I Hate You...But Not Really. (Human!AU) Jackson StormXElsina McQueen

I Hate You...But Not Really.

Elsina's POV

"But, dad, why do I have to go to this party?" she whines, flopping back on her bed, her blonde locks fanning out behind her head. "There's just going to be a bunch of arrogant guy racers there who will be telling one another how much better they are."

McQueen chuckles, leaning against the doorframe.

"It's important that you make an appearance at some of these victory parties, El, even if they're not necessarily thrown for you," he responds, smiling weakly. "It's good sportsmanship, plus, think of all of the friends you could make."

"Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad..."

"He's right you know."

A brunette appears beside her husband, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"There could be a few decent guys out of the bunch," Maryssa continues with a wink. "I was the same way about parties until Courtney dragged me to Lightning's victory party the first day we came to Radiator Springs. I'm still not a big party girl, but I'll go once in a while as long as I have someone to bring with."

Elsina sits up and sighs.

"I don't know...I guess I'm just worried about running into someone I know...like a certain rival."

Jackson Storm.

"Don't worry about him, El, I'm sure he'll leave you alone," McQueen answers. "He's too full of himself to acknowledge anyone else."

The blonde female rolls her eyes.

"Don't remind me."

--Later--

Elsina parks her red Corvette racecar in the designated parking spots in the yard where the party is. Her dad said that Cruz would definitely be at the party. She sighs in relief as the bubbly tanned-skinned Latina brunette knocked on her car's window.

"Hey, El, you made it!"

Elsina unbuckles her seatbelt and opens the door, stepping out of the car.

"My dad convinced me to come to the party," she explains, shutting the door and locking the vehicle with the button. "He said it was good sportsmanship."

"Mr. McQueen was right on that one, El," Cruz says enthusiastically, bouncing a little. "Plus, have you seen all the cute guys yet?"

Cruz grabs Elsina by the wrist and leads her to the backyard, where dozens of people are already conversing and nibbling on snacks.

"Cruz, who--"

"Hey, Ramirez, McQueen!"

"Danny, Ryan, good to see ya!"

Cruz exchanges high fives with both the dark brunette and the redhead, sandwiching herself between them. Elsina gives both of the males a polite nod.

"Hey," she responds, taking a seat next to Danny.

"You actually made it tonight, El," Ryan states, sending a flirtatious wink her way. "Any reason why you decided to come?"

Elsina gives Ryan her signature smirk.

"I certainly didn't come for you, Laney," she retorts teasingly. "I came because I was doing it out of good sportsmanship. That, and my best friend was going too."

Cruz makes a heart shape with her hands.

"Aww, girl, you're so sweet," she coos.

Then Cruz suddenly snaps her fingers as she remembers something.