Forever and always

Chapter seventy-three

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The next days went by, Charles managed to get p7 in the first two practices, but then in practice three he got p4 and in qualifying he managed to get p2, with Max on pole position in front of him, of course. It looks like Red Bull and Ferrari are the strongest this year, but of course it's way too early to tell..

"Goodmorning love" Charles said as he finally woke up, I had been awake for about an hour already. "Goodmorning, did you sleep well?" I asked and gave him a morning kiss. "I slept like a baby, almost like Elena, what about you?" he asked with a smile, god I miss the kids. "Then I slept like Matheo then, I couldn't sleep at all. I've been up so many times" I said and laid back again, I was as tired as possible. "Oh no, why? Are you alright?" he asked worriedly, I love how protective he can get.. "Yeah, I'm fine.. Maybe it's a combination of the fact that I'm missing the kids like crazy, and the fact that I always get super nervous at the first race after a long break" I smiled. "Aw, I miss them too. Maybe we can Facetime my mother before we go to the track? And the other thing, you shall not worry, we'd all be fine I promise you" he said and pulled me closer to him. "I know, and it's just until you're all out there driving around then it'll pass over.. and yeah let's call your mother to check in and say hi" I answered..

We got ready for the day. I decided to wear some white pants with a red top to go on. I usually like to wear red on race days, since I love how it matches with ferrari and Charles, and I know how much Charles likes it as well. Charles was wearing his usual clothes, a pair of jeans and his Ferrari shirt, nothing new there. - We ate some breakfast, and then we quickly checked in with Pascale before leaving. They all were doing really well, Lorenzo and his girlfriend Charlotte were also there so they had a really good time. Both Matheo and Elena were laughing in the background which made our little mom and dad hearts super happy.

We arrived at the track, Charles signed autographs and took pictures like always. As we arrived, Isa and Carlos also arrived so while the boys were interacting with the fans, Isa and I decided to take another way around with less fans.

We got into the hospitality and then went to find a place to sit. "I'm so tired Oli" Isa said and yawned. "Tell me about it, I've been awake most of the night, it was so annoying" I answered and also yawned, I couldn't help myself. It's almost like yawns are contagious.

"Me too, this little monster in here has been the craziest all night, he has been kicking so much, it really hurts at this point" Isa answered and of course referred to their little baby boy. - "Aw I'm so sorry Isa, what about now?" .. "Right now he's okay, maybe he's sleeping," she laughed. "Let's hope he is then, I know how it is.. try two at once" I laughed. "Honestly I have no idea how you could handle that, I'm slowly dying with this one" she smiled. "Yeah I don't know either" I laughed and so did she.

Hours went by and it was almost time for the race to begin. I was in the drivers room with Charles, while he was getting ready. "Please be careful" I said as he was almost ready to go. "I will, don't worry" he smiled and zipped his race suit up. He then handed me the black ring as usual and then he grabbed his helmet from the shelf. "Good luck babe, go give it everything you got!" I said and walked closer to give him a kiss. "Thanks love, I'll do my best" he smiled. "I know.. You always do" I answered and then we walked out of the room, I walked to meet Isa so we could watch the race together, and Charles walked towards his car.

The five red lamps went out and the first race of the 2024 season had begun, my heart was pounding like always, the first few laps are the scariest since that's where anything can happen.. - Charles had a perfect start and was only a few tenths behind Max, who he was fighting for first place with.. after a little while Charles had to give up and stay behind him in p2, because if he tried more it would just end badly..