In a race to your heart | [Charles Leclerc]

Chapter two

The announcement of my return was couple of days ago. People took it even better than I expected. Fans went crazy. I immediately got tones of messages from my racing colleagues and fans. I could already feel my adrenaline going up. Tomorrow we're starting free practice for the first race, which is in Bahrain and I just can't wait to go inside the car again. I am so happy to see the faces I haven't seen in 3 years, well maybe except one. I feel like this season is gonna be mine.

The day was getting duller and duller. For today I have only training with Jimmy, my personal trainer, in my schedule, so right now I'm waiting for him to arrive. I have to prepare my body for the car, but also my mental health. I believe Leclerc is not gonna be all lovely to me when he sees me. It's been always like this since we were carting. Long story short, he randomly decided to hate me. Till this day I have no idea why. At first I was nice to him, I thought I'm gonna get him into liking me. I was convincing myself that he is like this to me just because he doesn't know me well. But over time I realized I'm not gonna change his mind, so I wasn't nice anymore. I actually started to hate him too. From that moment he is my biggest enemy on the grid.

3 years ago I had an accident. A huge crash. I was fighting for pole, I was so determined to push, to win. The track was wet from the heavy rain, but they still let us race. We were in our last 5 laps, when I finally got close enough to Charles to pass him. The closer I got the faster he drove. I heard Horner on the radio, that it's too dangerous to overtake him, but I didn't listen. I was too determined to be first. I felt too confident. When I was about to pass him on that crazy turn I lost control. My car flipped over a dozen of times and then hit the railings really hard. I heard a laud noise and lost consciousness. When I woke up I was at the hospital. The doctors said it was a miracle that I survived. Injuries forced me to stop and rehabilitate. I didn't know if I would ever return to this sport. 

I was really happy when the doctor said I could come back, that I healed. I didn't tell anyone. I only contacted with red bull. I spoke with the team and they agreed to have me back, so I started to secretly prepare. I was meeting with Josh five times a week to be more ready. I had a strict diet to keep myself healthy to fit the car perfectly. I also had exercises specially tailored for me.  After the injury we had to modernize them as the doctor told. I waited to tell my friends and Max the good news, to show them that I truly was ready.

Jimmy came in 20 minutes late cause of the traffic. As fast as he arrived we got straight into training. Oh how he loves to torture me... Just as I would always grumble because of the intensity of the exercises, now I'm too excited for tomorrow to complain. Today was neck day. The weights I'm working with are lighter then the ones others use. They still are heavy, cause it's not that much less. The session lasted about an hour. Afterwards I did some yoga, meditated and listened to my 'the weeknd' playlist. I felt so ready for tomorrow. 

The rest of the day I was spending on some ordinary activities like listening to music and reading. I've also spent some time with my PR and Media Manager Madison Parker. We've been best friends since I started carting. She actually was the one to teach me English. Her dream was to work at Formula One, so when we were kids I promised her she will. Every other kids laughed at us when we were saying we're gonna make our dreams come true. But we didn't give up and that is how we ended where we are. Me being a driver and her being my Manager, but also my greatest friend. She didn't leave me at a time when I was starting my adventure and wasn't very good at driving. She was the one to motivate me every time I failed. I wanted to give up many times, but she taught me perseverance. I am really grateful for her. 

...

Next morning I woke up with a huge grin on my face. I entered bathroom and did my morning routine. I braided my kinda long hair, so it would be more comfortable in the helmet. I did some light make up. I always try to not use too much products while racing, cause I'll be sweaty anyway and the make up will be gone. I prefer a natural look for everyday. I decided to wear some basic black top with mom jeans and a red bull jacket, cause it's March, so not that warm outside. I took my bag, closed my room and went downstairs.

Maddie was already waiting for me by the lobby. This sweet soul even brought us some breakfast and coffee.

"Oh my, Maddie you're a life savior," I told her warmly after seeing a cup with familiar smelling liquid she held in her hands.

"Oh come on. You would be unbearable without it." I giggled at her answer and she handed me one of the two cups. "We have to hurry, you've got to be on the track in 20 minutes."

With that being said we rushed into my, rented for the week, car. The hotel was placed near the track, so the ride there isn't long. After 15 minutes we were at our destination. We scanned our paddock passes and entered. I greeted my brother and the mechanics, then went to my driver's room.

Free practice starts in 10 minutes, so I am in my racing suit already waiting in the car.

I just officially went to the track for the first time in three years. Euphoria fills my body. I'm driving with ecstasy, when I get an information on my radio that I just made the best time on the grid. I screamed in excitement. I am really back.

First practice ended with the results of first five : P1 Lewis P2 Carlos P3 Me P4 Pierre and P5 Leclerc. I was happy with that, but wanted more. Side note, I was very satisfied with Charles being two positions behind me. I knew it was only practice, but I was happy anyways.

There is one more practice session today and it starts in 2 hours, so I'm currently sitting in my driver's room. I took my phone to scroll on Instagram when I heard a knocking at the door.

"Open!" I yelled from the sofa. The door opened and Max entered the room.

"Hi, I wanted to congratulate you. I know it's only practice, but you did a great job."

"Thank you Maxie. I'm sorry you didn't get into first five. Hope you get better pace in the next sessions."

"Yeah, it's okay, I'm happy you're there."

After a minute of silence, we looked at each other and started giggling.

"Okay, tell me already. What was his face when he saw he's after me."

"He was furious and started swearing at everything. Almost pushed Fred, entering his garage." I couldn't hold it and burst out laughing with him joining me not long after.

We talked a bit more. Made jokes. We didn't even notice that an hour and half passed. After we realized it, he left to his room. I decided to listen to some music 10 more minutes and afterwards go to the garage.

I talked shortly with Christian. He was in a good mood, cause he said If I'll keep my driving like this he'll 'have to keep me here longer'. I got back to the car and waited. The second session has just started. I cleared my head and drove. The car felt great. I rode lightly around the track, setting best lap once again. When we finished, I was informed about being P2. After this session the first five looked like this : P1 Carlos P2 Me P3 Pierre P4 Lewis and again P5 Charles.

This is the end for today. Last practice is tomorrow at 1 p.m, so we're free for the rest of the day now. I was getting out of the car, when I noticed pissed Leclerc walking towards me. He wad getting closer and closer.

"You think you can just appear here and ruin my season?"

"Excuse me?" Wow, that's harsh. Clearly boy can't get over the fact that I'm faster.

"You heard me."

"Look, If you think I'm gonna back off because you don't like it, then I suggest a therapy."

"You shouldn't be here."

"Well you should fuck off." I flipped him a middle finger and went to the garage. I heard him saying 'I'm gonna win anyways', but only rolled my eyes. Why does he have to be so annoying?

"Dick" I said under my breath.

After changing into my normal clothes, I went to my car and drove back to the hotel. I'm curious what tomorrow will bring. Let's just hope the pace is gonna be as good as today, cause I have no intention congratulating Charles on any position before me.

...

Thank you for reading this chapter!!! How do you like this already? Of course it's gonna get better and more interesting in time. The action is just getting started. Please leave a vote if you enjoyed the chapter. I appreciate you all!!! Gonna work on another soon, so stay tuned.... <33333