Thread of Destiny | Lando Norris

Chapter 11: Into Her Past

After the chaos of the Austrian Grand Prix's media whirlwind, Eli found herself summoned back to London, courtesy of a meeting requested by her school. It was an unforeseen development, pulling her away from the intense world of Formula 1, away from Lando, but she decided that maybe it was for the best she forego attending the British Grand Prix, despite Charles' offer to get her a pass once again. The weight of recent media attention and her desire to shield Lando from further scrutiny compelled her to step away from Silverstone, allowing Lando the focus and space he needed for his home event.

Meanwhile, the short hiatus that followed his home race and preceded the Hungarian Grand Prix, granted Lando the opportunity to remain in the UK. He ventured into his familiar surroundings, spending some valuable time with friends, family, before immersing himself within the confines of McLaren's headquarters once again. Amidst their physical separation, Eli and Lando maintained a connection, exchanging messages from time to time, anchoring their bond despite being apart.

Before the race calendar swept Lando to Budapest, they arranged to meet in London. But due to his limited time left, or maybe as fate would have it, that day coincided with Eli's scheduled visit to her university.

As Eli's return to her school drew near, a whirlwind of emotions stirred within her. This place, once a realm she had dreamt about and strived to be a part of, now felt like a mix of nostalgia and a haunting reminder of a chapter she had sought to leave behind. Despite her reservations, she had to face it once more, a step she was reluctantly taking for the sake of resolving not only her unresolved academic affairs, but also her internal conflict towards her undying passion for music. It felt like a crucial step in either reigniting her passion or finally bidding adieu to her long-held aspirations. Lando, sensing her hesitancy, offered to accompany her, disregarding her suggestion to meet after her university visit. He insisted it would be insightful to glimpse into her world, mirroring the shared moments where she had been a part of his life within the F1 paddock.

They met outside, and as she looked up towards the sign that read "Royal Academy of Music', its gold letters shimmering against the stone walls, each stroke echoing the prestige and reputation of the esteem institution she was once part of. As they stepped in, the corridors, once familiar yet distant, echoed with memories. Eli walked with a hint of both trepidation and resolution, and Lando, quietly observant, could sense her emotional turbulence. As they wandered through the corridors and halls, Eli provided glimpses into her life as a music student—the places she'd spend breaks, and the classrooms where she'd immerse herself in the world of melodies and compositions. There was a particular hallway lined with practice rooms, each door bearing memories of dedicated hours spent perfecting her art. Eli faltered for a moment, her steps slowing as she stared at one of the rooms. Her fingers instinctively traced the grain of the wooden door, evoking a flood of emotions—moments of triumph, hours of practice, and fragments of self-doubt all woven into the walls.

Continuing the tour, she led Lando to a grand concert hall within the university. Its regal architecture and elegant stage held a silent narrative of her past performances. For Lando, the sight ignited a desire he hadn't expected—he yearned to witness her in her element, commanding the stage with her musical prowess, like how she's watched him put his all into his drive each race. But for Eli, it was a conflicting reunion with memories she had kept tucked away. Those echoes didn't just carry applause and the exhilaration of her triumphant performances, but also resonated with the intense moments of vulnerability during her darkest days in masterclasses, etched within the walls of that very concert hall. While these classes offered invaluable learning experiences from some of the best musicians and professors, they were also arenas where peers were pitted against each other, each vying to outperform the other. It was a realm where music wasn't just an art; it became a battlefield for superiority, overshadowing the harmony it was meant to create.

As they strolled through the hallowed corridors once more, the resonant voice of the Head of the Department pulled Eli's attention. "Ah! I thought I saw you, Marie-Elise," he exclaimed, a tall, imposing figure with a greying beard and a warm yet discerning gaze, dressed in a refined tweed suit that mirrored the air of prestige surrounding the academy. Caught off guard, Eli turned to face him, nodding politely in acknowledgment. "I'll just wait outside," Lando offered, giving Eli a reassuring smile before stepping aside, granting them the privacy they needed for the meeting.

Entering an empty classroom, Eli found herself seated across from the Head, and the air charged with the gravity of the impending conversation. The Head, despite his initial warm greeting, shifted the tone of the discussion, addressing the pressing matters at hand. He spoke of the academy's support thus far, acknowledging the flexibility they had provided Eli during her challenging times, which had allow her to take time off, landing her in Monaco. However, his next words carried a weighty and unavoidable ultimatum for Eli. He expressed a finality in the academy's patience, outlining that Eli needed to return by the year's end to complete her final year of studies, or they would have no choice but to consider other options, which included her removal from the programme. It was a clear directive that echoed the institution's uncompromising stance on academic progress and commitment. The words hung heavily in the air, the ultimatum casting a cloud over Eli's thoughts. Her gaze held a mix of determination and uncertainty, an internal battle raging within her as she contemplated the consequences of her choices and the weight of this academic mandate.

The weight of the ultimatum from her music university pressed heavy on Eli's shoulders as they walked away from the ornate halls of the academy, her steps laden with uncertainty. Hyde Park, a stone's throw away, beckoned with its quiet pathways and secluded alcoves. Lando sensed her need for solace and space. He walked alongside her, quiet and observant, and not prying immediately. Instead, he allowed the silence to linger, understanding the weight of her burden. As they meandered along the park's paths, the breeze whispered through the trees, offering a gentle reprieve. Eventually, he broke the quietude, his voice a calm anchor in the midst of her storm.

"I don't know what to do," Eli began, her voice barely a whisper, as she fought back the tears threatening to fall. "I feel trapped," she confessed, her voice cracking slightly, the weight of her predicament heavy on her chest. "On one hand, I don't want to give it all up just like that, not after finally feeling that spark again." Her words trembled with the fear of losing the newfound passion she'd fought so hard to rekindle. "But on the other hand, what if I'm just setting myself up for another fall?" The vulnerability in her voice mirrored the fragility of her hopes. "Last time, I could pick up the pieces and try again, but what if this time..." Her voice trailed off, the unspoken fears lingering between them. She glanced at Lando, her eyes were a mirror to the whirlwind of emotions storming within her—vulnerable, on the verge of breaking. In that moment, she seemed so fragile, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her shoulders. It was a raw vulnerability that Lando hadn't seen before, and it tugged at his heartstrings. He wanted to be her shelter in this storm, to offer her comfort, reassurance, and anything one could do to make everything feel okay again.

"Eli," he began softly, "I can see how much this is weighing on you. It's okay not to have all the answers right now." His words were a lifeline, a reassurance in her moment of chaos. "But whatever you decide, I'm here. I'll support you every step of the way." He reached out a hand, a silent gesture of support, hoping to provide some comfort. Gratitude surged, a flood of warmth enveloping Eli, but tangled within was a deeper sentiment that she dared not voice aloud yet. Lando's presence, his patience, and his unwavering support stirred the depths of her emotions. It wasn't just gratitude she felt; it was something more profound—a growing connection that defied simple definitions. His eyes reflected a silent promise, a pledge to stand by her regardless of the choices she made. And in that moment, Eli knew her feelings for him were more than just gratitude. She appreciated him not just as a friend but as someone who had stood by her through the darkest storms.

Their shared walk through the park became an unspoken conversation, their silent steps echoing the uncharted territories of their emotions. Enveloped in the tranquillity of the park, their unspoken promises weaving a tapestry of unwavering support and the burgeoning affection they held for each other amidst life's unpredictable currents. It was funny how this turned out to be a reversal of roles as Lando, initially under her guardianship, now stood offering his unwavering support. It was a tender irony that the guardian angel was now the one seeking solace, while the once-protected found strength in comforting. In this intricate dance of roles and emotions, their bond evolved, painting a portrait of care, understanding, and a growing affection, a testament to the unpredictable nature of their intertwined destinies.