Call you mine - Charles Leclerc

Chapter 29

13th of November, 2022

As Ellie stood alongside her father, the vibrant energy of the racecourse surrounded them. Throughout the entire race, her mind seemed to drift. As the race came to a close, George, clinched the first place – a triumphant victory that marked his inaugural Grand Prix win.

"Dad, papa, OMG, George WON!!" Ellie screamed jumping up and down in front of the screen, the headset on her head falling from all the movement.

"I know baby, what do you say we go over to the barriers so we can be there when he gets out of the car?" Toto asked his daughter with just as much excitement, he could see the pure joy in her eyes. "I'm sure there is no one else he would want to see in that moment" he said reassuring her, putting his hand on her shoulder squeezing it.

Before he knew it she, who's heart raced with anticipation was running over there, where the cars where coming in. It was almost as though a path was magically cleared for her and her father by the team, guiding them to the front and center.

Amidst the bustling scene, Ellie's gaze locked onto George's beaming face. In that instant, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of shared happiness. For the first time since the weekend began, Ellie found herself smiling and laughing wholeheartedly, swept up in the elation of the moment. Despite the chaotic and challenging days leading up to this, she realized she wouldn't trade the experience for anything – not when it allowed her to witness George's remarkable victory.

After George had had the round with his team he made a beeline for Ellie, frantically looking around for her. As soon as he saw her he gladly brought her into his arms, tears flowing for both of them.

"I am, so, so so, immensely proud of you." Ellie said holding him for dear life.

"This one is for you, I would not have made this without you, none of it." He said stepping away so he could look at her, smiling down at her, pouring all his emotion into his words.

"We'll be okey, I will be there every step of the way." He said kissing her forehead before moving to her dad, with that she felt a sense of reassurance and the happiness of the moment was undeniable.

As she was getting down from this high her eyes was caught by the one she had spent the whole weekend avoiding. His green eyes just staring into her soul.

The tension between Ellie and Charles was palpable as they stood there, locked in a gaze that spoke volumes. It was as if the space around them had ceased to exist, and all that remained was the unspoken regret they both felt regarding how this weekend turned out.

Toto's voice brought them back to reality. "Ellie, my dear, we are going to celebrate George's first win" he said, gently nudging her attention away from Charles.

Ellie tore her gaze from Charles and turned her attention to her dad. Nodding, she managed a grateful smile. "Of course, papa. I'm coming." Toto led Ellie through the bustling crowd, guiding her to the group surrounding George, Lewis, and the team – all of whom were basking in the glow of victory.

Meanwhile, Charles remained at a distance, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. He observed Ellie's seamless integration into the celebratory atmosphere, a pang of regret and longing coursing through him. It was a just another reminder that it could have been him she was doing all this with, it was him up until 48 hours ago.

After the podium and everyone started to come down from the high, George knew the undercurrents between Ellie and Charles. When he saw Charles approaching he squeezed Ellie's shoulder, "I'll give you two a moment," gesturing with his eyes to where Charles was now only a few steps away from them. Charles took a hesitant step forward, his expression a mixture of vulnerability and determination. He cleared his throat, "Congrats mate" he said offering George his hand to congratulate him.