The Mom

Faye's POV

Currently, I'm staying at the living room waiting for Brianna finish taking a hot shower.

I can't stop thinking about what the woman told me.

What if she's really right? What if Brianna is becoming less and less of an angel? Is that even a good thing? Surely, the Heavens will not like the idea of losing an angel, right?

The door to the bathroom opened revealing Brianna who is now freshly showered.

"You seem to be in deep thoughts," she noticed.

"A bit."

I can't hide anything from her anymore, right? Do I ask about it?

"Where's your friend?"

"Colleague," I corrected. "She went back to watch over Edgar. She can't let him escape without getting the payment."

"Oh..." She furiously dried her hair with the towel. "What are these 'payments' for? It's so weird. The concept is so weird."

"You really don't remember?"

She didn't answer immediately. Probably to think about it again.

I crossed my fingers. Please, let her remember. Even just a little bit. Maybe her memory is just taking a while to return completely.

She shook her head, "I really got nothing. It's a new concept for me."

"I see..." I disappointingly said.

"Why do you sound so glum? It's not a big deal. I maybe forgetting things because I am in a human body."

She's right. That's probably it.

"Or amnesia because you got into an accident."

"That too. Let's wait for it and maybe it'll come back to me. Meanwhile," she sat beside me and took her book from the table. "Be quiet and let me study."

I let her lean herself between my legs. This position allowed me to hug her and rest my chin over her shoulders. I watched her fingers as they drag along the words printed on the pages of the book.

If she is really forgetting things, what will the consequences be?

Somehow, remembering the cruelty of the Heavens scares me. I don't know what kind if punishment they will bestow on us again if Brianna did completely forget how to be an Angel.

After an hour of studying, Brianna yawned.

"Tired already?" I brushed her hair to the back and kissed her neck.

"A little bit." She closed she was reading and returned it on top of the table. "Unless..."

"Unless?"

She positioned herself to face me.

"What are you planning now, Miss Brianna Cho?"

She chuckled. She pulled me by the collar of my shirt and kissed me.

I know there are more pressing matters at hand but I cannot stop myself either.

I helped her removed my jacket and shirt without breaking the kiss between us.

I also helped her with her own clothes.

"I thought you're unfamiliar with this," I said.

"You're a good teacher." She pushed me back on the sofa and traced my skin with her hand.

--

We both panicked when we heard the front door unlocking.

We just finished doing that and was just resting when we heard footsteps stopping outside the condo.

Quickly, I rushed to get my clothes and hid in Brianna's room. While secretly listening to her conversation with her mom, I wore my clothes.

"Yeah, I was just studying the whole day," Brianna said.

"I brought croissants. I passed by this bakery." Her mom said. She sniffed the air, "is it just me or our place smells a bit musky?"

Brianna took awhile to answer, "I don't know what you're talking about."

The mom's footsteps got quieter as she reached her room. A few moments later, Brianna entered the room.

She breathed in relief, "that was so close."

I nodded. "We need to be more careful next time."

"I don't understand. She usually comes late. It's just five in the afternoon."

"Maybe she got got off early from work?"

"Or she broke up with her boyfriend."

"Your mom is in a relationship?"

"I assume so-"

The door in Brianna's room swung open revealing a very tensed mother.

"Brianna Cho, explain yourself!"

I was frozen on my spot and so was Brianna.

"M-mom..." Brianna stuttered.

"Aren't you the woman from before?" She glared at me.

"Y-yes," I answered. So, she remembered that day?

"Why are you here? Are you here to make my daughter cry again?"

"Mom, stop." Brianna tried to push her mom out of the room.

"No, I had enough. I am tired of letting people shout at me or be easy on me because I am too nice. I am not nice. Not when my daughter is hurt."

"Really, mom? Now? You're acting this way now?"

"Why? Shouldn't I?"

"When I was bullied in 1st grade, you apologized to my bully! TO MY BULLY! As part of the deal, you transferred me to another school! When your boss fired you to replace you with a younger candidate, you lowered your head down and just accepted instead of fighting for your rights! The reason why that company was successful is because of you! There are other instances, mom. And you were silent. Now, you want to fight?"

Her mom was too stunned to speak, "Brianna..."

"No, I don't want to hear anymore excuse. This is Faye. She's my girlfriend. That's it. Yes, we just had sex in the living room the reason why it smells weird. Yes, she's sleeping in my room."

Her mom's mouth just fell open.

I just remained quiet. I don't want to add fuel to the fire anymore.

"Brianna, I don't mind you being in a relationship but...with another woman?"

"So? What's your problem with it? You're not a Christian. You got no say in this."

"Yes, I am not. But can you imagine what people would say to you when they found out? You cannot have your own kids. It will be lonely. Are you not embarrassed?"

I was hurt when she said that and I am sure that Brianna was also feeling the same way.

"Wow...mom...you're really saying that?"

"Are you a lesbian? Since when? Forget about it. This is too shameful."

"Shameful? For you? Because you have a lesbian daughter?" Brianna crossed her arms together.

"No, for you. I am worried about you!"

"No, you are worried about yourself! If I don't care, why should you care? I love Faye. I don't care if we both have a uterus. I don't care if we can't have a child of our own. We can always adopt. But you," she pointed at her mom. "You are ashamed of me. You cannot have a grandchild of your own. You cannot be proud of me. That's it, right?"

"Stop putting words into my mouth, Brianna."

Brianna shook her head. She turned to me with tears forming in her eyes. "Let's get out of here."

I cannot decline that so I nodded. I pulled Brianna's hand and went out of the apartment.

"Give me my daughter back!" Her mom shouted through the hallway.

As soon as we turned to the corner, I teleported as to a different place.