No Going Back (Nyck de Vries X OC)

The finale in Berlin (Race 2)

This is it. The last day of the 2021 Formula E season. If I finish ahead of my rivals I will win the Formula E championship. Even if I don't I will be content with how my rookie season went. Before you can ask I will try my best to win. I have to. For Jules. There is only one thought occupying my mind. Will Jules be proud? Of course, I already know the answer. I turn my attention to getting ready for the final free practice session. With one swift movement, I get my balaclava over my head. I am about to get my helmet on but I am stopped.

"So Jess, the only advice I have is to be mindful that the circuit has been reversed. However, yesterday's advice still stands," Kai reminds me.

"Thank you," my voice trembles with nerves. I take a deep breath as I pull my helmet over my head.

"You don't have to worry about the outcome of today. Just have fun," Kai gets to work on reassuring me. He is right. Whatever happens, happens. I just need to deal with the crap as it comes. It doesn't take long for me to get comfortable. With one swift hand gesture Kristy signals for me to leave the pits. After a few laps, I notice that the car is a little sluggish.

"Kai the car is a little sluggish," I use the radio to inform him of what's going on.

"I can see the reason in the data. Don't worry about it," Kai replies. At least that means there can be a fix for it. After fifteen minutes of driving Kai and I have agreed that it would be better to give Kristy and her team enough time to fix the issues before qualifying begins. I have no problem with it since the only thing that has changed is the direction of the course. Plus if Kai really wanted data he could ask Albert. I am quick to bring the car to a full stop in the garage. As soon as I do Kirsty's team descends on the car. I am just as quick to free myself from the car. As soon as I get my balaclava and helmet off.

"Jess, is there anything that Kai hasn't told me?" Kristy asks. I can tell by the tone of her voice that she is not happy. I put it down to the fact that there could be more than just one issue.

"Not that I am aware of," I reply. After thirty minutes of various conversations, I finally have some time to myself. Well, I say time to myself but for some reason, Nyck has other ideas.

"Come on Nyck I would appreciate some alone time. I need to get my thoughts organised before qualifying. If I manage to out-qualify my rivals I have a strong chance to win the Formula E championship. The thing is I have to keep my thoughts under control just in case something goes wrong.

"Ok. I'll be back to check on you though," Nyck counters.

"Of course," I say as a smile comes across my face. Honestly, there is not much that he can do unless he can change the way I think. He swiftly leaves. I find myself listening to music as I mentally prepare for the challenge that is qualifying. I am not exactly sure where I am going to end up with the car being sluggish. I also have the added bonus of having to worry about where Edo, Mitch and Jake are going to be. I try to concentrate on the lyrics of the song that is currently playing. It is so that I can distract myself from my thoughts about the impending qualifying session. After an hour and forty minutes of trying to keep my anxiety at bay, there is a knock on the door.

"Come in Nyck," I say as I pause my music.

"How did you know it was me?" Nyck teases as he joins me.

"You said you would check on me," I counter.

"Yes, I did. Anyway, are you ready?" Nyck gets to work on making sure I am good to go for the qualifying session.

"Well I have no choice," I half-joke. To be honest I will never truly be ready. I just need to get it over and done with. After a few reassuring words from Nyck, we begin the quick journey to the garage. We soon part ways. As soon as we do, I am intercepted by Kai.