Don't Blame Me | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 19

"My baby! We've been so worried!" Erica whined while taking Diana's hand in hers and kissing her knuckles.

She sat by her side, slowly caressing her fingers, worried that if she moved too fast it will break her daughter like a glass doll. Diana looked fragile and tired, but she was also smiling at her parents, encouraging them to hug her, happy to see them.

So they did as she wished. Both of them leaned over her from the opposite sides of the bed and wrapped their arms around her shoulders, kissing her temples. It was a loving, warm, long awaited hug that all of them needed so desperately after what happened the last few days.

Diana had both of her parents by her sides now, and with Charles at the door, there wasn't anyone she wished was also here. Her whole world, all the people she loved gathered in one, small hospital room to take care of her. This was an ultimate sign of devotion. She's never felt so loved.

Charles watched them from a distance, not interrupting this intimate family moment. Of course, all that he wanted was to hold Diana for days on end and be with her every second of every day, but he understood how important it was for her parents to have a moment with their beloved daughter. He knew he had to step aside and let them just be her parents.

The monitors checking Diana's vitals were slowly beeping and that was the sound Charles focused on. He wanted to be present all the time, keeping an eye on Diana, but he also had enough decency in him not to eavesdrop the conversation she was having. While they had to wait for the IV to run out, he decided to text Fred and hopefully not lose his seat in Ferrari. He wrote a long, apologetic message, promising to call him as soon as they get back from the hospital so they could talk it all out and wished the team good luck for the Grand Prix.

Ferrari had to make an announcement that for personal reasons Charles would not attend the Canadian Grand Prix and Antonio would be his replacement after fans started to notice he was nowhere to be seen around the paddock. People made all kinds of assumptions, from death in the family to Charles' health, and no one was happy that Ferrari's golden boy won't be there. That includes team members.

Outside of family circle, only Fred and Charles' closest friends were aware of the situation. Charles wasn't updating them much throughout the investigation, but he let them know that Diana was missing and he stayed in Monaco for as long as it takes. They were worried, checking on him daily despite their busy schedules. So, Charles felt obligated to break the good news to them.

Dream team 🤙

Charles
We've got her. She's safe

Pierre
MAN THAT'S SO GOOD!! I'm so happy

Carlos
Finally, it took way too long. We're happy for you man

Lando
CONGRATS! Kiss her for us. Group phone call in a few hours so you could tell us everything?

Charles
Sure. I'll wait until she's asleep at home

Carlos
Have you talked to Fred? The team is constantly asking why you're not here

Charles
Not yet, but I'll do it today. Thanks for keeping a secret

To say Charles was happy that Diana was finally with him again was an understatement. He wanted to jump with joy and although he looked stable on the outside, on the inside he was shivering. All the emotions, stress, anxiety and fear he experienced for the past few days wanted an out. He sat on the floor by the wall and let the tears flow quietly, trying not to draw any attention towards him.