HERSHE - TIAOM

Deal

"Do we really have to do it now?"

"Ugh, Kim, how many times should I tell you that it was her who invited you here?" asked Pie, obviously irritated now. Can't blame her. They've been in front of Pie's house for ten minutes now but Kim doesn't want to go out of the car yet.

"But... but Jane said —"

"My mom knows about us, okay? She might not be really into this type of relationship but we've already talked about it. She approved it. That's why she wants to meet you."

Kim let out a loud exhale, her eyes uncomfortably glancing at the house. She still can't believe that she'll be meeting Pie's mom sooner than she had expected.

"Are you really planning to be in a relationship with me and keep hiding from my mom?" asked Pie.

"It's not like that, Pie," said Kim, reaching for Pie's hand. "I'm just nervous. I don't want to disappoint her. I don't want to disappoint you."

Pie cupped Kim's cheek with her palm. "You won't, okay? Just don't try to act like someone else you're not. You're charming, use that. Charm your way up to get my mom."

A relieved smiled curved on Kim's lips as she exhaled a sigh. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Can we stay here for five more minutes?"

"Unfortunately, we can't, Kim," said Pie, fixing her bag. "Unless you want to get in trouble by giving my mom an idea that the reason we arrived late is because we woo-hoo, then I guess we could stay here even for thirty minutes more."

"What! We didn't do that!"

Pie laughed. "But the longer we stay here the more she'll get an idea about it. So, let's go out now, okay?"

Kim knew there's no way out now. She finally nodded.

---

The house is brighter inside now compared to the last time Kim visited. All the curtains were opened, giving the place a lively aura. Kim smelled something cooking in the kitchen and got nervous when Pie dragged her there.

"Mom!"

Kim saw a slim figure who turned around to greet her daughter with a smile.

"Hey, dear, I missed you," Pie's mom said, kissing her cheek.

Seeing the older lady made Kim realize where Pie had gotten all her charms. And to be honest, they look more like sisters than mom and daughter.

Pie wrapped her arms around her mom's waist. "I missed you too. I'm sorry for the unplanned sleepover last night."

"Is there anything else I can do? I guess I'd have to get used to you sleeping over somebody's place more often now, huh," Pie's mom said, glancing over Kim.

Pie went over to Kim to drag her closer. "Mom, this is Kim. And, Kim, meet my mom."

Pie's mom raised an eyebrow while staring at Kim.

Kim gulped at that. Now she's certain where Pie got her snobbishness. The lady in front of her is the queen of terror. She doesn't know what to say so she held her hand out for a handshake.

"Uh... h-hi... ma'am..."

Unknown to the two youngsters, Pie's mom is holding a knife in her right hand, which she put down on the counter beside Kim to shake hands.

"So, we finally meet, Kimhan."

Kim swallowed down a lump in her throat and forced a smile. "It's... it's nice to meet you, ma'am..."