McQueen's Kid

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Nervous, doesn't even begin to explain how I felt. After everything that has gone down with me and Nick, I was frightened that this fight will be the end of everything. After all that we had been through to keep our relationship, I didn't want him to end it.

But I also realized that there might be nothing I could do to change his mind. I just didn't want our relationship to end in a fight. I wanted both of us to be able to explain ourselves and our feelings. After that, if he still felt that it wouldn't work, I'd just have to accept that.

Even if it broke my heart.

I snuck away from Radiator Springs to meet Nick. I didn't bother getting Ethan to cover for me. After how he has been acting about Nick, I didn't see the point in starting yet another fight. It was best that no one knew where I was going, even my best friend.

I patiently waited for Nick, hiding in the shadows. If we're lucky, we should be kept out of the media's watchful eye tonight. The last thing we need is for them to come and get into this unofficial business too.

"Stella, is that you?" Nick quietly asked, bringing me out of my super. 

"Nick." I gasped, driving towards him. "I wasn't sure if you would really come. I've missed you so much. I've called and texted but I never got a response. I've been so worried." I rambled as I reached his side.

A frown rested on his face. "I'm sorry I put you through that." He replied. "I've just had lot on my mind. I didn't want to say something that I might regret."

I wasn't sure how to reply to this. "I understand." I say, biting on my lower lip. I drove a bit more forward, now able to see his face more clearly. "So you've come to a conclusion?"

He shook his head. "Not a conclusion." He admitted. "More like a place of listening. Neither of us got a chance to say what we were thinking. I want to have that opportunity now."

A bolt of excitement ran through me. "That's how I'm feeling too, Nick. I feel that we didn't really know the other person's side. I want to know what you're thinking and going through. I don't want to make this decision without you."

A soft smile made it's way onto his face. "I'm glad that we're already starting off on the right tire then."

I nod my head. "Why don't you go first?"

He took a deep breath, letting himself think through his response. As I waited in silence, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. What was he going to say? What did I say that night to hurt him?

"Stella, I know you want to keep our relationship under wraps. You say that it's because of the media and what it might do to us and our image." He said, keeping his voice low. "I can't help but think that you only want to keep it a secret because of me and my family. I feel like you are embarrassed of me."

"Oh, Nick," I say, pain striking my heart. "No, that's not what I meant at all. I'm just worried that they'll put our families' issues onto us. I'm not embarrassed of you and I never have been. I just want our families to get along and be at terms with us before we drag the public into this."

"Is that what you really mean?" He asked, furrowing his eyebrows. "Because it doesn't seem like it. All we have ever done is meet in secret. The first time I met your father was because of the recent scandal between you and Cruz. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to help. But I would like to actually try and meet your parents."

"I know." I frowned, looking to the ground. "I've just been afraid that they won't see you the way I do. I want them to like you. I been spending so much time trying to talk them into liking you that I've never even given you a chance to prove yourself to them. I'm so sorry."

Nick tensed, clearly wanting to say something but changed his mind. "I suppose I can't be too mad at you." He sighed. "I haven't brought you to meet my parents either. It seems unfair for me to judge you about it when I haven't done it myself. I'm also sorry."

I drove towards him, waiting for a reaction, but received nothing. "So, does this mean we can try again? Sort of start over?" I asked. Nick frowned, looking at the ground. "Look, Nick. I really liked you. I really want this to work between us."

He looked up, his blue eyes meeting mine. 

"But I'm also not going to force this relationship. I don't want to have something that is one sided. I need to know tonight what we are going to be moving forward. Either we're dating or we're not. I can't have this strange, in-between stage anymore." I quietly said. Pressure began to build behind my eyes as this rested in the air. I didn't want to lose him, but I can't be strung along anymore.

I watched fear cross over his face. "If we were to keep dating, would things change?"

"Of course."

"Do you mean that?"

I froze, confused. "Why wouldn't I? I truly do want this work. I can work out a way for you to officially meet my parents. But I expect you to do that same."

Nick nodded. "I want this work too, Stel. I'm just scared. Scared of what my parents will think. Scared of what your parents will think."

"I am too. But I think it's time. They need to know and learn to accept us. There's no need to hide it anymore." I say. Before I knew it, Nick was cuddled close beside me. His presence and touch relaxed every tense gear. 

I've missed him so much.

"I've missed you, Stella. Really." He said, bringing tears to my eyes. "We are going to make this work. I promise."

And with my whole heart, I trusted him. I trusted that we would make it all work out.

Only the future could tell what would happen. Everything would practically be out of our hands. We could only hope that our families would love and accept our relationship.

And if they didn't. . .

Well, I didn't want to think about what would happen if they didn't.

~~~~~~~~~~

So I guess I'm updating this book again, haha! It's been a while now, what like two years?? I have no clue if anyone still reads this book, but I would like to pick it up again. No consistent updates, but pieces here and there. My style of writing has changed over the years, so I'm sorry if I have a few grammar blips.

I reread all of this and just let me say, WOW I was really going through some things. I really projected my own problems into Stella and actually published it huh? Also, there might be a bit of character changes. I don't know if I really like how Ethan and Stella have turned out. Rereading it from a new POV has made me kind of dislike them, tbh. But that could be because I wrote this when I was kind of immature and didn't quite understand the life of actually being 20.

Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy this short chapter. Not sure when the next update will be, but I'd like to dig into this book again. Thank you all for the kind words and support you have given this book over the years. Rereading them has brought me a lot of joy! :)