Absolutely Not! (Lando Norris)

Lando

"How is she?" Max looks to me. He'd flown in to watch the competition whilst Pietra was away visiting friends. 
"Nervous. She's barely said a word to me. Isaac said it's like a pre race tradition, she doesn't speak and just focuses on what she needs to do" I look to the centre of the velodrome as all the athletes and their coaches get ready. 
"I hear her family are here?" Max looks to me. 
"Sadly yes. Probably VIP somewhere." I sigh. "They were so horrible to her the other night, saying thinks like 'Don't want to cause more embarrassment' to the family. Who even says something like that" 
"What a dick" 

Various races take place, men's first, now it was women's. I watched on as Belle and Isaac took to the track, getting her ready to start the race. My heart was beating so fast out of my chest. She deserved to get that spot on the GB team, she'd worked harder than anyone I'd ever known. I can feel my palms sweating as the coaches leave the track, leaving just the cyclists. I watch as Belle takes a big breath before adjusting her feet on the pedals and getting ready. 
At that moment, I couldn't focus on my surroundings, I couldn't hear the crowds noise or Max speaking to me. I hear a muted bang before the bikes edge off the starting line. I watch on as it wasn't the best start for Belle, but she would never give up that easy. She was currently 4th out of 8 cyclists. She had 5 laps to show everyone just how amazing she was. I watched on as she powered through, moving to 3rd. I honestly thought I could drop dead at any minute, I couldn't focus on breathing, I could only focus on her. She's now moved to 2nd with the final lap remaining, the leader was fast but she didn't have the determination like Belle did. They round the final corner, wheel to wheel. I watch as Belle inches that little bit forward taking the win. It takes me a while to process what has just happened as the crowd around me goes wild, including Max. 

"the winner of the Women's race....number 4.....Arabella Caulley" 

I jump up hugging Max, as Belle takes a victory lap around the dome. I watch as she jumps off hugging Isaac. 
"Come on. Let's go see her" Max gestures to me. I don't even hesitate before gaining entry to the centre of the court. The perks of been the husband to the race winner. 
I spot Isaac to start with, he's talking to other coaches. 
"She did it" I hug Isaac. 
"Yes she did. I knew she could do it" Isaac stands proud. Proud that Belle proved them all wrong. 
"Where is she?" Max looks to Isaac. 
"She's actually just talking to the GB scout" He looks to Belle stood talking to a male dressed in a GB tracksuit. The body language was neutral, I couldn't work out what was been said. If it was good news or bad news. I watch as they shake hands and Belle heads back over to us, with the scout leaving in the opposite direction. 
"Well?" Isaac looks to Belle, who stands in front of us all. 
It honestly felt like the longest time waiting for an answer. 
"I didn't make the main squad." I could see the sadness in her eyes as I watch her swallow the lump in her throat. "However they had said that I can be a reserve, should anything happen to one of the main members of the team."
"Oh Belle" I immediately take her in for a hug. I can feel the wetness of her tears, soak through my t-shirt. 
"They said that although it was a good race, that I'd been out of the game for a while and that one race wasn't enough to show I had what it takes to be part of the main squad" 
"Do not. I repeat do not beat yourself up about this. You were amazing, I have every confidence that you will be main squad one day." Isaac places a hand on her shoulder, as I continue to hold her. 
"Reserve isn't bad. That means you still get to go to the games. We just want to hope one of them falls off" Max looks to Belle with a reassuring smile on his face. 
I feel a little chuckle come from Belle after Max's comment. Can always count on him, in these kind of situations. 
I watch from a distance as I see Belle's father, Liss and Nate heading towards us. 
"Arabella darling, that was amazing" Liss pulls Belle in for a hug. 
"Thanks Liss" Belle steps back to my side, grabbing my hand. I can't help but Percy not giving Belle or anyone eye contact. 
"Not a bad comeback sis" Nate smiles to his sister. 
"Wasn't good enough though was it" Percy remarks. I instantly feel Belle's grip tighten. "I've spoken to scout. The papers are going to love that a Caulley is a reserve" Percy was still looking ahead. I can feel the anger burning up inside of me. I can see Isaac and Max stood to the side looking on in shock. 
"I'm sorry" Belle whispers. How dare he treat her this way, she was amazing. 
Percy doesn't even respond before walking off with Nate as his shadow. Liss offers a pained look before heading off and following the two men. 
"Excuse me, I need to go get changed" Belle looks to us all before heading off. I feel like I needed to head after her, but a hand from Isaac stops that. 
"Leave her for now. This isn't the first time this has happened. She just needs time" 
I look on as I watch the women I love walking off upset, in what should have been a happy moment.