Halo

XVII

The media called my name as we walked down something that resembled a red carpet in Hollywood before turning to do our interviews. Of course, we got put with a French station, so I was stuck translating. 

"So, we are here with six-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, Three-time Oscar winner and little sister of Lewis Hamilton, Stella Hamilton, and of course, the son of the great Michael Schumacher, Mick Schumacher," she announced. "How are you all today?" 

"Well, I have to say I'm very proud of my brother's accomplishments and I cannot wait to see what the future has to bring for him!" I exclaimed. 

"They don't speak it, do they?" the reporter asked and I nodded. "Well, I guess we can wrap it up then. Thank you so much for your time!" 

Before I could reply, Lewis' press officer pulled us in another direction, this time to a German reporter. Are people trying to test my language knowledge, I bet you next they'll be Russian with my luck. 

"Hello Mick, I see you are with good company tonight." the reporter said in German. 

"Of course, I happen to be friends with the Hamiltons, so when Lewis invited me to join I couldn't say no." He replied in English and the reporter followed his lead. 

"Are we going to see you in Formula 1, anytime soon?" he asked. 

I looked up at Mick, who had a big smile on his face. "Sometime in the future," he replied. 

"Now Lewis, if all goes well for the 2020 season you could be ties with Michael Schumacher for wins." the reported said. "How does that feel?" 

"Humbling." Lewis replied and I scoffed. "humbling and proud that I could achieve something that one of the greatest drivers has achieved already." 

"Stella, you seem to say otherwise." 

"As I said earlier, I am extremely proud of my brother, but do I believe it has humbled him...no," I stated.

"Do I sense some sibling rivalry here?" the reporter asked. 

Lewis and I said no in unison, while Mick said a firm yes. "It's true!" he exclaimed. 

We wrapped up to interview and moved onto the last, which thankfully wasn't Russian because I haven't brushed up on the language in a few months. Instead, they were from America. Something you don't see too often, especially in a sport that hasn't captivated America as it has in Europe. 

I smiled as I realized this was one of my favorite reporters in America from Cosmopolitan, but also freelances with Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. Alexandria Williams. She does all my exclusives when I'm in America or I have something big happen in my life. 

"Alexandria!" I exclaimed. 

"Stella!" she exclaimed as I moved to give her a hug. "Now, I can't start our interview without asking how are you doing?" 

"I'm fine actually. My relationship with Hero lasted what, three days before he cheated again. No point in shedding tears on something worthless." I exclaimed. 

"Good for you!" She exclaimed. "Now, rumor has it you and Mick have a little something going on. Everyone in Hollywood is wondering if Stella Hamilton has finally settled down with someone who's actually good for her." 

Mick and I both chuckled, "There is nothing going on, but I promise to give you the exclusive if I am with someone." I added. 

Alexandria chuckled and continued the interview with the focus on Lewis, which allowed us to say a quick goodbye before walking slipping away inside the main building. An usher led us to the backstage area where I would be presenting the award to Lewis. 

I leaned back expecting for there to be a wall, but it was Mick. He wrapped his arms around my waist, to keep me from falling and allowing me to relax for a few moments. While my exterior was calm, my heart was beating extremely fast. 

Mick's breath tickled the back of my neck, causing goosebumps to rise on my arms. I leaned a little more weight on him, adding pressure between us and I didn't need to turn around to see his smirk. 

"You said it would be best if we didn't see each other, yet you seem to always find your way to me." He whispered. 

"I could say the same thing to you." I chuckled. "Abu Dhabi and now in Geneva." 

"I was there because your brother said to be." 

"You could've said no." 

"What if I didn't want to say no." 

"Why wouldn't you want to say no?" 

Mick turned me around lighting fast, so I was looking up into his blue eyes. "I didn't say no, because you never say no when a person you love needs your help." 

I faltered at his statement. "Love?" 

"What? Am I not famous enough or rich enough or wild enough for you or I'm only an F2 driver and you rather date an F1 driver? Is it so hard for you to believe that the son of Michael Schumacher likes you more than as a friend!" he whispered yelled. 

"Mick, you're not the son of Michael Schumacher," I stated. 

"Umm...I am." he replied in a confused tone, resulting in me rolling my eyes. 

"You know what I mean." I hissed. "You're always introduced as the son of Michael Schumacher, I see you smile waver every time a reporter says it too. To me, you are your own person and I see you for who you are." 

"I don't believe you." he muttered. 

"When you talk about racing you get a certain look on your face, a look of pride and happiness. You hang out around Sebastian a lot, because your father was his mentor, and know he's yours and Sebastian has become a father figure to you. Whenever you got shots in the hospital, you would always squeeze my hand because you're not afraid of driving a car at dangerous speeds, but you're afraid of needles. Above all, I know you care deeply about people, even people you've known for only five minutes because despite having a broken leg and spine injury, you dragged me out of a burning car." 

Mick opened his mouth to reply, but I was called to the stage to present the award, leaving Mick in a state of shock and confusion.