Lightning was passed out asleep. Maybe starting to wake. He heard someone whisper his name. But he didn't bother. He just lay in bed with his eyes closed. So comfortable. Tired from tossing and turning all night. "WAKE UP!" Cruz shouted next to him! "Aah!" He screamed!Lightning jumped up, falling to the floor with a THUD! Cruz stared at him, "Eeewww…. Sorry." She apologized. Lightning sat up and rubbed his head. "Good morning!" Cruz said with enthusiasm! Lightning glared up at her. "What time is it?.." He asked in a groggy tone. Cruz smiled, "Five." "In the morning? How are you this energetic?.." He growled as he stood up. Cruz rolled her eyes and explained, "We have to get started on your stretches before breakfast Mr. McQueen."
She then began pacing as she continued with the itinerary, "Then a quick breakfast before hitting the gym. After that a real breakfast while we go over the changes with the Bolt. A few new things you'll have to get use to. I was watching some of your recent races and I realized how bad this could be with you not being use to light weight vehicles, So I think I figured a way to introduce you to the idea. Watching those videos I also noticed how the Bolt's body, particularly the rear, isn't built for light weight like what Mr. Sterling is having us try. I think you'll have a little practice to get on in the wind tunnel with her. But after that, I plan on having you visit the mental health doctor because we still have to get you cleared I noticed. Which is strange. I would have thought that Mr. Sterling or like even yourself would have went by now to get cleared. But whatever. No big deal. Once we finish up there we'll have a quick snack and I know it sounds like a lot of food, but I swear it's just because Mr. Sterling told me we have to get some weight"-Lightning pushed his index finger to her lips.
Cruz stared at Lightning. Finally. Quiet. Lightning sighed, "It's too early for whatever you just said." He griped. Cruz blinked a bit then slowly looked down at Lightning's chest. Seeing his scars. She pushed his hand away and stared. Lightning felt a bit uncomfortable and turned his back towards her as he asked, "What?" Cruz blushed and looked away. "I.. Nothing.. Um.. Did it hurt?.." She asked softly. Lightning grabbed his shirt from yesterday and slipped it on before snapping, "I don't know. I was in a coma." "Right.. Of course.." Cruz said with an awkward smile. Staring at him. His body. Wow, he looked a lot slimmer than she pictured.
Cruz cleared her throat then continued, "Right.. Um.. Do you have full range of motion?" She asked. Lightning nodded and walked to the closet. Cruz rushed over and inside. Grabbing out his new race suit. "Put on this. This way I can track your vitals." She said with a smile. Holding the suit up for him. Lightning took the suit. Staring at Cruz. For what seemed like ever. Cruz's eyes widened as she asked "Need any help?" "Just go." "Right! Sorry, yeah. You get dressed. I'll um.. I'll wait outside." She blushed and rushed out the door. Closing the bedroom door as she did. Lightning rolled his eyes. Great. Just what he needed. A fan girl for a trainer for him….
Lightning walked down with Cruz to the training center. Cruz was quiet. Messing with something on a tablet. Suddenly the little lightning bolt on Lightning's shoulder began beeping and flashing. Lightning stopped and stared at it. Cruz stopped and explained, "That's just an alert. It alerts us anytime a vital sign reads higher or lower than we want." She then looked at the tablet and pushed a few buttons before saying, "That's weird. Says your oxygen is low. Do you smoke? I didn't see anything in your file." "I haven't in a long time. Might start that up again though." Lightning growled. Cruz then continued walking. Lightning following.
They walked into a room filled with way too much color on one of the walls. A mural of nothing but abstract colors. Cruz closed the door and unzipped her jacket. Revealing her black sports bra and tight yoga pants covered ass. Lightning rolled his eyes seeing her. Cruz then put her long hair in a high pony tail by doing this hair flip thing. Lightning asking, "So stretching?" "Yup!" She smiled. Pressing a few buttons on the tablet. Making music start up. Lightning looked up to the corner of the room at the speakers. Very upbeat. Cruz then began stretching. Arms. Back. "Come on, Mr. McQueen." Lightning reluctantly began stretching with her. It kind of hurt honestly. He hadn't done this sense physical therapy.
Lightning stretched then stopped and bent over with his hands on his knees. Cruz stared and asked, "You okay?" "Yeah, of course." "You're hurt." "No, I'm fine." Lightning assured as he stood up and no. It hurt. It hurt a lot. He grabbed his left shoulder. It hurt the most right now. Cruz walked over and behind him and grabbed his shoulders. Rubbing them a bit. Lightning jerked away and asked, "What are you doing?" Cruz snickered, rolling her eyes and grabbing his shoulders again.
Rubbing them. "I'm rubbing the muscle loose. You're tense. You need to relax." Lightning sighed. Okay, this kind of felt good. But he was tense because he had limited time. "Can we just get breakfast already?" He asked. Cruz pulled her hands away and explained, "A few more stretches then we can." Lightning sighed with disappointment. He hated this. He just wanted to race….
Lightning was puking his guts out in the bathroom of the hall of the training center. Cruz standing outside the bathroom. Waiting on Lightning. Finally, he came out. Holding his stomach. "What the hell was in that?.." He asked. Feeling just awful. Cruz opened up the meal plan on the tablet and answered, "According to your vitals. I think it was the amount of fish oil and added substitutions. Seems like her heart rate spiked when you started digestion. Which then made you sweat and your temp raised slightly." "Stop that." Lightning scolded.
Cruz raised a brow and asked, "What?" "Monitoring my vitals when I'm eating and digesting and puking. It's weird." "Im trying to help you. Let me remind you that you have a lot of weight to gain, Mr. McQueen." Lightning just rolled his eyes. Cruz then scrolled on the tablet, "We were going to exercise some.. But after that, I think we need to let whatever is still in there digest. Let's head to the Rusteze clinic upstairs and get you cleared." Cruz exclaimed with a smile.
Lightning just groaned and followed her. He noticed as they made their way to the elevator, a sign that read garage. He stopped and asked, "Hey, is the Bolt ready?" "Hmm? Oh. No, not yet. I still need to go over the new engine and weight with you." "Oh… Can I see her?" "The car? Um… After the clinic. I have to get you cleared." She reminded. Lightning sighed but nodded. Following Cruz to the clinic….
Cruz sat outside the exam room. Lightning having to be undressed and going through a physical as well. Cruz sitting and swiping on the tablet. Going through Lightning's file. Trying to learn more about him than she knew as a fan. Studying him. Knowing he had a tough road ahead. Suddenly, the door opened and Cruz stood up. The doctor walked out and closed the door. Cruz immediately asking, "Is he clear to race?" The doctor sighed, "I went through some of his records from the hospital… These were severe injuries.." "Is he cleared?" "Technically yes.. But I need to do another assessment. He never had a concussion assessment or follow up." "Are you saying he has long term damage?" "The man definitely has depression and anxiety talking with him. Just keep an eye out and take notes. That way I can put him on the correct medication." "Will do!" Cruz agreed loudly.
Lightning then stepped out dressed. Cruz smiled and asked, "Ready for a nap?" "Nap? I want to use the simulator." "Not today. It's only your first day. Nap and then we go over the Bolt." She explained. Lightning sighed, "Fine.. But I don't need to nap." "Oh come on! At your age, naps are very rejuvenating." "Not napping." Lightning growled. Cruz rolled her eyes then motioned for him to follow her. Explaining the next training session, hand to eye coordination…..
Lightning fell onto the bed. Exhausted! Staring up at the ceiling. He was depressed. Definitely. He frowned. Still staring at the ceiling. He thought about Sally. He hadn't spoken with her sense leaving town. Lightning sat up and glanced at his phone that was lying on the bed side table. Should he call her? He felt so miserable. But.. Could her voice even spark that joy and lift his spirits like before?.. No.. He hated her. He loved her and hated her at the same time. Tears began to pool in his eyes. How could she? How could she do this? She slept with her ex? While he was in a coma!? Tears ran down his face. He felt his heart in his throat.
Such betrayal. Such pain. Knock knock. "Mr. McQueen?" Cruz. Lightning wiped his eyes as the door opened. Cruz closed the door and began, "I got a presentation ready in Sterling's office." Then she stared at him. Was he?… Crying? "Mr. McQueen?…" she questioned. Lightning looked away with a sniffle. "Yeah?" He asked. Cruz stared. Not sure what she was seeing Lightning McQueen crying? "Um.. What's wrong?" She asked.
Lightning shook his head answering, "Nothing." "You can talk to me." She assured. Before he could say another word. The little bolt on his shoulder lit up and beeped. Cruz looked at the tablet then announced, "You're heart rate is up. Are you sure you're okay?" She asked as she walked up to him. Lightning just snapped, "I'm fine. Great. What did you want?" Cruz stared a moment.
Pressing a button on the tablet to stop the little lightning bolt from flashing and beeping before answering, "I have a presentation on the new Bolt in Mr. Sterling's office. He said he'd like to be there for it." Lightning nodded. Wiping his eyes and nose a bit. Cruz became concerned. She sat on the bed next to Lightning and asked, "What's bothering you? I can help. But only if I understand what's going on." "No, you can't help with this. It's… A personal issue. Don't worry, I'm fine." Cruz then stood up and messed with the tablet before arguing, "That only makes me more concerned. Your file and history show that you are a pretty emotional person and have a hard time separating home and track life often. Can't have personal problems getting in the way of training and racing. So telling me will help me discuss a way to solve the issue." "Stop doing that." Lightning growled.
Cruz sighed and explained, "I use this to analyze you. It helps me get to know you and work on the best way to help you." "If you need to know me or something about me to help, just ask." "Like what's going on?" Cruz asked again. Lightning sighed and answered, "Marital problems, Cruz." "Oh… Oh?.. With Sally? Based on her file she can be hard headed. Seems like she is a pretty head strong person. Might I ask what the issue is? I can always help basing it off the file and analysts I have on her to help you talk with her." Lightning had enough and grabbed the tablet from Cruz and tossed it to the floor." "No more tablet!" He shouted.
Cruz crossed her arms and glared at the racer. Lightning got up and snapped, "I'm a person, Cruz! Just talk to me. But don't you dare start thinking you know Sally." "Okay, sheesh.." Lightning stared at the busted tablet on the floor then sighed, "Sorry…" picking it up and handing it to Cruz. She took it and stared. Thankfully, it still worked. Was just cracked. "I think you are just extra stressed, Mr. McQueen. I'll have a massage scheduled. Maybe a chiropractor too! Would having Sally come up here help?" "No!" Lightning shouted. Cruz raised a brow. Lightning then clearing his throat and again with, "No.." But much more calmer. Cruz just stared.
That was weird. So new plan! "Oookkkaaay…. How about you take an early night and I'll attend the meeting. You sleep a little more and actually get up in the morning. I'll fill you in on details tomorrow during stretches." "No simulator?" Asked Lightning. Cruz shook her head and reminded, "I have a plan. Just be patient. Good night Mr. McQueen." Then left him alone. Lightning fell back on to the bed. Just completely exhausted and depressed. Hating his life right now and missing the Sally he use to have….
Sally stared out the window of the bedroom window. Wearing her pajamas. Sipping her warm tea. Staring out at the dark night and stars. She sighed. Wondering how Lightning was doing. What he was feeling. Ben walked in and asked, "More tea?" Sally turned and shook her head. He smiled and asked, "How are you feeling? Still sick?" As he walked up behind her. Sally shrugged. Looking back outside the window. Ben snickered and looked out at the stars. "Wow.. The stars out here really are beautiful. You don't notice them all that much in California." He said. Placing his hands on Sally's shoulders. Sally frowned.
Her eyes filling with tears. This should be Lightning. "What's wrong?" Ben asked. Sally turned around. Handing him the cup of tea. "I just miss him." "Lightning?" "Yeah…" Sally muttered with such depression. Ben stared at Sally. She really did love that man. "I'm sorry…" he apologized. Sally nodded. No words. Just hurt. Ben set the tea down on the bed side table and asked, "I meant what I said before… I'm here. I'm here for you and our baby." He smiled. Placing his hand on her tummy. Sally glanced down at that. Would Lightning really be okay staying in this mess? Sally looked up at Ben. Staring into his brown eyes.
Ben smiled as he gazed at Sally. Sally just remembering how they use to be. How she and Ben use to be. Ben brushed some of her hair behind her ear. "You look beautiful. You always have." He complimented. Sally tried to smile, but couldn't. She was hurting. Ben pulled her close and hugged her. Holding her in his arms. "Want me to stay tonight?" He asked. Sally glanced at the bed. Their bed.
Her and Lightning's bed before finally answering, "No… Thank you though.." "We should tell your Dad!" Ben explained. "He will be so excited to be becoming a grandfather!" Ben seemed excited. Sally then reminded, "You do realize this baby isn't coming into a home with a loving mother and father and in a good family. God.. Minty is going to hate me.." "Minty? Oh, right.. Lightning's Mom.." Ben muttered as he remembered her from the hospital.
He then stepped back and lifted Sally's face by her chin. "Hey.. We are family still Sally. And we are going to raise a beautiful little girl or boy together." He assured. Sally smiled a little. But it wasn't the father of her child that she wanted. So her smile didn't last. Ben then taking her hands in his, "If… If anything… You could always come back home." "You sound like my Dad.." "Your Dad is a great man." Ben replied. Sally sighed. Everything was so messed up. And all because of her stupid mistake. "My parents will be ecstatic." He announced. Sally snickered as she remembered Ben's perfect family.
Ben adding, "You got to admit, when we were good, we were great." "Um.. Yeah, and when we were bad?…" She asked. Ben sighed, "We weren't bad. I kept putting the hospital before you. I should have known better." "Right…" "Sally, I'm sorry. But.. It's different now. I'll never put work ahead of family." "Okay, i get it.. Just… I'm tired. You should go." She muttered. Ben frowned and nodded. "Alright.. Good night, Sally." "Bye.." Sally whispered. Ben hugging her once more before leaving. Sally turned and looked back outside at the stars. She missed Lightning. Missed him so much…
Lightning woke up. Staring at the empty bed next to him. Sitting up and stretching. He yawned. He grabbed his phone and looked at the time. 3am!? He woke up early! Hours early. He got up out of bed and walked to the bathroom. Taking a shower to start the day. Then lay back in bed. Grabbing his phone. 3:38. He sighed. He couldn't just go back to sleep. So he got dressed in his jeans and shirt and the jacket Sally fixed up. Putting on his goes he left his room and walked out to the exit of the center. He opened the door and walked up to the water pond out front. Staring into the water. He hated himself. Looking at himself. He scoffed at his reflection under the stars and called for a taxi. He had to get some cigarettes and alcohol to make it through this thing with Sally….
Cruz knocked on Lightning's door. No answer. She sighed and looked at the time. Sporting some jogger grey pants and a tight white shirt today. She knocked again. Sighing. "Mr. McQueen?" She called. No answer. She finally announced, "I'm coming in.." then opened the door with a key card and walked in to see him sitting on the end of the bed. She closed the door and the smell of cigarettes hit her. "Are you smoking in here?" She asked. Lightning looked at her and he looked awful. Like he had been crying for hours! Cruz's eyes widened. "Mr… McQueen?…" She called softly.
Cautiously walked up to him. He looked at her then the floor. Cruz sat down next to him. Now she could smell alcohol too. Lightning snickered and said, "I think I'm losing everything." Cruz's brows lowered. She didn't understand. "Um.. I don't think that's true. You've only been here one day really. I guess two. Three now." "Not here.. Back home.." He whimpered.
Then he began crying! Lightning was crying! Cruz stared. Unsure what to do. She felt this ache in her chest for him. She reached her arm around him. Hesitating to touch him. Then she pulled her arm back to herself. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm sorry you feel that way." Lightning lowered his head and cried.
Verbally and vocally crying. Cruz noticed the empty beer cans on the couch. He had been drinking. He was probably hammered right now. Wow. She never took him for the depressed and cry baby drunk. Cruz sighed and asked, "Do you want me to call anyone for you?" Lightning shook his head. Crying. Wiping his eyes and asking, "Why would anyone do that to someone? I was unable to stop it.. What do I do?!… I know he'll convince her to stay with him.. I should let her go.. Let her leave. I shouldn't.. It hurts.. I've never hurt like this!.. I don't know how to make it stop.." He cried. Cruz stared. Trying to figure this out.
She was guessing something about Sally, but it wasn't very clear. Cruz finally wrapped her arms around Lightning and hugged him. He cried in her arms. Cruz just didn't know what else to do. Lightning was really broken and in no shape to train today! This was bad! Drinking early before training. "Come on.. Let's get you into bed, Mr. McQueen.." She said. Coaxing him up and helping him back into bed. She covered him with the blanket.
He sniffled and lay there depressed. Exhausted from drinking and crying for hours. Cruz stood there. Watching over him. He drifted to sleep pretty quickly. She would just tell Sterling he was sick today. Let him rest this off. Cruz cleaned up the empty alcohol cans and sprayed the room with air freshener from the smell before leaving the racer to rest….
Cruz was in the training center. Working with Ronald a bit. Trying to get his speed up on the treadmill. The young man feeling like he was already running for his life! Sterling walked in and smiled. Watching the young racer. He was promising. But then he noticed and asked his trainer, "Where's McQueen?" Cruz glanced at Sterling and greeted, "Oh hey, Mr. Sterling." "Cruz, where is McQueen?" "Oh, I'm.. I changed his schedule a bit. He needed the extra rest." "Extra rest? Is he alright?" "Of course! He's just.. Um.. Home sick and the meal plan wasn't settling with his stomach well. He's not use to the training and needed a bit extra rest." "Cruz, we have less than two weeks to get him in top shape. He doesn't have time to rest." "If we push him to hard then"-"Are you telling me that you can't get him back out there in time?" "No, I'm not saying that. I just"-"Get him down here. And get him training." Sterling ordered sternly before walking off. Cruz sighed. She was going to have to help Lightning get through whatever was going on….
Cruz stood at Lightning's door. Hesitant. She had grown up watching him on tv. He was always so confident and flashy and well.. Lightning. She never imagined the legend drunk and crying and depressed like this. She knocked and called, "Mr. McQueen?.. It's Cruz…" no reply. "Im coming in.." Then she unlocked the door and walked in slowly. Lights were still off but the natural lighting from the window filled the room.
Cruz walked in further. Closing the door and noticed Lightning sitting on the couch. Staring at the floor. Cruz cautiously approached. "Mr. McQueen?.." She called. He sighed and quietly, in a deep tone answered, "Hey, Cruz…" "Um.. I was going to let you stay in for the day, but Mr. Sterling insist I get you downstairs to train.." "Yeah… Okay.." he replied as he stood up. Cruz stood in front of him and asked, "Do you wanna talk about it?" "Not really." "Oh.. Okay.. Um.. Look.. I don't need to know what's going on.. But.."-"I'll be fine. Let's just go train.." "Hold on.. You need to shower. You smell like alcohol and cigarettes. I'm not judging, but Mr. Sterling would kill us." "Right…" Lightning muttered with a frown.
Then he walked, staggering a bit to the bathroom. Cruz had to think of how to get his confidence back up. She waited for him to get out of the shower. Lightning stepped out. Wearing a towel around his waist. Cruz stared. She smiled at him and asked, "Feel better?" Lightning stared at her and sighed, "A little.." "Great!" She exclaimed. Staring. She blushed a bit then turned around. Not looking at him. "Go ahead and get your suit on." Lightning walked into the closet and began getting dressed. Cruz stood away. Giving him time to get suited up. "So what's the plan?.." Lightning asked as he stepped into the suit.
Cruz thought a moment before answering, "Well.. In your condition right now and your age, I figure some hydration and the gym. We can do some weights and treadmill. Then I thought maybe we'd check out the Bolt. No more drinking Mr. McQueen.. And please don't sneak out like that again. I know you might think you could, but Mr. Sterling told me to keep your image away from the press for now. He doesn't want you in the spot light until race day." "Okay." Cruz turned around just as Lightning zipped the upper part of his suit. He walked up to her and she tightened the collar up then took his hand.
Tightening the wrist up. Than the other one. She smiled directly at him. "You can do this, Mr. McQueen. I don't know what's going on back home, but you can't let it get to you. Not if we are to get you back on the track." Lightning stared at Cruz. Her brown eyes. Her eager smile. He nodded. But Sally… He hadn't even called and spoken with her sense he left. "Come on. You need water." Cruz insisted before grabbing his hand and basically pulling him behind her in a hurry!…
Exercise did help. Some. He still didn't feel great form the alcohol. Lightning panted a bit as he stood next to the treadmill. "Great job, Mr. McQueen!" Cruz shouted as she jumped off the treadmill next to him. Lightning leaned over on his knees. The lightning bolt on his shoulder beeping and flashing. Cruz checked the tablet. "Heart rate is high, but good!" She exclaimed with a smile! Lightning just breathed heavily. Man, he was out of shape! Cruz then asking, "Ready to get back into the Bolt?" Lightning stood up straight and smiled, "More than ready." He assured. "There's that smile!" Cruz shouted!
Lightning snickered. Cruz was kind of cute when she got all excited like this sometimes. She then began walking and ordered, "Follow me." So, Lightning followed Cruz to the elevator. Getting in. Cruz glanced at Lightning. He was still breathing a bit heavy. God he was looking good. And shirtless!? Even with the scars! "You're looking good." She complimented. Lightning raised a brow and stared at her. Cruz immediately blushed! And corrected, "I mean you look good out there." "Out where?" "On the uh-You-the track!" "When I crashed?" "What!? No!" Cruz nervously laughed. Biting her lower lip with embarrassment.
She brushed her hair behind her ear and tried again, "You look good sense I last saw you?" "What?" Lightning didn't understand. Cruz nervously laughed again, "I just mean.. You're looking good-great. You look great. Training. You're doing great." She said. Finally, something that made sense! Lightning just stared at her for another moment then away. Looking at the elevator doors as they opened. The two walked out and down the hall. Sterling waiting. He smiled and greeted, "There he is! I was excited when I heard you were ready to take a look at the Bolt." Lightning replying, "Oh yeah, you bet I'm ready."
Sterling opened a door as he said, "Let me introduce you to the new.. improved… The Bolt of your future." Lightning's eyes widened. Seeing the bolt in a new look that was modern and matched the suit. "Wow… She's…. Shinier than I pictured." "Well I got to have you stand out a little." Sterling said with a bragging smile. Lightning took a walk around the car as Sterling explained, "It's a wrap. No need to take the time to paint now days. You'll never need a paint job again with the new heat blaster three thousand." Lightning was impressed then asked, "Is she ready for the track?" "Almost. Im going to see what tweaks we got to work out once you get her on the simulator."
Lightning stopped and stared at Sterling with eager eyes. "I can take her on the simulator?" Sterling chuckled, "Well, of course! I have my racers use their own cars on the simulator to help them get the feel of their own personal tuning in their car. Once Cruz approves you are ready for the simulator." "I'm ready." Lightning announced. Cruz then butted in with, "Not quite. I want to work on your emotions and staying calm. As well as a few other things. First thing in the morning we start a faster training method to get you along quicker." Sterling smiled with satisfaction and added, "Just do what Cruz tells you and I'll have you on that simulator by the end of the week."
Lightning sighed with disappointment. He just wanted to try the simulator. He just knew that that would be the thing to get him faster than Storm. "Let's get training now." Lightning said. Sterling snickered replying, "I like the attitude. Cruz, you heard the man. Get training." Then Sterling left the room. Cruz sighed. Not sure Lightning was ready after the night or early morning he had rather…
They walked into a room and Cruz began some music. "First we are going to do some stretches to loosen up those ancient joints!" She exclaimed! Starting this dance or jazz like yoga routine. "Come on, Mr. McQueen!" She enticed. "Forward and back. And forward and back!" Moving forward and extending her arms and one leg. Then the other going backwards. Lightning did it a little bit. Not keeping up or doing it right at all. "Now reach for your lunch… Reach for your lunch!" She said while doing a motion of reaching. Lightning did it a little. But he felt rather silly and rolled his eyes. Hating this…
Next day, Cruz had Lightning waiting for her in the training center. He sighed. Waiting for what seemed like forever. Cruz finally showed up and greeted, "Good morning!" "Morning." Lightning growled. Cruz then explaining, "Today we do the upside down and I got you these to wear." She then held up a pair of depends. Men's disposable briefs. Lightning's brows lowered and asked, "Is that a diaper? What the hell are you having me do?" "It's just in case. You get strapped in and it turns you upside down for a little bit. Getting blood pumping to places it hasn't been in a long time. All the Italian formula one drivers are doing it."
Shoving the depends into his hands. Lightning held them up and asked, "Wearing these?" Still stunned. Cruz shrugged answering, "Just the older ones." "How old do you think I am?" He asked. Still shook. One of the younger racers walked by and noticed. Snickering and greeting, "How's it hanging?… Depends." Teasing him. Lightning groaned and frowned. Shoving the depends back at Cruz and snapping, "I'm not doing that." "But it will be good for you." "Not wearing those." "Fine. Have it your way." She said. Then took him to the machine. Just looked like a metal bed. Lightning hesitated. "Are you sure about this?…" He asked. Cruz giggled answering, "It's fine. Perfectly safe. Medically recommended." Lightning hesitated. But he'd do anything to get back on the track. Except where depends….
Sally was walking up to the front door of her home when an suv pulled up in the drive way. She was about to unlock the house when she stopped and turned. Staring. The vehicle shut off and a man got out. Walking around the nose of the suv. "Dad?.." Sally muttered. Carson walked up to his daughter and the two hugged each other. "What are you doing here!?" Sally exclaimed. Carson smiled at his daughter then the smile left as he answered, "Ben called me."Sally stared wide eyed at her Father with fear!
"What?.." she asked. Carson brushed some his daughter's hair behind her ear then continued, "He told me.. Can I come in and we talk?" Sally stared. How dare Ben! But.. Sally wrapped her arms around her Father. Honestly, she was thankful to see him! The two walked into the house. Carson closing the door and asked, "Where's Lightning?" "He's training. Trying to get back into racing.." Sally answered as they walked to the kitchen. Carson raised a brow and asked, "Even after the accident?" "Yeah, he's making a come back." "Wow. Okay… Sally…" He began, "What happened?" Sally frowned.
Staring down in shame. "What all did Ben tell you?" She asked. Carson shrugged, "Well.. That you two had some… Intimacy.. That you're pregnant.." Sally nodded. Carson had to ask as he was in shock! "Are you really pregnant?" Sally's eyes filled with tears as she nodded. Carson sighed with a frown. He had mixed feelings about this one. He loved his daughter. And yes, he preferred Ben over Lightning. But not this time. Ben knew better. He was a fucking doctor. He was smarter than this. Ben took advantage of his daughter in a delicate time. "I'm not mad. I want you to know that." Carson assured before continuing, "But this is bad… What… Does.. Let's sit." He said.
The two walked to the living room. Sitting next to each other on the couch. Carson took a deep breath before asking, "Does Lightning know?" Sally nodded. Carson thought a moment before asking, "What does he say? Is he?… Staying?" Sally's eyes filled with tears. She wiped her eyes before answering, "He said he's going to. Said he's going to stick by me and support me." "Wow.. I.. Alright… Sally… What happened?.. Did Ben?… Make you?.." "What? No. I… I messed up.. Lightning hates me.. I can see it in his eyes. We haven't talked sense he left… Im afraid he will wind up leaving.." "You hurt him." "Yeah.." "I.. I'm disappointed… I never… I'm sorry… I know I should be happy, but this is bad. You'll be lucky if Lightning sticks around." "Dad!" "I'm sorry, but it's true. You messed up here. You get knocked up by some guy that's not your husband!" "It's not some guy! It's Ben!" "Almost worse!… Sally, baby girl… You are married to another man. Was the marriage that bad?" He asked.
Sally stared at her Father before answering, "Not really… Things were getting better.. I think.." "So why would you do this?.." "I was in a bad place! Look! If you're just here to make me feel like shit, I do that enough to myself! I can't take losing another one because everyone wants to stress me out!" Carson's stood up and snapped, "Sally! You're married to a god dam celebrity! It's going to extremely stressful once you start showing!!" Sally began crying! Crying her heart out and arguing, "I know that! I know, Dad!.. But what else could I do!?.." Carson stared down at his daughter. "Well.. You can muster the strength for you and Lightning to make it through this… But understand it will never go away. That kid is going to grow up in this. As a bastard child…. You will forever be known as the wife of Lightning McQueen who cheated." That didn't help her!
"If.. If you left him… You could pawn this off easier and take this off his shoulders.." "What?… Leave Lightning?" "I'm not telling you to do that." "Sure sounds like it." "No!" Carson shouted then sat next to his daughter. "No, I'm not. I.. I like Lightning.. And if he really is willing to stay with you and look past this… He's a better man than me. I couldn't… But once he has to raise the kid.. He may change that… It's better to rip the bandaid off rather than slowly peel it off, Sally…" Sally stared at her Father. Thinking about it. It would be easy. To walk away.. Leave Lightning.. Leave town and move back home. Build the family with Ben.. "I don't love Ben…" Sally said with a whimper.
Carson sighed and nodded, "I know.. Sometimes if you love someone though… You let them go.." Trying to give her advice that would save her from the press and horrible news. The names that they would call her. He wanted her to get out before they began ripping her apart and in the end they would rip apart her marriage anyway…