The anatomy of a champion • I •

46.

*******Irina********

My initial plan to spend the evening with Diana was ruinned by her husband. of course i didn't mind. I knew they needed their time together and i quickly texted Charles that i will be joining him to the race track and he proposed to come and see the press conference as well.

When that madness ended I went outside so the panic attack won't settle in. I needed to smoke imediately because of what Charles stated. Like an whole pack. I did my best during to avoid any visual contacts with Max.
But, I saw that he was having some troubles too, and the way he stormed out from the room was the proof. Some part of me, the little naive one, wanted to go after him but it was not my business to cheer him up. He has a girlfriend, and i' m with Charles now.
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The organizers of the Miami Grand Prix prepared a pre race show for the crowd that had gathered in front of the stage on the evening of that day.
Firstly, the moderator presented all the teams, together with their team principals and their drivers, and a small series of questions for each. The crowd went delirious when Lewis came on stage, he was still a multiple world champion even if he had lost the last championship to Max and the current season, at least until now, the Mercedes team didn't have a competitive car.
The same treatment for Charles as well. Plenty of female voices screaming for him.

After the presentation, the drivers retreated to a VIP terrace near the stage while different artists went on to perform. It was intended to be a kind of opening for the race week similar to the superbowl.

Together with Diana, Alex and Peter we stayed somewhere behind the stage at a table. Enjoying the music, laughing, happy for such a great evening in Miami. Diana cleared her throat after reading a text message  "My dear friend, I hope that you won't hate us for what will happen" oh God. I don't like the sound of this "you will hear something immediately and please be aware that you will be flawless, as always" huh??
"what the fuck did you guys do now??" I was already nervous, looking at all 3 who apparently knew what was going to happen.

The moderator of the show started to speak "Now we have prepared a moment for someone who actually works for Formula 1 and she is very talented. Let's welcome her with applause, Dr. Stan Irina"
what the actual fuck?
Was it just me or the ground was slipping away from under my feet and panic had taken control over everything in me.
"I can't believe you did this to me!!!!"
Literally screaming to my friends. Diana took my hand and squeezed it "Sweety, just close your eyes and imagine that we are the only ones in the audience"
Jesus.Fucking...what was the point of this nonsense. I just used to sang in some karaoke clubs but not on a fucking huge stage in front of so many people.

"What if I mess up the lyrics?? What if i'll make a fool of myself? Did you think about that?" I shout to my friends while i was getting up from the table when the moderator called my name one more time "you won't"
But Diana's voice faded in the background as i was getting closer to the stage.

My hands trembled as I clutched the microphone, my heart beating wildly in the chest. This was it, i can't run back now. I took one deep breath, closed my eyes and waited for the instrumental to begin so i could know what i have to sing. Diana couldn't even tell me that. Some friend she was.
But a little smile was forming at the corner of my mouth hearing what song she had picked up.

Unlike the real artists, not me, the freaking amateur of the evening, performed rythmic entertaining music, while the song Diana choose was rather a slower one.
At first, my voice sounded a little hesitant, but as I poured my soul into the lyrics, my confidence grew. Now my voice swelled, echoing through the air. My friends got on the stage at the very limit of not being seen by the audience, and when I turned my head towards them, I saw Diana with tears in her eyes, holding her hand over the mouth while Alex was filming me.
The audience had their eyes fixed on me as I continued the song.

On the big screen that was located near the stage to facilitate the visual experience of those who were further away, I could see better the reactions of the people including the ones in the VIP area. I swallowed hard when Max apperead on the screen. His eyes tranfixed on me.
Luckly the song was about to end because i could no longer stay steady on my feet.

The people in the audiance exploaded into applause and cheers after i held the final note. Tears of joy streaming down my face as I basked in the admiration of the crowd.

The moderator approached me applauding "wow, what a performance, congratulations, I think I'm not the only one who got goosebumps" looking at the audience as they were cheering and whistling louder and louder.
"thank you very much" was all I could say, taking a little bow before them and then leaving the stage. I threw myself into the arms of my friend who was still crying. "you were simply wonderful, I don't even have enough words to praise you" Diana said with a soft voice "i know you love this song and i know who you were thinking of" a tear escaped from my eye "that fucker don't deserve you " Diana whispering slowly at my ear

Charles came in a hurry while I was still with my friends, trembling from the emotions of what happend before. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me in front of everyone not caring if anyone sees us. Leaving me in a state of shock "I can't believe how lucky i am to have you" he said quite loud and kissed me once more.
Big words.big words...
The people around us were looking. No, not looking, starring at us. And I was starting to feel unconfortable. With every flash of the photografs I was panicating more and more.
"Let's get out of here" charles said while taking my hand into his. But I stopped him "Charles, i want to spend this night with Diana, i haven't seen her in ages" i turned my gaze towards her trying to speak with my eyes so she join in the conversation "yeah monegasque boy, sorry but tonight she is all mine"
Thank God for us being friends since forever."sure, see you tomorrow" he said dissapointed.
Oh how i hate myself.
I pressed a quick kiss on his lips and left with Diana.

After about an hour we were heading towards the exit of the paddocks "Heya doc, how many talents are yet to discover about you?" Daniel came from nowhere and put his hand over my shoulder. I smiled shyly and leaned my head on his shoulder. I don't know why being besides him was making me feel, calm. He gives my the big brother vibes "so you and Charles" he said nudging me "yeah, i guess..." i replied with a trace of doubt in my voice "îhm, yeah i like Charles, but want some piece of advice?"
"Regarding?" I said confused "i know to whom you kinda reffered in that song, better go tell him that" "him" should give Daniel some money for always dealing with his problems " there's no point in it Daniel. Me and him, in fact there wasnt no me and him, we didn't even happen. And i'm trying to build something with Charles" as soon as i finished the sentence I felt a lump in my throat and it was damn hard to swallow. Daniel raised an eyebrow "trust me, it's not like that. You and him did happen, more than you could imagine" giving me a peck on the cheek and went to some boys from the mclaren team