Rivalry

Chapter VI

                        Malia's POV

My summer break went by in a blur. I spent a couple of days at my father's house after Silverstone. I then flew back to Monaco for a handful of days, mostly so i could pack for my trip to Greece.

The holiday was bliss. The usual gang was there, and even Oscar and his girlfriend Lily were able to join us. Arthur, who is Charles' younger brother, came along a little after we all arrived. He was my age, and we got along nicely. We ate so much food, which us drivers regretted when we had to go work out. I have a newfound love for Feta. Yes, i'm weird for loving it this much, but it is in all my salads now.

After our little getaway, i went to Spain on my own for a day or so for some me time. It felt nice to reset and think, especially after the last race. I was really tan by the end of the break, which was odd because i usually burn the second i step foot outside. There was also Max V's party to end the summer break on a high. It was a wonderful night, Max sure knows how to throw a party. The only odd thing was Norris. He wasn't acting his usual annoying self. I think he spent the night mostly drunk anyway.

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Media day went by quickly. Thank god. I am greatfull that Silverstone was mostly forgotten by everyone already because of this hiatus. I was asked questions on what i did for my break rather than what happened during the last race. I didn't want to be reminded of my faliure.

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After i arrived at the paddock for the free practices, i searched for Oscar or Lily. She had forgotten her makeup bag in my room when we were getting ready for dinner last night. I brought it with me just in case.

I spotted Oscar from across the paddock walking side to side with his teammate and called out in a sing-song voice, "Oscar!" They both halted mid-step and turned to see who had called out to him. The Australian man shot me a smile and waved. I skipped across the way to them and greeted Oscar. "Is Lily here yet?" I asked, looking around for her."No, she's gone out to brunch with the girls. Why?" He said, raising a brow. I pulled out her small dark blue makeup bag out of my purse, extending it to him, and stated, "She forgot this in my room last night. It's her make up, i thought she might need it. " The boys glance at one another, my rival chewing on the straw of his water bottle. "Thanks, i'll let her know i have it." said Oscar with a warm smile. "No problem. See ya on track, mate." i said, saluting him with my hands while walking away, to which he laughed, mimicking me.

What was with Norris? He stayed silent the whole time, just watching us. It was strange not to hear one of his usual snarky comments.
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At the end of the day, when i was on my way back to my hotel room, I texted the girls in our group chat to see if they were up for a movie night. Alex and Lily said yes, but unfortunately, Kika had to attend an event with Pierre and his team. I gave them the time to arrive and suggested they bring along some snacks.

I took a much-needed shower, parted my hair, and braided each side neatly. Then, I slipped into a comfortable outfit. I turned on the big TV that was right in front of my bed and began searching for a movie. Lily and Alex both arrived at the same time with some snacks and drinks. I love a girls' night. I am surrounded by men during race weekends. I wish i could have my girls here at every race. We decided on a classic, the Notebook.

After finishing the movie in tears, we started chatting about our favorite parts. My favorite part is when Noah builds Allies' dream home. The fact that he remembers what she wanted after all those years is beautiful.

We ended up talking about relationships. Alex and Lily shared stories from their current and passed lovers. "What about you Mal, anything interesting?" asked Lily, curiosity across her face. i can feel the embarrassment on my cheeks. "I've never had a boyfriend, so no, not really." I replied, looking down at my hands. "Awe, what?" said Lily and continued enthusiastically."We need to find you one now!" I gave her a worried look and glanced at Alex, who knows what I was about to say, but she seemed just as excited as Lily. "I don't have time for that." i said, already knowing I'd lose this argument. "Oh please, we're both dating drivers. You've got time." said Lily with unwavering honesty in her voice. Alex watched me with stars in her eyes. Someone other than her was finally proving the very same point she's tried to make a million times.

A moment of uncomfortable silence passes, and Alex jolts up like a lightbulb appeared over her head. "What about Arthur? You get on well." she said, her smile bigger than ever."We could be sisters then!" "No" i said exasperated already. She rolls her eyes. "What about Lando? He's cute and single. You'd see him often, since you're worried you'll have no time and all." said Lily. Alex and I exchange a quick, tense glance. Lily is new to our little group. She has no idea how much we despise each other. "Lils, we hate each other." i said sternly. "What? Didn't seem like it at Max's party." She returns, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of her mouth. "Don't even think about it!" i said. "I'm in his garage all weekend. i can talk to him for you!" She teased as i tossed the nearest pillow her way. "That would be the most surprising couple, the whole world would burn." Alex said in agreement with Lily. "You two are unbelievable." i snap back, laughing at them.

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It was already Sunday. I was on the track getting ready for the race, going over my strategies with fred, my trainer. I got pole. What a good way to restart the season. Max started second, right beside me, and directly behind me, the one and only menace to society, Norris.

Max came up to me to wish me luck, and then we started chatting. It eased my nerves, i didn't have time to think about every possible outcome of the race that way.

The man in the orange racing suit seemed to materialize out of thin air, extending a fist to Max with a grin and a quick, "Good luck out there, mate." To which Max replied,"You too, mate." and fist bumped him back. My rival then glanced at me, chewing on the straw of his water bottle again. "You're not going to wish Malia good luck?" Max said, breaking the tension, with the biggest grin on his face. He glanced at Max menacingly, then focused his gaze back to me. After taking a small breath he extended his hand to me. I froze for a moment and furrowed my brows. I hesitantly shook his hand.

My stomach flipped over itself the moment his hand touched mine.

With his hand still gently holding mine, he mumbles, "Good luck." Our eyes focused on eachothers, i said, uncertain."Yeah, sure." I was then pulled under Max's arm, his other arm wrapped around my enemy's. "Awe, they're in love. What a great day to be alive!" Said the tall dutchman in the most sarcastic way possible. One of his mechanics waved him over, signaling for him to get into the car. He ran off, leaving me face to face with the british boy, who was back to chewing his straw. His face turned bright red. He ran away a moment later. The face my rival just made reminded me of when he was sat on the sofa, alone, a Max's party the other day.

I didn't remember much from that night, I was pretty drunk. But I do recall him watching me from across the yard in that sharp green outfit of his. I couldn't deny that, despite being my worst enemy, he was something to look at.