That night in Monaco

Chapter 22

Charles Leclerc

"He didn't want to believe it."

Qualification has just ended. Tomorrow I would start third. I thought I had a chance of being on the  podium, even winning. However I had been trying to find Anna for an hour now and I couldn't find her. She told me she would be here. I wanted to talk to her so bad.

These last three months were too difficult for me. I couldn't sleep without her by my side. I was angry all the time and therefore I didn't talk to anyone if it wasn't necessary. However I learned how to live without her.

As I was walking around the pits my phone rang. I picked it up and saw that Anna was calling me. "Finally" I thought and answered the call. However, what I heard next made my blood freeze.

"Are you Charles Leclerc?" an unknown voice said. "Yes and how are you?" I asked. "I am calling from St. Mary's hospital. Miss Anna Papadopoulou had been in a car accident I am afraid. We found your number through her things and we decided to inform you." For a moment I thought I would pass out only from thinking that Anna might be dead. "How is she? Is she alive?" "Yes, she is alive but for further information you need to come here. "Ok I will be there in a couple of minutes." I said and hung up.

How did it happen? Was she with him? How is she? My mind was thinking of every possibility. I got to my car and started driving to the hospital as fast as I could. After 15 minutes, I finally arrived at the hospital.

I started looking for a nurse to tell me what happened as soon as I got inside.  Thankfully a nurse came to me soon after and told me that a doctor would find me to inform me. Those minutes waiting for the doctor were the most agonizing ones in my life. I didn't know what to think. I had left the circuit so fast I would have to go back to get some of my things.

"Are you Charles Leclerc ?" a doctor asked me. "Yes, how is Anna" "Look, the impact was huge. I am afraid to tell you but Mr. Papadimitriou is dead and Ms. Papadopoulou is alive but in critical condition. We did the best we could but the chances of survival are extremely low. We don't think she can make it." I couldn't comprehend what he was telling me. The only phrase that kept replaying in mind was that her chances were too low.

"Mr. Charles, do you hear me?" "Yes, uhm can I see her?" "Yes but only for 5 minutes. Follow me." he said and led me into a small room. The moment I walked in I saw my love on a cold bed unconscious with cables and tubes around her. My heart broke at the sight. How could he be so stupid to let that happen. I couldn't say that I was sad that he died. He had caused enough pain to both me and Anna.

I sat in a chair beside her and gently grabbed her hand. I drew small circles on it and started talking to her, trying to stop my tears that had already begun dropping. "My beautiful Anna, I am here with you. Please come back to me. Stay with me, please please. I can't make it without you." I stayed like that for a moment and then the doctor came in and advised me to go back to my hotel. Thankfully he agreed on informing me about any changes in her condition.

I went back to the circuit and took my things. Everyone was asking me where I was but I ignored them. I returned to my hotel and tried to get some sleep. However I failed. I couldn't stop thinking about Anna. How she could die any moment. I should have been there with her. I should have stopped that wedding back then. I should have fought for her. I didn't deserve her. Oh God I loved her so much, I will never be able to recover if she doesn't make it. And with that thought sleep finally claimed me, brutal and deep.

"He couldn't live without her."