009 ⸺ silent treatment.

In the wave of the tense atmosphere between Evangeline and Charles, Evie finds solace in the company of her three best friends. The four women decide to spend a sunny afternoon together, opting for lunch at a small café hidden in the heart of Monaco.

Seated at an antique outdoor table, they share stories about their week, the vibrant chatter of people around them provides a comforting backdrop to their conversation.

Although grateful for the distraction, Evie can't shake the weight of the unspoken tension between herself and Charles.

"Spill it, Evie," Stephanie pokes her friend's cheek playfully, taking a sip of her iced tea. "What's the deal with you and Charles now? I've seen you avoiding him like the plague."

Evangeline sighs, stirring her iced matcha absentmindedly. "It's complicated, Stevie," she responds, her tone filled with uncertainty. "He got a bit frustrated with the team in Barcelona, and sort of took it out on me. Now I don't know what to do."

Aurelia nods sympathetically from across the table, placing a comforting hand on Evangeline's arm. "I'm sorry, E. That sounds annoying," she smiles softly.

Fernanda, ever the optimist, chimes in. "Have you tried talking to him? Maybe clearing the air would help."

Evangeline shakes her head, a pensive smile playing on her lips. "I've thought about it, I guess. I just don't know if it's my place to start the conversation."

Stevie leans into her friend, her expression determined. "Maybe you don't have to start the conversation. Maybe you both just need some time to yourself," she suggests. "Charles will find a way to apologise eventually, Evie. I'm almost positive."

Evangeline considers Stevie's words, her gaze drifting towards the bustling street beyond. She knows the blonde is right, and she knows she needs to give Charles some time to reflect and fix his relationship with the Scuderia Ferrari team before anything.

Later that evening, after bidding farewell to her friends, Evangeline retreats to her family home. As she sits on her couch, her childhood dog, Winston, curls up beside her. The glow of her phone screen illuminates her face as she hesitates before dialling a familiar number.

"Hello?" George Russell's voice comes out through the line, warm and familiar.

"Hi, George, it's Evie," she says, her voice tinged with worry.

"Hey, Evie! What's up?" George replies, his tone friendly.

Evangeline takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what comes next. "I was wondering if... if it would be possible for me to come back into the Mercedes garage for the Austrian Grand Prix," she says hesitantly.

There's a pause on the other side of the line, and for a moment, Evangeline holds her breath.

"Of course, Evie! We'd love to have you back," George says finally, his voice filled with sincerity and understanding. "You're part of the team, always have been."

Tears prick at the corner of Evie's eyes at his sweet remark, a wave of relief washing over her. "Thank you, George. I really appreciate that," she responds softly, gratitude lacing her voice.

As she hangs up the phone, Evangeline sighs loudly, causing Winston's furry ears to perk up. The dog nuzzles his head against her leg before exhaling and falling asleep. Evie giggles quietly as she turns the TV on and passes the time with one of her favourite shows, Gilmore Girls.

(🎡) MAL SPEAKS,

OUR FIELD OF DREAMS! ENGULFED IN FIRE!
YOUR ARSONS MATCH YOUR SOMBER EYES!
AND I'LL STILL SEE IT, UNTIL I DIE!
YOU'RE THE loss of my life.

lololol hellur 👋👋 i am currently listening
to loml, if you couldn't tell xxx

enjoy!

xoxo,
mal :)