everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

twenty-five - angeli

r u okay?

"I'm okay now that you're awake," he smiles sweetly. I shift over and pat the spot on the bed next to me, motioning for him to join me.

I bury my head in his chest as he wraps his arms around me protectively. Just as in the ambulance, he runs his fingers through my hair, providing me with a sense of calm and safety.

"Did you win?" I whisper, even though it hurts to speak.

"Almost," he sighs. "I was catching up to Charles in first, but then they called a red flag because of the fire, and the race never resumed."

"Is that why you're still in your race suit?" I whisper again.

"Yeah. I needed to come find you right when I heard about the fire, and I didn't have time to change between finding you and coming here," he answers softly. "Besides, it's comfy anyway."

"Liar," I breathe out, laughing slightly despite the pain it causes.

THE SOUND OF THE HOSPITAL DOOR closing jolts me awake from my nap.

"Is she sleeping?" My mum's soothing voice reaches my ears as I snuggle closer into Mick's chest.

"Hi Auntie Mellie," Mick replies softly. "She nodded off about thirty minutes ago." He continues, his fingers still gently running through my hair.

"Do you think I should take her home?" My mum asks in a hushed tone. "I don't know if coming to the races is doing her any good anymore." I sense the sadness in her sigh.

"Honestly, I don't know," Mick sighs in response. "I know she enjoys being around the girls and the guys, and experiencing new things. But I'm not sure if it's benefiting her mentally and physically." He adds, his concern evident in his voice.

"Well, she does seem happier, and she seems to be enjoying her time with you and everyone else," my mum acknowledges. "As a mother, I just worry about all the times she's ended up in the hospital or called me in tears."

At that moment, I decide to stop eavesdropping on their conversation. I open my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the harsh hospital lighting. I roll off Mick's chest and onto the pillow, gesturing toward my phone. Mick smiles and passes it to me.

hi mum

I show her my phone screen as she looks at me puzzled.

it hurts to speak so ive been using this to communicate

"Ah," she responds, understanding dawning on her face. "How are you, mon amour?" She strokes my cheek softly.

im ok. my throat hurts like a bitch though.

"Language!" She scolds, causing both Mick and me to laugh.

im just telling the truth. 

I show her my phone and she rolls her eyes in response.

seriously though mum, im ok. as long as i get my voice back i'll be fine.

at least i haven't been knocked out for several years! :)

I show Mick my phone before sharing it with my mum. He bursts into laughter and playfully shoves me. When my mum sees the message, she looks at me sympathetically.

"Angeli," she begins, but I wave her off and resume typing.

remember when u asked if i wanted to spend some time in Geneva with Aunt Corinna, Gina, and Mick? can i take u up on the offer right now? i think i need some time away from f1.