Rivalry

Chapter XV

I don't think I've slept this well in a very long time. When i went to bed last night, it was like all my thoughts were shut off. I wished it were like this all the time.

When my alarm went off the morning after, instead of hitting snooz a thousand times, i sat up immediately. I ordered some breakfast, and i started getting ready.

While i was straightening my hair , reality hit me like a wall. I remembered i had to go to the paddock early because my dad was going to 'help'. Worst of all, i remembered how hard this thing i had with Norris was going to be. My father would never accept it. I didn't think it's worth it to lead him on like this.

I liked him.

I liked him, and it was going to hurt. I didn't know what to do. Last night replayed in my mind like a movie. I wish i could go back to that rooftop with him and never leave it.

A knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts. I almost burnt my hand, startled by the noise. My breakfast was here.

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I arrived at the paddock pretty early. It seemed very empty, and i hated it. I stepped into my drivers room, checking some strategies we began thinking of for qualifying later today.

I was sat at my desk when i heard the door open, followed by chatter. I was used to people coming in and out of here, but there was a voice i didn't recognize.

"Malia, this is Paula." Said my father, his hand on my shoulder to get my attention. My eyes flickered between the both of them. I nodded at Paula, giving her a small smile. "She's a therapist, i think she could help with your problem." He said, not really knowing how to deal with this. "I'll let you two speak." He patted my shoulder and left the room.

The silence after he closed the door behind him was deafening. If he thought i would trust this woman that he hired, he was in for a treat.

Where has this confidence boost come from?

Paula sat in front of me. "Your father brought me here because he thinks you should work on your self-confidence after you told him you felt like you were under a lot of pressure." she started. She went on to say that we would have regular sessions before qualifying and the races and that i could trust her.

"Listen, Paula, it is nothing against you, but i know you're going to report everything i say back to my father. And i think a therapist is someone i should get to choose if i even want one. I don't want to waste your time. I will not speak with you but i'll make sure you're paid whatever my father has promised." I rambled on. I began gathering my things and headed out the door a few moments later, leaving Paula behind.

I walked past my father without a word, a bit angry if i'm honest. I went downstairs and found Charles grabbing a coffee. Anger leaving my body when i waved at him as soon as he saw me. He tilted his head, signaling me to come sit with him. When i made my way to him, it occurred to me that i hadn't really spoken to him since yesterday. I think he saw me run out of the building after my fight with my father.

"Hey Charlie." i said in a sing-song voice. "Malia! How are you? " Charles said a little concerned. I didn't really want to tell him about Norris, so i just told him i got in a fight with my father because he was too strict. He agreed with me, and he said that he was proud of me for sticking up for myself.

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After FP3, Charles and i were discussing last-minute changes we thought we should talk about during our meeting before qualifying. We were outside our garage. Max walked up to us to say hello and wish us luck for later. Being the besties that they are, Max and Charles started talking about dinner plans.