All of Me (Sebastian Vettel)

56. Doubts?

Seb's hair was soaked through with sweat. It dripped down his forehead as he removed his balaclava. That was Friday done and dusted in Singapore.

Man, I love it here, he thought to himself. He'd topped both free practice sessions, the Ferraris being four tenths off of his time.  Still, he knew that didn't mean anything.  They could be running a higher fuel load, or they could be sandbagging. 

He handed his helmet to Antti, smiled at Britta and followed her back out into the paddock.  He nodded at Lewis Hamilton as he passed him and his physio, Angela. 

As they passed the entrance to Aston Martin hospitality Seb headed towards the door.

"I'll be back in a few Britta. I just want to see Aly quickly." He darted inside, unable to resist stealing a kiss before facing the vultures.

Britta shook her head, smiling to herself.  It was good to see Seb so happy and in love.  She'd known him a very long time and couldn't recall him ever being so in love with Sienna as he was with her younger sister. 

Seb closed the door behind him and cast his gaze around the dining area looking for Alyssa.  Where was she? 

"Alyssa about?" he asked Hannah, who was behind the counter. 

"She went out about five minutes ago.  I've no idea where she's gone. I'm sure she won't be long."

Seb frowned.  He'd been hoping to see her before heading to the media pen.  He went back outside.   "Britta, can I have my phone please?"  She handed it to him.  He took it and unlocked it.  "I'll catch up with you."

Britta headed off towards the media pen.  He dialled Alyssa's number.  It rang and rang. There was no answer.  Oh well, he'd have to catch up with her later.  On the spur of the moment he rang Sienna's number. 

"Hi Seb, what's up?  Have you got your times mixed up? The girls are at school."

"Oh, I know.  I just wanted to ask how Naomi's school trip went yesterday.  Also I wanted to ask if you had anything special planned for Rebekah's birthday?"

"Oh, she had a great time.  I'm sure she'll tell you all about it when you get back.  And I haven't planned anything yet.   You'll be in Brazil anyway, right?"

"Yeah, I just wondered if I could see her on the Tuesday after."

"I thought it would be nice if we took the girls somewhere together.  I mean, just because we're not together doesn't mean we can't still be a family on these special occasions."

"Sounds good," he said, distracted as he saw Alyssa crossing the paddock and heading towards him.  "Look, I've got to go.  Tell the kids I love them."

"Will do.  Take care."

"You too."  He disconnected the call. 

"Hey handsome.  Who were you talking to?"

"Oh just Sienna.  I called to ask how Naomi's trip went.  I tried calling you.  You didn't answer." He pouted.

"I left my phone indoors. Sorry, I just nipped a coffee over to Otmar."

Alyssa felt a hint of what could only be described as worry.  Why would he call Sienna when the girls were at school?  School trip? Surely he could have called later and asked Naomi herself. And what was he saying "you too" to? 

She headed past him and into hospitality.  "Hey!" he called after her.  "Don't I get a kiss?"

"I have to get back to work.  I'll see you later," she called back over her shoulder, rushing to get inside.   She didn't want him to see the tears in her eyes.   She headed straight for the toilets and locked herself in.  She knew she was being stupid.   There was probably a good explanation for why she was reacting so strongly for something so little but she felt so emotional for some reason.  She gave a small bitter laugh.  Perhaps her period was on its way.   She hadn't had one since having the injection.