Mi campeón - Carlos Sainz (EN)

Chapter 2

That evening, the atmosphere was charged with an unexpected energy for the two young women. They had joined the famous Lando Norris, but while Clara had little knowledge of Formula 1, Talia was more familiar with the world of racing. Yet, even though Clara's knowledge was limited, it didn't stop her from asking curious questions to Talia about the identity of the young man sitting beside them.

Talia, comfortable with English thanks to her studies, had no trouble engaging in lively conversations with Lando. She was pleasantly surprised to discover a man who was open-minded and humble despite his fame. The appearances of their first meeting seemed to have been deceiving. The two young people shared stories and experiences, realizing that their personalities complemented each other in an amazing way.

Throughout the evening, amidst drinks and upbeat music, they danced and shared laughs. The starry night of Brussels turned into an unexpected adventure for Talia, Clara, and Lando Norris, where the boundaries between celebrity and anonymity blurred to make room for a genuine human connection.

A few days after the nightclub evening, Talia was pleasantly surprised to receive a Facebook invitation from Lando Norris. The young Formula 1 driver had left Belgium after the Grand Prix on July 30, but he had decided to stay in touch with the young woman. In addition to sharing a natural bond, he seemed to appreciate the opportunity to talk to someone who valued him for himself rather than his fame.

During this memorable evening, Talia asked more questions about Lando himself than about the world of Formula 1. Their conversation covered a variety of topics, from family and hobbies to travel and even philosophy. Their exchange was light, pleasant, and a growing camaraderie was felt.

It is worth noting that romance had no place here. Although each recognized the charm of the other, an obvious fact they kept to themselves, their budding relationship resembled more that of a brother and sister, marked by genuine concern for each other's well-being.

The following days were filled with regular correspondence between Talia and Lando. This discreet yet complicit virtual relationship became increasingly important in Talia's life. Eager to preserve their budding intimacy, she chose not to flaunt this growing connection to the world. This discretion only strengthened the respect Lando had for her. Each of their exchanges reinforced the bond between them, as if the magic of that nightclub evening extended into their conversations.

The summer break provided Lando with the opportunity to return to Belgium. This time, it was not just about exchanging virtual messages, but about meeting in person with Talia. She was delighted to show him the hidden treasures of her country. Even though these places were familiar to her, she rediscovered them through Lando's curious eyes. They wandered together through cobbled streets, visited museums, and enjoyed Belgian cuisine. Lando marveled at the picturesque architecture of Brussels, getting lost in the maze of medieval alleyways.

However, the day came with its share of challenges for Lando. To avoid attracting attention, he had to hide behind a hood. This did not diminish the magic of the day, marked by their growing complicity. They laughed, shared memories, and at times, engaged in deep conversations. It was clear that their relationship was evolving, becoming more than just acquaintances.

Lando was well aware that maintaining contact would be a challenge with the resumption of the Grand Prix at the end of August. He had learned that Talia was not fond of virtual exchanges, which complicated the situation. However, a bright idea came to him to preserve their precious connection.

Thus, they found themselves in a video call, an experience that allowed them to see and communicate with each other in a much more intimate way despite the distance separating them. Talia held an envelope in her hand, eager to discover its contents and hear Lando's explanation. This new dimension of their interaction strengthened their bond and gave a special flavor to their budding relationship.

Talia, her eyes sparkling with excitement, asked Lando if she could finally open the envelope. Lando smiled at her eagerness and jokingly replied, "Wait a bit, let my little suspense last a bit longer."

Changing the subject, he asked her how her graduation ceremony had gone. This day was particularly significant, as Talia had received her university degree after five years of hard work.

Talia detailed that everything had gone very well, that her family was there to support her, and that her professors had congratulated her on her thesis. Lando, curious, asked if she had graduated with honors. Talia, a little embarrassed, modestly replied, "Yes, but it was a pass."

Lando reassured her, saying that it was already a great achievement, emphasizing that earning a master's degree was no small feat. A bright smile lit up Talia's face, bringing out her dimples. She thanked him warmly and then eagerly asked if she could finally discover the contents of the envelope. Lando responded with a mysterious smile, "It's my gift for your success."

Talia cautiously began to open the envelope. When she held the documents and the pass in her hands, she was momentarily speechless, her wide eyes staring in astonishment at the objects before her. This silent reaction heightened Lando's stress, who anxiously scrutinized the screen, waiting for her reaction.

Finally, Lando couldn't help but ask, a bit anxious: "Do you like it?"

Talia slowly raised her eyes to him, her voice slightly hesitant, to declare: "It's... it's incredible."

Lando: "Too much?"

Talia: "No, it's great, but... so unexpected."

Lando: "It's your turn to discover my world now."

Talia: "How am I going to handle transportation and all that?"

Lando: "Everything is taken care of. You'll be considered a McLaren guest."

Talia took a moment to think. Since entering university, she had worked on herself to learn to accept the opportunities that arose, not to ask too many questions, and to live life to the fullest. Moreover, with the end of her university studies, she did not yet have a well-defined professional project, and the nature of her discipline offered her a certain freedom. She could consider writing articles or joining a research center.

With these thoughts in mind, and a determined look towards Lando, she declared: "See you in the Netherlands, then!"

----

Feel free to leave a comment to share your thoughts! It makes the reading experience more dynamic for me and others!