He didn't mean it. He didn't mean any of that really. He was just angry. Lightning sat in his trailer alone. Dark. Sitting on the small couch. Why did it feel like he was failing so miserably? Why couldn't he get this right? They hadn't even been married a year and already it was getting bad... Lightning felt his heart brake. That brick wall was up to his calves... How did he tear it down. How does he step over this? A baby? That can't be the answer? That didn't make sense. His heart was hurting deeply. His marriage would not last the year like this.. Knock, knock. "Lightning, practice." Mack reminded. Lightning took a deep breath before standing up. "Be right there." He called. He grabbed his helmet and fiddled with it a little. His depression was never getting better, was it?...
Sally was typing away at her desk in the Cozy Cone office. Having to reply to a few emails and get in guest information. The little bell went off and Sally instantly greeted, "Hello, welcome to Radiator Springs' Cozy Cone Motel. We are currently booked, but Wheel Well has two rooms." She looked over the desk to see Flo. "Oh. Hey, Flo." "Hey." Flo sat down and asked, "So?... What's the news? You never called me." "I was waiting for Lightning to leave and then I forgot." "Forgot?" Flo questioned. Sally sighed and stopped working to answer, "I'm not pregnant." "Oh, I'm sorry.. What did the doctor say?" "I'm having an exam done next week and then we are suppose to try for three months straight." "OH..." "Oh?" Sally questioned. Flo cleared her throat and explained, "That's what they usually say before they try putting you on medications to help you get pregnant. In my experience anyway.." "Oh... So they think I'm having trouble.." Sally said with a frown.
Flo sighed then asked, "What about Lightning?" "What about him?" Asked Sally. Flo shrugged, "Well, what's he think?" Sally shook her head answering, "Don't care right now. We had a fight after the visit and barely talked sense he left yesterday. Actually, we barely talked sense the doctor's visit." "That's pretty bad. Why was there a fight?" Asked Flo with concern. Sally sighed and thought about it a moment, "I don't really know. we were frustrated and taking it out on each other for the most part.." But Sally was really hurt by her husband's words. Flo stared a moment before asking, "How are you two?..." Sally shrugged answering, "I don't know, Flo. Lightning has changed and.." Her eyes geared up and lips shivered, "I hate him." Flo's eyes widened. Was it that bad? "Lightning is always gone and I'm pretty sure he would rather be away from home than with me anymore.. He kissed another woman and I'm guessing it's my fault!" She began crying!
"I keep pushing for a baby and he doesn't even want one! But if I wait to much longer, I'll never have one! He knew that was all I ever wanted and he lied to me! Keeps telling me to wait a bit longer and longer and now he just shuts down!" Flo walked around the desk and held Sally close as she cried. "Did I make a mistake?... Marrying him?.." "I don't think so, Darlin'... You two don't seem to be communicating..." "We do! we always try and it's a fight or gets shut down by one of us!.. I'm never having a child with him at this rate!" "Maybe that's what needs to happen for now.." Flo advised. "Take a break form the baby thing and see if the two of you get a bit better then try later.. A few months to a year shouldn't hurt your chances, Sally." Flo added. "You are taking this a little too far.." Sally calmed down and wiped her eyes and snot from her nose. It wasn't what Sally wanted to do, but it maybe what their marriage needed right now...
Lightning pulled the Bolt into the garage and shut it off. Thinking. That was a terrible practice out there. Lightning tossed the helmet out the window then crawled out the car. He sighed. He was going to need to clear his mind before qualification tomorrow. Miranda then walked over and waved for him to come on, "Fan signing, come on." Lightning sighed and nodded before coming along with her. Making his way to the booth and taking a few breaths before putting on a smile for the fans of 95. "Hey, Miranda?" He asked as they walked. "Yeah?" "Can you grab me a pack of cigarettes while I'm signing? Just leave them in the seat of the Bolt. I'll grab them when I'm done." "Uh, sure. Remember to smile." She reminded before walking another way to grab that pack for him. Lightning stopped as he saw the booth of at least 40 fans in line. He took one more deep breath whispering, "Wooh.. Okay.. I got this." walking up then as the fans cheered, he waved and smiled, sitting down under the tent of the booth at the table...
Lightning headed back to the garage and found the pack Miranda bought him. He opened it up and smoked one fairly quickly and started on his second when Bobby walked in. "Hey." "Hey." Lightning replied. "Want one?" Lightning offered. Bobby shrugged and took one out, lighting it and breathing in the drug. "Cal is here." Bobby announced. Lightning's eyes widened. "Really?" Bobby nodded. Lightning smoked a few breaths then asked, "How is he?" Bobby sighed, "Alright. Press keeps swarming the guy. I feel bad." "Yeah... I could never be in his shoes." "Sucks... His baby and his Aunt. Fuck.." "How is Meg?" Asked Lightning. Bobby shrugged answering, "Haven't seen her. I doubt she'll make an appearance." "True." Lightning growled. The two friends smoked a few before Lightning asked, "How are you and Jesse?"
Bobby smiled, "Great. You and Sally?" Lightning shrugged, "Okay. We had a fight.. I feel like I'm failing her so badly, but I also feel like I can't do anything about it." "Sorry, bro. I wish I could help, but I've never been good with advice." Lighting chuckled at that agreeing, "That's true." Bobby snickered with a smile as if he was proud of that. Lightning leaned on his cara nod asked, "How did your practice go?" "Good. I think I'm taking pole tomorrow." Lightning rolled his eyes and joked, "We'll see about that." Bobby snickered finding that funny. "Maybe I'll come to Radiator Springs next week after the race." Bobby announced. Lightning nodded, "Yeah? well if you do, I'll have Sally set up a room at Wheel Well and we can all go out to dinner. That would be nice." "Sounds good to me. Not this weekend through. Jesse and I are going to her Brother's house on the lake." "Nice." "Yup." Bobby replied before finishing his cigarette and throwing it out. "Well, see you tomorrow McQueen." "See you tomorrow, Bobby." Replied Lightning...
But he couldn't sleep. Lightning tossed and turned. He finally grabbed his phone. 11.42pm. He had to think a moment about the time difference... That meant. wait a sec.. Same time. So he decided to text his wife.
Hey, Sal.. You awake?
-Lightning
He waited about three minutes. Browsing other stuff on the internet before sighing and setting his phone down. BBBbbzzz. He grabbed it read it.
what's up?
-Sally
I miss you.
-Lightning
Miss you too.
-Sally
I'm sorry for our fight. I don't want you to be more like anyone other than yourself.
-Lightning
I'm sorry to. I think we were just angry..
-Sally
I still should not have said anything like I did to you. I love you so much and you deserve the world, Sally. I'm sorry and I'll make it up to you.
-Lightning
I love you to. Thanks. I actually want to talk to you about the baby thing.
-Sally
That made Lighting feel a bit sick to his stomach.
What's up?
-Lightning
After thinking and getting some friendly advice, I think we need a break from it and just get back to us for a while.
-Sally
Really? what about what the doctor said?
-Lightning
Here's what I'm thinking.. We don't take precautions to prevent it, but we stop trying for now.
-Sally
I mean if that's what you want?
-Lightning
It is, but it isn't. I think we need to stop though. I'm sorry for pushing so much.. I wasn't thinking abut all the stress you were under...
-Sally
I don't care. I want you to be happy.
-Lightning
I'm happy with you.
-Sally
I hope so..
-Lightning
You need to sleep before your race tomorrow.
-Sally
I know. Wish you were here.
-Lightning
Next time? Promise I'll come.
-Sally
That would be great!
-Lightning
But only if you get sleep and prepare for a safe race tomorrow or...Today at this time.
-Sally
12.32. Shit.
Alright, alight. I'm going to bed. Love you.
-Lightning
Night
-Sally
3rd place. Not a bad win, but not a great one. Lightning took it happily though. Next week, Sally would be with him and she'd be his good luck charm at that. Lightning was ready to get home to Sally. And taking a pause on the baby thing would be great for them! it he did know that sooner or later, he was going to have to give into what she wanted and knock her up. Lighting grabbed the quickest flight out the next day and called a cab to take him home. Grabbing some flowers to take home to h8is wife. He was determined to to let their marriage fall apart already or ever for that matter! The cab pulled up. Lightning noticed a car across forum their house. Some black ford car. No plates. He stared at the house it was parked in front of. New neighbors? That.. Could be nice.. Anyways, Lightning walked up to the door and grabbed his keys. Unlocking the door and walking in, closing it behind him. He dropped his duffle bag and announced, "I'm home." He wondered if she were home or at work. With the time, there was a high possibility that Sally was still at work. Perfect. He had time to shower, present the flowers and maybe even plan dinner for her.
"In the living room.." Sally called with a shaky voice. Odd. Guess she was home. Lightning set down the flowers and his keys then made his way into the room where he froze. Sally was sitting on the couch and the man he had accidentally misidentified sat in the lazy boy holding a gun between his knees, pointing to the floor, and latex gloves over his hands. "Good evening, McQueen. Good race?" He asked with that familiar accent. Sally looked behind to Lightning. Her eyes filled with tears. The man then spoke, "Bring me your phone and sit across there." Pointing to the other lazy boy next to the other side of the couch. Lightning nervously took a deep breath and grabbed his phone out of his back pocket. Slowly, carefully walking over and handing the man his phone before taking a seat as told. He stared at Sally then the man and asked, "So what do you want? Finish the job?" He snarled. The man leaned in the chair and snickered before answering, "Hoping I won't have to." Lightning swallowed nervously then stared at his wife. Sure, he was worried about his own life... Clenching his old wound at his abdomen. But Sally.. "Let her go." Lightning begged softly.
The man shrugged answering, "I do plan to." "How am I suppose to believe that?" Asked Lightning. The man chuckled, "Well it would be easier to just shoot you booth and run, but I need more time to catch my flight." "And how will that work?.." "She will be too busy trying to save you to call authorities on me." Sally choked hearing that. Her tears running down her face as she tried remaining as quiet and calm as possible for the situation. Lightning sighed and nodded. Just accepting this for now. He was trying to think of a way out, but as long as that guy had the gun... He was a little helpless. His guns were in the bedroom. He would never make it before the man could just shoot Sally. The evil man then turned to Sally and said, "McQueen looks thirsty. Go to the kitchen and get him a drink, will you?" Sally glanced at Lightning then stood up slowly, shaking. The man pointed the gun at her and reminded, "No funny business. water will do." Sally stared at Lightning then slowly walked to the kitchen and quietly grabbed a glass, etc.
Lightning glared at the man and asked, "I came home early. How did you know I would be home?" The man stretched before answering, "I had a little birdie tel me when you left the airport. Been here waiting." Lightning was furious with that! This man had been tormenting Sally for hours. "If you touched her.." Lightning stared. The man laughed! "No, no! I am not here for her." He then stood up as Sally entered the room and handed the glass to Lightning. She grabbed his arm and kissed his head. She was terrified. She didn't want to let go of him! The man then pointed the gun at them both and said, "One of you or both of you can die." Lightning gently pushed Sally forward saying, "Go sit down, just go.. Please.. It's okay, I'll figure this out." Sally forced herself to take the steps away from Lightning. The man stopped her saying, "Go get his luggage from the race." Sally hesitated but did that.
Bringing back Lightning's duffle and the man took it. Sally sat ack on the couch and the couple watched the man sit down and in one hand hold the gun, the other sorting through Lightning's bag. Sally and Lightning watching in confusion. The man tossed out shirts, pants, loose change and then the little bag of pill bottles. "There it is." He said. Lightning and Sally stared in fear. The man opened the bag and went over the different medications until he found one. "Awe, yes... Anti depressants. I figured as much. Are you still taking pain killers?" The man asked as he searched the other bottles. "Yes, here. Sleeping medications. The man then took two sleeping pills and put it in the container with the anti-depressants that were left. Lightning watched nervously but was able to figure it out rather quickly. The man then looked at Sally and said, "If there is anything you'd like to say, I'd say it now." Sally and Lightning stared at each other with fear. Sally shook her head and begged, "Please don't do this.. Whatever you feel you need to do, please.." The man opened a small bag of white powder and poured it over the pills. "Running out of time, Miss Sally." Sally's eyes widened. She was terrified.
Lightning started sense Sally was frozen with fear. "Sally... Sally, I'm sorry. I love you, it's going to be okay, hear me?" Sally panicked, replying, "No.. NO.. Lightning.. I.. I love you.. I love and I'm sorry for pushing you.. I am so sorry." "It's okay.. It's okay.." The man then walked over to Lightning and asked, "Anything else to say?" Lightning stared at his wife. Thinking careful of what to say n case this was it!? "Sally.. Find someone better." Tears rolled down her cheeks. The man then handed Lightning the pill bottle of anti-depressants, sleeping medication and the powder. Lightning stared at it. Death by overdose of his own medications and... "What is it?" Lightning asked. The man sat back down with the gun in hand still answering, "Better not to know. But it is easy enough that the tabloids will believe the rumors." "What rumors?" Sally asked. The man snickered, "Lightning McQueen O-D on his medications. He is a celebrity after all. They. Are known for drug use."
Lightning swallowed nervously.. Staring at the pill mixture. The man sighed and said, "Alright. Take it." Then pointed the gun at Sally. Lightning and Sally stared directly at each other. Sally shook her head and whined, "Please.. No, don't.. Don't do it... Please." The man sighed and stood up. Lightning's heart raced. He looked at Sally and said, "I have to try to save you.." Then looked at the pills and breathed heavily, quickly, and with no choice, he took them and gulped the water. "No!" Sally shouted loudly! The man walked over to Lightning and grabbed his jaw in a way that forced him to open. The man looked in his mouth then put the gun in the holster and shoved his other hand's fingers into Lightning's mouth, feeling around for any pills. Lightning almost gagged and that's when the man pulled back and slapped Lightning on the side of the jaw. "Good boy." Then took the gun back out and sat back down and checked his watch saying, "Now we wait." Lightning spit at the floor, Gagging a bit, but then he swallowed nervously with disgust. At least the guy had gloves on. Staring at Sally across the room. She was crying hard! Her heart broken and fear taking over! The man rolled his eyes and said, "You should be thanking him. Because he is complying, you will live." Sally fell onto the couch in tears, "I don't want to live without him! I don't want to see you die!" Lightning's eyes teared up watching this. "I'm sorry.." He whimpered to his love.
The man sat and watched his watch. 2 minutes went by... 3, 4... Lightning's breathing slowed, feeling more relaxed. His nerves were calming down slightly. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. "Please don't do this.." Sally begged the man. 6 minutes. Lightning was breathing loudly, but slowly. His skin looked clammy. Sweaty-like. He began to have trouble holding up his head. "Lightning! Fight it! Don't give in!" Sally screamed. Lightning lay his head back on the seat. He had no choice. Lightning lay his head back, barely able to keep his eyes open and then his body fell limp. His arms and hands dangled. "LIGHTNING!" Sally shouted! The man stood up and put his gun away saying, "welp.. Seems like it's time for me to go. My condolences, Mrs. McQueen." He said as he left the house. Sally ran to Lightning grabbing his arm and feeling for his pulse. "Come on.. Come on, Lightning!..." She could feel it.. Slow and faint. Sally grabbed her phone and dialed 911!
"Yes, It's the MCQueen residence! My husbands overdosed! Please hurry!" She then hung up and called sheriff in frantic hurry as she ran to the window. Thr Ford was pulling away!
Hello?
"Black ford crown, no plates! Held Lightning and I at gunpoint and forced Lightning to OD! He just left our home!"
On it!
Sally hung up and heard the ambulance sirens! She ran back to Lightning who was completely unconscious! So limp, pale his lips turning blue. "Baby.. Baby, please..." She grabbed his face and kissed his lips. He was dying before her! "Lightning!" He took them as a chance to save her! Sally wrapped her arms around his neck a s she cried into his chest. "Please don't die!.. Don't die..."...
