love at first sight?

distress

*Ivy*

Charles and I watched the stars till we both got too cold. I fell asleep in his arms, feeling safe and calm. The next day I wake up to an empty space next to me. Charles must be up already. I hear him talking Italian on the phone with someone. By the tone and volume of his voice I can tell he's angry but I can't imagine what got him so angry suddenly. I get up and open the door and see Charles walking around the apartment while gesturing with his hands angrily. My mind wanders to what could have gotten him so angry. When he spots me his look softens and he soon ends the call. "I'm sorry, mon amour. I didn't want to wake you up", he says and gives me a bear hug. "It's okay. What has gotten you so angry?", I ask and look up at him. He hesitates for a bit. "They need me at the factory, Xavi called and said they can't find a solution for an issue on the car", he sighs. My stomach twitches at the thought of him leaving me now after what happened yesterday but I know that it's important for him and the team in order for him to win the next race. "When do you have to leave?", I put my head on his chest hoping that he won't have to leave right now even though I already knew what he was going to say. "The jet leaves in three hours", he sighs again. My heart drops. Three hours? That means he has to leave in like an hour or so. "I'm so sorry Ivy, I promise I tried everything to not leave you now but they really need me", Charles apologises. I take a moment to sort my thoughts. "It's okay, I know that's important for the next race", I say and sigh. He pushes my chin up with his finger so that I look at him. "Promise me you'll tell me when something's wrong? I don't want to have to ask Elena how you're doing, please be honest with me baby. I can be home in three hours", he says in a serious tone. I usually wouldn't tell him when something is wrong while he is in Maranello in the factory because I don't want him to worry about me when he actually has to concentrate and focus on work. "You need to focus, Charles. I don't want to bother you with my problems", I say quietly. "Baby, no. We're in this together. I want to know when you're not feeling well or when something happens. Always call me, okay?", some tears escape my eyes when he says this. He wipes them away with his thumbs. I nod and lean closer to Charles to soak in his warmth. Charles pulls me closer and puts his chin on my head. "I love you, mon cœur", he whispers. "I love you too, Charlie", I sob, "I don't want you to leave". "I know, Ivy. I promise it's only for a few days and then I'll be back home", he says kissing my head. "Then I promise to tell you everything that happens", I smile and look up to Charles. He smiles and looks down at me. "Thank you, mon cœur. I'll call you every day and make sure you're okay", he assures me and it melts my heart. It's not really a good time for him to just leave me after what happened with my mother yesterday but I know that it is necessary for him to go in order to win.

I help Charles pack his suitcase and backpack. "No, not this one", I take the hoodie out of his hands and hold it to my chest. "Why not?", he laughs at me. "This one smells like you. Which means that I will wear it while you're away and cuddle with it", I explain putting on the hoodie which is way too big for me so it's basically drowning me. "You're too cute", Charles laughs and kisses my forehead. We finish packing a few minutes later which means it's time to say goodbye. "Take care of yourself and don't go out late, okay?", he says while he hugs me tightly. "I won't but I will finish work a little later than usually probably, there are a few things I need to finish", I say and look up to him. "Then take the car to go to work and don't walk", he smiles and I'm shocked. He never lets me drive his cars. "The Pista?!", I exclaim excitedly. He hesitates for a bit. "Alright, take the Pista. I'll take the Alfa Romeo", he sighs and tries to sound annoyed but fails. "Yes!", I giggle and jump up and down like a little kid. Charles laughs at me and pulls me into a big bear hug again. "I love you, mon cœur. Don't you ever forget that", he says in a very cute way looking me straight into my eyes. "I love you too", I smile and connect our lips. My hands find their way into his fluffy hair which is very soft. Very soft. "I gotta go, baby. I'm sorry", he whispers against my lips. "I know", I sadly say, "text me when you landed?" He offers me a small smile. "Sure, mon cœur. Try not to think too much", he answers and takes his suitcase and backpack signalling me that he really has to leave now. "I'll try for you", I send him a small smile. "I love you", Charles reminds me and gives me a peck on the lips. "I love you too, have fun and don't worry too much about me", I say and kiss him again. He opens the door. "I'll try to", he smirks. "I'll be back soon, mon amour", he says before giving me a kiss on my forehead and leaving. "I love you", he shouts through the hallway when he is on his way down. I laugh about it but actually it makes my knees weak how he makes sure I know he loves me. I close the door and go back into our bed still wearing Charles' hoodie. It's a Sunday so I don't have to work today. I could call my dad but I'm not ready to have this conversation with him yet. So I just close my eyes and fall asleep again.