Lightning was sitting in the 51 trailer. Mostly because it was quiet. The door opened, grabbing his attention when he saw Cruz. He smiled. "Hey." He greeted. Cruz frowned and closed the door. Lightning grew concerned and asked, "What's wrong?" Cruz walked over and sat next to Lightning before answering, "I spoke with the President.." "Oh god.. What's he want you to do?" "No, nothing like that. Um.. He told me about you.. Thing's you've done.." She explained. Lightning's eyes widened a bit. Cruz's eyes filled with tears as she continued, "I've always looked up to you.. But.. The things he said.. I couldn't believe it and.. I have to know if it's all true.. DUIs?… Drugs?.. Harassing women?.." "Cruz… I.. I was young.. And stupid.." "So it's true?…" She whimpered, looking away with disappointment.

"The president said he had to hide things to help you keep your image clean.. That… That he cleaned up a lot of messes for you…" She cried. Lightning sighed, "Cruz… I'm sorry.. I'm not that person anymore. I've changed, I've grown up." "Have you!?" Cruz snapped as she stood up.

"Because now it makes me wonder what I really am to you!?" "Cruz…" "No! You used me! Didn't you!?" She cried as she stared down at him.

Lightning looked up at her and shook his head answering, "No… No, I didn't use you." "Am I the only one than? Am I the only other woman that you've messed around with that you weren't married to!?" She shouted with pain. Lightning stared at her. No… Lightning frowned and looked down in shame. Cruz scoffing, "That's what I thought…" the two fell silent. Lightning didn't know what to say at first. Except, "I'm sorry…" Cruz wiped her tears and argued, "You don't get to say that! It's too late for that!" "I promise I didn't use you though." "You used me! You just wanted to sleep with me and I can't understand why someone would do that!?" "I didn't!" Lightning defended as he stood up! Cruz took a step back crying. Lightning tried to explain, "I didn't use you, it was different!" "How!? How was I any different than other girls!?" "You just were!" "How!" "You just were!" "Tell me how, Mr. McQueen!" Cruz shouted with pain and anger.

Lightning frowned. Staring. Hesitating answering. But… He had to be honest with her. "Because… I.. I fell in love with you.." Cruz stared. Not sure if she believed him. "Excuse me?.." she whispered then yelled, "Don't you dare say that unless you mean it!"

And even though she yelled, at least she seemed to calm down. Lightning sighed and continued, "I didn't mean to.. I didn't want to.. I just.. I didn't want you for your body.. I wasn't using you.. I just… I fell in love with who you were.. Who you are.. I'm sorry…" Cruz stared at him in a bit of shock.

Her heart broken already and hearing him say those words only confused her more. Lightning looked away and broke the silence, "I'm so sorry.. I never… I don't want to hurt you…" "Because you don't want to be with me?.. How can you say that you have fallen in love with me and then walk away and not even want to be with me!? Because of her!? The person you trusted who wound up stabbing you in the back!?" "Cruz…" "No! How could you choose her!?" "I thought we were over this!?" Lightning shouted at her! Cruz only shouted back, "We are!" Both staring at each other once again. Lightning snickered and looked away. A bit hurt and angry. Finally he mumbled, "Coming back might have been a mistake…" Cruz gasped a bit. She realized she messed up by bringing their feelings into this.

She quickly argued, "No.. No, I'm sorry. I understand.. It's a history thing.. Deep down, I know that." Lightning stared at Cruz. His heart hurt too. He hated hurting her.

Cruz sniffled and wiped her eyes before asking, "Will you please… Still coach me?" "Yeah.." He answered softly. Cruz whimpered then suddenly ran up and hugged him tightly.

Lightning's eyes widened again. Slowly.. Cautiously.. He wrapped his arms around her. Holding her and letting her quietly cry a bit into his chest. He messed up so badly with Cruz. He hurt her. That was the last thing that he wanted to do. He held her tighter.. Lowering his head to hers.. "Ssshh.. I'm sorry.." He whispered in her ear as he held her. Swaying a bit.. Comforting her. Pulling her into his chest. Cruz sniffled and clenched her eyes closed tightly. Her heart.. Their hearts hurt so much…..

Lightning stood on the podium, watching his racer out on the track as they neared the final laps. She was off today for obvious reasons. Lightning sighed watching Cruz pass a driver. She was currently in tenth. Not bad, but she could have done better today if it weren't for him. Cal walked up. Watching a moment before glancing up at Lightning. By Lightning's expression, something was up. He just looked so concerned and conducted up there.

Nearing the last three laps, drivers pushed harder. They were nearing the playoffs, so every point counted!

Lightning watched Cruz lose two positions. "Hey.. Pick it up out there." "Yes, Sir.." Cruz replied as she shifted the car and whipped around one driver. Lightning watched her car on those turns like a hawk. Jackson got in his head and he was worried about how her car had been leaning. Realistically, she was fine. Her car was doing great out there thanks to the team's mechanic. Lightning adjusted the mic before speaking, "Looking good out there, Cruz. Keep inside and I think you can make top ten today." "Yes, Sir…" She replied softly. Lightning hated this. He hurt her so badly. He should have.. No.. He shouldn't have ever gotten involved with her. He ruined their relationship as coach and racer. Lightning followed Cruz around the track then noticed Cal in the corner of his eye. He glance over at his friend a moment and could Cal was concerned.

Lightning looked back at his racer. This was bad. He couldn't tell Cal the truth sadly. Things would just have to get better or.. Or he would need to retire for good as Cruz's coach. He could not bare to watch her career suffer just because he was her coach……

Lightning watched his racer take home fourth. Which was great with all things considering. THe team cheered, Storm won.. Of course. Lightning took off his headset and stepped off the podium. Cal stared over at his friend. Lightning glanced at Cal for a moment, putting on a small smile, but Cal saw through it.

Lightning put his head down and walked away alone. Making his way through the pits.. The trailers and garages.. Pulling his phone out to call a cab to take him back to his motel for the night. He thought it was best he wasn't around for Cruz to talk to him after earlier. He didn't want to hurt her any further. Making a quick stop by one of the stands before heading to his room….

Lightning lay on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling. The medications weren't working. Or at least not as good as the ones he had before. Lightning glanced over at his bedside table at the couple cans of alcohol he bought at the track. Staring at them. He hadn't drank in so long because.. He messed up before. Lightning stared back up at the ceiling. Letting out a sigh. This was bad. He was a complete piece of shit. He should just accept it. He was nothing but a screw up anymore. Lightning sat up and grabbed one of the cans. Holding it and staring at it. More or less just staring at it out of focus, fixated on it.

…. "No! You used me! Didn't you!?" Cruz cried as she stared down at him. Lightning looked up at her and shook his head answering, "No… No, I didn't use you." "Am I the only one than? Am I the only other woman that you've messed around with that you weren't married to!?" She shouted with pain. Lightning stared at her. No… Lightning frowned and looked down in shame. Cruz scoffing, "That's what I thought…" the two fell silent. ….

Lightning clenched his eyes closed.. Feeling the pain of everything coming back! His chest hurt! Cruz.. Sally.. Ben.. The accident.. The President.. Threats.. The drugs.. Learning to walk! Nearly killing his brother! Jackson taking the cup!Lightning growled with frustration and threw the can across the room! BAM! Slamming against the wall across the room! He panted a bit. Grabbing his shirt at the chest tightly, as he could feel the pain inside!

Breathe…

Breathe…

Breathe…

Lightning opened his eyes and wiped his eyes. "Fuck.." He mumbled to himself quietly. Grabbing another can and opening it. Instead of even taking a sip, he just chugged the entire can down.

It was absolutely disgusting! Taking a second one and chugging it down, tossing the empty cans to the floor. One more on the bedside table, he grabbed it and opened it. Staring down into the can at the liquid..

The smell filling his nose. He panted a bit.. Angry with himself. This is the moment he set the can down. Not drinking a third one down, he walked to the bathroom and grabbed his medication. Staring at the label. His hands tremored as the thoughts ran through his head. No, not dying. But taking enough that he could forget this pain! Lightning opened the bottle and took a few extra. Just to help him forget and sleep tonight. Closing the bottle and setting it on the sink before staring at himself in the mirror. Staring deeply into his own eyes. He was washed up.. He was ruined.. He would never be happy and never be the same, would he?…….

Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock!

Lightning opened his eyes suddenly and sat up from the bed in panic. He grabbed his phone and saw the time, 2:48! "I slept in!?" He panicked and ran to the door, opening it up to find Cal. Cal curled his lips a bit and griped, "You look like shit." Lightning sighed admitting, "I slept in and missed the flight." "Yeah, Sally called me when your flight came in and you never got home." "Crap.." Lightning growled as he rubbed his eyes. Cal stared at his friend who not only looked rough, but he was still wearing his clothes and shoes from yesterday. "What happened?" Cal asked. Lightning walked inside further, letting Cal inside.

The two of them walked into the living room of the motel where they sat down and Cal asked, "What's going on?" "The depression is coming back.. I can't… I can't control this, Cal." "The doctor changed your medications, huh?" "Yeah, and it's screwing with my head so badly." "So tell him to change it back." "If I do that, I can't coach anymore.." "You did declare war with him." "I know, I know… But if I just give it a few weeks, maybe it'll kick in and start working." "Maybe.." Replied Cal.

Staring at his friend with such concern. Cal sighed and admitted, "Honestly, Light… I never stopped taking it. I don't feel it's helping, but I also think maybe it is and I just can't tell because I've been on it for so long at this point.. I would hate to stop and then it hit me again." "The drivers are nothing but lab rats to that guy.. Giving them medications and hoping it helps. Long as you smile for the cameras, the man is happy.." Lightning griped.

Cal nodded agreeing, but not sure what to say. There wasn't much they could do here. Lightning looked at Cal and explained, "He's using Storm. You didn't see it, but.. Storm is new number one and he's using him like he used me. Which means he is getting the worse of it and the kid doesn't even realize it!" "There's nothing you can do for him though. Until Jackson realizes it, he's blind to it." "If he'd see it though.. If he did what I didn't and actually stand up to him. As much as I hate the kid, he's got way more power and influence than I did. Every fan loves him, every driver out there knows he's the one to beat and they respect that. If I can get his eyes opened to what's actually going on"-Woah, hold on there. If Jackson did.. Let's just say he did.. The President would make things harder for him. Just like he did for you. The blackmailing, the accidents, the bullying. As much as you think the kid could handle it, I don't think so. The way Jackson carries himself makes me wonder how vulnerable he really is. It's like he's putting up a guard. You can't try to jump in and save everyone, Lightnin. I want to help the drivers as much as you do, but we can't just go around and make things harder for them." "Things will have to get harder before they get better." Lightning reminded.

Cal frowned a little. He didn't know how to fight the guy. Even with his family name and history on the track. Strip would never go against the rules. Strip taught Cal that the rules were there for a reason and did as the President always advised.

Cal had to think a moment before replying, "Look… Let's not worry about the drivers right now. Focus on you. Because right now, you're the President's biggest threat. We need to know why and we need to get you better before that. If you need to take a few weeks"-"No, I don't need to do that. The fucker already messed with Cruz." "What do you mean?" Cal asked with concern.

Lightning sighed, "He told her the things he's done for me.. Letting things go.. Brushing things under the table.. The things you, Bobby and I use to get into… He changed her view of me and it messed with her head." "Is that why she and yourself were so off yesterday?" "Pretty much…" "Shit." Ca muttered and leaned back in the seat. Thinking. Looking at his friend before assuring, "As her sponsor, I won't put her in danger, Light. I won't let him influence her if I can help it and I won't let her be bullied and some stupid accident over this fight. If taking you out is the best thing-the safest thing? You gotta go." "And he wins. And whatever he's planning gets out into action. Whatever is going on, me being there is stopping him." "So I'll step up. I don't do much anyway. I'll talk with the guy and see if I can figure out what's going on. Maybe… Maybe talk to Sally about it. With her legal work, she maybe able to do something." "No, I need her home. I need her to relax and keep herself away from stress. I can they her worked up and in this mess because if something happened…" Lightning paused.

The thought of something happening made him sick! Cal nodded and understood. Sighing, "Yeah… I guess we.. Take it week by week.. Hope for the best. Keep our eyes and ears open and be ready for anything that gets thrown at us. But to do that, you will have to play nice and follow his stupid new rules and laws and anything he wants of the team. Play it cool, so he thinks he's won and can do whatever he's doing." "And what if I wreck someone?" Lightning asked.

Cal raised a brow and asked, "How and what do you mean?" "I still have the panic attacks.. What if I lose it while up there coaching? I could get someone hurt." "I think if.. And IF AND WHEN that should happen, that Cruz would catch on and do what she can on her own. I don't think she'd panic with you or anything. Worse case, she'd pit, fall behind, bench herself out. I don't see her getting to distracted by that." He assured. Lightning stared at the floor thinking about that scenario. Cruz was exceptional. She'd probably be fine, Cal was right. Lightning looked at his friend then stood up saying, "I'm gonna pack up and head to the airport." "Next flight isn't until tomorrow morning." "Oh.." "Yeah, I already looked into it and booked it for you." "You didn't need to do that." "It's fine. I know you want to get home. I'm gonna head to the track. Make sure everything is cleaned up and packed for the next race." Cal announced as he stood up and stretched a bit.

"Are you gonna be okay?" He asked his friend. Lightning nodded. Cal smiling, "Good. Call your wife. She's worried. I'll see you next week." Cal said before leaving. Alone, Lightning walked back to his room and closed the door.

Sitting on the bed and grabbing his phone. He stared at the screen a moment before finally pulling up Sally's name and staring once again. He could never tell her about the alcohol. He glanced over at the empty cans. What did he do? Why? He sighed and set the phone down.

Leaning over and running his hands thought his hair. Just feeling like crap still. So instead of calling, he texted his wife before taking a nap. He'd rather just sleep the day away….

Lightning walked into his home later the following day. It was quiet in the house. "Sal?" He called. Nothing. HIs heart began racing and he began to worry. Running through the house in search of his wife! "Sally!" He shouted! Not the kitchen, living room, hall, bathroom, bedroom, Colt's room, master bathroom!? "Sal!?" He shouted with panic. Then he heard the front door! Lightning ran to the entrance of the house to see Sally walk in. "Hey, Stickers." She greeted with a smile. Lightning ran up to her and pulled her close, hugging her. Sally's eyes widened with surprise. "Are you okay?" She asked into his chest. Lightning let her go and smiled, "Yeah, sorry.. I didn't know that you weren't home and sort of.. Freaked out a bit."

Sally crossed her arms and raised a brow saying, "Kind of how I was after you never came home when you should have and then never answered your phone when I called." Lightning smiled stupidly apologizing, "Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't mean to sleep in." "That tired, huh?" "Yeah, I guess so." He admitted, but would never tell her about the drinking and extra depression medications he had taken and that being the reason he slept in.

Sally sighed and smiled, "Well, I'm glad you're okay. You're obviously working to hard. This flying back and fourth thing and new medication is draining you. If you need to stay two days instead of one, I'm fine with that." "What? No. I want to be home with you." Lightning argued.

Sally nodded, "Sure, but you are way too tired lately." "Probably just the medication changes. I'm not use to it yet." "Hmm.. Okay… Bit still. This pregnancy is going.. Oddly well now days. So if you need the extra day, I'm fine with that." She assured. Lightning nodded. Sally walked to the kitchen after some water with Lightning behind her asking, "What were you out doing, anyway?" "Well, sense you were going to be later, I went out took care of a few things at the motels." "You, Mam, are suppose to be taking it easy." "I am!" Sally exclaimed with a giggle. Lightning snickered and leaned on the fridge, watching his wife. "You know.." He began, "You are sexy as hell pregnant like this." "Like this? All fat, swollen and tired?" She scoffed. Lightning rolled his eyes and corrected, "You are giving me something no other woman could ever give me." "Most women are very capable of having children and would be ecstatic to have the child of the famous and rich Lightning McQueen." "Well, you're the only one I want for that." Lightning reminded.

Sally sighed and frowned muttering, "I just hate that I'll never be able to give you the big family you use to want…" "Nah, one is plenty. I mean, when I think about it… This is MY kid. He's gonna be a handful." He joked.

Sally giggled and rolled her eyes before sipping her water before replying, "Well, at least he'll be good looking." Lightning snickered hearing that form his wife. But seriously, she was so sexy pregnant to him. Sure, she was a bit.. Heavy and curvier due to the pregnancy, but he loved every part of her new body…….

Lightning finished ripping the last of the siding off of Mater's carport. Mater walked over and handed Lightning a cold drink. Lightning stared into the glass and asked, "What is it?" "My very own home made fruit punch." "Is there alcohol in it?" "No, but it does have a kick to it." Mater explained. Lightning stared down into the glass for a second more before taking a sip and immediately regretting it! He dare not swallow it and looked to the side as he spit-rather blew it out of his mouth and then pulled his collar up over his mouth, licking the inside of his shirt to get the hot and spicy sensation off his tongue! Then spitting from licking the dust and dirt off his shirt. Mater chuckled. Lightning then asked, "What the hell is that?!" Mater sipped his before answering, "I done told you it's fruit punch. But you know that spicy red sauce topper with the chicken on it?" "No?.. Wait sriracha sauce?" Lightning asked.

Mater shrugged. Lightning took a deep breath to try and cool his tongue and throat down. Mater then took Lightning's glass and set both the glasses down as he thanked his friend, "For helping take down that carport. I was having some trouble there." "No problem. Are you planning on building another?" "Nah, not right now. Hey! How's the baby thing going? Everything okay?" Mater asked.

Lightning nodded, "Yeah. Actually, I'm a bit surprised. I was expecting things to be really bad, but things are going surprisingly well." "That's good. I'm glad. We all been worried, you know?" "Yeah, thanks for asking." Lightning said with a smile.

Mater nodded then cautiously asked, "How are things going with uh… Cruz?.." Lightning stared at his friend. Seeing the disappointment in Mater's eyes. "Um.." He began, "It's going well." Lightning said before looking away. Mater frowned a bit before asking more questions, "There uh… You and Cruz don't got a uh.. A thing, still?.. Do you?" "No." Lightning answered sharply. Mater nodded replying, "Good.. Good…" it became quiet between the two friends suddenly. Lightning looked at Mater and cleared his throat saying, "I know you look at me differently.. I'm sorry I"-"No, I get it. I'm older.. I've been around. People make mistakes. Hey! I knew this guy once that had a girlfriend, and then he got another girlfriend and the first one found out by the second and shoot, boy that was not good." "I don't have a girlfriend, Mater.." Lightning replied with a glare.

Mater snickered, "I knowd that. But he eventually did make things right and even married his girlfriend." Lightning raised a brow and asked, "Which one?" Mater thought a moment. Thinking. "Um… I don't know. Hey! Want to see somethin I've been working on?" He asked.

Lightning shrugged, "Sure." Then followed his friend around to the back of the junk yard. Lightning stared at the creation before him. Mater walked up to the large metal contraption and asked, "Do you like it?" Lightning raised a brow and asked, "What is it?" "It's an exact replica of my tuck!" "Oh.." Lightning muttered as he kind of, sort of saw it now. Tilting his head to the side a bit. Yeah, he saw it now. Mater smiled proudly at his creation when the back tow hook fell to the ground. Lightning snickered saying, "Yeah, exact replica." Chuckling a bit. Then turning to leave, "Alright! I'll see you later, Mater. I'm taking Sally out to Wheel Well tonight." "A date? Shoot. You two have fun." Mater said with a wink. Lightning smiled and headed out. Waving his friend goodbye….