3. Gala

LARA'S POV

"Lara, I know you don't like these things, but really, we're going to be late." I heard outside my room my sister " Bianca is right, we're waiting for you honey." My sister probably started to worry, but I couldn't do anything to get out of it. I couldn't do anything to move or talk to them, because of the bloody anxiety. 

Even though I drive one of the fastest cars in the world, the accident my father and I had still gives me anxiety attacks even though I was eight years old when it happened. There were days when that memory came to my mind like that, out of nowhere, and I hated it, I didn't like to remember that day, more than anything, because I saw my father die without being able to do anything. 

I don't know how much time passed, I just know suddenly, some hands appear on my face and make me look into Bianca's eyes, who knew what was happening since she was with me after it happened. 

"Lara, that's not happening... Everything is fine... you're not there." I could hardly feel my sister's hands on my face, but I know she will do anything to get me out of the anxiety attack. "Is it the same old thing?" I heard Eric ask "Yes, now do me a favour to find her phone, we have to call mom." 

I wanted to tell her she didn't need to call mom, but the words wouldn't come out and I know she thinks it helps me, but it's rare it does, if it does something, it stresses me out more. "Don't you think she'll worries about her?" 

"She will, but she's the only one who can get her out of this state." Bianca leaves me alone after a couple of minutes, I guess to find my phone and call Mom, so I look back to the ground where I was looking before, but after a couple of seconds, new hands touch my face and when I look up, I see Cameron, who looks worried and tries to tell me something I can't hear. 

When he saw it wasn't working, he pushes me away from the wall I was leaning against and sits behind me, stroking my arms gently. I notice how his chin rests on my shoulder, making me feel his breath on my neck and ear. 

"That's not real Lara… You're in the hotel room… the walls are light brown, not my personal favourite choice, but it suits the room… You can breathe normally… just follow my breath and everything will get better in a couple of minutes." I started trying to follow his breathing and after a few minutes I'm just shaking and could breathe a little better. 

"Great Lara, now I'm going to ask you some questions and I want you to answer them with the first thing that comes to mind, okay?" I just nodded, because I know if I say something at this moment, the tremor would be heard and I'm not sure if he'll understand me. 

"Okay, what do you feel with your touch?" he asked and for a moment I was confused by the question "Your… your hands… in my arms." I practically stuttered, "Right, now what do you hear?" He asked again, and the truth is that I have no idea why he was asking me those things "Your voice." 

"Exactly, now tell me the colour of your shoes." He said and I looked in the direction my feet were to see what colour they were "Black." I said "Yeah, a lovely sky blue, don't you think?" As soon as he said the colour, I went back to my feet, but I saw they were black like I said, which makes me wonder if he's really listening to me or what. 

"They are black." I said thinking that was what I had really said "Oh that's right, I'm an idiot for thinking otherwise. You're absolutely right in the world." He said with a big smile on his face "What did you just do, Cameron?" 

In that, we both happened to look at Bianca and Eric looking at us without understanding anything about what was happening, and the truth is I had no idea what had just happened either. Cameron comes out from behind me, stands up, then reaches his hand out for me to catch, which I do, and I feel an electric current running up my arm. 

"Lara was having an anxiety attack and I helped her." He said as if what he had done wasn't a big deal, but my sister knew better than anyone it was difficult to get me out of that state, and Cameron had done it as if nothing had happened. "I already know that what I'm wondering is how the hell could you stop it. No one other than mom can." 

"I only know what I had to do." He said again "We better stay here." Bianca said leaving her bag on my bed "No, let's go." I protested, because this wasn't going to prevent me from going to the gala, even though it wasn't what I liked the most in the world "Lara..." My sister began, but I stopped her before she could say I wasn't well "I'm ok Bianca, seriously. If I feel bad, I'll come, but for now I'm fine, so I'll go." 

"Alright." She sighed and picked up her bag again "If you want, I can accompany you." Cameron said behind me. "You don't have to, Cameron." I answered, but he denied "I'm gladly, really." 

"I think it's better he comes with us; in case you have another one." My sister said, and even though I didn't like having to depend on someone, let alone him, I nodded "Ok." At that moment, Eli appears through the door and stares at me without understanding anything, but I notice Cameron makes a gesture to which she nods. 

"Well, let's go to that gala and get this over with so you can rest." With that, Cameron stretches out his arm in my direction and I take it, because I really liked the sensation, it was strange and I had never felt it, but I liked it, and it calmed me down in a certain way. 

The two of us were in front while Eric, Bianca and Eli were behind us talking in whispers which makes me wonder what they are talking about. "They're so busy back there they won't know what we're talking about." Said Cameron after a few minutes in silence "What I wonder is what they talk about." I said, but with my sister and Eric, and with Cameron around, I knew what they would talk about, I just hope they wouldn't share their ideas with Elisabeth, because it wasn't something she or Cameron needed to have in mind. 

"If it's because of Eli, surely it's both of us." Cameron said with what caught my attention "Why?" I asked curiously "I'll tell you another time, first I want to apologize for bothering you this afternoon. You deserve the title more than anyone." He said, and sounded sincere, which was strange to me, "Do you really think so?" 

"Of course, you have been fighting for it these four years, and in your third year in F1 you finished second in the championship, not everyone can achieve that." He said looking at me with a big smile on his face "It's not what everyone thinks." I replied, looking straight ahead again, "That's clear, but that's because they're jealous you have a world title and most of them don't." 

"So, you don't think they gave me the title because I was the only woman in the competition?" I asked curiously, because practically no one on the grid believed it. "Nah, by now you should have two titles unless Gallagher threw you off the track." 

"The stewards didn't see it as intentional." I answered, because even though I know he was right, what the stewards had said was what mattered to the world "That's because nobody was interested in you winning the World Cup." 

"So, these two years you were following F1?" I asked, because I thought he wouldn't have "No… I had something else to do, but this last couple of months I've been watching some footage from the two seasons I wasn't in, and let me tell you, anyone can see it was intentional. He didn't leave you space and threw you off the track." 

"That doesn't matter now, in the end I got what I wanted." I said with a big smile on my face "And I'm pretty sure you'll get more." I couldn't stop my smile from appearing on my face. You could almost say he was the only one on the grid who was completely sure I would get more titles "I hope so." 

"How did you decide to get into the world of cars?" he asked curiously, and the first time someone asked me why, although if we consider I don't have the slightest idea why I did it in part "I don't know. I remember when I was little, my father, my sister, and I watched F1 every weekend at home, and one day he decided to take me go-karting. It was one of the best afternoons of my life. My father realized I loved go-karting, so he would take me every free weekend and afternoon he had." 

"I'm sure your father is proud of you right now." he said, and I know if he were alive "I'm sure he would. He would be the first in the stands out there screaming my name." I replied with a small smile on my face. 

"I'm sorry about your father. But I'm pretty sure he's screaming your name up there." he assured, giving me a squeeze on the forearm. "Surely. How did you know what was happening to me?" I now asked curiously "My sister also had anxiety, and from what I found, I know it's as if you were reliving a traumatic moment that happened to you, that you feel you are there, so I looked for ways to bring her to the present. I was hoping it would work for you too." 

"You did, thanks for that." I thanked. The times my psychologist had tried, she hadn't succeeded. "Would you mind if I asked you why it's happening?" he asked and I denied, because even though it was something I don't like to talk about, it didn't bother me he asked me, at least he seemed to care about the reason for my anxiety attacks. 

"No, I wouldn't mind, but you'd laugh about it." I said, and it was true. It had been nearly twenty years since I was in the car accident that killed my father, but I wasn't over it. According to my psychologist, I had seen my father die in front of me and blame me because I should have had the same luck as him since I normally went behind him and the bar had gone through his seat. 

"It's not something I would do; it's something traumatic and it's affecting you. Maybe if you talk about it, you'll get better." he said, and seemed to be speaking from his own experience. "Did your sister talk about it?" I asked since from what he had told me, it had been his sister who had had anxiety. 

"Yes, and from that moment, she improved. It wasn't the same as it was when we were little, but it was better for her to get out a bit more instead of shutting herself away." he said and I frowned, because he was speaking in the past tense of his sister "Was?" I asked. "She was killed a couple of years ago." 

"So, you didn't take a couple of years off like they said." I said, trying to understand if at any time something had been said about the reason why he had taken the supposed break "No, why do you say?" 

"I remember you always messed with me, but the last couple of races two years ago you didn't anymore, and your driving was rougher than normal, so I guess that was when you found out what had happened to your sister." I said remembering "You're very observant." I nodded, because I had been since I was little, but after what had happened to me in my first F1 team, I was more observant than usual. 

"This job demands it of me, but why didn't you leave sooner?" I asked curiously "I left, but I came back for the weekends." I couldn't help but frown, because I didn't understand why he had done it, that's what the substitutes are "Why?" 

"I guess it's just like you're here, my sister loved to see racing cars, and wouldn't want a thing like to spoil my career. I'm pretty sure you're partly doing it for your father. In the end, it's something that keeps us together with them." He said looking at me and it was true, I loved my job, more than anything I almost didn't consider it work, but it was also a way to stay close to my father, so I understand him better than anyone. 

"My father died in a car accident…I was with him, and I remember…I remember seeing how an iron bar went through him…I used to go behind him, but that day I don't know why…he put me on the other side…he saved my life without realizing it…" 

"It must be traumatic..." he said, nodding slowly "It is... and that's why it's rare for me to get into a streetcar..." I whispered, "So how do you come to the circuits?" Cameron asked curiously "Motorbike... I know it's the same, but I feel more secure... It's complicated to explain." 

"You're not thinking about it all the time…" he answered, and I nodded, because in a way it was true "Exactly… When I get into the F1 car or any other fast car I know that won't happen… Sure, worse things can happen, but it's about driving with sense, and I like high speeds…" 

"So, you do it." I nodded "Yes. And I love what I do." At that moment, Cameron opens the door of the hotel where the gala was held, and we can see practically everyone is there. Those closest to us turn to look at us, but soon return to their conversations. 

"Are you sure you're okay to handle this? We can go elsewhere." Cameron asked, and I nodded, because I'm fine. "I'm fine, thanks for worrying anyway." I thanked him "I do, even though sometimes it doesn't seem like it." 

"With all the teasing me? I know, sometimes you don't notice." I said laughing "Well I do. I just want you to know I won't be too far from you, but I will be at a distance, so I don't hear what you're talking about with the sponsors." he said with a small smile on his face "I really don't care about that, but thanks, I appreciate it." 

"If you want to leave earlier you just have to let me know." he assured, and I nodded even though I wouldn't bother him with something he didn't really care about "I'm not going to bother you to get out of here." I assured him with a smile. "And who's to say I wouldn't rather spend my free time with you than be at this boring gala?" I couldn't help but laugh. I said goodbye to him, and it doesn't take long for Bianca to appear at my side. 

"Very sticky you went to him to get mad." said my sister next to me with a smile that said everything except what had happened "I realized there are things that aren't what they seem." 

"So, the tension between you two…" she started, but I stopped her before she could say anything else "There's no sexual tension anywhere, Bianca, I think you're making that up." 

"When three people think alike…" she trailed off whatever she wanted to say, but I stopped when she said three people, because as far as I know, it was just her and Eric "Who else thinks so besides you?" 

"A secret I can't tell you dear sister, but now back to the serious stuff, are you sure you're okay to be here?" she asked now seriously "Yes, really." I said with a smile "Well at least I know I won't be the only one looking out for you." 

With that, I follow her gaze and can see Cameron is looking over the shoulder of one of the sponsors. I can see his smile widen a bit more and then he refocuses on the conversation with him. 

"What did you talk about coming here?" asked my sister after a few seconds in silence "About what you did during your break and about the cars." I answered vaguely. I'm more than clear I wasn't going to tell anyone what he had told me about his sister, because if nobody knows why he took two years off, I'm not going to be anyone to contradict something only he should tell. With one last glance in his direction, I focus on talking to some of the sponsors and wishing the night was over so I could go to sleep. 

CAMERON'S POV

Tomorrow was qualifying day. The moment I saw Lara was going to leave the gala, I decided to accompany her, and the truth is, I like spending time with her. I also realized she didn't say anything to anyone about what I had been doing these two years, which I really appreciate. 

During the walk I could notice she was more relaxed, and I was glad to see her like that, as she really was. When we got to the door of her room, we said goodbye and I went to my room not too far from mine. 

When I was going to close the door, something prevents it, causing me to look back and see Eli with a girl who seems nervous standing at my door. "Eli?" I asked confused to see her at my door "Are you going to sleep now?" she asked with a smile on her face "Yes, there's qualifying tomorrow, and I could use some sleep." 

"May I introduce you in a moment?" she asked, "Sure." I replied "Okay, perfect, Cameron, this is my friend Zara, and Zara, this is Cameron Edwards." She said cheerfully "Nice to meet you Mr. Edwards." the girl said, holding out her hand in my direction "Oh no darling, call me Cameron, you don't have to treat me with such formality." I assured her "Ok" she said with a smile on her face. 

"Well, I would like to ask you a favour. I know you don't like interviews too much, but you would help her blog." Eli said, trying to convince me "What is your blog about?" I asked the girl directly "F1." she answered fast, and I nodded "Are you a sport fan?" 

"Very much, and it would be an honour to be able to interview you." I could tell she meant it and which I would agree to do. "I have a feeling this is going to be the best interview I can ever have." I said with a smile on my face "I'll try that." Zara said, "And what would you think of the idea of me doing the interview with another pilot?" I asked with Lara in mind. 

"That would be great, but I don't think your teammate has enough time." She said and I denied "I wasn't talking about my teammate." I assured her and they both stared at me without understanding who I was referring to "Then who?" Eli asked and to which I decided not to answer, "Let me check it out and then I'll tell you who, do you think?" I asked her and she agreed. 

"Perfect, then you can tell Eli directly the day you want to do, and everything is fixed." I said looking in her direction and she nodded "Thanks Cameron." and I smiled at her "You're welcome." 

"Do you think you can find the way out on your own?" Eli asked. "Sure, thanks, Eli." The girl thanked my best friend, and she nodded "You're welcome." She answered. With that, the girl left leaving me and Eli alone. The latter closes the door, takes out her heels, leaving them scattered around the room, and sits on the bed looking in my direction. 

"Don't look at me with that face, because you know very well what I want to know." she said, and I knew what she wanted to know, but it wasn't like I want to tell her about what I talked about with Lara either "Probably a lot of things after today, which one are you referring to?" 

"That's true, I want to know a lot, but for starters I want to know what you were doing in Lara's room before we left." she insisted "I heard a fuss and went to see if she needed help. To be honest, I didn't even know it was Lara's room." 

"Fuss?" she asked curiously. "Bianca was basically yelling something into a cell phone and they needed to call her mom, so I decided to go inside." I said with a shrug. "Whose mother?" she asked. "From Lara, and before you ask me, she was having an anxiety attack and I helped her." 

"Anxiety attack? Why?" Eli asked, "I don't know, but I didn't ask her either, it wasn't appropriate after having her one." I said "You're right, it's not. What it doesn't explain is why you didn't take your eyes off her later at the gala." 

"I wanted to make sure she was alright." I assured her "And accompany her to the hotel room? Was it also making sure she was, okay?" he asked with a smile that said everything "Well yes." I said with a shrug. "You're kidding. Better say you wanted to spend more time with her." 

"What I'm telling you is true, I'm not going to say I don't like spending time with her, it's better than I imagined, but mainly I did it to make sure she was okay." I said and she nodded, throwing her hands up in the air "Okay, okay, I believe you. Now I must tell you something very serious and you will probably love…"