one night?

chapter 8

Watching Charles's race trying so hard to focus ignoring the whispers, the cameras, and the constant worry for him was not an easy job. The cameras were on watching in every turn, you quite literally couldn't take a breather. I decided to act as if they weren't around but when the screen showed me and I knew exactly where was the camera it became so hard to not look.

Charles ended in P9 which is not bad, but considering the fact that he started P7 I don't know if he will be elated. I know he wants to be a little more above fighting with Redbull for the championship but it's tough. As I waited for Charles I sat in an empty chair on the back watching as all the team moved around the garage. Joris and Andrea approached me.

"He's doing media" Joris said as he settled down next to me.

"That's okay." I said meeting his smile.

"He's not that happy," Andrea said sitting in the other side.

"I can imagine." I replied, hopefully he is not too upset. "I guess we should get going."

Joris and Andrea walked with me to Charles's driver room but just as we were about to get there he swooped out of nowhere and slammed the door.

"Let's give him his time." Joris said as he pushed us out of the way and started knocking.

Andrea and I left the motorhome and waited outside.

"He's never been like this." Andrea said baffled.

"I don't know what I will do in that car ride." I could already imagine the awkward silence.

"Don't worry, he'll calm down." Andrea said as he tried to reassure me. I can't imagine if he does bad the rest of the season.

Charles came out of the motorhome with an annoyed look on his face. Joris was behind him yelling him in what I assumed is french. Joris turned him around and Charles took a deep breath and put on a more nice smile.

"Hey," he said his tone not matching the fake smile on his face.

"Hello...you better?" I asked with caution.

"Not now." He grabbed my hand, intertwined our fingers and started directing us to the paddock exit. Some fans called his name. "Wait"

Even though he was mad about his race he still took his time with the fans. I just stayed back and watched as he took pictures and signed. After a while he came back to me and grabbed my hand again and we headed out. We got in his car and I could see exhaustion in his eyes, so I picked not to say anything. I stared at the traffic lights and palms along the road. I couldn't stand it anymore.

"Miami is so pretty," I blurted out while fidgeting with my fingers. I was so nervous that he was going to snap out but he just laughed.

"Yes, it is very pretty." I looked at him confused as he laughed.

"Why are you laughing?" I said as I hit him in his arm for his stupidity. He just kept laughing.

"I don't know- but I- can't stop." He continued laughing until his eyes got watery and then I joined his laughter too. It is stupid but I knew he needed a break.

"Gosh you are so dumb." I said sinking further into my seat. He wiped his eyes and smiled. "Now that you're done can we talk about earlier?"

"Why? There's no need." He said coldly I didn't want to push but I wouldn't let it go.

"Charles." I warned him and he looked at me with a face I couldn't decipher, there was a mix of all the feelings. Anger, sadness, exhaustion, and more.