Criminal ~ OP81

07. 20 questions with Osc and Drea

Andrea Wolff

As I stirred my chocolate milkshake, watching the whipped cream swirl into a dark creamy vortex, I couldn't help but steal glances at Oscar across the table. The soft glow of the quaint diner lights caught the edges of his profile, and I found myself admiring the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled.

"So," I began, trying to keep my voice casual despite the butterflies in my stomach, "I have an idea. How about we play a little question game to get to know each other better?"

Oscar's face lit up with interest, and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Sounds fun," he replied, leaning in slightly. "What are the rules?"

I explained the game - twenty questions each, anything goes, but honest answers required. As Oscar agreed enthusiastically, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was my chance to really get to know him, beyond the jokes and teasing nature we've picked up.

I knew him but I wanted to know him.

"Ladies first," Oscar said with a grin that made my cheeks warm.

I took a sip of my milkshake, buying myself a moment to think. "Okay, let's start easy. What's your favorite color?"

Oscar chuckled. "Blue. Definitely blue. What about you?"

"Green, but not like the neon or basic green... like the color of kale?," I answered almost as a question that made him laugh."Okay, your turn."

Oscar thought for a moment. "What's your favorite childhood memory?"

I smiled, recalling a fond memory. "My mom took me with her on this adventure one time. My dad was at a race but I was like eight and didn't want to go- so she took me with her and we went hiking... and all the sudden it got super quiet and at first I was terrified but then my mom pointed ahead of us and there was this giant herd of buffalos!"

I tell the story like an animated figure, my hands waving about as I recount one of the last good memories I had with my mom before she passed. I know I'm talking fast and potentially look insane as I tell him, but I look up and see Oscar looking at me as if I'm the most interesting thing ever.

"It was incredible, she was always so big on nature and adventure and that kinda sparked my need to travel and just see as many moments like that as I could" I tell him easily. It was easy to talk about my love for traveling but it was even easier to talk to him about my mom. Me and my dad never really talked about her anymore since Susie came around, but I have no ill will towards her at all because she took a grumpy and attitude filled 11 year old step daughter in with open arms. She hasn't replaced my mom and I don't think she even wants to, but she's the best step mom I could ask for.

Oscar's eyes softened. "That sounds amazing. I can imagine little Andrea with her eyes wide, taking it all in."

I laughed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "What about you? What's your favorite childhood memory?"

Oscar's gaze turned distant, a smile playing on his lips. "Probably the Christmas when I got my first go-kart. I spent the entire day racing around our backyard, pretending I was in a Grand Prix. My mum was worried sick, but my dad just laughed and timed my laps."

As we continued our game, the questions became more varied and interesting.

"If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?" I asked.

Oscar's response was immediate. "Ayrton Senna. He was such an inspiration, not just as a driver but as a person. I'd love to pick his brain about racing, life, everything. What about you?"