bad habits - charles leclerc

six

LEIA

I hugged Lando, so hard I think I sucked the life out of him,

"A podium!" I shouted,

"P7 to 3," he smiled, and I smiled too. I smiled for my brothers podium, and I smiled for my brother placing above Charles. I hope it hit him where it hurts.

Back in the hotel room, I'm scrolling on my phone. I keep flipping back and forth between scrolling through social media, and texting some university friends. But soon enough a notification pops up from my favourite person, Charles Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc
I bet you were praying
for my downfall today

Wow, how did he know? I rolled my eyes and texted him back,

leia norris
well you started p4
and ended p4

Charles Leclerc
I guess, but my mess up
in the beginning was your fault

leia norris
my fault???

Charles Leclerc
I was thinking of you,
instead of driving

leia norris
and that other girl?
oh let me guess, she was
"no one"

Charles Leclerc
She's not no one,
she's my ex. But I swear
she's just my ex

leia norris
nothing more?

Charles Leclerc
Yes

I leave him on read after that. I'm glad we've cleared that up, but I'm not one to easily forgive.

After dinner with Lando and his girlfriend, when I was sitting on my bed (once again) I had a revelation. My infatuation with Charles could really hurt my brother. It wouldn't be one of my usual antics, this would be hooking up with his competitor, which was a whole other level. And I'm grateful Charles stood me up because it messed things up, and it just makes it easier to stay away from him. Clearly I spoke too soon because someone knocked on my door, and through the hole I can see Charles,

"Was texting me not enough?" I asked,

"Nothing is enough," he pleaded, "Please understand me, that girl, her name is Isabel, we broke up... I don't know, maybe 4 months ago. She ended it, not me. Which explains why I was so confused to see her, and I told her no. If you had let me explain weeks earlier we wouldn't be having this little feud right now."

"Well you did stand me up, and we weren't even going on a date," I replied, his cheeks flushed red when I made a remark about a date,

"I truly, honestly, forgot. I was in shock with Isabel coming over,"

"Okay, I understand," I said making sure my face read no emotions,

"So can we go out tomorrow? Clubbing like you wanted?" he asked all happy,

"No, I think we should just stick to hanging out with friends or something," I smiled, he frowned knowing I was playing a game and trying to make it harder for him,

"Fine, friends it is," he agreed, "But you're required to come on Wednesday, there's a dinner with all my friends. And you're very clearly a friend."

"Well you said it, I am required to go,"

"Okay, I'll knock on your door at 6," he said as he started down the hall,

"Wait! Charles!" I called to him and he came running back,

"What?" he asked,

"Text me before you come to my room," I requested,

"Why?"

"Because of Lando, his room is right next to mine,"

"And you don't want him to see us together?"

"Yes,"

"And I thought we were just friends," he said closing the hotel room door.