RED | Charles Leclerc

2

"How many people are we inviting tonight?" Pascale inquires, her hands delicately working against fabric to fold shopping bags into small squares

"Well," I begin to mentally count "about eight?" I turn to Pascale to await her reaction, my hands pausing before the pile of ripe avocados. She pushes the bags into a wooden drawer, nodding in approval

"Ah," Pascale grins softly "eight including the handsome English driver?"

"Oh, Lewis?" I stifle a giggle, "Including him" I nod with a large smile growing onto my lips. A large assortment of ingredients have been selected for the Mexican styled dinner that I have planned prior, and with Pascale assisting as per usual, it should go as smoothly as usual. Not before long, the repetitive sound of steel upon wood would begin to echo through out the rustic Monégasque home. Almost instantaneously, my eyes had started to sting and tears rush to my eyes. Through furious blinking and blurred vision, tears travel to my pink tinted cheeks with a painful laugh emitting from my chest

"Oh, my dear. I'm glad I'm not cutting the onions" Pascale chuckles playfully, swiftly grabbing a sheet of tissue between her fingers. my eyes follow the movement of Pascale's hand, smiling deeply when her hands reach my cheeks, dabbing gently at my tear-stained cheeks.

<•>

A deep engine roars outside of Pascale's home before it stops abruptly and falls into silence, not before long car doors slam and echo to my ears. I could recognise the sound of that engine anywhere and put down the weighing stack of plates in my hands, picking my feet into a rush to the front door. My fingers envelopes the cool doorknob, pushing down and pushing outwards in pure excitement. Charles and Charlotte stand before me, my wide smile met with another from Charles, his arms opening wide in welcome

"Charles!" My voice emits with pure joy, a scent of earthy cologne filling my senses. His stubbled cheek coming in contact with mine, my chin resting comfortably in the crook of his neck. Strong arms wrap around my waist, lifting me off my feet.

"Hope ma's treating you well" Charles sets me down with a light peck resting upon my head

"She never fails to do so," I nod excitedly before turning to Charlotte "good to see you, Charlotte" I smile as genuinely as I can, opening my arms for her. Charlotte meets my embrace but it's cut short as she pulls away before my arms could wrap themselves around her figure.

"Same to you, Esa" Charlotte smiles, but failing to travel to her cold and piercing eyes

"Some of the drivers are already here" My wave beckoning for the couple to follow, stepping back into the rustic home. The rustic home panelled with wooden floors and brick walls, earth toned furniture that are all picked to Pascale's delight. Distant chatter and the clang kitchen equipment can be heard a room away. Arm in arm Charles and Charlotte walk together as Charlotte's heels can be heard clicking on wood. Not before long, Charles breaks away from her and walks in ahead to meet with his mother

"Ma, I'm home" My lips curl upwards at the sweet thought. Home. He really is home, where ever he is is where ever I could adjust to feel as home. Our deep-rooted bond allowed for that. I pick up my pace once out of thought, refusing to be left alone with Charlotte and meeting with the group of drivers who have already been seated and deep into engaging conversation. I settle down next to Lando who is in a thrilling conversation with Daniel as I could gather due to their erratic hand movements. The quick cycle of emotions displayed on their faces amused me as I tried to grip the ongoing exchange

"My last lap was totally insane!" Lando leans back into his seat, his words escalating in volume. Daniel nods violently, matching his energy with his large toothy grin

"I saw it, it was hectic!" Daniel's eyes fall on me, acknowledging my presence with a wave "hey, Esa"

"And- Oh Esa!" His arm drapes over my shoulders, bringing me closer to a tight hug "Anyway!" Lando exclaims, the adrenaline still apparent in his veins

"Perez was..." Even through the engaging conversation, my eyes trail off before landing on Charles, my eyes focusing on his deep blue eyes engrossed in emotion with his mother, the most genuine form of his smile spreading access his lips causing his eyes to crinkle lightly. Those same eyes that gazed upon me with such intensity earlier this day. He nods at his mother, his dark hair bouncing lightly against the motion. My heart skipped a beat- no, multiple beats when his eyes land on me. Tricks must've been set against my eyes as I observed his eyes light up once they've settled upon me. Charles excuses himself from his mother, making his way over to the free seat beside me while greeting the drivers that have seated before him.

I spot a quick figure to my left. Charlotte. Who is also rushing once Charles had spotted the vacant seat beside me. She remains calm but I can sense her true intentions as she strides over towards Lando and I. Refusing to let her come in between Charles and I, I observe her stride and speed. As she closes her distance, I quickly stand up from my chair and push the seat from my the back of knees as hard as I could muster

"Oh! I forgot something!" The action has caught the attention of the other drivers, their stares of surprise and curiosity settling upon me. However, that wasn't my concern as the chair slides back just fair enough to catch Charlotte off guard and reduce her pace as Charles' fingers wrap around the vacant seat to pull out and occupy it "Sorry, love" I smile coyly at Charlotte, stepping away from her to walk with a slight jump in my step towards the kitchen. I haven't told a complete lie as I did in fact forget something. The weighted plates have returned in my hands and I gladly resume my former activity.

Not before long, the atmosphere has transformed to a cozy setting with hearty food and satisfied people. Once a bite has been taken of my food, compliments and satisfied groans have emitted from the drivers. I've received many thumbs up from Seb, Daniel and Lewis as they are too busy eating to speak while Max lets his facial expression and groans speak for him. I was especially delighted when I saw Charles devouring his food at a quick pace

"This is amazing, Esa. I never get tired of your recipes" Charles manages to speak through his large bites of nachos and quesadillas. A low hum in agreement emits from Lando's chewing lips, accompanied by a repetitive nod

"What can I say, Pascale makes cooking so fun" Pascale sends a wink my way, visibly enjoying the food plated before her. I manage to spot Charlotte, taking smaller bites with a stern expression. I'd thought she'd at least enjoy the food but regardless, seeing Charles happy had blossomed a needed happiness within my heart.

Perhaps, this night could go well.

<•>

This is a new project of mine that I hope you guys enjoy. Let me know what you think. Criticism is widely appreciated <3