Rivalry of the Century ~ Ayrton Senna Love Story

Do Not Forget

Race Day of the France Grand Prix.....

Isabelle's POV

I woke up to my parents leaving with my brother for the race, not even bothering to wake me up but I'm used to that by now. Their only concern was about my brother, they didn't care if I went or not, well only caring every once in a while to keep up with appearances. After an hour and a half of getting ready knowing I would show up for the race. Not for my brother, but rather for Niki and maybe a small part of me wanted to see that Senna driver again. There's a knock on my door and I go to open it, already guessing who it was.

"You know you shouldn't open the door for just anyone," Marlene says jokingly scolding me.

"Come on I knew it was you." I reply with an eye roll as I let her in while I grab everything I need for the race and putting it in a small bag.

"You look pretty sweetie" walking with me out the door, waiting as I lock the door, and heading to her car.

"Thank you, knowing my parents they're going to say something negative about it though." Not that I cared about what they thought anymore, but I'd rather not get kicked out.

We arrive at the track before the fans even get here, perks of being related to them I guess. Both of us start walking towards McLaren, passing by Toles garage I will never remember the names. I guess I was looking too long because Marlene notices and comments,

"Are you looking for a certain Brazilian driver?" She has a clear sly smile on her face.

"I don't have any idea what you're talking about." I brush it off, that is until I see a man with curly messed hair holding a yellow and green helmet, speak of the damn devil. I was being slightly honest, I had no idea he was Brazilian. 

As if he knew someone was watching, he turns and meets my gaze, there's a small smile ghosting across his face and I know it's a mistake. He's just like his teammate, so I quickly turn away frowning as I look down and walk the same pace as Marlene.

"Why're you scowling like that?"

"He's just like all the rest of the men who look at me, only looking at my body. Men are all the same." She looks puzzled before glancing behind us, most likely seeing Senna.

She looks at me for a second and proceeds with saying something I didn't know I wanted to hear,

"I don't think Senna is like that, he's very nice and treats his Engineers well, Niki has met him and it was nothing but good comments from him. Niki said that he was unlike any driver he's met before. You know that Niki is usually right about these kinds of things."

I think about this more, struggling with what I saw and that maybe I misinterpreted it, more like hoping I had. We arrived at McLaren and I see my brother getting ready for his race ignoring everyone, while Niki comes to see us.

"It's good to see you here bells, hello my darling" he says to me and then Marlene, hugging her close.

"Good luck my dear," Marlene replies with a kiss to his cheek.

"I know you're going to win, I'm rooting for you," I say with a smile on my face, they were always the cutest together, she was the one thing that would always keep him safe.

He's called over by his engineers and we go to find some good places to watch the race. I didn't realize that my mind was searching for someone until my gaze landed on the bright yellow and green helmet. As the race went on, people weren't finishing left, right, and centre, one of which was the young rookie I seemed to be intrigued by. My heart sank, until I saw that Niki was in the lead, and my brother far behind by lap 50. I got up as I saw the car box and my feet seemed to move on their own because before I knew it I was in front of Toles. I start to turn to leave before I see a curled mess in the corner near the back, taking my chances on the Ceco driver I walk in. I go as I know what he's feeling. I had to listen to my heart, knowing that if he's like me then he shouldn't be alone. Nobody stopped me, mainly because I signed some things for a few drooling men...typical. I hesitate before pushing past the fear in my mind, sliding down the wall to sit beside the Brazilian rookie,

"It's ok... you know, to have a bad race." I say looking straight ahead not fully understanding what I was doing there, every inch of my brain telling me to bolt. Maybe he wasn't like me and he could handle this, but in the small chance he was I would never forgive myself for leaving.

Senna lifts his head and turns towards me from what I see from the corner of my eye, it takes everything in me to not look back at him. He just shakes his head lowly and responds in a smooth accent,

"I'm supposed to be better than this. I can't be anything less, this is everything to me and to my people. Oh, I'm sorry you shouldn't see me like this." I turn to look at him as he speaks, realizing that I was right, he was exactly like me. He wipes his tears that are forming in his eyes, I turn away to give him some pride again.

"What, to see you vulnerable? A bad race won't destroy your life, you're against drivers like Lauda, in a car that is my apologies..poor for a lack of a better word." I try to comfort him but my words don't translate well, I was too worried I would say the wrong thing that I was stumbling over my mental translation.

"You're Isabelle Prost right?" I know he's avoiding this and I let him because I'm shocked he said my real name.

"Yes, I'm surprised you didn't just call me Isabella. You're Senna right? I'm sorry I don't know your first name." I feel bad, comparing myself to the men that call me Isabella.

He stands up, seemingly feeling a it better, turning to hold his hand out to me. I grab it as he pulls me up, answering me when we're face to face with each other.

"I'm Ayrton Senna, it's a pleasure to meet you Isabelle." Marlene was right, so was Niki.

I'm memorized, so I didn't realize that he hasn't let go of my hand until Ceco walks in.

"What so he gets to touch you, but I don't?" I can't tell if he's joking or offended.

I quickly let go, heat creeping up my face to rest on my cheeks in a light rosy tinge.

"Oh um, sorry. Also sorry about not finishing you did a good job at least."

Ceco comes towards me and I just stand still until he holds out his hand to me, thankfully before I had to accept it and shake his hand, the race had finished and Marlene called out to me,

"Isabelle, Niki is going to the podium let's go!" Thank god she came at the perfect time.

"Sorry Johnny, looks like I've got to go to see Niki, I'll see you two later I guess, it was a pleasure meeting you Ayrton"

I run to catch up with Marlene without turning back. When we get to the podium, Niki aims the champagne at me and Marlene from where he stands. Before we are leaving the race, Senna had called out to us. Even though he calls out for one, we all stop and turn towards him, Marlene bumping my arm with a respectful smile looking at Ayrton.

"Niki! Wait for a moment please."

We were just standing there, waiting for him to catch up.

"I just wanted to ask Marlene and Isabelle if you guys are coming to the Monaco Grand Prix? It's one of the most anticipated races of the year." He looks nervous asking.

I turn to Niki and Marlene, Marlene shakes her head in a yes motion and I look to Niki,

"I don't have any modelling jobs coming up yet, but I also don't have anyway of getting there"

"I'm sure Marlene won't mind you staying with us, you can take the plane with us as well. As long as you can convince your parents." Of course Niki would find a way for me to go, he and Marlene are always messing with my love life.

Senna looks at me and smiles before saying goodbye, now I just have to convince my parents to let me go. Luckily for me I'm a very good convincer when it comes to anything to do with my golden brother.