sweet escape [c.l.]

chapter seventeen

Charles had received the all clear from the doctor and in the last week had been getting ready for the next. In the last week he had had double the training, double the meetings to go over everything that had gone wrong in the other race, and double the anxiety.

He had been pushing himself to all of his limits to try and make the most out of his comeback after the accident but while he had recovered 100% physically, he still laid awake at night thinking about what had gone wrong and the what ifs.

This was something he wasn't going to admit to anyone, not even Rory, because being scared now could mean that he would be scared for a long time and a Formula 1 driver that was scared of driving...it's not hard to guess what happened.

So he pushed it all to the back of his head while he trained, while he tested, in those moments he was focusing on himself and the cars and not on his mind.

It was race day, qualifying hadn't been what he hoped for, ending up in 6th, but everyone was congratulating him for getting in the top 10 after the accident. But it wasn't enough, not for him at least.

Rory was still staying with him, not sure why since the doctor had given him the all clear and he didn't need a babysitter anymore, but they had fallen into a routine. She could see that he was nervous even if he didn't tell her anything, so she tried her best to make sure that he knew she was there for him. And that is why she was on her way to his driver's room now.

Rory knocked on the door gently before opening it. Charles was sitting on the small couch, his head in his hands. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the faint hum of the bustling activity outside.

"Hey," she said softly, closing the door behind her. She moved slowly, not wanting to startle him. "How are you holding up?"

Charles looked up, trying to muster a smile. His eyes were clouded with anxiety and self-doubt. "I'm fine, just... nervous."

Rory sat next to him, taking his hand in hers. She could feel the tension radiating off him. "You've got this. You've worked so hard, and you're ready."

Charles squeezed her hand, grateful for her support. "I hope you're right."

She shifted closer, her presence a warm anchor in the cold, sterile room. "I know I'm right. I've seen how hard you've been working, how dedicated you are. You're more than ready for this."

He let out a long breath, leaning back against the couch. "It's just... everything's been building up, you know? The accident, the recovery, getting back in the car. It feels like there's so much riding on this race."

Rory nodded, understanding the weight he was carrying. "It's a lot of pressure, but you don't have to carry it alone. We're all here for you, the whole team, and me. Especially me."

Charles managed a small smile, the first genuine one she had seen all day. "Thank you, Rory. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "You'd still be amazing, that's what. But I'm glad I'm here with you."

He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the comfort of her touch. "I've been thinking a lot, about the accident, about what went wrong. Sometimes it keeps me up at night."

Rory's heart ached for him. She wished she could take away his pain and fears. "It's natural to think about it, Charles. But you're here now, and you're stronger because of it. You've overcome so much."

Charles opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. "Sometimes I worry that I'm not the same driver I was before."

Rory shook her head firmly. "You're not the same driver. You're better. You've learned, you've grown. You've faced your fears and come out the other side. That makes you stronger."

He looked down at their joined hands, drawing strength from her words. "I just don't want to let everyone down."

"You could never let us down," Rory said softly. "No matter what happens today, we're proud of you. I'm proud of you."

They sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of the upcoming race hanging in the air. Rory could see the determination slowly returning to his eyes, the fire that had always driven him.

"Remember why you started racing," she said after a while. "Remember the thrill, the passion, the love for the sport. Let that drive you today."

Charles nodded, her words resonate deeply within him. "I will. Thank you, Rory."

She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I'll be cheering for you every second. And no matter what, we'll get through this together."

As she stood to leave, she turned back one last time. "One more thing," she said with a smile. "No matter the outcome, I'm here for you. Always."

Charles watched her go, feeling a renewed sense of calm and purpose. He took a deep breath, ready to face the challenges of the race with Rory's unwavering support by his side.

The race started, and the only thing in his mind were Rory's words as the familiar rush of adrenaline filled him. The first few laps went smoothly, but as the race progressed, he found himself struggling. His car wasn't performing as expected, and he had trouble finding his rhythm. Each lat seemed to get harder, and his frustration grew.

In the final laps, a small mistake cost him several positions. He crossed the finish line in 9th place, far from where he wanted to be. Disappointment washed over him as he parked the car and climbed out, the weight of the day settling heavily on his shoulders.

Back in the team's area, Rory had left the medical center and was waiting for him. She saw the dejected look on his face and quickly made her way to him, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting hug.

"I'm so sorry, Charles," she whispered. "But you did great. You finished the race, and that's a huge step forward."

Charles hugged her back tightly, trying to hold back his emotions." It just...wasn't enough." His voice coming out muffled from his face being pressed against her neck.

"It's a start," Rory said, "You're back on the track, and that's what matters. You'll get there."

His only response was to pull her closer by the waist and leave a light kiss on her neck before diving deeper into the neck while she ran her hands through his hair.

"Want to go home?" he just nodded and she gave him a kiss on the side of his face that she could reach. "So, let's go home."