And that was why I loved her.
Mom always knew if something was up with me. She had that sixth sense some mothers do about their children. Too bad I couldn't talk to her about this.
"School's been fine," I said. "The shelter's still my happy place, though."
"I thought I heard you playing last night."
"Yeah. I was practicing some new covers I found. Sorry, if I woke you."
"No need to apologize. You know I love to hear you play."
I peeked up at her. "I did ask you and Dad if we could soundproof my room at one point."
She shook her head. "And I told you, I'd seen one too many Lifetime movies for that to ever happen. You could end up shoved into a trunk or something like Mad-Eye Moody, and then what?"
"Yeah, but Harry, Hermione, and Ron would find me, and all would be well again."
Mom rubbed my shoulder. "Sounded a little melancholy."
I gave myself a mental head slap. Of course! Now, her questions all made sense. Music was my outlet. Mom knew I liked to play out my feelings through the pieces I chose. It was a tell I'd have to be careful about in the future.
"Want to tell me what's going on?"
She'd given me the perfect opening, and honestly, I thought about taking it. Mom gave great advice. I pictured how it would all go down.
Well, Mom, I'm not sure if you know this, but Dad hired one of his players—you remember Dare Frost?—to be my friend, and because I was insulted I decided to get revenge. How, you ask? I was going to pretend like I fell in love with Dare and that he broke my heart. The funny thing is…I actually fell for him.
Yeah, so not happening.
"I'm good, Mom. Really," I said. "Just a little nervous about graduating."
Mom hummed under her breath. "If you ever need someone to listen, I'm here for you."
"I know." I swallowed as tears threatened. I really did wish I could tell her.
"Any big plans this weekend?"
I took a deep breath. "I'm supposed to go to a party tonight. Would that be okay?"
"Of course," she said. "Just be safe, call when you get there, and don't stay out past midnight."
I nodded. "I doubt I'll be there that long. Not a big fan of crowds."
"Same here." She feigned a shiver. "Partying was never really my thing. I much prefer the company of books and movies."
"Exactly," I said. "Me, too."
She gestured to the paperback in my lap. "How is that one? I've heard good things."
"It's hilarious and so romantic, Mom," I said. "Mild heat level, lots of misunderstandings and a hero and heroine I can definitely ship."
"Sounds wonderful," she said. "I'm just finishing Anne of Green Gables again. Can I read it when you're done?"
I settled more firmly into her side. "Absolutely."
Mom kissed the top of my head. "I love you, Vi."
"I love you, too, Mom," I said, and we sat there reading our separate books.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning. Getting to spend time with Mom made it that much better. Dad had to go into his office to catch up on some work. He came home around eight and was surprised to find us still on the couch.
"What's this?" he asked. "My two best girls chilling on the couch, watching K-drama. Why wasn't I invited?"
"Shh," we hissed in unison.
"We're finally at the part where they're about to kiss," I said.
"Okay…and?" Dad said.
"It took us nine whole episodes to get here. Technically, we watched a few the other day, but still," Mom said in a hushed tone. "It should be any minute now."
"Alright, I'm just going to take a shower."
We shooed him away and watched as Gu-Jun Pyo leaned up to kiss Guem Jan-Di after an incredibly romantic grand gesture. He'd done several things before to make up for his initial jerkish behavior, but she never seemed to let him in. And finally, here we were at The Swing Kiss. The scene was so perfect, so swoon-worthy that both Mom and I sighed.
"It just never gets old," Mom said as the credits began.
"No matter how many times we watch," I agreed.
"It's timeless."
"And so much better than the other adaptations—though they're not bad," I said. "The K-drama is simply the best."
Mom nodded. "Thanks for binging that with me, sweetheart."
"Um, I never say no to Korean goodness, and I believe it was my suggestion. So thank you, Mom."
As I got up to stretch, she laughed.
"I'm off to check on your dad," she said then threw me a wink, "and let you go get dressed for your party."
About 45 minutes later, I was ready to go. It never took me that long to make myself presentable, but I paid special attention to my hair and threw on a little makeup. Couldn't hurt, right? After sending a quick text to Dare, I decided to go check the mail just for something to do while I waited.
But right as I opened the door…I found Dare on the other side.
He looked frozen in surprise with his hand up and poised to knock. That arm slowly dropped to his side as his eyes took me in.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey," I said back, feeling my brows pinch together. "How'd you get here so fast? I just texted you like ten seconds ago."
"Was already on my way."
"Oh."
"Yeah." He shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded. "You look pretty, flower. Special occasion?"
The comment nearly made me stutter.
"Nah," I said, playing it off, "this is how I always look on the weekends."
Such a lie. Usually I didn't even roll out
