McLaren loves new, young drivers. They take risks when deciding who gets those two precious seats. Lando Norris, McLaren's golden boy, has already taken one. Aurelia Wren, the rookie, shines in the other one.
A girl with a point to prove and a boy...
When Lia's eyes fluttered open for the first time since undergoing surgery, she saw Charles sitting in the chair to her right-slumped over almost asleep.
His eyes snapped over at the sound of her scratchy voice and he immediately sat up to get closer. She smiled as he let out a short breath of relief and hugged her.
"You scared me mon couer. I can't believe you're alive." He pulled back slightly and surveyed her face over and over. Tears dropped from the corner of his eyes, "I was so scared we lost you. I-I couldn't think that-that maybe I had lost someone else."
He continued to ramble about how relieved her was but Lia gently shook her head to slow him down.
"I'm alright," she assured, "I'm still here."
He peppered her face with short kisses, careful to avoid her bruises. She tried to push him back a bit but the IV in her arm prohibited her from doing such.
Her eyes swept over the rest of the empty room, "Is Lando here?"
"He didn't look too good so Carlos forced him to get food in the cafeteria with him. He's been refusing to leave your side."
She nodded in understanding and they went silent. She glanced down at the rest of her.
Her arms were wrapped in white bandages and her hands were practically rounded into mitts. She couldn't see it below the blanket but she felt the same material wrapped around her legs, and an extra layer of what she assumed to be gauze on her right leg. The anesthesia was still wearing off so she didn't feel the pain quite yet-but the soreness of the crash's g-force was ever present.
Charles followed her eyes and saw what she was observing. He squeezed her hand tighter when her eyes glazed over with tears. Lia could add devastation to the list of things that made her chest feel like caving in.
"You're alive," he stated, "That's all that matters."
Her nose scrunched as she sniffled before giving him a small smile and nod. He reciprocated the action before kissing her forehead.
"We were only allowed to visit one at a time while you were asleep. I'll go check if Lando is back."
She nodded and watched as Charles gently left the room. Immediately when she was left alone, she threw off the blanket to reveal the rest of her damaged body.
On her right leg, bandages ranged from the top of her hip all the way to her ankle, getting particularly thick around the thigh and knee area. The left leg had a small wrap around her shin and a taped patch on the upper thigh. Anything exposed in between contained scratches and scrapes. She tried to touch it to test the pain but her hand got caught up in her oxygen tube.
Before she could survey anymore, the door burst open and Lando stood breathlessly staring. She guessed that he had run from wherever he was waiting to where she was.
Both their eyes came to tears instantly upon seeing each other. It was only when Lando surged forward and embraced her that she really realized the fully affect of what had happened.
Neither of them said anything but rather cried in silence together. Lia's arms trembled from both the strain and the emotions, but she continued to hold on tight. Lando tried to hold her gently but felt himself wishing he could keep her as close within his embrace as possible.
When he pulled back, his hands cradled her face and pressed their foreheads together.
"I love you."
Lia's eyes widened slightly as she searched his own, not knowing what she hoped to find. Lando seemed resolved and had no indication of renouncing his statement.
"Aurelia, I love you so much that it fucking killed me to think that you wouldn't walk out of that crash," he stated, "And all I could think about was how you had died before I could tell you."
Another tear dropped solidly from her eyes but was quickly wiped away by his thumb.
"Wren..." he trailed off, licking his lips, "Lia...I love you."
Lia smiled and kissed the inside of the palms that held her face. A small laugh escaped her.
"I love you Lando Norris."
Their lips met gently yet passionately. There was no lust or desire, but rather a relief and a comfort passing between them. There was intimacy and connection intertwined.
When they pulled away, he pulled back slightly from her reaches so that he could pull the chair as close as possible to her bedside. He held her hand tightly the whole time.
"Is it just you?"
He shook his head, "Most of the grid is outside. Some had to leave or stay behind at the track but they're all worried. Charlotte is here with me and is on the phone with Graham and Zak, who said they're coming soon."
She nodded. Realization suddenly hit her as she remembered the crash was obviously televised live.
"My family!" she gasped, "They must be so worried-"
He held up a hand to calm her. He gently nudged her to lay back down, "They already called and Charles took over explaining for me. The doctor said that you could be released in a day or two, so they're meeting you back in Monaco."
Lia sunk back into the bed, "Did they watch the crash?"
Lando knew she didn't want them witness that. Thankfully he could deliver good news.
"They were at a work dinner when it happened. They didn't find out until Graham called to say you were in the hospital."
She sighed in relief. It was the one race she was grateful they hadn't been free to watch.
They both glanced down at her body. Lando could sense the apprehension Lia had regarding her injuries.
"The doctor says it's a miracle you're not more injured. The big thing is mainly the cut and smoke inhalation-said the burns should heal relatively quickly if you take care of them properly. Maybe skin grafts if needed."
She numbly nodded. Images of the crash and the surrounding flames were coming back to her. She could fix the physical body, but getting back in the car after that would be the biggest challenge-even though she wanted nothing more than to keep racing.
Lando could see the struggles behind her eyes. His hand clutched hers tighter and he swept his thumb up and down.
Both of them looked deep into the other's eyes and sighed.
"You're alive Lia...that's all that matters."
•••
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@mclaren: A statement from Aurelia Wren: "Thank you for all the concern and support. I am alive and recovering, thanks to the incredible efforts of the safety personnel and doctors. I'm very grateful to still be here amongst the formula one community...but I do request some privacy at this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding 🧡"
Comments: @formulaonegossip: get well soon! @skysports: wishing you all the best @ln4biggestfan: surprised she's alive @carlossainz: love you Lia @danielricciardo: we're here for you always @kellypiquet: 🩷🩷 @carmenmundt: stay strong 🫶 @lilymunihe: we've got your back! @charlesleclerc: forever thankful mon ami
