Chasing Home | Lando Norris

Chapter 9: A Summer with Fragments of the Past

As the F1 season took a pause for its summer break, Camille found herself back in the charming streets of Milan. Meanwhile, Lando bounced between Monaco and the UK, where he reconnected with family and friends. Despite the physical distance that now stood between them, their shared experiences, particularly the recent date in Belgium, had woven a new closeness between Camille and Lando. They refused to let miles deter their connection. Phone calls turned into long conversations, each trying to fit their respective worlds into the span of a video screen. They'd occasionally have 'meals together' despite the distance through screens— Camille would display her Italian culinary creations, while Lando, with a self-deprecating smile, showcased his limited cooking skills. Sometimes, they'd hit play simultaneously to watch the same show, giggling as they commented on the plot twists and character quirks. Their separation only amplified their desire to bridge the gap, the lingering effects of their date fuelling their conversations with deeper meaning. It was in these moments, far from each other yet intricately connected, that their bond continued to strengthen, laying the groundwork for something more profound.

As much as Camille enjoyed her time alone to unwind from the busyness of the race season so far, Pierre sensed the potential for solitude to become loneliness, and so he invited her to Rouen, his hometown, in an attempt to alleviate the quiet emptiness that often accompanied her private moments. Afterall, Roeun was a familiar and comforting place for Camille— she'd spent many summers and winters there with him and his family when her mum was still around. That's how she found herself boarding a plane, embarking on a journey that took her back to the familiar sights and sounds of a place steeped in memories—the only semblance of stability in a childhood riddled with constant uprooting. Arriving in Rouen, Camille was met with a surge of nostalgia that wrapped around her like a warm embrace. Each corner of the town held echoes of her past— memories of her mother's friends and the little joys they shared in this quaint yet vibrant place.

Pierre offered to fetch her from the airport, and after welcoming her with a hug, they got into his car, setting off to his family home. As she gazed out of the car window, every street seemed to whisper tales of her bygone days, a flood of emotions stirring within her. The drive to Pierre's family home was more than just a simple journey; it was a pilgrimage into her history. Scenes passed by like flashes of a distant dream— the park where she once played, the corner bakery she frequented with her mother, and the worn-out bookstore where she'd spent countless hours immersed in stories. Each sight, each turn, carried a weight of emotions, a story waiting to be revisited. Pierre, sensing her emotional state, remained quiet, offering silent support as they approached his family's abode. Camille grappled with the significance of this visit— how it connected to her past, unveiling fragments of a puzzle she'd been trying to piece together for years.

Eventually, a casual inquiry arose from Pierre, breaking the silence of the serene drive, "So, what were you up to after the Belgium race?"

Camille cocked her head to the side, not completely sure what he was after.

"I popped by your room that night after the race, but it seemed you weren't around," Pierre continued, a tinge of curiosity lacing his words.

"Oh, I went out for a bit with Lando," Camille explained casually.

There was a momentary pause in Pierre's response, a fleeting expression that danced between surprise and something else.

"Lando, huh?" he responded, trying to mask any hint of curiosity with casual interest, eliciting a nod from Camille in response, and they fell back into silence.

The winding country roads soon led them to a picturesque home, nestled amidst lush greenery and blooming gardens. Pierre's family abode exuded warmth and comfort, a charming countryside retreat. Upon arrival, Pierre escorted Camille to the guest room, inviting her to settle in, before he went to inform his mother of her arrival. Minutes later, a familiar voice greeted Camille at the door.