"What we have to lose"

18

I felt two strong arms around me and only realized now that the tears were streaming down my face. I placed my head against Daniel's chest, letting all the tears out.
"It's ok, I understand how you feel, I miss my parents as well." he quietly says. "Why don't you ask them if they join a race earlier that the Belgian GP?" he asks. "They can't they both have to work and I can't visit them because I have to work too." I answered, calming down a little bit.
I stared into the unknown, feeling Daniel's heartbeat against my head. He rubbed my back with his hand, making me comfortable. I started crying not only because of the picture of my parents. I also cried because I kinda live the dream of my dad, being this close to formula 1. I want to give him every little detail I pick up so he feels as if he's here, with me. He is the reason I love F1, I wouldn't work here today if he never showed me.
.
.
.
Daniels POV:
I could see the pain in her eyes. She started this job here, far away from her parents. All alone in the first place because she knew no one. Max and I wanted to make her feel home so we surround her as much as we can. And she is happy here, you can see that. But I know that sometimes it just hits you, memories, thoughts, anything and you feel alone.
I felt that Amilia calmed down a bit. I'm glad she stopped crying, it literally broke my heart. I looked down to her and saw that she was halfway asleep. I leaned back on the couch and pulled her with me, placing her head on my chest.
I thought about how I could help her. I'd like to surprise her with her parents on a race weekend earlier than Belgium. I send Christian a message because I thought he might have the number of Amilia's parents.
Christian liked the idea I had and was touched about how much Amilia misses her parents. He gave me their number and I decided to text them.
Daniel:
Good evening Mr and Mrs Van Dijk
It's Daniel Ricciardo here, the F1 driver of the team your daughter Amilia works for. After a few conversations with her I realized how much she misses the two of you. I know that you are invited to the Belgium GP but since it's a long time until then, I want to ask if there is any possibility for you to visit on an earlier race. Mr Horner would send you the tickets then. I'd love to keep it a secret if that's alright, a little surprise for Amilia.
Greetings Daniel

I sent the message and hope that her parents will make it. I checked on Amilia who was still asleep. I pulled a blanket over her because she was only wearing one of my shirts when my phone rang.

Message from her parents:
Them: hello Daniel
It's lovely to hear from you. We'd love to join another race to see our daughter before the Belgium GP. If it's alright we'd like to join the Monaco GP. We would like to thank the whole team for making this possible. And the biggest thank you goes out to you for caring about our daughter.
We are looking forward to hear from you, I hope we can surpise Amilia!
Greetings from us!

I was relieved when I saw that her parents agreed on coming to an earlier GP. I texted Christian and he was happy that her parents agreed as well. He organized the tickets and everything quickly and already send them to her parents. I hope she'll like it.
.
.
.
I chatted with Max, introducing him about the situation. "I'm glad she's with you and not alone right now, brilliant idea btw." he says over the phone. He was worried about Amilia just as much as I am. We decided to make the time until she sees her parents as enjoyable as possible. I know that we can cheer her up. And added to that, I know Amilia and Blair became close so she will also help cheering her up.
Since I didn't want to wake up Amilia, I decided to carry her into my bedroom. I laid her down, pulling the duvet over her, hopefully not waking her up. She nuzzled into my duvet and wrapped it closer around her. I had a conflict with myself, wether I should sleep next to her or not. "Daniel please stay." i hear her whining. She really wanted me to stay so I laid down next to her. She comes closer to me, placing her head on my chest, looking all comfortable. I wrap my arm around her when I hear a quiet 'Thank you' from her. I hope she'll be happy about our surprise...
.
.
.