𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔

𝐗𝐗𝐈𝐈

·˚ ༘

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March 5th 2023

CHARLES LECLERC

The paddock was a hive, a sea of color and sound as teams prepared for the first race of the season. The air buzzed with the familiar sounds of revving engines, chattering radios, and the footsteps of crew members. This was my domain, the place where I felt most alive. Yet today, amidst all the usual chaos, my thoughts kept drifting back to Zahra Nichols.

I made my way through the paddock, greeting familiar faces, but my mind was elsewhere. It had been two days since that interview, two days since I had seen her again after so many years. Zahra was now a reporter for SkySports. She was no longer the carefree, fresh-faced girl I once knew. Her hair, now short and back to brunette, framed her face in a way that made her look older. Her makeup was no longer light and glowing for the summer, and she no longer wore the necklace I got her. Now, she wore little to no makeup, a nude to brown lip, and a simple stack of gold necklaces and emerald rings. She became a professional.

As I walked, I couldn't help but replay our encounter in my mind. The interview had been straightforward enough. I was told two journalists would come by the Ferrari hospitality area to talk with Carlos and me. Just didn't expect it to be her. 

March 3rd 2023

Earlier today, I was told that two reporters from SkySports would come by to talk to me and Carlos. It was nothing special, I get these things a lot. They'd probably just ask about our mission for the upcoming season, the car, and our insights. It's nothing new. I was sat down next to Carlos and we talked for a bit before they came.

The door opened, and I heard footsteps coming our way. The shadows of two figures, one a man and one a woman, came up. I looked up and saw her. Zahra. Her expression was professional, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes, a hint of recognition, perhaps. My heart pounded in my chest as we introduced ourselves.

"Nice to meet you," I said, keeping my voice calm and professional. I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of the other reporter and Carlos, so I didn't say "Hey, it's been a while," just faked a new story, I guess.

The interview started with the other reporter, Keir, asking questions to Carlos. My eyes were fixed on Zahra. How could she just sit there so casually? Hello? Did she forget about everything? Is she thinking of us right now?

I watched her closely, questioning every small thing she did. Why did she put her pen down so harshly? Was she trying to send a message, or was it just a habit? When she started writing a lot, I wondered what she was jotting down. Was it notes for the interview, or was she hiding something behind those scribbles? Did I say something iffy?

"We've made some significant improvements this year," I said in response to her question about the new season. "The team has worked incredibly hard, and we're confident in the car's performance. It's all about consistency and pushing the limits, one race at a time."

She immediately grabbed her pen and wrote some stuff down. Was I cold? Was that a rude answer? Was it too plain to report? Or did I say too much?

Keir continued, asking about my thoughts on the new regulations and things of that matter. I answered mechanically, my mind still partly on Zahra. Why hadn't she reached out before? Why was she here now, in this capacity?

Is there unfinished business between us, or did we just accept the fact there would be no hard feelings?

March 5th 2023

Now, two days later, I spotted her again in the paddock. "What the hell is she doing here?" I thought. She hadn't interviewed me since then, and I wondered why. Had she been avoiding me? Or was it just coincidence? Then I remembered, reporters would usually get assigned to us. Wait, did she avoid getting assigned to me after that first interview? Because I've talked with Keir a few times ever since.

I watched her for a moment, taking in the changes. She looked older, more mature, insanely different from the girl fresh out of her teen years. The Zahra I once knew had been lively, almost carefree. This new version was composed. It was strange – I wouldn't have gone for this version of her back then, but now, I found myself intrigued.

Had she changed that much, or had I? Over the years, I had matured too. The recklessness of my early years had given way to a more strategic approach to racing and life. Perhaps this was why I found myself drawn to her again. Was I falling in love again? Had seeing her restarted something within me?

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I needed to focus. Today was race day, and I couldn't afford to be distracted. But as we walked, I couldn't help but glance back one more time, catching a final glimpse of Zahra before turning my attention fully to the task at hand.

She was talking to a colleague, her expression was almost animated as she gestured with her hands. She looked happy, content. Seeing her like this, I felt a surge of something I couldn't figure out. Regret? Longing? It was hard to say.

I watched her for a moment longer, then turned to go. I had responsibilities, obligations. But as I walked away, I couldn't help but think about what might have been. What if things had been different? What if we had stayed in touch? Would we still be the same people we were now?

"You ready?" a voice asked. I snapped back to reality. It was Francesca, my girlfriend, who'd been walking beside me this entire time. She was smiling, happy to be here. "You know, for the race," she chuckled.

"Yeah," I replied, forcing a smile. "Ready as I'll ever be," I smiled. I'm grateful for her support, even if my mind stayed on Zahra. As Francesca and I walked together, her arm linked through mine, I tried to focus on the present. I had a wonderful girlfriend, a successful career, and a team that believed in me. Who's Zahra Nichols anyway? 

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𝐀𝐔𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐘'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒
❀ Short chapter and I kinda hate it
 but I'll try to make the next one better

❀ Also I just published a new original story,
 it's called "The Summit" so check it out
 on my profile if you want!!
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