I love you, always | Charles Leclerc ✔

23

Charles had been carrying a small box in his pocket for a while now. Ever since Julie and him had talked about marriage, he had been set on asking her whenever the time felt right. The same week, he had gone to a jewelry to buy an engagement ring. He had trouble deciding on one so he decided to design it himself with of course the jeweler's help. It took a few months, but the result surely was worth it. He was just waiting for the right moment.

Yet, Charles still didn't know when it would feel right to propose. 2021 was surely not the right time. He knew that he had to get better mentally, and that was what Julie would also wish him to do so. 2022 was also not a really good year, not worse than 2021 for sure, but still.

The following year, in 2023, Julie didn't feel well, she had received some hate on her social media, people were body shaming her. Of course, they weren't the majority but it still affected her, no one wants random people judging their body and criticizing it, and it was enough to be noticeable by others. She took time off of media, wanting to work on herself. Charles was obviously there for her, as were the other drivers who knew her all too well from seeing her at each race week-end. Each and every one of them posted a message on their Instagram of even Tweeter, asking for privacy and respect of the drivers themselves but also their lovers and family. Julie's heart was filled with affection and friendship for them. At first, they were only Charles's friends or rivals, but at the end, she created real friendships with them.

But something else, unexpected, arrived in 2023 too. During the summer break, Julie learned something that would change them forever. A little Julie or Charles was expected for the start of 2024. She had doubts during the start of the week, but decided to buy a pregnancy test to be sure. As they were on Charles's yacht, she had asked him to go back the coast because she wanted to buy something. Charles, of course, agreed without asking questions. When she got back, she went to the toilet while Charles drove them back in the open sea, away from prying eyes. She put the test on the counter and got on her phone, waiting for the waiting time to be over. She called the only person who came to her mind. Sebastian. He always gives good advice.

"Hello ?"

"Sebastian... ?"

"Oh hi Julie ! How are you ? It's been a while." Sebastian had retired at the end of 2022 and so he hadn't been at the paddock as often as before. Julie missed him very much as he always was there for her when needed, acting like a dad to her.

"Hi, I hope I'm not bothering you."

"Of course not ! I'm with Hannah and the kids, what's wrong ? You don't sound too happy. Is Charles giving you a bad time ?" Julie chuckled which made Sebastian laugh a little too.

"Sure. When did he ever give me a hard time ? You know very well we never had any problems."

"Yes I know, you're still going as strong as ever. Well, tell me, what's wrong ?"

"I need your advice. Well, I already know what I'm going to do when I know, but still I need to be reassured and-"

"Just spill Julie, you're making me nervous over here."

"I might be pregnant."

"WHAT ?!"

A silence followed.

"Julie... I... I don't even know what to say. How- how did that even happen ?"

"Well you know Seb, when 2 people love each other dearly, they-"

"Julie ! That's not the kind of information I wanna know !"

"I know Seb, excuse me if I'm stressed and making jokes is my way of coping !"

"I only have one question : if you are pregnant, do you want to keep it ?"

"Of course ! Why wouldn't I ?"

"Then why do you need me to reassure you ?"

"... What about Charles ?"

"Julie, that man is madly in love with you, he's not the same when you're not around and his soul literally lights up whenever he sees you. Whatever decision you take, he'll be more than happy to be by your side. Don't ever doubt his love for you, even a blind man could tell how in love he is with you."

"Thank you Seb, I really needed to hear that. And don't worry, I wasn't doubting Charles's love for me, I'm just scared he doesn't want a baby right now, with his career. I don't want him stopping it just for my sake or our baby's, he loves Formula 1, he can't just stop it now when things are starting to get a bit better with Ferrari."

"I know Julie, but don't worry, you just have to talk about it together. You'll see."

"Thanks Seb. I got to go now, I'll call you back when I'll have told Charles."

"Ok, call you later. And don't worry Schatz, you'll have people behind you whatever you decide to do."

"Bye Seb."

Julie hung up and noticed that the waiting time was already over. She took a deep breath and grabbed the test with a shaky hand.

« Oh mon Dieu. »
"Oh my God."