The Strength Within (Sebastian Vettel)

4. A New Direction

The heat of Bahrain was as relentless as ever. Seb wiped the sweat off of his brow as he exited the garage and made his way over to hospitality.

The first free practice session had gone very well. He'd posted the second fastest time, beaten only by Checo Perez.  He was on his way to get some lunch,  he was ravenous.

"Seb," called a voice from behind him.   He turned and saw Charles jogging to catch up with him. "Can I have a word please?"

"Sure, but make it quick, I'm starving," he said, smiling weakly. Things were still very strained between him and Charles.

"This is something I should have done a long time ago. I'm sorry Seb. I've been a jerk. The way I behaved towards you, towards Emily, I was out of order."

Seb was shocked. This had been the last thing he'd been expecting.   He didn't really know what to say. In the end he just laid a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

"Charles, I appreciate it. That took guts to say that. I guess we're both in the same boat now.  Having feelings for Emily and being turned down," he laughed bitterly.

"I don't know the full story of what happened. I only know what I heard that day  in Melbourne.  It's something to do with Chris Armitage, isn't it? Are you sure it can't be fixed? You two love each other." 

Seb shook his head, sadly. "I blew it Charles. I made a really big mistake. She's done with me. She's made that perfectly clear."

It was at that moment he saw her walking down the paddock. She looked amazing as usual. He felt a lump in his throat as once again he remembered that she would never be his again. He'd never get to make love to her again.

Charles followed Seb's gaze and saw her.

"Don't give up Seb. There's always a chance."

Seb froze as he saw Scott McDevitt approach Emily.  She smiled brightly at him, laughing at something he said. Seb clenched his fist. He wanted to go over and make clear to the Canadian that Emily was his, but she wasn't.  He felt jealousy rise inside him as he saw her place her hand on McDevitt's arm.

Charles saw the anguish on Seb's face. If he'd any doubts about Seb's feelings for Emily, they had now been totally extinguished. 

"Seb..." he began, but Seb had already turned on his heel, and stomped off, back into his garage.

                           ***
"So Miss Emily, will you take pity on this poor newcomer and have dinner with me after the race Sunday? " Scott McDevitt asked her.

Emily didn't know what to say. He was a very nice man, and truth be told she was attracted to him.  She just didn't know if she was 100% ready to move on from Seb. 

Seeing her reticence, Scott quickly reassured her.

"As friends Emily. Yes, I like you but I'm not coming onto you. I just think it would be good to get to know you. So, don't say no straight away, just think about it yes?"

Emily paused, then she put her hand on his arm.

"I'd love to thank you Scott."  Perhaps it was worth taking a chance.   They exchanged phone numbers, then Scott had to rush off for an interview. Emily started to head back to hospitality.

"Emily!" she heard a voice call.

She stopped and turned around and saw Charles heading her way.  What did he want? She hoped he wasn't going  to start chasing  after her again.

"Hi Charles, what's up?"

"Listen, I know this is none of my business, but what are you doing with McDevitt? You looked rather cosy there. And before you once again tell me you're not interested in me, I'm not saying it because of me. Seb saw your little exchange with McDevitt. He looked shattered Emily."

"Charles, you're right. It is none of your business. Did Seb send you? Well you can tell Seb to fuck off. We're over, and if I want to fuck McDevitt or anyone else for that matter I can. He had his shot. He blew it. I'm moving on, he needs to too."

"He didn't send me, I'm just trying to help Emily. He loves you. And I think you still love him."

"Charles, just back off," she said, furiously, storming off.  Charles sighed. He'd tried. Hopefully she'd come to her senses before it was too late.

                          ***
Seb sat in his driver's room. It was nearly time to go to the grid for  the Bahrain Grand Prix.  He was starting from third place, behind the reigning World champion, Max Verstappen and the seven time world champion, Lewis Hamilton.  He was going to have his work cut out today, but he was determined.

His personal life was in turmoil, but he was adamant that his professional life wasn't going to suffer. He just had to ignore the fact that he was going to hear her voice in his ear. He had to get in the zone. He had a race to win. He couldn't let anything distract him.

There was a knock on the door.

"Yes," he barked.

"It's time Seb," Antti said.  He stood up and took a deep breath. Showtime.

                        ***
The team were all jumping up and down celebrating Seb's second win in a row. Today had seen a dominant performance from the German, ending in his fourth victory for them, his 57th altogether in Formula 1.

Seb got out of the car and ran towards his guys, launching himself at them. This was home! He belonged with this team.  Joel slapped him on the back.

"Well done mate, that was a hell of a drive."   He nodded his head. Things hadn't been comfortable between him and Joel since the break up. He got it, Joel's loyalty was with his sister.

"Thank you Joel."  He turned to head off to be weighed.

"Seb!" Joel called after him.   He turned to face the younger man.

"Hang in there man. She'll be back." Seb nodded again, then turned and walked away.

                         ***

Emily sat in the cubicle, wiping the tears from her face. She didn't even need the toilet, she just wanted five minutes alone.

Seb had been amazing today. All she wanted was to go and congratulate him, but things were all so messed up.  Maybe she should have found another job. Maybe she should start looking elsewhere outside of Formula 1. Perhaps over in Indy Car?

Working with him was proving to be harder than she thought. Everyday she was reminded of how much she still loved him. Of how much she still wanted him. Yes, she decided. She was going to start job hunting. It was time to move on.