[This takes place on April 24th, 2015]

Kaida took a deep breath, and walked into the restaurant, the maitre’d guiding her to the correct table. And she slid into the seat across from the woman that had been at the table.

“You wanted to see me Mama?” Dr. Kazuko Courcel looked up from the menu, her gaze like cold ocean water. It wasn’t hard to see where Kaida got the ice when she was less than amused.

“I did. We’ll eat first. What I have to talk to you about is not pleasant, and I’d rather we didn’t get into yet another argument. Both of us are more agreeable after eating.” The younger woman nodded, not wanting to get into another match of sharp words and hurt feelings either. Drinks were ordered, and menus were perused as mother and daughter talked.

“So I have a date.”

“Good. What is he like? Not another one like your last, I hope?”

“No. Albert...he’s not like that. He’s sweet. And a bit silly. And he wears kitten sweaters.” She giggled. “I first saw him because his brother dragged him to one of my shows, and then he was giving a guest lecture at HITS.” That had Kazuko looking up in slight confusion.

“Really? On what? How old is he?” All of a sudden, Kaida felt awkward, giving her mother a nervous smile. Why was it that her mother always made her feel...off-balance?

“Robotics. He’s uhm...almost 40. He has kids around my age. But...Mama, he’s just...he’s smart! He’s smart, and loves books as much as me, and he’s cute, and he’s just…” She couldn’t help how the nervousness fled her smile, and her eyes lit up. “Albert’s amazing, Mama. I’m hoping this works out.” Her black-haired mother didn’t look convinced.

“Kaida, how do you know he isn’t just using you? After that last boy…” The woman snorted. “I still wouldn’t mind leaving him to suffer if something broke out, if it weren’t for the morality of it.” Kaida groaned.

“Mother! While I’d love to castrate the boy myself, he has nothing to do with Albert. Mama, I’m twenty-one. I’m capable of making my own decisions. Hell, I’m a far better judge of people than I was when I was a teenager. Albert is a good man.” She took a deep breath, changing the subject before her mother could continue on her tirade.

“I also have a new housemate. A friend of mine named Abby. Rent was going up, and her roommates bailed on her, so we found the perfect little solution. She and Yuki are the worst, I tell you. The snark just never ends now.” Kazuko let her change the subject, nodding.

“Good.” More chattering was done as their drinks were brought out, and food was ordered and then enjoyed. What Kazuko’s lab was working on at the moment, what shenanigans had been going on in the Courcel household, what stupidity the Lowe-Eichmann duo had gotten themselves into. It was...nice.

And then the other shoe dropped.

“I want you to come home, Kaida.” Pale eyes narrowed at Kazuko.

“No. I’m doing this on my own. I’m doing well.” Her mother shook her head, lips pursed in a tight line before she spoke again.

“It’s not about how well you’re doing. It’s about how dangerous the city is getting. Has gotten. I don’t want to risk you being the next missing person. The next girl dead in an alley. You strip for a living, Kaida, you keep strange hours...how am I to know you won’t be the next one gone!” The blonde took a deep breath, then shook her head and stood up, leaving money for her part of the bill.

“We’re not doing this today, Mama. I can’t come home. I can’t. One day, I’ll explain it to you, but I can’t right now. I just...can’t. I...I can visit for dinner next week, though.” And with that, she left, shaking her head.

Her mother just wouldn’t learn, would she?

[Word Count: 668, according to Google Docs]