Lights Out

Double Surprise

Friday 5th February.
The drive to Lando's took an hour and a half, and I left pretty late because I had to finish up a few things at the factory. I pulled into the driveway at just past 8pm, parking my car up and taking my case out of the passenger seat. They'd given me a Honda NSX, which I was still really chuffed about. I had to admit it, although I drove fast cars for a living, I was still a little kid when it came to sports cars. I locked the car, walking up to the front door and knocking. Max had known to expect me around this time as I'd texted him before leaving my hotel. He said that he'd get Lando to open the door for me. The door opened, and there stood my McLaren friend. His mouth dropped open before he sprung into my arms.
"JESSIE!"
"Good evening, Norris," I laughed. I looked over his shoulder to see Max walking towards the doorway.
"Did you have a safe journey?"
"Yeah, it was alright."
"Wait, you knew about this?" Lando asked, turning to his friend.
"Of course he knew about it," I said.
"Jessie texted me on Wednesday."
"So that's why you were asking me what I was doing this weekend!"
"You're an idiot," I giggled.
"Shut up! Come on, it's freezing. We haven't even got your bedroom set up."
"We have," Max interjected. "I did it whilst you were out training."
"You guys dismantled my bedroom?"
"No, just the sheets needed changing and a quick go-around with the hoover."
"Hmm, sure," I said, eyeing the two of them suspiciously. We went inside and I took my shoes off, wrinkling my nose when I smelt burning.
"I think you two should go and check on your dinner."
"Shit!" Lando ran off, skidding around the corner and thumping into the kitchen.
"Glad to see he hasn't changed since I left then."
"Yeah, he's still burning too much food," Max said.
"How's living with him been?"
"It's been alright. We haven't broken anything too badly yet, so it's okay."
"How's he been doing?" I asked, lowering my voice.
"He has his days. Sometimes he can't get out of bed. Jon helps then, but I don't think he sleeps very much either. I hear him going downstairs some nights to go outside. I think he watches the stars."
"I do worry about him," I sighed.
"Yeah. So do I. Maybe he'll be better with you here. How long are you staying for?"
"I'm not too sure, to be honest. I need to go and see dad at some point. He doesn't think I'm still in England, so I'll go and surprise him as well. I might stay until just after my birthday. I packed enough clothes for now, and I have some at dad's anyway, so..."
"Well, you know you're free to stay for as long as you want. Or, rather, as long as you can put up with us," he chuckled.
"Oh, you two could never drive me away," I smiled.

I put my case down in the corner of my room and collapsed onto my bed, my back sinking into the mattress as I let out a deep breath. A knock on the doorframe made me turn and see Lando.
"You okay?" he asked, coming in and sitting down next to me. I sat up.
"Yeah. Just a lot of emotions."
"What's going on in that brain of yours? Talk me through it."
"I just feel safe. I think, when I'm at my apartment in Monaco, my guard is still up. I don't have any memories of Julien here, just good memories of you guys, so I feel safe."
"When's the last time you slept?"
"When's the last time you slept?" I said, turning the question back onto him. "Max tells me, you know. I worry about you."
"I'm fine."
"Lando-"
"I'm fine, Jessie."
"Since when do we not tell each other what's going on?"
"I don't want to be interrogated, Jess."
"Okay, I'll stop. I just want to know how you are."
"And I told you. I'm fine. Lay off it."
"Okay, I'm sorry. I need to get some sleep."
"Right. Goodnight."

Jessie: What's wrong with Lando? I asked him if he'd been okay, and he completely shut me off and got angry
Jessie: He's never done that before
Read 9.12pm
Maxy Boy: He does that to me, but I didn't expect him to do that to you. Maybe use the 'Jessie tactic' to get him to soften up.
Read 9.13pm
Jessie: I don't know if that'll work. I'll see how we go over the next few days.
Read 9.13pm
Maxy Boy: I think that's the best idea
Read 9.13pm
Jessie: I'm going up to dads tomorrow btw, going by car so. I'm still not able to stay there, but I'll spend some time with him, go and see mum and Dylan, grab some clothes from there and come back here. I'll probably be back here around eight-ish if I zoom down those country roads lmao
Read 9.14pm
Maxy Boy: Okay, what time you leaving?
Read 9.14pm
Jessie: Maybe around half eight?
Read 9.15pm
Maxy Boy: Okay. Get some sleep
Read 9.15pm
Jessie: Jeeeeez, yes mum
Jessie: Night
Read 9.16pm
Maxy Boy: Night Jess
Read 9.17pm