Lightning stared out the window. Using the cane to keep his balance some. Staring out at the Christmas lights and people walking in and out the hospital. He sighed. Chad then walking up and placing his hand on his brother's shoulder. "You alright?" He asked. Lightning turned towards Chad and nodded. Chad then handed Lightning a small wrapped box. No bigger than the palm of your hand. Lightning stared at the silver chrome like wrapping paper then asked, "Why?" Chad rolled his eyes, "You almost died. I almost lost you. I wanted to do this for you."
Lightning stared at the box. It had been aged sense he and any of his siblings bought something for each other. Sally then walked up and asked, "Can Rusty and Dusty see you yet?" Lightning was quick with a, "No. I told you. I don't want anyone seeing me like this. Not right now." "But you are better. You're not using the walker, you are clean, you're eating." She reminded. Lightning just glared and said, "I don't think broth and jello classify as food you eat…" "Lightning. Come on, everyone wants to see you knowing you're alive!" Sally exclaimed. Lightning frowned and thought about that.
Sally reminding, "Cal and Bobby want to see you too." Lightning stared at Sally. Cal and Bobby? Lightning frowned and glanced down at the floor. He shook his head and answered, "No.. I don't want to talk to them yet.." "Why not?…" "They are just going to ask me how I'm doing, what's the plan? Am I going race? Do you remember the crash? And…." He paused and stared at Chad's little wrapped box. "I'm not ready for that…" He admitted. Sally nodded and tried to be understanding. Though everyone wanted to see him. He wasn't ready for that. Not mentally. Sally then asked, "Can my Dad? At the least?… He asked to come a few times and I kept telling him to wait because you have been… Um… Snippy…" Lightning raised a brow.
Chad then corrected, "Extremely grumpy at times. Like grandpa when he was constipated and was eating those prunes during the holidays." Lightning cringed at the thought. Just remembering their grandfather and how mean he was at times. Lightning turned to Sally answering, "He won't ask me about racing.. So it's fine.. Little baffled he wants to come." Lightning muttered that last part. Sally grabbed Lightning's arm and explained, "My Dad was here through most of this." Until Ben showed up. "He would sit here with you and me and watch over us. He said he thought of you like a son." She announced.
Minty snickered hearing that. Lightning stared with shock. "Really? Your Dad was here and being supportive? not trying to get you to move on with Ben for once? Or anyone for that matter." He growled as he crossed his arms and stared out the window. Minty and Chad glanced at each other. Lightning said Ben. The Ben that was here? Sally blushed! Stuttering as she replied, "Yeah, well.. th-that.. Yeah, no. Of course not! W-w-why would he do that?" Lightning slowly looked at her. Raising a brow and just staring and observing.
She was acting weirder than before. "I'm just-he-he did not do that. Ben and I are-were-never ever would, you know? Yeah…" She finally stopped and frowned. Staring at the floor. Lightning's brows lowered. Staring at her. "Ben did come, didn't he?" He asked. Sally looked up at Lightning. Her heart beating out of her chest! "Did your Dad set that up?" Lightning asked rudely. Sally felt dizzy. Oh god. He was going to find out. That she slept with Ben. "Sally?" Lightning asked with concern as he noticed her swaying and her eyes heavy.
Suddenly she snapped out of it and was fine. She smiled at Lightning and said, "No, I did. I invited Ben because being the doctor he is, I knew he could explain things to me better than the surgeons here. And he did. He helped me understand how bad the injuries were and what the doctors were doing to treat you. That's it. And he left." Chad glanced at Lightning. Lightning thinking and observing Sally. Maybe a part of him didn't believe her, but only because the way she was acting lately. So distant and now as if she was caught with something.
Lightning could pick at this and he probably normally would. But he was tired and nodded, "Okay… Well.. I guess your Dad would be fine… But no one else.. Not even the crew… I don't want anyone seeing me weak like this." He explained then back to staring out the window. Sally nodded then stepped away to call her Father and everyone else really. Letting them know Lightning didn't want any visitors still for now. Lightning looked at the small box in his hands. "What is it?" He asked his brother. Chad snickered answering, "You got to open it. You know better than that, Monty."
Lightning unwrapped the gift and it looked like a white box you put jewelry in. He opened it up and saw a bright chrome like silver Lightning Bolt on a chain necklace. The lightning bolt was nearly as big at the palm. The silver metal was a bit dented looking in some areas. Lightning pulled it out and looked at as it dangled in front of him. Something seemed to familiar. "What is it? The metal? It looks weird." He asked Chad. Chad walked up and explained, "We all know how much you loved that car. It's what I could salvage from the fender." Lightning's eyes widened as he stared at the lightning bolt charm. "It's…. This is… What's left of the Bolt?…" He asked in shock. He knew the wreck was bad but this bad!?
Chad shook his head answering, "No, not exactly. That's what is left of one of the fenders on the original body. I've been working on it thanks to Rusty and Dusty. I'll have her delivered to your home soon." He assured. Lightning turned towards Chad and asked, "You fixed the Bolt?.." Chad nodded but explained, "She's not got a race engine… Won't do much for racing.. More of a joy rider.. I did what I could with what I had.. I'm sorry I couldn't get her back to racing condition."
Lightning stared at the necklace then replied, "No, it's fine… I… I don't know if I'll go back…I don't know if they'll allow me to.." Staring at that charm. Remembering the crash a little. How he knew he was going to slam into that wall. He put the necklace on, setting the box on the window seal. Holding the metal that came from the Bolt. He failed that car… He failed himself… He failed Rusty and Dusty.. He failed the fans… He hated himself for this. And The president would never let him go back… It was over… Racing was over…
Chad sat next to Lightning's bed holding his cards, sally on the other side holding hers and Lightning holding his and Minty next to Chad holding hers. Playing poker and trying to pass the time. Using a try to place chips and cards on as they played. Minty sighing and laying her cards down. "I can't. I fold." Chad glancing at Lightning then saying, "Alright. You ready? Sally?" Sally nodded. The three placed the cards down and stared in shock as Sally won. Again.
"Looks like I beat you two." She said proudly. Pulling the chips to her side of the tray. Chad whining, "Dang it! You didn't tell me she played this good!? That's like the sixth time!" Lightning then growling, "We are going to talk about your gambling skills later." Chad then added, "She's a lawyer. What do you expect. No one has a better poker face." Sally rolled her eyes. But then a knock on the door. They all stared. Minty getting up and walking to the door and cracking it enough to see who it was. She then opened it and announced, "It's Carson." Letting him in and closing the door behind him.
Carson walked up and stared. A little in awe seeing Lightning up and alive and he looked pretty dang good. "I'm glad you're okay." He said. Lightning nodded. Chad cleaned up the game and put it up. Sally then bragging, "He's walking, he's eating, he's doing well, his memory seems fine, his speech is great. He's going to make a full recovery." She announced. Carson smiled and nodded then walked up to Lightning and lay out his hand.
Lightning hesitated. But he took Carson's hand to shake it, but Carson pulled Lightning close and hugged him. Lightning's eyes widened with surprise but… It was kind of nice… Carson then let Lightning go and said, "If you need anything. If you and Sally need anything, you let me know." Lightning nodded. It was actually really nice to hear right now….
December 29th
Lightning walked with his cane up to the end of the bed. Minty wrapping an around around his hip. Sally on his other side leaning in and pressing her hands to his chest. Chad by their Mother with an arm around her shoulder. The nurse held up the phone and said, "Everybody smile!.. Alright, now say cheese!" She snapped a few pictures and then Minty hugged Lightning tightly. "I'm so glad you made it out of this, Monty.." She said in a whimper. Minty then hugged Sally and said, "You take care of him." "I will, Minty." Sally assured. Chad hugged his brother saying, "You be careful out there, Monty. No more crazy scares. I don't think I can handle that agin." Lightning chuckled a bit replying, "Yeah, no. I think those days are behind me." The four of them began to walk out of the room. Sally grabbing the duffle bag. Lightning stopped and took one more look at the bed, the room. He sighed with a smile. He was finally going home….
Lightning walked into the house. His house. Their house. Still using the cane. Sally closed the door behind them and announced, "Your brother and Mom said they'd come by in a week or so." Lightning stared at the house. It smelt weird. He sniffed the air and asked, "What is that smell?" Sally walked up next to her husband and sniffed the air as well. Then she gasped. "What?" Lightning asked. Sally looked him and explained, "We haven't been home in over a month! It's the fridge.. Trash.." She giggled a bit. Lightning laughed some and asked, "You didn't think to tell Flo ro someone to stop by?" He chuckled. Sally shook her head. Lightning then dropped the cane and pulled Sally close.
Kissing her. Kissing her more passionately than they could ever remember him kissing her. Their lips parting with a smack. Smiling and gazing at one another. "I"m so glad you're home, Stickers." Sally cooed. Lightning nodded. Walking with a bit of a limp to the couch and saying, "Come sit with me, please." So Sally did. She sat next to him and the two cuddled up. Sally griping, "It really stinks in the house…" Lightning sighed, "Don't worry about it tonight… It can smell for one more day." "I don't know… It's pretty bad." "Yeah.." He did agree. Then he kissed the top of her head. Holding her as they snuggled on the couch together. Their couch in their home. Nothing was better than this. Other than the smell.
Sally then lifted his hand and kissed the top of it. "Want to go to bed? We did get home late." She asked and stated. Lightning sighed, "I could just pass out right here with you." "Not with that smell. Come on." She coaxed as she stood up. She grabbed his hands and pulled him up. Rather, helped him get up. Lightning followed his wife to the bedroom. Their bedroom, their bed. It looked so neatly made. Just as it was left. Sally hopped up on the bed and patted the place next to her. His place. Lightning smiled and walked over. Sitting on the bed and taking off his shoes before laying down and "Oh this feels good.." He said softly. Sally then crawled up on top of his body and leaned in kissing his soft lips. "That feels even better." He added.
Sally smiled down at him. Looking into his blue eyes. Her eyes teared up a bit. It felt like this moment would never come! That he would never come back home! Lighting pulled her face in again and kissed her lips. Kissing her a few times before they began making out. Her mouth opening for him and his tongue exerting her mouth. Lightning moaned into her mouth, but then Sally pulled away and looked away. Lightning couldn't help asking, "What's wrong?" Sally held the tears back as she answered, "Nothing.. I just.." A tear escaped and trailed down the side of her face. Lightning caught it, wiping her cheek then assuring, "Hey, hey, hey… I'm okay.. I'm home.. I'm alright.." Pulling her face back to his and kissing her again. There make out session continuing.
What he didn't know is that it wasn't that. Sally was feeling so guilty for what she had done with Ben while Lightning was in his coma. She shouldn't have ever done that! She was a horrible wife, but this was the moment she had decided. Lightning would never know about the things that happened with Ben. He would never get to know her betrayal. And this is the moment she needed his body to help her remember him and forget Bentwheel. Their tongues rolled in each others mouths. Making out. Sally moaning into Lightning's mouth, Making his pelvis raise some and she could feel his member begging to be released by his sweat pants.
Sally grind her pelvis in his. Her clothing covered area rubbing against his hardening. Sally broke the kiss and asked, "Are you sure you're up for this?.. You're still sore.." Lightning nodded, "I need you, Sally." He replied then pulled her top off. Tossing it to the floor. His eyes went directly to her chest. Taking in the body he longed for again. He grabbed her soft and squishy petite breasts over the bra. Reaching around and taking the bra off, tossing it to the floor as well. Then pulling her in and began making out with her mouth again. God, he missed this, He missed her. Sally broke the kiss and Lightning breathed heavily a bit.
She giggled and asked, "Out of breath already?" Lightning snickered, but yeah, he was going to have to work out again. He was out of shape, even after the therapy he went through. Sally crawled off her husband and took off her shoed, socks, pants. Standing next to the bed in nothing but some nude beige silk panties. Lightning stood up, knelt down in front of her and kissed her below the belly button. Wrapping arms are around her hips. Sally muttering, "Don't hurt yourself." Worried about his knee. Lightning took the hem of her panties into his teeth and pulled them down to her thighs with his mouth. Taking them and pulling them down to her ankles with his hands.
Then he kissed her lower lips. His kiss so soft and gentle. Sally kicked the panties off and away and Lightning lapped his tongue through her lower lips. The warm wetness of his tongue sent shivers up Sally's body! Lightning took off his shirt, throwing it across their bedroom. Then pulled Sally around to the bed. She sat down there and he spread her legs. Kissing and beginning to lick her area. She lay flat down as her legs hung off the bed. Lightning savoring her flavor as her area''s juices flooded into his mouth. Sally's breathing intensified. Lightning dug his face in deeper. Eating her with a pleasure in this fine dining experience.
Then he stood up. He would not be able to sit on his bad knee much longer. He leaned over her body his member, still in his sweat pants, pushing against her hole. He leaned into her face and kissed her lips. Kissing then her neck. Sucking her neck a little. Okay, no.. This was killing his shoulder. Lightning stood up and admitted, "I can't take the lead here. It's.." "To much. That's fine." Sally assured as she stood up and switched positions with him. Lightning standing at the bed, Sally pulled his pants and boxers down to his ankles then got on her knees. Taking his member into her mouth. Lightning groaned with such pleasure surfing through him. Closing his eyes and fuck she was so good at this!
Sally's tongue rolling around his member. Over and over. Then she did this thing where she only lapped the bottom of his shaft. Killing him. His body tensing up. "Sally.." He purred. Sally looked up at the same time he opened his eyes and gazed down at this sight before him. He brushed his fingers through her hair. She was amazing. Sally then bobbed her head over his member. Taking in most of his length then taking it nearly out of her mouth completely. "Fuck.." Lightning growled. She was to much for him.But he needed this, needed her.
Sally then popped his member form her mouth and looked up as she asked, "Do you want me to fuck you yet?" Lightning snickered hearing that, but nodded. So Sally stood up as he sat on the bed. She tossed his pants and boxers away then as he lay down, she crawled over top of him. Her wet area grazing the tip of his rigid member."I'll be easy.." She assured as she looked down into his eyes. Lightning smiled. The appreciation as she realized he was still in pain. Sally slowly slid her area onto his member. Her hole eloping his entire size. Lightning let out a deep sigh as her pelvis met his. Sally then placed her hands on either side of Lightning's head, bracing herself as she gently and slowly raised her pelvis up then down, up then down.
Watching his breathing. Gazing at his body. Still battered, still scarred up. Still beautiful. Lightning placed his hands on her hips. Helping her slightly with her careful bounces. Both of their breathing quickening. Especially his. Sally watched his body carefully. Making sure not to push him or hurt him. Lightning could feel the fire burning more and more inside. He was coming close already. It had been so long, his body couldn't hold back much longer. Sally's movement creating waved inside herself as well. The tip of his member curving as it entered her and hitting that itch! Her bouncing intensified with her breathing.
Her body giving out as Lightning helped her bounce a little more. She moaned. Moaning a bit louder. And then a little longer until her body went into climax! She couldn't stop it! Her pelvis met his and her insides began waves over his member. Her legs had no more to give. Lightning controlled her by the hips and bounce her gently. Being careful for her and himself. His insides burning more and more. "Fuck.." He groaned as he suddenly let her down onto his pelvis, his entire member inside her as he explode inside her sweet honey hole. He moaned slightly. Summing hard, he could feel each spurt leaving his body! It had been way too long for this! Sally held herself up.
Careful not to lean onto his chest and hurt him. But then Lightning wrapped his arms around her upper back and pulled her in close. Holding her naked body again his. Breathing heavily his chest to hers. He took the moment in. Feeling his wife with him. Feeling her touch, her body, her warmth. "Are you okay?.." Sally asked softly, almost in a whisper. Lightning nodded answering, "Yeah… I love you." "I love you to.." She murmured back before lifting her body from his. Falling flat on her back next to him. Laying there. Both panting and out of shape. Lightning looked at Sally, glancing at her breasts before her eyes. Gazing into this teal blue eyes he missed so much. "I love you." He said again.
Sally smiled. Looking into his blue eyes where teatrs were gathering. Sally rolled onto her side and caressed the side of Lightning's face with her hand. THIS was making love. Sharing a moment of pleasure with the one you love so much. With someone you cherished. She leaned in and kissed his lips softly. "I love you to." She replied once again. Then wiped his teary eyes carefully. Everything was okay. They were going to be okay…..
Sally awoke and looked over to see Lightning still asleep. She smiled. Seeing him home and at such peace. She leaned over and kissed the Sid rod his face softly. Careful not to wake him. He needed to sleep in. So she quietly got up and got dressed. Taking this time to work on the house. Making herself some coffee, some granola for breakfast. She was going to have to go to the store to fill the groceries back up. She began with the fridge. Cleaning out the bad food and wiping it clean. Spotless really.
Making sure to organize it well. Cleaning out moldy breads and fruits and vegetables from the counter tops. Taking out trash from the kitchen, bathrooms, everywhere. She walked into the garage to toss the trash in the cans there. She froze and dropped the trash bags at the sight before her. The bolt! There it sat in their garage! She didn't know Chad had it delivered here!? How did he get into the garage?.. Anyway! She slowly walked up to the car. It was back to its original body style. Looked normal in shape. Now it was plastered a mat grey of some kind. She walked up to it. Seeing the 95 decal on it as it would be though.
She placed her hand over the driver side fender. Brushing the soft and funny feeling primer. She walked around the front. Chad and the crew Rusty hired out did themselves. The car looked amazing! Compared to when she last saw it! She stood at the front of the car after doing a walk around. Staring at it. Covering her mouth. It looked ready to drive. Sally sighed. "What are you going to do, Lightning…" She asked softly to herself. Sitting down on the cold garage floor in front of the bolt. Staring at it. She then placed her hand over the front bumper of the car. The car did its job. It kept him alive.
Lightning survived! Lightning came back from this. And a big part of that was this car. "Thank you…" She thanked the machine. Even though this car would never be the same… Well really, just like the driver. Neither would ever be the same.. Sally's eyes teared up. So many memories made with this car. And here the Bolt was. Back and as if it were asking, begging to be driven again! Aching to touch the dirt on its tires again. Sally knew seeing it. Lightning felt the same way. Racing was everything to him. Even though Sally really didn't want to let Lightning go back.. She would have to let him….
Lightning walked into the living room just as Sally walked back into the house from the front door. Lightning smiled seeing her. Sally walked closer. Setting the two rolled up and bagged newspapers on the couch as she hugged her love. "Good mor-well.. Evening, night whatever." Lightning snickered and hugged her tightly. So happy to be home and the stress of healing at the hospital was over. "What time is it?" He asked. Sally pulled away and shrugged, "Somewhere around five." "Dam.. I slept forever.." "You're tired and healing still. You deserve to sleep in." She reminded.
Lightning nodded then asked, "Have we got anything to eat? I'm starving." Sally shook her head and admitted, "All I have are those frozen lean meals. I'm going to run to the store for some groceries. I've been working on a list. Anything you want?" "Just food.. Real food. Not that frozen crap." Sally giggled and nodded, "How about I make some vegetable soup. The doctor said take it slow. Liquid is still your best friend. And soft foods." "Yeah… And yeah, soup sounds great. I don't care. Long as it's not frozen and taste like cardboard." He griped.
Sally nodded then walked into the kitchen to finish her list. Lightning grabbed the two newspaper wraps and opened one of them up. Looking at what had happened sense being gone. Honestly, nothing new or out of the ordinary. Sally wrote on her list and thought a moment before calling out and asking, "Do you want any protein drinks? The doctor said lots of vitamins, minerals and proteins would be good. Or do you think that would mess with the stool softeners?" But Lightning didn't answer. Sally stared towards the couch. She saw he was sitting there. "Lightning?" She called. No answer. So she set down he pen and walked over to him. Leaning over him and looking at whatever he was in the paper. And in big bold letters..
CRASH! LIGHTNING MCQUEEN OUT FOR COMING SEASON!
underneath a photo of the bolt. Torn to pieces on the field. Steam coming from the hood and rear.. Oil leaking all over the field.
"Oh… Lightning…" Sally murmured. But he was lost. Remembering everything he could..
Lightning shifted again as he came to the peak of the turn, hoping he could gain some speed coming down. Suddenly as he turned coming out, he felt that rear swing on him slightly! He panicked and tried to grip the wheel!
Slamming breaks! He down shifted and the car revved loudly! Trying to drift the car back into line! His eyes widened as the rear swung around hard out of his control and he knew what was about to happen.
BAM!
Lightning could faintly hear around him. He was so dizzy So dazed. He could barely see. "McQueen... Stay with me Someone said. He could not breathe! His body hurt. Everywhere. It hurt to move his chest to breathe. He felt pain in his hips. Blurry vision. The sound of something thudding. He felt so limp. He couldn't feel his hands. His legs. Was he dead? Lightning couldn't move. He was unable to move. Suddenly he didn't feel the breeze he did before. Where was he? Didn't matter. He was dying. He knew he was. He couldn't breathe, he felt worse and worse by the second. He was gonna lose consciousness. Feeling himself fading. Feeling life drowning. He knew it.
He just wished he could have saw Sally one last time...
Lightning could barley see. Everything was blurry. The sounds around him muffled. He felt sick to his stomach. He could feel vibrations through his body. Bright lights above him. So bright.. What was going on? He could faintly hear voices. Someone was looking at him in the eyes. But the blurry vision was so bad. He couldn't tell who it was. But then like a knife! A sudden sharp pain spiraled though his left arm and his chest! Lightning tried to sit up, but could not! The pain in his body was too much! "Help.." He muttered.
Then he felt someone hold him down by the shoulders. That hurt more than hell! That hurt so much! Lightning used his right hand to grab the person's hand. The stranger shouting something to someone else! A horrible rapid beeping noise filled the room! Where was he!? Why was he here!? Who the hell were these people! His breathing quickened! Sharp pains pulsing in his chest and his arm! "Get off me!" Lightning shouted! Sitting up then grabbing his chest with pain! Such pain! He should not have done that! But he had to escape! He had to get out of here before these strangers killed him!
"Lightning.." Sally said again. Lightning grabbed his shoulder. It was like he could feel that pain again! His breathing quickened. His heart began racing. Sally quickly climbed over the couch and grabbed him. Pulling him close. "Lightning, you're home. You're home and you're safe." She assured calmly. She could feel his rapid breathing and heart beating out his chest against her. She knew he was beginning a panic attack. "Lightning, breathe." She said. Lightning wrapped his arms around her. Digging his face into her shoulder. The breathing. He couldn't breathe! It hurt to breathe!
"Lightning.. I'm here, breathe, baby.." She coaxed. Lightning was panting at this point. The panic attack seeming to get worse! He finally whimpered, "It hurts.. I can't breathe!" "You're breathing right now.." "I can't!" Okay, he was full on panicking! At this point Lightning was beginning to gasp for air! Sally held him tighter. Worried she would have to call for an ambulance! "Lightning, I need you to snap out of it." She warned. Lightning just gasped. He could not breathe. His grip around Sally tightened. She could feel him pressing on her bones at this point. "Lightning! Snap out of it! You're home. Breathe."
She then grabbed his face and forced him up to look at her right in the eyes! "You are home!" She shouted. Lightning stared into her eyes. Not working. He was gone! He was spaced out and panicking! Sally didn't know what to do! She jumped off the couch and finally called 911. She just didn't know what else to do! Then she heard a thump! She looked over and ran to se she had fallen onto the floor. She quickly placed the phone on speaker and knelt down and looked him in the eyes. He was going to pass out. "Lightning! Lightning breathe!"
911 what is your emergency?
"Um, McQueen residence! My husband is having a really bad panic attack! He's on the floor and breathing way to fast. He looks like he's going to pass out!"
Alright, mam.. Are we sure it's a panic attack? Does your husband have any neurological disorders or allergies?
"What!? No! I don't know what to do!?"
A medical team is on the way. Can you tell me if he's conscious?
"Yes! He's just panicking!"
Mam, calm down. Can he hear you?
"Yeah, I think so."
Put the phone up to him so I can help him.
"What!?.. I.. Fine.." Sally placed the phone next to Lightning's head. "There!"
Okay, sir.. A medical team is on the way. Can you tell me your name?
Lightning was breathing to fast. He couldn't catch his breath. His heart and lungs were not in rhythm! Sally grabbed his face and looked down into his eyes, "His name is Lightning!" She announced!
The woman sighed,
Lightning, I need you to try and say something to me.
Lightning glanced at the phone. Breathing hurt to much! "I.. I'm here.." He barely got out!
Okay, good. Now I want you to look around the room you are in and name me three objects that you see.
"Th-three?"
Yes, Lightning. Name me three objects.
Lightning groaned and looked up at the ceiling. Breathing hard. Barely breathing. Sally coaxing, "Come on, three things." Lightning panicked! Looking around the room, "Fan…" God this hurt! "Table… Couch…"
Great job! Now name me three sounds you can hear. Really focus on the sounds around you.
"Um…" He swallowed. God swallowing hurt from his dry his throat had become. "I.. I… I hear the vent.. The-the ac… I… I hear sirens… Sally.. I hear Sally." He looked up at Sally and saw her panic struck eyes. Hearing her whimper in her own panic.
Okay, good. Now I want you to move your finger on your right hand.
Lightning looked at his right hand and moved his fingers. "Okay…" Lightning said ins a shaky tone. But his breathing was slowing down!
Now I want you to move your left foot upwards then relax it.
"Yeah, okay…" He could breathe! He could breathe again!
Now lastly, Lightning. I want you to sit up against the couch for me.
Sally helped pull Lightning up and he sat against her couch on the floor. His breathing deep but more normal. He felt sick. The. The medical team arrived. Sally ran and opened the door for them. They rushed to Lightning's side and gave him oxygen. Spoke with him. But Lightning hated this! How could he let himself fall into a panic attack! Not this! Not the anxiety again! No! It broke his heart to have this happen! No! He was not going to fall apart all over again! He was finally happy! He was finally doing well! He and Sally were going to start a family! He was suppose to win that cup! And then he crashed and this was going to start all over again!? No!… not the depression! Not the anxiety! Not the feeling impending doom!.. He couldn't go back! Not like this! No! No…
Sally walked into the bedroom. Checking up on her love. He had been laying in bed all morning. Not getting up to eat or anything so she left him breakfast on the bedside table earlier. It was nearly one in the day now. She peeked in to see him laying on his side in bed, turned away from her and the door. "Stickers… You awake?.." She asked softly. He sighed answering, "Yeah.." "You okay?" She asked as she walked in. He didn't answer. She walked up and noticed he hadn't even touched his breakfast. "Lightning, you have to eat." She scolded gently.
Lightning just muttered, "I'm not hungry." Sally knelt down and looked him in the eyes. Him staring at her. "What's wrong?" She asked, "Are you in pain?" "Not really.. Just tired." He groaned. Sally sighed. Brushing his hair back with her hand softly. He just stared at her. But she could tell. He was broken. Falling into depression. And he was doing so well at first. "Can you get up? Maybe a shower? Maybe eat something? I can make you a sandwich or something." She offered. Lightning just stared into her teal eyes a moment. She was only trying to help.
He frowned a bit before answering, "I'm just not hungry, I'm sorry.. I think I'm just going to lay down a while longer… I'll get up soon." He assured. But his tone was so low and depressing. She didn't believe him. Sally sighed and stood up. Trying to think of how to get him out of bed. "Come on, Stickers. Get up. I could use your help around the house." Lightning looked up at her and corrected, "You cleaned the entire house the other day. Nothing needs done.. I know you're just trying.. But I'm fine.. Just tired, okay?.." Sally sighed replying, "Yeah.. Okay.." then grabbed the cold breakfast he didn't eat and slowly stepped away. Glancing at him once more before leaving him alone to rest….
Sally got into bed. Nearly eight at night. She cuddled up next to Lightning and asked, "Did you ever shower?" He sighed, "No.. I'll shower tomorrow." "Alright… I love you.." "Love you.." Sally then wrapping her arm over him and spooning him. Holding him close and snuggling as they went to sleep for the night….
Sally walked in to check on Lightning again. Still in bed. Another day of this. She sighed. Walking in and sitting on the end of the bed. "Lightning…" She called. He sighed and said, "I know… I'll get up soon.." "You are barely eating. I'm worried. Barely one meal a day for nearly three days now. This isn't healthy." "I know…" "You already lost so much weight in the hospital.. You can't keep doing this to yourself." "What's it matter? I don't need to keep the weight on anymore…" He whined. Sally frowned. Hearing this broke her heart. He was referring to racing, of course.
She thought a moment before coming up with a way to get him out of bed. "Everyone in town wants to see you. They missed you." "Yeah, I know.. I'm to tired though.. Just tell them I'm sick.." Sally stared a moment before adding, "Cal and Meg want to come over…" "Not now.. Please.. I don't want to see anyone.. You can go.. Go see Meg and hang out. Get out of the house, Sal.." "I want you to come with me. We could go to Flo's. Everyone would really love seeing you. They call me all the time asking about you.." "Just… Not right now. I'm tired.." he mumbled aloud. Sally frowned. How would she get him out of bed!?
Then she announced, "The bolt is in the garage.. I would have told you sooner.. But I didn't want it to send you into another panic attack at the time." Lightning was silent. Thinking about that. The bolt huh? He sat up and stared at Sally a moment. Sally smiled. Hopeful that works work. Obviously Lightning was thinking a moment before he just lay back down. "It's useless now anyway.." He muttered. Just like him he thought to himself. Sally sighed and reminded, "Your brother put a lot of work into rebuilding that car.." "Yeah… He shouldn't have.." Lightning griped.
Sally just broke hearing him talk like this! That didn't work. She was breaking hearing him like this. He was depressed. And it was bad. "Stickers.. I'm going to call the doctor if you can't get out of this slump.." "Fine, call him… All he'll do is give me pills though. That's what they all do…" God he sounded miserable. This was not him. This wasn't normal. Sally felt her heart ache for him. She didn't know how to help. So for now, she crawled up next to him. Holding him and laying there in bed. Just wishing, hoping, praying that this depression would get better….
Lightning woke up to the sounds of Sally throwing up in the bathroom. He sat up and stared at the bathroom door a moment. Unsure if he should wait or go check on her. Then he heard the toilet flush. The door opened and Sally looked ROUGH. "You okay?" He asked. Sally nodded. Grabbing her stomach then answering, "Yeah.. Yeah, just a little sick.." "Oh. Okay…" "I'll be fine.. Just while I was cooking I"- she then ran back into the bathroom.
Even the thought of cooking eggs again made her sick! Lightning sat there a moment. Worried. He eventually got up and walked over to the bathroom. Coming in and holding her hair back as she puked everything she ever ate in her entire life it seemed. Sally finally breathed. "Sorry.." She barely got out in her pants. Lightning sat next to her assuring, "It's fine. You can get sick sometimes, Sal." He joked and reminded. Sally smiled a little. Lightning then grabbed some toilet paper and cleaned her lips and chin. Then another and wiped her nose "I think I can take care of you a little. Only fair after how much you have been looking after me." He smiled.
That smile meant the world to Sally after he had been depressed and down for a few days. Sally then argued, "Only if you take care of yourself, Stickers.." He sighed and nodded in agreement. She was right. Sally then flushed the toilet and announced, "I feel better now." "Good." "You ready?" She asked. Lightning raised a brow and asked, "Ready for what?" Sally snickered, "To see the Bolt." Lightning thought a moment. Thinking about the photo in the newspaper. Sally then asked, "It's not going to send you into another panic attack? Is it?" Lightning shook his head. Standing up then helping his wife up to her feet. "No, not at all… I'm ready" he said with a smile. Sally loved seeing him smile. It was the best thing….
Sally opened the door to the garage from the house. Lightning hesitated. Standing across the room. "Are you coming?" Sally asked. She then went ahead and went into the garage. Lightning sighed and walked to the door. Staring at the car as he walked in slowly. "She looks… Looks.. Good.." He said as he stood near the door of the house. Sally snickered and rolled her eyes. "She won't bite." Sally teased. Lightning blushed a bit and chuckled nervously, "Right." Then walked up to the car. Standing next to the driver side fender. Staring. He reached out. But then he stopped. Just a few inches away from the fender. He was nervous. Afraid. He could hear the engine.
No matter how fast or hard he pushed the Bolt, she wasn't catching up to the three rookies ahead. "Come on!" He shouted! Pushing that pedal down and the Bolt revved its engine loudly! She was trying! The Bolt was giving it all she had!
Lightning's breathing quickened a bit. He failed the team! He failed Rusteze! He failed the Bolt! He could feel her vibrating through his hands again as he pushed her.
The Bolt began overheating again. "No!" Lightning shouted seeing that! Lightning shifted again as he came to the peak of the turn, hoping he could gain some speed coming down.
Suddenly as he turned coming out, he felt that rear swing on him slightly! He panicked and tried to grip the wheel! Slamming breaks! He down shifted and the car revved loudly!
Lightning put that car through hell! The car tried to tell him she couldn't do it! And he didn't listen! His hand began shaking. Then Sally grabbed his hand and pushed it onto the Bolt's fender. His breathing returned to normal. Feeling the cool metal on his palm. Sally rubbed her hand over his and Lightning somehow by this, came back to reality. He was okay. But then Lightning fell to his knees. "I… I failed.." He mumbled softly. Sally sat down next to him and assured, "No… No, you didn't fail, Lightning.." "But I did.. I can't keep up with Jackson.. I can't keep up with the rookies… The bolt didn't deserve this.." Sally sighed and rubbed his back. "Look.. You made it out alive. You just gotta.. Um… Change things up…" "Yeah, right.." "Come on. The bolt and you both made it. There is a reason for that.! That means something.." "I don't know, Sally… I don't.. I just don't know…" He frowned.
Sally sighed and stood up. "Come on." She coaxed as she lent out her hand. Lightning took her hand and got up. Walking up to the bolt and placing his hand on the roof. "I'm sorry.." He apologized to the car. Then walked to the rear. Grazing his hand over the car as he walked. Just as he remembered her. Only less decal and paint this time. "Chad did do an outstanding job." Lightning complimented with a smile. Sally nodded. Watching him. Lightning walked around the car and back to the driver side. He stared inside the car. Leaning into the window. It looked great inside.
The dash clean and all the switches were there. The steering wheel in place. He sighed and stepped back. Just taking it all in. Sally then held up the keys, dangling them. Lightning's brows raised and eyes widened. The feeling of the wind in his hair.. The bolt's power.. The freedom of driving. Maybe he could do it.. He reached for them slowly but then Sally jerked them back and scolded, "Not until you eat and shower and see everyone at Flo's." Lightning glared at his wife and asked, "Are you really going to do that?" "Yup." "Real mature." "Yeah, like you'd know what mature is." Lightning snickered. He really wanted to drive the bolt. Or at least hear her again. Rolling his eyes. "Alright. Deal is a deal. Let's go find something to eat. Then tell the gang I'll be at Flo's tonight." He announced as he walked back in. Sally smiled asking, "Really!?" "Yeah, why not.." he said as Sally followed back into the house. She knew the idea of driving again would get him up and moving!…