this is me trying || charles leclerc

Christmas Tree

The championship was finally over. After a last disappointing race in Abu Dhabi, the winter break began and we could finally spend some quality time together.
It was the first time that I could enjoy the Christmas cheer here in Monaco. The town was beautifully decorated, with sparkling lights, a small but enchanting market and a gigantic ice rink, where people skated all day long. 

That beautiful December morning I woke up in the best way possible. The sun entered through the curtains and politely shined on my eyes. Charles was already awake, holding me in his arms while caressing my face. Sometimes I couldn't believe that that was my life. I was completely in love with him.

«Bonjour ma chère» he greeted me, leaving soft kisses on my face. His curls were messy from sleeping but they framed his face creating a masterpiece. He got up and brought me a tray with a homemade breakfast cooked by him. He curled back in bed with me, stealing a bite here and there.

«I was thinking that today we could do something special, the three of us - he started saying - We could go to the Christmas market or we could go to Nice, stroll around the city...»
He was perfect. Even his ideas were perfect. 

We got ready and went straight to the city centre, where the Christmas spirit was present in every street. We met up with some of our friends and had a lovely lunch all together. In the afternoon, we went Christmas shopping, buying all the last-minute presents that we needed. 

Among the beautiful stands, we found a place where you could take a photo with Santa. You could do the whole routine: sit on his lap, tell him what you wanted for Christmas and take the photo. I did mine with Chiara while Charles insisted on doing it alone, blaming some family tradition. He wanted to bring a printed photo of him to his mother as a present. When it was his turn, he did not speak out loud but whispered into Santa's ear.

The whole day passed between laughs and hot chocolate and before we knew it, it was nighttime. We got back to our apartment, put our little ray of sunshine to bed and snuggled on the couch.

«What did you ask for Christmas?» he asked, closing the book he was reading and turning to me.
«Well, I asked for Barbie's Dreamhouse, of course, lots of other toys and...oh, world peace. What about you?»
«Come on, be serious, what did you really ask for?» he asked again.
«Is this a way to find out because you still have to buy me a present? I told you a thousand times that I already have everything that I need.»

He got up and started pacing the floor.
«I got you something but still, I was curious.»
«You know, the classic things...peace and happiness. But now you tell me what you asked for mister. Why did you whisper to him?»

He ran his hand through his hair. He was embarrassed and it was more than evident.
«More luck on the track. There, happy?»
But he knew that I knew him too well to be content with his response. He faced the window and muttered something.

I invited him to repeat himself, this time a little bit louder.

«I asked him to make this last as long as possible»
I stared at him, on the verge of asking him for a clearer explanation, but he preceded me.
«It's the first time I have something this special with someone and I'm scared I will ruin it somehow. I don't trust myself in the feelings department. So I asked him to help me be a better boyfriend. For you.»

He looked at me, with those puppy eyes. I didn't say a word. I knew how hard it was for him to open up. It was maybe the third time he did it. I just opened my arms and, once he got back on the sofa, held him tight, letting the soft twinkling lights of our tree make him fall asleep. 

I know it is a short chapter, that it took me so long to publish and that it's so weird to read about Christmas in August. I just wanted to thank you all for the support that I've received for this story. Right now I don't have the inspiration to continue it, but I'm always open to suggestions and maybe, who knows, I'll publish something!

Again, thanks to all of you, you are amazing.