𝓕ate | Charles Leclerc (CL16)

Chapter 5 - plane ride to Saudi

I spent my last  few days at the beach absorbing as much sun as I could. The days flew past and before I knew it we were on the plane to Saudi Arabia. Dad was talking to one of the flight attendants, so I decided to listen to some music. I felt someone tap my shoulder, as I turned to look at whoever had touched my shoulder I was met with my dads sheepish grin. I took one of my AirPods out to hear what he was saying.

"So, we could do a good deed today. Some of the other drivers were meant to be flying together-'' he paused. I watched him suspiciously as he continued. "But, their plane is malfunctioning and it's not working. They think it might be an oil leak, which would be a huge risk for them to fly in. For safety they haven't been allowed to." I looked at him in surprise.

"How are they supposed to get Saudi then? I'm sure some of them might have meetings before quali" I asked, my brain to start up again. That's when it hit me.

"Well, I was hoping they could join us on our private plane instead? It would be a big favour." I was right. That's exactly what he was implying. I nodded at him agreeing. I could only hope that Daniel, Carlos or Lando would be flying with us. After I had  nodded my head he quickly turned and quickly told the flight attendants that they would join us.

I had already put my AirPods back in, and was drifting into slumber. Suddenly, an extremely loud '  'WHOOP WHOOP '' was heard. It was recognisably Danny Ric's voice. I paused my music to hear the seats around me being sat on. It sounded like a decent amount of drivers had boarded our plane.

I leant my head against my window, however someone plopped down next to me. It brought me back to consciousness, but I was far too tired and unbothered to see who it was.

Not long after, the flight took off, as it began to lift off the ground. It  was meant to be a short flight and should only take about 2 and a half hours. It felt like more though. The turbulence stopped me from sleeping but I was far too exhausted to move.

I gently toppled from the window towards whoever was next to me. My head rested gently on their shoulders. The instant sensation of cologne hit me. It was a mix of sandalwood and cinnamon. It was comforting. In a way it helped me ease my thoughts into a peaceful slumber as I slipped into unconsciousness.

Eventually, I started to wake up looking around. Nobody was there, then I looked up. I was met with Charles looking down at me.

What I had missed was the comforting hand on my lower thigh, which was gently caressing my leg.

"I uh- I'm so sorry I didn't mean to fall asleep on you-" I stuttered confused on what to say. I sat back in my seat looking at him as he swiftly moved his hand back. He smiled at me gently. I was too confused to notice it though, but I smiled for a different reason.

" it's alright, I'm glad you got some sleep. You seemed really tired when I sat down." Was Charles being nice? Why did he sit next to me? And more importantly where was everyone else?

"Where is everyone?" I mumbled, still waking up from my silly daze.

"I think they went to the bar or are playing a game, I'm not sure." He cleared his throat, glancing anywhere but at me.

"Thank you for letting me use your shoulder as my pillow" I laughed slightly. He smiled. "I think i'm going to go grab a drink" silence. "Is there anything I should get you?" I didn't want to be rude, he had after all let me sleep on him.

"A glass of water would be nice, thank you Mini Vettel" it was almost like my hate for him disappeared in the course of sitting there. I nodded as I walked towards the bar.

As I reached it, I quickly looked around to see about 7 drivers looking at me. I scratched my head confused, before I yawned. I quickly looked down, to be met with my light pink shorts, now I think about it, they were incredibly short and my pink panther sweater was hanging dangerously low from my shoulder.