Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙎𝙚𝙞

        "Wow! Jules' house is sooo big". Liam said from the passenger's seat when Joanne drove through the gate that was opened by some guards. "It's really nice, isn't it?". Joanne smiled and halted the car after parking it in reverse so she could drive away right after she dropped him off. Liam reached for her hand when they walked up to the large front door and she pressed on the bell. Charles showed up in the doorway soon enough and Jules fell into the arms of his friend. "Good morning". She smiled and Charles was about to answer when the boys were giggling and already took off to somewhere in the house. "Yeah, good morning". Charles chuckled. "Liam and I were creative last night. He wanted to make cupcakes with our names". Joanne let out a breathy laugh and held up his backpack. "They are in here". Charles took it from her. "Alright, I think they will be tasty". He said.

"I hope so". Joanne smiled and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. Charles briefly looked at her appearance while she was wearing an off-shoulder top and a skirt that reached just above her knees, on her feet some low heeled sandals. "You look pretty, are you going somewhere?". He asked, not wanting to sound like a freak, yet he was just curious. "I have an appointment at the beauty salon today". She laughed, the sound making the whole world brighter in just a few seconds. "I haven't taken care of my face and my nails properly in like, seven years?". She giggled, meaning since Liam was born. A small smile curled Charles' face. "It's not like you desperately need it, Joanne". He mused while pushing a hand in the pocket of his slacks. Joanne hummed as she looked down at her car keys, her cheeks turning rosy at the compliment. "I'll get going". She said. "I'll see you tonight then". She smiled.

"See you later". Charles nodded and watched her walk to her car and drive away from the spacious parking space behind his house. Joanne felt weird to drive to the center of Monte Carlo without her son next to her. But it also felt good. She hadn't had a proper day for herself since a long while and it felt relaxing to be able to do whatever she wanted. Joanne was meeting a friend soon and she was looking forward to that. She braked and moved to park her car in one of the few free spots and she turned the engine off before grabbing her bag and her sunglasses, pushing them over her eyes. "Jo!". She looked up when her friend called her name from the terrace she was seated on. "Hey". Joanne smiled and hugged her friend before sitting down. Francesca moved her hair out of her face as she sat down, smiling at Joanne. "We haven't met in ages, how are you though?". She asked.

"I'm good, doing fine". Joanne smiled back again. "How are you?". She asked. "Amazing. I'm glad to be here for a couple days. My ex has the kids". Francesca replies. "I see". Joanne nodded. Her friend was a total opposite. They had met when they were both pregnant, but Francesca was married at the time. The couple divorced after five years and Joanne was surprised at how quickly Francesca recovered from the split-up. She seemed to do great and she was out flirting with other guys as soon as her kids where with her ex-husband for a week. Joanne couldn't imagine herself doing that, however she did respect it a lot that Francesca didn't let her desires being shoved somewhere and still planned in moments for herself. "Where's the little munchkin?". Francesca asked Joanne while a waiter put down two iced macchiatos that Francesca had already ordered.

"He's staying over at a friend's". Joanne explained. "How nice". Francesca cooed. She knew Joanne had a great life and on her side, she admired Joanne for being able to have such a good bond with her son and that she was able to be there for him all the time. "It feels a bit weird, you know? Being kidless for a whole day". Joanne laughed softly. "It'll be good for you, Jo. You deserve it so much to relax for a day". Francesca smiled. "So, what have you been up to?". The Italian asked, looking back at Joanne. Her blushes that covered her cheeks immediately betrayed her and she hoped Francesca hadn't been able to spot them before she leaned her head in her hands. "Nothing special". Joanne shrugged. "Am I supposed to believe it like that?". The woman asked with a laugh. "It's really nothing special though...". Joanne gnawed at her bottom lip. "The friend where Liam's staying at the moment... Okay, his father is a really attractive bachelor". She sighed.