Rivalry

Chapter XIII

"Malia!" My dad yelled, slamming his hands on the table, causing me to snap out of my thoughts and look at him.

It was our second meeting of the day. We had one this morning before FP1, and i couldn't stop thinking about what Max said. We were in my driver's room with my trainer going over what i needed to do for FP2.

"Focus, Malia. Now." He snaps as i sit up in my chair. "What's the matter with you? Im gone for a couple of races, and you're slacking already." He grumbles. I bit the inside of my cheek and said, "I'm just tired, sorry." He pinched his nose, closing his eyes in frustration. "You're lying. What's going on?" i look down, fidgeting with my hands, thinking of what to say. "I don't want to talk about it." I said in a shakey voice, hoping he would drop it. He looked at me, anger clear in his eyes. "Spit it out. Now." He said, raising his voice.

I couldn't tell him. I thought of Max's words again. He doesn't get to control my life. He doesn't get to know everything.

I breathe heavy, feeling the anger in my throat. I stand up, pushing my chair back. "Stop trying to control everything i do or say." i snapped, feeling the tears form in my eyes. "Would you just let me be a girl for five minutes?" I said, tears already falling down my face. I turned on my heels and ran for the door, that i slammed behind me.

I ran out of the Ferarri building and halfway through the paddock, tears streaming down my face that i couldn't control. As i passed the Mclaren building, i saw Norris. He stopped in his tracks and watched me as i got closer. "Malia, are you alright?" He said, as i continued running past him, crying even harder at the sight of him.

I rushed inside the building where the FIA offices and the medical rooms are, finding a utility closet. I opened the door, letting it slam behind me. I walked across the room and pressed my back against the wall, and slid down, bringing my knees to my chest.

What is happening to me? I am never this emotional.

I hid my face in my knees, letting out quiet sobs. A few moments later, i heard the door open. " Please go away." i said, holding my breath in, trying no to cry. The door shuts as i heard foot steps approach. A familiar scent washes over me, the same one that clings to the blue knitted sweater. I begin to sob again. He put a hesitant hand on my back and made circles with his thumb.

I lifted my head and wiped my tears away. "Mali-" He begins, but i cut him off . "I'm fine." I said coldly. "You're crying." He said softly, his voice laced with concern. I clenched my jaw, trying to hold back my tears. "I'm fine, i can't tell you what's happened. You'll use it against me. I can't show any weakness towards my competition." I ramble like it was a mantra, trying to make myself believe what i just said. "I'm not going to use anything against you. I just want to make sure you're alright, which you don't seem to be." Said Norris, concern still heavy in his voice.

I begin to sob silently once more, tears streaming down my face. His arms wrap around me, pulling me close against his chest. I cried even harder, the weight of everything crashing over me. One of my hands was gripping his shirt while he simply held me, offering no words, just the presence of his embrace.

After what felt like hours, i sat up, my knees against my chest once more. I tried to calm my breath. "I got in a fight with my father. He controls everything i do. He controls what i eat, how much i should sleep, i can't go out during the season, i can't drink i can't have a boyfriend, i can't travel unless he approves it" I explained, my voice thick with the weight of pain. A tear slipped down my cheek as I spoke. He reached up, gently wiping it away, his gaze never leaving me. "And now if he ever knows, i went out last weekend or finds out what we did, he's gonna kill you, and me in the process." I said panic in my voice."I ran off, not explaining what was wrong he's gonna make me talk, and im scared." I added. His hand made its way to knee, trying to comfort me.

He watched me a moment while thinking of what to say. "I'm sorry, i shouldn't have -" he starts. "i didn't stop you. It's not your fault. And he knows when i lie, nothing gets past him." I chimed. We spent the next few minutes discussing an elaborate lie that my father would believe. He made me practice how I would tell him a few times to make it more believable.

"He shouldn't have that much control over your life. it's yours to live, not his. What happens after F1, then? You need to make your own experience and mistakes." said the British boy, his hand still resting on my knee, tracing slow circles. I look down at my hands, thinking of his last words. I have no idea what happens after this. I've never even thought about it. I have been focused on being a world champion my whole life. "I dunno, I've never thought about it, really." i sighed, and we fell silent for a moment. Comfortable silence

Why am i suddenly so comfortable around him? Why is he being this nice to me when we hate each other? I know we had sex but i don't think i meant anything to him. Max's words come back into my mind.

I heard my name being called from the hallway. I shot my head up and looked at him, eyes full of worry. "He can't see you he's going to -" i said, tears forming in my eyes again. "I'll hide here, dont worry, I'll be okay." He said, wedging himself in-between two shelves out of the way if the door shot open.

The door swung open, and I was met with my father's eyes, brimming with insincere concern. My trainer stood just behind him. He willed me to come out, to which i agreed if he let me have a moment to collect myself. He nodded and shut the door.

Norris slowly made his way out of his hiding spot, trying not to make noise. I fell into his arms, wrapping my hands around him, and felt my body relax. "Thank you." i wispered. "No worries, love, if you need anything, please let me know." He said, matching the intensity of my voice while rubbing my back. As i let him go, i told him to wait a few moments before coming out so that my father wouldn't see him. He nodded and went back to his hiding spot.

I took a deep breath and opened the door. My father immediately swung an arm around my shoulder so i wouldn't go anywhere, or maybe he was trying to comfort me. He began talking about what we needed to do before heading to the garage.

I eventually turned my head to glance back and made sure my rival came out safely. He met my eyes at the end of the hallway and gave me a small smile before walking the opposite way. When i turned my head to face in front of me, my trainer did the same, meeting my gaze. I quickly looked away in shame at the realization that he saw our interaction.

He saw the whole thing, i am doomed.