Shortly after the release of Now Open Your Eyes,
the last installment into Mia and Ollie's story, I'd taken the strenuous journey from Sunny Florida to the cold rainy town of Surrey, where they are frozen in winter and battling icy rainfall with pin needle winds that bites your skin.
A stubborn and unscathed Mia Masters arrived in a beat-up car with the radio turned up, the spell-bounding beats rattling the windows of the small coffee shop.
At first, I was nervous. Would she feed off my nerves and stab me with a butter knife when I least expected it? I quickly removed all forks and knifes from the table and ordered an abundant amount of glazed croissants and pastries, knowing these were her favorite. Suddenly, I felt like Ethan. But as soon as she walked through the door and the little bell chimed, the coffee shop owner waved called out to their favorite customer with a cheery smile, which put me a bit at ease (I'd made sure my life insurance policy was up to date before coming).
Mia found me almost immediately, although I think it's because it looked as if I didn't belong and we were both from the states. She approached the table with confidence and mystery, a time capsule of secrets and stories and triumphs. I realized right then, even after the one-hour meeting I had set up, I would never be able to crack or fully grasp the girl behind the book ...
Interview with Mia
What is your full name? Mia Rose Masters, finally. Previously, Jett.
Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)? Nope, just Mia. Although Ollie calls me "love" a lot, as do most in the UK.
Where and when were you born? I was born in Pennsylvania in '96.
What is your occupation? Freelance photographer.
What does your voice sound like? Um, plain? Not squeaky, a little rusty. Kinda like Brooke from One Tree Hill. Everyone always says that.
On what occasions do you lie? When I don't want to tell the truth.
Will you lie in this interview? Probably.
(Let's test this theory)
How do you really feel about Leigh? I don't know her well, but I'm sure she's lovely.
Do you still talk to Ethan Scott? Have you seen him? I like you Nicole, I really do. Let's keep it that way.
How does Ethan play into you and Ollie's relationship? He doesn't. Ollie and I are completely at peace with where we came from and the place we're in. Ollie doesn't judge me based on my feelings and we talk through everything. He's amazing. When it comes to Ollie, Ethan is side-lined. Always. No questions. Two worlds that should never be in the same sentence. Next ...
What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was really little, I remembered I wanted to be a figure skater, then it turned into a pianist.
When did you have your first kiss, and who with? I was twelve and dragged Andy Brunell to the side of Jessica's house at her birthday party and kissed him to get it out of the way. It was like kissing a slimy eel, complete with stagnant water breath. All I could think about the entire time was keeping myself from throwing up into his mouth.
Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity? This came shortly after. I had to have been thirteen maybe? John Santiago. Got it out of the way too and avoided kissing.
What is your greatest regret so far, why? Has this regret formed you into the person you are today? If so, why?Regrets. What a strong and irrevocable word. It's hard to regret a regret. I don't think I'd be where I am today if it didn't happen, and I'm in love with where I am today. Everything that lead to this point in my life has been because of all the moments that lead up to this.
What is the thing you have ever done so far? Murder. It still takes over me every night, something that consumes me. I'll always live with it, the ..
Do you have a criminal record? How much time do we have?
What is your favorite food? Glazed Croissants.
What do you have in your pockets or purse? Um ... a cellphone, some change, my camera film. I always have my camera with me. Damn, I've been looking for this. *holds up a pocket knife* This was Ethans.
What do you most wear on your feet? When I'm at home I'm always wearing socks. My feet are ALWAYS cold. Even though Ollie bought me tons, I always steal his shit.
Are you generally organized or messy? I'm the organized one. Ollie is messy. He has books, papers, and notebooks scattered all over our house.
What is your biggest secret? Does anyone else know about this? Which person do you least want to know about this secret? I have many secrets and they are mine. I don't need to tell them. The last person I would want to know is Ethan Scott. He would never forgive me.
Fill in the Blank
My life motto has always been I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not. I believe love should be honest & consuming. Beauty is misunderstood. Italy is the one place I've never been but always wanted to go! The wildest thing I've ever done was fall in love and murder is something I'd never do again. Glazed croissants and sex are my guilty pleasure. My biggest accomplishment is my own self growth. If I were coffee, I'd be sugary and strong.
