Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 2

I know it's been a while 😅 with this book, I can't promise consistent updates like in Lock Up because my summer term is ending and I'm going to start my senior year in college after a week woohoo

Anyway, I just watched Daniel's announcement and I think we need a little something to distract us, yeah?

Enjoy!

*****

December 03, 2027 - Abu Dhabi

The past twenty four hours have been a blur.

Charles was moved to a hospital since the doctors at the medical center recommended he needed to undergo some tests that the center wasn't equipped for. Since the race had technically reached its end, everyone headed straight to the hospital afterwards.

Pascale was a mess just like me after seeing everything from the motorhome with Arthur and Lorenzo. The two brothers have been silent but the fear in their eyes are evident. Max and George were the next ones to arrive, followed by Susie and Toto who left Jack with his friends first. The eight of us were occupying the waiting room when the doctor informed us that Charles had been placed inside a private room but he still hasn't woken up.

I clenched my fist behind me as we walked inside the room and saw him lying down on the hospital bed, cuts already cleaned up and a proper bandage around his head. Beside his bed was the monitor that showed his vitals and I hated every beep that came out of it.

I want to hear his voice. I want to hear his laugh. I want to hear everything even if it's his incessant tapping that he usually does when he's bored.

"He's experienced a lot of head trauma from the impact his car made. The helmet lessened the blow but there's only so much the tests can tell us." The doctor explained as we all intently listened but my eyes stayed on Charles. I glanced down at his hand to see his wedding ring and I couldn't help but nervously play around with mine. "Right now, we just need for him to wake up and then we'll run more tests."

December 04, 2027 - Abu Dhabi

"I got you some spare clothes." Max said when he walked inside the hospital room carrying a paper bag. I was the only one inside since he and George left after the doctor talked to us. Toto and Susie had to leave to pick up Jack and I told Pascale to go back to the hotel to get some rest. I've been on watch with Arthur who headed down to the cafeteria while Lorenzo accompanied Pascale.

"Thanks." I said, giving him a sad smile. Max set down the paper bag and sat beside me on the couch that was also my temporary bed.

Max and I were silent as our eyes moved to Charles, chest slowly moving up and down. The heaviness from yesterday's events have faded but they have been replaced by the fear of not knowing when he'll wake up. I couldn't sleep the entire night with nurses and doctors coming in to check on him as well as hearing the continuous beep of his heart monitor. Arthur said I should go back to the hotel but I quickly denied, not wanting to spend a night apart from Charles.

"He'll be okay, Nads." Max said, placing a hand over my shoulder and and giving it a squeeze.

"I hope so."

December 12, 2027 - Monaco

I smiled as Charles' room was flooded with Formula One drivers, even those that have already retired. He was transferred back to Monaco a few days ago when the doctors from Abu Dhabi deemed him stable enough for travel and be transported to a hospital we knew. Upon my request, the hospital allowed us to host a small get together as long as we didn't disturb the other patients on the floor. The boys had just come back from the prize giving ceremony and George brought the championship trophy for Charles.