The Fight • Max Verstappen•

•onehundred-twentyfive•

SCARLET

As I welcomed Lando Norris into Max's apartment I couldn't help but notice his odd energy, whilst we had never been close friends I knew when he wasn't himself. loud, annoying, arrogant. He took a seat on the balcony which looked over the harbour, and looked to me.

He sighed, "Thank-you for agreeing to see me, Scarlet."

I nodded and sat down opposite him. "It's no problem, you said you wanted to talk." I replied and took a sip of my peach tea. "And when you want to talk to me it must be urgent."

A nervous chuckle left his lips and he looked down at his feet. Something was definitely wrong put I didn't know him well enough to know what it was. I knew George would have been able to pick up on this within the first five minutes.

I missed living with George but mostly I missed my best friend. I very much appreciated him for having my interests at heart but I wished he would put aside his anger towards Max. In fact I wished the whole paddock would let it go, as I said to George, if I can let it go then everyone else be able to as well.

Lando's feet were tapping against the stone floor and moments later he jumped up and began pacing back and forth. "So I need to tell you something." He nervously stammered. The young Brit briefly looked back to me before settling his eyes on the marina.

I shook my head in disbelief at the wreck of a man who stood in front of me. "Why do I feel like I'm not going to like what you are going to say?" I anxiously responded.

When a usually confident man turns a skittish tone it usually is followed by something you wish you never heard.

I got up from the chair and stood next to Lando, who unlike everyone else in paddock did not tower over me. I really should have taken advantage of this height more often. noted for the future. He took a step back and with that a deep breath.

"I don't know how to say it?" He muttered and bit down on his lip. "Have you spoken with George recently?" He added.

I frowned. "No, but I'm sure soon enough we will make up." I positively remarked, "Although with the investigation into the leaked messaged I'm not so sure." I said as I rocked on my heels and looked down at my feet.

The investigation in the scandal, as Toto said 'was full steam ahead. No stone would be left unturned.' although he had done his best to keep Max's name and reputation from being dragged through the mud. However even I knew that wasn't a sure thing.

Lando rubbed the back of his neck, "Ah, yeah I read about that." He started playing with his fingers, counting them back and forth as if to ensure they were all still there. "That's actually why I'm here, there's something I need to tell you."

My interest suddenly peaked. "Yeah? And that is?" I gasped.

From his overwhelming nervous persona to the words that just left his mouth I knew that what was coming wasn't going to be welcomed news. I felt like I knew where it was going and I didn't like that.

I took a step away from him and he backed off further to the other side of the balcony. My heart was pounding in my chest, I felt a bead of sweat almost trickle down my forehead. If the world could just swallow me right now I would be happy.

Our eyes locked together and he knew that he couldn't gaze away. "I'm the other driver - the other one in the messages." He chocked. "I wanted to tell you before it was released." Lando sputtered and walked towards me. "I'm so, so, sorry."

In that moment any shred of respect I had for Lando was gone. I wanted to have a slither of respect as he came to me, but it was about four too late.

Even though I knew the words were coming they still hurt. He had sat by my bed and rallied around me in the weeks after my crash and now I wasn't sure if those moments were genuine or laced with guilt.

I stared out to the marina. Time stopped. Was the whole paddock out to get me? Had I not proven that I deserved to be here.

Without looking at him, "Why." I demanded.

There was no room for half truth or a shrugged shoulder. I wanted to know why Lando had conspired against me with Red Bull, and what I had done to deserve such a punishment.

I desperately wanted tears to fall, but they didn't and that's when I realised I was no longer hurt by this situation, I was angry. "Actually it doesn't matter why. At this point I don't care, all that matter is that you did it."

I launched myself towards him and pulled him by the papaya orange sweater that he was wearing. I felt him squirm and try to refute what I had said and although no actual words left his mouth I gathered that he was trying to explain his actions.

There would be a time when I would be willing to hear him out, but that was not tonight. Tonight I wanted to drink wine and plot my next moves.

I opened the door, and pushed him out. I didn't even wait to make sure he was out before slamming the door in his face.

••••

SO sorry it's such a short chapter...hope you enjoy it none the less :)