𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 - Charles Leclerc (CL16) [Book 1]

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢

It is already late afternoon when Raegan and I arrive at the paddock. If you think the paddock is chaotic at other races, then you would probably go crazy here in Vegas.

Celebrities and influencers are walking around everywhere. Oh, and don't forget... Elvis. I swear, I think I've seen 20 Elvis Presley tributes, I don't know whether to find it funny or scary.

"Oh my god, Liana! There's David Beckham!" my best friend screams in my ear. I immediately turn towards the direction she's pointing at and there he really is. Oh man, I've always had a soft spot for him.

Since we still have a few hours until the race starts, we decide to have something to eat and drink in the Paddock Club before heading to the garage later.

"I can't believe we're literally in Vegas together. And next week we'll be in Abu Dhabi and the season is over. Then the normal life madness will start again." Raegan sits across from me, munching on a piece of chicken as she absentmindedly watches the chaos outside in the paddock.

I laugh slightly. "I know, what a year this has been and it's not even over yet."

Raegan grabs my hand and smiles lovingly at me.

"I love you, Li. You're the bestest friend..." she clears her throat, "...sister that one can imagine. If I could go back in time, I would always choose for the two of us to stay together."

Her sudden outburst of emotion brings tears to my eyes, "Aw I love you!" In response, Raegan brushes a single tear from her cheek.

We spend some time in the Paddock Club scrutinising the other guests' outfits and drinking one glass of champagne after the next before making our way to the garage on time. We decided against going on the starting grid because it's just way too full and so we still have a few minutes of peace before the madness starts in the garage.

✧·: *✧·:

When the race starts, the tension in the garage can be felt as always. Raegan is clinging to my hand, like she always does when we watch together. After a small collision on the first lap, not much happens until another yellow flag is shown.

Suddenly, we hear Lando's radio on our headphones and I notice Raegan tense up even more next to me.

'Yeah, I'm okay," we hear him croak. The only thing is, he doesn't sound okay at all.

The madness breaking out in the McLaren garage is like nothing I have never experienced before. Raegan started shaking like crazy next to me - I can feel her hands go cold and clammy.

"Hey, everything will be okay," I whisper soothingly in her ear as she clings tighter to me. I'm trying to reassure her, despite how my body is also filling with worry.

A little while later we see Lando climb out of his car, and climb into the medical car. The next thing we know, Jon appears next to us, "Rae, they're taking him to the medical tent for a check-up. I will keep you updated."

With a pale and panicked face, my best friend nods and whispers a quiet 'thank you'. Jon squeezes her shoulder again and smiles at me before he disappears out the back to join Lando in the medical tent.

As the race continues on, I try and keep my best friend calm. She is holding her cell phone with her shaky hands waiting for an update from Jon. Lando's parents are also standing beside us, equally trying to stay calm. Cisca in particular looks like she is going to burst into tears at any moment. Who can blame her. To be honest, I have no idea what's actually happening in the race anymore and frankly, I don't even care. Why is everything taking so long?

When Adam's cell phone rings, all three of us look at him nervously. "Jon?" He nods every now and then as he listens. "Yes, I'll let her know. Thanks!" He hangs up and looks at us.