The encounter of a lifetime - Charles Lerclerc

Chapter 59

*Eclipse of about 2 weeks*

This weekend is the Monaco race, in other words THE race Charles doesn't want to miss. He trained hard to be physically ready for this meeting. Only it takes place at the end of May, and normally he should not play sports until mid-June. Only he said to himself that if he trained even harder, that he did physio and rehabilitation, he might get the green light from the doctors for this race. The verdict must fall tonight. He is doing the tests at the hospital and will be back soon. The problem is that if he can't run during this grand prix it will be a tragedy. For now, don't think about it and wait for their decision.

For my part, I have a big day of classes ahead of me. Even if I do my courses remotely, I have to work a lot compared to what some people think. You have to do all the work you have to do on the side, and still catch up on lessons that I miss. Especially these days I miss a lot of classes because I have to drive Charles here and there. He is not allowed to drive at the moment so it's quite complicated as an organization. So I work twice as hard these days.

It is after 4 hours of work that Charles returns home. I can't read on his face if he thinks his tests were positive or not, so I decide to ask him realizing that if it didn't go well he will certainly be in a very bad mood. .

Emma: So sweetie how did your exams go?
Charles: Pff I don't know.
Emma: Do you already have an idea if they were positive or not? Did the doctor tell you something?
Charles: Honestly I know I'm close these tests were easy and I feel like my body is ready. But the doctors are so scared that I'm pretty sure they're gonna tell me I can't ride.

He sighs and goes to our room. I decide to take my headphones and continue the course I was taking. He doesn't feel like talking now anyway and he definitely needs a moment alone.

***

It is now 7 p.m. Charles hasn't left his playroom all day. He must have played the Formula 1 simulator for sure. And I didn't want to bother him. If he wanted to talk to me he would have come to me.

I'm super hungry, but I don't feel like cooking. I decide to go see with Charles what we can order. So I go to his playroom.

Emma: Baby are you okay if I order sushi for tonight?

Charles does not answer. I realize he has his headphones on so he can't hear me. I walk over to him and lift his helmet.

Charles: What the fuck are you doing?? I was winning, fuck you're so annoying.
Emma: Can you please calm down. I came to see you to order something to eat for tonight.
Charles: Order what you want I don't care.
Emma: Could you be a little nice to me? What do you have?
Charles: Sorry but tonight I'm going to have the announcement that may ruin my life so I don't care about your food problem.
Emma: It's a race Charles stops. Do you realize you talk to me like shit for a race? You're stupid.
Charles: Maybe because this race is more important than anything.
Emma: Ah yeah even more important than me?
Charles: Yeah.

Tears come to my eyes. I run to our room and sit on the floor before bursting into tears.

I hear the door open and notice it's Charles. He sits beside me thoughtfully.

Charles: I'm sorry Emma that's not what I meant. I'm under pressure these days and say shot. Of course not, a race can never be more important than you.
Emma: I know you're under pressure but have you ever thought of me? Do you realize that these long weeks have also been super hard for me? Because in addition to having to change my whole way of life to be able to help you every day and make sure that everything was fine for nothing, which meant that I had to work like crazy all night long to attend my classes and sleep an average of 3-4 hours a night. But in addition I had to live your crises all the time. You only acted like an asshole to me when I stood by your side the whole time. You're super hard on me when I can't help what happened to you.
Charles: Wow...I didn't realize ... you're right. I am really sorry. I love you more than anything and I don't want you to feel like this...

Our conversation is interrupted by Charles' phone ringing. On the screen is written "Doctor Mr. Tourville*". Charles stares at me with wide eyes, as if in total panic. I then take her hand and tell her to answer.

Mr. Tourville: Good evening Mr. Leclerc, is that you? This is Mr. Tourville from the clinic in Monaco.
Charles: Yes that's me.
Mr. Tourville: We have received the results of the exams you took today. Your results are therefore 100% vision, 99% reflex, 97% receptivity in the left leg and 98% in the right, as far as your spine is concerned, you have 96% response, and finally you have 98% of the strength you had before in your neck.
Charles: Fine but what does that mean. Will I be able to take part in the race in Monaco this weekend?
Mr. Tourville: Well sir, I have the honor to announce on behalf of the entire medical team that yes you will be able to participate in the race.

The call ends and Charles jumps into my arms. It was the announcement he had been waiting for. He worked so hard to achieve this result, and it's done. To celebrate, we decided to eat sushi and drink champagne! From tomorrow it's the life of a Formula 1 driver that awaits Charles!!

*****

* Fictitious name