SEVEN MINUTES || L. NORRIS

THIRTY THREE

I'm already halfway out of town

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LANDO

I was quick to realise how I physically could not be apart from Isabelle ever again. The thought of leaving her in the past, always upset me, it always made me question why I was doing it to both her and myself, but now, I realised that for my own sanity, I had to bring her everywhere with me. She was the lucky charm I'd always needed, the happiness to get me through a bad day on the track. Issy didn't even understand how important she was and how much she helped me through.

She lay beside me, her eyes closed delicately as she tried to send herself back to sleep. Her body was too sensitive right now, I'd completely worn her out but she still looked as beautiful as ever as she clung onto my naked chest. I knew that I could never let anything get in the way of our relationship ever again. She was too special, too important to me for that to happen. I couldn't lose her again, because I knew that it would be for good the next time.

I didn't want to leave town without her. I would never step foot on a plane alone ever again. I would do everything in my power to make sure she was on every single flight beside me, holding my hand as we took off into the night sky. Her separation anxiety would be much less of a burden for her. She wouldn't feel the immense amount of worry anymore. She would feel better knowing that she could sit in my garage every time I was out in the car, waiting for my return as she sat and listened in to everything that was going on out on track. I knew that she was going to be alright. Together, we would be alright.

Ideally, I wanted to stay at home as much as possible to support her, in the same way that she did for me whilst I was at the track. An evening at the track without Isabelle never occurred. She would be there, as soon as she possibly could be and she would stay at the side of the circuit until I finished training for the day. I felt like it was only right to repay her. I wanted to be that supportive of her, but make sure I was by her side to show it. Of course, I always did support Issy and her career, even if I was away training in a different continent. My support was always there and it would forever be the biggest; nobody would be able to match the amount of support I had for her. I was always going to be her number one fan. I knew that she would always be mine; she would always be there to cheer me on at race weekends, or on the other side of the television if she was alone.

Nothing made sense unless Issy was by my side and I couldn't let that continue. I wouldn't let myself continue if it meant I would be without Issy. I looked at the beautiful girl beside me as she slept with her face pressed against the side of my chest, her lips resting carefully against my skin with small breaths escaping delicately from her nose. My heart began to beat a little faster at the sight. I'd missed having her here more than anything in the world and I felt so lucky that she was back where she belonged. She was so delicate, so precious and I didn't want to imagine my life without her anymore. I knew that I had to do everything I could to properly bring her back to me. For good this time.

I told her I would do anything to have her by my side at every single race and I really meant that. I wanted her to kiss me good luck before I climbed into the car and drive a great race, knowing that she was waiting for me in the garage. The French Grand Prix was coming up and I wanted her to join me. I flew out to France in a week and I wanted her to be on the flight with me. I took hold of one of her blonde strands and twirled it around my fingers, smiling as she pushed her head closer to my skin. I knew that I would give up my seat in Formula 1 if it meant I could be with Isabelle. I didn't want to go to another race without her. I couldn't cope with the pain of leaving her behind.

I pushed my head downwards and pressed a light kiss against her forehead, pulling her body closer to mine. It was getting light outside now. I completely lost track of time whilst I was busy with Isabelle, but I didn't mind. I didn't have a training session until later today, so I could stay here with Isabelle until she woke up. Her body felt so warm in my arms and I felt like I was home again. The way she lay against my body felt so right and so perfect. It reminded me of our lazy Saturday mornings, on which we would sleep in until late, then lie in bed until we were desperate to eat. I would do anything to go back to those days, when everything felt a little easier. I didn't have to watch Isabelle go through the excruciating pain her anxiety brought, she seemed a little happier, a bit more cheery, compared to nowadays.

"I love you so much," I whispered to her as I ran my fingers through her hair, my lips grazing gently across the hot skin on her forehead. "I promise I'm never going to let you down again. I'm going to treat you exactly how you deserve. Like a princess."

I watched as her lips curled upwards; I should have known that she wasn't really sleeping. She cuddled into my body even closer, her warmth radiating against my skin even more. Her bare skin felt soft and smooth as it made contact with my own. This intimate moment was one I never wanted to end.

I repeated myself, "like a princess."

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