Lightning got back into bed next to Sally. Sally rolled over and cuddled up with her boyfriend and asked "Where did you disappear for so long?" In a tired voice. Lightning sighed, answering "I had a thing.." "A thing?' Sally asked in a humorous tone. Lightning kissed her head then explained. "I just forgot that your Father asked me to set up something in the house." "Oh." "Yeah. I wanted to get it done before he woke up so he wouldn't have a reason to start scolding me." "My Dad seems to be so... So nice," Sally said in surprise. Lightning agreed. "Yeah. It's really weird." Sally looked up at Lightning then asked "What did he want to talk to you about in the office anyway?" Lightning had to lie! "The thing he asked me to do in the house. That and... He did say he was proud of me.." Sally sat up hearing this. "He said what?" "Yeah, he told me he was proud of me." "Wow. He... He must be thinking we're pretty serious than." Sally stated. Lightning sat up and confirmed. "Well, we are serious. I am anyway." Sally's expression changed. "Are you though?.." She asked. Lightning frowned. "Why would you ask that? Of course, I am. Haven't I proven that over and over again?" Sally shrugged, answering "Yes and no. I mean... Yeah, but... We aren't getting any younger.." Lightning glared at her and said, "Now you sound like your Dad." Sally snickered then kissed her boyfriend's cheek "Let's just get some more sleep before anyone starts getting up." "Alright." The couple lay back down and cuddled up with each other for a few more hours before the busy day ahead began...

Lightning yawned as he woke up. Alone in bed. He looked next to him at the empty bed. Sally must have gotten up without him. Crap! What if she asked about what Carson had Lightning do in the middle of the night that Lightning lied about! He wasn't doing anything Carson asked! Lightning hopped out of bed and got dressed rather quickly. Heading outside he jumped "Ah!" At the sight of Camila in a Dark black leopard sports bra and yoga pants. She was near the pool doing some stretching. She stood up as she heard LIghtning's scream. "Good morning Lightning." She smiled. Lightning stared. His cheeks turned red as he just stared awkwardly. Her hair was up in a bun and why did he even notice? "I'm sorry, I'm just doing my morning stretches." She explained. Lightning nodded slowly then walked around her and into the house. He sort of felt attacked there. Like... Camila was doing that on purpose...

The tree was up and the candles lit, the smell of cookies, turkey, and all the flavorful sides to go along with it. The house looked beautiful with the lights all put up. It felt like Christmas. The front door opened and Samantha shouted "I'm here!" Taking off her coat and hanging it up on the rack attached to the entrance wall. Carson quickly greeted his other daughter with a hug. "Oh Sammy, I am so happy to see you." He exclaimed. Sam smiled and greeted "I am glad to see you, Dad." Sally walked over and she and her Sister hugged tightly. "Merry Christmas Sis!" "Oh, merry Christmas!" Replied Sally. Samantha looked her sister up and down. Sally was just wearing a dark red, short sleeve pencil dress with black pantyhose, her hair in a braid. "You look amazing Sally! Have you lost weight?" Sally shook her head and complimented her sister. "Look at me? Look at you! That dress is beautiful on you!" Samantha's hair was straightened and her dress was strapless and long. Silver color with glitter all over it. "Thanks, Sis. Where is the boyfriend?" "Oh, uh. Lightning!" Sally called. "Where is your new boyfriend?" Sally asked with curiosity. Sam shrugged, answering, "Broke up." Lightning walked over, just jeans and a nice t-shirt. "There he is! Come in here!" Sam motioned him closer then hugged the racer. Grabbing his biceps a little then smacked his back and asked "Think you can grab my things from the car?" Lightning glanced at Sally before answering, "Yeah, of course." As Lightning walked out to help with bags, Carson took Samantha and began "There is someone I want to introduce you to."...

As Lightning grabbed bags and presents, a maroon minivan pulled up. Nathan and his family. Nathan quickly walked over to help Lightning and greeted "Hey, merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas." "How are you doing? I heard about the Grand Prix. Congratulations." "Thanks. And things are good." "Great. Let me help. Sam has always been a hoarder." Nathan joked about his sister. Norman ran by shouting "Presents!" basically knocking over everyone on his way in! Nathan's wife helped hold the door open as the two men carried bags and gifts in. Camila walked up to Lightning and said "Just set the gifts by the tree dear." Lightning nodded and walked over to the tree. Bending over as he placed the presents down, but as he stood up he noticed Camila was watching him which made him feel all weird and nervous. He just had to get through the day. Nathan's wife walked up to Lightning and asked "We are going to watch the language around my son this time. Right?"

Lightning's eyes widened! Of course, she didn't forget about that! "Of course! I am so sorry about that still." "You should be." The Mother growled before walking away. Lightning did feel bad about that too. Carson clinked a glass, getting everyone's attention. "Alright, alright. Now that everyone is here. First off, I'm glad that you all came. It means a lot to me. It does." Norman then asked, "Can we open presents?" Carson chuckled a bit and answered his grandson. "Not yet, after dinner." "Awe..." The poor kid. Carson cleared his throat and continued. "Let's have a nice dinner, shall we!?" With a smile. So everyone sat down at the table. Nathon on one end next to his wife and Norman. Sally sat next to Norman, Lightning next to Sally, Camila next to Lightning where Carson sat on the other end, and next to him was Samantha and next to her space. Lightning noticed the space and pointed it out to Camila, saying "You could always sit over there. I'm sure that you would enjoy the girl chatter more anyway." Camila giggled, answering "No, I'm fine. I want to sit here." Then grabbed Lightning's knee firmly. He just tried to ignore and gently pushed her hand away.

The families all caught up and talked over dinner. Sally asked Norman what he wanted for Christmas. Norman happily answered "I want a firetruck and a race car and a dinosaur! ROAR!" He made everyone kind of laugh. He was just so cute! Nathan then announced, "I got promoted at work." Carson was first to say "That's great son, congratulations." Followed by everyone else of course. Sally then toasted "To hard work paying off." To which she and her brother toasted to that with happy smiles. Norman then pointed to Camila and asked "Who's that?" Carson glanced at Camila then answered. "This is my friend. She's spending Christmas with us." Norman stared at Camila then asked, "Did she get me a present?" Everyone kind of laughed. Camila smiled towards the kid and answered "Of course I did." Norman seemed satisfied now. Nathan then turned to his sister Sam and said "You look good." Sam smiled and thanked him. Camila then stood up and asked, "Would anyone like some wine?" Carson answered, "Oh yes, wine would be great." Nathan with "Yeah, I'd love some wine." Sally raised her hand saying, "Me to please." Sam added, "Me too!" Carson snickered saying, "Glad we know you're not pregnant." Which was a bit rude and awkward.

Samantha glared at her Father and growled. "I know how to take care of myself." "Yes, but you need a good partner. You are getting older Sam.." "So?" "So you should settle down. Find someone worth staying with." He explained. Samantha snickered and said "Maybe I prefer to be alone Dad. I'm just not into the whole... Tied down thing, okay?" "Yes and that will ruin you one of these days." He scolded. Samantha rolled her eyes and ignored her Father's disapproval there. Camila returned to the table with wine and stood next to Lightning and began pouring him a full glass. Lightning tried stopping her, saying "No, no... I.. I don't"-"Relax dear." "Okay..." Lightning muttered. Camila finished pouring wine for everyone that asked then sat back down next to Lightning. Brushing her hand on his back as she sat down. Lighting felt it. He felt it and he tried once more to ignore her.

"Maybe I should become a lesbian," Samantha announced. Carson immediately spits out his wine, back into the glass. Everyone stared awkwardly at Sam and Carson. Carson's brows lowered as he scolded. "You will do no such thing." Sam shrugged. "Why not?" She asked. "It's my life." Carson opened his mouth, but Camila spoke saying "I knew a lesbian once. She was quite nice really." Then ate some of her food. Everyone glanced at her then back to Carson and Sam. Camila continued by looking at Lightning and asking "You ever know a lesbian? I'm sure you meet some in your line of work." Lightning blushed, but Camila only continued. "Oh right! I'm sorry. You're more southern. I guess it's more like... Cousins together rather than women, right?" Lightning's brows lowered. Sally cleared her throat and spoke up before he could though, saying "Lightning travels a lot. He's in the first-ever world's Grand Prix." Nathan then smiled and asked "That's true! So where will you be racing?" Lightning ate, answering "Japan, Italy, then England." Samantha then with "Must be exciting." Lightning nodded then announced. "Sally is coming with me."

Everyone awed at that. Nathan's wife commented on "Italy is such a romantic place. You two should take a tour if you have the chance. Nathan took me there once before Norman was born. I loved seeing all the culture there." Sally nodded and said, "Lightning will be racing against some of the most experienced racers from all over." Carson then asked, "Like who?" Sally then named a few off, but none stuck out like "Francesco Bernoulli." Camila's eyes widened. "The Francesco Bernoulli? The formula one racer?!" Sally nodded. Lightning had to ask. "Wait, you know him too?" Camila nodded and explained. "Of course! He was in the forty under forty last year." "Oh?" Lightning muttered. Samantha then asked "Wait, is he the one with the wavy hair and big biceps. Always wears a sports shirt and plays soccer." Sally nodded but corrected. "They call it football there." Carson then said "Impressive."

Lightning only became a bit jealous. "Uh, he kicks a ball around. Not that cool.." he growled. Sally snickered. She knew he was jealous, though he would not admit it. "It will be a long flight to all of those places," Nathan announced. Sally nodded a little, admitting "Yeah, I'm. Not looking forward to that part." Camila then said, "You know what always helped me during long flights?" Everyone listened. "Sucking on a mint during the trip. You just stick it under your tongue and suckle on it until it shrinks. If I'm super nervous, I'll play around with it on my tongue. Just... Rolling it around, rubbing it back and forth, sucking down and clenching it between my tongue and the roof of my mouth." Staring at Lightning there. Lightning just stared at her. Was she? No. No, she couldn't be trying to mean something else with that. Surely not. Nathan nodded and muttered. "Interesting.." Samantha then said, "I usually just take a sleeping pill and a drink and bang, I am out cold for the flight." Some of the family laughed at that.

"How is your work?" Sam asked Sally. Sally nodded and answered. "Yes, very well. Um... The motel business is booming." Nathan then asked, "Do you still work as an attorney?" Sally nodded as she sipped her wine. "Yes, I... I handle every legal matter for Radiator Springs." Camila then complimented "I admire such a hard worker. You are an outstanding woman." "Awe, thank you." Replied Sally. Lightning jumped a bit in his seat suddenly. Sally raised a brow and asked, "Are you okay?" Lightning nodded then looked at Camila whose hand was in between his legs. Lightning pushed her hand away again. He was getting frustrated with her. Carson then said, "At least two of my children have got it together." Sam set down her fork loudly then asked "What does that mean Dad?" Carson sipped his wine, answering "Nothing. Nothing, don't worry about it." Samantha shook her head. Norman then dropped his plate on the ground. "Oh, Norman!' His mother shouted. Nathan stared at the mess on the floor. Sally then said, "Don't worry about it, Lightning, can you get us a towel?" "Sure." He answered quickly then stood up and walked out of the dining room. Anything to get away from Camila right now. Lightning walked into the kitchen and grabbed the roll of paper towels.

He turned around to see Camila. She placed her hand over his mouth and shushed him. "SShhh. Sshh. Sssh... Don't speak." She said as she pushed him closer and closer to the counter. Pressing his backside against it. Lightning slapped her hand off him then scolded quietly "Stop it! I am not okay with this! You are with Carson! I love Sally!" "mmhmm.." Camila mumbled then grabbed Lightning's belt buckle. "They are right in the next room!" He reminded in a loud whisper! Camila only bit her lips and smiled "Only makes it more fun." Lightning shoved her hands away from his belt, which she had loosened half way by now. Camila only fought him quietly. "I just want a peek, that's all.." Lightning scolded and snarled. "I am trying to spare you the embarrassment and save whatever the fuck you have with Carson!" Suddenly they heard a bottle fall to the floor. Lightning looked up to see Carson at the entrance of the kitchen. Camila shoved herself away from Lightning and yelped "Get away from me you creep! Carson!" She shouted as she ran to him. "Lightning tried to make me put my hand in his pants!" "WHAT!?" Lightning shouted! "I did not!"

Carson stared down at Lightning's unbuckled belt. Lightning turned red and quickly began to buckle them back up. Sally and the others ran in and were shocked. Lightning finished buckling up the belt then tried to explain "I know this looks bad, but I did not touch her!" Camila then corrected "That is not true! You grabbed my ass last night!" Sally and her sister gasped! Lightning quickly defended "You made me!" Which only shocked everyone more! Camila hid behind Carson. Carson was furious! Sally stepped forward and asked, "What happened here Lightning?.." Tears in her eyes. Lightning ruined it. He felt he ruined everything, but then he remembered. Carson began to yell! "I let you come into my home and this is what you do! You pathetic little shit!" Sally stopped her Father and shouted "Lightning would never do this! Something is not right!" Sam then pointed to Camila and said "It's her! I knew she was a weirdo!" Carson then defended "Camila is not the problem! This is why you don't date men like him!" "I date men like him." Samantha announced. Sally and Carson both yelled at her, "SHUT UP!" Sam rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.

All of them were arguing and Camila was pretending to cry, sheesh! Lightning tried to get their attention. "Guys... Guys I.. Hey!.. I have. I have. I PUT UP A CAMERA!" He shouted. Everyone stared at him. Lightning sighed then repeated. "I put cameras up. One in here, one in the living room, and one in the hall and dining." Camila grabbed Carson's arm and asked "Are you going to believe him and check the cameras?" Carson took Camila's hands in his and stared into her eyes. "Carson... Do not offend me and check those cameras. If you love me and trust me than you have no reason to." Carson pulled his hands away and glanced at his daughter. Sally looked so helpless. Carson sighed and said, "Check the camera." Camila turned pale as she looked at Lightning. Lightning smirked and proudly took down the cameras to show Carson and the others the video feed... Needless to say, Camila was gone...

Sally had to ask her boyfriend. "How did you think of putting cameras up?" Lightning sighed, answering "You. You've taught me that a good case always has proof or evidence. I tried telling you about her before, but you didn't believe me since I think every woman I meet wants to fuck me." He placed his hands on his hips. Sally felt ashamed. She should have believed him. "I'm sorry. I should have listened.." "Yeah, well.." he was about to go off and scold his girl, but instead. "It's okay. You had your reasons for not believing me. I'm not mad. I love you." Sally was a little surprised! Carson walked up to Lightning and apologized "I'm sorry... I.. I feel pretty dumb right now..." Sally hugged her Father and said "It's okay. You will find someone way better than Camila." Carson sighed, admitting. "I'm not sure I want to. Your Mother was the greatest woman I ever met. Nothing can replace her." Nathan walked up and placed a hand on his Father's shoulder for support. Carson then looked at Lightning again. "I'm so sorry." He said Lightning shrugged. Carson smiled though and said. "But thank you Lightning. You've shown me Camila's true colors and... Showed me that I really can trust that you are good for my Sally. I'm glad she has you."

Sally and Lightning glanced at each other. Smiling. Sally pulled her boyfriend close then asked her Father. "Are you going to be okay?" Carson sighed. "Yeah, of course. I mean. It hurts, but. I would never want someone like that in my family." Nathan nodded, agreeing. "Exactly! Next time, let me hook you up, Dad." Carson glared at him and firmly said. "No." Norman then ran in and asked, "Can we do presents now?" Everyone kind of laughed at the child then Carson answered. "Sure. You all go ahead, I'll be right in." So everyone headed to the living room around the tree that was surrounded by gifts. But Lightning stopped and stared at Carson. Carson was... Pretty hurt by Camila. Lightning felt bad. If it weren't for him, maybe Camila wouldn't have acted the way she did. "Carson.." Lightning called. Carson's brows lowered. "Go on with the others Lightning. I'm fine." Lightning hesitated but did as Carson said and nodded. Heading to the living room...

Sally and Lightning were getting ready for bed in the guest house that night after a... Dramatic, but still rather okay Christmas. Lightning apologized. "I'm sorry if I ruined Christmas." Sally was brushing her teeth at the moment. She peeked around and into the bedroom and said. "No. You didn't." She paused and spit in the sink, rinsing her mouth then washing her hands. "You did no such thing. It was that bitch, Camila." She growled then dried her hands and walked out. Lightning sighed. He still felt pretty bad about it. BBbzzzz. BBbzzzz. Lightning grabbed his phone from the side table. "It's Miranda. Hello?" He answered.

Hey there! How is the Holiday going?

"Good... (Lie) Is everything set for the trip?"

It sure is! And I have good news!

"I got the tonight show?"

You got the tonight show champ!

"..Great.."

You don't seem to be excited about it. Is everything okay?

"Yeah, yes. I'm sorry. Thank you Miranda for getting that for me."

Anything for you. So you will fly out to New York from California in three days.

"Three days!?"

I thought you were spending Christmas in California?

"I am! We are, but... We leave in two days back to Radiator Springs and then in two more days to... New York, I thought.."

Oh. No, no, no Lightning. I'm so sorry. I can try to reschedule the flight, but at this time of year, it's going to be near impossible! Can't you make it work?

"I.. I'll call you back."

This is one of those lifetime opportunities Lightning. I can not guarantee I can get you back on the show.

"I.. I'll make it work.."

Good! I'll have your ticket link sent over right now to your email.

"Okay, thanks." Lightning hung up then looked at Sally. She frowned and asked, "What's wrong?.." Lightning sighed, saying "I have bad news... I mean, it's not bad. I just... Miranda got me booked for the Tonight Show." Sally smiled, saying "Stickers! That's great!.. Wait. What's the bad news?" She asked. Lightning took her hands in his. "The flight leaves California in three days.." "But.. What about your Mother?" Lightning stared a moment. He was trying to think of a way to work this out. He was just so busy and on a tight schedule. Sally began to think of their options. "Sally... I"-"Let's go back home tomorrow after breakfast. Your Mom will be in Arizona the next morning and we can spend the day with her then head back to California that night or early morning for the flight." "That's a really difficult schedule, Sally. I think I should just tell my Mom that we can't take the time.." "Stickers, no. Your Mom needs to see you. Even if it's just for one day, okay?" Lightning nodded. "Okay. Okay, you're right. Thanks for understanding Sally." "Of course Stickers. It's the least I can do after what happened earlier. I'm going to go talk to my Dad. Let him know we're leaving a day early." She announced then went and put on her robe before heading out and to the house. Lightning sat in the guest house alone. He hated that he was so busy. He thought about the ring and proposing. Would he even have time during this trip? He was already so busy and he hadn't even left for the trip yet! He was already exhausted and just wanted to relax, but that didn't seem like it was going to happen anytime soon...

So the next morning came and after breakfast, the couple grabbed a rental car to drive to Radiator Springs. It would work out since they would be driving back up in just a few short days anyway...

Early the next morning, Minty, Chad, and Kristine got off the plane in Arizona. The three only packed carry-ons since it would wind up being a one night trip to spend with Lightning. They had planned on coming up as they did and spending the rest of the day, tomorrow and then the next morning with Lightning, but.. Lightning was a very busy man and sadly, sometimes plans do not work out. Minty, Chad, and Kristine walked outside and searched for their ride to take them to Radiator Springs. Chad was first to ask. "Is Lightning coming? Or Sally?" Minty sighed and reminded "Neither. Sally said Lightning hired someone to pick us up." "Who?" Asked Kristine. Minty looked for the ride then pointed to a well-dressed man that held a sign that read "McQueen." "There! That must be it. After all, how many McQueen's are there?" She asked. The three walked up to the man in the suit and the man asked "The first name please?" "Minty." "Very good. Follow me." He then guided the family to a limo. Kristine's eyes widened. "A limousine!?" Chad was impressed too. "Wow. Little high end of Monty, don't you think?" Minty nodded. The man then offered to take their bags. Kristine happily handed her bag to the man, as did Chad. The man then lent out his hand to take Minty's but she held onto hers tightly and said "No thanks Mister fancy man. I'll hold onto my bag, thanks." "Very well." He replied then opened the trunk, put the bags in then opened the door for the family. Kristine jumped into the limo, followed by Chad. Minty slowly got in. "Buckle up." She reminded her children. Kristine snickered. "Please Mom, it's a limo. No need to buckle up." Minty buckled anyway. Kristine opened the sunroof and squeezed out of it barely and shouted "See ya later airport loser nobodies!" Minty sighed. Chad knew his Mother was incredibly worried about Lightning. He took his Mother's hand and assured her that "Lightning is an excellent racer. He's been doing this for years now. Four cups, remember? He's not a kid anymore, he'll be fine." "I know Chad... After Robbie I just"-"I know Mom. I know." Chad replied. Minty didn't have to say anything to her son. Chad completely understood her reasons for concern. "Besides, cars nowadays are way safer. I'm sure Monty took every precaution possible." He assured. Minty nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right. I just worry." "I know."...

The Limo pulled up to Lightning and Sally's home. The three got out and took their bags. Lightning walked out of the house and greeted. "MOM! Chad and Kristine! I'm glad you made it!" Chad grabbed and carried the bags as Minty walked up and hugged her son. "Your shots are all up to date, right?" She asked Lightning snickered, answering "Yeah, I'm good Mom. Don't worry. Everything is taken care of." Kristine then thanked her brother for the limo ride. "It's nothing." Chad butted in with "Not nothin. If ten years ago, you would have told me that my little brother, Monty, would be hiring to have us all picked up in a limo from an airport, I would have said that person was crazy! Congrats on the race Mon." "Thanks, Chad." "Where's Sally?" Minty asked. "Right here!" Sally called as she walked out to meet and greet everyone. Minty and Sally hugged then Minty grabbed Sally's left hand and asked "How are you doing?" Staring at her hand and searching almost. Sally thought it was weird. Lightning realized that his Mother was looking for the ring. Sally pulled her hand away. "Um. Good. How are things back in Texas?" Minty smiled, answering "Well. We are all doing well." She then looked to Lightning who blushed and asked. "Mom, could I.. Talk to you alone for a sec?" Chad raised a brow. Clueless. "Of course," Minty said then followed Lightning to the garage. Sally motioned for Chad and Kristine to follow her inside the house while they talked...

Lightning closed the garage door and admitted that "I never proposed." "What? What happened?" Minty asked. Lightning sighed. "I don't know. I tried a few times, but... Something always got in the way." "Monty, you have to just come out and ask it. It's okay to be nervous." "Me? Nervous? No, that's not the problem. The first time, Mater sort of distracted us, and then Sally was bragging about this other racer who is in the race too, and it kind of killed the mood. Carson told me I should do it during the trip." "It would be pretty romantic," Minty admitted. Lightning shrugged. "Yeah, but... I don't know if I'll have the time honestly." Minty grabbed her son's face and replied. "You make time Monty. This is your future, Sally's future here. My grandchildren's future!" "Ow..." Lightning griped. Minty let him go and snapped "You better not back out!" "I won't, I'm not!" He assured. "Good. How are you feeling?" She asked. Lightning thought about it for a moment then answered. "Well... I mean I'm not nervous about asking her. I know she'll say yes, but. I keep forgetting what to say." "No, I mean... Not about that. About the race. Are you nervous, baby?" Lightning stared at his Mother a moment. Debating if he should be entirely honest with her or not. "I... I am.." He admitted. "This is a huge step for me in my career. I could be more than just the Champion of the Piston Cup now!" He said with excitement. Minty nodded and asked, "Is the car safe?" "Yes. Trust me, Mom. I am making sure that I'm safe." "Because this is not like Nascar." "I know. Trust me, I know. Everyone keeps reminding me.." he growled. Minty hugged her son. Holding him close out of fear he may not return home. Lightning hugged his Mother. "I'm coming back Mom. I always come back to you." He assured. Minty nodded. "I know Mon... I know. I know you will." She replied. Lightning rubbed his Mother's back for a moment. Just holding her and comforting her. "Look," He began. "If anything, this is safer than Nascar. I won't be so enclosed in a tight line with forty-something racers." Minty nodded. This was true. "And I have a kill switch," he added. Minty snickered and smiled a little. "Are you going to ask her on the trip?" She asked. Lightning thought about it for a moment. "Yes." "Oh Monty." Minty murmured then hugged her son again. "I love you Mon." "Love you too Mom."...

So Minty helped her son and Sally pack throughout the day. That night they all sat around the living room having pizza as they watched a few re-runs races on tv. Minty sat in the corner of the couch and smiled. "This sure does bring back good memories." She admitted. Chad smiled agreeing. Kristine raised a brow and asked "Not for me. racing was always so boring to watch.." Minty snickered. Sally then asked "So let me get this straight. The entire family was into-is into racing?" Chad answered that with "Pretty much. Dad got us into it. I mean.. Neil and Barb never got into it, but.. Me, Allison. Robbie, Terry, Monty... Well, not Kristine. She's never gotten into it much." Kristine snickered and explained. "Because it's a bunch of sweaty boys in cars going in circles. It's silly." Minty raised a brow. Sally realized she never asked Minty if she enjoyed racing. "What about you Minty? Were you into racing before your husband came around." Minty shook her head. "Nope. he introduced me to it. I was the farm girl. I grew up on a ranch with my Brother." "Must have been interesting. Growing up on the farm." Minty nodded. "It was. That's why I convinced my late husband to buy the ranch where we raised the kids. Big open spaces, teaching them hard work. I think most of them turned out alright." Lightning smirked and joked. "All except for Chad." Chad's brows lowered. "Hey." "Hey, at least I have a girlfriend." Lightning teased. Chad just glared at his little brother. "Low blow man.." He growled. Sally smiled. It was cute seeing Lightning act childish with his siblings. It somehow made her love him a little more. Kristine just happened to wonder and ask as she ate her pizza, "Are there any female racers in this race?" Lightning nodded. "One. Her name is Carla Veloso." Chad's brow raised. "What is she? Spanish?" Lightning shook his head. "Brazilian." "Ooh. I hope she wins." Chad said. Lightning immediately snapped "Hey." "What? Woman empowerment bro. Go, girls." Kristine rolled her eyes and said, "Trust me, no woman wants you routing for her Chad." Chad glared at his sister. Lightning laughed! "HA! Good one Kris!" Kristine smiled proudly.

They all sat back and watched as few races then Kristine had the idea of. "Hey, let's look up the competition." Minty disagreed with "No. We don't want to make Monty more nervous." "Mom, I'm fine. It's fine." Lightning corrected. Kristine smiled. "Great!" Then took the remote and went to Utoob. Typing i O. ENTER.

Sure enough, videos of Carla Veloso popped up with a few of her races. Kristine clicked on the first one. They all watched Carla win a championship. "Wait... How many wins does she have on her belt?" Asked Lightning. She was from Rio de Janeiro Brazil. She had videos of herself dancing on the carnivals. "Oh look," began Kristine. "Says here she set a new track record and she was in the twenty for hour endurance race!" She exclaimed. Lightning swallowed nervously. "She placed many podiums." The sister added. Lightning felt a little small up to that. A racer that placed podium in the endurance race. That... Was intimidating. Chad then shouted "Wow. She announced that she will be driving a prototype Le Motor with a five-point five-liter, twin-turbo diesel v 12! Zero to sixty in two-point eight seconds! That's!.." he paused and stared at it brother. "Oh um... That's cool.." he muttered. Lightning glared. Kristine then looked up none other than Francesco Bernoulli... Of course. Chad read his stats aloud while the family watched one of his races. "He comes from a family of sportsmen. Soccer and racing. His mother use to drive. Let's see... A two-point four-liter v 8. Oh boy. He'll have a home track advantage. He grew up in Porto Corsa where one of the races are. Zero to sixty in two point five. Wow. He won the formula one championship twice and the continental race championship once." "Wow... That's... Kind of huge." Lightning muttered. Sally rubbed his back and assured him that "Don't you worry Stickers. You got this." She smiled. Chad added in with "For sure! You're the best racer I know!" Lightning glared and corrected "I'm the only racer you know..." Kristine then said "Ppphhh. You are a four-time champion, Monty." Lightning crossed his arms and muttered "Four-time champ for driving in circles... And it takes the Bolt nearly four seconds to reach that speed. What other kinds of racing do the other racers come from?" He asked. Chad shrugged, answering "It doesn't matter. As Sally said, you got this." They all smiled. They all believed in him. Lightning smiled back, but... He wasn't as confident as he put on about this event...

Lightning quietly made his way to his garage where he grabbed out a beer then walked back into the house to the kitchen to grab a bottle opener. He popped off the top and took a sip. "Can't sleep huh?" "Aaah!" Lightning jumped. He looked to see his Mother. "Yeah... Uh... Just.." he sighed. Minty noticed Lightning's drink and said "You always drank when you were stressed.." "I'm sorry. I just don't.. I.. Look, don't tell Sally.. Don't tell anyone, but.. I'm scared. I'm scared. What if... What if I'm not good enough. What if I'm not everything Doc trained me for. What if I wasted that time. What if I'm no... Francesco Bernoulli.." Minty placed a hand on her son's shoulder. "Well... You're not Francesco Bernoulli. You're. You're Monty McQueen... It's okay to be scared. I.. I'm scared. I'm scared for you.." She repeated. Her eyes filled with tears. Lightning set down the drink and pulled his Mother close as she cried quietly. She was afraid. Afraid she would lose another child. It wasn't because of racing particularly. She already lost Terry, her husband, she lost Barb, Robert and she couldn't breathe if she lost another one of her loved ones. "I love you, Mom. I promise I'll be safe. I'll come back to you. I promise." Minty nodded then took her son's hands and said "I want you to know. Just... Just know that I am very proud of you. You have nothing to prove to anyone. You are the greatest race car driver in the world. You did it. You became Lightning McQueen. And I could never be more proud of you." "Thanks, Mom. Thanks."...