Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

24.00

I have reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon, which has been surprisingly tougher than I thought it would be. David keeps joking about how he wants me to lose so he can go on his honeymoon sooner.

My heart aches for Charles as we haven't seen each other since the wedding. I feel myself wanting to be around him, especially when it's been close to a year ago since we first laid our eyes on each other.

I carry my bag through the doors of the main building. There are a few fans inside that begin to surround me. I try to get past most of them, but I can't ignore a young girl who seems to be only ten years old. She holds a tennis ball out to me eagerly, with a marker in her other hand.

I smile down at her, taking both the ball and marker from her. "Hello there, what's your name?" I ask, while roughly signing my signature across the yellow fluff of the ball.

"My name is Alyssa," she grins, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I kneel down so I can get on her level, before handing her back her things.

"Well, you look incredibly strong Alyssa. I think you could be a tennis player someday," I say, causing her mouth to drop in disbelief at my words. I try not to chuckle at her adorable reaction.

"We've actually been taking her to tennis lessons," mentions the man who's standing behind her. I assume it's her dad, as I get up so I can acknowledge him properly.

"That's what I like to hear," I beam at them both, Alyssa turning the tiniest bit red.

"Aria, is it ok if I just say, my other daughter, Sarah, couldn't make it here today because she's sick. She's a huge formula one fan, so please tell Charles that we wish him the best with the rest of the season," adds her father. I notice a hint of nerves in his voice, most likely because he isn't sure if I would be happy with him bringing Charles up in the conversation.

"Yes, of course. I'm happy to pass the message on," I say, smiling at him warmly to make sure he knows that I'm being genuine.

"Thank you so much. Have a great match," he concludes, taking Alyssa's hand in his, ushering her away from me.

I feel obliged to take a few more photos with other people, before security urge me to make my way to the preparation room.

I make my way down the halls, which were lined with photos from the previous years at Wimbledon. I feel a smile creep onto my lips. It truly feels like a second home here.

I enter the room where David is waiting for me impatiently.

"You were almost on time for once Aria," he sighs sarcastically, taking some of my stuff from me.

"The fans needed me," I claim, matching his sarcasm. "Plus, you know that we technically have plenty of time."

"Not as much time as we usually do," he adds, causing me to frown at him.

"You have visitors," he says regretfully, making my confusion grow even further. To answer my glares, he points at the set of lockers that are placed in the centre of the room.

My eyes widen as a familiar face steps out from behind the lockers, a smirk playing on his face.

It's Charles. My heart races at the sight of him, my legs about to run towards him. However, he isn't the only one to step out. Arthur appears after Charles, his eyes meeting mine.

My stomach drops slightly. I haven't told Charles about what happened with Arthur at the wedding, as I haven't felt the need to. Although, I can't ignore the high level of discomfort I'm feeling with being around him again. I can only hope that it had been a drunken mistake, and deciding that it's best to act normal.