Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 35 : Max

I can't believe how crazy this season has been. Not only have I won the championship for the third time, but I also discovered so many things about myself.

Being with Charles has ultimately been the most amazing thing that's happened. I still can't get my head around how quickly everything changed. But it all felt so natural and right. Like it was meant to be.

I fought those feelings for so long, waisted my energy on hating him when I could've kissed him instead. It makes me so angry at myself but there's no point reminiscing the past. I'm with him now.

We love each other.

And we have all the future ahead of us since I'm not planning on letting him go anytime soon.

'Congrats Max'

I look up to see my father, at my driver's room door.

'Thank you'

He closes the door behind him and joins me in slow steps.

'Look, about our conversation the other day...'

I wave him off.

'It's fine, I understand'

'No, no', he shakes his head.

'I wanted to apologize. I was scared about how you'd act on track around him but... I can tell you're both smart enough to race like you always have'

He sits on the bed next to me.

'The fact that we're together is not going to change our desire to win. You know me, I hate losing'

He nods.

'Yeah, I know. It's just, I've seen the way you are with him. You've never acted like that with anyone'

I smile while thinking about what Charles told me.

'That's because he's not just anyone'

My dad offers me a small smile while putting his hand on my shoulder.

'Well, that's all I wanted to say. Enjoy your victory, you deserve it'

'Thanks'

He gets up to face me.

'I'll see you later ?'

I nod with a small smile.

He takes it as a yes and leaves the room without another word. I stay alone for a few more minutes to think.

That was weird.

He's never really been the type to apologize but... I'm happy he did. Now I feel like maybe things will be alright after all.

•••

Charles and I decided to go to a renowned restaurant together. I'm usually known for partying after the last race of the calendar but not this time. The idea of spending time with him one-on-one sounds way more appealing.

We're both aware that there's a high chance for us to be seen and recognized by someone but we agreed it was time to stop hiding. The stunt we pulled on the podium was already a pretty clear message for everyone and the world hasn't changed nevertheless.

People are going to talk no matter what we do. I don't want to not do as simple things as going out to eat or walking in the street together just because of them.

'I knew you were going to do that !', I feign annoyance when I can't even contain my smile.

Charles just took his fork to dive into my food naturally. I ordered some lasagna and to be fair, they're probably the best I've ever eaten.