„He is an idiot."
„You too."
_-_-_-_-_
Haydée and Arthur.
DeeDee and Artie.
You can say it how you want but it still has same meaning. It's always these two, brunette girl and brunette boy.
Since her birth they know each other. They were their first...
"Admit it, we look great. And I think you look cuter when you're next to me."
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~•~
The races in Imola were in full swing, and the tension in the air was almost palpable. Haydée stood in the paddock, surrounded by the roaring crowd, engines at full throttle, and the vibrations from the race cars transferred through the asphalt. She was used to the race atmosphere, despite how much she disliked fast cars, but today she felt unusually uneasy. Her father, Olivier Panis, had stayed home due to health issues, and so she was here as the representative of the Panis name. She was representing the family, but also the entire Panis Racing Team. The pressure was significant, and even though she didn't want to show her nerves, she could still feel them a little.
When a reporter with a microphone and a wide smile approached, her hands began to tremble. "Haydée, could you share a few words about today's race and what it feels like to be here representing your father?" he asked, handing her the microphone.
"Of course," she smiled slightly, but her voice was noticeably uncertain. She hated giving interviews, which is why she had never tried to use her name to become famous. She studied history with the intention of one day working in a museum; she certainly didn't want to be in front of cameras, speaking to dozens of strangers. Ever since she was a child, she had known that the spotlight wasn't for her, and she always tried to avoid attention—luckily, her father understood this and never forced her to attend races with him. But the older she got, the more it seemed like her father forgot about this, especially in recent days when he was under the media spotlight.
"I'm here to support the team and my father. It's a great responsibility... and an honor," she replied, trying not to appear too nervous. She spoke almost like a robot because she had memorized these exact words. On the way to the race, her father's assistant had drilled them into her, and the assistant was here today, helping her with everything. No matter how much she tried to look calm, her heart raced faster as she realized how many people were watching her—the interview was being broadcast on large screens across the track so that people in other areas, not just in the paddock or at home, could see it.
The reporter kept aiming the microphone at her, his questions coming one after another. "How did you feel when you found out you had to replace your father at the next big race?" he asked without waiting for an answer. "Could you tell us about Panis Racing's plans for next year? What would you like to say to your fans and your father's fans?"
At that moment, Haydée felt immense pressure, like an animal cornered. Her mind began to shut down. She tried to answer as best as she could, but every word was hard to get out. Instead of feeling strong, she felt her strength slipping away. She hated being the center of attention, especially surrounded by this loud and fast environment. The sounds of cameras, flashes, and voices swirled in her head, creating chaos from which there was no escape.
