Charlotte:
Hey Charles, can we meet up and talk?
There are some things I need to say.
Charles:
Hey Charlotte,
I'd prefer it if you texted me whatever it is you want to say.
I don't have time, sorry.
Charlotte:
You never have time Charles...
Not for me, at least.
Charles:
Charlotte, we've been through this.
I'm sorry I hurt you, but it wasn't working out.
My career comes first.
Charlotte sent an Image
Charlotte:
Yeah, it looks like you've been busy.
Charles:
My personal life is none of your
business anymore, Charlotte.
Charlotte:
Did you cheat on me?
Charles:
Charlotte, we've been over for three months.
I only met Alexandra a month ago.
Charlotte:
Okay.
Just to let you know.
I wanted to talk to you in person
because I'm coming to the race this
weekend with friends.
I just didn't want anything to be awkward between us
if there were cameras around.
Have a good race Charles x
Charles:
Have a good weekend Charlotte.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
11/05/2020
Unknown Number:
Lexi, we need to talk. Please respond.
25/05/2020
Unknown Number:
Lexi, I can't keep waiting for your reply. It's important.
29/06/2020
Unknown Number:
Lexi, I know you're getting my messages. Please, just call me.
01/07/2020
Unknown Number:
Lexi, I need to talk to you.
10/07/2020
Unknown Number:
Alexa, please.
Please respond.
10/07/2020
Lexi:
Dad, I don't want to talk to you.
Leave me alone.
Dad:
Alexandra, please, it's about your brother.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
The sun beat down on the scorching asphalt as Lexi Heroux took off for her track walk around the demanding Syriat circuit. With her headphones firmly in place, she sought refuge in the music, trying to drown out the storm of emotions swirling within her. The crowd was meandering about, some drivers engaging in casual conversations, but she felt no inclination to join them.
As she jogged along the track, she spotted Pierre, Max, and Charles walking together ahead of her, followed by other groups of drivers stretching into the distance. Lexi knew that they might try to reach out, but she couldn't bear to engage in small talk, not when her mind was a chaotic mess.
In an impulsive decision, Lexi chose to sprint, pushing her body to its limits. The crowd noticed the sudden burst of speed and erupted into dramatic cheers, but she paid them no mind. Her head was down, and her focus was on leaving her troubles behind with each stride.
The first group of drivers, including Max, Pierre, and Charles, looked puzzled as Lexi zoomed past them without acknowledgment. Charles started to chase after her, but Max held him back, understanding the need to give her space. He nodded toward Lexi. "I think she needs space, man, look."
As Lexi ran, her emotions overwhelmed her, and she brought her hand to her face, wiping away tears that threatened to escape. She didn't want anyone to see her like this, but the intensity of the moment had her unable to hold back.
Approaching the second group, including Lando, George, Daniel, Checo, and Carlos, Lexi's heart pounded with each step. Unbeknownst to her, Lewis and Valtteri, who were slightly ahead, noticed the commotion from the crowd and halted their track walk.
Valtteri saw Lexi wiping her eyes, concerned about his fellow driver's well-being. He turned to Lewis and asked, "Is she crying?"
Lewis immediately apologized to Valtteri, acknowledging that something was amiss with their friend. "I need to check on her. Let's go," he said determinedly.
As they moved away from the grandstands and out of view of the cameras and crowd, Lexi's emotions overwhelmed her, and she came to a stop, collapsing to her knees, tears streaming down her face. Valtteri acted quickly, positioning himself to shield her from any prying lenses, ensuring she had some privacy during this vulnerable moment.
Lewis crouched down beside Lexi, his arms enveloping her in a comforting hug. "Lexi, what's wrong?" he asked, concern etched across his face.
Struggling to compose herself, Lexi managed to speak through her tears, "My dad... He's been trying to contact me. I can't handle it, Lewis."
Lewis felt a mix of anger and sadness for his friend. Determined to protect her, he didn't waste a moment. "Alexandra, block the number," he instructed firmly.
However, Lexi remained silent, unable to respond to her emotional state. Not waiting for her reply, Lewis demanded, "Give me your phone."
Valtteri, standing beside them, was trying to make sense of the situation but followed Lewis's lead, covering for Lexi's sake as she pulled the phone from her pocket, before turning to Valtteri and hugging him tightly. As the other groups of drivers slowly walked within sight, Charles began to panic for Lexi's safety, but he forced himself to stay back, instead opting to stay calm and give her space as Max had suggested.
"What's going on?" Lando asked quietly, as his group stopped walking, just as Max, Pierre, and Charles caught up. "Do we keep walking?"
"Give them a minute," George murmured.
Lewis took Lexi's phone from her hand and quickly read the distressing messages before blocking the number. He turned back to Lexi, his concern deepening. "Why did you even reply?" he asked gently.
Lexi shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know... I just..." She trailed off, unable to find the words to explain her actions.
"Alexandra, look at me. I'm only going to ask you this once, and I need you to be honest, okay?"
Valtteri was now even more confused, looking between Lewis and Lexi, but neither of them offered an answer. Instead, Lewis focused on Lexi's well-being. "Do you feel safe?" he asked, his voice firm and protective, his hands holding her shoulders tightly.
Lexi shook her head, her vulnerability evident. In a swift and decisive move, Lewis pulled her to her feet. "Come on," he said, guiding Lexi and Valtteri towards the Mercedes garage. He knew that the garage would provide them with a private and secure space where they could talk without any distractions. "Let's get you inside. You're safe, Lex, I promise."
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Lexi's heart raced as she stood on the sidelines, watching her brother, James, and his once-best friend, Lewis, compete in the intense racing competition. The atmosphere was tense, and she could sense the growing animosity between the two young drivers. The childhood rivalry that had been the foundation of their friendship had now become a destructive force, tearing them apart.
As the race unfolded, Lewis took the lead, showcasing his incredible talent on the track. James, on the other hand, was visibly jealous, his frustration and envy evident in every move he made. He saw an opportunity to overtake Lewis on a dangerous corner, but it only ended in disaster as their cars collided, leaving Lewis's car engulfed in flames.
Fear gripped Lexi's heart as she watched the fiery scene, but relief washed over her when Lewis managed to escape the wreck unharmed. However, the same couldn't be said for their friendship, which seemed to be spiraling out of control.
As they stepped off the track, Lexi and Camille rushed to check on the boys, concern etched on their faces. But instead of finding two friends in need of comfort, they were met with an escalating argument that quickly turned physical as James moved to punch Lewis.
"Stop it! Please, stop!" Lexi cried out, her voice trembling with emotion, as she tried to intervene, reaching out to separate them.
James, his face flushed with anger, pushed her away, and she stumbled, landing on the ground. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared up at her brother, heartbroken by his actions.
"Lexi, stay out of this!" James snapped, his voice filled with frustration and resentment.
Lewis finally stepped in, throwing a punch at James to put an end to the altercation. He stood protectively in front of Lexi, bruised but determined to shield her from further harm.
"James!" Lewis declared his voice firm. "Don't you touch her! What's wrong with you? We're supposed to be friends!"
James, nursing his injuries, glared at Lewis, "Friends? That's a joke, right? You're just rubbing it in my face, being better than me at everything."
"That's not true," Lewis retorted, his own frustration evident. "You're the one who can't stand losing to me."
"You think I'm not aware of that?" James shot back, his voice tinged with regret. "I can't stand being in your shadow."
Lexi, her anger subsiding, spoke up, her voice quivering with sadness, "But...you're friends..."
James looked torn, his anger momentarily fading as he saw the pain in Lexi's eyes. "I... I didn't mean to push you," he said softly, guilt washing over him.
"And I didn't mean to punch you," Lewis admitted, his expression softening. "I just can't bear to see you hurt Lexi, or anyone else for that matter."
Camille, sensing a breakthrough, spoke with compassion, "Maybe it's time to let go of this rivalry and remember why you became friends in the first place. James, I'm really disappointed in you. if you can't be a good sportsman, maybe you shouldn't be competing."
Both James and Lewis looked at each other, a mix of emotions playing across their faces. The weight of their actions and the impact on their friendship sank in, and they knew that something had to change.
Taking a deep breath, James reached out to help Lexi up from the ground. "I'm sorry, Lexi," he said sincerely, "I never wanted to hurt you."
Lexi nodded, her tears finally falling.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
In the Mercedes garage, the tension was palpable as Lexi, Lewis, and Toto sat in Toto's office. Lexi was still visibly upset, tears streaming down her cheeks, but she remained closed off, refusing to talk about what was bothering her.
Lewis spoke up, his concern evident in his voice, "Toto, there's something going on in Lexi's personal life. I don't think she should race today in the movie race."
Toto turned his attention to Lexi, his expression gentle, "Lexi, are you okay?"
Lexi nodded faintly, not wanting to burden anyone with her problems.
"Do you want to race today?" Toto asked, trying to gauge her feelings.
Again, Lexi nodded, but before she could explain further, Lewis interrupted, scowling at her, "No, she shouldn't race. She's not thinking straight because of her family issues."
Lexi's emotions surged, and she finally found her voice, speaking up angrily, "I can make my own choices, Lewis! You don't get to decide for me!"
Lewis looked taken aback by Lexi's outburst, but he refused to back down, "Lexi, I'm just trying to look out for you. You're clearly emotional right now, and racing in this state is dangerous."
"I'm racing!" Lexi insisted, frustration evident in her voice. "Stay out of it!"
Toto intervened, trying to mediate the situation, "Okay, calm down, both of you. Lexi, can you tell us what's wrong?"
Lexi hesitated, but she knew she couldn't keep it all bottled up. "My dad... he contacted me for the first time in almost four years," she half-lied, choosing not to disclose all the details.
Toto seemed to understand the gravity of the situation, "I can see why that would make you emotional. If you want to race, you can, but I need to know you'll leave all that emotion off the track."
Lexi nodded, wiping away her tears. "I'll race," she said, her voice steadier now. "Thank you for your support, Toto."
She got up to leave, but as she passed Lewis, she pushed past him, her frustration with him still apparent.
Lewis, determined to protect his friend, demanded that Toto change his mind, "Toto, you can't let her race like this. It's not safe!"
Toto motioned for Lewis to sit down, his tone firm but calm, "Lewis, while I don't know the full story of the Heroux family, I know enough. Lexi is a grown woman, and she's capable of making her own decisions. All the Mercedes team can do is continue to support her."
Toto's words resonated with Lewis, and he realized that he couldn't control Lexi's choices. He sighed, realizing that all he could do was trust that she would make the right decision for herself.
In the Ferrari garage, Charles suddenly noticed Alexandra's presence as he smelt a waft of Vanilla, but something was different about her today. She seemed quieter, lost in her thoughts, and he couldn't help but feel concerned for his friend.
"Hey, Lex," Charles greeted her with a gentle smile. "You okay?"
Alexandra hesitated for a moment before responding, "No," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.
Charles could see the turmoil in her eyes and gently asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Again, Alexandra shook her head, "Not right now. Can I see Seb?"
Understanding the need for privacy, Charles nodded, "Sure, Mon Ange, let's go find him."
He led her to Sebastian's corner in the garage and watched with sad eyes as the smile on Sebastian's face dropped when he realized there was something wrong. Alexandra embraced Sebastian tightly, finding comfort in his familiar presence. Sebastian looked concerned when he saw her, but he didn't pry, allowing her to share at her own pace as Charles slowly crept out of the room.
"I'm sorry, Seb," Alexandra whispered, her voice filled with regret. "I should've kept in touch after my mum passed away. I just... I didn't know how to deal with it all."
Sebastian's warm embrace tightened as he reassured her, "Lexi, there's no need to apologize. I'm sorry I didn't have your back like I promised your Mum I would. I kept an eye on you, of course, but it was always from afar."
"I know," Alexandra replied, her voice catching with emotion. "But you were there for me, and I pushed you away."
Sebastian pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes with understanding. "You didn't push me away, Lexi. I knew you needed space, and I respected that. Your Mother was one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met, and I certainly can't blame you for grieving her."
Their conversation then shifted to the accident involving James. "I'm sorry for not contacting you after I heard about what happened to James," Sebastian said gently. "It's something I'll never forgive myself for."
Alexandra shook her head, "Seb, it's okay. I wasn't in the right place to talk about it, and I still don't think I am."
"It doesn't excuse it," Sebastian insisted, his concern evident. "But...Can we make a new promise, kid?" he asked, she nodded with a small smile on her face. "Let's be there for each other, okay? I might have broken that promise I made to your mum, but I won't break it to you."
Alexandra nodded, appreciating his sincerity. "Thank you, Seb. I missed you. You were always so good to us. I never missed a race, you know." she smiled. "Even after all these years, I watched every single one of your races."
Sebastian's smile softened, "I missed you too, Lexi. You've always been like family to me. I miss your Mum every day. She was my best friend."
Their conversation turned toward Alexandra's father, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. "Seb, what do you think of my dad?"
Sebastian chuckled, but there was a touch of sadness in his eyes, "I always disliked Jacob Jenkins. I thought your mum deserved so much better than him." he paused. "Why do you ask? Are you not still in contact?"
Alexandra let out a hollow laugh. "No." she paused. "After...James...We don't talk. I don't want to speak to anyone from my family, ever again. I only ask because my father's been texting me, and I guess I just needed to hear someone else remind me what a shitty person he was."
"Well, I can confirm, he is definitely a shitty person." Sebastian sighed. "Now, are you sure you're okay?"
Alexandra sniffled, but smiled at Sebastian, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "You know what, Seb? After talking to you, I think I am." she grinned. "Thank you."
Sebastian grinned and ruffled the shorter woman's hair, before pulling her into a tight hug once more. "Forget your family Alexandra, the only one who matters is your mother, and she's always by your side. Now come on, let's go make Camille proud, you've got a scene to film."