Playing With Fire (Sebastian Vettel)

1. Flashback (1)

Abu Dhabi 2021

Britta held Seb as he shook in shock. Everyone there sat in silence, all shook to their core. Time seemed to stand still. Fear grew for the five drivers involved. Luca picked up the remote and muted the television, the commentators' speculation was just making everything worse.

"What's taking so long?" Will asked, frustrated. Luca shot him a warning look. Couldn't he see how frantic Seb already was?

"I need to go. I need to find out what's going on," said Seb, pulling out of Britta's arms.

"Seb, I think that it would be best if you stay here," Britta advised. "The media will be all over you. That's the last thing you need right now."

"I'll go Seb. I'll see what I can find out," said Lance, standing up. Seb looked at his teammate and reluctantly nodded. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Seb slammed his fist down on the table as the door closed behind Lance. A silent tear rolled down his face.

"I'm her boyfriend. I should be there. I feel so bloody useless just sat here," he shouted.

"Seb, there's nothing you can do. They won't let you on track. The best thing you can do is wait here. Lance will find out what he can and then he will be back."

"Luca, I get what you're saying but you know it didn't look good."

"Keep the faith buddy," Luca said, laying his hand on Seb's shoulder. They lapsed back into an uneasy silence. It was so quiet that they could hear the clock ticking on the wall.

Seb felt sick. Mollie had to be ok. There was no alternative. He couldn't exist without her. She was his reason for being.

Britta took Seb's hand and squeezed it, reassuringly.

Half an hour passed since Lance had left. What was taking him so long?

Antti stood up. "I'll go and see what's happening," he said. As he headed towards the door, it opened and Lance came in.

"Lance, what's happening?" Will asked.  Seb looked at Lance, waiting for news.

"Nothing specific.  All I know is they've took three drivers to the hospital, no one seems to have any idea who.  They're still working on the other two."

"What about the radio? Has Mollie spoken to the team?"  Seb urged.  Lance shook his head sadly. 

"No response. But you know as well as I do Seb, that means nothing.  Those radios easily break in a shunt."

The door opened again and Seb saw Matthew Thorne stood there. 

"Seb, come on. She's on her way to hospital. I'll take you. Luca, Will, Jack's in charge while I'm gone."

Seb jumped to his feet and followed Matthew out the door, setting off at a run towards the car park. 

As they arrived Seb jumped into the passenger seat of Matthew's Mercedes.

"Is she ok Matthew?"

"I honestly don't know Seb.   All I know is what Tom told me. They have her out and she's on her way to hospital.  I came straight to find you.  I knew you'd be desperate for news."

"Thank you. She'll be ok, won't she?" he asked, desperate for reassurance.

"I truly hope so Seb." Seb took his phone out. He knew it was a bad idea but he couldn't t stop himself.

Some fans at the race had posted pics of their view. He could see the mangled remains of Mollie's car. He felt vomit rising.

"Stop!" he cried out, putting his hand over his mouth. Matthew quickly pulled over. Seb opened the door and jumped out of the car before throwing up, violently. He started shaking, his breathing erratic.  Matthew got out of the car and came around to check on him.