't many racers and all it's gonna take is one more huge crash and the entire sport will be shut down."
Lightning sighed hearing this. In long term, that would mean his academy was a little pointless. Ofcorse there were many forms of racing, nascar was just one of hundreds. Lightning sadly agreed. "You're right.. Do you even wanna go back?" He asked. Jackson shrugged. Lightning nodded saying. "Well.. You get outa this slump and you could always become a teacher at the Lightning McQueen Racing Academy!" He said that maybe a little sarcastically and enthusiastically at the same time there. Jackson glared at Lightning but smiled. "Thanks McQueen.. Seriously.. I gave up, everyone gave up on me. But not you.. Thank you.." Lightning sighed and nodded. There was nothing more to say to that. "But you are going to have to follow Sally's rules while staying with us for a while." Lightning warned. Jackson nodded agreeing, "Yeah, totally. You just make the list and hand it to me."
Lightning snickered replying "I'm serious Storm. You have to if you wanna stay here. And.. This won't be some motel. You gotta clean up after yourself. I better never see this house look like that apartment you had." Lightning firmly warned. Jackson chuckled and agreed to that to. "And no drinking. No alcohol." Lightning added. Jackson glared and asked "What do you expect me to drink? Water?" Lightning glanced at Jackson before back to the road answering with a shrug. "Well.. There's plenty of juice to." Jackson shook his head and watched the scenery pass from the window. The trees, road, water, etc. He was depressed and felt alone. Or he did anyway...
Dianna sat with her dogs, Boris, Sasha and Warrior. Crying it all out. She never felt so drawn to someone before and Jackson was right. She was a shitbag. If only she could go back.. But it was far too late for that. How could she possibly gain Storm's trust back? Was it even possible? Was it even worth it?...
"So this is where you'll be staying." Sally exclaimed as she opened the door to the basement. Jackson sighed, but he was thankful. He turned to Sally saying "Thanks.." She crossed her arms with a glare replying "Nope. Lightning is the one you should thank. I.." She paused then took a deep breath. "You're welcome.." It honestly surprised Jackson how good these two could be. Just after everything he even did to them too. "A few more rules though.." Sally began. "No cursing. We have kids." Jackson glanced at Lightning before pointing fingers. "Oh please, he cusses all the time." "I try not to! Look, just don't. If you do slip up in front of one the kids, just apologize and make it clear you shouldn't have. Okay?" Lightning asked.
Jackson nodded. As he began down the stairs, Sally snarled quietly, "I better not find any stains in my sheets." Jackson snickered replying "Oh please.. If you did it'd be next to your picture." Lightning's brows raised, immediately scolding "Respect my wife! Or go." He was firm and serious. Jackson faked a smile with red cheeks and apologized "Sorry.. Just.. Aort of my thing.. A reaction really.. WontWon't happen again.." Lightning glared and growled "Better not.." Then shut the door. Jackson let out a sigh. That was a little awkward...
Sally sighed and looked to Lightning asking "Are you sure this was a good idea?.." Lightning snickered with a smile asking "What? You think he's to much of a jerk?" "Yes!" Exclaimed Sally. Lightning chuckled and reminded "I was ass to when we met. Give him time." Sally sighed and the two held hands. Just a sweet moment between the two of them. Lightning's phone began buzzing. He grabbed it from his pocket answering ".. Hello?.." His eyes widened as he then announced. "It's Cleo.. She wants to contact me." Sally's eyes widened! She grabbed Lightning by the arm and pulled him into the next room then ordered him to put it on speakerphone. Lightning answered the automotive service first. "Yes, I accept." Then placed the phone on the countertop and put it on speakerphone.
It made a clicking sound then.
Hello Lightning.
"Cleo.. How were you able to call me so late?"
Well ever sense our re trial.. Some of the guards have felt bad for having me falsely imprisoned here.. I've gotten quite a few special treatments.
"Ofcourse you did..."
Sally remained silent, just listening to the conversation.
So how have you been sense? I wish we could have spoken afterwards, but.. My lawyer recommended we didn't speak until after Storm's trial.
"I'll bet she did."
So? Aren't you happy? Means we are a few steps closer to each other now.
"No. We won't be together Cleo. Besides, you will be serving twenty five for what you did to Storm."
Haha.. I doubt that. I don't think Sally has what it takes. Bringing me down, brings Jackson down to.
"For what? You forced him into things and to write those letters."
So you know about that now huh? Jackson has been talking about me.. Interesting.
"Sure."
Well.. I can't wait to see him to. I do have unfinished business with that man...
"That a threat?"
Ofcorse not. It is between Jackson and I. So anyway Daddy.. What chya wearin?
"A little bit of hate, anger, plotting revenge maybe a little. Your untimely death."
Sally slapped his chest in a silent scolding with a glare.
Oh? Sounds fun. Sounds sexy. Awe... I have missed your smell. I think it about it sometimes and touch myself..
"Stop. Don't. Why did you call me?"
Well duh? To chat. Were the press hard on you daddy?.. I hope not.
"Nope."
Do you dream of me?
"Definitely not."
Hmm. Not even choking me? Because I dream of that and it.. Turns.. me.. on..
"You're sick. I don't have to listen to this."
But you will. Because every time I call you are intrigued by my voice. You answer everytime. You know that right?
Did he really? He thought.
Sounds like you don't want to be something special with me Daddy.
"I don't."
Right. Yet.. You answer my every call. You say you hate me, but.. The jury believed me.
"Because your lawyer emotionally stunned my wife."
Not my fault she's weak.You want me Daddy.. You need me and we will be together.
"The fuck is your obsession with me? Is it money? Sex? Or ir seriously just control?"
Oh Chrysler Lightning. I don't want to control you. I just love you. And I know you love me. You just need a woman's guidance.
"Far from the truth there."
Trust me.. One day you'll love me like i love you. I already know you. Everything about you.
"You don't know me at all."
Ha.. I do. I know you more than that vulger little blonde you married again..
"Don't speak about Sally."
you're right.. Let's not waste our time talking about her.. You just don't know that you need me yet. That's all.
"I will never need you or want you."
Hmm. We can disagree for now.. But you will love me one day Daddy.. I know you will because I know you.
"Goodbye Cleo."
I'm guessing by this time your gas tank is on half. Which you'll run til it's at sixty eight miles to go, then fill her up. And.. Minty.. How is she doing?
Lightning didn't answer.
When I get out, to celebrate, we should go to your favorite place and take Min along. That sweet little five star restaurant in town. Most people think the diner is your favorite place.. But it's not.. Is it?
It was a little unsettling that Cleo knew that stuff.
Maybe we should get Colton a pet lizard to. Name him Randall the second? Or is it first technically?...
Sally saw Lightning's expression change to that of fear.
Maybe we could take a vacation in Texas and go down the Dowdy ranch trail together. That was your favorite trail to ride horses and drive that old car of yours.. Wasn't it?
Lightning swallowed nervously. How did Cleo know such private things? That Sally didn't even know some of this.
The only problem is, I don't usually get to sleep until midnight.. Don't you go to sleep around ten? Nine if the kids give you trouble? It's alright, I can watchover you.. I love watching you sleep.. Oh.. Tell me, gold or silver decorations for the wedding?
Sally hung up. Lightning stared at the phone. One step closer. He looked at Sally and Sally to him. "Don't worry. She won't get out." Sally assured. Lightning sighed and smiled. He trusted her. But.. He also trusted her before and her emotions got to her, causing him to lose his trial. Lightning stared in fear. Sally took his hand and asked "What all was she talking about?" Lightning swallowed nervously answering "When I was little.. I had a pet lizard named Randall. He was my first pet.. My gas tank is at half right now in the camaro.. The Dowdy's let me ride their trails when I was young with Robbie. You remember we went down that way before.. How.. Cleo..." He paused and thought.
"Cleo must be talking to my mother.. But.. My mom won't remember if she even did.. Cleo is using my mother some how.. My mother or brothers.. How could she know those things?.." asked Lightning. He was a little scared. He hated letting Sally see it, but he was. Sally wrapped her arms around her love and held on tight. She wouldn't let Cleo get out and destroy him any more than she already had.