Chad opened his eyes. Blurry vision at first. A sharp pain through his left shoulder and into his chest. He felt something running down his face. Chad wiped his face to find blood was coming from the top of his head. He groaned a bit as he came to. "Fuck.." He looked out the cracked driver window to see another vehicle that was totaled. "Crap.. Monty.." He called as he looked over. The inside of the passenger of the car caved in. Monty was no where in sight! "MONTY!" Chad began to panic when Lightning sat up from the back seat with a groan. Chad staled at his brother and asked, "You okay?" Lightning gave him a thumbs up but then began to puke into the floor of the back. Chad sighed with relief. They were alive. He looked over to see the driver of the other vehicle get out. Walking in a stumbling way, but he was alive to. Chad called out to the other driver, "Were you the only one in the car!?" The man turned around and nodded, giving him a thumbs up. Chad leaned in the messed up seat. Just thankful everyone was okay…
Chad paced back and fourth with a limp in front of the couch where Minty was sitting. Lightning was up in his old room at this time. Minty speaking up, "You are injured, Chad.. You need to sit down and rest.." Chad stopped pacing and gave his Mom a mean glare. "Monty is out of control. If this is what Sally was meaning, we should have listened!" He shouted. Minty shrugged, "I thought.. She"-"Just because the way she was treating him lately, I know. But when has Sally not mentioned something if she was actually concerned, Mom. You should have taken her seriously. What happened last night!? Something else is going on with Monty." "Well.. He's going through a lot with his marriage, Chad.. He"-"Don't you dare make excuses for him!" Chad shouted.
Minty frowned. Lightning then came down and entered the room with a suitcase in hand. Chad glared at his brother. Chad hadn't been this angry with Lighting in a long time. Lighting sighed and announced, "I'm heading out.. I have a race tomorrow.." Minty quickly asked, "Can you even race!?" Chad crossing his arms and asked, "Aren't you a bit hungover for that?" Lightning shook his head before answering, "I have to race. Um.. I'm sorry about last night.." Chad just snickered and looked away. Pissed. Minty stood up and walked over to her youngest. Brushing his golden hair out of his scratched face. "Monty… You can talk to me.. You know that? Right?" She asked softly. Lightning nodded as he gently pushed his Mother's hand away. "I gotta go.." Lightning mumbled before walking out the door. Chad sighed. He was really worried about his little brother after this one. Sadly, the two brother's wouldn't talk for a while after this one. Just the anger, shame, pain, worry would cause them to fall silent with one another for a bit….
Lightning crossed the finish line in fourth, Cal third and Bobby first!….
Lightning walked through the parked trailers. Making his way to his own. He didn't have the energy to talk to anyone of his fellow racers and or friends right no. He was just tired and needed more sleep. Lightning walked into his trailer to find Sally on the couch. She stood up and quickly asked, "I tried calling.. Your phone"-"I lost it." Lightning said with a growl. Sally watched as Lightning closed the trailer door and walked to the cooler. He had a slight limp. "Lightning… Why are you? Are you hurt?" Lightning grabbed a bottled water out before answering, "I'm fine, just tired." Sally sighed. Not this again. Sally walked up to her husband and she saw the scratches on his face. "Lightning! What happened!?" She asked as she grabbed his face. Lightning slapped Sally's hand away and snapped, "Nothing! I'm fine!" Walking slowly to the couch where he sat down and loosened the cuffs and collar of his race suit. Sally stared at him a moment. "I'm.. You could have called me on Chad's phone.." She pointed out. Lightning sipped the water before explaining, "Chad broke his phone." Sally sighed. Something had happened. He was short with her, ratchet up and walking funny. "Lightning…" sally's caring voice called. Lightning stared at her a moment before admitting, "There was an accident." "What?" "I'm fine." He sharply repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. Sally rushed over and sat next to him.
Placing her hand on his knee, "Lightning.. What accident?" She asked. Lightning set the bottle down and stood up. Unzipping the suit as he answered, "Just a small accident. I'm fine, everyone was fine." "A car accident? Lightning"-"Drop it!" Lightning snapped! Sally just stared at him. She was worried before, but now she was really worried. Lightning took the upper half of the suit off, letting it sit as his waistline before sitting back down. His shoulders scratched up to. Sally stared. "We should get back home.. We can see a doctor if"-"STOP!" Lightning ordered! Sally just stared. He was angry again. "Were you drinking?" Sally asked. Slight anger growing in her tone. Lightning shook his head, with no words. Sally glared and asked, "You think I'm stupid, don't you?" Lightning sighed and admitted, "I drank a little… I'm done though, okay? That was the last time, I swear." He really swore. And he meant it. He could have killed his brother in that one or someone else.
Sally frowned. She was very disappointed, but she was kind of use to this feeling by now. "Stickers… It may be time to"-"Don't you say it." He growled. "Get help.." She finished. Lightning rolled his eyes and argued, "I don't need some crazy boo who depression, therapy doctor telling me I have a problem." "But.." "No! I'm fine. I can handle myself." He reassured. Sally didn't believe him at this point though. She was about at the point of just letting Lightning run around and do what he pleased, just to keep the peace with him at home. Honestly, Sally was debating on going behind his back and turning him into the board at this point. If they knew about some of his behavior, they would require him to see mental health and possibly rehab at this point. But she knew if she did that, Lightning would never forgive her. So for now, sally just really hoped Lightning would get his act together. He was stressed and needed to relax more, that's all…..
Sally sipped some coffee as she sat on the couch back home. Watching some news. Lightning walked in and she greeted, "Good morning." He just stared at her. Sally sighed. Lightning walked to the kitchen for coffee. Sally quickly go up and followed. Staring at the bruised on his chest and sides sense he was shirtless. Lightning poured his coffee and growled, "Staring won't make your judgement any less silent." Sally glared and asked, "How about breakfast?" "What?' Lightning asked with surprise in his voice. Sally then smiled, "Flo's. Get dressed. We are going out for breakfast." Lightning sighed, "I'd rather"-"Nope. No choice. Get dressed. We are getting out of the house." Sally ordered. Lightning stared at his coffee a moment before setting it down and giving in. Not wanting to fight already this morning.
The couple sat at one of the tables in the corner at the diner. Mia walked up to start their order, when Flo shoved the waitress out of the way, "Go on, I got this table, Honey." Flo said eagerly. Flo smiled at the couple and asked, "How are you two doing? Been. While sense you both were in here. Together." Lightning glared at Flo for that. Sally snickered agreeing, "Yeah, it has been a while. The usual." "Great! What about you, hun?" Flo asked Lightning. Lightning sighed answering, "Usual.." Flo stared at the racer a moment. Seeing his scratches on his face. Lightning began to feel uncomfortable and Said, "I'm fine." Flo nodded slowly then smiled at Sally and asked, "Think the two of you will be staying for the week this time?" Lightning answered that with, "I race, Flo. I got to be out of here in a few days. You know the drill." Flo sighed, "Well.. We all miss the two of you. We're sure use to you being gone all of the time, But Sally being gone is different. I think we miss you more than Lightning." Flo said with a giggle. Sally smiled at that. Lighting then mentioned, "Sally could stay. She has no reason to come along to all of the races." Sally's brows lowered hearing that. He wanted her to come to them to begin with.
Flo shrugged, "It's alright. We understand. I'll get those usuals going for the two of you/" Flo said with a peppy smile and off she went. Sally raised a brow and asked, "Why did you say that? Why did you say it like that?" Lightning sighed, "It's true." "But.. I thought you wanted me to come to the races?" She said with question. Lighting leaned back in the seat, stretching his back some before replying, "I do, but…" He paused. Staring at his wife. She seemed hurt by what he had said to Flo. SO Lightning just apologized and didn't say anything else about it. Sally frowned. Feeling like maybe he didn't want her to come along anymore. But why? Sally cleared her throat and asked, "Would you like to go out tonight. On a date? Wheel well?" Lightning stared at Sally. Thinking. He was tired honestly. He just wanted to sleep the next few days away and get back to the track. "Urm.." He muttered, "Sure.." He answered. For her sake. He realized he was not giving Sally the attention she needed. Trying to smile more suddenly and seem better. He leaned forward and asked, "How are the motels doing?"
Sally shrugged, "I mean.. Good. Business is always do well anymore.""Nothing needing fixed?" "No. And if there was something needing fixed, I'm sorry, but I'd hire a person who went to school for the job. How were, um.. How was…" She hesitated, almost asking how Chad and Minty were doing. But she figured that was a touchy subject right now. "How are things with the President? He was really gracious to let you go on the D… U… Thing.." Not wanting to attract attention about it. Made it sound weird though. Lightning shrugged, "He was.. Upset, but yeah, I'm glad he let it go. Guess there are perks to being the golden boy." Lightning said with a sly smile. Sally rolled her eyes. Funny. Lightning hated being the golden boy at first due to the negative attention from the other racers. It was quiet for a moment. Flo bringing the couple their plates and coffees. The couple ate some, drank their coffees.. It was quiet for bit. Lightning then asked, "How are… Things with you?"
Sally raised brow and asked, "What do you mean?" Lightning thought a moment before adding, "Well.. You were.. Upset a few weeks ago.. Week ago.. Everything okay? Do you?.. Wanna talk about it?" Sally's eyes widened. She knew what he was referring to now/ Her little break down in his arms. Sally cleared her throat, sipped her coffee before answering, "No, I don't want to. Like I've told you before, it doesn't even matter now." "Yeah, but.. You said something that grabbed my attention." Lightning pointed out. Sally raised a brow and asked, "What did I say?" "Every time." He answered. Sally stared at Lightning a moment. Lightning trying to read her body language. Was that fear in her eyes. What the hell was going on? "Sally"-"Well." Sally interrupted as she stood up. "I gotta get to the motels." Lightning stood, calling her name, "Sal." But she kissed the side of his face and was gone out the doors before he could say anything else about it. Something was off and wrong….
Lightning sat in the exam room at the clinic in Radiator Springs. Waiting for the doctor. He decided that his family and friends were right. He needed to talk to a doctor. The man finally appeared in the room, closing the door and sitting on the swivel stool, facing the racer. "So?.. Ganging weight. That's good. 130 now. You wanted to talk to me about medications though?" Lightning nodded and began, "So.. I'm on anxiety, Anti depressants, a metabolism thing and an energy things." "Vitamins, but continue." "I feel hazy and.. I've been taking the medications with alcohol a lot fo the times.." He finally said it. Admitting to the problems. The doctor sighed. Staring at Lightning and explaining, "Well.. If you keep doing that, I'm going to strip you of all the medications. Um… You're taking a muscle relaxer now to, after an accident?" The doctor asked. Lightning nodded and explained, "My bother and I.. Got into one and yeah." "Okay. So.. I'm taking that away. I also am taking the energy boosters away. I'm going to lower the dosage of the antidepressants for now. You have to stop drinking. DIdn't the doctor at the track go over that with you when taking these meds?"
Lightning nodded. Filled with shame. The doctor then leaned forward and asked, "Are you drinking due to the depression or?…" Lightning shrugged, "I just.. Yeah, I'm depressed, but I also feel anxious all of the time and my nerves lately make me feel like I am constantly shaking…" "Flashbacks?" "Only when I'm drunk and shit." Lightning admitted. The doctor nodded. Thinking a moment. "Have you considered rehab?" "No. I.. I don't need to do that. I can't. If the press caught wind of that… Things could get really bad." "I'd say things are bad now." The doctor said with a serious tone. Lightning stared a moment. The doctor sat up straighter and asked, "Are you having suicidal thoughts?" Lightning shook his head, but that was a lie. He just couldn't admit it. Plus, he knew if the board found out, they'd pull him and he would have to be cleared for racing and if he stopped racing, the thoughts would only get worse. The doctor nodded saying, "Good. So lets'… Lower some meds.. take away two and… No more alcohol. I'm going to start screening you next week.Every week that you return from a race, I'm going to tox screen you. You keep up the drinking and I'm taking away all the meds. I can't have you kill yourself and I'm responsible. Understand. I can only help you if you try helping yourself too. Would you be open to speaking with a therapist?" Asked the man.
Lightning shook his head. The doctor sighed. Hating hearing this. He had seen this in other patients. Lightning wasn't the first and probably wouldn't be the last. "Alright.. Well.. Take the normal doses this week. Next week, we start weening down and NO MORE ALCOHOL." The doctor said sternly. Lightning nodded and began to get up to leave, but asked, "Hey… My wife.. I can get her medical records, right?" The doctor shrugged, "As long as you are on her HIPPA." Lightning nodded then left the room. He walked up to the front desk. Waiting as the woman was on the phone. Waiting… Waiting.. She was on the phone for what seemed like forever. Lightning sighed and left. Giving up getting those records for now. He felt like he probably shouldn't anyway. If Sally wanted him to know what the doctor had told him, she would have told him….
Lightning stood at the ledge above Willy's Butte. Just looking over the track. (If you've read the other stories, It's wear the Future LM Racing academy stands) Staring out at the sunset and the track. He sighed and looked down. The drop was stomach turning. If he leaned just a little forward he'd fall to his death for sure. His heart beat became louder as he stared down at the drop. All it would take is just letting himself fall. It would be over in seconds. He'd pass out. Like sleeping. Sort of. The wind blew through his hair. It was very peaceful out here. Staring down at what would be an easy out. The silence around him just making it seem like bliss. It would be so easy to just lean a little forward. His stomach turned. Lightning felt as if he were about to puke. Was this the feeling of impending death? Knowing that you could go without a struggle so quickly? How would things be if he were gone? Sally would be happier.. She'd find someone else and have a happy little family.. Chad wouldn't have almost died… No one would worry anymore about him and the stress he was causing family. All over if he just let himself fall. It might hurt for a moment. The sharp rocks as he hit them, but surely he'd knock out before really feeling all that much, right? Lightning lifted his right foot. It would be so effortless.
"Lightning?" Sallys voice behind him snapped him out of his thoughts.
Lightning turned around with wide eyes of panic and tears. Sally's heart grew with fear as to what that look on his face was about and asked, "You okay?" Lightning took a few breaths before walking up to her answering, "Yeah, of course." But his eyes and breathing said differently. "Lightning.. " She cooed, "We should talk." "Yeah, okay." He agreed, wiping his eyes. More or less just thinking about how he was snapped out of those dark thoughts by Sally at the moment. Sally took his hands in hers and looked up at his blue eyes, "I love you. I'm sorry we've been.. How we have been." Lightning nodded and added, "I'm sorry I haven't been honest about things with you.." "I'-"No, it's alright.. I mean.. It's not. I can't believe how I've been treating you lately. I'm really sorry. And the drinking… You were right.. I have a problem.." He finally admitted. "I've been messed up and.. I'm not well in my head.." He said as he glanced out at the ledge he was just standing at. He sighed and tears filled his eyes again, his breathing quickening as he finally admitted, "I've thought about dying.. I've thought about what it could be like to end it all.. All these thoughts and all these pains.. I've been selfish for it to.. Not thinking of you.. Of the team.. Our friends.. Drinking helps me make it easier.." Sally's eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. "I don't understand.. Drinking makes it easier to? Process the idea of suicide? Is that what you are telling me?"
Lightning stared at his wife. Wow. He was so full of shame, but he.. Slowly nodded. Sally's jaw dropped. "What?.. Why?.. Why would you want to die?.." She asked with a high pitch voice. She was about to fall apart. Lightning sighed and admitted, "I've done a lot fo things I shouldn't have and that I'm not proud of.. It's hard to live with the guilt right now.." "Let me carry it!" Sally yelped at him then wrapped her ams around him. Lightning held his wife. Crying little as he admitted, "I don't want that.. I don't want you to live with it.. I didn't want you to know how I was feeling.. I didn't want you to worry.." Sally's embrace tightened. The thought that Lightning was drinking and contemplating suicide at times.. She would never let him out of her sight after this! "You need a doctor." Sally whined. Lightning nodded and explained, "I saw the doctor today.. I'm getting help. I'm going to try, okay.. I'm so sorry.. I've been snapping at you because I'm trying to hide this form you.. Trying to keep you out of this.. And.. Pushing you away so it made it easier.. I'm so sorry.. I"m.. I'm not okay.." He cried. Sally cried as she held him close. Never wanting to let him go after hearing this news.
Knowing now.. That he had been drinking and pushing her away because he was thinking of dying!? This hurt more than anything because of how she had been pushing him away at times as well. She knew though. After hearing this, Lightning could not handle the things that had happened with her lately. So Sally decided not to talk about the things going on with her. Instead, she would have to be strong enough for him. Because unlike Lightning, Sally was handling the pain without contemplating suicide. She was stronger than that. Sally could heal on her own. She had done it before and she could do it again. But Lightning.. This was bad.. Running away, drinking, trying to make her hate him… She had to make sure he was okay first this time.
Sally realizing the things he said in their last heated argument.. He wanted her to leave him alone so that he could fight this alone. That hurt her more than anything. "Promise me.." Sally murmured, "Promise me you won't ever let yourself think like that without telling me again.. Don't you dare leave me alone.." Lightning nodded in her arms. Unable to speak, because if he had, he'd wind up just crying his heart out. It was hard for him to admit these things, especially to Sally. He was suppose to be the strong now, he was the guy, he was the one who had to always be perfect for the fans, for the sports, for the tabloids, for her.. But he was far from it. Sally was just grateful he was here and she knew. She knew now….
Sally and Lightning sat at the table of Wheel well. Overlooking the town in their spot. Lightning looked down at the town. It did look like something special with the dark of night and all the neon lights on. "Hey." Sally grabbed his attention. She reached across the table and took his hands in hers "You are okay. Now that I know, things will get better, okay? I'll be right here." Lightning smiled a little. But he just felt embarrassed and shameful for admitting his feelings and thoughts. He looked back at the town. Still. Part of him felt even more depressed after telling Sally.
"What would you two like to start off to drink. The usual?" Asked the friendly waitress. Sally shook her head. "No, um… Water for both of us, please." She answered. The waitress smiled and walked away. Lightning sighed and asked, "You see me as pathetic as I can get, don't you?" "What? No. It takes a lot to admit what you did, Lightning. Im glad you finally opened up to me. We are going to get better. Starting with you." She explained. Lightning snickered rudely. He didn't see it that way. Things felt hopeless. The waitress returned with their waters and asked, "What can I get you two to eat?" Lightning muttering, "Im not hungry right now." Sally frowned.
He was showing the depression now that he didn't have to hide it." "Um…" Sally began, "I'll have the salad and he will have the breadsticks for now." The waitress wrote the order down and walked away cheerfully. "Hey, Stickers.." Sally softly called. Lightning looked at her. She could see it. He was completely embarrassed and full of shame and felt like crap after admitting what he did. "I'm glad you told me. Please don't feel like this will be a burden." "Yeah… Okay." He replied quietly. Yeah he totally believed he just burdened Sally with some crap.
Sally sighed. The food came rather quickly and the two ate quietly. Not much was said. But Lightning looked at Sally and had to ask, "I opened up to you.. Will you please tell me what's been going on with you? With the doctor? The way you acted a few weeks ago left me so afraid. I didn't know what was going on." "I'd rather we just move on from it." "Sal…" "Not now. It's not the best time. Right now, we take care of you. What you are dealing with is much more serious, okay?" "Yeah… Okay.." Lightning said with a sigh. Still. It bothered him a lot….
Sally stood to the side, watching her husband smile and wave to the fans form the stage as he won't he race. She realized how easily Lightning could hide pain from fans. If his fans knew half the things he was going through.. They wouldn't see him as the same Lightning McQueen they saw up there today. Some fans would wright him off and move on, some would be supportive. Sally understood why Lightning was masking it from the fans and press though. It would eat him alive. She had to try and help him by keeping this a secret, which was not helpful. It would be hard to get help without some tabloid finding out and publishing about it, which would in turn probably make Lightning spiral more out of control. Lightning stepped down and as he approached his wife, the president walked up and asked, "Are you coming along to the party?" "Party?" Asked Lightning. The president smiled and explained, "I reserved a big flat for all of the racers. Rookies included in a big publishing event. Gonna show off all the racers. I need you there, McQueen. Most of the rates will be there for you."
Lightning thought a moment, but Sally butted in with, "We have plans." The president snickered, "Plans gonna have to change. I need the racer." Slapping Lightning on the back. Sally stepped up and snapped, "Lightning is a person. He doesn't have to go to some party event thing just because he's the best racer out here." Lighting smiled with embarrassment as the President turned and grabbed Lightning by the collar, "I saved your ass from that little incident. And let's not pretend I don't know about that little accident in Texas, McQueen. You be there or I suspend you like I should have and let the press have at you about it." Lightning swallowed nervously and nodded. The president then fixed the racer's suit and smiled at Sally before leaving. Sally's brows lowered, "God.. I hate that man." Lightning sighed and explained, "I can just do a quick appearance then we can go, okay?" Sally nodded, but she knew better than that. Nothing was ever quick with he press and the great Lightning McQueen…
Lightning and Sally posed together for a some pictures for the cameras, the press, a few fans. Sally grabbing her husband's arm and quietly saying, "We should be able to go.." "Yeah, let me just finish up here." "Okay.." Sally said with concern. "Are you okay?" She asked. Lightning stared at her and raised a brow before looking back at the flashing cameras and smiling, answering through his smile, "Yeah, I'm fine.." Was he? The president then walked up and posed in the photo with the couple. "Glad you showed up." Lightning smiled but said, "Well, I didn't have much of a choice." "Perks of being the Golden boy, McQueen. We all gotta do things we don't want to at times." The President then leaned down to Sally's ear and growled, "Don't you dare get between me and my racer.. Got it.." Sally tried to keep smiling for the cameras, but that pissed her off so much! The President was half the reasons Lightning's depression had progressed. She just knew it! Sally replied, "Don't threaten me. I can make sure the fans know the horrible things you push on your racers.. They are people, not horses." "And I can make sure that McQueen's career ends and all because of you." He threatened. Smiling and posing for the cameras.
Sally felt her stomach turn with that. Looking upwards at Lightning a moment before continuing the fake happiness for the cameras. What was the president planning? The President then turned to Lightning and asked, "Can I speak with you? Alone?" Lightning glanced at Sally who shook her head. But he nodded, answering, "Sure. I'll be right back, Sal." He said to his wife before following the president. Leaving Sally alone at the party for some time. Sally walked through thee crowd. Some people were drunk as hell already, some people dancing all over each other. The rookies were the worst. Drinking and screaming along with each other. They were just young. Sally walked up to the bar and sat down. Waiting for Lightning to reappear. Worried. The President never made things easy for Lightning… Then again.. He did save Lighting's ass a few weeks ago. Bur Sally knew it wasn't for Lightning. Lightning made the man money and that is all that man cared about.
Sally felt a hand brush her lower back, she turned to see Lighting had returned. She quickly asked, "What did he want?" Lightning shrugged answering "Just to talk about my last few doctor appointments and notes." "Is it bad?" She asked. Lightning shook his head, "NO, he just wants me to see the new doctor they hired next week before the race." "Oh.." Sally said. She was confused. That actually sounded like the President was being nice and caring about his racer. Weird. At least for that man, it was weird. The couple then made their way to the doors and got into the black SUV that would drive them back to their motel. Sally stared at her husband the entire way to the motel. He was in deep thought. Staring out the window as rain began o fall. Sally worried and grabbed his hand, grabbing his attention. Lighting looked at her and smiled. She just stared. Worried. Was he okay right now? Was there more to it that he wasn't telling her? All she Ould do was hope. Hope was all she had to hold onto right now it seemed…..
Chick smiled as he came up onto the camera, "Welcome race fans! T another episode of Chick's picks with none other than me! Chick Hicks! Today, I got a special treat for ya'll, Lightning McQueen." He announced. Lighting walked onto the stage set up, smiling and waving to the camera. Sitting down in the seat next to Chick. Chick sat down and asked, "So? How's it feel be getting up there with old Weathers?" Lightning rolled his eyes, "I'm honored to be tied up with the King in cups. It's truly an experience." "I'll say! How about the cup curse?" "Nah, I don't believe in that crap." Lightning replied.Chick raised a brow and asked, "Really? Seems like every racer that tries to get past Sven wind up wrecked." Lightning glared and muttered, "Well, someone wrecked The king.." Under his breath. Chick asked, "What was that?" "Nothing." Lightning said with a cocky smile. Chick snickered then asked, "So have you been planning your big speech for when you lose this season?" Lightning chuckled, "No, no. I don't want to brag to much, but I'm pretty confident and know that I'm getting that cup." "Really?" "Yeah." "And what's Sally think of that?" "She's super supportive, Chick." "She believe in the curse of the cup?" Chick asked with a. chuckle.
Lightning shook his head, "No, not at all. We like to live in real life. Not day dreaming about what we wished could be." Glaring at Chick. Chick glared back and joked, "When will she leave your old ass and find a real racer?' "Like you?" Lightning asked, glancing at his one, single, lonely piston cup on the table next to him. Lightning then joked, "Hey, maybe I'll send you one of my cups. I am losing room for them on the shelf back home." This made the camera men and radio team laugh a bit. Of course, this pissed Chick off. His brows lowered as he then asked, "So what's this I hear about you losing your grip off track?" Lighting raised a brow as Chick continued, "Well.. Rumor has it, McQueen can't hold his liquor anymore." "Really?" Lightning asked with a cheerful smile. Sally just watched form the sidelines. She knew he was faking it and panicking inside. Chick then pointed to the large screen behind them. A photo of Lightning at that track in Texas. Obviously a little drunk. Leaning on the Camaro and having a girl next to his hip. Chick glared and asked, "What's Miss Sally say about that?"
Lightning stared at Chick for a moment before answering, "OH that. Yeah, well. Everyone has to let loose now and then. It was just a. Little.. Get together some wanna be racers were having. You should grout there sometime. They'd love to see you." "Really?" "Oh yeah, there are some real talents out there too. Um.. It's a good crowd and change of scenery from the professional racing here." "So you were't drunk?" Chick asked in confusion form the photo. Lighting snickered and smiled his attractive, lady killing smile, "Now I'm not saying I wasn't drinking. But I'd never let myself get so drunk I couldn't make my own decisions." "Well, right of course." Chick muttered. The photo disappearing. Lightning cleared his throat. Trying to keep it together for the fans watching. That was a stupid answer and he worried people saw right thorough that…..
Lightning sipped the bottled water backstage. Sally at his side. Chick walked up and smiled charmingly at Sally. "Well, good evening." Sally's cringed at his presence. "Hello.." She muttered. Chick wrapped an arm around Sally and pulled her close asking, "When you wanna shack up with a real racer?" But before she could answer, Lightning stepped up close to Chick, forcing the former racer to step back and up again the wall. Lightning pressed his hand next to Chick's face and leaned in close to Chick as he asked, "Do that again… And I'll show you what a real racer does to people like you.." Chick raised his hands up saying, "Alright, alright.. take it easy, kid. Just harmless flirting." Lightning glared directly into Chick's eyes. Letting Chick feel how serious he was.
Honestly, Chick was terrified of the look Lightning gave him. Sally grabbed Lightning's arm and pulled him away. :"Come on, Stickers." She said as the couple walked away. Chick fixing his shirt. A few of his crew members staring. Chick angrily shouted, "What are ya'll lookin at!? Get back to work!" And they did…. As the couple walked to the cab, Sally said, "You know, that was kind of hot what you did there." Lightning raised a brow and asked, "Really?" Sally smiled and nodded with such a seductive smile. He stared at her. Bug eyed almost. He wasn't even trying. Wow. Well he guess he still had it at the least…
Lightning and Sally walked through the trailers parked out for the racers. Holding hands. Making their way to the medic tent as the President wanted Lightning to check in. They came up and found the President was standing outside, waiting on the racer. "Lightning!" The president greeted with a smile. "So glad you got here early enough. I wanted to chat with you about some ways we can publish that eighth cup you are about to win in a way that fancifies the sport. Gotta bring in some new race fans." "Yeah, sure." Lightning replied.
The president then added, "This check up needs to be private by the way. Some things I need to disclose to you personally about some… Issues… On the track that the board and I are concerned about." Sally rudely reminded, "I am his wife and his lawyer." "Right… But… Not looking to get the law involved." "Sounds illegal." Sally said with a growl. The president glared and defended, "Of course not. Never. Lightning. Alone." He said to his racer before walking into the medic tent. Lightning looked at Sally and shrugged, "It'll be fine. I'll tell you everything later." Before walking in the tent without her. Sally frowned. Deeply concerned after how the President acted with her at the party….
Lightning walked into the tent to see a different doctor than before. "This is Dr. Fowler. The new doctor for the racers." The president announced. Lightning stared and muttered, "Oh… What happened to the woman?" "Eeh.. Not important. What is important, is getting you better. You are depressed." "Well… I'm working on that." "Yeah, well. Fans are starting to notice. It's bad publicity. For all of us. So. Dr. Fowler here is going to give you a new medication in replace of that old anti dep-crap you were on." "Oh… Okay."
The doctor walked up to Lightning and handed him a pill bottle saying, "Take these exactly how it says." Lightning nodded then asked, "How will these ones affect me racing?" The doctor glanced at the president then walked away. The president cleared his throat and explained, "These are a lot stronger than what you were taking. Should kick in within a few hours after taking them. Let me make this clear, McQueen. These are not approved by the board, but… Dr Fowler and I have.. Spoken. You won't be suspended or disqualified as long as you take them as you are suppose to and don't tell anyone about them." "This feels wrong.." Lightning mumbled as he looked at the pills.
The president sighed and wrapped an arm around the racer, "What's wrong is watching you dive further down the rabbit hole. We don't need the bad ratzi shots being the top thing. We need your old self back. The doctor guaranteed me these will help. Basically instantly. So take them. But we don't need any lawyers nose in them if you get what I'm telling you." He meant Sally. Lightning didn't know if he liked the idea of that. But the racer asked, "These will definitely help? I'll feel better? Instantly?" The doctor turned towards him answering, "Yep. You'll be happier than you have been in months. The amount of serotonin it produces will make you a new man." The president then adding, "The fans will see a better you, you'll feel like you're happy and in a good place all the time. Sally might even notice a few good changes in private if you catch my drift." Lightning stared at the pills before sighing and asking, "I'll still be able to race?" The president nodded. Lightning thought about it for a moment before asking, "What are the side effects? What's the name of this one?"
The president rubbed his eyes and asked, "The side effects are not important. The doctor here is prepared to give you anything you need to counter it." "More pills? No." Lightning said firmly as he handed the pill bottle back to the president. "I can't do that." "We wouldn't want certain things getting out now would we?…" The president asked quietly. Lightning frowned and thought for a moment. Pros and cons here. The racer looked at the doctor and asked once more, "I'll really feel better? With the depression?" The doctor nodded, "Definitely. Side effects do happen. But I'll send you an emailed list of what to look out for. As long as you tell me how you feel, I can more than likely counter it." "Hmm… What's the worst side effect?" "I don't think we need to go that far. Common ones would be my concern."
Lightning thought about it then asked, "What are the most common?" The doctor glanced at the president before answering, "Um… Nausea mostly." "Nausea?… I… I guess I can handle that." Lightning mumbled aloud. The president smiled and shoved the pill bottle into Lightning's hands. "Great! Just take it as prescribed." The doctor then handed Lightning instructions and saw him out. Lightning stared at the paper as Sally approached and asked, "Well?" Seeing the pill bottle. "What's that?" "New prescription. It's replacing the anti depressants." "What is it?" Sally asked. Lightning looked at the paper.
But pronouncing the name was impossible. Sally took the paper and read it. Noticing at the bottom it stated, if you had any suicidal thoughts to contact your doctor immediately. That made her uneasy. She would definitely be looking up more about this new medication later. "You haven't taken yet, have you?" She asked softly. Lightning shook his head, "No, not yet. I'll be taking it in place of the other one. So tomorrow morning." "Says here only twice a week. That's good. The other one was once every day. So maybe this one is better?" She questioned. Lightning stared at her. Yeah, and it wasn't approved. Lightning knew what that meant. It did something that effected driving ability. This could be bad….
Lightning and Sally got up the next morning. Sally making up the bed at the motel as Lightning stood in the bathroom. Staring at the pills. He was extremely nervous about this. Wondering if he should do this or not. He could talk to Sally, but.. He sighed. Dumping the pill in his hand and staring at it. He finally took it. Swallowing it and almost choking on the dam thing. He turned in the faucet and sipped from the water. Made it a little easier. He stared at himself in the mirror. Instantly better huh? "Ready?" Sally called from the other room. Practice and qualifying. "Yeah, I'm ready." He called back. Nervous, but hopeful after what the doctor had told him….
The couple grabbed breakfast first. Stopping by and having a bite at some restaurant before heading to the track. As they finished, the waitress took Lightning's card to pay. Sally smiling asked, "How are you feeling?" "Good." Answered the racer. Sally raised a brow asking, "Do you feel? Good? Or just saying that?" Lightning shrugged, "Not much different from usual I guess. But good." Sally just stared. She grabbed out her phone and began researching the medication. The waitress returned and Lightning put his card in his wallet before standing up.
"Guess we should go. I want to try and get a few… Laps…" He slowed and grabbed the table. Sally stared at him asking, "You okay?" Lightning nodded admitting, "Yeah.. Just.. Got a little dizzy." Lightning took one step and fell to the floor. People around gasped and asked if he was okay. Sally instantly stood up and grabbed his arm. Helping him get his balance. "Lightning." She began. Lightning motioned for her to stop and said, "I'm alright. I just stood up to fast." "That's not normal." "Sal…" he growled. Sally saw the people staring. She understood. He didn't want people to say anything. She sighed and the two walked out the restaurant, making their way to the cab to head to the track.
Sally looking up the medicine. Her eyes widened. "Lightning, have you read the side effects?" "No, not really." "There is no way this approved by the board." "Why? What's it say?" Lightning asked curiously as they rode in the cab. Sally glanced at the driver then handed Lightning her phone.
Dissociation
Dizziness
Nausea
Vertigo
Hypesthesia
Symptoms of anxiety
Lethargy
Hypertension
Vomiting
Acute confusion
Feeling of alcohol intoxication
Depersonalization
Dysuria
Increased urinary frequeney
Urinary urgency
Muscle weakness
Headache disorder
Tachycardia
Constipation
Lightning's face said it all. Now he was worried. "That's not even the long term effects. How long did the doctor put you on this for?" Asked Sally. Lightning shrugged. Sally took her phone back and said, "I'm going to talk to your doctor back home. There is no"-"Calm down. I'm sure I'll be fine. Look, this is medicine to help me. Not make things worse." "Yeah, but the side effects…" "Don't mean I'll have those side effects. Stop worrying." Lightning said with a smile. "The doctor wouldn't have given it to me if it would effect the racing to badly. I'm the golden boy remember. So relax." Sally glared at him. Why did he seem so… Cheerful about this? That didn't sound like him. "Lightning… You just fell." "It's fine. I'm fine. Just don't think about it too much. Let's have a nice day for once together and not ruin this with some silly overthinking." Lightning replied. Sally just glared. Not sure what to think of what he was saying right now….
The couple got to the track where they met up with the team at the pits. The bolt there and ready to run a few practice laps. Luigi walked up and asked, "Do you want to add the weights for practice or no?" Lightning shook his head but then placed his hand on his stomach. He felt awful. The nausea coming into place. Sally raised a brow and asked, "Are you okay?" Lightning nodded. But he felt like he was about to lose everything he just ate. "I'm gonna go change into my suit and run a few laps before I have to qualify later." "Sounds good." Called Filmore from the pits. Lightning rushed off back ti the trailer. Sally stayed behind. Waiting for him to get back. Once he did, fully dressed in his 95 suit, he put in the helmet and after a quick test of the radio, hopped in the Bolt and ran a few laps around the track….
Lightning pulled the Bolt into the pits and crawled out the window. Taking off his helmet he set it on top the car and informed his crew, "Rear passenger is still pulling a little." Sarge then asked, "What do you want to do about it? We already added weights last week." "Adjust the wing." "Yes sir." Sarge said with enthusiasm. Lightning snickered at that before walking up to Sally and kissing the side of her face. "Glad you came." He said. Sally smiled, "Of course. I'm not leaving your side, mister." "Wouldn't want you to." Lightning replied with a smile.
Sally was glad to him perked up. Lightning walked over to the team and started looking at car stats when he froze. He felt awful again. Sick to his stomach again. Filmore noticed this time and asked, "You alright man. Look a little pale." Lightning took a deep breath before answering, "Just a little sick.. I'm fine.." But nope. It hit him hard. Lightning ran to the nearest trash can vomiting what felt like violently. The team stared a moment as Lightning caught his breath. Sally walked over and rubbed his back. The president walked up and asked with a smile, "How you doing super star?" Lightning looked up from the trash can. Basically panting. The president stared a moment. Shit.
"Little sick huh?" He asked as he came between the racer and Sally, pushing Sally away gently. Lightning looked at the man but now he felt dizzy again. Swaying a bit back and fourth. Luigi pointing out, "I don't think he's okay." The president rolled his eyes replying, "He's fine!" With a smile, "Just a little anxious for the race! Right super star?" He asked Lightning. Lightning didn't answer. The voice of the boss man echoing and the dizziness. Lightning leaned over the trash can puking again. Sally stepping in and snapping, "That new medication has him all messed up!" The president's brows lowered then he grabbed Lightning by the back of the collar, forcing the racer to stand up straight and said, "Lightning is fine. It's not the meds. See. He's fine. Up and ready to race!"
Sally crossed her arms and gave Lightning a look. Lightning felt himself come back to and looked at the president before faking smile and giving a thumbs up. The president smiled. "Great! See you at the race tomorrow. Get a good position in qualifying!" He shouted as he walked away. Sally immediately scolding her husband, "You should have told him the medication was making you sick!" Lightning rolled his eyes and told Sally to stop worrying. Everything would be fine. He was fine and things were gonna work out. Sally wasn't convinced though at all….
Back at the trailer. Sally walks in to find Lightning sitting on the couch and he looked worried. Sitting there in deep though. Elbows to his knees, hunched over, his right leg bouncing as he tapped his foot on the floor. "You okay?" Sally asked. Lightning looked at his wife before admitting, "The Bolt keeps lifting a bit in the rear. I can't control it sometimes. I'm a little worried. Trying to think of a way to get that left side to stay down during turns at higher speeds." Sally sat next to Lightning and placed a hand on his shaking knee. Stopping him. "Maybe slow down on the turns.." she tried to help.
Lightning sighed, "I do that and I could lose my momentum. If I do that, I could lose my line." "Well… At least you're thinking and trying to do something. Usually, you just mope around until the race." "I feel like I have to do something. I have way too much energy." Lightning admitted. His leg tapping again. Sally stared at that then back to his face. "Stickers…" she cooed. Lightning looked at his wife with a brow raised. Sally smiled and kissed his lips. A soft and sweet and simple kiss. It was just perfect. Lightning smiled as her lips pulled away. "I love you, Sally." "I love you to.." She mumbled sweetly. Lightning leaned his head onto Sally's shoulder and sighed, "I'm sorry." He apologized. Sally kissed his head and asked, "For what?" "Just everything.. For pushing you away, treating you like I did… I hate myself for it." "Well… I think we both have been pretty awful lately." "We should get away." "Yeah, sure." Sally agreed sarcastically.
Lightning stood up and explained, "No, I mean it. Just the two of us. Leave town and leave everything with work behind. Just us. Go someplace new and relax and." He paused and kneeled down before her, "I want to take care of you. I want to make sure we fix us before it gets to the point we can't. I'm afraid it's going to that direction, Sally. So? Will you join me? I'll take you anywhere. Doesn't even have to be in this country." "Anywhere huh? What about racing?" "I can miss one. I am the golden boy after all." Lightning said teasingly.
Sally rolled her eyes replying, "I don't think the President will like that very much." "I don't care." "Really?" "We are more important to me than racing. Right now, we have issues between us needing addressed. Me and you. Tell me where and when and we go." "So?… If I said right after this race?" "Done. Just tell me where." "Hmmm. I'll think about your offer Mr. McQueen." Sally said before standing. Looking down at Lightning she added, "You look good on your knees by the way. I'm gonna go talk to Meg. She asked me to come by the trailer later. See you soon." She said as she walked out the door. Lightning stood up and sighed. He actually did feel hyper. Way too much energy right now. It had to be the medication…..
Lightning woke up in the bed of the motel. The window next to the white comforter bed, he could feel the heat of sunlight on his body. He opened his eyes and saw Sally was passed out asleep next to him. He smiled. Seeing her so peaceful like that. Closing his eyes and just enjoying being next her like this. He felt exhausted. Not sure why, but he did. Suddenly, he felt Sally's hand brush his shoulder, then her voice, "Good morning." Lightning opened his eyes again and smiled seeing her. The sunlight just made her sparkle. Her blonde hair, her eyes. Wow. "Good morning." He said in a quiet and tired voice. Sally smiled and scooted in closer, allowing Lightning to adjust and wrap his arm around her, pulling her close and cuddling with his wife. "Sleep well?" Sally asked. Lightning groaned an mmhmm. Kissing the side of her face. Closing his eyes and relaxing with Sally in bed. Sally closed her eyes as well. Feeling the warmth of his body.
"Meg invited me out to a girls night." She announced. Lightning snickered, "Oh really?" "Yeah." "Are you going?" "I don't know… What about you?" Sally asked. Lightning yawned before answering, "I'll be fine. I'll just come back here and relax. Sleep. Wait for you." "I don't know… After what you told me, I don't think I feel comfortable leaving you alone to long like that." Sally said gently. Lightning sighed, "I want you to go have fun. If you're that worried, I'll just go hang out with Cal or Bobby or something." "I don't trust Bobby so much… Maybe Cal…" "Alright. I'll see if Cal wants to do something. You go and have fun with Meg, alright?" "Alright.. Thanks, Lightning." "Of course." He replied. Kissing the side of her face once more before sitting up and seeing the time. He needed to get ready for the race….
"Oh! One of the rookies hits the wall! He's down in the infield!" Fans and racer crews gasped. Watching the car come to a stop in the grass. Sally stared watching. She heard the team next to Lightning's put say "As long as he gets out, he's fine." Sally remembered Lightning saying that before. The yellow flag went up. The crowd began to cheer! The rookie crawled out the window, jumped up onto the roof of his car and put his fists on the air. He seemed fine. Sally was relieved, but wrecks were scary out. But as Lightning always told her, it's a part of racing.
"Cal Weathers takes the checkered flag!" Announced the man in the booth!
Lightning pulled his car into the pits as did most the other drivers at the end of the race. His team there and ready to greet him and congratulate him on a good third place today. Lightning crawled out the car, took off his helmet, dropping it to the ground. He swayed a bit. Sally realized that something was definitely wrong. As she ran up to him, Lightning took one maybe two more steps before he fell to his knees. Sally caught him in her arms and shouted at the crew, "Call the medic!" The cameras suddenly turned to the 95 pit row. Seeing Lightning on his knees after a race was anything but normal.
Sally grabbed Lightning's face, forcing him to look at her. "Lightning! Hey! You with me!?" She shouted. He looked dazed. Sweating, pale. Lightning's breathing was fast. "Sal.." he began, but couldn't find words. He seemed confused. Lightning managed to shake his head, just signaling something was wrong to his wife who he knew would understand before collapsing to the ground. Fans gasped and the announcer spoke of what was happening. The ambulance arrived and medics ran up to him. Sally looking down at him. His eyes heavy, he couldn't even speak. He was lethargic and seemed he could barely stay conscious. Sally stood back and let the medics do their jobs. She was terrified. What just happened to him?…
Chad watched the event on the tv back home. He was worried. Fainting like that on the track. Immediately after a race. Minty walked in and asked, "Did something happen?" Chad quickly shut off the tv before answering, "One of the rookies wrecked, but he's fine. He got out." "Oh." Chad sighed and was really thinking about turning his brother into the board for things. Obviously sense he had no proof, they'd only start drug testing and running tox screens on him. But it would force Lightning to clean up quick or be suspended. For now.. Chad left it be. Still upset with his younger brother and still not sure how to even talk to Sally about this if and when he decided to….
Sally ran into the medic tent and saw Lightning sitting up on the exam table with a doctor and nurse next to him and the president there! Sally was furious with him! "You did this!" She snapped. The president quickly defended himself, "I did nothing. The doctor has already explained everything." Sally turned to the doctor who explained, "His body isn't use to the newest medication. I'd say one more week or so and he'll be adjusted fine." Lightning smiled saying, "See? I'm fine." Sally only argued, "You nearly fainted! What if that had happened during the race!?" "I'd pull into the pits before that could happen. I know better." "This is way too dangerous. If you need time to adjust, you need to do off the track." Sally explained.
The president then butting in, "He is fine. Smiling, happy, energetic. He just had a minor set back. Everything's fine. Nothing my champion racer can't handle! As for the fans. Easy. I've told the announcer you were dehydrated. Don't want fans knowing you're on antidepressants and what not. Might give them the wrong idea of the spor-I mean you. So just drink plenty of water and electrolytes." He winked before leaving the tent. Not giving Sally the ability to argue with him. Sally sighed with a frown. Walking up to her husband and taking his hands in hers. "Idiot." She snarled playfully. Lightning snickered with a smile then hugged his wife before hopping off the table. "Am I free to go?" He asked the doctor. The man nodded. So Lightning wrapped an arm around his wife and headed to the trailer.
"I feel fine now." The racer assured his wife. Sally held his hand as they walked. Still not feeling convinced he was fine. The couple walked up to the 95 trailer to find Bobby, Jesse, Cal and Meg waiting outside. Bobby quickly asking, "What the hell happened out there?" Lightning chuckled, almost laughing it off, "I was just dehydrated. Nothing really." "Seriously?" Cal asked. Sally looked at Lightning with confusion. He wasn't dehydrated. That was the lie the President told the fans. Lightning nodded continuing, "Yeah, silly me." Rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
Cal then asked, "Are you alright for tonight?" Bobby adding, "Yeah, I went ahead and reserved us a spot at the old red barn bar and grill. Thought we'd hang out there while the girls have their fun." Lightning smiled, "Yeah, I'm good." Turning to Sally saying, "You and your friends have fun. I'll be fine with the guys." He seemed fine. Sally stared a moment. Unsure. But… Lightning did seem fine now. Happy even. "Okay…" She replied cautiously. Jesse cheered, "Wooh! It's been forever sense we had a proper girls night! Drinks on me tonight ladies!" Sally smiled, but before leaving with the girls, kissed Lightning's cheek softly. "You call me if anything, alright?" She made clear. Lightning chuckled, "Alright, alright. Now go have fun." Slapping her on the ass gently as she turned.
Sally raised a brow at him. Bobby then did this purring growl sound. Sally rolled her eyes before heading out with the girls. Bobby crossed his arms and said, "I take it things are going well." Lightning snickered, "Yeah. I mean, things sure do feel better. I don't know. She's just more attractive lately." Cal replying, "Well, I'm just glad things are getting better for the two of you." "Yeah, things were really tense there for a while. But. I'm happy. I think she's happy. Still have a ways to go, but I got a good feeling." Lightning said and you could tell that he meant it. Bobby then whined, "Alright, come oooonnnn… Enough of this lovey dovey crap. Let's grab some drinks!"….