When we first met [Charles Leclerc]

1 - Caroline

Victoria was right. We needed this, I needed this. I had to get back on my feet. It's been three moths since my mother passed away. I just postponed getting back to university for another semester. I couln't waste all that time being at home and self pity myself. Yes, this sucks, loosing my mom still hurts, of course, but that probably wouldn't change. So the least I can do is have some fun with my best friend. It's been a while since we did something else than just binge watch tv shows. I loved that and most of the time it took my mind away from the fact that I'm all alone at just 20 years old with my mom being dead, my dad living in Austin and the rest of my family in Germany. But it couldn't be like that forever.

I took a long shower to gain some confidence. I haven't put make up on or shaved my leg in ages but it felt good. Victoria told me that the party was at the beach in Zandvoort right next to the race track. So I went with a satin dress and sandals. While getting ready I started to overthink jow this night would go down. I'd probably end up distracting Max so Vic could get away with Daniel, Max's old team mate. They've met a couple of years ago when Max started driving in Formula 1. They had nothing serious going on but Max wouldn't be too happy finding out about it so they've kept it a secret.

The second I finished my second glass of wine Victoria called me to say that they're outside. I couldn't spot Max's or Victorias car but then noticed that they took an Uber. "Why the Uber? Wouldn't it be easier if someone was driving?" I asked because most of the time Max would drive since he barely drinks. "No, we're about to party, even Max. It's his home race and he needs to relax, right?" Max frowned but nodded.
"And if he's drunk as well it's easier to get away with Daniel. I hope you don't mind but we haven't seen each other since testing in February" Vic whispered in my direction. I started to regret this. Her and Max were the only people I knew at that party. Of course I knew some other drivers but I've never met them or talked to any of them. Victoria and me went to some races before but since everyone was busy we didn't really get the chance totalk to anyone.I just that some of the guys are nice so I won't have to stick with Max or the bar for the whole evening.

After a 30 minute drive we arrived in Zandvoort. Luckily it's tuesday so no one is really here besides the team and some hardcore fans since it's only May. Max took some pictures with the fans and signed some caps and shirts while Victoria and me waited in front of the entrance to the party location. The security guys gave us a warning look. They probably conciders us to be some fan girls who want to get in. Finally Max was finished and we could all go inside together. The security guys looked all confused when Max said that we are with him. The beach looked amazing. Fire bowls and laterns were placed around the dance floor. They also put chairs and couches next to the water.

"Time to congratulate the guest of honor, shall we?" Max said while guiding Victoria and me to a group of men who all seemed really young.
"Hey Daniil, there you are. Happy late birthday again mate" Max hguged the guy.I think he drives for Alpha Tauri but used to drive for Red Bull until he got replaced by Max.
"Thanks buddy, great to see you. And who are these girls?" Daniil asked pointing towards Victoria and me.
"Hey, I'm Victoria, Max is my brother and this is Caroline, my best friend" Victoria said offering her hand. Daniil shook it and turned to me to do the same. I loved how forward Vic was, never afraid in these kind of situations. Or maybe she was just a little bit tipsy already.

"Let's head to the bar! I definetly need some gin or vodka to survive this evening" I stated while grabbing Max' and Victorias wrists. Victoria huged me from behind and screamed something inaudible in my ear. We got our drinks and toasted to the evening. Max excused himself to go talk to some guys of his team.

"I'm so glad you actually came with us tonight. I've missed this, bitch!" my best friend looked me deep in the eyes. It felt like she was staring right at my soul. "But if you want to leave that's totally fine. I'd understand, so don't worry. Just say a word and we'll be gone, okay?" she assured me for what felt like the millionst time already.
"Stop worrying about me, I'm quite happy I'm here with you. I've missed this too" I pulled mz best friend into a tight hug to avoid me and her from crying. For the first time in months I didn't have to fake to be happy.

"Let's take some pics. You and I both look stunning!" Victoria exclaimed. "Oh, wait. There's Daniel. He won't mind taking some pictures of us" she ran to the tall Australian and hugged him. Let's just hope Max didn't saw that because that hug lasted forever.

After an exhausting photo shoot Victoria and Daniel excused themselves and left for this hotel. Great, here I am all alone at a party where I didn't really knew anyone. I headed back to the bar "can I get a vodka soda please?" Drinking seemed like the best option but the bartender shook his head. "Sorry but there is no more vodka" I frowned. "Who would drink all the vodka?" I asked rhetorically and just ordered another gin lemon.
"Well Kimi probably drank all the vodka. I wouldn't be surprised if he actually did to be honest" some one said to me with a rather thick French accent. I turned to my right to see who was talking to me. My eyes spotted a very handsome brown haired man who was around my age. I took a big sip of my drink because I was overwhelmed.
"I'm Charles by the way"
"Nice to meet you. I'm Caroline. I'm here with Max. His sister is my best friend" gosh, why did I say that? Like he would care, right? My mind isn't working around him.
"The pleasure is all mine, Caroline" he said with a smirk.

A/n: so here it is! The first real chapter to the story. I think the direction this is going to is pretty obvious but you never now.
I'm Julia btw, 21 y/o from Germany. Feel free to text. Always looking for some f1 fans since I'm the only one lol