~ Outside The Speedway ~ (Lightning McQueen x OC)

Chapter 41

Truthfully I didn't know what he was talking about, so I turned my head and mumbled, "I look at you like that..." I wasn't looking at Miles in any particular way.

He gave a quiet laugh. "No, no you don't."

After giving one last glance to my sister and Miles, I swiftly turned to McQueen. "I don't understand what you're saying."

He placed his drink on a nearby table. "I don't expect you to."

I walked toward him. Lightning followed my every step, his eyes trained on my face, only dropping down for a second to examine how my arms crossed over my chest.

The memory of us in my car an hour ago flooded my memory, and my body got hot automatically.

I pushed a finger into Lightning's chest, and he stumbled into the wall, his demeanor switching from smug to surprise in a moment. "You don't get to make such comments after what I just learned," I narrowed my eyes, "you don't get to talk shit about anything I do right now, so lay the fuck off." I exhaled in frustration after pushing my finger a little harder. Pulling my hand off, I crossed my arms again and turned again to leave. Maybe now I can get the chance to find Marigold and Alexandria.

There's a lot to talk about.

"Please wait."

I hesitantly stopped in my spot at his pleading.

Heavens his voice.

I felt the heat of his body behind me. His knuckles stroked my back softly, just like he did at the entrance. This time I let myself soften against him.

"I don't have a good enough excuse for my actions, other than I was scared to tell you, especially after we became so close. I tried more than once, but it didn't want to come out. I briefly decided not to tell you at all, but," a sad, quiet chuckle escaped him, "I know you well enough. You don't like secrets. I'll apologize as much as you want me to, without question. I hope you forgive me at least a little, Firefly. " I felt his chin touch the back of my head as we leaned against each other, now silent.

"I need time to..." Process? Think?

Breathe.

"Of course." With that, he gently kissed the top of my head and walked off, grabbing his drink on the way.

And I watched him leave towards a table of what I assumed were old friends.

I exhaled again, smoothing out my ponytail. The slightest smile crept up my face at his words. Although they were brief, they were genuine, and not pushy at all.

I know I'll forgive him. I always do. Staying mad at Lightning McQueen was a hard thing to do.

Not like all of this was a huge deal anyway. So what if we knew each other briefly then? We were in a good spot in our friendship, and I hated to think how different everything would be if we became friends early on. I was being dramatic. PMS was a monthly struggle.

But nevertheless, I came here to have fun. My troubles will have to wait until I'm out of the building.

My goal now was to try and find Marigold and Alexandria.

As I wandered around the big gymnasium, I couldn't help but think that the reason I couldn't recognize them was that maybe they had both changed so much over the last few years. Personally, I didn't think so, but the possibility was still there.

And then at last, just as I was about to give up and go find Sally, I heard my name being called by an eerily familiar voice.

"Olivia?"

When I turned around, there they stood. I didn't even have the chance to really take it all in before the two women raced to embrace me in the tightest hug I have ever experienced.

The hug and sweet greetings they whispered to me were enough for me to start crying just a little, and of course, I shed some tears. Seeing the two of them made me exhale in relief, and I knew that once we started talking, it would be just like a few years ago.

We had a lot to catch up on.

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

Hey guys! So yes, a short chapter here. Summer's been crazy busy this year and I didn't have much time to write. I'm starting school in exactly a week, and I have no idea whether or not I'll write anything then, but I'm hoping that I find the time and motivation to do so.

I want everyone who reads this story to know that I do plan on finishing eventually. Whether that be next year, or by the time I graduate, you will see how it all plays out, I just need some time and patience from both myself and all of you.

Thank you for all the support, I love you all!!

- Liviii <3