Unexpected

Chapter IX

'Oh my! Charles Leclerc has hit the barriers. That must have hurt. And that doesn't look good. I really hope he is OK.'

I am sitting in my sofa watching the race that changed my life. For 4 years straight I have won the championship. I was three championships away from Hamilton and Schumacher when the weather conditions at the Brazil GP led to my crash. The accident was six months ago. I have taken a break from driving to recover. My memory got all messed up and I still miss parts of my life. I count on my family to help me remember and it is slowly coming back to me but from time to time I still get confused. I recall my races, funny enough. I remember the awards. I don't remember the crash and although people keep talking about the year 2022 when apparently I got promoted to a prancing horse for my change in tactics and attitude towards the gig, I don't recall much about it either.

The doctors told me to stay away from racing as it may trigger traumas from the crash but I have been going karting with Arthur and everything seems to be fine. I still can't remember 2022 or the crash. Since the crash, I've become more of a recluse. Although I've been testing the doctors instructions, I do know my memory needs to be given time to recover so I've been chilling, exercising and following Hamilton and Verstappen's rivalry. The current season can go either way in my opinion. 

Two years ago, I've sold my apartment and built a house in the hills of Monaco. Not so close to the marina but with the most amazing views. I know I am blessed and I am forever grateful for the luck that was thrust upon me. This is where I spend my time.

∞

I sometimes scroll through the missed messages people have left me when I got into the accident. People have been very supportive and even my friends appreciate I need time to recover. They check in and ask me to join them for stuff but I really am happy with staying home.

I take the Monza for a trip from time to time but lately I've been feeling eager to get back inside the F1 car. Ferrari have called in Mick to replace me for this season and together with Carlos they have been doing great. Max and Lewis are just on another level and no one can blame Ferrari for not being able to compete. Toretto was right when he said 'The only thing that matters is who's behind the wheel.' But that was 6 months ago. Hopefully I will be able to get back inside the car next season, but only time will tell.

As I scroll though my messages I see one that was unread. It is from the day after the accident and it says 'Hi Charles. It's been a while. I saw the crash. I hope you're OK. Hopefully we can talk soon. We both truly hope you're OK. x'. There's no contact associated to the phone number but there are previous messages.

21st September 2022

Quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco, Apartment 1016. 7pm. Any allergies?

None. I'll be there. What should I bring?

Nothing, just you.

22nd September 2022

Just finished at work. Will be ready to go at noon. Don't pick me up from the hotel. I will wait for you in front of Gucci. Bring swimwear.

23rd September 2022

I can't wait to see you. Let me know when you finish work. I miss you.

Hope you're OK. I'm worried. Call me.

24th December 2022

Hi Charles, I know we didn't leave things the way either of us wanted to but I thought maybe we could catch up. Merry Christmas. x

26th June 2023

It's me again. We haven't spoken in so long and I understand your reasons for not replying to me but yesterday was a very special day and I thought I'd let you know that. I still want to talk. Congratulations. x

4th December 2023

Congratulations on the championship, Charles. You deserve everything that has come and will continue coming your way. x

25th June 2024

Congratulations, Charles. We watched the race and we agree that you have done great! x

25th June 2025

Congratulations, Charles. x

8th October 2027

Hi Charles. It's been a while. I saw the crash. I hope you're OK. Hopefully we can talk soon. We both truly hope you're OK. x

I'm left there trying to remember who she is. Clearly we had something in 2022. Just my luck because it's the year I barely remember. Who is she? Why didn't I reply? I can't recall her or why I didn't reply. Why didn't I reply? She clearly wanted to talk. And why is she congratulating me in the middle of June? The season ends in November, there's nothing worthy of congrats in June. And what's with the "both of us" thing? Her and whom?

I text my brothers on the group chat: 

'Guys, was I dating someone in 2022? Around September?'

'Not that I know of' - Arthur replies.

'Not that you have told me about it'- Lorenzo writes.

I go through the messages again and I think about replying but what happens if I do? Who is this person? Who is she? Why can't I get my mind to help on this?

I end up laying on my bed going through the texts in my mind and trying to remember her but to no avail.