⌞ the chain ⌝

⌞ thirteen : waiting ⌝

"I think it's time we found you a team, Miss Bianchi-Leclerc."

_

I couldn't stop smiling since I left the Academy space. Susie said it would take a few days and that meant I could go back home. Going back to Monaco seemed stupid when I had no clue where I would be moving due to teams, so I did what any kid would do, and called my dad.

"Lewis?"

"Lu, I was waiting to hear from you. How did it go?"

"Well, I need a place to stay, if that says anything."

I could almost hear his smile. "I will come pick you up, are you near the Academy?"

"Yeah, I'll sit in the coffee shop across the street."

"I'll be there in five minutes."

I said my goodbyes and hung up, walking into the shop. I had to look like a mess. Even the ten laps had caused me to break out in a sweat. I was out of shape, that was sure. But I would be whipped into shape quickly. I knew how the workouts worked and it was harder than anything I would ever do. Then again, I didn't mind. I was racing.

I ordered a coffee for me and Lewis, knowing he would be too excited to drive until he knew the news. I knew the rest of the grid would know soon, sending me all kinds of messages. A party is something I am worried about. Rich and girl dads, it's like parties are the only things they know.

I chuckled to myself as I took a seat near the window so I could see when Lewis got here. And it settled in. Susie said she would have something for me by no later than the end of the week and after that, I would officially be a racer. I had dreamed of this, of course. But I had never believed it was going to happen. I wished Jules was here to celebrate with me.

He was here, in spirit, but it didn't feel right to have him not here. He worked just as hard for this dream.

"Lu!"

I smiled, looking up from my cup as I spotted Lewis. He took the seat across from me, looking like he had just found out he won the WDC.

"So, tell me everything."

_

I laid on the floor in Lewis's flat, soaking in the evening sun. He was out doing god knows what. He had to race again this weekend but I was allowed to stay here. The rest of the gang had figured it out, sending me message after message of congratulations and how proud they were of me. But I wanted nothing more than to finally get that call from Susie. I didn't expect multiple teams to be fighting over me and I was willing to take whichever team wanted me. Racing was racing and I could make the most of whatever car I was in.

My phone buzzed and I jumped up, reaching for it but my face dropped a little when I saw that it was from Max.

maxie

I heard that you're working
toward a team. Any chance I
can put in a word for you at
Redbull?

i wish, i doubt my times are
fast enough for a higher team
like that

Do you remember your times? 

my fastest lap was about 1.12
but that's nothing special
i've seen faster

You got 1.12 on the Academy
track? During what lap?

my last one. i can do better

Lula, you are something.
That's a fantastic time.
I'll talk to Horner. I would
love to have the chance to
race with you.

i will forever be in your debt

I closed my phone and laid back down in the sun. I wanted to race for Mercedes, of course. But I didn't want to put Toto in that place to say no. He was a Team Principle but he was also a family friend and with Lewis and Nico being family to me. I didn't want him to feel obligated to give me the seat. But the same could be said with Redbull. Max was going to sway Christian Horner.

I just wanted the spot because I earned it. Not because I had some sway with people because of who I decided were my family and friends. I groaned, rolling over to be back in the sun.

"You look like you're having fun."

"I am so done with waiting."

"Give it time, silly." Lewis threw a pillow at me. "You'll get where you're supposed to go."

"I just want to know where I'm going."

He plopped onto the couch next to me and I looked up at him. He raised an eyebrow at me and I groaned again, taking the pillow he threw at me and shoving my face into it.

"Oh my god."

"What?"

"Nothing."

I sat up, throwing the pillow at him. "Lew, what?"

"Look at you. Just take a second. You're worrying about getting onto an F3 team. Did you ever think this was going to happen?"

I shook my head.

"Exactly. So let's calm down for a second. You've recorded a bloody damn good time. And Susie is good at talking people up. You will get a seat and you will race. So as I said, sit down and relax."

I did what he said, taking the seat next to him. My head hit his shoulder as he pulled me into a side hug. The comfort was nice but it didn't stop my thoughts from running wild. All of it was doubt in myself. I knew I was a good racer but how would I hold up against people like this? The people I would be racing against have been working toward this their entire lives and I just happen to have a good time.

I karted when I was younger, sure. But I didn't race. I street raced. I was a criminal that hadn't been caught. I didn't work my way up. I was a nepo baby to world champions. And some part of me wondered if I was just being given the spot because of who I was.

"Lu, your phone is ringing."

I jumped up, practically tripping as I grabbed my phone off the floor. "Hello?"

"Lu, it's Susie. Are you sitting down? I think I might have some news you might enjoy."

________________________________________________________________________________

a/n: you guys really thought i was going to tell you with this chapter? please. you have to know i love a good cliffhanger by now. pfft, but i have made my decision and you will see when the next one comes out. as always, love it or don't :p