Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 44 | Fight or Flight

June 24, 2023 (make sure you read the previous chapter, WP sucks sometimes.)

The next morning, I booked a private flight to London. I couldn't take the waiting anymore. My mind had been spinning for days, and I knew I had to see Aria, face to face, to figure out what was going on. I could barely sleep, knowing something was wrong, and I wanted to be there for her like she had been for me back in Bahrain. She'd shown me love and support when I needed it most, and now it was my turn. I couldn't let her slip away without a fight. 

After booking the flight, I let my PR manager and team know I'd be back the following morning, and I barely packed anything, just enough for the night. I sent Carlos a quick text, explaining my plans and all the details in case he needed me while I was gone. He didn't respond, but I didn't expect him to since it was so early in the morning.

As I pulled up to the plane area, I caught a glimpse of two familiar figures standing by the jet, Carlos and Pierre. My eyes widened in surprise as they both turned to me with knowing smirks. 

"You didn't think we'd let you do this alone, did you?" Carlos grinned, clapping me on the back. Pierre chuckled, stepping forward. "Carlos texted me. We're coming with you, mate. Whatever's going on, we've got your back." 

I was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed by their support. These were my friends, guys who were willing to drop everything to be here for me, even in the middle of the season. "Thank you," I finally managed. "I don't even know what to say." 

Carlos shrugged, his smile softening. "You don't have to say anything. Let's just go get your girl." 

With that, we boarded the plane together. The weight on my shoulders felt a little lighter, knowing I wasn't facing this alone. Whatever happened when I saw Aria, I was grateful to have such amazing friends beside me. 

I sat on the plane, staring out the window, a mixture of excitement and unease coursed through me. I was desperate to see Aria, to hold her, but there was also an anxiety about what I might find. What was really going on? Why had she been pulling away? The pit in my stomach grew deeper the closer I got to London. I had no idea what to expect when I showed up at her hotel, but I knew one thing for certain, I wasn't leaving without answers. 

As we touched down in London, my heart began to race. Carlos and Pierre were chatting casually beside me, but my mind was somewhere else entirely, wrapped in thoughts of Aria. I had to see her, to make sure she was okay, to figure out why everything between us had suddenly become so heavy and distant. 

We quickly rented a car and drove to the hotel. Pierre was at the wheel, cracking jokes with Carlos, trying to keep the mood light, but I couldn't join in. My mind was spiraling, fighting off the darkness that was creeping in. Doubts swirled around me, tightening its grip on me. What if she doesn't want to see me? What if I'm making everything worse by showing up? What if she's already made up her mind to leave me? 

Carlos must have noticed how pale I had gone because he leaned over from the passenger seat, giving me a firm pat on the back. "Mate, you're doing the right thing. She loves you, don't forget that." 

Pierre grinned through the rearview mirror. "And if you need backup, we're just a call away. We've got your back, always." 

Their words helped a little, but as we pulled up to the hotel, my stomach churned with anxiety. I had no clue what I would say or how she would react. I hadn't planned this far ahead, I just knew I needed to see her, to fix whatever was breaking between us. I stepped out of the car, straightening my hoodie as I walked toward the hotel doors. Carlos and Pierre stayed in the car, giving me space but sending me one last encouraging nod.