𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮; oscar piastri ✔

PART FIVE

This story is such an experiment sorry if it seems all over the place. That said, if I were to hypothetically look into doing another oscar fic (or maybe a lando one) what are some tropes you'd like to see? Much love x

Word count; 2,118

Addison

— June 1st, 2023. Bristol, England.

I couldn't stop thinking about that moment on the waterfront. The sun, beaming down, shining over the harbour; Oscar, stood a metre away, the cool breeze raking through his hair; how we stared at each other and the world paused for a while. Even now, surrounded by upmarket mothers, friends of Ma, poking at my meal with a fork, I could barely pay attention to the conversation. She had insisted we go for lunch at the club - as we did so often in the past, presently abandoned because of all our conflicting schedules - especially since I had taken two extra days in Italy, with the excuse of visiting a friend in Naples.

"Yes, I couldn't be prouder." Ma told her friend, Diana, "With Sarah going to university this year, too."

Diana sipped on her glass of white wine, "Oh yes, what is it that she is studying?"

The question took her by surprise, "Oh, um..."

I watched her struggle to sift through her memory, an ailment that only grew by the day. It was one of the main reasons she messaged me so frequently during tournaments, in hope not to forget they were taking place. With Sarah busy with college exams, we hardly saw her at home. No wonder she couldn't remember.

"History of Art." I supplied as sweetly as I could. "Edinburgh." 

"Ah," Diana beamed.

I regarded Ma, who discreetly fiddled with her purse beneath the table. Sourcing a small tablet, she threw it into the back of her mouth, gulping it down with pomergranate juice. I sighed, returning my gaze to the table, catching Harriet's view, who prompted her brows. We were the same age, more or less, and her mother had gone to school with mine.

"And what about Nick, how has he been?" Claire probed.

I latched my hand onto my opposite wrist to keep it busy.

"Ah, well..." Ma clamped her purse shut, trying to recall what lie she used last.

In their eyes, Nick never left our family. He just moved abroad. The typical story of the pursuit of knowledge by brothers.

"If you would excuse me," I said politely, tucking in my chair.

"I shall accompany you." Harriet nodded.

We continued into the restaurant, finding our way outside to the main entrance. She revealed a silver container of cigarettes, picking one out and lighting it. I thought about the waterfront again, the two women I saw across the street, also puffing on expensive burns.

"When will we stop attending these?" She blew out smoke. 

I snapped out of my thoughts, "Who knows. I can't bear it."

She shrugged, tapping out ash, "You have been pretty vacant."

"Is it that obvious?" I sat on the parapet nearby, watching the fountain a few yards away spew out water.

Another shrug, "I bet your ma didn't realise."

"Tell me about it." I rolled my eyes.

"She didn't even try to hide taking the pill."

"Da says to have no shame in it. So she doesn't."

"How is your da?"

"Business is business. He's in Manchester right now. Coming back tomorrow."