Olivia's pov:
October 2022
We were now in Japan for the Japanese grand prix. I have always loved coming here, since Japan is such a wonderful country! - Today was already Sunday, and we had been here for the past week. Yesterday Max got pole position at qualifying, and Charles secured p2 for today's race, so I was very much satisfied with the results.
We had been at the track for several hours already, and the race was supposed to start in a few minutes, but the rain kept pouring down like crazy, multiple alerts had been sent out about a possible thunderstorm and lots of rain. But eventually the formation lap began, the rain was still coming down heavily, and it didn't stop. - The lights went out, Max and Charles both had a really great start, while further down the grid Seb had spun and was all the way down to the back, Carlos hit the barriers which meant a yellow flag. Alex and Zhou had a moment as well, and Pierre had something stuck in front of his car. And it actually turned out that Alex had some engine failures, so now only one lap into the race both Carlos and Alex were out, and so little in there had already been too much chaos, because of the rain. - The red flags were now out, and the race was stopped, so all the drivers returned to pit lane.
The rain was out of control and it was decided that the drivers couldn't drive in these conditions, so all we had to do now was to wait.. Some people were reading data, some were chatting, some were relaxing and some were playing games, because it definitely looked like this could take a long time.. "Hey love" I heard Charles' voice from behind, and then felt his arms around me in a hug. "Hey, your start was perfect babe!" I smiled and turned around, facing him. "Yeah it felt really good, but I mean those conditions are too dangerous to drive in" he answered. "Definitely, I won't allow you to go out on a track like that" I laughed, as if I could decide that. "Oh me either" he smiled cutely. - Charles was so sweet so he was sitting with me the whole time, since he knew I was a bit bored whenever Isa wasn't around. Sure I can speak to mostly everyone at Ferrari, it's just not the same as someone you know very well. - Eventually Carlos also joined us, and we played a few card games which made the time go faster.
Time went by, and there was now only one hour left if this race had to turn into something. The rain was still here, but it looked like it was more mild now, so the race resumed. And the safety car was leading the way with the drivers behind, and with Max and Charles at the top. The race began again and it was actually quite chilled, the track was alright and the drivers were able to see fine, not like earlier where it was impossible, so it looked promising. Max was leading the race all the way through, so nothing new there.
After nothing more than 28 laps the time had run out, and Max crossed the line as winner of a strange race, and an even stranger day in general. Charles finished second and Checo third, so the three drivers drove up to parc ferme and were greeted by their teams. Then they got interviewed.. When Max had finished his interview, it was Checo's turn but in the middle of nowhere the interviewer called Max back.
It turned out that Charles had gotten a 5 second penalty which means he is down to p3 and Checo is up to p2. So Max is now world champion for the second year in a row, it all was so weird, no one had seen it coming and especially not after such a weird race like this. But Max won because he only needed Charles to finish third or lower, and now with such a small amount of races left this year, no one can reach Max no matter what happens. I was extremely happy for my brother, of course! I am so proud of him, but I just wished he won in a more special way..
The podium ceremony was something else, in the background of the three on the podium a huge screen was showing Max with world champion written all over it. It was really emotional, and I really wished dad, Vic or Kelly had been here to witness this as well.. They sprayed champagne after they had been handed the trophies and the national anthems were finished. It was obvious to see Charles was disappointed since he just lost the championship, so I felt really bad for him. I know how hard he worked this year, but I'm sure he will bring the championship home someday.
"Congratulations world champion!" I smiled and gave Max the biggest hug. "Thanks Oli" Max laughed. "I'm really proud of you, I wish dad were here!" I smiled. "Me too, but you're here that's enough for me" he smiled. "Once again, congratulations Max! You really deserve this" Charles said with a smile walking over to us. "Thanks Charles, your time will come" Max smiled and together they shared a little hug, how cute! "I hope so," Charles laughed a bit.
Max walked to talk a bit with Christian so it was just Charles and I. "I'm sorry babe" I smiled and pulled him into a hug. "Thanks love, I really wanted to win. But with all the mistakes Ferrari have made this year I don't think I deserve it, and Max and red bull are just better this year. So I'm happy for Max, and we'll come back stronger next year hopefully" he smiled, I don't know how he can stay so positive. If it was me I would be so annoyed, but that might just be the Verstappen genes talking. - "You're too sweet! I love you" I smiled and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I love you too" he smiled and then we walked out. We drove back to the hotel since Charles was done with everything for today. And neither of us felt like going to an after party tonight, so we just stayed in.
___
A whole week later we were back in Monaco, which we had been for a few days. And today we are having a big birthday party for Max and I, and then also Charles and Arthur. We haven't had the time yet to celebrate Max and I because of the races, and Charles' birthday is tomorrow, and Arthur's birthday was yesterday, so we all got our heads together and planned one huge birthday party, which is just amazing.
I heard a knock on our door, so I went to open it. "Hello birthday girl!" Arthur said and smiled. "Arth! Hey, birthday boy!" I smiled and pulled him into a hug. "I'm so excited for tonight!" He said excitedly as he stepped inside the apartment. "Me too, it's gonna be a fantastic night!" "Babe, your brother is here!" I yelled for Charles to come out and say hi. And after a little while he walked out of the bathroom all ready for tonight, and I must admit he looked really good!
"I'll go change. Max and Kelly should be here in a few minutes" I said and then walked into the walk-in closet to change my clothes. - I was only missing to get dressed since right now I was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie. But my hair and makeup was finished so that's great.
After I had finished getting ready I walked out to the living room where I saw Max and Kelly had arrived in the meantime. So I went to greet them both, and it was lovely to see them both again. - We ordered some food for the five of us, so we could eat something before the party.
When we had eaten our food we drove to the club and got everything ready for people to arrive. Mostly everything was ready since we had someone plan it for us, but I guess there is always a thing or two to do.
People were starting to arrive and one of the first ones was the one and only, Daniel. "Dannyy" I said and went to give him a bear hug, which was mutual. "Livia, Good to see you" he said with a smile, the lovely big smile he always wears. "You too Danny, I missed you'' I smiled. "Oh I missed you as well, can you please stay at our garage soon?" He smiled. "Of course, what about Mexico?" I asked. "I would love that" he answered, so it was agreed, I'm staying at McLaren in Mexico.
Everyone had arrived and the music was so loud, people were dancing and talking with everyone, it was great seeing everyone again and see them mingle with each other. Because lots of them don't know each other. We drank lots of drinks, ate birthday cake and opened some presents. We specifically said we didn't want anything, but almost everyone came with a present anyway.
I was sitting with Charles, Pierre, Carlos, Isa, Lando, Daniel, Max and Kelly just talking a bit, while we drank something. Carlos wanted everyone to do a round of tequila shots, but only Lando and Pierre were up for it, since it tastes awful. So we enjoyed watching those three taking shots, and it was hilarious since Pierre obviously didn't like it, so he looked really funny after drinking it.
"So Isa, the big day is approaching huh?" Kelly smiled, us three girls were just sitting together at the end of the table talking while the boys talked about something else. "Oh tell me about it, I'm so stressed. I feel like I have thousands of things to do" she answered. "Is there something we can help with?" I asked. "No not really, it's just we haven't decided on something like the cake yet! And whenever the baker has time Carlos isn't around, so I have to make this decision by myself. Just like some other small things. Because he's not around" she answered. "Oh god, why don't I come with you to taste the cake? Then I can get some inspiration for our wedding" I asked. "I would love that, thanks oli" she smiled. The three of us talked a lot about the two upcoming weddings. Carlos and Isa's and mine and Charles. The boys were surprisingly talking about racing, of course they were..
Time flew by, we got more and more to drink and we danced the entire night away. When the clock hit 4.30am we were as good as wasted, almost every single human in this club, but that just showed it had been a great party! - We walked home from the club to the apartment where we fell asleep right the minute our head hit the pillow.
__
The next day I woke up with the biggest hangover, my head was pounding like crazy and I felt really sick. I looked to my right and saw Charles was gone, so I got up and searched for him in the apartment. "God damn, I will not drink this much for the next ten years" Charles said with a little laugh walking out of the bathroom. "Oh gosh me either" I answered and then we walked to the kitchen together to drink some ice cold water to hydrate a bit. "Happy birthday babe" I said and went to give him a big kiss. "Thanks love" he smiled and hugged me.
After a few hours it was quite late already since we got home early in the morning and we slept until late today. But we decided to pull ourselves together and go for a run, since it's a good way to freshen up a bit. Even though all I wanted right now was to sit on our couch watching movies and eat fast food, but the other option is better.
So we got into our gym clothes and then went for a run in Monte Carlos' beautiful streets.
When we got back and felt way better. We showered and then got ready, because we had planned on visiting Pascale tonight for dinner, since it's Charles' birthday after all.
We arrived at her place and were greeted by the lovely lady who is always with the biggest smile and full of love.
"You two look great" she smiled and looked at us. "Oh we don't feel like that, that part yesterday was crazy" Charles said and went to the kitchen to look for something to drink. "Thank you Pascale, you look wonderful as well" I smiled and then we followed Charles to the kitchen. After a few minutes his younger and older brother arrived as well, Lorenzo and Arthur.
We ate lots of food which Pascale had made, she had made all Charles's favorites, and it tasted absolutely delicious. "So does anyone fancy some dessert?" She asked as we had just finished eating. "Mom Jesus, we just ate," Lorenzo said. "I'm joking, but in an hour you all should eat some dessert! You look like four chickens who haven't eaten in days!" She laughed and got up from the table to start taking out everything. "Ihh thanks mom" Arthur said and rolled his eyes. "better do what the boss says" Charles laughed, and so did the other two.
I helped Pascale with the dishes while the three brothers talked in the dining room. She and I talked about the wedding while cleaning. She is so excited and it's really cute. But of course she is, her son is getting married as the first of the three of them, it's a huge thing.
"Pascale, I have an idea for the wedding, but I won't tell Charles until the day" I smiled. "What is it sweetie?" She asked. "So I want to have an empty seat reserved at the reception, and a sign which says it's for the people who couldn't be here. So like for Jules, his father and everyone else we have lost that meant a lot" I said and she seemed really emotional. "That's a wonderful idea! He would love this, I know he wanted those two to be at his wedding more than anything" she smiled and couldn't resist giving me a little hug. "Exactly. He has lost so many important people so I want to remember them at the wedding as a surprise for him" I answered. "You should do that, he's lucky to have you Olivia" she smiled. "I'm the lucky one for sure," I answered. It was settled. I am definitely doing that at the wedding, we would love it!
We didn't do much the rest of the day. The four of us were still really tired after last night's party, so we just chilled a bit with a board game and Pascales homemade birthday cake she makes for her boys every single year. Honestly it was an amazing way to end Charles' birthday and also after a perfect day yesterday.
______
(2551 words)
So that was it for the 55th chapter already! I hope you liked the chapter.
Remember my new story is out, there's already 6 chapters published! I would love it if you took a minute to cheek it out. It's called "forgotten memories" and it's a Lewis/Pierre/Daniel/Kevin based story!🤫
Anyway take care, lots of love from me 🤍✨