Hearts on the track

Cap.One

    In my life, there is a before and an after. A line between a broken leg and a shattered dream, a line that separates happiness from the ashes of an accident. It only takes a fraction of a second for everything to change in our lives, and everything I knew crumbles before our eyes, leaving behind a soul with scars. I learned to hold onto the pain I carry and transform it into something empowering.I knew that the accident prevented me from ever becoming a Formula 1 driver, but it wouldn't stop me from entering and flourishing in its grand world. I refused to let the accident define me, turning it into a flame that no one will ever extinguish.

   Throughout my adolescence, I was mocked for wanting the future I desired, but here I am, standing in front of the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, holding a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Motorsport Engineering and Data Analytics from Cambridge. I am the new Strategist and Data Analyst for Ferrari.

   Today is my first day and I was so nervous that I couldn't even keep breakfast down. I'm not sure if I'm more afraid of people not liking me or not living up to the job. I was called to join the team due to a traumatic incident involving the previous Analyst, which led him to retire four weeks before the start of the season.

   As I entered the office, directed by the receptionist, my heart started racing. I just wanted to make a good impression and at the same time convey to my future teammates that I'm capable of handling my new role, despite being only 25 years old.

   Standing in front of the door was Mr. Johnson, a lovely gentleman with gray hair in his forties, whom I had the opportunity to meet during the hiring process.

   "Sophie, punctual as always! How is our new star doing?" he said with a big smile as he greeted me with a firm handshake. I was terrified, but I lifted my chin and spoke determinedly, "I'm great, Mr. Johnson. Ready to move forward!"

   We both entered the spacious office. There was a small wooden platform at the back of the room with a stand holding a microphone. Throughout the room, there were a large number of people engaged in conversations, focused on their tasks."Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?" projected Mr. Johnson, and people moved towards seats at the large table in the center of the room. "Today, we have the pleasure of introducing our new data analyst, Sophia Anderson. She'll be working closely with all of you to optimize our performance on the track."

    All eyes were on me, and a shiver ran down my spine, but I gathered the strength to step up to the platform and offer a wide smile.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Sophia, the new data analyst. I'm here to support the team in achieving the best results during this season." I took a deep breath and continued, "I hope to help us achieve the best possible outcome by working together!"

   I took a beat to look at the new faces that would accompany me on this new journey, and some of them stood out more than others. At the back of the room were the famous Ferrari drivers. The same drivers I had seen on my television screen for so many years. To the right was Carlos Sainz Jr., the new addition to the Ferrari team after leaving McLaren. Beside him was Charles Leclerc, the main driver of my new team. Both were wearing the Ferrari polo shirts and looked at me with different expressions.

   "Another analyst, huh? Let's hope you can keep up with the fast pace of this world," before I could process the words, I scanned the room to identify the speaker. I was taken aback when I realized it was Charles. He was sitting in the chair in a relaxed position, with a playful expression on his face.

   Before I could process my words, they escaped my mouth, "I assure you, Charles, I'm more than capable of handling the pressure. I've studied the sport extensively, and I'm ready to contribute to the team's success."

  "We'll see," his expression shifted to disinterest as he looked away.

   I didn't know what to make of his response. As my eyes locked onto Charles, a jolt of intrigue coursed through me. Was he doubting my abilities, or was this just his usual personality? There was something about him that commanded attention, an undeniable magnetism that drew me in. His tall frame and self-assured presence made it impossible to look away. I found myself captivated by the intensity in his eyes. Even from a distance, I sensed a palpable aura of competition surrounding him. It was as if his very presence challenged me, daring me to contest his response. My job entails building a good relationship with the drivers, and I chose not to let this initial shock get the best of me. It was probably all in my head.

  The rest of the introductory meeting proceeded smoothly, and after answering some questions from engineers and other analysts, we found ourselves out of the room in less than two hours.

   They gave me a guided tour of the base, and I was impressed by its size. My eyes were shining with excitement, but my body was begging for three consecutive days of rest in bed with a cup of tea and Gilmore Girls.

  I was standing outside the building, waiting for my Uber to take me back to the hotel, when i see a girl approaching. She had beautiful blonde hair, and her blue eyes caught anyone's attention. I didn't have to think too hard to know who it was. Sarah Williams, the head of the media team's. She had made a big name for herself within Ferrari, reaching the position of head of media in less than two years.

  "Hey, Sophia! Finally got a chance to chat with you. I loved your presentation earlier. I wish I had been as confident as you on my first day! I'm Sarah! Welcome to the gang!" She was definitely the most radiant person I had ever met. She had a smile that took up half of her face, which made me smile in return.

  "Thanks, Sarah! I've heard good things about you, the "media guru". Excited to be working with you," I replied.

She burst into laughter and said right away, "Haha, 'media guru,' I like the sound of that! But seriously,  we need new skills to crunch those numbers and give us some killer insights. How are you settling in so far?"

"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster, to be honest, but the jet lag is driving me crazy."

"I feel you, girl," she said as she reached into her shoulder bag and pulled out a small card. "Here's my number. Please use it, I'm begging you. Let's hit the town and grab some drinks someday, maybe?"

"Deal." Sarah really knew how to lighten the mood! I can't help but smile at her spontaneity. It's refreshing to talk to someone like her. Maybe a night out with Sarah would be just what I need to unwind and build a stronger friendship. I'm starting to feel lucky to have Sarah as my colleague and potential partner in crime.

After a few minutes my Uber showed up and I said goodbye to her. In 15 minutes, I was back at the hotel, and after an overly long shower, I lay down on the bed and fell asleep with a smile on my face.

__________________

Hope u like :) posting everyday!