After Charles told me what happened to Adrienne I didn't know what to say. I looked at Adri and she had her head buried into Charles' neck. She wouldn't look up. I felt helpless and I didn't know what to do. I wanted to ask Adrienne questions, but I also understand that I can't push her. I really want to pull her into my lap and cuddle her, but I know that right now what she needs most is her older brother. I just sat in my spot staring at the two. Charles kept rubbing her back and her hair. He had one of his hands on her head and one on her back. Watching them reminds me of how my sister and I are together, but somehow Charles and Adrienne are even closer than Gina and I are or ever were. Hearing Adrienne's story, and I have a feeling it was the short version, I can see just how much Adrienne needs him. Along with this I can also understand why Charles is so protective of her and always wants to know what's going on. It's not because he is controlling, but he doesn't want a repeat of her last relationship.
I think Charles told me this as a warning to me. It is a way of telling me that if I can't handle this story then I should leave now before she gets more attached. I now know that I also have to be extremely careful with my actions and understanding of her actions and thoughts. She isn't purposely the way she is, but has been conditioned to be this way. I can't imagine what Charles is going through. Snapping out of my thoughts I look at Charles and become more observant. I observed that he is holding back tears and is also struggling with this. While they were sitting on the couch together I heard Charles' phone ring. He looked at his phone and took a deep breath before picking up.
*Facetime call*
Charles: Hey Arthur what's up now's not a good time
Arthur: Have you heard from Adri she's not answering any of my texts
Charles: Yeah Arth she's with me, but she's not doing too well
Arthur: What do you mean? What's wrong?
Charles: We had just told Mick about Matt and her anxiety is still really high, She's cuddled up to me and playing with the rings on my hand
Arthur: Is she okay? Why didn't you call me before you did?
Charles: We didn't have time to do so. I had to keep her calm before telling Mick and then he came and we told him
Arthur: How did Mick take it
Mick: I took it as well as I could. I don't really know what to say, but I'll still be here for your sister no matter what
Arthur: Alright guys I got to go, but Adri I love you and you can call me if you need anything
*End of facetime call*
Once the call ended between Charles and Arthur Adrienne finally looked up at me. I could tell she was still terrified about my reaction. I didn't notice until now, but she is holding Charlotte's hand for comfort as well. Even with Charles hugging her and Adrienne holding Charlotte's hand Adrienne still tries to get closer to Charles, but there isn't any more space between them. Once she feels safe enough and Charles has his arms around her in a tight hug she finally looks at me and quietly speaks "I understand if you want to break up with me. I'm broken and used so I won't hold this against you if you do." I was shocked, but I quickly spoke saying "No Adri you're not broken. I won't leave you. What you went through wasn't your fault, it was his fault." After I reassured her that I wouldn't be leaving her she launches herself at me and wraps her arms around her neck. I was shocked and unprepared so I stumbled a little bit, but caught my balance. I sat down next to Charles on the free chair just so he also can have the calming aspect of having Adrienne in his view. While Adri was in my lap I rubbed her back up and down while talking to Charles and Charlotte. After doing this for five minutes I heard her soft and steady breath. I looked down and noticed that she was asleep. I looked at Charles and whispered "she passed out. She must be emotionally and mentally exhausted after retelling all her trauma. I'm going to bring her back up to her room so she can sleep comfortably."
After bringing Adrienne upstairs to her room I went back downstairs to Charles and Charlotte. Once I was back downstairs Charles and I talked and sat in a comfortable silence. We turned the tv on and decided to watch some tv. While watching tv I thought back to the conversation I had with Charles about what Adrienne went through. Just thinking about it made me angry. I couldn't believe anyone would hurt such a kind and caring person. I didn't notice my fists clenching until Charles pointed it out. After calming down I unclenched my fist.
In the short amount of time that Adrienne was upstairs and asleep I heard her wake up screaming. Before I could even process what to do I saw Charles and Charlotte running upstairs. I followed them to her room. When we reached her room Charles sat down on the bed close to Adrienne. He was talking to her and calming her down. I could tell Adrienne was scared. I tried to approach Adrienne, but Charlotte put her hand out to stop me. I looked at her and she shook her head. I immediately understood what she was telling me. I watched from a distance as Charles was talking to her and telling her she was safe.
Once Adrienne had stopped crying Charles held her to his chest and laid down with her. She slowly looked up at us but continued playing with Charles' rings. She turned to me and softly spoke. "I'm sorry for causing so many issues already." I shook my head and quickly responded "It's not your fault and I'll continue to prove that it's not your fault." While I responded Charles was looking at me and giving me a nod as confirmation that I'm doing and saying the right things. Now knowing everything that I know the way Charles is with Adrienne and the way Adrienne acts makes sense. I felt useless not being able to help Adrienne, but I knew that what she really needed right now is the love of her older brother.
Seeing Charles helping Adrienne was so sweet. This is how I imagine that they were even when they were younger. Charles rocks Adrienne back and forth while he is rubbing her back. I can tell she's still on edge so I keep my distance from them until she comes to me. After a while her sniffles slowly became softer. Charles looked and mouthed to me that she fell asleep again. Charles kept her in his arms. I think he knew that if he moved Adrienne that she would wake up again. With Adrienne in his lap we talked quietly. As we were talking she turned more into Charles and also cuddled into him more. Her head was deeper into his chest and Charles hugged her tighter than he was before. In this moment seeing the bond Charles and Adrienne have I can see how much they need each other and how close they are. I couldn't imagine what they'd do without each other. They both rely on each other emotionally, mentally and physically in everything they do.
*insert instagram*
(A/n pretend that in the first pic it is Adrienne and Charles. The second pic is Adrienne sitting inside)
❤️ charlesleclerc, arthurleclerc, kikagomes, kellypiquet, carlabrocker, luisinaholiveira and 902,000 others
📍Monte Carlo, Monaco
mickschumacher: this girl is the strongest person I know
pierregasly: hope she's doing okay. Let her know if she needs anything that she can talk to me
arthurleclerc: i'm worried about her. i wish i was there to be with her
💬 carlabrocker: i'm here for you wifey. mick, arthur and i will visit soon. take care of my girl for me
sebastianvettel: charles let me know if there's anything i can do to help
georgerussell: all the girls and drivers and i are here for you, adrienne and charles. text us in the group chat whenever you guys get the chance
carmenmundt: i agree with what G said
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