That night in Monaco

Chapter 29

"It was one of the happiest days in her life."

A week has passed since we returned to my apartment. Monza was this weekend so Charles had a lot of things to prepare. In fact he seemed more anxious than he was in the previous races. Maybe he wanted to win so badly again and make us all proud. I did not pressure him and completed my work.

It was Thursday morning and in the afternoon we had to fly all the way to Monza. I was really looking forward to it as it would be the first time I would actually be there especially with Charles. We were packing our stuff when I realized that Charles was  quieter than usual.

"Charles?" I asked. He continued packing without answering me, so I asked him again. "Charles?" "Oh Anna did you say anything?" "Yes I did but you did not hear me." "What is it?" "Charles are you alright?" "Yeah, why do you ask?" "Because these days you are way too anxious about the race and you do not talk as much as you did." "Do not worry about it Anna. It is just that I really want to win in Monza otherwise I feel like I am letting the whole team and Italy down." "Oh Charles you do not have to feel that way. You know that I am proud of you and I support you no matter what, right?" "Yes and thank you for that Anna." he said and gave me a light kiss.

We finished quickly enough to have lunch before we left for the airport. Charles then helped me tidy the apartment a little and at 5 p.m. we left for the airport. Soon after we arrived and we boarded on the plane. Our flight would last two hours and a half and we would land to Bologna. We then would have to drive for another two hours to Monza.

During the flight Charles read a book to me and we also listened to music. We had a lot of fun but I still noticed that Charles was not calm. He was tense like he was hiding something from me. I did not want to think of him cheating because I would get hurt. I knew deep in my heart that Charles was not that kind of person. He would not do it but that did not stop me from wondering. What if ? Charles pulled me out of my thoughts by asking me if I wanted to drink anything. I politely refused and continued thinking.

Two and a half hours later we landed, took our luggage and started our journey to Monza. Charles was driving although I asked him not to but he did not listen to me. During our drive we were listening to music and talking about anything really but at some point we talked about the Grand Prix. I told him how happy and excited I was to be there and watch him race and he told me that he wanted to win so badly as it was the most important Grand Prix for him after of course Monaco. I could not wait to see him on the podium and then listen to the Monegasque and Italian anthem.

I remember watching his first win in Monza on television and still get goosebumps when I think of what they said "Charles Leclerc has coped brilliantly. He won in Spa. He wins in Monza. Charles Leclerc is the winner of the 2019 Italian Grand Prix." It was such an incredible race and I wish it would be like that this weekend.

We arrived at the hotel two later and the time was now 11 p.m. We were both so tired that we went to sleep immediately. I closed my eyes and I drifted to sleep in his arms as usual.

When I woke up I saw Charles beside me sleeping. I hadn't seen him sleep in a long time so now was the perfect moment. It was still too early but I wanted to admire his beautiful and calm face. I had missed seeing him so calm. He was so tense this week, I wish I could do something to make him feel better.

Charles slowly woke up an hour later and caught me staring at him. "How long have you been staring at me?" he said smiling. "An hour or so. Good morning to you too by the way." "Good morning Anna." he said and gave me a hug. "You know that we have to get up now, don't you mon amour." "Ah I know. I just wish I could stay in bed a little longer." "Ok so I am going to suggest something." "I am listening Mr. Leclerc." "Why don't I go to the circuit and you can go out for shopping and then come to the circuit later so we can return to the hotel together?" "You know me too well γλυκέ μου."