~ Outside The Speedway ~ (Lightning McQueen x OC)

Chapter 35

WELCOME TO PHOENIX

The red and white sign I drove past welcomed me back to the place I grew up in.

The terrain was still dusty, a lot of dead or dying plant life around, scorching in the sun. More trees (that weren't dying) though, that's for sure. I could see a few of the taller buildings somewhat in the distance, but I knew we'd be downtown soon enough.

Valley Bloom Middle School, the one holding the reunion tonight, is towards the center of Phoenix, about fifteen minutes away from the actual center of the city. I'm not sure if there were any motels near the school for me to rent a room and change clothes in, but I'm sure I'll find one.

Or I'll change in my car in a hopefully well-hidden ally, I can't decide.

I was getting a little tired, but that's considering I spent over half of my energy screaming lyrics. But I wasn't about to let Lightning drive my car because I was drowsy. Driving as a safety hazard is better than being a passenger of an overly enthusiastic douchebag who doesn't even know where he's going.

Speaking of the douchebag, he's been listening to some white noise on his own, falling asleep. 

...He deserves it. He's been staying up in fear of his brother and keeping good company. It's a relief to see he's distracted from whatever terrible past he lived through. Cooking good food, playing games, talking like he isn't some 'race car prodigy' (a headline I've been seeing often recently).

I've also been seeing articles on Lightning's 'mysterious disappearance' after the race. Some say he's still in Cali, just hiding somewhere up North. Others are speculating he's traveled to Europe or Asia for a permanent break. Only a handful are talking about the fact he might be with me in Radiator Springs.

But every single one is worried about Lightning not showing up for the race in a few weeks.

I don't really understand their points though. Someone like Lightning McQueen, someone new and not as deeply experienced, pass up the chance to race and win in a tie-breaker race?

Next to impossible.

Clearly, these people don't know what they're talking about.

Unless...

No. No, I can't think like that. He's going to race, and he'll keep racing for a long while after.

Once I drove into the outskirts of Phoenix, I turned off my GPS and opened the windows, breathing in the fresh, but still very humid, atmosphere. The car warmed up, pushing the air-conditioned air to the outside.

Cruising through these familiar neighborhoods made me smile.

I don't think I've been in this specific part of Phoenix since I moved to Radiator Springs. Maybe I was still pained by my parent's death back then. But now that I've moved on (somewhat) I can come back without crying my eyes out.

It was a good feeling.

After about fifteen minutes of driving and researching, I had found a motel near the school. It was pricier than I thought, but hell it was really nice.

Standing outside of my car I could see a beautiful outside patio, which included a pool, bar, lawn chairs, and several drinking games in the corner. It wrapped around the area, a dusty white stone arch at the front as an entrance to the well-tended yard. From here I could see an area of the roof, decorated with string lights and soft sofas, and colorful pillows. The general theme was a cross between Boho and Vintage. The color schemes were eye-catching.

The atmosphere was extremely welcoming. And seeing how in shape the place was I would say it's pretty new.

I got back into my car and decided to text Sally before waking Lightning up.

Sal <3

Hey, me and Lightning just got to Phoenix

I'm at a motel near the school,

I can send the address if you want

so you can get a room for later?

I didn't know if she'd respond right away. It's still kinda early, especially for a Saturday. I guess I could wai-

My phone pinged.

Okay, I guess she was up already.

Gm! You don't need to, I have somewhere

else I need to be this morning anyway.

I'll meet u at the school later on :)

Other plans...?

From what I know Sally doesn't really go anywhere on Saturdays; she stays at the motel - checking rooms, paying bills, restocking inventory. It takes her nearly all day.

And I know my sister. She never passes up the chance to get organized with her business. Ever.

But she's almost twenty-three, so I shouldn't be all that surprised. She has her own life, I, as a nineteen-year-old, have mine.

I sent her a text understanding and pushed my phone into my pocket.

I gently shoved Lightning's shoulder to get him to wake up. He sturred suddenly, and took his earbuds out, looking at me with tired eyes.

"We're here?" He asked, looking out the windshield.

I nodded, "Yup! Come on, we'll get a room and you can sleep for as long as you want without ruining your spine, alright?" I opened the car door and left, walking to the trunk to get my suitcase.

Lightning got out after me, locking the car from the inside. He rushed over and took the suitcase from my hands, saying I really shouldn't be lifting things with my bad arm (just like this morning). Then he said something else.

"Are you insinuating we share a room?" He wiggled his eyebrows as we walked toward the arched entrance of the motel.

"Are you insinuating you're okay with being alone after all this time? Because if so, by all means, go ah-"

"Y'know what, let's get that room before you change your mind."

I stifled a laugh as we walked through the gated, arch entrance. 

*** *** *** ***

Short and sweet.

Next chapter's going to be a long one (will probably take longer to write), so be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.

Oh and be prepared for that possible, long-awaited kiss...

Or not, you don't know what'll happen. Slow-burn is slow-burn is slow-burn ;)

...I had the chance to write a love letter between the Mitochondria and Chloroplast for Biology - safe to say it put my writing to good use.

I. Love. You. All. Too. Too. Much!!!

- Liviii <3