The flight to South Africa had been a long one, the first flight ever for little Esmeralda. Overall it hadn't been that bad, she had seemed anxious at first, but after taking interest in Uccio's peach fuzz beard, she wouldn't leave his side and the two seemed to get along quite well, Esmeralda calling him "Uzzuz" made him fall in love completely.

Alessia was flabbergasted when arriving at the South African circuit. She had seen nothing like it, she had been to Mugello's race circuit close to their hometown, but never on a race weekend, where the paddock was lined up with trucks and trailers, different media crew running around with their snapping cameras and the grandstands packed with cheering fans even during the practice sessions.

"So I'm pretty much going to be busy throughout the whole weekend, If you need anything just ask Uccio and he'll help you." Valentino tells Alessia as they all enter the paddock through the trucks and trailers section. She nodded understandingly, it was clear that it was going to be a hard weekend on Valentino being the new rookie and all, she was here to give him all of her support.

Valentino took turns giving his girls a kiss. "I'll meet you guys by the trailer later."

Alessia and Esmeralda waved goodbye as Valentino made his way down the paddock ahead of them.

Nevertheless, Alessia was excited. Witnessing a MotoGP race live, Valentino living out his biggest childhood dream, she couldn't be more happy.

"Do you guys want a tour of the paddock?" Uccio said.

"Sure!"

A few moments later....

"....And behind these doors is Valentino's team garage, if you listen closely you can hear them working on the bike." Uccio cups his ear against the wall to amuse Esmeralda.

Alessia who had been carrying Esmeralda in her arms all morning was growing tired. "When is the first practice session?"

Uccio looks at his watch. "In about forty minutes, let's see if we can get you some good seats up in the hospitality booth." Uccio leads the way.

From the fancy hospitality they had a view of the whole circuit and the grandstands full of people. Esmeralda twitched in Alessia's arms seeing all the banners and colorful flags displayed by loyal fans cheering on their favourite riders.

"Are all of those people here for Vale?" Alessia asked, spotting a wall of people displaying the number 46 on either their shirts or caps.

"Yup, pretty cool huh?"

"I wasn't aware of how many supporters he had."

"He's got a whole fanclub too."

"He does?"

A sudden noise from the TV indicated that the first practice session was about to start, Alessia moved closer to the windows, Esmeralda on the floor in front of her. Looking down towards the pitlane they could see how the riders got on their bikes and drove out on the track.

"Baby, can you see Papa? There he is." Alessia points to the yellow bike that just sped past them, however Esmeralda is too young to understand.

"Uccio!" Someone calls from across the room, a woman, seen waving for him to approach.

Alessia thought something about her looked very familiar.

"I'll be right back." He said, excusing himself.

"Has she been in the garage...?" The woman is heard saying, lowering her voice. Naturally Alessia's curiosity takes over, she makes sure to move close enough to overhear them, eyes still on the track.

"No, only through the paddock. Why?"

"Nevermind, I'll go get Sophia, just make sure she stays up here."

The woman disappears from the hospitality and Uccio returns with a puzzled expression.

"Who was that?" Alessia asked, keen to know what the fuss was about.

"Err...just Valentino's Press officer."

"What did she want?"

"I dunno a bit strange really, she asked..."

"Mama!" Esmeralda suddenly cries, pulling the bottom of Alessia's dress.

"Yes baby?"

"Toilet!"

Alessia lifts her daughter up. "Could you show us the way to Valentino's trailer, I think it might be time for a lunch break."

Uccio scratches the back of his head and looks towards the direction where the woman had been standing, he then shrugs his shoulders. "Yeah, sure."

The rest of the day was spent pondering inside Valentino's trailer, it was big enough for a bedroom, small kitchen and a sofa to make up a small living room area. Alessia continued watching the practice sessions from there, with Esmeralda a sleep in the bedroom, allowing Uccio to return to his duties as Valentino's personal assistant.

Valenitno returned later that afternoon exhausted from a whole day's work.

"Have you guys had dinner already?" He asked, removing his gear.

"Yeah sorry babe, I wasn't sure how long you would be gone, I had to let Esmeralda eat."

"It's alright, I'm gonna have a shower, then Uccio and I are gonna head out and grab something."

"Okay." Alessia puts on a face, hiding her disappointment, she hadn't seen him all day, soon he was off again.

Valentino disappears into the bedroom, returning minutes later with a towel wrapped around his waist. "And try not to fall asleep before I get back, I want to show you something."

Curious she raises an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Yeah, so stay up." He winks, disappearing into the bathroom.