~ Outside The Speedway ~ (Lightning McQueen x OC)

Chapter 33

The rest of the evening went by fairly quickly.

And before I knew it, it was Friday morning and I was up and early to pack half of my belongings for the trip to Phoenix. I wasn't even sure if Lightning was awake, which gave me space to breathe for the first time in a few weeks.

Don't get me wrong, I liked him so much and would give the world to spend some more time with him. But before racing, I had so much time and energy, and space on my hands to be free enough to do almost anything I desired. Now, I had almost no time. So I was grateful to be alone for a few moments to collect my thoughts without any visual distractions.

Except there were no thoughts for me to collect. Rummaging in my mind, I realized that everything was going fine for me. Not 100% fantastically with sunshine and rainbows, but considerably better than other times in my life.

I pulled my suitcase from under my bed, having it there from when I got back from California. I opened it out, flattening out some of the essentials that were already inside. I decided I only needed two outfits. My racing gear for Saturday night, and a simple outfit for Sunday morning.

I threw my racing jacket, pants, and gloves into the washer. I picked out a few clothes and undergarments, folding them into the suitcase. I collected a few more things, stuffed them in there, and closed it, putting the suitcase over by my closet. I flopped on my bed for the tenth time this week, running my hands over my face.

We'd have to leave at four tomorrow morning, an hour before anyone wakes up. We should be in Phoenix by eight.

There was lots of sneaking around lately...

I shrugged too myself. Nothing I haven't experienced before.

x x x x x x x x x x

"Oh my- why are you so loud?!"

"You're not being too quiet yourself right now!"

"It's not even that big!"

"Yes, it is, stop making it seem like it isn't!"

"Whatever just shut up and do what you need to."

Lightning hauled my suitcase to the garage, complaining with every step he took. I really hoped these walls were soundproof enough to withstand our yelling. I shook my head at his exaggerated grunts, which he was very clearly just trying to annoy me.

I didn't understand why he was complaining in the first place. When I came out of my room with the suitcase about ten minutes ago, he rushed upstairs and took it from me, saying "you shouldn't be carrying anything this heavy because of your arm". And now he was groaning every three seconds like a child.

"I will leave you here."

And suddenly the suitcase wasn't that heavy anymore.

In the kitchen, I grabbed a small bag and packed water and snacks for the road. Once I knew everything was where it was supposed to be, and that the two of us were ready for the road, I left to the garage and locked the door behind me.

My garage was big (obviously; I had a ton of tools and a big space to work on my car). Cabinets, shelves, tables, and tools lined three walls. Tires sat in the corner, extra parts next to them. The room was messy, but considering I worked here a lot, I knew where everything was, even in the mess.

I saw that everything was packed in the trunk (okay, I didn't see per say, but I acknowledged it), and Lightning was now leaning against the back, scrolling through his phone. This was also when I acknowledged his outfit (he didn't have this on him earlier?!).