One is the Loneliest Number

Monte Carlo

19th of May, 2023
Monte Carlo, Monaco

The streets of the principality were lighting up with Formula One and Charles Leclerc merchandising, as the Grand Prix drew closer. Charles wasn't really keen on seeing his face everywhere, but after a couple of seasons he got used to it.

– Tu as été très silencieux ces derniers temps, Charles. (You've been very quiet lately, Charles) – His mother observed, bringing to the table the Couscous she prepared for dinner. – Quelque chose ne va pas? Es-tu nerveux à cause de la course? (Is something wrong? Are you nervous because of the race?)

– Tout va bien, maman... (Everything is fine, mom...) – Charles was leaning on the balcony of his mother's flat, looking at the little chequered flags waving over the street down below.

If Leclerc was to be honest with himself, he'd usually rather talk about his feelings with his father. Now, he can't do that any more, can he? His mother was the second-best thing, but he didn't really feel comfortable opening his heart to her. 

– Lorenzo ne devrait plus tarder. (Lorenzo should be here any minute now) – She tasted the food and put the lid on top again. The same second, the bell rang. – Tu vois? (See?) – Pascale then walked over to the door, picking on Arthur on her way. – Trop d'écran est mauvais pour les yeux, Arthur! (Too much screen time is bad for your eyes, Arthur!)

Arthur put his phone away and got up from the sofa, making his way to Charles in the open balcony.

– Cette fois, tu vas gagner. (This time you'll win it) – The younger brother put his arm around the older's shoulders. Charles chuckled.

– Nous savons tous deux que ce sera Max. (We both know it will be Max)

Dinner went smoothly in the beginning. Lorenzo of course, being the one son who was away the most, talked a lot about his new endeavours, and their mom listened attentively. Apart from the casual laughter and assenting, Charles' mind was seemingly somewhere else, and his older brother picked up on it.

– Et vous, Charles? Tu penses à quelqu'un? (And what about you, Charles? Thinking about someone?) – Lorenzo smiled, sipping his glass of wine.

– J'espère que ce n'est pas encore Charlotte. Elle était odieuse. (Oh I hope it is not Charlotte again. She was obnoxious) – Pascale let a spiky comment slip.

– Maman! (Mom!) – Charles looked over, half-smiling, disapproving of his mother's remark.

– Je suis désolée, ma chère, mais tes relations jusqu'à présent n'étaient vraiment pas prometteuses. (I'm sorry, love, but your relationships up until now haven't really been promising) 

– C'est bon, Charles est désormais trop occupé par son nouveau meilleur ami Max Verstappen. (It's alright, Charles is now too occupied with his new best friend Max Verstappen) – Arthur said, laughing at Charles' blushing face.

– Vraiment? Et Pierre? Il s'est passé quelque chose? (Really? And Pierre? Something happened?) – Their mother inquired while eating some of her Couscous. Lorenzo in the background could only laugh at the interrogation he caused.

– Tout va bien avec Pierre, maman. (Everything is alright with Pierre, mom) – Leclerc turned to his younger brother. – Et Max n'est pas mon meilleur ami. (And Max isn't my best friend)

– Je pense que c'est une bonne chose que tu reprenais contact avec le fils Verstappen. (Well, I think it's a good thing you are reconnecting with the Verstappen boy) – His mother put her hand on his shoulder. – Surtout depuis qu'il a perdu son père et que tu as rompu avec ta copine. (Especially since he lost his father and you broke up with your girlfriend)