FAST AND FUTURE - George Russell

20

George cautiously opened the door to Daniella’s room, finding her sitting on the floor with her back pressed against her bed. Her cheeks were stained with tears as she tightly hold a frame photo of her dad.

She looked up, slightly surprised to see George standing in front of her.

“Sorry, I missed the funeral,” George softly said as he closed the door, trying not to make any sound.

“I didn’t even know you were coming,” Daniella sniffed as she wiped her tears. “Sorry I look like a mess,” she quickly straighten up her black dress and ran her fingers through her hair, not wanting to look weak or venerable.

George gave a sad smile before we went over and sat beside her on the floor, not knowing exactly what to say or how he can comfort her.

“That is a lovely photo,” he pointed at the framed photo in Daniella’s hand. It was from her karting days. Her dad was proudly smiling and holding her and she had a trophy in her hand.

Daniella’s grip on the frame loosened and George gently took it off her hands.

“He looks so proud of you,” George commented.

“He is…was always my biggest supporter,” Daniella replied, her voice starting to crack. “When I would loose or have a bad race he would always try to cheer me up and encourage me…and now he is gone,” she failed to hold back her tears. “We barely had a full conversation when I got back and he…” Daniella broke down, she covered her face with her hands as heavy tears rolled down her face.

George immediately wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer, giving her the comfort to cry her heart out.

It broke his heart to see her like this as she has always portrayed herself as both mentally and emotionally strong.

***

Daniella was very emotional as she said goodbye to her family before she left for the next race weekend. She lost her father less than two weeks ago and no matter how strong she is trying to be on the outside she is feeling weak and broken from the inside. And it didn’t help that the news travelled fast and everyone around her was giving her sympathetic look but it didn’t stop some fans to ask her for selfie and autographs which annoyed her a lot but she politely declined.

As soon as she got off the plane and made her way out of the airport she was surrounded by reporters throwing all sorts of questions at her. Luckily Mercedes sent her security guards who safely guided her to her car and she didn’t had to interact with anyone.

“Dani!” Charles ran towards her as soon as he spotted her in the hotel lobby. Before Daniella could say anything he pulled her into a hug. “I am so so sorry for you loss.”

“Hi Charles,” she shot him a polite smile, still not sure what to exactly say when someone offer their condolences or talk about her father.

He let go of his friend, completely understanding what she is going through.

“Did you get my…”

“Flowers? Yes,” Daniella nodded.

“Well…if you need anything or need to talk I am here, just give me a call,” he offered.

“Thanks Charles,” Daniella gave a grateful look. “I will remember that.”

***

“What the…” George slightly jumped when he was on the verge of changing is driving suit and the door to his driver’s room suddenly opened and Daniella walked in.