Past and Present

2

Double chapter update since tomorrow's the start of the festivities for Australian Grand Prix; I might forget to post — heck, forget to write a chapter for this. Anyway, enjoy!

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Since my body clock is still adjusting from the time difference between Minnesota and Monaco, I've been up since 5AM; unpacking our luggages, organizing my week since i'll be starting my fellowship at Princess Grace Hospital as a general surgery fellow; plus I started researching about grade schools for my daughter.

After a quick shower to freshen up after my short swim laps, I started prepping for breakfast. As I was cooking the pancakes, I can hear the tiny steps my daughter's making as she makes her way to the kitchen, "good morning, mum". I smiled at her and give her a quick hug and a kiss on her hair, "sleep well?" She nods.

"Wanna help me prepare the pancakes?" I asked her which was excitingly received by her. I grabbed the stool for her to stand near the stove and started helping her cook the pancakes.

"Now, when the big bubbles started popping, call me so we can flip the pancakes, okay?" I instructed her. I leave her with the spatula and started making scrambled eggs and bacon.

We were flipping through pancakes when the doorbell started ringing, "that must be Max and Penelope, hun."

Her eyes lit up at the mention of her childhood friend and immediately ran to the door to open it. I am so thankful for Max and Kelly for always taking the extra time to visit me and Addison back in Minnesota, Penelope was born one year early and she's been like a big sister to Addison.

My daughter comes back in the kitchen with Max, Penelope, and Lando.

"My oh my, did Minnesota booted your ass back to Monaco already?" Lando snickers as we both came into view of each other. I rolled my eyes at his remark and gave him a quick hug, "I know you missed me, Lando." I snickered.

We were all enjoying the breakfast at the table when my parents came in, "now where's my favorite nipotina? [grand daughter]" My dad excitingly declared as I watch my daughter get off of her seat and run to my dad.

"Grandpa!" Addison screamed as she is carried by dad and gives her kisses.

I smiled at them, "Hey mum and dad, how was the trip?" I asked as my mum takes a seat. "Can't say yet, Schuyler. Competition's here." Dad answered while he smiles at Max and Lando greeting them.

Max and Lando suddenly chuckled at my dad's answer, "good morning to you as well, Toto." They chorused.

"So did you both managed to make her come and attend race week again?" Toto asks as he takes a seat as well at the table, joining us for breakfast.

Both men looked at me surprisingly, "you're not coming to watch?" Max asks.

I took a bite of the pancake and shook my head at his question, "I start my fellowship tomorrow at Princess Grace Hospital."

"Not even Free Practice or Qualifying at least?" Max adds.

"She thinks that if she makes an appearance at the paddock it would cause a commotion." Dad answers for me, I shot him a look and found that he is smirking at me.

One thing I hate about my dad is how much of a gossip he is sometimes; especially with Max and Lando. He ratted me out to them when I decided to leave for Minnesota; I remembered it so well because Max and Lando literally came to our house at 2AM just to talk me out of leaving for the US.