Ghosts of the Past

Chapter 1 - Her First Real Friend

South San Francisco was not only much smaller compared to the actual city of San Francisco, but it was also her childhood home; it was far more humble than all those other big cities, which is what shaped Cruz Ramirez into the optimistic and kind car she is today.

But that story begins way back when Cruz was only seven years old, when her father had put so many stories of racing in her hear and she couldn't help but dream of becoming a racer herself.

And one day, when Cruz ventured out of her backyard to play, she saw a beautiful little Bug with bright blue wings; intrigued by the vibrant insect, she followed it across a grassy meadow as it fluttered away.

"You think you're faster than me, Bug? Ha! No one's faster than the legendary Cruz Ramirez!" the little yellow Coupe laughed while picking up speed, even though it was difficult with the grass. She then saw an opportunity to get passed her opponent when she saw a boulder with a slanted edge, just like a ramp.

Revving her engine even more, Cruz gave it all she got and drove up to the slanted boulder, launching into the air like a rocket. She went flying through the air, and cheered victoriously.

But her victory was short-lived when gravity acted upon her, and quickly pulled her down, crashing down on something hard and metal. Cruz tumbled across the grass and eventually stopped on her hood, and she struggled like a turtle on its back to get back up.

As Cruz struggled, she swore she saw movement in the upside-down grass blades. And when she heard something rustle through the field, she gasped when she heard it get closer.

"RAWR!" a small and husky voice shouted, as a young 1980 Ford B school bus pounced at Cruz. The said little Sports Coupe cried out in fear when she saw the ferocity in the bus' icy blue eyes, and instantly flipped back over the get away from the large youngling.

Cruz soon found another rock to hide behind, and she panted breathlessly while waiting for the scary school bus to pop out again.

"Aw, c'mon! I was only playin'!" Cruz heard the bus, so she slowly crept out to see her wandering around the field, as if in search of something, "I wasn't really gonna hurt you, I swear!"

"Y-You promise?" Cruz whimpered loudly.

"I promise! Come on out, wherever you are!" the bus called back reassuringly, and Cruz couldn't help but giggle when she noticed the sweet southern accent in her voice. And so, Cruz slowly pulled out from behind the rock, and the yellow bus finally found her; she smiled wide at her, but her smile was rather crooked.

"Hi there! I'm Fritter! What's yer name?"

"U-Uh…Cruz."

"Well, Cruzy, it's nice ta meet cha! Wanna play another game?"

"I-I don't know…you play rough," Cruz reluctantly pointed out.

"Well, yeah, but I can change fer my friend!" Fritter protested while rolling her eyes.

"Friend?"

"Yeah! We are friends, ain't we?"

Cruz paused for a moment, her eyes drifting lower in wonder. A new friend? And not only that but…her first real friend. Cruz wouldn't deny that, and she smiled.

"Of course we're friends!" the Sports Coup happily replied.

"Awesome!"

"AGITHAAA! COME HOME RIGHT NOW!" Fritter immediately reacted to the distant haggish voice, and Cruz cocked a brow in confusion.

"Ugh! Sorry, Cruzy, I gotta get home," Fritter groaned in frustration and drove around Cruz to leave, but she then stopped and smiled back at Cruz, "Let's meet back here tomorrow, k?"

"Yeah, ok," Cruz agreed with excitement.

"Cya, Cruzy!" And with that, the young bus was gone, and Cruz knew she wouldn't see her until tomorrow. But she just couldn't wait to see her new friend again.

Sorry that this chappy's a bit short:P

Sure, this chapter isn't really that eventful, but I promise future chapters won't be as short or boring;)

Until the next chapter, I'm TRikiD, bye-bye!