F1 One Shots

#22 Checo - Belgium and sickness

MARISOL POV.: Race weekend in Belgium didn't start easy for us... Heavy rain was pouring almost all the time, and most of the seassions were shorten or postponed. Nobody liked that, but I think especially the fans.. We're staying warm in team garages, and they're out there, in the rain, waiting... I couldn't even imagine how it must feel...
The other thing was, that since Wednesday I'm sick.. I constantly cough and I have runny nose. I don't feel good at all, but I wanted to be by Sergio's side whole weekend either way. Partly because of my job, but mostly for mental support as his girlfriend and best friend. My health wasn't making it easy, but I think I managed until now... Somehow...

Qualifications were tricky for all of the teams, but Max managed to get pole. Checo on other hand got 7th, which wasn't that bad. He's known for his fast driving skills and well managment with tires, so he should be able to get to the mix in front.... 
And what George Russell did still amazes all of us. How the hell he managed to get P2 IN WILLIAMS, is very much a secret, just as a miracle...!

Race should start any minute, so I'm sitting with Checo in his room, as he's getting ready, already warmed up. We've been talking for a while now, when once again, my sentance was cutted short by loug and rough cough coming from my throat.
-You sure you're fine Amore?- Checo asked me, concerned, as he was putting his shoes on.
-Yeah, don't worry about me...- I said, and then sneezed loudly.
-Well, I don't see that- he chuckled warmly and then sat down next to me, to pull me in for a hug -You sure you don't want to take a break and go back to the hotel? I still can ask Max for help...
-I'm good, really. It's just a few interviews left, I'll be getting back to health afterwards...- I disagreed and flashed him a weak smile.
-Whatever you say. But if anything changes, and you'll want to get back, just tell me ok?- he said and gave me a kiss on forehead. 
-Don't worry, I'll- I assured him and kissed his cheek -And now, stop thinking about my health and focus on racing, ok?
-Bien Amore- he agreed and we walked to the garage hand in hand.
But our missfortune continued, as Checo lost control over car in those slippery conditions and barged straight on the wall during formation lap. Impact wasn't big, but he broke front suspension, so that was Did Not Start for him.
-He's gonna be so angry...- I looked at Xavi with worry, and then coughed into my mask.
-Yeah...- he sighed in return and scrached his head. 
-But all in all, the best thing is, that he's ok...- I added, and Mortos just agreed with me with a nod.
And I wasn't mistaken, cuz' the second Checo entered the garage, he stormed into his driver's room, not looking at anybody, not even me.
-Checo!- I shouted after him, as I stood up, but he didn't stop. And that sudden yell made me bow forward and cough loud and rough again.
-Mari, you sure, you're ok?- Xavi asked me concerned, as he placed comforting hand on my back.
-Yeah, I'm. It's just a cold- I brushed it of with a little raspy voice and then added -I'm gonna go and check on him...
Without further conversation, I emerged the garage with my coat tightly around my body and went straight to Checo. It wasn't long walk, but it still made me shiver...
I aproached the door and knocked on them with little force.
-Come in!- Sergio shouted, but I still senced anger in his voice. With deep sigh I pushed the knob and opened the door to let myself in. The sight I saw wasn't suprising, as it was Checo walking around this tight space angrily and mumbling something under his breath.
-Amore...- I only managed to say, before Checo snaped at me:
-How could I do such a thing Sol!? How?! Not making the corner and slip!? HOW?! I'm not supposed to do such a mistakes! Not now, when everyone expects me to drive close to Max and help him and the team!
-Visibility was zero, rain is pouring heavy, it's not your fault!- I snaped back and again, coughed loudly into my mask.
-I was driving, so it IS clearly my fault! They're giving me this amaizing oportunity and I'm only failling them! They'll fire me before I know it! Helmut will make sure of it, I'm certain!- he rambled, as air was knocked out of my lungs by loud coughing.
-Sergio Perez Mendoza! Stop it in this second!- I yelled at him, in deep disbelieve how little he's believing in himself in that moment -You're an amazing and very talented driver, and marvellous person! Stop thinking about yourself so low because of couple of bad races! You'll get there one day, it's just new team and new car!- I told him sternly and added -Now, I'll give you a space to think and calm down, because I don't have the strenght to deal with it right now!- I cracked and then quickly left the room, coughing loudly. 
On my way out I heard Xavi and Jo yell after me, but I just ignored them. That situation wasn't on my health and I just had to have a minute alone. It was just too much...

....
I think around an hour had passed, when I finally composed myself and calmed down fully. This sort of argument with Checo really got me shaking, but I think that I'd not act the way I did if I wasn't feeling so bad in general...
I was standing on balcony in our team's hospitality, deep in thoughts, when I heard voice behind me:
-You should get back inside. You're already sick..- said calm, but very concerned voice, which was more than familiar and dear for me. But I didn't move.
-You think? And maybe stress is helping me in getting better?!- I was cruel at that moment, but he needed to see that he's wrong...
-Sol...- he sighed and came closer -I know...
-What you know now, hm Checo?! That I'm always worried about you, and I'll be by your side no matter what!? That my words are true and you just fucked up?! WHAT?!- my rant was interupted couple of times with coughing, but I managed to show him my point, turning to face him. Big pout on his face acompanied with sadness and worry in his eyes was breaking my heart but I needed to be strong. For sake of us both...
-Sol stop for second, ok? Let me talk!- he said, not raising his voice at me -I know I shouldn't act like I did, because it never helps anybody, and for most I shouldn't get my anger out on you, especially not when you're unwell, but it happened and I can't move back time and un-do it no matter how much I wish I could! So the only thing I can do, is say and show you how much sorry I am for everything... Perdon me Amore...- he said and I clearly saw that he's meanning every single word. 
-Just don't do that again, will you?
-I promise- he agreed and pulled me in, for a tight hug, which I quickly returned. I missed his warm hugs, even thou it was just more than an hour...
-Te quiero...
-Yo tambien Amore..- I sighed and got kiss on the forehead in return.
We stayed like that for a few minutes, after which we pulled back a little.
-Let's get back inside, shall we? And check how it's going with my car and talks with Michael about my eventual start from the pits...
-And cup of warm tea for me...- I agreed with small smile.
-That too, of course!- Checo nodded and kissed my head lovingly, keeping me close to him by my waist -I hate fighting with you...- he replied seconds later and bowed his head.
-It wasn't a fight!- I disagreed quickly.
-I know, but still felt like it... And I don't like it..
-Me neither Amore...- I agreed, we put our masks on again and gave each other a kiss through them, as I didn't wanned Sergio to get sick in the middle of triple header, and then actually got back inside.
Then it was time to patiently wait for the restart of the race with hot mugs of coffee and tea and hope that joined forces of both sides of the garage will get the car going in time...
THE END

Very weird and unfortunne conditions in Spa...
It's really a shame that they couldn't race yesterday...
But as everyone says, safety first!
Let's hope that we'll finally get some proper racing in Zandvoort nexr weekend!
Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.