Lightning had to get Carson on his side. He needed to make his intentions with Sally clear to the man. After all, this is Sally's Father. It was clear he meant a lot to her. So with a deep breath, Lightning bucked up and approached the man. "Mr. Carson.. Carrera.. Sir." He called. Carson raised a brow and looked at the kid asking "Yes?" "Um.." Shit. Lightning felt stupid. Abort! Bad idea! Carson's expression only scared Lightning more. But he needed to do this for Sally. One more deep breath and be firm, he reminded himself.
Carson's brows lowered. "How is dinner coming along? Christmas is only two days away kid." "Yes! Yes, it is and it's going to be great!" Lightning exclaimed! "I have a house I was..I did.. I mean, I bought..." Slap on the forehead moment! Carson snickered and asked "Wait? You have a house?" Lightning nodded. "Why didn't you say that before?" Carson added. Lightning shrugged answering "Well, uh.. I didn't have all the paperwork finished and it really wasn't official.. Yet, but now I do. I'm getting furniture put in today, just got finished painting yesterday. It's nothing HUGE, but it's a home." "Good for you, I guess." Carson replied.
He began to walk away when Lightning stopped him, grabbing his arm. Carson snapped a mean look to Lightning for that! Lightning let go quick and blushed as he continued "Um.. That's not what I wanted to talk to.. to you.. about.." he was nervous. Carson sighed saying "I'm listening." Lightning swallowed nervously then began. "Sally. About Sally and how I feel about her.." "The promise ring. Yeah, I know about that dumb idea." Carson growled. "Only another thing she'll have to cry about when you break her heart." Lightning frowned hearing that, but continued strongly.
"No sir. I don't plan on doing that to her. Sally is.. Amazing.. Look, I just want to say that I'm going to work hard to please her. I'm going to give her what she deserves. I want to.. I've always worked hard for what I want and I want her and.. I keep..Messing up when you are around because I'm.. I'm.. Nervous.. I hate admitting it. I just, I want to give Sally what she wants in life. I want to be the man she wants. Sweeping her off her feet every day Sir. I want to make her happy, make her feel loved beyond definition. Leave her notes and poems and make sure to remind her that I'll do whatever it takes for her."
Carson rolled his eyes. This wasn't exactly the most properly prepared speech. Lightning stopped the man from leaving again saying, "Sir wait!... I've never been.. In love like this before. I don't know what I'm doing sometimes.. I'm.. I freeze up around her at times and that's not normal for me. I'm.. I'm nervous around her at times. I'm scared of her. Not scared scared, but like.. Scared?.." He questioned himself there.
"Sally is gorgeous, amazing, smart, no brilliant. She's kind and sweet and perfect... And I'm me.. I gave her that ring because I promise myself to her. She doesn't have to choose me Sir, but.. But I won't choose another as long as she wants me, no. As long as she gives me the honor of being her's." Carson stared at the kid. He knew Sally loved him and.. Lightning was putting some effort into those words clearly. The older man sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Can't believe I'm saying this.." He grumbled then placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder. "Monty, Lightning? Is it? Look.. You..." he paused, staring.
He sighed once more. "You take care of my Sally. Remember she's MY daughter young man. You MUST respect her. PUT HER FIRST! Above that dam career of yours. I don't want to hear you broke her heart or else." He threatened. Lightning gulped "Or else.. What?.. Sir?.." Carson smiled a bit, finding a little pleasure in answering "Or else I will end you legally." Yip, definitely a threat. Lightning nodded quick. Crossing his heart and swearing never to hurt her. (Ironic, right?)...
Minty watched from inside. She was curious what they could have said to each other, but was glad Lightning was talking to the man. She sighed and stepped away from the window, seeing Doc at a table. Finishing his breakfast. Minty smiled a bit before approaching. "Good mornin." She greeted. Doc looked up from his plate and smiled a little. "Good morning." He replied. "Have a good night?"
Minty nodded and sat down with the old man answering "I did. Thanks for helping me out last night. Although, I could have handled the situation myself." "I know you could have, but you shouldn't have had to." Doc huffed. Minty snickered with a smile. "Well.. Thanks again." Minty repeated then got up to leave, when Doc stopped her asking "Would you like breakfast? I'll buy." Minty shook her head. "Nah, I already ate breakfast. Thanks again though Doc." "Of course." He watched Minty leave the diner. It was nice that they seemed to get along...
Carson only continued "You need to start saving for emergencies." He more of scolded Lightning there. "This house, didn't set you back? Did it?" Lightning shook his head, but then shrugged admitting "Sort of.. I make money in bulk a lot of time rather than a normal paycheck.. Makes things a little more complicated sometimes." "And you are serious? About my Sally?" Carson asked. Lightning swallowed nervously and nodded.
Carson sighed and just as he began talking about the future with Lightning without being as judgmental, rude, putting Lightning down, someone screamed, "Is that Lightning McQueen!?" Lightning usually loved his new found fans, but right now he was trying to talk to Sally's father. A very firm, quiet, self reliant man who was intimidated by the very image of Lightning it seemed.
"Not now..." Lightning whined as a group of fans circled around and basically pushed Carson out of the way. Lightning smiled awkwardly for the pictures some took without even asking. Grabbing him for poses. Fans could be rude, grabby, touchy, not thinking of celebrities as people at times. Carson stepped back and just watched this event unfold for a moment. In his eyes, Lightning was a no one, but really he was a someone and he hated being wrong. This small group of people knew Lightning like it was nothing.
Carson wasn't going to wait around for Lightning and for the little fan club to dissipate, so he walked on and left. Lightning loved his fans, but sometimes they were a bit much and always in the worst moments it seemed...
Sally was putting up some stuff in the office of the cone when the door opened. "Hold on, I'll be with you in one second." She said as she finished putting stuff up. Then she placed her hands on her hips, proudly, before turning around. To her surprise it was her Father. "Oh. Hey Dad. Everything okay?" She asked. Carson nodded, but his expression made it seem like he was lying with a frown and sipped brows. "Dad, what's wrong?" She asked. Carson sighed before admitting "Just.. Lightning came and talked to me." "About dinner?" "Yes and no. About you." He announced. Sally took a deep breath. "Well.. That's good, right?" She asked.
Carson shrugged. "He seems to really love you.." he admitted reluctantly. Sally smiled "I love him to." Carson's lips curled at that. "I guess he's not so bad.. I could ease up.. I mean if he you choose him?" "Choose him? What do you mean?" Sally giggled. Carson shrugged answering "Not sure myself baby girl.. Right now the man is being paraded with fans.." he growled. Sally glanced out the window. Seeing Lightning swarmed with the small group she sighed with a frown. He loved their attention. "Right there." Carson pointed out. "That's not the face of happiness."
Sally looked at her Father and thought of how to explain this face of her's. "I'm happy Dad. I just.. The fame can be a bit much at times.. A little overwhelming." She admitted. Carson stared out at Lightning and the fans. "You really don't think you're a trophy to him? A hood ornament, if you will?" Sally looked up at her Dad then back at Lightning thinking. She shook her head. "No, Lightning wouldn't treat me that way." "A lot of men do." "I know Dad.. Ben did." She said.
Carson's brows lowered. "He did not." "How would you know how he treated me at the parties, the auctions he dragged me to, the charity events? Ben treated me more like his pet and something to show off more than Lightning ever has! Lightning doesn't show me off for his pleasure, he brags about me because he's proud." Carson glared and explained "That's the same thing honey." Sally rolled her eyes growling "No, it's not Dad." Both staring out the window and watching Lightning. The fans getting an autograph or two before finally splitting. "He's... Different from our kind of people." Carson said. Sally slapped her forehead snapping "Do you hear yourself sometimes Dad!" Carson shrugged, "I'll see you at dinner baby." "Alright Dad...Merry Christmas.."...
Lightning and Sally pulled up to the newly finished house. Christmas morning. "So.." Lightning began. "Ready to see our new home?" He asked proudly. Sally looked at him with a warm smile and nodded. Lightning got out the vette, shutting the door then walking around and opening Sally's door for her. He took her hand and helped her out the low vehicle then walked up the front steps together. Lightning was the one to unlock the door and push it open. He smiled as he lent out his hand saying "Ladies first." Sally snickered, but just stood there at first.
Lightning's brows lowered. "It's uh.." He chuckled. "It's open." Sally looked at him with a worry. "Promise me.. Promise me that we won't get caught up in life.. That we won't feel... Lonely when we sit next to each other?" She asked. Lightning snickered and took her hand again. "Sally, I promise. Long as I'm around, you'll feel loved. Come on." He coaxed and pulled her inside the place. It was nothing like the huge place she and Ben had lived in as a first home and nothing like the tiny little motel she had been living in at the cone for the past couple of years.
Normal, medium size kitchen, small four person dining table, living room with nothing but a fireplace, tv, a few plants, couch and accent chair. Bedroom simple. Bed, dresser, standing mirror. Curtains. Lots of curtains placed for privacy of course. Spare room, was just a junk room at the moment. Then of course the tiny bathroom with an actual tub. On top of this, the place was decorated for Christmas. Candles, lights, a big tree all decorated. Sally took in a deep breath, sniffing the air. "Do I smell cookies?" She laughed. Lightning rolled his eyes explaining. "Yeah. And turkey and a bunch of other stuff I made last night. I have to finish a few things, but dinner will be the full feast your Dad is use to." Sally was impressed! "Wait, you can cook?" She asked.
Lightning snickered answering "Yeah, well.. Don't get use to that.. Plus, I'm not sure if anything will taste good or not. Been a while sense I've actually cooked well... Anything really." Sally smiled and suddenly kissed Lightning! It started as a small, soft kiss, making it's way into the type of kiss that set off fireworks! Sally broke the kiss, gazing at Lightning. He only smiled asking "So, you like the place?" In a husky, quiet tone. Sally nodded. "Yes, very much." "As soon as Christmas is over, we'll move your stuff in." "And then you'll be gone.." Sally said with a frown.
Lightning looked at her, hating seeing her upset and hurt. Lonely. Don't let her be lonely. Lightning lifted her chin and smiled at her. "Hey, I'll always come back to you. Always." HE assured. Sally smiled a little. Hugging him warmly. "Besides, I'm not going anywhere until we wear in that bed." he joked. Sally tried not to laugh as she continued hugging him. "Merry Christmas Stickers.." She whispered. Lightning wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head full of amazing smelling hair, "Merry Christmas Sally."...
The door bell rang. Sally rushed over and opened the door. "Daddy!" She exclaimed and let him inside. Carson walked in, giving the place a look. "Am I last to show?" He asked. Sally shook her head answering "No, Minty hasn't arrived yet." "Good. As you know, I'm never late." He reminded as he walked into the place further, checking it out in a rather snoopy way. "It's homey.. Nice. Did good here Lightning." He complimented as he entered the kitchen. Lightning smiled with surprise. The door opened and in came Minty calling "Sorry I'm last to get here. I honestly got a little distracted talking. OH MON! The place looks beautiful!"
Carson snickered as Minty walked in. "Of course you did.." "Dad..." Sally scolded quietly, shaking her head. Minty glared at Carson asking "I'm sorry.. Did I offend you being two seconds behind your suited ass?" "Mom!" Lightning snapped! Minty looked at her son then sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine. Sorry. Merry Christmas.. Carson." "It's Mr. Carrera to you and yours." He warned, glancing at Lightning. Lightning stared at Carson, stay cool. Sally took a deep breath. Telling herself to stay calm, stay calm.
Lightning spoke up, hoping to ease everyone with food. "Hey, guys.. Dinner is ready.. So.. Maybe we just dish up plates and sit down together?" Carson looked at Lightning and then the food strayed out over the counter. "As lovely as the food looks, why lay it out like a buffet?" he asked. Minty then asked Carson, "Well why not? How we always did it." "Well yea, because you were raising a farm for unwanted kids, a child mill." Minty's eyes widened! She was about to snap and begin to fight! Sticking up for her family!
Lightning slid between them for the second time, saying "HEY! Look, guys.. I did that because, as you can see.. Table is too small to set properly.. Sorry for any inconvenience Sir." Minty's brows lowered at her son. Carson crossed his arms, looking, glaring down at Lightning. "So we have to dish our own plates? Never did that before at a dinner." he griped. Lightning glanced at Sally for help here. She stepped up explaining "No, dad. I'm fixing everyone's plates. As the..Uhm.. I know how to present the food. I wanted to do it, really." She assured.
Carson was suspicious as he glanced at his daughter, at Lightning. Smiling like an idiot, waiting, begging for approval. Carson nodded. "Alright." And stepped back. Lightning was relieved and mouthed THANK YOU to his girl. She smiled and nodded once then began to dish up plates. Minty pinched Lightning's ear lobe "Hey!" , pulling him down to her level, "Monty, Can I talk to you for a second?" She asked, letting go of his ear. Lightning glared at her as he rubbed his ear and followed his Mother to the bedroom.
Minty shut the door rather loudly, grabbing both Sally and Carson's attention for a second. Minty sighed asking "You are really going to let that man talk about our family like that?" "It's just Carson Mom.. That's how he is." "I don't care if it's because of a crazy medical condition! That shit ain't goin down on my watch!" "Mom, no! I'm begging you please!... Let it slide, please." Lightning begged. Minty raised a brow asking "You really want to be wrapped around that man's finger? Cause that's what's happening to you. Doing everything he wants. Next thing you know, you'll be wearing a suit daily. I mean you do look good in a suit, but that's not you!" Minty scolded.
Lightning frowned and tried explaining. "It's just for today, for Christmas.." Minty sighed and stared at her son. She nodded. "Alright.. I'll let that one slide and I'll try holding my tongue. But if he dares continue that sort of talk, I'm going to put him in his place." "Alright.. That's good enough for me.."Minty then noticed the couple bags that were rather girly for Lightning's taste. "What's this?" She asked as she walked over. "Sally's?" She asked. Lightning nodded. Minty's eyes widened as she stared at her son. "IS SALLY MOVING IN WITH YOU?" She asked as a smile crept onto her face. Lightning's eyes widened now too!
"Mom.. Don't.. Carson has no clue." He muttered. Minty snickered happily. "You are really serious about this one, aren't you?" she asked. Lightning swallowed nervously and nodded a little. Minty sighed and thought about Carson and how she wanted to snap at that man, scolding him. She nodded and agreed. "Alright.. I'll.. Let it all go. Just.. Know that I'm really biting my tongue with each word that comes out of that snob's mouth Monty." Lightning smiled and thanked his Mother before the two of them headed back out to the kitchen to join Carson and Sally for dinner...
The three sat down and after Sally sat down all began to eat. Lightning across from Sally, Minty across from Carson. Forks clanking on plates. glasses picked up, sat back down. Glass clinked and clacked. It was a little awkward, quiet. Everyone glanced at each other from time to time. The meal consist of turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes and ham and corn.
Simple, not as extra as Carson was use to, but was good enough. Sally cleared her throat and was first to speak. "The .. Corn.. is good. Lots of butter." Minty smiled and snickered "That's the trick back in Texas. Butter. Lots of butter. Glad you like some things like back home still baby." She said to her son. Lightning smiled at his Mom for that. Carson sighed griping a bit, "It's canned corn and store bought butter. Fattening.." Sally glared at her father, kind of warning him. Carson saw her and continued, "But it's good like this.. Sweet.. Salty.." fidgeting in his seat. And then it fell quiet again for a moment.
Minty broke the silence asking "What's for dessert Monty?" "Um.. Just cookies.. Sally brought a pie over earlier." He said. Minty looked at Sally asking "What kind?" Sally swallowed her food answering "Cinnamon Apple." "Oh. Sounds pretty good." Minty complimented. Carson sighed asking "Store bought?" Sally stared at her Dad a moment before quietly answering "..Yes.." Minty smiled placing a hand on Sally's and saying "I'm sure it's good." Making her feel a little better.
The family continued to eat. Quietly, awkwardly. But it was seeming to get easier as they talked. Carson looked up, seeing the house. "How old is this place Lightning" He asked. Lightning sighed answering "Um.. Pretty up there, about twenty years or so." "Means it'll need plenty repairs as you occupy the place. You plan to do that yourself or pay someone?" "Um.. Probably pay sense I'll be on the road most of the time." "Right. Racing." Carson growled in disapproval. Minty glared harshly at the man for that tone, but didn't say anything.
Carson then turned to his daughter as they ate and asked "How do you feel about it?" "Hmm?" Sally mumbled. "About Lightning's racing exactly?" Sally swallowed her food down roughly before answering "Um.. I'm proud of him. I love seeing Lightning do something he enjoys for a living." She smiled. That did make Lightning and Minty smile at her answer. Not gonna lie though, part of Lightning wondered if she meant it or said that because of her Father.
The plates were tapped with forks, clinking glasses, a quiet dinner once again. Lightning looked to his Mother asking "How's Chad and Kristine?" Minty chewed up her food and smiled. "Well, you can ask them tomorrow yourself." she exclaimed. Lightning choked up on his drink asking "What?" "They would have been here today, but.. Chad had to finish a few orders and lock the place down, pack today. Guess I.. Should have told you sooner, but.. It was suppose to be a surprise. They'll love it here in Radiator Springs. It's a lot like home really." Lightning sighed as he and Sally stared at each other.
Sally bit her lips and began thinking about room. "Guess I can.. Make two cones available by morning.." Lightning knew what she meant exactly. His cone number one, and her room. That meant either working after dinner or super early in the morning. Carson raised a brow asking "So you're boy lives with you still?" Minty nodded. "Sure he does. Monty might to, if he never got that big break of his." Lightning shook his head. Wishing his Mom didn't say that. Carson snickered and nodded, surprisingly not saying anything to that. It got quiet again.
Sally sighed and scooted her seat out saying "Know what, we need some Christmas music. Be right back.." Lightning quickly said "No, you sit down!.. I can do it." "No, Lightning, I got it." Both standing up. Carson grabbed Sally's arm, pulling her back down saying "Relax baby, let Lightning handle it. It's his home, he's the host, the.. Man.. Of the house." Sally sighed and sat back down. So Lightning left the room briefly to start up some gentle Christmas music.
He sat back down and everyone began to finish up with their plates. Carson swallowed down some food then asked "Ever think about serving our country Lightning?" Lightning was a bit shocked of the question before answering "Um, no. No, not really." "I did. I served in the guard before heading back to school." "Dad.." Sally growled. Lightning raised a brow. "I didn't know that." He replied.
Carson nodded saying "Not many do. I was young. Back when I first met Suzan." "Sally's Mother, right?" Asked Minty. Carson nodded then asked "Ever been to prison for all that.. Mischief back before Sally?" "DAD!" Sally shouted rudely! Lightning shook his head answering "It's fine Sal, no. Not.. No.." "But you met my Sally in jail, right?" Carson asked. Sally sighed correcting "Dad, no. It wasn't exactly jail. And it was me who.. Who forced him to stay in jail so.. It was my fault." "You were just doing your job." Carson reminded. Minty stayed quiet, though she wanted to speak. Best not at the moment.
Everyone was quiet as they finished their plates. Sally stood up saying "I'll just.. Get desert ready." And walked to the counters to dish it up. Lightning stood up saying "I'll just take the empty plates.." Taking all the dirty plates to the sink then standing next to Sally and asked quietly, "Why is this going so badly?" "It's not that bad.." She whispered. Lightning gave her a look. She nodded admitting "Yeah.. It's bad, but what can we do?" She whispered. Lightning shrugged "Hope My mom doesn't open her mouth and that your Dad stops throwing bombshells my way." Sally glared at Lightning, handing him two plates with a pie slice and cookie on each one whispering "I'm so going to fuck you once all this is done." Lightning smiled, tried not to, but couldn't help it. "Looking forward to it." He replied quietly.
Once everyone had sat back down with desert, Carson asked "Is it true Lightning? That races are fake, fixed by sponsors?" Lightning cocked his head a bit answering a little sharply "No. I mean.. It has happened in the past, yes, but.. Not with me. No one could ever pay me enough money to lose on purpose or fix a race." Carson snickered asking "Did you ever get good life insurance?" Lightning glanced at his Mother before back at Carson. "You know, just in case." He added. Lightning nodded. "I'm safe. Racing is safe. I won't crash" He answered. Minty kept quiet, but Lightning knew the touchy subject was pushing it.
"But you could." Carson reminded. "And sense.. Given how much you want to build a future with my daughter, I want to know that she has everything taken care of for her, in case." "I'm not going anywhere." Lightning said firmly. "You can't predict the future kid." Carson growled. Lightning nodded saying "I know that.. But I'm the best at racing. I'm a champion and I'm not going to.. Crash." "I'm sure that's what that one fellow , Junior? No.. Dale? He died right? And from the smallest little thing. Basically side swiped a wall and that was it for the man. His poor son had to see it." "DAD! OTHER ROOM! NOW!" Sally ordered firmly as she stood up.
Carson raised a brow and defended "I've done nothing wrong. It's a good question and I just want to know that you are taken care of Sally." "Yes, but you need to stop. I'm taken care of and Lightning is great at racing. I have full confidence in him and he's safe, okay. He will always return." She assured. It was nice of her to say that, if she meant it.
Carson only snarled back defending himself. "That's a promise no man can hold Sally. You know that, don't tell yourself that because then when and if the worse happens, it'll break you harder than if you had prepared yourself mentally and emotionally. And god willing financially. Let's not forget how you acted after what happened between you and Ben." Sally dropped back down into her seat and was barely holding it together at this point.
It was quiet again as forks clanked, eating pie. Lightning bit into one the cookie on his plate, made a weird face then covered his moth as he leaned his elbow on the table. Sally noticed asking "What's wrong?" He only shook his head. There was no hope in escaping the inedible here. Carson bit into one, Minty to, both making faces. Carson dropped the cookie on the plate asking "What was that I put in my mouth?" with a sour face.
Sally raised a brow asking "What's wrong with the cookies?" Minty cleared her throat and took a drink before answering "Little on the um.. Salty side huh?" Sally stared at Lightning who then admitted "I organized the jars, but didn't label them and must of used salt instead of sugar.." Sally bit her lips, trying not to laugh at poor Lightning. Minty stared at the cookie saying "So that's why they look a little discolored and shaped.."
Sally snickered, trying not to laugh as her eyes teared up. Carson sipped his drink and said "Nice try Lightning. At least the rest of dinner of quite good. Thank you." He wiped his face with the napkins. "But.. I think I should go now. Getting late." Sally's brows lowered. "But it's barely seven Dad.." Wiping her eyes. Carson stood up saying "No, no. I should go. Don't want to overstay my welcome.." Lightning was quick to say, "You're very welcome to stay, Sir.." Minty stomped on Lightning's foot with a quiet thud making Lightning bit his lip. "No, no. I'm tired. I want to go." Carson assured, so no one stopped him. Sally only walked him out to his car.
Minty let out a sigh of relief as Lightning whined, "You didn't have to STEP ON ME MOM." Minty's brows lowered "I am ashamed of you!" "What? What did I do?!" Lightning whined. Minty stood up, slapping the napkin down! "I raised you better than that! To defend your family." She scolded. "Robert, Monty. ROBERT!" Then she grabbed her keys and sighed. "I understand that Carson may not have known about Robert, but it was your job to defend him." "I shouldn't of had to Mom.. Carson wasn't.. He wasn't mocking him or putting him.. Down.. He just accidentally hurt you." "And that was okay to you? You knew his words hurt and yet you let him?" Asked Minty.
Lightning frowned muttering "I'm sorry.. I.. I should have said something more.." "Yeah, you should have. Stop letting that man walk all over you just because he's your girlfriend's Father. That doesn't give him any right to drag us McQueen's through the mud. He was trying to drown you the entire time tonight. Trying to make Sally want someone else, how can you not see that?" She asked. Lightning didn't know.
Sally walked back in asking "Are you okay Minty?.." Minty looked to sally and nodded then to Lightning snarling "At least she asked." Then left. Sally didn't stop her, seeing as she was obviously upset and leaving regardless of any protest. Once that front door shut, Sally asked "Was it what my Dad said?..." Lightning shook his head answering "No.. It's what I didn't say.."