Thanks for the reviews, everyone and Luis, thanks for telling me that. I don't think it sounds cheesy at all. It sounds nice.
Anyway, even though this fic is rated K, I think I may need to change that solely based on this chapter.
December 18th: Party!
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" played on the radio as partygoers talked and laughed and enjoyed refreshments inside the Wheel Well Motel.
"It is just like old times!" Luigi marvelled, smiling fondly as he recalled many vibrant Christmas parties back in the town's heyday.
"Yeah, only with more race cars!" Ramone laughed.
Luigi laughed too. It was true. Many of the partygoers were race cars. Lightning had invited all of the Piston Cup racers from that season. Although, only about half of them had been able to come, including The King and his wife. (After much uncertainty and consideration, Lightning had even decided to invite Chick Hicks, but he didn't show up.) Even Bob Cutlass and Darrell Cartrip were there. Most of the other guests there were Mater's cousins.
Fudge had long since fallen asleep, but everyone else had fun. In some cases, maybe a little too much fun.
"Jingle... all... the..." Lightning slurred, unable to remember the words of the song. The next word, especially, proved to be difficult. "It's on the tip of my tongue."
"Way!" Mater shouted.
Lightning looked so excited and so grateful as he yelled, "That's it!"
"Now, just wait a minute, rookie!" Doc scolded. "Exactly, how much have you had to drink?"
"I dunno. I lost track after about ten."
"Ten what?"
"I dunno. Just ten."
That was when Fillmore appeared, also completely and utterly drunk. "Merry Christmas, everyone! Peace on Earth!"
"Just what exactly is goin' on here?!" Doc demanded.
"It's just a drinkin' game, man!" Fillmore explained. "Every time the word Christmas is said in a song, you take a drink."
Doc shook his hood in disapproval. "You really think that's appropriate behaviour in front of a six-year-old?!" He gestured towards the sleeping Fudge, relieved that she hadn't woken up. "Sheriff, would you mind escorting them out?"
Sheriff nodded, but Lightning grabbed some presents that had been left on the side.
"Ho, ho, ho!" he shouted, hurling them at people. "Merry Christmas, everyone! Ho, ho, ho! I'm Santa Car!"
"That's enough partyin' for you, Santa Car", Sheriff told him firmly, rounding up the other drunk partygoers- Fillmore, half a dozen of Mater's cousins, Billy Oilchanger, Chuck Armstrong and his human rider, Tyson Stevenson- and led them back to town.
For a moment, nobody really knew what to say or do. At least, not until Darrell Cartrip yelled, "Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's party some more!"
Tentatively, Red turned up the volume on "Jingle Bell Rock" and, tentatively, talking, laughing, eating, dancing and general partying resumed.
"That could've been a disaster", Ramone remarked as he danced with his wife.
Flo shrugged with a smile. "It's like I always said, growin' up with seven brothers and sisters: Christmas ain't Christmas till it gets out of control."
Please review! :)