Chapter One
"Stella and McQueen are home!" Mater shouted, speeding down the stretch of Main Street. We all turned, watching him jump and cheer on the way up. He looked like a kid in the candy store.

He slid in between us, his face smushed by my face and Dad's. "I thought I'd never see you two again! You were gone for so long!" He exclaimed.

"How could we leave my best friend?" Dad grinned, turning around for them to do their best friend handshake. I giggled and rolled my eyes, driving to Mom.

"Welcome home, Little Red." Mom smiled, pulling me in for a hug.

"It's good to be home. I've missed this place." I replied, letting go to look at the town now gathered around us, bombarding me with millions of questions.

"How was college?"

"That Jackson kid needs to go to some military training. He has no manners whatsoever!"

"You need a new paint job. Yours is lookin' a little dull."

"Guys, guys," Mom interrupted, a smile big on her face. "Let's give our Piston Cup Champion some space. She just got here."

"Third time champ," Dad corrected. "Not as good as her old man, but..." he trailed, a grin plastered on his face as he looked at me.

"Shut up, Dad," I chuckled, making the town laugh. "Where's Ethan?" I asked, scanning everyone around me.

"He must be in the shop. He's been busy working on something." His mother answered, rolling her brown eyes. I nodded my head and headed towards Ethan. About two years ago, Ethan opened up his own repair shop. It was a big improvement for the town, really. It was nice to have someone new and young open up a business.

I entered the shop, giving a few quick knocks. He rolled out, his face bright when he caught my eyes. "Stella! Hey, congratulations!" He greeted, rushing to my side.

"Hey, Ethan," I replied, giving him a small hug. "I'm so glad to be home. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, Stel," He agreed. "So, how's the racing going? Has Jackson Storm finally realized that you aren't to be misjudged?"

I chuckled, shrugging my shoulder. "Yeah, well, he has mellowed down over the years. It helps that I've beat his bumper too many times to count."

"Yeah, that would change anyone's attitude pretty fast," he agreed. "But, you know everything about being fast." He teased, his brown eyes twinkling in the dusty room.

"Actually, Ethan, there's something I need to talk to you about." I began, the atmosphere in the room changing. He easily sensed my uneasiness and his facial expression changed.

"Ya, sure. What's on your mind, Stella?" He asked, furrowing his eyebrows at me.

"Well, you know how I am with boys," I continued. He hummed, wanting me to go on. "I've never been one for dating, especially with Dad, and I need your advice."

"Sure, sure. What do you need help with?"

"See, I've met this guy. We've gone on a few dates, and well, do you think I'm moving too fast to tell my parents about?" I asked. Ethan's face changed. I couldn't read what he was thinking. I didn't like it.

"How long have you known him?"

"About a year. We just started talking in a relationship way a couple of months ago, though." I explained, nervousness in my veins now. Ethan probably thinks I'm moving too fast. He probably thinks I'm crazy.

"No, I don't think that's too fast," he answered. "So, is that all you needed?"

"Actually, no," I sheepishly blushed, feeling the heat in my cheeks. "You're the only one I've ever told about this guy. Would you mind being with me while I tell them the news?"

He let out a sigh and rolled his brown eyes. "Only because I'm your best friend, I'll go with you."

"Yes! Thanks, Eth!" I cheered, placing a quick kiss on his check. "Come on, let's go tell them now!"

He groaned and followed me out. Okay. I could do this. I could tell Mom anything. But Dad, well, that's where Ethan came in. Dad was going to have a heart attack just hearing the word boy.

"Mom, Dad," I called out, gathering their attention at Flo's. "Could I talk to you two in private, please?" I asked.

They glanced at me and Ethan and then at each other. "Of course!" Mom nervously grinned, quickly driving towards us win Dad on her tail. We drove to the Cozy Cone, away from everyone.

I took a deep breath, glancing at Ethan for support. He gave me a small nod, encouraging me the way he always has. I could do this.

I looked back to Mom and Dad, now feeling confident. "I have big news," I started. "This is going to sound weird, but I've started seeing someone."

"Oh! I'm so happy for you two! We've been waiting for this moment!" Mom cheered, gushing over me and Ethan. Ethan tensed up beside me, obviously embarrassed.

"Wait, what?" I gasped. "No. No, I'm not dating Ethan." I quickly argued. Dad choked on his water, spraying it everywhere. We all flinched as it hit our faces.

"What? B-but? You two are-" He stuttered, shaking his head in confusion.

"Only friends." I finished, anger now in my veins. "Did you really think there was something more going on between us?" I accused.

"Not going to lie, everyone does." Mom answered.

"Well, there's not," I snapped back. "I've met someone else."

"Who?" Dad questioned, confusion and worry plastered over his face. Oh great. He isn't going to like this. He really really won't like this.

I let out a sigh, tossing the idea around in my mind. God, this was not working out like I wanted it to. This was a terrible idea. "You aren't going to like this." I mumbled.

"Stella, come on. You can't just leave us on a cliffhanger. Just spill the beans." Mom commanded, obviously full of curiosity.

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see their faces. "Nick Hicks." I declared.

"What?!" Everyone exclaimed. I slightly opened one of my eyes. I should have known they would act this way.

"You mean like Chick Hicks's son?" Dad shouted, his jaw as low as the floor

"Ya. I mean, he's actually really sweet." I defended, both of my eyes open now.

Dad rapidly blinked his blue eyes, shock plastered on his face. "I think I'm going to lie down for a little while." He stated, driving off towards the house. When he was out of earshot, Mom turned towards me.

"Your father is going to need some time," she explained. "Don't worry, he'll get used to it. And if he doesn't, well, I'll make him get used to it." She smiled, making me nervously chuckle.

This was going to be an interesting year.

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We got hit with a huge blizzard so I got to spend the day writing this chapter. I hope you enjoyed this little plot twist.😉 Thanks for reading, commenting, and voting! It really means the world to me!