Ride or Die | Lando Norris (ENGLISH)

38*

•LANDO•

The Dutch Grand Prix came sooner than we expected. Melly and I spent a few wonderful days in Mykonos, savoring each other's presence and celebrating the rare moments of privacy that I was missing at that moment. I saw Melanie fearfully following me around the paddock, not feeling as comfortable there as she had been a few weeks ago. Now she wore slightly wider clothes, hiding her rounding belly.

– I'll wait for you in your room. Drive safely. I love you, baby – Melanie said seriously as we stopped in front of the garage. Her face was pale, and her usually perfectly straight hair was tied in a high ponytail. I wanted to kiss her there, not caring about the cameras around, but I knew Melly wasn't ready to make our relationship public. She got enough hate.

– I love you two too, sweetie– I replied with a gentle smile, trying to relax her somehow, but even that didn't work. I placed a quick kiss on the center of her forehead when my engineer called me over. I had to get into the car now. I couldn't wait to tell her about my purchase of a new house in Woking. I wanted us to have our own place in England, especially when our baby was born. That's why I bought a large house in a quiet area, near MTC. I looked at Melanie one last time, not wanting to be separated from her. Something was clearly bothering her. The brunette smiled weakly at me and pushed me towards the car.

– How long will you keep your relationship a secret from the world? – Jon asked with a laugh, handing me a water bottle as I zipped up my suit. The race in which I was about to start second should start in a few minutes. I didn't have too many expectations or hopes because I was aware that we wouldn't be the fastest. There was also the weather, which could change at any moment.

– As long as it takes, Jon – I shrugged, putting on my balaclava and then my helmet. Jon nodded disapprovingly, patting me on the shoulder. He wished me good luck when I got into the car.

I took a deep breath, focusing on my goal - to lose as few positions as possible. Meanwhile, the mechanics were taking me out to the track.

***

I was disappointed. Although this is still an understatement after what happened during the race. My engineers were clearly lost due to the treacherous weather, but in the end I finished seventh. I wanted to reach higher, not backward.

– Have you seen Melanie? – I asked McLaren employees passing by my room. Mel was nowhere to be found. As if it had completely disappeared. As did Jon and my assistant Charlotte, who often accompanied Melanie while I was away. I wanted to go with her to the hotel as soon as possible and just cuddle.

– Uh, I saw her walking into the medical center with Charlotte – one of the workers mentioned.

My heart almost stopped. I thanked him and went straight to the medical center. I was so damn worried about her. After all, her pregnancy was at risk. What if she felt bad and something happened to her or the baby?

– Where are you going, Norris?! If she loves you, she will wait! – Verstappen exclaimed with amusement when I almost jumped into him. I didn't even answer him. I ran ahead, weaving between narrow streets until I finally reached the place.

– Was Melanie Harris here? – I asked the nurse who was writing something on the laptop. The girl looked up from the screen of the device with a reassuring expression.

– We sent her to the nearest hospital. She's there with Charlotte. She didn't want to tell anyone, I'm sorry – the blonde muttered, closing the laptop. The look on her face told me one thing; something was definitely wrong.

I sighed loudly and ran out of there. I felt that in a moment I would have heart palpitations. I had to lean against the side of the building to take a few deep breaths. I've never been in a situation like this. It was the first time I had to act like an adult and take care of someone I loved. Maybe I was just exaggerating, maybe Melanie didn't lose a hair on her head and our baby was safe and sound, but I was really scared.