Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

44.00

(Physical ab*se and ED trigger warning)

"Only a few weeks away now," I mention, feeling breathless as I put away my racket. Antonio stands next to me, watching my every move, something that I have become used to.

"Monaco will be amazing, and you're definitely going to win," he smiles, reaching his hand out and patting my shoulder. I flinch at the gesture, thinking he's going to hit me.

He has started to use it as a punishment method. If I don't hit my serve correctly, or if I don't win a match against him, I will have a bruise the next day. I want to tell him to stop, but I'm afraid that he'll only hit me harder. That's why it confuses me so much, at times like these, when he's nice to me. There's a warmth from him when I do well that almost makes it worth it.

"I will win," I repeat, trying to believe the statement.

"That's my girl," he says, bringing a small smile to my face.

I'm making my way back to the car, when suddenly a rush of dizziness hits me. I stumble slightly, dropping some of my equipment. I steady myself, looking around to see if anyone had seen what happened, but not a soul is in sight. I shake it off, deciding that I'm most likely dehydrated.

I play some motivational meditation on the short drive home, pulling up to the house. To my surprise, an unfamiliar car is parked near my front door. I frown, grabbing a racket from the backseat just in case I need to attack someone.

Getting out of the car I take slow steps, racket in hand, ready to pounce. That's when I notice him, my body instantly relaxing. Lewis is standing at my doorway, hands in his pockets, trying not to laugh.

"I'm trying to think of how intimidated I would actually be if I was trying to break into your house," he calls out. As I get closer his smile fades. "Jesus Aria, what's happened to you?"

"What do you mean?" I mutter quietly, trying to cover up my bruised arms. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

He takes a step closer, attempting to reach out to touch me, but I step away before he gets the chance to, his frown deepening.

"You look awful," he says, but his words come out as more of a whisper, and I know it's not in his character to voice on someone's looks.

I gulp away a lump that is forming in my throat. I haven't looked at myself in a while, but I know that I'd be a sight to witness. Hence why I've been hiding from the public eye.

"Aria, is there something you're hiding from me? Is this why you haven't been answering my texts?" he questions. "I need to make sure you're ok. Especially since you revealed that you found your biological family."

I open my mouth to answer him but I can't think of what to say. Would he believe or understand any of it if I tried to explain? "I'm ok Lewis, trust me." I give him a small smile, which isn't very convincing.

"How about I take you out for dinner hm? You look like you need to....eat," he suggests. I'm aware that my weight has dropped significantly, and I know that Lewis would be too kind to say it to me.

I think for a moment, wondering that if I agree, he'll interrogate me further. "I'll go with you on one condition. You're not allowed to ask any questions."

I can tell that he's biting his cheek in contemplation. His face is full of worry, and I feel awful for making him feel this way, but when I win at Monaco it will be worth it.

He sighs in defeat. "Fine, but as long as you tell me the reason for all of this eventually. And promise me that you're ok?"

"I'm fine, honestly," I assure him. "Let me change really quick and I'll be out in a second."