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[Wednesday during the week before the Spanish Grand Prix]

Violet Morales

What a whirlwind few days. Monday, I was still working for that shitty firm. Tuesday, I'm handing in my notice with immediate effect. Today Wednesday, I'm packing up my life into suitcases and ready to start my journey with the Ferrari team.

After much communication, I am jetting off to Spain with team to meet everyone. It's been a crazy time, trying to organise my life but thankfully I'll have a weekend in between races to sort this out more and come home. As it's been such a quick turnaround, I don't even know where to begin. My head is a bit mashed with it all to be honest. But I'm grateful, beyond grateful. Charles of course already knew and it sounds like he's been bouncing off the walls ready to talk to me about it ever since he found out they were going to hire me. I'm so looking forward to seeing him again and to get introduced to everyone at Ferrari properly.

I zip my cabin bag shut and stare at my two suitcases in a daze. I wasn't sure what to pack, so I packed a bit of everything for every occasion and a few home comforts. I bought a Ferrari top and cap with me as well. Whilst I know I will get uniform, these are more for luck than anything else.
I take one last look around my little apartment and make sure everything is turned off. No one is house sitting for me this week as I won't be away for long, but I'm not sure what will happen when I'm away for extended periods yet. One of the many things I'm still to figure out. The sunset dips on the horizon out at sea, under my half open blinds. Casting a familiar orange glow over my kitchen and turning my skin bronze. This view is something I miss terribly when I'm away, but I made a promise to myself to enjoy any sunrises and sunsets that each country and track I visit has to offer.

Charles is accompanying me over to Spain. Or rather I'm accompanying him on a private plane with Pierre Gasly in tow. I've met Pierre a few times and I've known him for being a good laugh. I guess it helps also that I speak French so we bounce off each other. I close my door and turn the key in the lock. A quick glance at the apartment opposite and a shake of the head. Turns out Lando moved back out last night as I heard a bit of commotion. He was struggling with about 5 suitcases from a look through my door peep hole and I hadn't dared offer to help, knowing I'd be met with a scowl. I still haven't managed to come to a relaxed level that we will be in the same space in the paddock. More so because of that the uneasy feeling I had about him from my hangover that I still can't shift and the fact that this has all happened in the space of 2 days.

After moving my car into the indoor garage, I'm met by a beaming and giddy Charles who has offered to take me to the plane. "I can't believe you got it! I'm so proud of you Vi" he rambles as he throws his arms around me in a tight hug after clambering out the car. I giggle and try to take it all in whilst being muffled by Charles' chest and aftershave smell. "I can't believe it either, it's madness" I laugh as I slide into the backseat next to him. He chats away in my ear but I'm only half listening as we pull away from mine and Lando's apartment block. I still don't know if Charles know he lives there but that information isn't something I'm willing to part with, especially today. It's a short drive to the airfield and before long, I'm confronted with my first private plane. It's huge and something I could defiantly not afford otherwise, even with a best friend called Charles Leclerc.

We climb on and are soon joined by Pierre. Turns out he does remember me so it isn't long before we are chatting away and in the air. I try to take it all in for the short journey we are making down the coast. The amazingly comfy leather seats, the glasses of champagne and overall quietness this plane gives. I'm deep into an intense card game with Charles whilst Pierre is snoozing away, when the captain announces that we are landing within half an hour. It's around this time that the nerves start to kick in. Up until this point, I think I've been pushing away my anxiety and replacing it with excitement but it was bound to work it's way up. Charles' notices my sudden change in tune when I put down my cards and lean back into my seat. "Hey it's okay. You're okay. I'm here with you" he tries to reassure me as he reaches across the table and takes my hand. I give him a small smile to let him know I am okay. Charles has been a comfort for my social anxiety for as long as I can remember. Whilst it isn't as bad as it used to be, I can still have outbursts, especially in new situations like this. But as usual, I will get over it.

It's dark outside when the plane lands and we make our departure. I'm so ready for bed after a day of packing and what feels like rearranging my life. However, it is only 9:30pm according to my phone. As much as I am a woman who loves to go to bed early with her book, I know I need to be a bit sociable if I meet some of the team. I pile into a private taxi behind Charles which takes us to the hotel where we will be staying and Pierre leaves in a different direction. Thankfully, I'm told that there are only Ferrari team members in the hotel when we arrive. I don't think I could deal with seeing anyone else this evening.

Waiting for us, is Charles' trainer Andrea and someone I recognise and assume is waiting for me; Diana. I smile at her and I pull my cabin case behind me as we go up to them. "Violet you made it" she beams at me. "You must be exhausted!" I smile weakly at her in response. "Here let me take your case and I'll show you to your room." I bid a goodnight and goodbye to Charles as he goes off with Andrea and follow Diana out of the lobby. As we walk, I saw a number of Ferrari shirts dotted around the bar and hanging out of the sofas. Everyone seems relaxed which is exactly what I was hoping for. A few say hello and welcome to me as we pass by. Turns out my recruitment hasn't gone unnoticed or without knowledge to the team. I suppose this is good. It breaks the ice. We reach the elevator and Diana hands me a key card. "You should be in room 255 on the third floor" she tells me as we step in. Diana presses the first floor button and I press the number three. "Order yourself some room service for dinner. Your room will be documented under Ferrari so it's on the house. Breakfast is at 7am on the ground floor, just wear something casual but smart for your first day. I will discuss tomorrow in more detail once you've rested." I smile and thank her before the door ping open. "Goodnight Violet" Diana smiles before disappearing as the door closes and the elevator starts to move upwards.

I reach my room and audibly gasp at the size of it. I feel like I'm in a palace. It's not just the bed, there's a bathroom with a bath and a separate closet area. I drop my case into the closet, too tired to unpack. My rucksack lands on the floor as I can't help myself and jump onto what I know will be an incredibly comfy and bouncy queen sized bed. I sigh. Is this my life now? Luxury hotel rooms and surrounded by what seem to be the nicest people.

After grabbing the menu, I order myself a large Coke Zero and some chili nachos as I can't face eating a big meal. My food areas quickly and it isn't long before I'm snuggled down in bed with my food on a tray, resuming my Netflix show; Yellowstone. Falling into a deep sleep and ready to start new adventures the next day.

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Authors notes: 📝

Hi,

I've found my rhythm again and things are about to get exciting.

Who thought I could write a chapter so quickly.

Anyway, what do we think?

Don't forget to vote and comment!

Hannah X