"Take a breath and let the rest come easy!" - Dear Maria Count Me In, All Time Low
~
The girls arrived at the track with an hour to spare before free practice one would start. Giving them enough time to quickly greet the boys and get settled in.
Since they were going to watch in the Ferrari hospitality today, they decided to enter the paddock from the back. Trying to catch Esteban or Pierre on their way over.
Unfortunately it was no luck. With it being both of their home race, they had media and sponsorship duties until the last minute.
They did however run into Pierres mother, who was ecstatic to see Fiona back at a race. She was quick to try and convince both girls to watch the session from the Alpha Tauri garage.
However, the two girls politely declined.
Being Charles Leclercs cousin, Elle couldn't really be seen at another teams garage. People did know she was friends with Pierre and she did sign an NDA, but there were a million reasons why it wasn't a good idea. The rumor mill would go wild.
For Fiona, it was a slightly different story. She always used to switch between garages. Trying to support both of her best friends equally. Which is why it was properly not a big deal for out-standers if she was seen doing it just like that, however she certainly wasn't ready to watch without Elle next to her to calm her nerves.
After they said goodbye to Pascale, the girls continued making their way over to Ferrari. Fiona meanwhile gave herself a moment to take in her surroundings. She'd be lying if she told anyone that being back in the paddock wasn't an utterly overwhelming experience. On the other side, it did feel a little bit like she never left.
Nothing had changed around here. Except maybe one or two team names and colours. Other than that, it was the same crowd walking the paddock.
The obvious family members, making their way over to their associated team hospitality.
The kids and older fans trying to sneak in a photo or autograph from one oft he drivers or other known people.
And obviously the wannabe influencers, trying to make an impression or taking photos for their instagram.
Fiona rolled her eyes, some people were definitely trying too hard, walking around in ridiculous clothes and doing everything they could to catch someones attention.
Here and there they'd catch someone that recognized Elle and to her surprise most of the times even herself.
She actually thought a lot of people would've forgotten about her by now. Sure she used to attend quite a few races back in the day, she hadn't for a while though. And with the fast circus that was formula one she'd never had thought even half as many people ash ad already recognized her would do so.
Elle nudged her friends shoulder playfully as she saw the brunette smiling to herself „Feels good to be back, doesn't it?"
Fiona turned to look at her „It actually does. Everything's so familiar. It's still a little bit weird though. And I'm definitely still super scared for whats to come."
It was the truth. So far, she definitely was glad to be back. Deep down however, she was still terrified. Terrified that all the memories would keep coming back to her and she wouldn't be able to keep it together.
Fiona had spent the last two years, trying to be strong. To not let everything get to her. Being here though, it was almost impossible for her to do so. She hadn't told anyone about that part. Being scared of letting it all out. All of her friends had always been there for her, through the good and definitely the bad.
When Anthoine died, she swore to herself that she'd give it all back. That this time she'd be the strong one. And in order to do so, she never really allowed herself to grieve the loss oft her friend herself.
