Author's Note: Well, here we are, the final chapter. I managed to update quite quickly this time, which is an added bonus, and the computer trouble didn't stop me either. Thanks to LightningAndDoc for reviewing the last chapter, as always! And now, on with the chapter. Not as long as some, but I don't think I can get it any longer really.

Disclaimer: Is there any point in me still doing this? Still don't own cars. Do own Skye Armstrong and Jason Brooke.

Per Chance

Jason nudged open the door and slipped into the dimly lit surgery. Night was drawing in at the end of his first week back in Radiator Springs. When he'd gone for his dinner, Skye had been alone in the room, however it came as no surprise when he found Doc sitting at Skye's side once more.

"You left her."

Jason winced at the accusation in Doc's voice, though it wasn't the first time.

"I had to take a break for a while, as you should. You've hardly left here all week. Your friends haven't seen you. They need to know what's going on." Jason took a good look at the younger doctor. "At least go and get some sleep, Doc. I promise I will call you if anything happens."

Doc turned away.

"She's doing better, Si. I think she's out of danger now." It wasn't often Jason called Doc by his hardly known first name. "Get some sleep."

"I can't lose her."

Jason sighed softly as Doc disappeared into the back of the surgery. He longed to say "you won't", but even if Skye was out of danger, it could still go either way. Tired though he was, he knew he had to stay up with the girl.

The clock on the wall ticked loudly in the otherwise quiet room. Jason sat to one side of the room, trying to tune out the annoying sound. It was getting late, and the café had finally fallen silent next door.

A soft, weak moan came from across the room. He looked up sharply, turning to face the sick car he was keeping watch over. Her hazel eyes opened a fraction, though they didn't focus on anything.

"Daddy?"

"No. I'm your father's friend."

"Where is he?"

"In the back. I'll tell him you were asking for him."

Skye's eyes shut once more. Jason waited a few minutes to make sure she was settled and went in search of Doc.

The younger doctor was in his office again, and appeared to be asleep. Jason smiled and made to leave, reluctant to disturb his friend, but a quiet voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Jason? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He returned to the doorway. "Skye was just asking for you."

"She was awake?"

"She was. She's sleeping now."

She woke slowly to a dimly lit room. Two cars were conversing quietly nearby. She vaguely recognised their voices, one more than the other.

"Daddy?"

The voices ceased, and one of the vehicles moved into her line of sight.

"I'm here, sweetheart." Doc reassured her.

"He's hardly left your side. I had a hard time persuading him to get some sleep." A green sports car appeared beside Doc.

"Good. I don't want him to leave."

"I'm not going anywhere, Skye, I promise."

"You won't leave me like you left mum?"

"Oh, Skye, I never meant to leave Alisa. I loved your mother, but I also hurt her … badly. I wanted to apologise, but she'd moved by then, and I couldn't find where she'd gone."

Unknown to father and daughter, Jason backed away and left quietly.

"She loved you. She never really talked about you, but if I tried to talk about you, I could tell how she felt."

"She probably didn't want you to get hurt." Doc's gaze moved to an old photo partially hidden on the wall. "I'm sorry for what I did to your mother, and to you. If you'll accept me in your life, I'd like it if you'd stay here."

Skye nodded and smiled shyly. "I'd like that, and Daddy?"

Doc looked back at her.

"Thank you. I know it was you who called your doctor friend."

"His name is Jason. I met him a long time ago."

Doc checked on the small Daewoo from the corner of his eye. It was the first time she'd been allowed out of the surgery since Jason's arrival, and he wasn't entirely sure she was ready for it. She was flanked on both sides by the two doctors, and they were heading for the café. Afternoon was fading into evening, and the town had closed down for another day, all the residents making for the café as usual. In fact, Jason, Doc and Skye were the last to get there.

Jason pulled away from the other two and settled in the stall across from Doc. After only a moment of hesitation Skye sat on Doc's left.

"Good to see you on your tyres again, honey." Flo approached her to take her order.

Doc caught Jason's eye, and the Chrysler nodded slightly. With a look around at his friends, Doc cleared his throat, drawing the attention from Skye to himself.

"There's something I need to tell you." He said, suddenly uneasy with twelve pairs of eyes on him. "Skye's … well … she's my daughter."

A stunned silence followed for a moment before all the cars started talking at once, Doc and Skye the centre of attention. Doc looked at Jason through a gap in the crowd. The older doctor nodded respectfully, his silent way of saying 'well done'.

Doc woke to the sounds of someone moving around in the next room. Upon going to investigate he found Jason packing the few things he had brought with him.

"You're leaving?"

Jason turned quickly. He hadn't expected to see anyone, and intended to keep it that way.

"I should go back. I think you and Skye can manage now. She's almost better."

Doc nodded slowly. "I guess you're right. Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome. You know where to find me if you need me again."

Author's Note: I don't know if anyone noticed, but I did give Doc a different name in this chapter. Someone asked me a while ago (I don't remember who) why I changed Doc's name. I explained it to that person, and now I'm going to explain my reasons to everyone. To me, Doc is a nickname, not a proper first name. In my opinion, Doc has another name, one that few of his friends know. I don't really know why I chose Simon for his name, but I think it suits him. It's only ever Sheriff and Jason who will call Doc 'Simon', or 'Si', and not very often.

With this being the final chapter, it means the new version of Quest For The Cup, or rather, Staying Strong, will be appearing very shortly. Keep an eye out for this one.