Trackside

Surprise!

Jackson Storm does, in fact, have feelings.

___

He'd never admit it, but the disappointment weighed heavy on him. Did no one know? Or did they just not care? Maybe it wasn't something other cars celebrated like he thought...

He drove towards his trailer, eager to leave the track. Gale was waiting for him, and he didn't want to keep her there any longer than she had to be. Maybe Gale would say something! She was always so supportive.

"Hey, Gale!" Jackson said, driving up to her. "What a day, huh?"

"Hey, kiddo. It's been beautiful, that's for sure." Gale smiled at him, but didn't act like she knew the significance of it.

Jackson managed to crack a smile as he drove towards the back of his trailer, but it quickly faded. Maybe he'd celebrate by himself. Or just forget all about it.

The ramp lowered.

"Surprise!" a familiar voice yelled all to loudly.

Jackson jumped back in fright. Cruz popped out of the dark depths of the trailer making noise with a kazoo and holding a confetti canon, which she promptly emptied into the air over him.

"Happy Birthday, Storm!" she said cheerily, pulling a party hat out of nowhere and throwing it onto his roof. "Enjoy your present!"

She was gone as quickly as she'd appeared, zipping back towards her own trailer. Jackson was immobilized from the shock. He watched the confetti float down around him while he collected himself. What had just happened? Didn't she hate him? Of all cars, how would she know?

He peered into his trailer. Sitting off to the side was a pint of special formula Dinoco oil with a ribbon tied around it. How did she know his favorite drink?

"Come on, boy." Gale encouraged him. "You act like you ain't never had a birthday surprise before!"

I haven't. Jackson thought, slowly turning and backing into the trailer. "I was - just caught off guard, that's all."

"Mm-hm." Gale knew better. "Hope you had a great birthday, kiddo."

As the ramp closed and Gale pulled away, he stared at the gift sitting next to him. He saw his reflection in the window. He still had the stupid looking party hat sitting on top of him. He started to shake it off, but glanced again at the oil and smiled. He'd keep the hat on for at least until he finished his treat. No one would ever know.