Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 32

POV: Max

I wake up sooner than expected, squinting to look at the time on my phone. "Friday 28/05/21, 7h37" Wonderful, the only day I could rest and sleep in, I get woken up by some random noise. I sigh and try to go back to sleep, giving up after ten minutes of just laying down, unable to find that nice peace again. I guess I'll get up then, at least I'll be able to eat breakfast, I always love that part of the day.

I quickly dress myself, opening the curtains to look outside. I like it here, it's often quiet and there's a lot of trees outside. Not much sun today, but that'll do. I actually really want to enjoy the last moments here, because I've decided to go back to Monaco tomorrow.

I walk towards the kitchen, making sure to not make any noise. I wouldn't like to deal with an angry and sleep-deprived Jos, that's for sure. Once I'm at the table, I happily prepare my food, before hungrily devouring it. I'll always say it, but I really love food. If it weren't for the diet and restrictions we have to follow as F1 drivers, I'd probably be a little overweight by now. But why would it matter, as long as I'm happy and healthy?

I am soon startled by the "greeting" of my father, that I didn't hear enter the kitchen. I answer, an uneasy feeling lingering under my skin. I'd like to not have that tense relationship with him, but I'm afraid it's never going to be possible as long as I am "different"... Which I'm never gonna be able to change so... I probably need to forget this idea and accept how things are, and will stay.

— How do you feel about next race Max, you need to make that gap with the Mercedes bigger if you want to win, he always talks about racing, always demanding more of me.

— Yeah I know, I think we'll be pretty strong there but we'll see. Are you coming to the race?

— Probably yes, it seems that when I'm not here you're not focused on racing... Hum?

Not understanding what he's trying to imply, I shrug it off and finish my breakfast. I suddenly feel the cruel absence of Charles, I could really use a hug right now. But well, I still want to say goodbye properly to my sister and mother, they should be back home soon now.

As I get up to put everything in the dishwasher, the bell rings and my father lazily go over there to open the door. I immediately smile when I see my two favourite women in the world. They are both radiating such incredible warmth, and when I finally greet them with an embrace I relax instantly.

— Are you sure you need to go back to Monaco so soon? We've barely seen you here, I wish we could spend more time together... My mom says in a sad voice.

— I know, but summer break is not so far away don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible! And you can always come and say hi to any race, you know that!

— Mhh yeah, she looks briefly at Jos with a... scared look?

— Let's do something fun today then, we could go karting? Or whatever you want, both of you! I tell my sister too.

And we settle on all going karting, which hasn't happened in... ages. It's probably been ten years or something, since we've done any "family" activity. I'm happy to see that the ambient is a bit less tense than the day I arrived, at least I can enjoy my last day here without hearing shouting every two seconds.

Nothing extraordinary happens, and of course I win the little playful race we have, my mom a close second, right behind me. My dad must be furious to be in third place right now, but I couldn't care less. Maybe I could even tease him the same way he talked to me when I was little, see how he would like that. I don't plan on dying today though, so I decide against it.