Lights Out - Charles Leclerc

Chapter Two

Sienna

Just like that we are in Saudi Arabia and it's race day. Since I still have a few minutes before having to go to the track, I go look for Max.

"Hey there." I say, as I enter his drivers room. He was still putting his suit on, but as I walk in, he looks up at me and smiles.

"Hello! Is everything ok?" He asks, which I guess is a valid question because I don't normally come see him this close to us going to the track.

"Oh yeah, everything is fine. I just wanted to say hello and wish you good luck." I tell him, which is true, but I will omit the fact that I miss him and we haven't had time to properly hang out since the season started.

"Thanks, good luck to you too." He says, hugging me. We talk a bit more and then I leave.

I'm feeling confident today, yesterday's qualifying went really well and I'm starting P1. Of course, Max is right behind me so I have to work hard to keep my position.

*

I leave the podium, feeling a mix of happiness, being proud of myself and also, very tired. I won my first race this season and truly couldn't be happier.

As I'm walking to the car, to go back to the hotel, I spot Charles walking to his car. He doesn't look happy, which is fair. This race did not go well for him. Should I go talk to him? I mean this happens to everyone, it comes with the job, but it's nice to know we all support each other as drivers and are friends. Yeah I wouldn't call what you two have a friendship. Right.

I get in my car and drive to the hotel. I'm leaving tonight and even though this weekend was great, I'm happy to have the time to be at home. Last week I only stayed for three days and this week I get to stay longer.

When I get to my room, I shower and while I'm packing my bag, my phone starts ringing.

"Hey Daniel!" I say as I put the phone on speaker and keep packing.

"Hello! Just wanted to congratulate you on getting pole, you did so good!"

"Thank you! Yeah I'm so happy, I wish you were here to celebrate with us."

"You're coming here in two weeks, we'll celebrate then. I was actually thinking we could all go out after the race. It's been so long since we all have been together."

"That's a great idea, you should text the drivers group chat, see if everyone is up to it."

"Yeah, I'm texting them right now. So, have a safe flight and see you in two weeks!"

"Thank you Danny, see you in two weeks!"

I hang up the phone smiling. I miss Daniel so much and partying with all the drivers seems like a fun idea considering the last time we did it was at the end of last season.

I'm done with packing so I bring the bag to the door and after taking a last look into the room to see if I forgot something, I leave.

I arrive late so I went straight to bed and woke up the next day feeling more rested. While I'm eating some breakfast, even though I slept so much and it's 5 in the afternoon, I can't stop thinking about Charles. Maybe I should call him and ask if he's ok. I'm sure he doesn't need my call, he has his family and his friends. But still, whether I like it or not, we are somewhat friends. I pick up my phone and call him. After awhile when I'm ready to give up, he finally picks up.