everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

fifteen - angeli

– angeli

THE PADDOCK IS BUZZING ONCE I MAKE MY arrival with Charles. I've been able to get through the Canadian Grand Prix without having to speak to any interviewers or fans, as no one aside from our group of friends knew that we were associated. Although I do carry the Schumacher name, I haven't been seen with Mick or any of my relatives since before the accident, so I assume most of the public have either forgotten or haven't made the connection.

Unfortunately today, I'm not so lucky. My shopping trip with Charles a few days ago opened up the Pandora's box of rumors regarding my relation to Charles, and my last name added more fuel to the fire. Some believe I'm his girlfriend, while others believe I'm just a side chick.

"Angeli Schumacher!" A man I've come to know as Ted Kravitz walks towards me as Charles is whisked away by Sylvia. I've had several conversations with him, and from those conversations I've deduced that he isn't a malicious and headline hungry reporter. Working on this notion, I smile at him as he approaches me.

"Hey Ted!" I greet cheerfully as the man walks next to me.

"Nice to see you smiling Angeli! We saw you walk in with Charles, is there anything there?" He asks curiously as I let out a laugh. Too many people are asking me this question, it's getting ridiculous.

"Ted," I turn to face him. "I'll give you the answer I've been giving every single person who's asked me that question–" He cuts me off before I'm able to finish my comment.

"Ah, so we aren't the only ones with speculations?" He grins mischievously as I roll my eyes playfully.

"No, you aren't." I chuckle. "Anyway, there's nothing going on between Charles and I. We're just best friends and have always been, even when we were toddlers." I shrug as we inch closer towards the Ferrari motorhome.

"People say you used to come to the paddock often with Michael Schumacher, until you disappeared in 2015. How come the disappearance, and how come the sudden reappearance?" He asks, switching the topic. I momentarily stop in my tracks, debating about my answer to his question. Am I ready to tell the public what happened to me?

"Oh, just some personal stuff." I shrug. "I'm not ready to talk about it Ted, I'm sorry." I sincerely apologize as I do like Ted as a person.

"No worries, Angeli!" He smiles cheerfully. "What're your predictions for this race weekend?" He asks as Daniel and George call me over.

"Definitely a Ferrari 1-2." I wink at Ted and the camera before bidding goodbye and jogging towards Daniel and George.

"How are you feeling, Gigi?" George asks as I catch up to them.

"I'm feeling better. Charles took me out on a shopping spree a few days ago in Milan," I reply, smiling, but noticing the suspicious looks my friends are exchanging.

"Did you get me anything? Of course you did," Daniel jokes, and George playfully shoves him.

"Shut up, Daniel," George scolds. Then he turns to me, his voice lowered. "Do you like Charles?" he asks, aware of the potential eavesdroppers around us.

I roll my eyes at him. "No, George. I don't have any feelings for Charles right now," I respond. Then I turn to Daniel with a teasing tone. "Sorry, Danny, Charles wouldn't want me buying anything for the enemy with his money, would he?" Daniel pretends to pout, playing along.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," Daniel says, smiling. "But let's focus on what you said. You mentioned you don't have any feelings right now." He emphasizes the phrase 'right now,' and George nods in agreement.