014 ⸺ memories.

"Welcome... to the Formula 1 Silverstone Grand Prix for 2024!" David Croft announces over the Sky Sports stream.

"The sky looks rather glum today, as drivers gather to remember the career-ending crash that came in the blink of an eye back in 2021. We send strength and happiness to Evangeline Blanchard who watches from, I assume, home today."

Evie sighs considerably loud as she trudges around her family home, the sound of the F1 theme song was enough for her to excuse herself and concoct a cup of tea. Clementine, Aurelia, Stephanie, and Fernanda all sit on the sofa, sharing glances as Evangeline's name is mentioned.

Winston trots around to Evangeline's legs, sensing the girl's conflicted emotions. "Hi, Winnie," the girl smiles softly, reaching down to ruffle his shaggy fur. Evangeline cradles her mug of coffee in her hands and drags her feet towards the living room. "Laisser la course commencer!"
[let the race begin]

Stevie Stoddart-Wolff smiles sympathetically and pats the empty spot beside her. Evie stares blankly at the screen, awaiting the five lights to turn out, signifying the beginning of the race.

Evie hadn't watched a Silverstone race since the one she witnessed in her car in 2021. She felt like watching this race was almost exposure therapy, torture even.

The girl had been texting Charles earlier, who was very insistent on her turning the TV off if she got too anxious looking at the circuit. Evangeline had expressed her gratitude towards the man but decided she'd do her best to watch the whole thing out of support for the Monagasque man.

"It's lights out and away we go!" All five girls on the couch yell in synchronization with Crofty, each of them leaning forward in anticipation.

Engines rev and already there had been a minor collision. "Oh! That's Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg going wheel-to-wheel! They're okay, they've brushed it off and continued the race. Nothing to worry about here!"

A noise goes off, signifying a driver's radio is about to play. "What the fuck is this idiot doing, man!?" Lance Stroll cusses in frustration, the collision with Hulkenberg putting him in dead last.

The women sit silently as their eyes follow the race cars weaving through the corners and boosting down the straights. Evangeline averts her eyes from the screen every few minutes, trying her best to take it in minimal doses.

"Blimey! Russell and Leclerc go wheel to wheel, who will pull away first? This is a tight corner, and only getting tighter— Oh! Leclerc is forced to go wide and, oh no! He's in the gravel!"

Evie gasps in fear, watching as the Ferrari slides through the gravel, stopping just before the barricades. "Fuck!" This is the only word heard from Leclerc as the camera pans away and back towards the race.

"We've just received news that Leclerc is okay, and will continue to race! He's making his way to the pits for new tyres now."

The five women sigh in relief and Fernanda places her head on Evangeline's shoulder, offering some comfort.

"Hey, shut up! You did so good, both of you!" Evangeline shouts over a blurry FaceTime with Charles and Lando.

The Monagaque and Brit sit in a corner of the driver's dinner, quietly talking to Evangeline so they don't attract attention from other drivers. "Yeah, but like... I could've kept P1!"

"Charles," the girl deadpans, shooting the green-eyed man a look. "You skid into the gravel, ended up P13, then finished third! That's insane!"

Charles Leclerc rolls his eyes, a small blush creeping onto his face at how happy the girl was for him. "Yeah, yeah, okay."

"I think he'd be happier if you were here, Evie," Lando interferes with the conversation.

Evie chuckles as she watches Charles mutter something aggressive to Lando. "I'm sure he would, Lan!"

Lando shoots the girl a grin through the screen before being shoved playfully by Charles. Charles props his phone up against his full glass of water so that he doesn't have to hold it.

"Were you okay today, Eve? Y'know, watching the race?"

Evangeline exhales softly, drumming her fingertips over her pouted, pink lips. "Yeah, I guess so. I mean there were some points I almost panicked, but I think being with the girls really helped that."

Charles nods, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm glad they were with you, and I'm glad you're doing well."

"Thank you, sweetheart," Evie blows him a friendly kiss. "You better get back to interacting with the rest of the drivers before they find out you're talking to me instead of them."

Charles chuckles softly. "Yeah, you're right. I'll never get my phone back, and you'll never get to leave the call if that happens."

"Exactly," Evie giggles.

"Alright, well, I'll see you when I'm back home, Eve," Charles grins.

"Bye, Evie! Have a wonderful night, love you!" Lando chimes in.

"See you boys when you're back. Love you both!"

The FaceTime ends and Lando lets out a loud gasp. "You didn't say you loved her back! You're a bully!"

"Lando," Charles begins, rolling his eyes. "I don't think she really meant it to me."

"Mate!" Lando shrieks, his eyes widened in amusement. "You are stupid! It's not like she ever stopped loving you after Silverstone, she just ignored and avoided you. There's a difference!"

The Ferrari driver rolls his eyes. "I think you've given it more thought than I have, wow."

Lando grins and shrugs. "As her non-blood-brother, it is my responsibility to extra overthink what she already overthought."

"Don't think that's a word, mate," Oscar Piastri chimes into the conversation as he reaches out to snag one of his teammate's fries.

Lando swats the Australian's hand away. "Don't diss my words and then try to eat my food, you muppet!"

"Oh, hush."

( 🎡 ) MAL SPEAKS,

i've returned...! hellurrrrr

sorry, i went m.i.a, i'm in the middle of exams
at the moment, and last month i lost a friend
of mine, so there's been quite a lot happening on
my side of the world.

i hope you're all doing well though!!! i'll try to update
more often #trust 🤞🤞

LOVE YOU ALL!

xoxo,
mal <33