everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

nineteen - angeli

– angeli

I HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO CHARLES SINCE before the Sprint Race in Austria. Andrea has been the one relaying my messages to him, just like Mick did when Charles disappeared a few months ago. As the days passed, I threw myself into a routine focused on recovery. My schedule was filled with physical therapy sessions, workouts, and exercises aimed at strengthening my body. Every day presented new challenges, but I was determined to come back stronger than ever, both physically and emotionally.

Avoiding encounters with Charles proved to be more challenging than I anticipated. The paddock was a small world, and it seemed like our paths crossed at the most inconvenient times. I did my best to maintain a polite distance, exchanging brief hellos while avoiding any deeper conversations.

The bracelet on my wrist has become a comforting presence. I often find myself fiddling with its metals when I feel nervous or miss Charles.

"Hello? Anyone in there?" Andrea calls out, bringing me back from my thoughts. I look at the Italian, who gives me a puzzled expression that I dismiss with a wave.

"Yes, sorry. Just lost in thought," I apologize sheepishly, taking a sip from my water bottle. Thanks to Andrea's relentless exercises, my recovery has been going well. I'm almost back to normal strength and endurance in my lower body.

"How much more exercise do you think you can handle today?" Andrea asks, checking the time on his watch.

"I think I can go for another hour and a half," I suggest, standing up and walking back to my yoga mat.

"Perfect. I'm going to need you to do two rounds of squats, and then we'll go for a track run, okay?" Andrea explains the final part of my exercises for the day, and I nod in understanding.

As I finish the last set of squats, feeling the burn in my muscles, Andrea and I make our way to the track. The sun is shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. The track is bustling with activity, as various team members and drivers prepare for the upcoming race weekend.

"Are you sure this track run isn't one of your ways to get me to talk to Charles?" I ask, cautiously looking around for any sign of the Monegasque. Andrea laughs lightly at me. "I may be Charles' close friend and personal trainer, but you and I both know that distance is what's best for you both right now."

As we step onto the track, I spot a familiar group in the distance. George, Daniel, and Alex are jogging together, engaged in a lively conversation. A mix of excitement and nervousness washes over me. It's been a while since I've spent time with the guys, and a part of me longs for the comfort of their friendship. The whole thing with Charles caused a rift between me and the guys on the grid as I try my best to keep to Mick, myself, and the girls.

Andrea notices my distraction and gives me a knowing smile. "Why don't you join them for the run? It'll be good to catch up with them," he suggests.

With Andrea's encouragement, I start jogging towards the group. As I approach, they notice my presence and their faces light up with surprise and delight.

"Hey guys!" I greet them with a smile, joining the group on their jog.

"Angeli!" George exclaims, coming to a stop and giving me a warm hug. "It's been ages! How have you been?"

"I've had better days, but I'm really focusing on myself right now," I reply, matching their pace as we continue running.

"Heidi mentioned you're working on a song. Is it true?" Daniel asks, his curiosity evident. I chuckle nervously, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Well, it's still in progress, but I'm working on some stuff."