F1 One Shots

#17 Carlos - Nightmares

NARRATOR POV.: It is already very late, around 2 a.m. and most of Maranello is asleep with the peaceful sleep of the righteous. But unfortunately it does not apply to one journalist... The woman is turning and tossing around the bed, and mumbles "I don't want to!" and "Leave me alone!" from time to time, as if she's fighting with someone and struggle to free herself.
After some time, the mumbling becomes louder, and her breath freezes in her throat every now and then. It was inevitable that by this act she awakened her husband, who was sleeping next to her peacefully. Carlos barely woke up, he already knew what is going on. It was very sad for him to see love of his life like this... And all of this because of one nasty acounter, during the interview 2 weeks ago... Man attacked her and tried to rape her, but fortunatelly guards were there to save her just on time...

With a heavy sigh, Carlos switched on the bedside lamp and sat down with the front of the pillows before him, so that he could look Isabella in the eye, when she wakes up, and took her hand in his. He knew already, from the previous nights, that he shouldn't be doing anything too fast and too intimate, because he doesn't want to scare her even more, instead of helping.... Carlos noticed the time on his watch, but he did not care that tomorrow, or rather today, would be practically dead in Maranello. At that moment, all that mattered was his wife's mental state and comfort. He wished to be able to do more just that, but even friend of theirs, psychologist, told them that Isabella had to be patient and just forget... And Carlos's support was essential in this process, because it was him that she trusted so much and sincerely, feeling safe and loved immeasurably by his side. Only him could she tell at any time of the day or night, no matter what, even the greatest nonsense, and she was always met with understanding, patience, peace and support. NOBODY gave Isabella such support and understanding as her husband and they both knew it ...
-Isa.... Amore, wake up...- he said calmly and quite softly, but so that his voice would reach her -Isa, it's just a nightmare, wake up Cariño...- the second time it worked and blonde haired woman jumped straight up, panting heavily and having a running gaze.
-It's ok... It's just a bad dream mi Amore, everything is ok...- he said calmly, not letting her know that seeing his wife every night in state like that breaks his heart. He could feel her pulse running wild under his fingers and he could see her temples and her entire body covered with sweat.
-It's ok... It's just me Cariño... You're safe!- Carlos spoke again, making Isabella look at him -It's long over... It's just a bad dream...- he said softly, not looking away from her eyes, just like you do with frightened animals. Everything slowly, calmly and gently, to not scare even more... Sainz saw the fear slowly disappearing from Isabella's eyes, but that was not the end...
-Shhh, just breathe. I've got you, you're safe!- he said softly and slowly so as not to scare her, he reached for her face with his free hand to cup her cheek. He kept looking her in the eyes, so she could see that he had no evil intentions, even though they both knew well that there was none... Carlos knew that he couldn't touch her below her waist at this point, as it would scare her and ruin the whole calming "process". He learned this over the previous nights, when he wanted to pull her on his lap by the hip and she squealed, terrified, tore her hand out of his grip and ran to the other end of the bed, looking at him terrified, and only "I don't want to!" fell out of her mouth.
-Relax Izzy, it's just a bad dream...- he whispered calmly, with pain in his eyes. Only there he couldn't hide it, because for his wife, they always were like an open book...
-Hug me- she whispered in return, her voice trembling, squeezing their joined hands for dear life. Carlos said nothing, just pulled her by her hand onto his lap, hugging her tightly against him. However, it was important to note that both of his wife's knees were on the side of his left hip. It was a sign for her, that he wanted her to feel safe and nothing else... He sighed with relief as he felt Isabella voluntarily and very tightly wrapped her trembling hands around his neck, to hug him tightly, and he put his arms around her back and began to stroke it in a calming manner.
-It's just a bad dream... I'm here... No one's gonna hurt you again...- he whispered, hugging her to him and placing a tender kiss on her cheek. Isabella didn't reply, just cuddled up to him even more tighter, if it was possible.
They sat there for a long time, in complete silence, until Isa completely calmed down. It was successful after a few long minutes, when her fast heart rate and equally "crazy" pulse returned to normal, as did her breathing. Then Carlos held her in his embrace for a moment more, then moved away a little, so he could look her in the eye.
-How are you?! Feel ok?!- He asked with concern, cupping his hand over her cheek and stroking it lightly.
-Yes, thanks to you...- she replied quietly but confidently, leaving her hands loosely around his neck and leaned into his gentle touch.
-I love you the most in the whole world, you know that right?- Carlos whispered, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face that had fallen over her forehead. This affectionate gesture and words straight from the heart meant that a slight smile appeared on Isabella's face.
-I love you too...- she replied in the same tone, then kissed her husband briefly, but sweetly and tenderly. She was really grateful to him that he is with her and that he supports her in everything, even though the last 2 weeks were not the easiest...
-Thanks for being with me...- she said quietly, kissing him on the cheek.
-I will always be, no matter what!- He assured her and added -There is no such force that would make me leave you, I love you too much...- Carlos said honestly, looking into her shining in dim light eyes.
-I know...- she nodded with light smile lingering on her lips, then yawned. All in all, but they weren't sleeping for long...
-Are we going back to sleep?! It's almost 3...- he suggested, yawning himself.
-Okay- agreed sleepily and added -Let's just hope that I won't have nightmares anymore...- Isabella said in a sad tone.
-No matter if you will have, or not, I am here ...- he assured her and placed loving kiss on the crown of her head.
-Gracias- she almost whispered, looking at him with a sad, but grateful look.
-You have nothing to thank me for- he replied, they kissed affectionately for the last time, and then they laid back on the pillows, under the covers, to go to sleep and gain strength for tomorrow, or rather today's work.
-Goodnight Princesse...- Carlos whispered, hugging Isabella to him and kissing her forehead.
-Good night, Carlito- she replied and, as if nothing had happened, she "made" herself a pillow of his left arm and hugged him tightly around the waist. Carlos didn't answer any more, just kissed his wife on the top of her head again and put his arms around her protectively, holding her to his chest. Before they knew it, both of them were already sleeping with a peaceful and relaxing sleep. This time, Isabella wasn't tormented by any nightmares, so they both slept the rest of the night with the dream of the righteous, arming themselves for the adventures of the new day...
THE END

Something sad, but sweet...
I'm really proud of this one, I must admit...
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Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.