McQueen's Kid

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ғᴏᴜʀ

Chapter Four
Four months had passed since Dad crashed. Thankfully, nothing too serious happened, just a huge scare for us and the rest of the country. Dad was home after a few weeks, but he hasn't been himself lately. He spends most of his time in Doc's garage.

I know I shouldn't be worried about him, but I am. After this crash, nothing has been the same. Actually, nothing has been the same since Jackson Storm showed up. He's ruined everything.

If Jackson wouldn't have shown up, Dad wouldn't have crashed. Dad wouldn't have lost all of his friends and he would be happier. Dad wouldn't be forced to decide whether or not to retire. This is all Jackson's fault.

"Stella, how's it going?" Ethan greeted, driving up to me. Why was I blaming Storm for this? Dad crashed because he pushed himself too hard, Jackson had nothing to do with that. "Stella?"

"Huh? What?" I asked, slightly shaking my hood. I didn't even realize Ethan was talking to me. I was trapped in my thoughts again.

"Geez, you're worse than I thought." He mumbled, looking me over.

"What's that mean?" I defended, slightly pouting. Ethan furrowed his eyebrows and slightly backed up.

"Stella, calm down. I'm just asking if you're okay. What's gotten into you?" He questioned, looking me over. I felt my cheeks heat up. What was wrong with me?

I let out a let sigh and looked to the side. "I'm sorry, Ethan. I didn't mean to snap. Things are just... I have a lot going on." I muttered.

"Stel, I get that. I want to be here to help you, but it's kinda hard when you push me away." He responded, his brown eyes gently looking into my blue ones. I nodded my head and glance back down.

I drove away, his words pounding in my head. I know Ethan was just trying to help, but I wanted to be alone. I had so many emotions going on that I just had to leave. I wanted to cry. I wanted to shout. I needed something to blame for this.

I wanted to blame Jackson for this, but I knew that was childish. Sooner or later, the New Generation of racers would have taken over the track and if it wasn't Jackson, it would have been someone else.

I needed someone to talk to, someone who understood what I was trying to feel. Ethan was my best friend, but he didn't know much about races and feelings in general. Mom would be my next choice, but she's been an emotional mess since the crash. The rest of the town would just cater to my every need and act like nothing was wrong.

That only left one option. Dad. And he was a long shot. Since he's been hiding away in Doc's garage, I only see him for meals and before bed. Other than that, it's like he's disappeared. I probably haven't spoken more than ten words to him since he got back.

I gently pushed open the door, entering the dark room. Does he just sit in the dark like a creeper all day? "Hey, Stel." Dad greeted, looking up at the wall. Immediately, I noticed the musty smell. How did he spend months here?

"Hey, Dad." I softly smiled. Just being around him made me calm down. Dad and I have always had a close bond, closer than Mom and me. Maybe it's just because I've always looked up to him or the fact that he's always understood me better.

"Just coming to check on your old man?" He teased, coming closer into the light. He was in his gray primer, looking a lot different than before. My whole life he's been in red, even when he's not racing.

"Just felt like you needed some company," I replied, driving closer to him. I shut the door behind me, figuring he wanted it closed like before. He nodded his head and drove towards his projector.