The day went on without any major issues. Since it was the students first day back, each class consisted only of review. No new material to learn – Mina was very thrilled by that discovery. After school she excused herself from practice, but not before apologizing profusely to her best friend for leaving him with all of her belongings. The vice-captain agreed to accept the apology if she bought him a pastry from Cake Cake Café. Her natural response was – that could easily be arranged! Her mood was expectantly elevated, between making-up with Oikawa and the nationals preliminary around the corner, there was much to celebrate! Although celebrating would be momentarily paused, as she needed to schedule a quick nap before her boyfriend arrived. Seijoh's practice would end by 7pm, meaning he would arrive somewhere between 7:45 and 8. Thus, she set the alarm for 6pm, leaving her enough time to clean up the house and complete a bit of homework before his arrival. As expected, she received a text from him a few minutes past seven.
'Practice just finished. Can't wait to see you!' She had to giggle at the emoji he attached – one sticking out its tongue. It reminded her of his signature – 'oops I messed up smile'.
'If you can't wait to see me, how about get here already?' After adding a grinning emoji, she pressed sent, wearing a similar beam herself.
'I'll be there before you know it.'
Her heart missed a beat involuntarily in anticipation. This boy did things to her, oh yes he did.
"He's going to be the end of me." She mumbled to herself, swiping a palm down her face.
At half past seven the doorbell rang, removing Mina's attention from the math equitation she was dreading to complete. She was pleasantly surprised by his early arrival, and instinctively jumped onto her feet and began padding down the hallway towards the front door.
The excitement flooding her system had instantly drained as she observed who was at the door. It took all the courage in the world to open the door for the one person who could miraculously fill her with emptiness the second she appeared.
"Mina." The older woman offered a smile, holding out her arms for an embrace that would not occur. "My sweet daughter."
Sylvie Beauvais – Mina's mother – was someone who had many potential suitors from a young age until now. Mina had received her delicate features from her mother, but in her mind, her mother always appeared more docile. That was what attracted men to her. However, none of them stayed when they uncovered the truth behind the passive exterior. She was selfish. Her desires would always outweigh her morals. She had weaponized her doll-like visage to attain whatever goal she had set for the time-being. The only indication that there was more behind the mask was the dark circles underneath her eyelids, even with concealer they were prominent.
"Why are you here?" Mina inquired flatly, causing Ms. Beauvais to frown.
"Mina, I already told you why. I spoke with your father earlier and I thought it would be best if we met when he was still at work." She had seemed to understand that there would be no heartfelt greeting from her daughter and so her arms returned to her sides. "Will you let me in?"
"Wow, you were being considerate towards someone other than yourself? Colour me shocked." Narrowing her mascara coated eyelids into a glare, the brunette grudgingly stepped aside to make space for her mother to enter. It was only because she didn't want to make a scene in front of the neighbours.
Ms. Beauvais wandered down the hallway to find the living room as if it were her own house. Her movements were incredibly nonchalant, and it was driving Mina insane.
"So, what exactly are you doing here?" The question was targeted at the woman nestling against the couch and swiping on her phone screen.
"I'm meeting with a contact. I told you. He's demonstrated interest in some of my boys. I've arranged a practice game for them tomorrow evening to showcase their skills. I would love for you to come." The older woman paused for a moment, a realization materializing within her mind. "If I'm not mistaken, you dated one of them briefly. Victor Deniaud. He's improved substantially. I know you would be amazed if you saw his serve now."
And there it was – it had only taken five minutes for Mina to uncover what her mother had done now to betray her. When she originally called her, it was a façade, the kindness and formalities. It was to lure her in. But this was who she truly was. A venomous snake.
"You signed Victor? Victor's /here/?" How strange was it that his name used to spoken with love, and now it tasted like poison leaving her mouth.
Ms. Beauvais was visibly startled by her daughter's reaction. But before she could respond, the doorbell rang.
Mina silently turned away from her mother, dragging her feet forcefully to return to the front door. Her mother followed suit, yet maintained a small distance behind.
"Hi Pretty Girl." A large smile was etched onto his features, even after an exhausting day he resembled a prince from a fairy-tale.
"I didn't know you had a boyfriend." Ms. Beauvais cooed from behind, drawing Oikawa's attention to her. The male blinked wide eyes, there was a clear resemblance between the older woman and his girlfriend. Yet he was unsure whether that was her sister or mother.
There were many potential retorts that popped into Mina's head, but she aimed to control her temper for Oikawa's sake.
"Mom. This is Oikawa Toru, my boyfriend." After retreating a step, the mocha haired captain proceeded inside. The tension between the mother and daughter was suffocating, he had never heard about Mina's mother. It seemed to be a forbidden topic and now here she was in the flesh.
"Hello. It is a pleasure to meet you." Despite the odd atmosphere, a smile remained plastered against his lips as he bowed respectfully.
"My mom's here for business. She's a recruiter. She basically helps talented volleyball players find a professional team to join," Since the sudden introduction was one he was unprepared for, Mina thought an explanation would help. "Well, if she thinks you are worth it, that is." A glare was shot towards the older woman, who chose to ignore the clear disrespect from her daughter.
"I do not go by my former husband's last name, so please call me Sylvie. It is a pleasure to meet the man who has swept my daughter off her feet." A sweet smile had graced her lips, whether it was genuine was another question though. "I see that you play volleyball as well." Her eyes travelled to the gym bag hung over his shoulder, inquisitively.
Oikawa noticed his girlfriend twitch at the observation, as much as he wanted to respond out of respect, he was afraid to say the wrong thing and accidentally upset her.
"Yeah mom. He plays for one of the top high schools in Japan. To answer the question, I know you are thinking, yes he is worthy. But he's too good for you." On one hand, Mina had saved him from answering himself. On the other, her snarky response had seemed to push her mother to the end of her patience.
"Oh, Mina. Let it go. How was I to know that you are continuing to hold a grudge against him! It was three years ago. You both are different people now. He's a fantastic player, one that I could not refuse to sign because of your childish grudge." Ms. Beauvais raised a hand to her forehead, pressing her fingers along the line of a hidden vein.
"Childish grudge? He humiliated me and broke my heart. But I guess that's nothing, right. Since you did the same to dad." Liquid clung against her eyelashes, but she refused to allow them to spill. "Come Toru, my mom can see herself out." Reaching out she took possession of his hand before dragging him through the entryway and towards the staircase. Oikawa blinked in confusion, his mind still processing the vulnerability that was exposed just seconds prior. He had never seen her so frazzled. Although he did not completely understand the situation, he found himself also sharing her irritation towards the older woman. When they were half-way up the staircase, Ms. Beauvais broke her silence.
"You and your father are one and the same. Let go of the past Mina, or it will forever control you."
Lifting an arm to her face, she swiftly wiped away the tears beginning to spill.
"Well, I would rather be like him than ever be like you."
A/N: #RudeAssMom #PoorMina #HASHTAG. LOL.