Sally and Lightning waited in line to be checked by airport security along the rest of everyone boarding the plane. "So.." Lightning began. "Is this plane ride going to be anything like the last?" He whispered. Sally giggled quietly, scolding "No. It's not even that long of a ride is it?" "Well, no." "I think you can wait until we land." Sally assured patting his chest. Lightning glared a little at that. Sally was checked first, then him. They walked through and over to their plane's waiting area. "So are we actually staying with your Mom?" Sally asked as they waited to board.
Lightning nodded answering "Probably. My little sister still lives there though and more than likely my brother Chad still to." "And Chad is.. Older?.. Younger?" "Older. I'm the youngest guy in the family and Kristine, is the youngest girl. She's my little sister." "Right got it. What's your Mom's name again?" "Minty." "That is just as funny as Monty." "Yeah, my grandparents had weird taste. Should have seen their house. Looked like a place from that seventies show." he joked. Sally giggled then asked. "Now.. Is she then the one with the brother, your uncle Monty?" Lightning nodded. Sally smiled and et out a sigh. "I'm glad you want me to meet them now to." Lightning shrugged saying. I met yours, only fair."
The two sat there a few minutes, Sally looking at her folder of designs of Wheel Well Lightning was a little nervous about this trip though. He ran out on his family last time, thanks to Mollie. And he told his Mother that he broke up with Sally. Sally didn't know this, but it was kind of a surprise visit. Lightning just didn't want to make it a big deal like Sally's family did with her coming home. All his siblings at once and then knowing his Mom, she'd invite half the town as well. Wasn't how he wanted Sally to meet hims side. Finding out he wasn't this big hot shot super star she had gotten to know. "I guess.. I should warn you that.. My family has like.. No filter. They say what they want." "Like you?" Asked Sally.
Lightning glared at her and defended "I don't do that." "Do to. A lot." Lightning rolled his eyes and continued as if she didn't say that. "Look, I'm just warning you and.. You are... Different, a good different.. Person.." Sally raised a brow asking "What do you mean different person?" "You're a lawyer." "Attorney." "Whatever, same thing." Lightning snarled. That got a mean look from Sally there. "I just.. I guess you'll just have to see. I don't know.." He pouted. Sally was getting the idea that maybe Lightning really didn't have a great relationship with his family or maybe it was something about her. Like he had said before, he didn't talk to them really. Lightning stared at Sally, seeing she was wearing her usual hair in a well done bun, button up, baby blue top tucked into a black, tight, knee length, pencil skirt, black pantie hose, and this time black flat ballet like shoes.
"Are you really wearing that?" Lightning asked. Sally looked down at her outfit then back at her boyfriend asking "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" "Just.. Pretty formal.. I mean you look really sexy and beautiful. And you know what these pantie hose do to me." He reminded as he touched her knee. Sally raised a brow. Lightning sighed and explained "I just.. You look uncomfortable.." Sally glared harshly at him for a second before setting down the folder in a way that warned Lightning that she was about to go off.
"Lightning McQueen, are you ashamed of me!?" She snapped, asking rudely. Lightning rubbed his hands over his face with a sigh. "Sal.. I didn't say that, I'm not. I was just.. We're going to Texas.. You look like a primped up princess." "A PRINCESS!? Why do you care what people think of me?" "I don't, not really.. I just"-"OKAY! What would you have me wear hmm?" "Sally.." Lightning whined. Sally was angry with him over nothing. At least that's how Lightning felt. "Would you like to dress me?" Sally asked. Lightning smiled slyly answering "I'd like to undress you." Sally only glared with a mean look and crossed arms. Lightning's smile left quick. "Sorry." He apologized. Sally looked away, mad. Why was he wanting her to change suddenly? They sat there silent until they boarded the plane. Sally was still mad at him though...
During the two hour flight, Lightning poked and tried to make up for his actions prior to the flight. Sally was leaned back, eyes closed and quiet. He knew she wasn't asleep, just mad a little bit. "Sal.." He called quietly. Nothing. "I'm sorry I picked at your outfit, okay?.." Still nothing. "And called you a princess?" He sounded like he questioned that himself really. Nothing. "Um.. I mean.. Technically, you are a princess to me. Not in a bad way. In a way where.. I want to treat you like royalty. Give you everything you want and more." Sally opened her eyes and looked at him. They gazed at each other and for a moment, Lightning thought he had said the magical words to make up.
Sally's brows lowered as she replied. "Nope, not falling for it this time." "OH COME ON! Sally, I am sorry that I upset you.. I was just trying to point out that you could wear a pair of jeans and sneakers for Chrysler's sake! You don't wear a pageant dress to the mud pit!" "So your family lives like pigs?" "What? NO! I.. There is no winning with you. I'm done." "What do you mean done?" Sally asked. Partly angry, partly worried that she pushed Lightning to far. Lightning looked at her and snapped "I mean done! I am putting my foot down and ending this stupid fight! You stop acting like a little whiny spoiled princess NOW." He was firm and serious. Sally's eyes widened. "Are you telling me what to do?" She asked shocked. Lightning hesitated. "... Yes.. I am actually."
Sally and Lightning stared at each other in silence at each other, kind of like as if they were having a stare off. "Fine." Said Sally, and she sat back in her seat, closing her eyes to rest for the rest of the trip. Lightning stared at her confused. Really? That was it? "So... We're good?..." Lightning asked carefully and still a little confused as to what the heck just happened. Sally took a deep breath answering "Yep." Still resting, eyes closed. Lightning sat back in his seat slowly as if careful not to set off a bomb. Maybe a little scared that this was more like a pause on this fight and later it was going to blow up worse, but it seemed to have ended for now...
Now, sense they flew, the couple had to rent a car. And sense they were close to the riding trails, (NOT WRITING LIKE LAST TIME) Lightning rented a jeep to check off that thing off Sally's bucket list later. They threw their bags in and drove out to Minty's ranch style farm house. The place Lightning grew up. Next to the home was a huge field with some cattle. Lightning parked the jeep next to a big gold F-150, next to it was Mollie's old ranger.
That really made Lightning nervous and Sally saw that. "What's wrong?" She asked. Lightning sighed and began to admit "Um.. That smaller truck is my.." He hesitated. "Know what, doesn't matter. But I didn't actually tell my Mom we were coming." "WHAT!? Why not?" "Wanted it to be a surprise.." "Oh... Okay." "I'll go up and make sure she's home real quick first. You wait here, okay?" Lightning ordered or asked. It was a little unclear. Sally nodded though, so Lightning got out and walked around the trucks and to the front door. Lightning knocked and heard someone walking up to the door.
The door opened with his Mother. Lightning smiled nervously, greeting. "Hey Mom." Minty's eyes widened! She hadn't seen Lightning for a year and half and the way he ran out last time he was here!? "MONTY MCQUEEN!" Minty shouted as she hugged him tightly! "Nice to see you to Mom.. Barely breathing.." He warned. Minty released him and let go then scolded "How dare you just run out like you did! I was worried sick! Didn't know if you ran off to a bar, a girl, or what!? I was so scared I could have lost you drinkin and drivin! I even sent Chad out looking for you! You could have called me!" She reminded. Lightning nodded and apologized. "I know.. I'm sorry. And you know I'd never drink and drive." Minty placed her hands on her hips and took a deep breath. "Alright.. I'm glad you're home. How long you stayin this time though? Should know if I should even bother with a big breakfast in the morning." That stung.
Lightning smiled like an idiot and nodded agreeing, "Yeah, I deserve that.. I um.. I don't race for a few months.. I can stay for a while this time. Is Mollie here?" He asked. Minty's brows lowered as she answered. "No. Why would you ask that?" She snarled. Lightning glanced back at the little ranger saying "Well..." "Oh." Minty forgot about that. "Yeah, Mollie sold it to me. It's more like a little scrappy work truck and will be Kristine's this next year." "Oh, okay." "Well, come in Mon. Must be tired." Minty said with a motherly smile. "Did you drive or fly?" She asked. "Flew, but I brought someone with me.. Hope that's okay.." Lightning announced.
Minty stared at her son, a little shocked then glanced toward the vehicles and saw the jeep with someone in the passenger. "A girl?" she asked. Lightning nodded and explained "Actually it's the one I told you that I broke up with. We.. Worked it out." Minty nodded saying. "Well.. That's good for you. How long you been with her than?" "Um.. Wow." He was surprised when he thought about it himself now. Minus that little hiccup of a break up, "A year I guess. About a year or around that." Minty smiled seeing her son's expression saying that. "Alright, well.. Bring her on in. Can't wait to meet this one." Lightning turned back to Sally and smiled.
Wow. A year. A year and no on and off fighting and just.. Wow. Lightning got back to the jeep and got into the driver's seat, smiling at his girl. More of a gazing smile. Sally noticed and stared with a raised brow for a moment before asking "Why are you looking at me like that?" "What? Nothing. Just realized you are more than my girlfriend." "I am?" "Yeah." Lightning answered with a chuckle. "You're my best friend. Come on, Mom wants to meet you, plus we gotta get the bags in." he added as he got back out, shutting off the jeep. Sally wasn't expecting to hear that, but it made her feel closer to her boyfriend...
Sally and Lightning walked into the home. Sally quickly noticed the old worn floors, carpeted stairs in front of the door, a lot of family photos hanging up. Some looked really old. One she noticed of a picture of a young man, looked her age, black hair, brown eyes, in a racing suit and holding a helmet, leaning next to a blue race car. "Is that Robert you talked about?" Sally asked and pointed out the picture. Lightning glanced that way seeing the picture and nodded. Then Minty walked in smiling "Hi, WOW." She said as she reached and shook Sally's hand. She looked Sally up and down, she was.. Different. "You.. Are impressively dressed." She complimented. Sally smiled thanking her, "Thanks. Um.. You're Lightning's Mom?" "Lightning? OOOoooohh Right! That silly nick name from school or somethin." Minty said as she remembered.
"It's not a silly nick name, it's what I go by now." Lightning growled. Minty snickered replying "Well maybe in your fancy racing world, but not here. You were born and raised Monty McQueen. That's what you stay around here." Lightning rolled his eyes hearing that. Sally smiled and introduced, "I'm Sally Carrera." "Nice to meet you Sally." Said Minty. "Just call me Minty. Unlike some folk, I actually like my given name." Looking at her son. Lightning just sort of glared at his Mom for that. "And there was no need to dress up to meet me Sally. You could have come as you are." "Oh.. I didn't.." Sally explained.
Lightning snickered butting in with, "That IS Sally's casual Mom." Minty stared at them like it was a joke. "Really?.. Well.. Be careful not to snag that stuff on anything round here.. Looks expensive.." Sally looked up at Lightning who gave her a sort of I told you look. "Anyways! KRISTINE!" Minty yelled up the stairs! "GET DOWN HERE AND SAY HI TO YOUR BROTHER! HE'S STAYING WITH US FOR A FEW DAYS!.. You two just get settled in your old room Mon. Left it alone. Hungry?" She asked. Sally and Lightning looked at each other then Lightning answered for them, "We could eat." "Great! I'll get started on some hog jowl. Just a warning though, Kristine is goin through some faze or whatever. She is a little.. Oddly dressed and blurts everything lately." And walked off. Sally looked at Lightning asking "I may regret this, but what is hog jowl? Chow? What did she say?" "Hog Jowl." Lightning answered. "Just pork meat."
Then Kristine showed up and snickered saying "What kind of person doesn't know what jowl is?" Lightning looked at his little sister and laughed! "What is so funny?" Kristine asked. Lightning took a deep breath and calmed down. Kristine had long black hair, but the tips were dyed. Brown eyes, young and small body, but still more shapely than Sally (Just to point out) she was wearing a skull shirt, fake cameo army jacket, cut off jeans and knee high wool socks, sneakers, and fake glasses. Lightning breathed and pointed out "The tips of your hair are gold! What the heck did you do? You look like a freakin hobo!" He laughed. Kristine glared replying "Well at least I didn't bring home a yankee barbie doll." Lightning's laughing stopped. "Hey, not nice." "I know." She replied.
Sally stared at her and sighed. Lightning then introduced. "Kristine, this is Sally. She's my girlfriend, be nice." "Hi." Sally greeted with a nervous smile. Kristine looked Sally up and down then at Lightning asked "What level of nice do I have to be?" Sally looked at Lightning who faked a laugh this time and assured Sally that his sister was joking. "Am I?" Kristine asked. Lightning glared at her and asked "Don't you have homeless friends to hang out with?"
And Kristine came back with "I don't know, maybe. Don't you have cars to wreck?" "Ha.. Ha.. Funny.." Lightning growled then took Sally around Kristine to take her to his old room. Kristine warned "Careful, we have rats. And their huge. Dog sized rats. And spiders." Sally stopped mid stairs and looked at Kristine unsure what to think of the young girl. Lightning glared down at Kristine then took Sally's hand saying "No we don't.. Ignore her.." Kristine just eyed Sally going up with Lightning.
Lightning pulled Sally into his old room which was mostly filled with old racing stuff, model cars, school books about engineering. "I like it." Sally complimented. "So.. Where am I staying?" She asked. Lightning blushed a bit answering "Well.. I was hoping you'd be alright staying together.. In my room here.." Sally frowned. "Lightning.. You know how I feel about staying together.. I don't want us to feel like we live together.." "But we stay together all the time anyway." He whined. Sally giggled replying. "Not for days over and over. We sleep together maybe once a week or every other week. This would feel.. Weird."
Kristine leaned on the door and complained "Only get laid every other week huh? The dog gets laid more than that." Lightning's brows lowered as he snapped "GET OUT!" "I live here." "This is my room Kristine!" "Not really. You are a guest here now. This is my room now. My bed. My floor. My stuff. My bathroom down the hall. Don't do anything gross on my bed mister." Kristine warned before walking away to her actual room. Lightning sighed and apologized. Sally nodded saying "She seems nice.." Not really. Kristine was weird and kind of creepy to Sally...
Once settled in, Lightning and Sally headed back down and to the kitchen. "Hey Mom." Lightning greeted. Minty turned and smiled at her son. "Hey! Get all settled?" She asked. Lightning bobbed his head from side to side answering "Sort of. Do you have one of the other bedrooms cleaned up for one of us to stay in?" He asked. Minty raised a brow as she looked at her son and his girlfriend. "Oh. Um.. Maybe. Is something wrong with your room?" She asked.
Sally muttered quietly, "Well a demon sleeps next to it.." Lightning snickered then answered "No, but Sally and I don't sleep in the same bed." Minty was shocked to hear that. "Oh. I'm sorry, I just assumed.. Um.. Allison's old room might be suitable for someone of Sally's taste. Show her that way Mon." "Thanks Mom." Replied Lightning then took Sally that way. Minty was surprised and impressed at that. She just expected her son and his girlfriend to sleep together like Lightning did with other girls in his younger days even.
Sally walked with Lightning down the hall and had to ask, "What did your Mom mean by 'Sally's taste?" Lightning snickered and explained "Allison was the more.. Girly one of the family. So her bed, bedding, the room itself is a lot nicer than the others. That's why it's kept as a sort of guest room." "Oh. Okay." Sally replied. And that was true. Lightning opened the door and Sally liked this room. Painted pink and white half way on thw walls, floors a little worn, but the bed was made with floral bedding and had actual throw pillows, a nice vanity, dresser that matched, a floor mirrorand attatched bathroom. "Yeah, your Mom was right. This is more my taste. Plus, I'm not next to your creepy sister.." Lightning chuckled then said, "Alright, you get your stuff settled, I'll get mine." Then kissed Sally's lips sweetly before shutting the door behind him as he walked out...
