everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

twelve - angeli

— angeli

THE FIRST FEW HOURS AFTER THE INCIDENT with Lucas are almost blackout to me. The taxi ride is a blur as the disorienting effects of the drug take hold of my senses. The familiar faces of my friends surround me, their voices a distant echo in the haze. I try to focus on their words, but they blend together into an incomprehensible jumble.

"We're almost there, Angeli," Charles says softly, his hand gently squeezing mine. His touch grounds me, providing a lifeline amidst the chaos swirling within me.

The automatic doors of the hospital slide open, and we enter the bright, sterile environment. A sense of urgency fills the air as doctors and nurses move swiftly through the corridors, attending to patients in need.

A nurse spots us and rushes over, her eyes widening at the sight of my disoriented state. "What happened? Is she okay?" she asks, her voice filled with concern.

Charles speaks up, his voice steady and determined. "She was drugged. We need to get her help immediately."

The nurse nods and instructs us to follow her. She leads us to a nearby examination room, where a doctor is already waiting. The doctor, a middle-aged woman with a calm demeanor, quickly assesses my condition, asking a series of questions that I struggle to answer coherently.

"She appears to be experiencing the effects of a potent sedative," the doctor explains, her voice laced with professional concern. "We will need to flush the drug out of her system and monitor her closely. We'll also run some tests to ensure there are no other complications."

Charles stands by my side, his hand never leaving mine. His presence provides a sense of comfort and reassurance amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.

"I'll stay with her," he says firmly, his eyes locked with the doctor's. "Whatever she needs, I'll be here."

The doctor nods, acknowledging his request. "We'll do everything we can to help her recover. Please give us some time."

I drift in and out of consciousness as doctors examine me and to my dismay, they call my mother back at the hospital in Monaco in order to get a full medical history before carrying out a plan of action to mitigate the effects of the substance I was drugged with. Charles is by my side through all of it, holding my hand tightly, with another arm wrapped around my waist, supporting my body. He tells the rest of our friends to get back to the hotel and to rest, as many of them have early morning flights.

Mick, Lily, George, Alex, Max, and the rest of our friends take turns visiting, their presence a source of solace amidst the sterile hospital environment. They share stories, laughter, and tears, reminding me of the love and bond we share.

Eventually, the effects of the sedative start to wear off, and my mind begins to clear. The world around me comes into sharper focus, and I become more aware of the beeping machines and the soft hum of conversations in the corridors.

As the hours turn into a new day, the doctor enters the room, her face brightening with a smile. "She's stable now," she announces, her voice carrying a sense of relief. "We've managed to flush the drug out of her system, and all the test results came back normal. She's going to be okay."

A wave of gratitude washes over me, and tears well up in my eyes. Charles squeezes my hand, his expression a mix of relief and happiness.

THE BEIGE WALLS OF CHARLES' ITALY apartment are the first thing I see upon waking up. It's been days since the incident with Lucas at the club in Montreal, and I haven't spoken much to anyone. I've only spoken to my mum and had short conversations with Charles, who hasn't let me leave the apartment since we arrived from Montreal.