*Personal Affairs* <A Cars Fan Fic>

:open_mouth: :open_mouth: :open_mouth:

…OH MY GOSH. I didn’t cry but there were definitely some reactions from me.

I loved so many things in this chapter written-wise.

Her oil pressure had spiked without warning and she felt like she held a lit match over a pool of gasoline. She knew that within minutes the match would be dropped, but just how big the fire would be remained yet to be seen.

I love the imagery! It’s an awesome analogy and a perfect fit for what’s going on in the story at the moment.

Even with that pinstripping tattoo he couldn’t call her that, never.

I don’t know why but I loved this part.

McQueen didn’t let her finish, exploding with rage, “Oh shut up Sally! Just shut up! I don’t give a damn what more you have to say!”

There was a huge gasp reading this. :open_mouth: This was the best part of the chapter, in my opinion. I didn’t see it coming and just the fact that he had the nerve to go that far. I mean, we say “shut up” to our friends jokingly and stuff all the time but when said in such context and voice, it can be really hurtful.

So, the wait was totally worth it. This is my new favorite chapter in the story, but I’m a fictional drama freak. 8D I’m even more excited to see what comes of this. (Well, of course, the wedding’s off) but will the other residents found out about the kiss? If they do, what will they think? Will Lightning understand after he blows off some steam or will he be done with Sally? (Oh please, NO. :open_mouth:) Will Sally even want him back after what just went down? Will Sally’s father come into the picture and screw things up more than they already are? MORE QUESTIONS. Only you know the answer. :wink: Now, I can happily go to sleep after reading this. <3

And I can happily continue to write after reading your responses guys! I’m super-duper happy that you liked that metaphorical part about the lit match and a pool of gasoline. I was nervous to use that reference because you never really know with metaphors if it will make sense to the reader or not. And that bit about the pin stripping tattoo…hahaha, that line was a bit suggestive if you know how to read between the lines. :laughing: As for your last comment, about what McQueen shouted and how you gasped…ohmygosh…yesss!!! That is exactly what I wanted and I am happy it came off so powerful. And all your questions…I’m afraid I can’t answer any of those just yet but those are some good ones you have brought up. That’s why you will have to keep reading, the drama isn’t over yet. :wink: Thanks so much for your support everyone!!!

This chapter is a shorter one but packed with plenty of emotion, I hope you like! :slight_smile:

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

McQueen fled down the street towards Mater’s home near the impound lot. He didn’t even look back when he tore past it instead of stopping like he’d intended. There wasn’t a car in site at such a late hour so he floored his engine until he had distanced himself from the town. Passing Sheriff’s lookout sign he finally began to slow and catch his breathe. By now the lights of the town were only a thin haze on the horizon and he pulled over to the side of the road.

He panted from the sudden exertion as hot tears burned his windshield. He squeezed his eyes closed until they pricked painfully, forcing him to allow them to seep out. Hiccoughing with sobs his entire body shook for a timeless moment.

Initially, he’d felt only intense anger but now all he felt was sadness. As the streams of choking tears subsided his mind spun into a whirlwind of upsetting thoughts and uncertainties.

How could Sally have done this? If either of them was to cheat shouldn’t it have been him? She’d taken all his trust and shattered it like a pane of glass. He’d given her more than trust though; his time, his love and himself. He’d helped restore the entire town and just last year he’d forgotten all about the Piston Cup in that magical moment when she nuzzled his fender. All his agony and mixed up feelings faded for just a second as he let himself mentally relive the treasured memory.

He could still hear the tune of “Sh-Boom” lingering in the background, the feeling of the first moment they touched and the sound of her lust-filled voice. Visualizing her dancing eyes, the memory stopped. The only image of her eyes he could remember now was those that were hurt and defeated after his cruel words. His heart filled with regret as he wondered if he would ever be able to shake the image and meet her eyes again.

He strained his eyes in the darkness to try and make out the shape of a nearby cactus. It was pitch-black and extremely dangerous for a car without headlight to be on the roads alone. Some nights it was Mater’s single headlight that lit his path as they returned from the fields. Or other times in the early spring mornings before the sun rose, Doc’s old headlights guided him to Willy’s Butte. Normally, it was Sally’s lights though. Her tail lights cut through the dark on late night drives, enticing him to keep up for both a good view and his own safety.

McQueen exhaled deeply then gazed up tiredly at the stars. Maybe if he wished on every single one then love would go back to being easy. Back to when his biggest concern was getting a date for prom; not suffering through a seemingly doomed relationship.

When he finally gave up on his stupidly wistful thoughts he decided to get back on the road. Making his way carefully he reached Mater’s ‘house’. It was more like a rook held up by four deteriorating boards. Without waking Mater he parked beside the little hut and drifted off to sleep.

	----------------------------------------------------

The next morning Sally stirred early from her slumber. Her eyes were raw and sore, her windshield lightly oil-shot around the rims. The lobby was thick with late summer humidity and a sensation reminiscent of the night before. With no hesitation she quickly crammed the guest list in a drawer and assembled the work for the day on her desk.

After laying out the final transaction sheet she peered out the doorway. Instinctively her eyes ran to the right to look upon cone one; McQueen’s cone. She caught herself and zipped off down the street as quietly as her motor would permit. Her heart pounded heavily as her body entered as state of ‘fight or flight’. Weary of fighting she took the only option left; she ran.

Oh no! Where is she going?!  :open_mouth:  Comments people? I love to hear 'em!

I missed a lot of chapters since my leave, but all of them are great!

Can’t wait to see the emotional conclusion!

Aw, yippee! I’m so glad you are back! I thought I had totally lost you as a reader! Thanks so much somethingguy :slight_smile:

your most very welcome!

Oh no not again…Sally running away I mean… :frowning:

Sally Carrera! You get your bumper back to that town right now! I mean it, young lady! :imp: Oh my gosh, where is she going?! I’m so scared of what’s going to happen, LOL. :open_mouth:

“…enticing him to keep up for both a good view…” Bahahaha. Lightning, you deserve a slap on the tire for that one. :stuck_out_tongue:

“Maybe if he wished on every single one then love would go back to being easy…” Awwwwwww, I think this was my favorite sentence in the chapter. It just made me feel so bad for McQueenie. :cry: I think you did an awesome job of showing the emotions in this chapter, I can’t wait to see what happens! :mrgreen:

Hehehe, I’m a little devil aren’t I? :whip: :wink:

Yes, I feel bad for McQueen too, and I’m the one who put him through this misery! I love how you call him McQueenie by the way. 8D Sally is a flighty girl it seems so you’ll just have to wait and see… :sunglasses:

LOL,you are somethin else…shakes head 8D :stuck_out_tongue:

:mrgreen: What can I say? I like keeping it real, and I like pushing the boundaries.

You guys are really fast readers so surprise! You get not one, not two, but THREE chappies this week! Enjoy!

CHPATER TWENTY-SIX

“Lightnin’? Pssst, Lightnin’,” a buck-toothed voice whispered.

McQueen moaned before cracking his eyes open, “What time is it?”

“Almost noon buddy. Didja take it too hard on the drinks or sumthin’? You was out like a light!” Mater replied giving him a concerned look.

McQueen blinked a few times then mumbled, “I got into a fight with Sally last night.”

Mater chuckled, “Shoot, whadda ya doin’ here for? Shouldn’t ya be making out wit her then?”

McQueen’s eyes shot up in surprise to meet Mater’s. His friend simply stared back as if he hadn’t said a thing out of place.

He smiled weakly, “Oh! Do you mean making it up to her? Well, you see, it’s not that easy this time Mater. It was pretty bad. She…she cheated on me.”

Mater’s eyes grew wide as his mouth dangled open for a moment. Then he pursed his lips and said, “Now where are ya getting’ such a crazy idea? Miss Sally is a purty nice girl and I-.”

“She told me! Last night she admitted that she kissed that no-good friend of hers; Justin,” McQueen shot back without giving Mater a chance to finish.

“You mean that fancy orange car? Shucks, I wouldn’t have called that a kiss mahself…”

“Wait…what do you mean?” McQueen pressed.

“What I mean is, I don’t think Miss Sally meant anythin’ by it. I ain’t never seen her move that fats and-,” Mater began explaining but was cut off again by his eager friend.

“Mater! You mean to tell me that you saw them kiss?” he asked surreptitiously.

Mater looked down and ran his tire shyly over the dirt, pausing to consider his answer, “Y-yes, I did.”

McQueen lurched forward with interest, “Go on then, tell me what you saw,” he demanded anxiously.

“Well, they asked me to go get Flo but I knew they just wanted some privacy. So, I sneaked outside the room and peeped in the window. I know I shouldn’t a, but that orange fella was a bit suspicious. I looked in and seen them talk a little, then he closed his eyes and well, you know, touched her lips. But Miss Sally was all hooked up to that stuff and she back up mighty fats as she could. After that she looked at the TV and her eyes was all shiny. Then she said sumthin’ else to him and he just backed away into the corner ‘til I fetched Flo,” he explained.

Lightning’s eyes misted briefly as he realized that Sally really hadn’t been lying to him. She’d resisited the unfaithful temptation Justin had offered. However, the medical equioment stopped her best effort to avoid it all together. The light of the truth dawned happily on him but also brought the reality of just how much he’d screwed up.

“I’m really sorry, Lightnin’. I shouldn’t go snoopin’ like that. I promise I never done that to you and Miss Sally,” Mater apologized.

McQueen smiled back, “It’s alright bud. In fact, it’s great that you told me. Now I just have to hope I can fix things with Sally.”

“Ah, don’t worry ‘bout that. I know she loves ya,” Mater encouraged.

With a doubtful look McQueen said, “I hope so…”

“She was brave enuf to tell ya about it wasn’t she? She most really care ‘bout you if she would tell ya sumthin’ that big. Heck, I couldn’t even tell ya until ya asked!”

McQueen gazed at the honest and loyal tow truck; he was entirely right. He thanked Mater once more and dashed down to the Cozy Cone. He wasn’t sure how he was going to mend this one but following the advice of his heart seemed like a good place to start.

When he reached the motel he spotted a blue body within the lobby. It was a darker shade of blue though; one that shifted busily around the cone themed room. He slowly entered the tiny room, clearing his windpipe from the doorway.

Sally’s manager, Megan, spun around to meet his face. “Oh, McQueen! Can I help you?” her eyes ran wild with an over-whelmed look.

“What’s wrong?” he addressed her abnormal behaviour. Megan was typically well-organized and focused more on customer service rather than the paper work she was now sifting through.

“Well, it’d be nice if Sally would hire more staff. Or at least give me some warning next time,” she muttered.

“Huh? What do you mean? Where is she right now?”

“Ford knows,” she grumbled ignoring his confusion.

McQueen’s heart jolted and he repeated, “Where is she?”

Megan stopped rustling the papers to see his worried face. Her answer was soft and gentle, like she was speaking to a frightened child, “Don’t you know? She’s gone.”

In the words of [b]SallyMcQueen[/b]: "Poor McQueenie!" So, the truth is out but will McQueen be able to find Sally? Can he still save their marriage, or is it too late? Find out next week!  <img src="//pixarplanet-forums.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/2X/c/cc83e9b583138e48ff45f96609046b06d06c7f9d.gif" width="15" height="15" alt=":mrgreen:" title="Mr. Green"/>

POOR MCQUEENIE! :open_mouth: (Heehee. :wink:) I knew Mater would come and save the day! Oh no, now Lightning knows she’s gone. I wonder where she is, what if she went back to L.A.?! o_0 Is she going to run into any “familiar” faces? Will something happen to her? Will McQueen even find her?! :open_mouth: I’ll find out next week! :mrgreen:

I’m back! Sorry for such a long wait everyone! First I had a short vacation and then I wanted to get my version of this story on fanfiction.net caught up to where we are. So, this is a bit of a side note but I just wanted you guys to know that this chapter is very geographically correct and here’s a little visual aid to go along with it: [url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanheideman/3964451303/[/url] It will make more sense once you read the chapter though…

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Just over 100 miles away Sally was cruising along deep in the Coconino forest. Dense pine trees towered above the road, opening up to a cloudless ceiling. The air was crisp and the well-paved road curved smoothly through the surrounding wilderness. The natural beauty of the area swept away all thoughts and cleared her mind. She forgot her troubles for a moment and sank into the welcoming nostalgic feeling claiming her soul.

Rounding the bend the trees gave way to a long gravel road which she turned onto. The climb up it never felt so long but eventually she could see it; a large, red brick cottage nestled snugly amongst the tall trees. Its two gleaming bay windows beckoned to her with reminiscence of fond memories.

She took a deep breathe then banged on the house’s looming wooden door. There was no going back now.

The door creaked open revealing a cherry red Mustang who at the sight of her daughter nearly fainted.

“S-Sally?” her mother asked dazedly.

“Yeah, Mom, it’s me,” she answered.

“Holy Chrysler…c-come in!” she exclaimed making room for Sally to enter. She remained still for a minute with pure disbelief. “Jon! Jonathon!” she wailed in a near screaming voice.

“I can hear you Cheryl! Jeez, what are you hollering for?” a voice returned from the upper floor.

“Honey, just come quick!” she shouted as if Sally were about to vanish into thin air.

Sally looked down the hallway to watch a silver Porsche descend down the spiral staircase at the end of the hall. He was an older make than herself but reflected distinct features of Sally. It didn’t take a double glance to determine that this car was clearly her father.

He moved about at a slower pace than she remembered but immediately sped up as he spotted his wife fervently kissing her. He halted beside Cheryl who was now soaking the carpet below with her joyous sobs.

He touched Cheryl’s tire lightly, “Why don’t you go make us up some warm fuel?”

She nodded at her husband and started backing away down the hallway but stopped when Sally took command.

“No, Mom, not right now. I was actually hoping to talk with Dad,” she said. It felt strange to call him something other than ‘Daddy’ like she’d always done.

Her parents exchanged puzzled looks and her father protested, “But we can talk in here, in the living room together. I think we have some catching up to do, don’t we?”

The last time she’d spoken with her father she was 18. At the time, she would have taken his orders like an angel and follow him to the living room. She was a grown adult now, with problems that had to be dealt with so she disobeyed his suggestion.

“I need to talk with you alone. We do have some catching up to do, but it goes back further than you’d think,” she said coolly.

Her father cowered under his daughter’s new found rebellious behaviour. As happy as he was with her return he knew it came at a price. Sally wouldn’t return without a cause, and a sinking feeling told him that the cause was him.

Sally turned to the front door and he followed closely and quietly behind. His jaw almost dropped over as his eyes met with a sexy black tattoo crawling across her lower backside.

As the tattoo glared back at him his mind requested to know, Is this really my daughter? What has Justin done to her?! What have I done to her?

And we welcome two new characters into the story...Cheryl and Jon. Can't wait to hear your comments.  :slight_smile:

what kind of Porsche is Jon? I know exactly what mustang your referencing for Cheryl, but i’d like to know which porsche is Jon?

Good question, I should have mentioned that. I’m thinking of something like this; It’s like an older version of Sally. Anyways, I already have another chapter ready so here it is…

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The two Porsches sat perched on a rock over-looking the placid lake behind the family cottage. Sally kept soundless as she studied the water below. The still liquid mirrored the late afternoon sky on its surface as she searched her brain for the right words.

Where could she begin? There were too many loose ends now, she’d just have to let some of them go and try to fix those that were a priority. Her heart constricted beneath the hard shell McQueen’s spitting words had put on it, reminding her that some things could never be let go, they had to be fixed.

“So, tell me what you’re doing here after so many years,” her father broke the ice.

“I’m getting married next month,” she answered flatly.

Jon’s eyes bounced from the lake to his daughter, “What?! Well, that’s wonderful!”

She didn’t meet his joyous gaze but added coldly, “And it’s not to Justin.”

Jon was floored by her five simple words. Strung together they created a short sentence he could hardly comprehend. His mind whirred as he wondered how such a thing was possible. He’d mapped her life to perfection and without Justin the equation just wouldn’t work. He hadn’t accounted for something like this to happen, not while he was alive and well. He couldn’t trust anyone else to look out for her like he did.

Sally was savouring the moment as she watched his mind scrambling to figure out where he’d went wrong. It was a bittersweet feeling though because she nervously wondered if she still would have a wedding next month. She was taking a huge gamble at potentially losing one of her closest family members but she prayed it would be worth it. What choice did she have anyways? She had to try and save what little love McQueen might have left for her, even if it meant breaking bonds with her own kin.

“Dad, I know everything now. How you wanted me to have a life with Justin, the whole deal. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before but now it’s so clear that I can’t ignore it even if I wanted to. You put fantasies into his brain and pushed him to court me against his own will. Did you really think you could force love? Well, he never wanted anything more than friendship from me and you knew that. I don’t know how you did it though, you thoroughly poisoned him with the impression that we were destined to be. You know I ran from L.A., and he was one of those reasons. But next thing I know, he finds me and kisses me while I’m engaged! So, you want to know what I’m doing here? Well, my fiancé hates me because of that kiss and I want you to tell him the truth behind it. I want you to tell him just how Justin was simply a playing piece that you manipulated,” Sally demanded fiercely.

Her father hadn’t spoken for a while but his answer was sharp, “I won’t do it.”

Sally looked at him in disbelief, “What?”

“I said I won’t do it. There is no way I’m letting you marry this guy,” he said boldly. All his life he’d given her anything she’d asked for, but this was where he drew the line. Noticing that his daughter was still quiet he added, “Besides, how could this guy be even half of what Justin is?”

“How could-? What are you talking about?! Justin and I are through with, Dad! And I’ll tell you what, you might be right. He’s not half of Justin…he’s everything he’s not!” Sally shook on her tires wanting both to scream and cry at the same time.

What am I doing? What am I saying? After what McQueen said to me last night…why am I still fighting for him? Her thoughts pounded with the rhythm of her heartbeat. Her last one was most haunting. She didn’t recall falling so hard for him, but now it was more than apparent she had. A new idea rose from her mind suffocating all the rest, Because he’s the only thing worth fighting this hard for…

“I don’t care, I won’t speak to him. He doesn’t deserve you. I won’t help you, Sally, and if he breaks your heart because of it them don’t come running to me,” her father said firmly.

The murderous anger was unbearable and she finally screamed at him, “You’re so vile…I hate you!! I can’t believe I have to call you my father! I’m going to marry him, I will! And you can burn every photo you have left of me, throw away all my belongings, I won’t care because- Because I love him!!” Her sides heaved heavily but she cherished the way it rolled off her tongue and she lowered her voice to say it again, “I love him…”

She’d never openly admitted her feelings for him to anyone else but McQueen himself. She could still remember when he first left for the race season. She swore to herself she’d be fine. She pretended she didn’t miss him every second while she fought to deny the fact that ‘Miss Independent’ was long gone. Now, it felt like she had revealed the most shadowed secret of her heart to not only her father, but also to herself.

A female voice cried distantly from the back porch, “Jon! Sally! Come for dinner you two!”

Both Porsches carefully reversed and their eyes crossed paths for a second. They each barred stubborn expressions, confident that the other would soon give in.

I hope this chapter was a little more exciting than the last and I would love to hear your thoughts/questions as always. Thanks for reading!

Oh yeah, it was definitely more exciting! I was a little disappointed that the last chapter was short, but you really compensated for that in this chapter!

:smiley: Awesome! I had good reactions to that chapter on ff.net as well but I’m pleased to see that you enjoyed it as well. Look at me though, pumping out the chapters…I hope no one is falling too far behind! Next one is here! Oh, and a little reminder that Sally’s father is a modifications specialist which is like the car form of a plastic surgeon. You’ll see why I mentioned that later.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Dinner was a strained and tense affair. Sally spoke only when directly addressed and when she did it was small-talk about things like the weather. Her father ignored all conversation as if he were in another world. Sally’s mother tread cautiously around personal subjects for the time being and rambled on about unimportant and irrelevant things.

Now the family was gathered in the den waiting for nightfall. Her mother was practically splitting with questions and didn’t hesitate to send her husband dirty looks for his rude, standoffish behaviour. Neither Jon nor Sally looked as if they were about to strike up conversation so Cheryl decided to take the plunge herself. There was no use in continuing to skitter around the topics they all yearned to speak of.

“Where are you living these days, Sally?” Cheryl’s question came, claiming all empty air between them.

Sally watched Jon’s eyes dart over to her at the speed of light. She told them calmly, “Right here in Arizona, it’s a small town called Radiator Springs.”

Cheryl’s interest peaked with excitement, “Radiator Springs! My heavens! Dear, don’t you know who lives there? They say Lightning McQueen lives there now! Oh, hun, tell me is it true?”

Sally smiled gently, “Yes, it’s true.”

Cheryl looked to her husband in shock then put her attention back on Sally, “Oh, my gosh! Have you met him? Do you know him well?”

Her smile grew but she forced herself to remain unruffled as she said politely, “Yeah, I’ve met him many times.”

“Well, those magazines are so deceptive…do tell me what he’s truly like,” her mother begged. Her eyes blinked curiously like a child in a candy store, hanging onto Sally’s every word.

A pain shot through Sally’s heart. What he was truly like? Sweet, funny, caring, and dorky…the list went on and on. He was everything she wanted, but more than that he was everything she needed.

“Sally? You OK, dear?” Cheryl asked breaking into her heartache.

“Yes, it’s just that-,”

“I’m sorry dear! I didn’t mean to pry. Why don’t we talk about something else? If you don’t mind talking about it…your father tells me you’re engaged?”

The fact that Cheryl thought this was an entirely different subject almost made her laugh. In a way, it was different in a sense. It was more comforting and dreamlike to speak of McQueen as her other half rather than an individual. She accepted her mother’s question and nodded in compliance.

Cheryl swelled with happiness even though Jon had informed her that it wasn’t Justin, but a mysterious, nameless car whom she was determined to wed. Ignoring her husband’s pouting face she exclaimed, “Oh, how sweet! At last, I’ll be a mother-in-law! I must say, I was worried you wouldn’t tie the knot anytime before 30.”

“30?! I’m not there yet! I didn’t think I would either but what’s it matter how old I am?” Sally questioned her mother’s motives.

“Well, I can expect children from you can I not?”

Sally nearly choked on the air in her windpipe. “What do you mean to say?” she sputtered.

“Why do you think I married so early, hun? Children keep you young,” Cheryl explained nonchalantly.

“As do good husbands,” Sally said. She meant what she said but couldn’t help thinking that her mother of all cars should know that. Being married to a rich, modification specialist probably helped.

“I suppose you’re right,” Cheryl admitted with her gleaming, nick-free body.

Sally rolled her eyes and removed herself from the room without any refusal from her parents. She quickly reverted to her old upstairs bedroom, the room where she had spent most summer nights as a child. She drew back the long curtains that veiled glass double doors leading onto a small balcony. The sky had turned black and she remembered how the darkest nights came from being concealed within the forest.

She drove around the room still decorated with its original items. There was a plush mattress tucked against the walls that beamed purple all around her. A collection of old toys still remained in a box in the corner beneath wall-hung pictures of her family. Would she ever have a family of her own? Most likely she would someday, but it hurt to ask if McQueen would be in the picture. She closed her eyes to hold back tears; she’d done enough crying for a year already and it had no point anymore. It didn’t bring the slightest temporary relief after becoming such a habit lately.

She looked at the white ceiling above and hoped for a release. There had to be some kind of a light at the end of the tunnel, a shred of luck or a guardian angel somewhere. If there was though, how come she couldn’t find it? There was nothing left in her, all she could do now was hope it would find her.

Hope you liked! Thanks for reading!  :slight_smile:

Awesome! This is a nice falling action into the journey into their marriage and of family ties!

Woah, I fell a little behind there. :wink: Awww! I like Sally’s parents- except her dad, he’s a jerk. :angry: I love how Cheryl has the typical mousy housewife behavior- “My heavens!” :laughing:

His jaw almost dropped over as his eyes met with a sexy black tattoo crawling across her lower backside.

I laughed so hard at this-just imagining his face. Oh my gosh… 8D

Ahh, I knew something was going to go down between Sally and her father. I like the dialogue between them during their little tiff. Wait till he finds out the “mystery guy” is Lightning McQueen…Oh my gosh, wait till her mother does! :laugh:

“As do good husbands,” Sally said.

That part made me snicker. :wink:

Awwww, now I can say POOR SALLY! :open_mouth: but I can’t add an “ie” on the end because then it’ll sound weird. “SALLY-IE!” rambles on :wink: Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens after this. Is Lightning going to try and find her? Will he meet her parents? Is Sally going to stay with her parents? Will she and her father ever work out their issues? Will Cheryl ever found out her future son-in-law is the Lightning McQueen?! 8D Update soon!