Missing You // Lando Norris

Ch.4

"Speak to me" I sigh, leaning on the door frame as Will moves around the kitchen. He's spent his morning ignoring me, fury in his eyes as he completes his tasks.

I watch him. He turns to his fridge, taking out his pre-prepared quinoa smoothie bowl. He methodically places it on the counter top, pouring himself a glass of water. He sits down heavily, as though he held the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He begins to eat, pausing suddenly. "Have you taken your meds today?" The question is directed at me, though his eyes remain on his bowl.

I shake my head, walking towards the cabinet in which they are stored. Two pills a day. One for my anxiety, one with all of the supplements that I need. I take Will's glass of water, using it to help me swallow them. He briefly stops chewing, ready to scold me, but appears to think better of it.

I stare at my brother, willing him to talk to me.

*Flashback*

"WILL! Will wait for me, pleaseeee" I giggle, struggling for air as I run after my brother through the field. This was a regular activity for us, the best entertainment we could come up with considering we lived deep in the British country side. Our home, a 17th century manor, was enormous, full of nooks and crannies through which our child sized bodies could easily fit; but the interior was dark and dingy, making the home dull and melancholy. The walls were littered with paintings of ancestors we had never met, the furniture pristine: it was no place for children to play.

So, Will and I spent our time in the acres around the Manor, playing endlessly until our lungs gave out.

I catch up to Will as we reach the stream that ran through one of the fields, a small woodland surrounding it. A little rope hangs attached to a large tree near the stream. Will grabs it, taking a running jump as he uses it to swing across the stream. As he reaches the other side, we both exclaim with joy.

"Grab the rope Annie!" Will commands. I do as he says, grabbing the rope as my nerves spike. Nowhere near as big or strong as my big brother, I worry that I won't make it across the stream.

Anxious to impress him, I attempt it anyway. I step back, running forward. I jump, holding the rope, when suddenly it snaps. I come tumbling down, midway across the stream, the sudden sensation of the cold water hitting my skin.

"Annie!" I hear Will gasp, though I can no longer see him.

It feels like an eternity until Will's warm arms wrap around my body. He drags me out of the water, both of us coughing and spluttering as we reach the bank.

"Christ Annie you scared me" Will stares at me, his eyes full of concern. I begin to cry, the shock of falling catching up with me as I process what has happened and my body begins to hurt. Worst of all, I feel awful for scaring Will.

Upon seeing my reaction, Will's facial features soften. "Hey, hey, hey. Don't cry. It wasn't your fault, that silly rope was old anyway" Will wipes me tears, pulling me into his chest as he hugs me. I instantly relax, melting into his safe embrace.

I sniffle, offering him a weak smile. He shoots me a warm smile back, relief washing over his face as we both calm down.

"You're so special Annie. So brave. I'll never let anyone or anything hurt you." Will states, though it appears that he is talking to himself, making himself a promise, rather than talking to me.

Dusk begins to fall, and Will scoops me up, carrying me all the way back to the manor. As we approach the door, we notice our parents stood on the porch, my mothers face filled with concern, my fathers arms crossed.

My mother opens her mouth to speak, but is instantly drowned out by my fathers, causing her to recoil.

"What the hell were you thinking!" He booms, the veins on his neck looking as though they might pop at any minute. His words are those of anger, disappointment, not concern.

"Rupert-" My mother begins, her face torn with concern and fear of him.

"No Bella. Anastasia should know better, especially after what happened to Henry." My father states firmly, and I watch my mothers face fall.

"It's my fault. I convinced Ana to play with me." William states firmly, wishing to free me from my fathers wrath.

My father digests this information, coming to his conclusion. "I've had enough of your foolishness Anastasia. We're sending you to boarding school, maybe then you'll come to your senses." He states firmly, breaking my heart. "And you, young man, shall start focusing on practicing your racing. Maybe you'll be able to fill Henry's shoes one day." With this, he turns away, walking back into the manor, all of us flinching and stood in shock at his final sentence.

*End of flashback*

We were now far older, and both lived in Will's apartment in London.

"I'm sorry." I sigh, sitting down next to Will. He shrugs, his eyes on his bowl, so I grab his arm, cuddling into it.

Finally, he breaks. "It's fine Ana." I flinch. "I just wish you'd slow down sometimes, help yourself get better and learn from your mistakes." He sighs, looking at me, his eyes pooling with sadness.

"I don't deserve you." I throw my arms around Will, and he accepts my hug. "I promise I'll try. I want you to be proud of me." I smile weakly.

"I've been thinking, actually. I want you to come to the races with me this season. I could use your support and you could manage my social media to earn a bit of money for yourself. Plus, I feel like I need to keep an eye on you. Be there for you whenever you need me. I just don't think you can be alone Annie." His words are grave, but I smile at the idea.

"Okay" I state firmly, wondering what the months ahead hold for me.

A/N

Hey besties

Bonus chapter! I'm so inspired by this story so far!

Thank you so much for your support so far! It means more than you know.

Don't know if any of you have watched 'The Bridge to Terabithia', but that provided some inspo here.

What are your favourite films? I'm a gatsby gal fr.

See u soon! Love Xx