𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄 ~ | 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘤

XVI

Chapter Sixteen: 

~ I failed as a human. I'm a tree now.~

What a fucking year it had been.

Fell in love with the man I swore to despise. Had my heart shattered to pieces. Became an Aunt. Lost my seat. Picked myself up. Started dating again somehow.

And here I am.

Somehow still in one piece.

I can't even begin to describe how much I missed this feeling. It wasn't the same knowing I wasn't going to be the one driving, but I loved it all the same. The energy, the excitement, the pressure.

"Earth to Lila?"

I blinked, looking away from the screen where Sabrina was being shown on the WAG cam, holding baby Clem.

"Sorry, what was that?" I smiled awkwardly at Rory. She gave me an understanding look.

"You okay?" She knew the drill.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I frowned, playing dumb. She shook her head, brushing it off.

"Anyway, I was just saying how cute they look." She looked back at the screen where Sabrina was wishing Max good luck. He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently, and even though they were just pixels on a screen, I felt the love between them.

"They do," I agreed, my voice tight.

I remembered the talk I had with Max a few nights before and suddenly felt a twinge of jealousy. They had the passion and love that I craved. That Oscar didn't seem to stir in me.

No, that's enough. I am happy. I am.

I repeated the words to myself like a mantra as the race buzz grew louder. I focused my eyes on the Ferrari mechanics, watching the mechanics perform their final checks. Carlos was already pulling on his gear.

He looked over at me and I gave him a smile. He returned it, putting down his helmet for a moment and walking over to us. Rory grabbed my hand behind me back, and I remembered she had a thing for him.

"Afternoon, Lily," Carlos said, his accent thick and warm as he approached us.

"Hey, Carlos," I greeted him with a smile.

"How are you holding up?" He asked, his eyes searching my face.

"Just a bit nervous," I admitted, "It's strange being on this side of the track."

"You'll get used to it," he said, his eyes twinkling. "But I'm sure you'll be back behind the wheel soon enough."

I forced a smile. "I hope so."

His brown eyes flickered to Rory, and she lit up like a Christmas tree. I grinned. "Oh, this is my friend, Aurora."

"Just Rory," she corrected, her cheeks reddening slightly.

"Rory," Carlos repeated, his gaze lingering on her. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He extended a hand, which she took, her face going insanely red.

"Likewise," she murmured, her eyes never leaving his. "Good luck."

Carlos nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. I gave him a nod and returned the smile as well before he turned and walked back to his car.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Rory covered her face with her hands and let out a silent scream. "Oh my god, dios mio, sacre bleu!" she whispered dramatically.