When Stars Align ||CL16||

Chapter Four

"Iz, I REALLY DON'T THINK you should be racing today." Marcus said into the radio as I sat in the car, waiting for the formation lap. "Christian told me about last night." Good thing that radio wasn't on the setting that the whole word could hear us.

My fingers tapped the wheel impatiently. "I'm fine, Marcus. And tell Christian that next time I see him he's dead for telling you what happen."

"I'm on the radio too, you know?" Christian joined in.

"Good. You can hear me say this....screw you!"

"Oh be nice, kid. Christian was just looking out for your best interest." a chuckle came from Marcus.

Last night, I think I cried in Christians arms for almost an hour. He refused to leave me until he knew I was okay. I don't know exactly why it took that dumb meeting with Charles and then that reporter repeatedly asking me about Jasmine and Jacob...but something inside me broke.

My hands were now gripping the steering wheel. "What's in my best interest is winning. Nothing else."

My mind went black. Both Marcus and Christian's voice disappeared from my ears. I blocked everything out. And the formation lap started.

A formation lap later, I rolled into the p1 grid spot. As I waited for the rest of the cars to roll in, my eyes scanned the track ahead of me, trying to work out the best possible way to tackle the first corner.

Max was directly in next of me. Max wouldn't be a problem since his main focused is holding p2, as I had the better position

However, that did mean I have to fight with Lewis  to hold position. And Lewis sometimes has a habit of taking people out on the first turn. And I can't afford to be taken out on the first turn because one DNF could ruin my whole season. I needed to play it safe, and the best case scenario if there was an issue would be only having to pit early. I knew I could make up positions later on with drs as an extra help.

The five lights above were beginning to blink red. My gaze flickered between the lights and the track. I had one goal, and that goal was to make it out of the first turn with no problem. 

"it's the Australia grand prix, 2022. it's lights out and away we go!"

Engines roared to life immediately as everyone shot out from their spots from the grid and tried to slip into the best position to take the first turn.
I easily made it out of turn one, with zero problems.

Charles locked up around the corner but managed to stay in his original spot.

lap nine. "yellow flag, sector one," Marcus' voice chimed through the radio.

"Okay." I responded, doing my best to focus on the track ahead of me.

"alright, virtual sc now. "

By lap ten, we were still under the virtual safety car. "almost everyone is pitting, but there is no reason for you to, " Marcus says, "tires are looking good. keep an advantage, then we'll decide when to pit."

At lap fifty-one, Charles was right behind me and decided to make a move to overtake. When he was allowed drs after turn 2, he activated it and darted out from behind my car. Charles tried to pull me wide as he drove alongside me, but I  didn't budge, holding my position dangerously as we approached the ninety-degree turn. Our wheels were millimetres from touching yet neither backed down. He only braked and dropped in behind me once I took the apex first, forcing him to fall back in behind me.

"That was close, Maya. Be careful. He has the habit of purposely running into you." Christians voice hit my ears.

I roll my eyes. Isn't that obvious?! "I'm trying my best here!"