everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

sixteen - charles

– charles

I STRIDE WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY and conflicting emotions towards George, Daniel, Alex, Pierre, and their respective girlfriends. They form a tight circle, their voices lowered in hushed whispers, unaware of the turmoil brewing within me. Grace walks beside me, her hand tightly intertwined with mine, and I can't help but feel a tinge of familiarity and comfort. But as I glance at her, I also catch glimpses of the disdainful glares from the girls, reminding me of the complexities of my situation.

"Guys, have any of you seen Angeli?" I inquire, my voice betraying a hint of worry as I join their conversation. The girls' eyes pierce through me, their hostility palpable, and a wave of guilt washes over me.

"Last I saw her, she was rushing off somewhere. She's probably looking for or with Mick," Alex replies nonchalantly, unaware of Lily's disapproving glare. "Oops, my bad," he mutters under his breath. I can't help but wonder if I've hurt Angeli once again, leaving her to navigate her emotions alone.

"Wait, hold on a second. Are you two back together or something?" Pierre asks, his curiosity piqued as he notices our interlaced hands. The girls scoff in response, their disdain palpable. My eyes widen in disbelief, my grip on Grace's hand instinctively loosening. But before I can release her, she digs her nails into my palms, a silent warning to maintain our connection.

"Yes, we are." Grace answers for both of us, a saccharine smile adorning her face as she places a lingering kiss on my cheek, her gaze fixed on the girls. I catch a glimpse of the hurt and disdain in the girls' eyes, a reflection of the pain I've caused. The grip of Grace's hand tightens, a silent reminder of our shared past and the choices I've made. Conflicting emotions swirl within me, the remnants of my lingering feelings for Grace entangled with the longing and connection I have with Angeli.

"Is it alright if I leave Grace with you guys for a while? I need to find Angeli. I haven't seen her since the Sprint," I utter, my voice tinged with uncertainty. The group exchanges knowing glances, their silent judgment echoing in the air. They understand the delicate balance I'm trying to strike, torn between the past and the present.

"Play nice, Charles. You know how I can get when I'm not happy." She whispers venomously into my ears as a warning before she smiles and walks over to the girls.

"Go ahead, mate. Good luck trying to get through Mick," Pierre finally offers, his words laced with a hint of sympathy. I nod in gratitude, a mixture of apprehension and determination swirling within me. As I turn away, my steps leading me towards the Ferrari hospitality, I can't help but feel the weight of my choices bearing down on me, the confusion swirling through my head.

As I continue my search for Mick and Angeli, a torrent of thoughts and doubts floods my mind. Grace's unexpected presence today raises questions I hadn't anticipated. How did she manage to acquire VIP paddock passes? I realize with a sinking feeling that I neglected to remove her name from the guest list after our breakup. It was a foolish oversight, but I can't help but wonder if there was a deeper reason behind it. Did a part of me secretly hope for a second chance with her? Did I still long to see her again? Now, with her here, everything is spiraling out of control. Why did she choose to come to this race? When she could have come to any of the other ones? Why did she make the trip to Austria, when she could've come to the race in Monaco? The one outside her front door.

"Putain," I scold myself, frustration mingling with self-recrimination. I should have taken swift action to remove her name, but something always held me back. Was it the flicker of hope, the possibility of rekindling what we once had? The longing for the happiness we shared? Now, though, it seems my choices are catching up with me, and I'm left to confront the consequences.