Criminal ~ OP81

16. Home is where the heart is

Andrea Wolff

The plane touched down in Melbourne, and I felt my stomach twist into knots. Oscar's hand found mine as we stood to gather our belongings, his touch both comforting and electrifying. Left the planes steps and walked across the tarmac, I couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at me.

"Hey," Oscar's voice was soft when he stopped walking and I followed, I look up and find his eyes searching mine. "They're going to love meeting you, Andrea. I promise."

I quirked an eyebrow, aiming for nonchalance as I blow out an anxious breath. "Oh yeah? And how can you be so sure, Piastri?"

His smile was warm, his gaze tender. "Because I did."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, but before I could fully process the weight of that simple statement, we were swept up in the chaos of collecting our luggage and finding our rental car.

———

The drive to Oscar's family home was a blur of unfamiliar streets and breathtaking scenery. I found myself stealing glances at Oscar, his profile illuminated by the Australian sun.

My heart bloomed inside my chest like a sunflower finally finding the sun after a day filled of cloud. And it only ten-folded when he turned to look at me, catching me in the act.

"You're staring," Oscar teased, turning his eyes back on the road. "See something you like?"

I felt a blush creep up my neck. "Just making sure you remember how to drive on the correct side of the road."

He laughed, the sound warming me from the inside out. "I'll have you know, miss Andrea, that this is the correct side of the road. You Europeans have it all backwards."

As we bantered back and forth, I felt some of my nervousness slip away.

This was Oscar, after all.

My Oscar.

The boy who could make me laugh even on my worst days. How could I be nervous when I'm facing it with him at my side?

As we pulled into the driveway of a charming suburban home, i took a few deep breaths to try and settle my nerves. Oscar reached over and squeezed my hand reassuringly before hopping out to grab our bags. I followed, hovering uncertainly by his side as he wrestled with the luggage.

Suddenly, a high-pitched squeal pierced the air. Before I could react, I was engulfed in a fierce hug, my feet nearly leaving the ground.

"Oh my goodness, you're here! You're really here!" The woman – Oscar's mother, I realized – set me down, beaming. "I'm Nicole, and I'm so happy to finally meet you, Andrea! Oscar's told us so much about you."

I stood there, frozen, as Nicole continued to gush. Oscar's laughter finally snapped me out of my daze.

"Careful, mum," he chuckled. "Don't scare off my girlfriend before she's even made it inside."

Nicole's eyes widened comically. "Oh! Right! I'm so sorry, dear. I just got carried away with excitement." She ushered me towards the house. "Come in, come in! The girls are dying to meet you."

I shot Oscar a panicked look as his mother led me away, but he just grinned and waved, calling out that he'd bring in the bags.

———

I got to Australia yesterday yet I already never wanted to leave. I loved Oscars family and, despite the scary animals Oscar found it funny to tell me about, I loved Australia.