𝙾𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢┃ Charles Leclerc┃

Chapter Thirty - The Rain

As I stepped out of the car, a rush of exhilaration flooded through me. P3. I couldn't believe it. After the challenges we faced in Austria, this felt like a triumph. The upgrades to the car had made all the difference, and I couldn't wait to see what I could do from this starting position.

I glanced up at the dark clouds looming overhead, a stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere in the paddock. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the impending storm. But despite the looming threat of rain, I couldn't dampen my spirits. I was ready for whatever Mother Nature threw at us.

"Great job out there, Ana!" Lando's voice cut through the bustling crowd, his grin mirroring my own. "Looks like we're in for an interesting race."

I nodded, my gaze drifting to Charles, who stood nearby. "Yeah, it's going to be a challenge, but I'm up for it."

"I was so close to P4." Lando grumbled in a low voice. "Bloody Alonso got past me in the last lap!"

As we made our way back to the garage, I couldn't shake the feeling of excitement coursing through me. This was my moment to shine, and nothing was going to stand in my way. Hopefully. I'll be realistic rather than dramatic, in this case.

After a whirlwind day at the track, returning home was like stepping into a sanctuary of familiarity and comfort. The drive back with Charles, my dad at the wheel, and Evie chatting animatedly in the backseat was filled with the soothing hum of conversation and the soft purr of the engine. The familiar sights of our neighbourhood passed by in a blur, each street corner and familiar landmark serving as a reassuring reminder of home.

We pulled into the driveway of our family home, and a sense of relief washed over me. The welcoming glow of the porch light beckoned us inside, promising warmth and laughter within. Stepping through the front door, I was greeted by the comforting scent of home-cooked meals and the sound of laughter echoing through the halls.

Evie bounded through the front door, her eyes shining with excitement. "Did you see me cheering for you today, Ana? I was waving my flag the whole time!"

Chuckling, I ruffled her hair affectionately. "I saw you, Evie. You were the best cheerleader out there. I noticed you were waving a flag for Charles, too!"

"I was!" She subconsciously wrapped her small arms around Charles' waist. "Team Ferrari!"

Charles grinned, his deep dimples making an appearance, as he lifted my little sister into the air. "That's my girl! Ferrari for the win." He winked at me.

I stared at the pair of them with my mouth hanging agape. "Erm, no. No, no, no. Charles, you cannot corrupt my sister when she is young and vulnerable. McLaren all the way, Evie!" I flicked the end of her freckley stubbed nose with the end of my red-painted fingernail. "Sisters before misters, kiddo."

Together with my dad, we made our way to the cosy living room, where the soft glow of the fire cast a warm, inviting light over the room. Charles joined us after making me a cup of tea, his smile lighting up his face as he recounted the highlights of the day's events.

"It was amazing to watch you out there, Ana." He said, his voice filled with admiration. "You handled yourself with such grace and skill."

"Grace and skill are not usually words that would be used to describe me!" Blushing at his praise, I thanked him before sinking into the plush cushions of the sofa. Surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. Tomorrow's race would bring its own challenges, but for now, I was content to bask in the simple joys of home and hearth.

The morning of the British Grand Prix dawned bright and early at the Silverstone race track, buzzing with anticipation and excitement. As soon as I arrived at the track, it was go-time. Lando and I joined our colleagues for the pre-race briefing with the McLaren team, where we delved into the nitty-gritty of our race strategy. Andrea, our team principal, outlined our plan for the day, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication on the track.