everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

two - angeli

— angeli

I CANT BELIEVE MY EYES. Why did no one tell me he was alive?

I feel a sense of relief at the fact that he is in a much better state than I am. Though I still have no clear memory of what happened that night, I'm glad that he turned out okay. I remain staring at the television screen until the broadcast switched to a football game, still in shock.

"That's Charles Leclerc. I'm not sure if you still remember who he is, but you were both extremely close growing up." Of course I remember who he is, I'd always remember him.

"He said he'd try to come by after post-race interviews. He wasn't allowed to opt out of any media responsibilities even after we found out you were awake." Mick speaks, bringing me out of my thoughts. Okay, at least he'll come by to visit later. Maybe then I could get some answers.

"Oh, okay. That's fine." I smile, hopeful to see Charles again.

"So, Mick tell me everything I've missed in the past years. You have a girlfriend?" He blushes slightly at the question. "Well, if you count making out and going out on secret dates a relationship, then maybe?" I nod as Mick continued to explain everything that had gone on in his life these past few years. I barely listen, as my brain starts swirling with thoughts about Charles. How has he been? What happened to him? I'm so proud of him. Does he have a girlfriend?

A few hours later, Mick has to leave as he's flying out to Geneva to see Aunt Corinna and Gina for a day or two. He's reluctant to leave me alone, just like my mother was. However, I promise that I would let him know if I needed anything which seemed to satisfy him. As much as I love Mick, I hadn't had any time to myself since waking up, and I needed that time to process everything. More than that, I want to be alone when Charles visited, as I know it will be a somewhat heavy interaction.

I flip through the channels on the television looking for something to watch. One channel is broadcasting a replay of the earlier Grand Prix, so I decide to watch it. I want to see how things had changed with the sport I grew up loving.

Midway through the race replay I feel someone's presence in the room. I know whose it is, so I didn't bother to look at him, too scared that I would freak out seeing how much he had grown without me. We remain in silence for a few moments, the only sound in the room coming from the television screen.

"That was one of the most difficult overtakes I have ever pulled off in my life." Charles speaks, breaking the silence between us. I look over at him and regret it instantly. His brown hair had gotten nicer and had light curls to it, he had stubble all over his chin, his bright hazel eyes shone brighter than I had ever seen them, and his face was much more sculpted. He had become more muscular, with his white shirt hugging his large biceps. He had grown at least a foot since I last saw him, which to me is yesterday. He looks like he matured, and he definitely is even more handsome than when we were teenagers.

"Hi Charles." I smile letting out a sigh. I felt like I had missed out on a huge part of his life, and I hated it. "Hi Ange." He breathes out, making eye contact with me. That stupid nickname.

"You drive for Ferrari now eh? Congratulations Charles." I speak as he moved to sit on the chair next to my hospital bed. There seems to be a wall built up between us, a wall created by years of disconnection on his end.

"Thank you, Angeli. It hasn't been easy but I'm happy where I am. I'm doing this for Jules and for Papà." He smiles back at me.

"How are Pascale and Hervè by the way? I'm sure they're insanely proud of you." I respond, wanting to know how his parents were doing. Charles' family was like a second family to me, and his parents felt like my parents too. Charles eyes sadden at the mention of his father. "Oh, mama is doing well. I spoke to her on the way here and she told me that she would try to come and visit you tomorrow. She misses you a lot you know." I wonder why he didn't mention how Hervè was. "And what about Hervè?" I prod on.