FIX YOU | Ollie Bearman

I

LOUISE SMITH had always felt a thrill when thinking about Formula One. Her passion for the sport began when she was just twelve, casually scrolling through her phone when a video of three young drivers, Lando Norris, Alex Albon, and George Russell, caught her eye. They were rookies then, engaged in a light-hearted karting challenge, but something about their energy and the sheer excitement of the sport pulled her in. From that moment, F1 became her obsession.

Year after year, she would beg her father to take her to a race. But every time, he dismissed her requests, calling it a waste of money. His refusal never deterred her, though; instead, it only strengthened her resolve to one day experience the thrill of being trackside.

Graduating at seventeen, Louise had just one wish-entrance to the F1 paddock. She knew it was a long shot, but it was the only thing she wanted. Her father, predictably, scoffed at the idea. But this time, much to Louise's astonishment, her mother stepped in. She reminded her husband how their daughter had been dreaming about this for years. Finally, he relented.

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Now, here she was, on the Tuesday of Monza race week, preparing for the trip she'd been waiting for her whole life. She chatted with her best friend, Sophia, while hastily packing her bags. "I can't imagine how boring the train ride will be. Twelve hours! Twelve fucking hours!" she groaned as she zipped up her jacket and slipped on her shoes.

"Relax, you'll be okay. If it gets too dull, you can call me. Though I can't promise I'll pick up at 1 am," Sophia teased, pulling Louise into a tight hug. "Bye, Weirdo. I'll miss you!"

"Miss you too!" Louise called back, already heading towards the train station. She was determined to secure the best window seat she could find. If she was going to be stuck on a train for twelve hours, she was going to make sure it was as comfortable as possible. This trip was the beginning of a dream come true, and she was ready to savor every moment of it.

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As Louise stepped onto the train, she immediately felt the weight of curious eyes on her. She couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong-did she have something on her face? Was her outfit off? A wave of insecurity washed over her, making her heart race. She quickly found a seat next to an elderly woman who offered her a warm, reassuring smile.

"Is this your first time traveling alone?" the woman asked kindly. Louise nodded shyly, her nervousness still evident.

"That's wonderful!" the woman chuckled. "It's my first time too. How about we keep each other company?"

Louise nodded again, a small smile beginning to form on her face. There was something comforting about the woman's presence, like a calming anchor in the midst of her anxiety.

"I'm Amy," the woman introduced herself, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "And you? What's your name?"

"Louise," she replied softly, feeling her nerves slowly melting away as the conversation continued.

As they talked, Louise found herself relaxing, her initial tension fading with every word. The conversation flowed easily, and before she knew it, the sun had begun to set outside the window, casting a golden hue over the landscape.

"Dear, I'm really tired. Could you wake me up when we arrive?" Amy asked, her voice gentle and laced with fatigue.

"Sure, I might try to get some sleep too," Louise responded, smiling back at the woman who had unknowingly put her at ease.

With that, Louise pulled out a book she had been meaning to read for ages, hoping it would lull her into sleep. As she flipped through the pages, the rhythmic sound of the train moving along the tracks and the soothing words of the story began to pull her into a peaceful slumber. She soon drifted off, her mind wandering into the world of imagination, leaving behind the worries and insecurities of the day.

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A/N

Omg, I'm so exited! I just posted my first ever English story! Hope you all like it and also feel free to correct me (nicely) if I make mistakes. English is not my first language but I still try to minimize the amount of mistakes. Also it's not proof-read wich could also cause mistakes, sorry for that. Again, I hope you enjoy the story and please also don't be silent readers!! - xx, Lilia