You don't need to explain what the butterfly effect is to Lando Norris because with one single change of events, the love of his life forgot all about him and their 3 year relationship.
3 years;
36 months;
156 weeks;
1095 days;
26,280 hours;
All gon...
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Something Lando has never done before. He made a list, which was surprisingly long. Until I saw things on it like 'bungee jumping'. By then, it makes sense why the list is so long.
"I don't think bungee jumping or anything related to that much adrenalin is good for me right now," I chuckle as I return the list. "Any chance you can make a separate list of things that are better for my heart?"
Lando grins sheepishly, "But I really wanted to bungee jump."
"Maybe you can take George."
I see how Lando's smile widens just an inch at the mention of his friend's name. And he nods immediately, grabs a pen, and starts circling a few activities.
"How about these?" He asks and gives me back the list.
I scan through the circled activities, and my eyes stop at the one enveloped twice before continuing. It's the only activity that Lando had marked twice.
"Something tells me you are excited about a hot air balloon trip."
"Is that so? What gave it away?" He looks genuinely surprised, and for a moment, I doubt myself. Maybe he had done it unconsciously.
"You put two circles around it. Did you want it to stand out between the other activities?"
Lando swallows, his eyes never breaking contact with mine, "Well, it has been high on my list. But if you don't want to do it, that's fine. We can definitely find another activity."
I shake my head, "It sounds lovely. We can go on a hot air balloon trip."
"We just need to make sure it's safe for you since you had that concussion."
"I am fine, Lando. The doctors told me that as soon as I didn't have as many headaches anymore or stability issues, I was good to do things again."
His eyes light up, and he nods, "Alright. Then I'll arrange it!"
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Being around Lando is calming in a way I can not explain just yet. It feels familiar, yet his face is still one I've only known for less than a month.
My dad drives us to the starting point of the hot air balloon trip; Lando and I sit silently next to each other on the backseats.
"Who is picking us up at the drop-off location?" I ask as my dad parks the car.
"A friend of mine picks us up," Lando says and turns to me with a soft smile. "You knew him, too. And I think he already visited you in the hospital."
"George?" I say with a hint of doubtfulness.
"Yeah, George. And he will bring his girlfriend. They wanted to show you some more things about the camping trip. But only if you are open to it."
I nod, "I'd be very much open to it. I want to try as many things as possible to regain my memories."
"And I am really grateful for that."
The photo album Lando had sent me helped me believe the past we had; it helped me visualize it, even if they were just frozen moments of what Lando knew actively.
And I wanted to remember it; I wanted it badly. I wanted to know every little thing that happened between us.
"What are you thinking about?" Lando asked, and I only realized I was standing hesitantly in front of the hot air balloon box. "Are you sure you want to go?"
"I am sure," I say and smile, reaching out to Lando to get support as I climb into it. "I was just daydreaming a bit."
I stumbled into the box, and Lando immediately wrapped his arms around me. It felt safe, and again– it felt familiar.
"And you swear on your life, you've never done this before, right? Not with me?" I turn to Lando to look him in the eye.
He smiles and shakes his head, "I promise I've never done this before."
"Good," I smile back.
The hot air balloon slowly ascended, and I couldn't help but admire the breathtaking view unfolding beneath us. Lando holds the side of the basket with one hand; his other arm is wrapped protectively around me.
It is probably an automatic trait, something he is used to do. So, I keep my mouth shut about it as we take in the beauty of the world under us.
As the balloon continues its rise, the guide silently next to us, I notice Lando stealing glances at me. His face carries a mix of anticipation and concern.
Something must be wrong.
He looks as if he wants to share something as if the words are on the tip of his tongue, but his lips keep them inside his mouth. Maybe he is just unsure how to approach the topic.
"You seem a bit on edge," I decide to break the silence and give him a reassuring smile.
Lando sighed, not heavily, almost relieved, "I've been... I guess I've been wanting to say something to you... to talk to you about something," His eyes search mine as he starts rattling. "I just... I don't want to overwhelm you."
I feel a knot forming in my stomach, my eyes flickering between the guide and Lando, unsure if he's supposed to hear it as well, "What is it?"
He takes a deep breath, and I notice how his hand starts shaking. I grab it and give it a light squeeze, hoping it feels encouraging.
"I know the accident has taken a toll on you, and I don't want to rush things," He takes another deep breath. "But there are things you should know about us."
I furrow my eyebrows, a mix of curiosity and confusion washing over me. I already knew we were romantically involved; what else could he possibly tell me?
Lando hesitates a moment before speaking, "I want you to know that I am not trying to force anything upon you; I am not expecting a single thing out of this."
"Okay," I chuckle nervously. "You're scaring me right now."
The knot in my stomach only tightens; Lando seems to carefully seek his words, showing me that he's actually reconsidering if he should tell me.
"I promise you that I'll not judge you, okay? Or to see it as you pushing things upon me."
He nods, muttering a soft "okay" before biting his bottom lip and scraping his throat, "We were more than just... boyfriend-girlfriend... just before the accident... I proposed to you," He drops the bomb, and right before it can explode, he sends another one, "And you said 'Yes.'"
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A/N: Hi everyone, sorry for missing a few Sundays. I promise to make it up soon! Life has been chaotic but soon I'll be able to get more rest and hopefully regain inspiration!
