Third Person POV
"Is that Ash parked?" George asked.
"Yes, George. She got a puncture and spun. Finished second" he was informed.
"What the hell?" was all George could say.
"Did she get it?" Lewis asked.
"No, Lewis. She is P2. Puncture and spun"
"Man, that's gonna sting"
"Are you serious?" Charles asked.
"Yes, Charles. She is P2"
"Is she okay though?" Carlos asked.
"Hope so. She has not said anything."
"Is she hurt?" Lando asked.
"I don't think so. But she hasn't responded on the radio"
"Am I allowed to jump out? Can I check on her?" Alex asked.
"You've crossed the line, Alex. You can. We'll send our mechanics to get both the cars" his race engineer said.
Alex parked his car a bit in front of Ashley and jumped out. He ran towards her as she was removing her seat belt. Alex sat near her car tyre on par with her.
"I am OK Alex. I am Ok" was her immediate response. Alex put a hand on her head. "You are the best Ash. Never forget that" he said.
As much Ash hated what was happening around her she felt thankful that she had been friends with Alex and he was there sharing the moment with her.
"Now jump out and walk head held high. Am I making it clear?" he said. Ash stood up from her car nodding. She jumped out and Alex put a hand on her back as both the Williams drivers walked their way towards the parc ferme. People on the stands stood up and clapped their hands the loudest.
Theo and Patrick, Alex's trainer met them halfway with their belongings and drinks. Theo just like always never considering what was happening around her handed her the drink and towels.
Patrick did the same to Alex and patted Ash's back. The four of them made their way towards the podium. They noticed the Red Bull's team celebrating with Max and Checo who finished third, which makes them Champions. Ashley took off her helmet and handed it over to Theo.
As she took her balaclava out, people could see her watery eyes as she sniffed her nose. She was fast enough to wipe her face off with a towel but it was evident. Once she wiped off her face she walked towards the Red Bull team.
"Hey Dutchie!" she called out and Max was immediately by her side wrapping his hands around her tightly.
"Congrats Max," she said slowly rubbing his back.
"You deserve it too, Ash," he said in her ear.
"Some other time," she said when he made his hug tighter. "I think you are making Kelly mad" she laughed.
"Oh please! I just won the championship" He said. She unwrapped herself and was immediately attacked by Lando. Charles and Sainz gave her comforting hugs too.
Alonso pushed the people away from his path and walked towards Ashley. He places a hand on her shoulder.
"You are an exceptional driver kid. Never lose hope" he said putting a finger up. She nodded thanking him. Lewis and George made their way towards her. Lewis and she shared a comforting hug. Just as she unwrapped herself and looked at George, her eyes gave it out.
"Hey, it's Ok," he said as he pulled her into his chest. This was not like the hugs she gave others. This was more like a support for her and she felt it as George wrapped tightly around her. Theo noticed her crying and immediately wiped her eyes with a towel.
"Come on Ash. It's Ok" he said. Bella, who was bawling her eyes out signaled the mechanics who immediately surrounded George and Ash so that they wouldn't capture the vulnerable movement. Not a single picture could be taken as they gave her a few seconds to compose herself.
Matt pushed through the gate of mechanics and looked at George who was cradling his sister in his arms. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she turned and looked at her brother.
"It's ok dear. You gave the best" She grabbed the towel from Theo's hand and wiped her face off entirely one last and composed herself.
She looked at the mechanics surrounding her. "Thank you guys. Thank You" she thanked them collectively.
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The Podium happened and there was the largest and longest applause from the crowd and the paddock when Ashley received her trophy. She placed a hand on her chest and thanked everyone.
She was grateful. But she was not happy. She was completely broken and she didn't know if she could come out of it cause she couldn't imagine so.
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Ashley lay down on her couch upside down with her legs up and looked at the people around her staring. Everyone was there. Alex and Lilly, Lando and Lui, Theo, Bella and George.
"Seriously guys. How long are we gonna stay like this?" she said in an annoyed tone looking at them upside down.
"We could a movie?" Lando said.
"Seriously?" Lui asked him.
"Or, we could go for a drive around the city," Alex said. Lilly took out her phone.
"Guys-" Ash started.
"You cannot spend your entire day in your room Ash. You're sulking" George said.
"Isn't Carmen with you in town?" She asked him.
"Not a problem. Now get out of that couch" George asked. She put a finger up.
"I just lost my championship two-tenths of the finish line. I can mourn" She said still looking at him upside down.
"Maybe you can cook? Do you stress cook?" Theo asked Ash when Bella threw a pillow at him.
"What?"
"Alright, that's it. All of you, get out now" Bella said when the doorbell rang. George opened the door and found Charles and Carlos with their respective girlfriends Alexandra and Rebecca.
Both the girls made their way in. "Can someone tell us why our girls pulled us here?" Carlos said.
"I called them. We are having a girls' day. Now off you all go" Lilly said.
"What?" Alex barked.
"Are you serious?" Lando said.
"Without us," Charles asked.
"Yes. Now go away all. Theo's room is next door. Hang out. Do something" Bella said.
"What? No" Theo started.
"Out Now" Bella barked which made the guys walk out. Lui went behind them to close the door when George gave one look at his best friend.
"Just..."
"We all are here," Lui said to him. He gave a nod and walked out. Ashley put two thumbs up. "Thank you," she said.
"Now..chocolate or vanilla?" Lexie asked showing her two ice creams they brought.
"Chocolate"
