Newly Forged Friendships

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The hotel room in Spa was a sanctuary of sorts, a quiet space that felt both familiar and foreign. Alexis had arrived earlier that day, and though the room was well-organised and comfortable, she felt a pang of loneliness that she hadn't anticipated. Oscar had thoughtfully arranged for her room to be next to his and Lily's, a small gesture meant to offer her comfort during a weekend that promised to be emotionally taxing. Yet, the fact she wasn't sharing a room with Lando for the first Grand Prix weekend in a long time left an unexpected void.

She sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze wandering around the room. The space was neatly furnished, with soft lighting and a view of the surrounding countryside that was, under different circumstances, quite beautiful. But as she sat there, the room felt emptier than usual, and the quiet was punctuated only by the distant hum of activity from the hotel.

Determined to shake off the lingering melancholy, Alexis decided to step out onto the balcony. The air outside was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. As she walked out, she was greeted by a stunning panorama of the Belgian landscape. The view was breathtaking - rolling hills, lush forests, and the distant silhouette of the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.

She leaned against the balcony railing, allowing the serenity of the scene to wash over her. The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold, and the light played gently on the surrounding hills, creating a tableau of natural beauty. The sight was calming, and for a moment, it helped to shift her focus away from the apprehension that had been building within her.

Alexis closed her eyes and let the warmth of the sun touch her face, drawing in deep, steadying breaths. The tranquility of the evening provided a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had been experiencing. She took solace in the realisation that she was fortunate to be able to travel the world and support her brother, something she hadn't always fully appreciated in the midst of the racing season's chaos.

Despite the challenges ahead, Alexis felt a deep sense of privilege and gratitude. The opportunity to witness her brother race at one of the most iconic circuits, in one of the most beautiful locations, was something she should cherish. It was a reminder of why she had committed herself to supporting Oscar through every race - because family was worth the effort and the emotional investment.

As she stood there, the last rays of sunlight fading into twilight, Alexis began to feel a renewed sense of calm. The sunset was a gentle reminder that even amidst uncertainty, there was beauty and peace to be found. She hoped that, just as the day was ending, so too would her anxiety about the weekend gradually subside.

She took one last deep breath of the crisp evening air, feeling the tension in her body ease. With the sun setting and the sky darkening into shades of deep blue, she allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. Whatever the weekend held, she was ready to face it, bolstered by the support of Oscar and Lily and the quiet strength she found in the stunning Belgian landscape.

———🏎️———

The next morning, Alexis woke to the gentle nudge of the sun streaming into her hotel room. It was media day at the Belgium Grand Prix; a day filled with interviews and cameras amongst the pre-race activities. She stretched and prepared herself for the day, feeling the lingering calm from last night's sunset as a reassuring backdrop.

At breakfast, Oscar and Lily had asked her to join them in the paddock for the day. Despite their warm invitation, Alexis didn't quite feel ready to dive into the whirlwind of activity. The thought of navigating through the hustle of the paddock and absorbing the charged atmosphere felt overwhelming.

"I think I'll sit this one out," She said with a gentle smile. "I'll just explore the town on my own today."

Oscar and Lily, though slightly disappointed, understood her need for space. They encouraged her to enjoy the day and assured her they'd catch up later. With a nod and a promise to meet them in the evening, Alexis set out on her own.

My Brother's Teammate | Lando NorrisWhere stories live. Discover now