All of Me (Sebastian Vettel)

52. Seeing Red (1)

"Imagine this, packed full of people. Red as far as the eye can see." Alyssa cast her gaze over the empty grandstands. "This is the dream of all Ferrari drivers. To win here, at the temple of speed, in front of the Tifosi ....it's special. I never did it for Ferrari. I did it for Toro Rossi, and for Red Bull but never for Ferrari," Seb said with a hint of regret in his voice.

Alyssa squeezed his hand. He kissed her forehead.
"I'll be back in a minute." He let go of her hand and jogged across the track to speak to a small group of fans that had managed to gain entry. She smiled as she saw him posing for selfies with them. He seemed in good spirits despite Charles extending his Championship lead  to seven points following his win at Zanvoort. 

"He really wants this one," Antti said, appearing at her side. "To win this one, to beat the Ferraris on their own turf...he wants this more than any other win. After what Binotto and Ferrari did to him...it would be...karma."

Alyssa smiled at the Finn. "He'll do it. I have a good feeling."

"I hope that feeling's right. Anyway, I'm glad I found you both. I should have guessed I'd find him out here. Seb's parents have just arrived. They're waiting in hospitality. Britta got them coffee.  I said I'd come and find the pair of you."

Alyssa suddenly felt sick. She'd met his parents before of course but she'd only been a kid, not his new girlfriend. Sienna had been close to them. How would they take to Seb dating her sister? Did they believe the stuff in the media?  What if they thought she was a homewrecker?

Seb came jogging back across the start/finish straight. "Hey Antti, everything ok? I was just showing Alyssa the stands. When they're full of Tifosi...it's something else, isn't it?"

"It sure is boss. I came to tell you your parents are here."

"Great," he said, grinning from ear to ear. He hadn't seen his parents for a while and he was looking forward to reintroducing Alyssa to them. "Come on Aly, let's go see them."

She hesitated. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"What if they disapprove?"

"And why would they do that?" he said, putting one hand on her hip and his other under her chin, pushing her face up so she was looking at him.

"Oh I don't know. Maybe because they love Sienna and were harbouring hopes of you two patching things up. And because I'm her sister and...."

He silenced her with a kiss. "Alyssa, I love you but sometimes you drive me crazy. Try having a bit of optimism. Yes they loved Sienna but they accepted the divorce. They have never mentioned us getting back together. They're looking forward to seeing you again."

In reality he was exaggerating. It was true they'd never mentioned him getting back with Sienna but he knew they had probably wished for it. And they hadn't said anything about looking forward to seeing Alyssa.

Alyssa turned and using one crutch made her way through the gap in the pit wall and back towards the garage. Seb followed behind her, his hand resting on the small of her back.

Arriving in hospitality Seb held the door open for Alyssa, casting his gaze around for his parents. He heard his father before he saw him.

"Sebastian!"

"Vater, Mutter!" He crossed the room, embracing his father, then his mother, kissing her on the cheek.

"You look well," Heike said in German.

He grinned. "It's so good to see you."

Norbert looked past him, spotting Alyssa.

"Little Alyssa," he boomed. "Don't be nervous. Come over here."