From Deep End to Surface and Everything In Between (Sebastian Vettel FanFic)

Escape

Although Scar had flown with planes a fair share during her swimming years, she gasped when she saw they had a charter flight to Monza. The flight was full of people in black and blue uniforms. So she was surprised when she continued along the corridor, trying to find her seat. 'Scar, you're here.' Emily called ahead of her. Scar knitted her eyebrows when she realised she and Emily didn't sit together, and Scar would sit next to a gentleman she hadn't met before. Although he looked vaguely familiar, like she had met him in one of the sponsor events years ago.

She sat down, looking wary that she would have to spend a flight delivering world-class small talk when she would have preferred to take a nap, reading a book or sulk in her thoughts on her fight with Emerson. 'You look familiar. Have we met before? I'm Christian Horner', the man introduced himself with a friendly smile on his face. Her eyes twitched, in-between his hand and face before she shook his hand with a humble smile on her lips. 'Hello. I'm Scarlette Smith. Eh, I'm a friend of Emily's?'

Christian's laugh was catchy, and Scar joined him after her awkward introduction.

'Let me guess. You were dragged into this weekend without too many explanations?' Scar shrugged as he nailed it. 'Emily thought this would be good for me. It's my birthday weekend, and I haven't celebrated my birthday in years since it's always been in the middle of the intensive training season. Now that I have a freer schedule, Emily wanted to make the best of it.'

'What is your sport?' Christian looked intrigued, and the shadow fell over her heart. The familiar aching appeared when she thought about her former profession. Nevertheless, she was forced to keep the easy smile on her lips when she replied. 'Was. Swimming.' A flash of recognition passed Christian's eyes. 'Now I know you!' he said loudly, looking excited, making Scar grinch internally towards his interest. 'You're the Scarlette Smith, the renowned swimmer for future generations? The one who broke all the records in Beijing?' Scar looked uncomfortable, and the blush found its way to her cheeks. She loved her accomplishments, but she had never seen them unique. For her, they had been everyday life, the expectation to deliver when she competed against the best of the best. Hence she was overwhelmed when people gushed about them. 'That's me', she said, trying to match Christian's enthusiasm.

Scar had said goodbye to her nap as Christian bombed her with questions. Questions on her training, her gold medals, the best races, most memorable one in terms of the win, races she wished to forget (there were plenty), the what-if race, and so many more. Talking to him was enjoyable. He asked different questions than she usually received from journalists. Like 'where do you see yourself in 5 years?' Questions you would get asked during job interviews had been replaced with more in-depth questions on how she approached her race in terms of the mental side.

They were in a deep conversation on the strength found within routine before the race when someone cleared their throat next to the two of them, making Scar raise her eyes to meet playful grey ones. 'Oh, right! Sorry, Max. I totally forgot our five minutes', Christian apologised quickly, with a smirk. 'It's not every day that I end up sitting next to one of the best Olympians in the modern era.' Scar blushed to the compliment, and Max rolled his eyes at Christian's comment. 'Scarlette, this is Max, one of our driver's at Red Bull. Max, this is Scarlette Smith, the former Olympic swimmer.'

'Former?' Max raised his eyebrows. 'Scar shrugged. 'I retired from the sport. I didn't have anything to accomplish anymore.' Of course, it was a big arse lie, but Max didn't need to know about the background story. He flashed an absent smile, clearly unimpressed of her accomplishments. She rolled her eyes, but she spotted someone getting up next to Emily's seat. Scar flashed a tight smile to the gents. 'It seems you need a moment. I'll return in 10 minutes. I hope the matter is settled by then?' She looked at Christian with a question in her eyes, receiving a nod in return. 'Alright, then. It was lovely to meet, Max.' she flashed a faint smile before standing and excusing herself.

After the stop to the ladies, she spotted Emily was still sitting alone. She approached and sat down next to her. 'Hey! I already told you D-'

'I'm not him, Emily', Scar interrupted her when she folded her legs on top of each other to make them squeeze better in-between the seats. For a moment, relief washed over Emily's face, but it was so quick that Scar wasn't sure if she saw it correctly. Emily had her laptop open, and she scanned the screen quickly before a pout appeared on her face. 'Sorry, Scar. I know I gushed about an exciting weekend at Monza, partying our lives away.' Emily looked morse when she continued. 'We need to stop by the race circuit tomorrow. One of my clients is being difficult.' Scar opened her mouth to complain. 'Scar, you're coming with me. You have never been to the circuit. It's a great opportunity to explore and run into people. You won't be alone as I'm sticking next to you all day long.'

Emily skimmed the screen for a while before she murmured. 'I don't need to know what shit went down between you and your so-called husband. I just hope you guys can sort it out when we're back in London. But, for now, we're here to celebrate the new chapter of your life as well as a decade.' Her words sank Scar's heart further down the bottomless sea in her when Emerson was mentioned. But, she was also feeling grateful for Emily's words. 'Thanks, Emily.', Scar said quietly, flashing a smile towards her to signal she was moved by Emily's words. The announcement for landing boomed through speakers, and Scar left her spot to march back to her seat, thankful Max had already left.

Her gloomy feeling returned to her when she slipped back to her seat. 'Everything alright?' Christian asked, looking concerned. 'Alright, thank you. In need of a nap', she joked tiredly, craving alone time to process the day's events. When the tires hit the ground, anticipation in her grew when the flight attendant's voice echoed through speakers. 'Welcome to Malpensa Airport in Milan. Benvenuti all'aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa.' She was ready for an Italian escape.

**

Scar and Emerson are back! What do you think of their struggles?

Thank you for all the reads and votes so far. You are amazing 💛