Drivers Force- [C.L]

6)Quali part 2

Charles had just been the best person in the world. Everyone needs a Charles. Every girl in the world needs a Charles. Charles was officially her haven. Like a kid in the arms of their parents.

Even if she didn't know him well

*Stella's POV*

He told me that I could sit and listen to everything, see everything. I was so happy. This could put my skills to the test.

My best friend Carlos has always tested me on this. The function of the tires, when to brake, turn and even pit stops. This was what it was like growing up with an inspired soon-to-be F1 driver.

Carlos Sainz Sr was his reason. He used to watch races at 14 and scream. F1 was me and Carlos' way to escape from everything around us good or bad. Carlos Sr had his races recorded and we used to stay up and watch them. That's what got me to take these secret classes.

Charles told me to sit down on a stool next to Mattia and just watch. But watching wasn't all I could do. The secret classes I took were to work in F1. I could gather some more skills and push my knowledge.

I stood next to Charles while Mattia and him were talking in Italian.

"Ciao Mattia va bene se Stella si siede accanto a te? Voglio che abbia la visuale completa."
[Hi Mattia is it okay if Stella sits next to you? I want her to get the full view.]

"Ciao Charles. Va benissimo se vuoi che si sieda accanto a me. Sta succedendo qualcosa?"
[Hi Charles. It's perfectly fine if you want her to sit next to me. Is something going on?]

"Cosa intendi per qualcosa che sta succedendo?"
[What do you mean by something going on?]

"Sai come romantico."
[You know something romantic]

"Mattia no. È l'amica di Carlos da quando erano più giovani. Penso che a Carlos piacerebbe."
[Mattia no. She is Carlos's friend from when they were younger. I think Carlos would like it.]

I stood there in silence. I had no idea what they were saying. At one point though I think they were talking about romanic relationships which I don't understand where they came up in the conversation.

"Welcome Stella. I'm Mattia" he says with his hand out and a smile

"Hi, Mattia. I don't understand if you agreed or not but thanks I guess" I say taking his hand for the handshake.

"He has agreed to Stel so grab those headphones and you will be able to talk to me or Carlos"

"Oh thank you so much. I'm so excited"

"I need to go and get ready for qualifying but I'll hear you on the radio"

"Okay bye Charlie" I say waving

"Bye Stel" At this point Charles was far away I could barely hear him

"Charlie and Stel those are cute nicknames"

"Yeah, why?"

"No reason"

That's when my mind clicked and realised why romanic came up in the conversation. Mattia thinks me and Charles are dating. Well...
No Stella stop you're not. End of thought.

Just like that Mattia said they would be starting.

"Stella, do you want to do the radio check?"

"Really?"

"Yeah. I really want to see Carlos' reaction"

"Okay. I do too. So I press this button and talk, let go then say if I can or can't correct?"

"Perfect. I'll give you a sign"

After about 2 minutes Mattia nodded and I understood what I had to do.

"Okay, Carlos radio check?"

"Wait what? Stella? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me, Carlos."

"This is a surprise. I can hear you well what about me"

I looked at Mattia. He nodded back again.

"We can hear you well Carlos"

"This is so fun. I never thought I would be doing this. Did Charles tell you to do this?"

"Maybe"

"Tell him thanks"

"I will Carlos. Good luck"

"Thank you, Stella. I'll see you after"

Matti looked at me and smiled. He knew that up next was Charles. I side-eyed him and he understood what I meant.

He nodded.

"Charles radio check"

"Hello chérie"

"Hi, Charlie. That's a new nickname"

"Yeah. You have no idea what it means do you?"

"Nope. Mattia, can you translate?"

"This isn't Italian Stella"

"What the hell are you saying to me!!"

"You'll find out. Can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear. Good luck Charlie"

"Thank you chérie"

What the hell is he calling me? Is it nice? Does he hate me? I'm diving too deep into this. Why do I care about his opinion? I shouldn't. Every time he said that word something went through me. Like a flame. Something lit in me. What was it?

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790 words

I'm currently writing my second chapter in the park.

It's begging to look a lot like a double-update Day!!!!

How's your day going?

Congratulations Estie Bestie!!

-Author N