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

Reality Check

'Scar...' Graham said quietly when he analysed the person beside him. 'Go home for the rest of the day. You're in dire need of it.' He patted her shoulder when he stood up. 'I don't want to see you around for the rest of the day. We have things covered. When you're back tomorrow well-rested - fingers crossed', Graham said hastily when Scar shot a suspicious look towards him. 'We'll sit down and review the work arrangements so they would fit better to your current needs.'

The tightness in her throat increased, and she was so afraid she would break down in front of him. 'Thank you. I'm so grateful.' She managed to crock, her voice full of heavy emotion. She bit her lower lips to keep the tremor in control. 'Of course. I'll see you tomorrow, Scar. Enjoy the day off.' Graham smirked, and Scar's lips curved up to a tired smile. 'See you tomorrow, Graham.'

Whilst gathering her items, she sniffed to maintain her sensations in check. Then she walked out of the office building, stopping just outside of the entrance huffing. What now? She was bewildered by the unexpected freedom for a day. She fetched her phone out of her bag and speed dialled a familiar number. 'Hi love. Are you free day?' She raised the phone to check the time. Early lunch, perfect. 'Of course. What's up?' Emily's joyful voice greeted her at the other end of the line. 'Fancy meeting for an early lunch? Chelsea?' Scar's questions were met by the lighthearted laugh. 'See you in 30 minutes, love.'

Scar smiled and ordered a car to take her to the final destination. She was ready for a glass of Riesling or Bellini. It's five o'clock somewhere. She hummed, and she waved to the car. She began to feel more at ease when she slid down to the backseat, and her back hit against the leather seat. 'Rought day?' An amused looking eyes met hers from the rear-view mirror. 'You have no idea.' She sighed, closing her eyes and enjoying the quietness of the car.

'Don't you look divine?' Emily commented sarcastically when she walked into their chosen lunch place. She gave a hug to Scar. Scar rolled her eyes at her comment. 'Just wait until the peanut is out of you. Let's see how fresh you look.' Scar smirked, taking a sip of her well-nurtured wine. 'Are you okay?' Emily asked when she skimmed through the menu. 'Right as rain.' Scar said sarcastically, shooting a glance over the lunch menu. As expected, Emily's focus was already on her. 'A penny for your thoughts, Scar?'

Emily's gaze was warm, open and inviting. Scar hesitated before she shook her head. Not yet. Emily nodded with a soft smile on her lips when she maintained the conversation on ordering a salmon or veggie dish for lunch. Scar nodded absently to her monologue until they had managed to place their lunch. 'Alright, this self sulking gotta stop. Spil - what's happening in that pretty head of yours?'

Scar avoided Emily's piercing stare. 'Fine.' She groaned, hands folded across her chest stubbornly. Scar saw a hint of playfulness on Emily's stern features when she fought to keep a smile under wraps. 'I'm not fit to be a mum.' She blurted out. There, now she had said. The daring words that had bothered her ever since the baby boy had given to her arms a month ago.

The atmosphere electrified in-between the friends when the words faltered in the air. Within one year, Scar witnessed second time how she had managed to make her friend speechless. 'So...' Scar tested the waters of her rather blunt statement. Emily stared at her cold and hard before clearing her throat. 'Don't be ludicrous.' Emily's big, rounded eyes stared right at her, looking shocked. 'You're natural with Alex. Where is your comment coming from?'

Scar shrugged. 'I feel I'm a failure with Alex. He's constantly crying, no matter what I try. He's fussy, restless and he awakes up of the smallest of noises. I'm underperforming as a mother figure to the boy who would need the moon from the sky. With me, he gets a room in Stratford.' Scar's lips trembled when the tears shimmered in her eyes. 'Oh, Scar.' Emily breathed and reached over to seize Scar's hand tightly. 'I'm sorry.' Scar gasped and wiped her eyes when she felt the first pearl-shaped tears on her cheek.

'Silly. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and burdened. Your life was changed overnight.' Emily said softly, and Scar gasped like the air didn't find its way to her lungs. 'If I were in your shoes, I would have a breakdown after one day.' Emily joked, lowering her eyes to her popped belly. 'I have had time to adjust and prepare for motherhood, and that's already been difficult as it is. I can only imagine a fraction of what you're going through.' The grip tightened on Scar's hand. 'You have done an outstanding job with Alex. Even though he's young, his parents' death is traumatic to him as well. I'm sure he misses his parents, which is why he's fuzzy, and you experience difficulties at night with him. It will get better.' Scar took a shaky breath with a curt nod. 'I promise it gets better.' Emily's determined words lingered in the air.

The mood lightened up once the food was delivered to the table. 'Thank goodness. I am ready to eat a horse.' Emily joked when she sliced a piece of salmon. 'Is that so?' Scar raised her eyebrows for a challenge, marking Emily smirk. 'I'm always hungry.' Her comment made Scar chuckle. A peaceful silence fell upon them when they focused on eating their dishes. 'You know you're not alone with Alex, right? You have me to lean on, Seb, Elena... We're all ready to help out.' Emily murmured softly.

'I know... I haven't told Seb about how I feel... Every time I attempt to share my thoughts with him, I feel awful about distracting him when he's across the globe racing. I don't want to be a burden.' Scar confessed, and she finally felt the lump on her throat was fading away. 'Oh, honey... Please give him a call. He may feel you're pushing him away.' Emily's alarmed gaze gave Scar enough courage as she had no plans to continue her life with particular German walking by her side. 'Of course, I'll ring him later today. Enough about me and my overdramatic life. How are you?' Scar diverted the conversation away from her life, and they dove into detail on Emily's last weeks' with her pregnancy. This regular discussion made her feel normal and engaged in the past life—a chat with her best friend.