Chaos on the F1 Grid

Chapter 54- George

Seychelle: what?

George: I am gay – as in homosexual.

Seychelle: since when?

George: always...

Seychelle: but we were together... we were happy... you told me you loved me... I don't understand, was that all a lie?

George: yes – well, I did love you, just not romantically.

Seychelle: so why were you with me?

George: I wanted to love you that way, I wanted so many things, and I thought. I made the wrong decisions.

He watched as the tears fell down her face, wishing he wasn't the cause of this pain, wishing he had never let Nyck talk him into that stupid plan. She began to tremble, and George wanted to comfort her, but he didn't know how.

George: I am sorry Seychelle... I wish I could say I never meant to hurt you, but how can that be true when I lied to you the way that I did.

She nodded, not sure where to look or what to say. He watched as she struggled to find words, and then struggled to breathe. He knelt on the floor in front of her, and she allowed him to take her hands.

George: breathe Chelle... with me.

He took deep breaths and she mirrored his actions.

Seychelle: I am sorry.

George: what for?

Seychelle: that you felt you had to hide for so long. No one should have to pretend to be someone they aren't... I am sorry you went through that.

George had not expected this at all, and it brought tears to his eyes, the pain being made worse when Seychelle pulled him into a hug to comfort him. if only she knew the truth of everything – she would never speak to him again. After a few moments, he asked if she was ok, and she said she would be. He knew he still needed to speak with Carmen, and dreaded the phone call – but at least one difficult discussion was done with. He smiled at Seychelle as he walked away from her room and back to his. He didn't know that the moment the door of her room had closed Seychelle had fallen to pieces about what he had told her. she had truly believed that their relationship was real, that he had loved her – that her first time had been full of love – not deception. He didn't know how she began to question everything – and how it had broken the young woman inside, thinking that she hadn't been enough of a friend for the truth.

He held the phone up on facetime, waiting for Carmen to answer – though he didn't know if she would. After their last fight, where he had once again gaslit her, he wouldn't be surprised if she ignored him completely. When her face appeared, angry and upset, he knew he wouldn't have long.

Carmen: you had better be calling with the truth...

George: I am.

Carmen: you're gay?

George: yes. There is a press conference in a few hours... I will be telling everyone.

Carmen: good for you. is that everything?

George: I am sorry.

Carmen: for what? Lying? Using me? gaslighting me? which of those things are you most sorry about George?

George: all of it.

Carmen: good luck with your press conference. Please lose my number.

George: I understand.

Carmen: I want to be clear; this isn't because you are gay. If you had told me that from the start we would have been friends... this is the lying, that you used me to protect your secret, and that whenever I asked about it, whenever I questioned something you made me believe I was crazy. I cannot ever forgive THAT!

George: I know. I am sorry.

Carmen: yeah... thanks.

She hung up – it had gone about as well as he could have hoped given the circumstances. He received a text from Toto checking in on him, and let his boss know that everything was ok – so far. He went down to the gym for a workout, then had a long shower. When he was ready for the day ahead he walked to Eleanore's room – they were going to go to the track together to talk over everything one more time. Eleanore wanted to ensure George was prepped. Arriving at the paddock, George found himself nervous, and Eleanore gave him a reassuring hand squeeze as they walked to the media rooms. Toto met him outside of the press conference.

Toto: I am proud of you George.

Eleanore: so am I.

George: thank you both.

Eleanore: we will both be beside you the whole time. I will step in on any questions you don't want to answer, just give me a quick nod. Ok?

George: yes.

Toto: I will cover all of the sponsorship questions. You just read your statement ok?

George: ok. Let's get this done. I don't want to live a lie anymore.

He took a deep breath and walked into the lion's den, flashes everywhere from the cameras, and a lot of noise. Everyone in the room knew they were being told important news – but none had any idea what that news was going to be.

George: good morning, thank you all for being here. I know there are a lot of questions about why I have asked for this press conference, and if you allow to speak uninterrupted you will have the answer very soon. The past few weeks I have met with my family, team, and sponsors to discuss what I am about to tell you all. when I am done any questions you have about sponsorship will be handled by Toto. The reason I asked you all to be here, is because I no longer want to live my life pretending to be someone I am not, looking over my shoulder, hiding who I am. I want to live the way others get to, and the only way I can do that is by standing here today and telling you all, I am Gay. There are many firsts that young drivers dream of – their first victory, breaking the first record – in wins or pole positions. I had never wanted to be the first openly gay driver – but I am. I don't want other people to have to hide their sexuality to be in this sport. It doesn't change my ability as a driver. I make no apologies for who I am, as I do not believe I owe apologies for that. I am only sorry that I hadn't trusted my fans with this information long ago. I will take your questions now.

George stood in that room bombarded with questions – some Toto answered, a few Eleanore took. He refused any that were about his romantic life, they did not have the right to that information. He merely answered no comment. By the end of the press conference he was exhausted, Eleanore took his phone and turned off social media notifications.

Eleanore: you do not bother with any of that. Give your phone to Toto if you need to. do you understand? Anything PR is my problem, and I will deal with it. anything Team related Toto will. You stay off social media. Focus on driving ok?

George: yes... thank you Eleanore.

Eleanore: you're welcome George.

George turned to Toto and the two walked to the Mercedes motorhome, where Lewis greeted George with a hug.

Lewis: proud of you man – that took exceptional courage.

George: you knew?

Lewis: yes. Now, let's go out and show them what Mercedes can do, yeah?

George: yes!