Sharp-O's One-Shots! "The Parent Trap" - 30/8/15
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2015 3:36 pm
The Parent Trap
~~~~Akio~~~~
I can’t help but fuss over Hanako as we stand at the rendezvous point. I tug at her scarf and hat, making sure they’re neat and straight. She narrows her eyes and grabs my wrists.
“Akio. If you futz with my hat one more god damn time, I will slap you.” Every wisp of warm breath in the cold air hits me like a slap in and of themselves. I smile apologetically and settle for fixing my own scarf, even though I know that no matter what I do, it’ll never be straight.
“Why are you more nervous than I am?” Hana chuckles, taking my hand and holding it firm at my side.
“Because I know what’s coming… Have I…?” I turn to ask and she nods slowly.
“You’ve told me to expect a neurotic mess who will pick apart every stray strand of hair or thread of cloth. You also told me to stand perfectly still if I want to avoid her. So… I’m expecting a Tyrannosaurus Rex with obsessive compulsive disorder.” She giggles and it warms my heart of this frigid day.
“A T-Rex with OCD, eh? Now there’s a new one!” A voice calls from behind us and a fresh chill runs through my body. I turn and force a nervous smile at the woman standing five feet behind us.
“Hi, mom.” I smile warily, both in fear for myself and for Hana. My mom wraps her arms around my shoulders and Hana’s hand leaves mine.
“It’s so good to see you, Aki. And don’t worry, I’ve been told to be on my best behaviour around your girlfriend so you can relax.” She whispers in a playful tone that reminds me of old times. She releases me from her clutches and turns to Hana.
“It’s a p-pleasure to meet you, Mrs Hayashi.” Hana bows with her hands held together in front of her, standing straight again with a smile. She’s come a long way from the spastic introduction she gave to my grandparents. I hope it’s enough.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Hanako. My mom and dad spoke very highly of you!” My mom smiles widely, tilting her head slightly. “But please, it’s Ms Hayashi. Or Hina if that’s more comfortable for you?”
I flinch slightly but Hanako nods, not even batting an eye at her faux pas.
“Thank you, Hina. Akio has t-told me a lot about you.”
“I imagine he has.” She says, glancing at me as she does. “Not all of it good either.”
“Barring the o-obvious, he’s shared nothing but fond memories.” I am in awe of Hana’s continued charm offensive. I envy her composure right now.
“Well then…” My mom closes her eyes and smiles softly. I brace myself for what I imagine will come next. “What say we find a nice place to chat and I can share all of my little Aki’s embarrassing toddler stories!”
That’s exactly what I was afraid of.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~~Molly~~~~
Suzu sits across from me as we wait patiently for her parents to arrive. Her hands are clasped firmly around her hot chocolate. I don’t trust public cafés to make tea how I like it so I opted for a latte. Suzu’s been nervous all morning… Bless her. I reach across the table and place my hands around hers, offering a reassuring smile.
“How are you not freaking out?” She asks with a look of disapproval at my nonchalant demeanour.
“Because I have Indian parents. Believe me; no one can be as bad, or as pushy, as Indian parents.” I chuckle, thinking about how mum and dad would constantly try to sell me on the available sons of their friends. Some clichés are so prevalent for a reason, unfortunately.
My joke makes Suzu laugh and I rub my thumbs along the back of her hands a little, meeting her eyes with affection. I’ll admit that this is definitely too early to be meeting the parents but I think she’s okay with me suggesting that she not reveal our relationship just yet. Our friends know and that’s the main thing.
“Heads up. Time to put on our game faces…” Suzu says, peering over my shoulder towards the door. I follow her gaze to see a well-dressed couple enter. I turn back to Suzu and give a scowling pout.
“What are you doing?” She asks nervously.
“That’s my game face!” I smirk and she giggles before scooting out of the booth and greeting her parents.
“Hi mom! Hi dad!” She grins widely and hugs her parents in turn, they smile and greet her back but give each other a weird glance when they spot me. “This is Molly, a friend of mine from Yamaku.”
“Hello! Nice to meet you!” I offer a genuine smile and a little wave from my seat.
“H-hello, Molly.” The mother says sheepishly while Suzu’s father nods silently. I pull Suzu’s drink to my side of the table as her parents take a seat where she sat and Suzu slides in next to me.
“Thanks.” She smiles as I place her drink in front of her. A waitress dutifully comes over to take their order and hurries off, leaving a really awkward silence. Suzu picks up on it as well and tries her best to get a conversation going.
“How was your trip? I hope the weather didn’t play havoc with the roads.”
“The trip was fine, thanks Suzu.” Her mother says before silence takes hold again. Her father seems to be trying his best to look everywhere except at me.
“It’s nice to meet you both. Suzu tells me you’re both architects?” I try my hand at getting them to talk and they share an uneasy look with each other.
“Why, y-yes. We work for the same firm. We met there too as it happens.” Her mother gives an uneasy smile and I nod.
“Wow, really? I bet that was quite the workplace romance! Now I get where Suzu gets her obsession from.” I smirk at the cerulean-haired girl beside me who giggles. “And architecture, eh? Have you worked on any famous buildings or anything?” I ask with genuine interest and they clam up.
“N-not really…” Her mother says, looking to her husband as if looking for approval, which she finds when he nods.
“Okay, what’s up with you guys? You’re acting really weird.” Suzu frowns, finally had her fill of the stop-start nature of the conversation.
“We’re not acting w-weird. We j-just weren’t expecting you to bring a… friend.” She stammers, her eyes flittering between me and Suzu as she does.
Bloody hell, this is because of me… Or rather, what I look like. I thought I’d escaped this bullshit when I flew five thousand miles to come to a new school. I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh heavily, leaning back into the booth.
“I apologize if my presence makes you uncomfortable, Mr and Mrs Suzuki.” I say, slightly annoyed. Her mother goes to speak but I cut her off. “But, if my being here is causing you enough distress as to become all but mute around your own daughter, then I’ll be going.”
I look to Suzu who can’t decide on an emotion as her father finally speaks up.
“Excuse--”
“Yes, excuse me.” I snap back. “If you would be so kind, Suzu.” I gesture that I’d like to get out of the booth and Suzu shakes her head.
“You’re not going anywhere, Molls. You’ve done nothing wrong.” Her voice turns to something a little sterner as I sit back down.
“Why would Molly being here freak you out so much? She’s my friend and I don’t appreciate you treating her like she doesn’t belong!”
“It’s just that she’s--” I register what her father is probably about to say but before I can say a single word, Suzu is on the attack.
“Don’t you dare. Don’t you fu--” I reach out and catch Suzu as she has a cataplectic episode while jumping to my defence. You’re a silly sod, Suzu but thank you for trying.
“Suzu…” Her mother whispers and her father looks at me dourly. I rest Suzu back against the soft seat of the booth. The waitress, oblivious to the huge upset that just happened, returns with Suzu’s parents’ drinks.
“Can I get you anything else?” She asks sweetly and I shake my head with a smile. She bows and carries on with her duties.
“So…?” I say, turning my attention back to the Suzukis and picking up my coffee, bringing it to my lips and raising an eyebrow. They keep shtum and I take a long sip of my latte. Not really a coffee girl but I like this kind well enough. The silence hangs heavy in the air and Suzu’s parents try to avoid my stare by looking at their daughter.
“Don’t worry, she’ll reboot soon enough.” I follow their gaze to Suzu who is now slumped against me.
“You kn-know…?”
“We’ve been in the same class for two years, I’ve got an idea.” I say sarcastically. Her mother’s face softens, despite my barb, and she gives me a small smile. “I’m glad to know someone is looking out for her.”
“She’s got plenty of support, not that she needs it. Your daughter is pretty strong-willed.”
“Stubborn too.” Her father chimes in and I can’t help but smirk.
“Like you wouldn’t believe.”
Silence again but her mother finally looks me in the eyes as I take another sip of coffee.
“I’m sorry, Molly. We’ve been very rude. It’s just… when Suzu said she was bringing bring a… friend with her we didn’t expect…”
Someone dark-skinned?
“A girl.” I almost choke as her father says the words.
“Wait, you’ve been weird because she brought a female friend with her?” I furrow my brow in confusion and they share a bemused smile with each other.
“Actually, her exact words were ‘someone special’.” Her mother says and my eyes go wide. I look at the girl on my shoulder who is still out for the count.
“{You told them I was your bloody girlfriend, didn’t you}?” I default to English in my utter surprise and annoyance while her face remains still. You better wake up soon, Suzu. This has turned into a right cock-up.
~~~~Suzu~~~~
Oh dear… Did I let the cat out of the bag? Heeheehee. Whoops. I'll make it up to you, Molls. As soon as my body can move again…
~~~~Akio~~~~
I can’t help but fuss over Hanako as we stand at the rendezvous point. I tug at her scarf and hat, making sure they’re neat and straight. She narrows her eyes and grabs my wrists.
“Akio. If you futz with my hat one more god damn time, I will slap you.” Every wisp of warm breath in the cold air hits me like a slap in and of themselves. I smile apologetically and settle for fixing my own scarf, even though I know that no matter what I do, it’ll never be straight.
“Why are you more nervous than I am?” Hana chuckles, taking my hand and holding it firm at my side.
“Because I know what’s coming… Have I…?” I turn to ask and she nods slowly.
“You’ve told me to expect a neurotic mess who will pick apart every stray strand of hair or thread of cloth. You also told me to stand perfectly still if I want to avoid her. So… I’m expecting a Tyrannosaurus Rex with obsessive compulsive disorder.” She giggles and it warms my heart of this frigid day.
“A T-Rex with OCD, eh? Now there’s a new one!” A voice calls from behind us and a fresh chill runs through my body. I turn and force a nervous smile at the woman standing five feet behind us.
“Hi, mom.” I smile warily, both in fear for myself and for Hana. My mom wraps her arms around my shoulders and Hana’s hand leaves mine.
“It’s so good to see you, Aki. And don’t worry, I’ve been told to be on my best behaviour around your girlfriend so you can relax.” She whispers in a playful tone that reminds me of old times. She releases me from her clutches and turns to Hana.
“It’s a p-pleasure to meet you, Mrs Hayashi.” Hana bows with her hands held together in front of her, standing straight again with a smile. She’s come a long way from the spastic introduction she gave to my grandparents. I hope it’s enough.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Hanako. My mom and dad spoke very highly of you!” My mom smiles widely, tilting her head slightly. “But please, it’s Ms Hayashi. Or Hina if that’s more comfortable for you?”
I flinch slightly but Hanako nods, not even batting an eye at her faux pas.
“Thank you, Hina. Akio has t-told me a lot about you.”
“I imagine he has.” She says, glancing at me as she does. “Not all of it good either.”
“Barring the o-obvious, he’s shared nothing but fond memories.” I am in awe of Hana’s continued charm offensive. I envy her composure right now.
“Well then…” My mom closes her eyes and smiles softly. I brace myself for what I imagine will come next. “What say we find a nice place to chat and I can share all of my little Aki’s embarrassing toddler stories!”
That’s exactly what I was afraid of.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~~Molly~~~~
Suzu sits across from me as we wait patiently for her parents to arrive. Her hands are clasped firmly around her hot chocolate. I don’t trust public cafés to make tea how I like it so I opted for a latte. Suzu’s been nervous all morning… Bless her. I reach across the table and place my hands around hers, offering a reassuring smile.
“How are you not freaking out?” She asks with a look of disapproval at my nonchalant demeanour.
“Because I have Indian parents. Believe me; no one can be as bad, or as pushy, as Indian parents.” I chuckle, thinking about how mum and dad would constantly try to sell me on the available sons of their friends. Some clichés are so prevalent for a reason, unfortunately.
My joke makes Suzu laugh and I rub my thumbs along the back of her hands a little, meeting her eyes with affection. I’ll admit that this is definitely too early to be meeting the parents but I think she’s okay with me suggesting that she not reveal our relationship just yet. Our friends know and that’s the main thing.
“Heads up. Time to put on our game faces…” Suzu says, peering over my shoulder towards the door. I follow her gaze to see a well-dressed couple enter. I turn back to Suzu and give a scowling pout.
“What are you doing?” She asks nervously.
“That’s my game face!” I smirk and she giggles before scooting out of the booth and greeting her parents.
“Hi mom! Hi dad!” She grins widely and hugs her parents in turn, they smile and greet her back but give each other a weird glance when they spot me. “This is Molly, a friend of mine from Yamaku.”
“Hello! Nice to meet you!” I offer a genuine smile and a little wave from my seat.
“H-hello, Molly.” The mother says sheepishly while Suzu’s father nods silently. I pull Suzu’s drink to my side of the table as her parents take a seat where she sat and Suzu slides in next to me.
“Thanks.” She smiles as I place her drink in front of her. A waitress dutifully comes over to take their order and hurries off, leaving a really awkward silence. Suzu picks up on it as well and tries her best to get a conversation going.
“How was your trip? I hope the weather didn’t play havoc with the roads.”
“The trip was fine, thanks Suzu.” Her mother says before silence takes hold again. Her father seems to be trying his best to look everywhere except at me.
“It’s nice to meet you both. Suzu tells me you’re both architects?” I try my hand at getting them to talk and they share an uneasy look with each other.
“Why, y-yes. We work for the same firm. We met there too as it happens.” Her mother gives an uneasy smile and I nod.
“Wow, really? I bet that was quite the workplace romance! Now I get where Suzu gets her obsession from.” I smirk at the cerulean-haired girl beside me who giggles. “And architecture, eh? Have you worked on any famous buildings or anything?” I ask with genuine interest and they clam up.
“N-not really…” Her mother says, looking to her husband as if looking for approval, which she finds when he nods.
“Okay, what’s up with you guys? You’re acting really weird.” Suzu frowns, finally had her fill of the stop-start nature of the conversation.
“We’re not acting w-weird. We j-just weren’t expecting you to bring a… friend.” She stammers, her eyes flittering between me and Suzu as she does.
Bloody hell, this is because of me… Or rather, what I look like. I thought I’d escaped this bullshit when I flew five thousand miles to come to a new school. I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh heavily, leaning back into the booth.
“I apologize if my presence makes you uncomfortable, Mr and Mrs Suzuki.” I say, slightly annoyed. Her mother goes to speak but I cut her off. “But, if my being here is causing you enough distress as to become all but mute around your own daughter, then I’ll be going.”
I look to Suzu who can’t decide on an emotion as her father finally speaks up.
“Excuse--”
“Yes, excuse me.” I snap back. “If you would be so kind, Suzu.” I gesture that I’d like to get out of the booth and Suzu shakes her head.
“You’re not going anywhere, Molls. You’ve done nothing wrong.” Her voice turns to something a little sterner as I sit back down.
“Why would Molly being here freak you out so much? She’s my friend and I don’t appreciate you treating her like she doesn’t belong!”
“It’s just that she’s--” I register what her father is probably about to say but before I can say a single word, Suzu is on the attack.
“Don’t you dare. Don’t you fu--” I reach out and catch Suzu as she has a cataplectic episode while jumping to my defence. You’re a silly sod, Suzu but thank you for trying.
“Suzu…” Her mother whispers and her father looks at me dourly. I rest Suzu back against the soft seat of the booth. The waitress, oblivious to the huge upset that just happened, returns with Suzu’s parents’ drinks.
“Can I get you anything else?” She asks sweetly and I shake my head with a smile. She bows and carries on with her duties.
“So…?” I say, turning my attention back to the Suzukis and picking up my coffee, bringing it to my lips and raising an eyebrow. They keep shtum and I take a long sip of my latte. Not really a coffee girl but I like this kind well enough. The silence hangs heavy in the air and Suzu’s parents try to avoid my stare by looking at their daughter.
“Don’t worry, she’ll reboot soon enough.” I follow their gaze to Suzu who is now slumped against me.
“You kn-know…?”
“We’ve been in the same class for two years, I’ve got an idea.” I say sarcastically. Her mother’s face softens, despite my barb, and she gives me a small smile. “I’m glad to know someone is looking out for her.”
“She’s got plenty of support, not that she needs it. Your daughter is pretty strong-willed.”
“Stubborn too.” Her father chimes in and I can’t help but smirk.
“Like you wouldn’t believe.”
Silence again but her mother finally looks me in the eyes as I take another sip of coffee.
“I’m sorry, Molly. We’ve been very rude. It’s just… when Suzu said she was bringing bring a… friend with her we didn’t expect…”
Someone dark-skinned?
“A girl.” I almost choke as her father says the words.
“Wait, you’ve been weird because she brought a female friend with her?” I furrow my brow in confusion and they share a bemused smile with each other.
“Actually, her exact words were ‘someone special’.” Her mother says and my eyes go wide. I look at the girl on my shoulder who is still out for the count.
“{You told them I was your bloody girlfriend, didn’t you}?” I default to English in my utter surprise and annoyance while her face remains still. You better wake up soon, Suzu. This has turned into a right cock-up.
~~~~Suzu~~~~
Oh dear… Did I let the cat out of the bag? Heeheehee. Whoops. I'll make it up to you, Molls. As soon as my body can move again…
