daylight, MAX VERSTAPPEN

ONE, the dinner

ELENA sat in her old living room in her parents house, playing with her niece and nephew with the new toys they had just had for Christmas. Her brother, Sergio and his wife Carola were setting the table whilst his and Elena's parents finished up cooking their dinner.

It was a celebratory dinner, as Sergio had just been confirmed to drive for Red Bull for the 2021 season after almost retiring from the sport. He had his first race win a month before at the Sakhir Grand Prix, which had sparked Red Bull's interest in him even more.

He would be racing alongside Red Bull's golden boy, Max Verstappen. Elena hadn't really followed him much through her years of watching Formula One, but she knew he was one of the brighter stars of the future.

2021 was said to be Verstappen's year, Red Bull had promised him a car to be able to fight Lewis Hamilton to the World Drivers Championship victory, and Sergio had been briefed. Christian Horner explained how he had to play the ultimate team game, helping Max to his victory.

Sergio had graciously excepted, thankful just to still be in the sport, let along with a Grand Prix winning team.

Elena and Sergio had "brother-sister takeaway" nights whenever Sergio was allowed a cheat day from his work diet, and last week, Sergio had been raving to his sister about his new teammate. In her opinion, Elena couldn't really see anyone putting a stop to Hamilton's glory years, but after hearing everything about Verstappen from her brother, she did have some faith in the young driver.

Even though her brother was driving for the Bulls, Elena was a die hard Ferrari fan, and always had been. When she and Checo were kids, Elena wouldn't be seen without a crimson red shirt, embedded with a prancing horse.

Her love for Ferrari is what lead to her interest in a certain Monégasque driver.

Charles Leclerc came into the sport in 2018 with Sauber, (now Alfa Romeo) and made his debut for Ferrari in 2019. Elena had always liked Charles, from the moment he set foot in the paddock. He was beautiful, charming, funny, everything that El liked.

Her whole family was aware of her paddock crush, including Sergio, who would alway tease her at races if Charles ever walked past.

Elena didn't know if Charles knew that she liked him. He didn't seem to acknowledge it if they ever spoke, even if Elena practically had hearts in her eyes, but if he didn't, she would like to keep it that way.

The door of the house knocked, and Sergio Jr shot up. "Max!" he gasped. Junior had alway been a Max fan, and Carola always teased her husband about how his dad wasn't even his favourite driver.

Elena chuckled at her nephew's enthusiasm, and stood up off the floor. She ruffled his hair slightly before she shouted out to her brother, "Hermano! You're superior is here!"

She heard Sergio give a sarcastic laugh. "Get the door you mierda."

Elena pointed a finger at him and gave him an expression of mock seriousness "Hey! Language around the children." Checo rolled his eyes chuckling.

Elena walked over to the large door, stained glass in the frame showing the misshaped outline of a man stood outside. She unlocked the door and opened it.

Max Verstappen was stood before her, his hair slightly shaggy, and in need of a haircut. He was wearing a tight shirt, which showed off his muscles from training. His hand were placed in the pocket of his jeans as he looked up at the woman stood before him.

His eyes widened slightly as he admired the girl. "This must be Checo's sister." he thought as she smiled at him. He remembered Checo mentioning his younger sister a couple of months ago, but he didn't expect her to be... well, her.