Homesick | Charles Leclerc

138

Turning their attention back to the track, the sound of the roaring engines filled the air once more, Theo's kart darting around the corners with precision. Charles felt a swell of pride in his nephew's performance, his eyes never leaving the track as he cheered Theo on alongside his friends.

Meanwhile, James nudged Alexandra playfully, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Remember when you used to watch me and Lewis race when you were a kid?" he teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Alexandra rolled her eyes, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Of course, I remember," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But let's be real, James. If Dad had let me behind the wheel, I would've smoked both of you."

James chuckled, his laughter blending with the sound of the engines as they watched Theo continue to race. "I don't doubt it for a second," he said, his voice filled with pride for his little sister.

As they bantered back and forth, the tension of the day melted away, replaced by the easy camaraderie that had always defined their relationship. And as they watched Theo's kart zip around the track, their hearts filled with a sense of joy and pride for the next generation of racers in their midst.

As Theo approached the final lap of the race, the tension in the air was palpable. He was in fourth place, but as he navigated the final corners of the track, the group watched with bated breath, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"Come on, Teddy!" Charles shouted, his voice filled with urgency as he leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the track.

Alexandra, James, Eleanor, and Lewis joined in, their voices blending together in a chorus of support. Nearby parents and onlookers stared at them incredulously, their eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of three world champion F1 drivers, all screaming at the top of their lungs for a six-year-old racer.

But the group paid no attention to the stares, their focus solely on Theo as he approached the final corner. As he rounded the bend, the cars in second and third place were neck and neck, battling fiercely for position.

Drawing on a trick she had been known for during her own racing days, Alexandra had taught Theo to always keep an eye out for opportunities, no matter how small. And as he spotted a tiny gap opening up between the two cars, he seized the moment without hesitation.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Theo maneuvered his kart into the gap, slipping into second place with a move that left the onlookers gasping in awe. He narrowly missed colliding with the other cars, his skill and precision evident in every move.

As Theo crossed the finish line, the cheers of the crowd erupted into a deafening roar. Charles swept Alexandra into the air, both of them cheering and calling out for their victorious nephew. Alexandra's cheeks were wet with tears, her eyes shining with unbridled joy as she watched Theo's triumphant moment unfold.

Amid their celebration, James and Eleanor had left the group, racing towards the track to embrace their son. Charles and Alexandra watched with pride as their friends rejoiced in Theo's victory, their hearts swelling with love for the young racer who had captured their hearts.

Meanwhile, Lewis and Kate were locked in an embrace, their cheers mingling with the cacophony of sound around them. Lewis glanced towards Alexandra and noticed her tears, his brow furrowing in concern.

"You okay, Al?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Charles grinned mischievously as he wrapped an arm around his wife. "Oh, she's just been a bit emotional lately," he teased, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Ever since our wedding, she cries at everything."