Can we go through this?

#6

Pov. Max

"There's something I want to tell you Dad." I say nervously and I look at my father.

We're in my hotel room. We are still at the table, because we had just eaten dinner together. The whole time I felt nervous and I don't know how to start. But I have to do it now, because he has an appointment with someone else later.

"What is it?" he asks and I look at him. "I uhm... I don't even know how to say it." I say and my father smiles softly. "You can tell me everything, you know that, don't you?" "Yes, but I'm nervous to tell you." I say honestly and he sits more upright. "What's wrong Max?" "I know you once said it's not good to think about relationships when you're in such a sport. Because I get distracted a lot and so on." I say and I look at the ground. "But that was early in your career." he says and I look at him. I pause for a moment and my father smiles. "I think I know where you want to go." he says and I nod. "I'm in a relationship Dad. They make me very happy." "They? As in more then one?" he frowns and I wiggle my thumbs. "Yes. I'm in a relationship with two guys. Those two guys are also both drivers." I say and I look at him. "Oh okay." he says and there is a moment of silence. I see how he lets everything come in for a moment.

"They make me happy Dad. They help me be the best version of myself. They did get me through last season. They kept me strong." I say. "How long have you been in a relationship with them?" "8 months." "8 months?! Max how? Who knows?" "You and Pierre. You're the first I tell." "Who are you dating Max?" "Charles and Lando. I'm in a relationship with Charles and Lando." I say. "Oh okay." he says and I keep looking at my father.

He doesn't seem angry.

"I had often thought about you having a relationship. Only I never expected you to have a relationship with two people." he says honestly. "How do you feel about it?" I ask. "I'm happy for your son, really. I've seen over the last few months that you've been beaming more and more, that you've seemed happier and happier. How you went through last season, I thought you were so strong. I didn't say that at the time, but now I can tell you that. You also started this season very strong. " "Thank you Dad." I smile.

I couldn't have guessed what exactly my father's reaction might be. But I've watched him grow into a better person over the years.

"I kind of expected Charles." "Really?" "How excited you were that Ferrari was going to compete again and how you were looking forward to the battles with Charles. You didn't mention Carlos's name, only Charles's. You are very close, you were always looking for each other. That's why I noticed that. " "He makes me happy Dad." "Yeah? Everything that happened before is forgotten?" "I can laugh so much with Charles. I love him Dad. I like the sport a thousand times more because of them. I can share everything with them and they understand me. Others will not understand me the way they can. We feel each other. I notice if there is something wrong with them and they notice it in me." "Why did it take you so long to tell anyone?" "It's all because of me. I wasn't ready to tell it. I was and I'm afraid that our bubble full of love that we live in will burst. People have an opinion and I don't want to hear it about my relationship with them. I didn't want to think about others, just them. The first few months I was still full in the championship with Lewis. Then all three of us said it wasn't the time, but for me the moment didn't keep coming. I didn't want to risking our relationship being broken by someone. But in the end I made sure our relationship could be broken. Charles and I had many arguments and arguments. Lando and Charles want to tell their family and friends, but I said every time no. We had to lie for a long time and it was difficult for me too, really. But the fear was so much higher." "Did you tell them that too?" "Yes. And they're behind me and I know it. But I also know that I'm hurting them by forcing them to keep it a secret. They're not asking to tell the world. Only their friends and family. " I say and Dad nods. "I'm proud of you for telling me. I'm glad you told me." "Thank you." I say with a smile. "How do you feel now?" "Relieved. I'm thankful you have my back." "Always. Max I want you to know that. I know I can be harsh, but you are and will always be my son." "I know that and I want you to keep going like you are now." I say and Dad nods. "I'm not going to change either." he says and I chuckle and nod. "Okay." I say and he smiles.