Chapter 12. - Final Surgery Preparations -
Later that night: As Sally finished getting ready for bed, Lightning stretched out on the bed. When she thought Lightning was watching TV. Sally slipped into a teddy and drove to the bed. She was surprised to see Lightning asleep all ready. He had his front tires tucked up under him as he snored loudly. Sally figured he was tired because Lightning left his codpiece on. Gently she pulled it off and laid it on the nightstand, before fondling his manhood. Lightning moaned painfully and subconsciously pushed her tire away. Sally took that as he was still sore. She sighed and gently pulled Lightning's front tires from under him, ending the loud snoring. Sally yawned and stretched before snuggling next to Lightning. It took only a few minutes for her to be a sleep as well.
The next morning: Lightning was finishing his work out when Bella drove out to the track.
"Good morning." Lightning said as he drove over to her "Where's Chelsea?"
"She's still sleeping." Bella said "I don't know where she went, but it was late when she made it back to the hotel… Where is everybody?"
"You just missed them." Lightning said "Sally and Doc just left."
After discussing how the family was, Lightning's relationship with Sally, and his racing career, the topic of his wreck came up.
"So how are you healing?" Bella asked "When I saw your wreck on television, I nearly died."
Lightning smiled.
"I'm healing okay. My front axle is still fractured, but Doc said that it's healing well. When I'm training, I still wear a splint. Somedays it doesn't hurt at all, other days it hurts like I just broke it." Lightning said "You know that tomorrow morning, I'm having my engine replacement surgery. The aftereffects of the concussion is still bothering me, but over all I'm doing better."
"So you're just going to keep racing no matter what?" Bella asked "You know how I feel about that."
"Well yeah." Lightning said "It's what I want to do."
"You must love it." Bella said "I would be scared to death to go back to something that almost killed me. You'll be back to racing in no time."
"Thanks, Mom." Lightning said as Chelsea drove up to them "Look who's awake… the whore on wheels."
Bella swatted Lightning's side.
"This place is disgusting! Why would you want to live here?" Chelsea asked "There's an old beat up tow truck out in a field. He was knocking over tractors and laughing like a madman."
"That would be my best friend, Mater." Lightning said "He loves tractor tipping."
"That joke of a tow truck is your best friend?" Chelsea shrieked "You're a McQueen; it's unacceptable for you to be seen with that… that… thing!"
"Shut the fuck up, I'm getting really tired of listening to you whine." Lightning said "You know the roads are open, you can leave if you want to. Just keep your rear tires closed and don't fuck everybody on your way out."
"That's enough both of you. Chelsea… shut up!" Bella demanded "Lightning, I know you're a racecar, but do you have to curse like that?"
"Sorry, why didn't you race in the Grand Prix Circuit?" Lightning asked "You have the pedigree; your aunts and uncles race and their good at it. All you had to do was train."
"I was afraid I'd get hurt and my paint would get scratched." Bella sighed "In grand prix racing, there are a lot of sharp turns, cars flip all the time. It's very unpredictable."
"Oh, that kinda makes sense." Lightning said "Is that why you didn't want me racing?"
"Partly, yes." Bella said "Another part was jealousy. I wanted to race, but I was too scared."
"I'm sorry." Lightning said "I had no idea."
"There's nothing to be sorry about." Bella said "I made my problem yours."
Sally then joined the group.
"Good morning everyone." She said pleasantly "Gorgeous morning isn't it."
"Not as gorgeous as you are." Lightning said, kissing her fender "Do you want to join us? We were about to head to breakfast."
"Lightning you're filthy." Bella said "Go take a shower. I refuse to be seen with you until you get cleaned up."
"MOM! I'm not five!" Lightning said "A little dirt isn't going to kill you."
"No, but your stink might." Sally said waving a tire in front of her face "We're not far from the cone, go take a shower and we'll meet you at Flo's."
"Fine!" Lightning said "You know what I like for breakfast. Go ahead and order and I'll be there shortly."
Lightning headed for the hotel as Sally led the way to Flo's. By the time Lightning got done with his shower, he saw his mother and Flo happily chatting. As the unofficial hostess of Radiator Springs, Flo has a way of connecting with people and making them feel welcome. From her body language, Lightning could tell that Bella was enjoying the conversation. Chelsea was off in a corner, pouting.
"You can stand being around me now." Lightning said as he drove up to them "I'm all clean."
"That's great Sugar." Flo said "I have your breakfast ready."
Middle of the afternoon: Lightning sat on Sally's couch watching TV.
"What are you doing?" Sally said as she drove into the apartment "Where's your mom?"
"She and Chelsea are out shopping." Lightning said "My axle is sore, so I told them I would meet up with them later. What are you doing?"
"I'm on my lunch break." Sally said "What are the details of your surgery tomorrow? You really haven't told me a lot."
"I don't know." Lightning said "I have an appointment with Doc in an hour. I'm assuming he'll want me to stay in the hospital tonight."
"I wouldn't be surprised." Sally said making herself a turkey sandwich "Do you have an overnight bag packed?"
"No, I was waiting to see what Doc suggests." Lightning explained "If he wants me to stay in the hospital, I'll come back and pack a bag."
"Okay, but don't wait until the last minute." Sally said "Then rush around, trying to get everything together."
"You're starting to sound like my mother." Lightning said playfully "You've been spending too much time together."
"She is a bit snobby. If you ignore the occasional rude comment, Bella is quite pleasant to be around." Sally giggled as she ate her sandwich "I think I like her, and I think that she slowly learning to like me. She absolutely adores Flo."
"That's Flo for ya." Lightning said "I can't think of anyone who doesn't like her."
"The Miata twins don't like Flo." Sally said "That's probably because Flo is on the verge of firing them."
"Somehow I'm not surprised." Lightning asked "What did they do this time?"
"I'm not sure." Sally said "I've heard that they have been sexually harassing customers."
"I tried to warn Flo that the twins were sluts before she hired them." Lightning commented "But she wanted to give them a chance."
"Well that was then, this is now. Flo has given them an ultimatum… Grow up and be respectable young women or go back to where they came from." Sally said as she continued to eat her sandwich. "Flo has given them time off for them to think about what they want to do, that's why we haven't seen them at the diner."
"I better get going." Lightning said looking at the clock "Doc would have a fit if I'm late."
After giving Sally a kiss on the fender, Lightning headed towards the hospital.
At the hospital: Doc and Jackie was in a sterilized procedure room. They were working on a large engine as Lightning drove up to an observation window.
"I know you guys are busy." Lightning said as he pushed the intercom button "But… is that my engine?"
"Yup, best racing engine I could find." Doc said "We're almost done here. Get on the exam table, We'll be out in a few minutes."
By the time Lightning got settled, Doc and Jackie rolled through the door.
"Your engine is prepped and ready for you." Doc said "How are you feeling?"
"Very nervous." Lightning said "I'm having second thoughts about doing this."
"Don't say that." Doc said "Besides, it's too late to pull out now."
Lightning found that he could not keep his eyes off the shiny new engine in the other room.
"That engine is very impressive." He said "I can't wait to try it out!"
"I'm glad you like it." Doc said "You're going to choke when you see how much it costs."
"It doesn't matter, I need a new engine." Lightning said "Sally and I want to know what's happening with my surgery."
"You'll need to stay in the hospital tonight." Doc said "We need to prep you as well is getting some medication started."
"How long is the surgery?" Lightning asked nervously "That way mom can keep Chelsea away from me."
"The surgery normally lasts six to eight hours." Doc said "But you'll be sedated for about a day."
"How bad will it hurt?" Lightning asked quietly "Because quite frankly, I'm tired of being in pain."
"It won't be too bad." Doc said "It's not going to be as painful as your titanium replacement."
"I would hope not!" Lightning said "Out of all the injuries I've sustained, the titanium replacement has been the worst."
"I saw your mom and a young woman." Doc said conversationally "I'm assuming that's your ex fiancé."
"Yeah." Lightning said unhappily "As soon as she saw me, Chelsea couldn't keep her tires to herself. I had to threaten her with sexual harassment before she stopped touching me."
"I'll make sure she keeps her tires to herself." Doc said "I'll have Duncan throw her in jail if she gets in my way."
"I'll do worse than that." Jackie chimed in "I'll slap the little brat stupid if she mouths off to me again."
"I'm sorry you can't do that." Lightning said "Chelsea is already dumber than a box of rocks."
Lightning knew Jackie was a gentle soul, but she also had a fiery side if you got on her nerves. Even Doc wasn't immune to a rebuke, if she felt he needed one.
"Now I have some instructions. Don't eat anything else for the rest of the day. Since you're a bottomless pit, I know that it will be hard for you." Doc said "The anesthesia we're using will make you vomit if you eat anything else tonight. Only drink small amounts of water or juice. No milk, soda, coffee, or energy drinks."
"Can I have iced tea?" Lightning asked "What about Nitroade or some other sports drink?"
"No, all sports drinks are out." Doc said "And you don't like iced tea."
"I know, but if it is the only thing I can have." Lightning said "I could choke some down."
"You can have iced tea, but it must be plain, no sugar: only lemon and mint. Flo has some wonderful herbal teas, you might want to try them."
"What time do I need to be back here so you can start prepping me?" Lightning asked "Can I bring Sally?"
"No, Sally can't come… well she can. Sally can stay with you until you get to your room. Since this is a serious surgery, you'll be in isolation until after the procedure." Doc said, glancing at the clock on the wall. "Go spend time with your Mom and Sally. You have until eight, I'll come and get you when your time is up."
In the evening:
Lightning was at his cone, finishing packing his overnight bag when Doc drove up to him.
"Mom, Chelsea." He said "This is Hudson Hornet, my crew chief and physician."
"It's nice to meet you." Bella said sociably "Lightning has told us all about you."
Chelsea said nothing.
"Likewise." Doc said "You ready to go? It's seven thirty, I need to start prepping you."
Lightning turned towards Bella
"Mom, I got to go now." He said "I'll see you after the surgery."
Bella gently hugged him.
"If there is anything you need, you have my number." She said with tears in her eyes. "I'll make sure that Sally isn't alone during the surgery… I hate to admit it, but I like her."
Lightning and Bella hugged once more. Clearly, Chelsea was expecting a hug from Lightning. But Lightning ignored her as he followed Doc to the hospital. Doc drove slightly ahead of Lightning.
"Could I have a few minutes?" Lightning asked as he pulled alongside "I need to go get Sally."
"Go ahead." Doc said "But don't take long. Michael, Zoë, and I will be waiting."
"Okay, I promise." Lightning said as he drove to the Cozy Cone's office, speeding slightly. "Sally, are you here?"
"There you are!" Sally said, looking up from her paperwork. "I was wondering where you had wondered off to."
"I was showing Mom my headquarters. Then I had to pack my bag." Lightning said "I was right, Doc wants me to stay in the hospital tonight; I have to go now actually."
His stomach was churning from hunger and anxiety.
"You're going to be okay." Sally said as she heard Lightning's stomach grumbling "I'll be by your side the minute you leave the operating room. How are your mom and Chelsea treating you?"
"Mom has already started changing." Lightning said happily "But The Whore is staying the same. But to tell you the truth, I don't care how Chelsea feels."
"I know you don't like her." Sally said "Calling Chelsea a whore is a little extreme."
"I'm sorry if I offended you and all the whores on the planet, no check that, in the universe." Lightning said "Would you be happier if I called her a slut, cum dumpster, fuckstress, blowsabella, skank, woman of the street…"
"Oh I get it! You really, really don't like her." Sally teased, making Lightning laugh "I'll drive with you to the hospital if you want me to."
"I would love that." Lightning said "And I love you."
"And I love you too." Sally said "Do you have everything?"
"I think so." Lightning said nervously "You or mom can bring me anything I may have forgotten."
Together, Lightning and Sally made their way down to the hospital. Lightning checked in and he was taken to his room. At the door, they had to say goodbye.
"I love you." Lightning said softly, as Sally kissed him "You are my sun and moon… check that, you are my entire universe."
"I love you too." Sally murmured "Call me if you need anything."
They kissed again before Lightning hugged Sally tightly.
"Light, you're squishing me." Sally said, making Lightning let go "Doc's glaring at me, so I better go."
She kissed him one last time and drove away. Lightning drove into his hospital room.
"Are you ready Rookie?" Doc asked "I think you may have forgotten the tenth kiss out there, as well as squeezing the stuffing out of Sally. You were hugging her so tightly, I thought she was going to pass out."
"Ha, ha." Lightning said "I can't help it… I'm nervous."
"There's nothing to worry about." Doc said still grinning, then he turned serious. "There is a lot of things that we need to do to get you ready."
"Don't be scared." Zoë said "You'll do great, I promise."
"First thing you need to do is take a shower with this special soap." Doc said as he sat the bottle on Lightning's hood "Come on, I'll show you how to use it."
Once they were in the bathroom: Doc showed Lightning how to clean his engine compartment with the medicated soap.
"This is weird." Lightning said "I didn't have to do this for my titanium replacement."
"That's because that surgery was not as serious as this one will be. Take your time, there's plenty of hot water." Doc said "The soap has a lavender base and you should feel relaxed when you're done. If you have to pee, do it before you shower."
When Lightning turned on the water to let it get hot, Doc headed back to the main room. Once Lightning was done with his shower, he rolled back into the room where the doctors were waiting on him.
"Do you feel better?" Doc asked when he noticed Lightning "You don't look as tense."
"Yes, I don't think I've ever been this clean." Lightning said "Mom would be impressed."
The three doctors chuckled.
"I need you to get on the table. It's not as plush as your bed at the cone, but you'll find it acceptable." Doc said "We can get started on you."
Lightning rolled onto the padded table, as he did Doc yanked the thin sheet off Lightning had around him. He yelped and immediately tried to cover his male parts.
"We are the only ones that can see you." Zoë said gently "You can relax."
It was true, the door was shut and the blinds on the windows was pulled down.
"It's just me." Lightning said "I'm not comfortable being naked around people."
Lightning finished getting on the table and the doctors started doing various things to him.
As Zoë did a basic checkup, Lightning noticed that her sides were bulging out a little.
"Uh, Zoë." Lightning said "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure." She said "What is it?"
"I don't mean to be nosy." Lightning said "Are you pregnant?"
"Yes, I am." Zoë said happily "I'm about three months along."
"Congratulations, I'm happy for you and Michael." Lightning said "It's your first, isn't it?"
"Yes it is." Michael said "Zoe and I are very excited about it."
"It will be the first baby born here in five years." Doc said "It's been so long since I've delivered a baby, I've almost forgotten how to do it."
"Wouldn't Zoë be doing all the work?" Lightning asked "All you have to do is sit there and catch it."
"It's a little more complicated than that." Zoë said "Just wait until you and Sally have a baby."
"Oh great, a miniature McQueen running around." Doc said "Well there goes the last of my sanity."
Everybody laughed and the tension in the room lifted a little. The doctors went back to preparing Lightning for the surgery. Doc examined his axle.
"Your axle looks very good." He said "You'll still have to wear the brace for a little longer."
Michael and Zoë attached various I.V.s and monitoring equipment to Lightning.
"I know this isn't going to be very pleasant, just bear with me." Doc said as he got a urinary catheter out of a drawer. "I need to put this in."
With Michael helping, Doc inserted the catheter into Lightning's manhood.
"Ouch, Doc!" Lightning complained "My baby maker is still sore."
"I'm sorry." Doc said "But it's absolutely necessary that I do this."
"I know that." Lightning said "It still hurts."
"I understand." Doc said "This should be the last time I have to put one in. On a good note, most of the swelling has gone away."
As Zoe and Michael were finishing up, Doc approached Lightning. He was holding two syringes.
"This first one is an antibiotic." Doc said as he injected the solution into Lightning's' I.V. "This one… Is a sleeping aid, it won't knock you out, just make you sleepy enough for you to fall asleep on your own."
Doc emptied the second syringe into Lightning's I.V., then tossed a quilt over him.
"We're done." Zoe said "Are you warm enough?"
"Yes, I think so." Lightning responded "Can I have something to drink? I'm really thirsty."
"I'll get one of the nurses to bring you some water." Zoe said "You can't have anything else."
"Just rest and relax for the rest of the evening. Hudson and I will see you bright and early tomorrow morning." Michael said "If you need anything, just use the call button and a nurse will see to you."
A TV lowered out of the ceiling as the doctors left the room. A nurse brought a small jug of water into the room. Lightning watched TV for a couple of hours before he fell asleep.
COMMENTS:
Guest 2
Such a stinking attitude Bella has judging somewhere before she even knows it.- As you can see, Bella is slowly starting to change.
No putting Lightning off where he loves to live though. Route 66 has it's perks from what I've looked up. Chelsea better watch herself before she strikes the wrong nerve. - She gets what's coming to her in the next few chapters.
I hate it when your ex just can't get the message when you've moved on.- Tell me about it. I still have an old boyfriend that hits on me every time we run into each other. It gets old... fast.
I know us guys can be messy but I'm immaculate as a dime in some terms.- Good for you. Most of the guys i know are messy.
Bella seems to be warming up as of that dinner and cheese cake pudding. Hahahaaaa! I love the jokes. So loving and heavenly with Lightning and Sally's trip to the waterfall- It was a last minute idea. I'm glad that it worked out well. I might use the idea again.
I know the sex between Lightning and Sally isn't til later but please involve some playing around between them when they go to bed. I can tell more teasing is coming between Lightning and Doc - Lightning and Doc are always teasing each other. I can't say where or when, just keep an eye out for it.
Hey. Just read the chapter again. When you mentioned about Lightning having a brother you didn't mention that he also has a little sister. Or has that changed?- Technally, it wasn't left out. Lightning was stating that he had an older brother. I haven't got the sister thing worked out, for now I'm not going to say anything about it.
I do not own Cars or any of its characters. PIXAR AND DISNEY CLAIM THAT RIGHT. READING ENJOYMENT ONLY
Please read and review! I need criticism and encouragements! Rated M for language and sex.