Chasing Home | Lando Norris

Chapter 13: Revelations and Ruptures

In the heart of Baku, the city buzzed with an electric energy as the Grand Prix weekend unfolded. The streets were alive with the vibrant colours of team banners and the hum of F1 engines reverberated through the air, echoing off the sleek skyscrapers that formed the backdrop of this dynamic urban circuit. Amidst this high-speed circus, Charles sought out Camille, his demeanour tinged with a mix of uncertainty and determination. He caught her by the paddock, waiting for the moment when they could speak privately.

"Camille?" Charles's called out.

Camille, who was wandering by the paddock, was startled by the familiar voice. She turned to find Charles standing there.

"Oh, Charles, hi," she offered a small smile.

"Can we talk?" Charles' tone was hushed, his eyes reflecting the weight of the conversation he was about to broach.

This unexpected approach caught Camille off guard, but the intensity and seriousness in Charles' voice compelled her to step aside, seeking a quieter corner away from prying ears. They walked into his driver room and Charles gestured for her to take a seat.

He glanced at Camille, taking a deep breath before speaking, "I've been trying to figure out how to talk to you..."

"Hmm? About what?" Camille asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Our father," he said, his words carrying a weight that drew Camille's attention instantly.

Surprised, she stuttered slightly, "How did you find—"

"Pierre told me," Charles interrupted before she could finish, his expression a mix of confusion and concern.

Camille's initial shock gave way to a wave of frustration at Pierre's interference. Yet, she pushed it aside, knowing the significance of the conversation at hand. "Oh..."

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked gently.

Camille, caught off guard, struggled for the right words. "I... I didn't want to complicate things for you," she admitted, her tone tinged with regret. "For you and your family."

Charles absorbed her words, understanding the weight of her dilemma. "I understand," he replied softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions— surprise, curiosity, and understanding.

"My mum... she passed away just a couple years ago and when I was clearing out her things, I found some of her stuff from way back when, clues about the father I never knew about. But it was only recently when I found out his identity," she explained.

Charles's eyes softened with understanding, "I know the feeling. My dad, or I guess our dad, passed away when I was younger too...cancer."

"Charles... I'm so sorry, I had no idea." Camille expressed, voiced laced with sympathy.

"It's okay," he assured her, a faint smile on his lips. "We've both had our share of loss and unanswered questions."

Camille nodded in agreement, a bond of shared experiences weaving between them. "It's strange how our lives have these untold stories."

"I guess we're just starting to see the bigger picture," Charles remarked, an air of contemplation in his tone. "But we'll figure it out, won't we?"

Camille managed a faint smile, a blend of gratitude and apprehension in her expression. "Yeah, we will."

Their shared understanding of loss and curiosity about their intertwined pasts formed an unspoken bridge between them, anchoring their connection amidst the swirling uncertainties, and their conversation lingered as he shared more about their father, just little bits that Camille would appreciate knowing— like how he was always a supportive figure in the family. And though he was never there for her or her mum, she held no resentment towards Hervé, she couldn't. At the end of the day, she had a wonderful life with her mum by her side, it was the two of them against the world, and she wouldn't change anything about it.