Tiffany panted for she had been running here and there for the past half an hour ago, searching for her only daughter. She took a glance at her wristwatch for the umpteenth time, ensuring that her daughter should have been indeed sent back from her elementary school since an hour ago. But the question now was where she was? She had gone to the nearby park where kids usually played at, the ice cream stall which located not far from home and surely her school, and still, her daughter wasn’t there.

“Where would she be? I am worried. Her teacher said she had walked home with… Wait! That troublesome neighbor!” The light bulb appeared above her head. She quickly ran back to her car and drove to that certain place where her daughter would be.

“I am so gonna scold that jobless woman! I have told her not to bother with my daughter! Ugh!” Tiffany growled inside her head. Fortunately, the distance from her daughter’s school to her home wasn’t that far which also meant not far from her neighbor’s home that accidentally was only a step away from her house.

Tiffany made a stop in front of her house, parking her house neatly before she climbed down the car and walked to the house right beside her house. Yes, the neighbor Tiffany complained about lived just beside her house. Tiffany tried controlling her breath while pressing the bel harshly and surely, repeatedly.

“Wait! You don’t really have to press it that hard you know! I can hear you loud and clear!” The voice came from inside. Tiffany ignored the voice, still wearing the firm and angry expression.

“How can I? Oh, it’s you.” The woman stopped talking once she had a sight of who her guest was.

“Where is my daughter?!” Tiffany stomped her foot and barged in without waiting for the owner of the house to let her in. After all, they had known each other for a little over a year even though at the same time, they were never in good condition.

“You can at least be nice, neighbor. I haven’t even invited you in.” The woman calmly said while following Tiffany inside.

“I wouldn’t even walk into your house if not by force. Now, where is my daughter, Taeyeon?!” Tiffany stopped in the kitchen room when she hadn’t found her daughter anywhere.

“Look! I never forced your daughter to come into my house, alright? She went here nicely and said she wanted to play with Amber. I am just being a nice mother to my daughter and yours so I let them play together. They are upstairs by the way. Wait here, I will summon them.” Taeyeon explained, trying to press her anger down. However, two angry persons wouldn’t solve anything, would they?

“Good. I will just wait here. Go get them quickly.” Tiffany crossed her arms on her chest, showing how she didn’t want to do the work and that she wasn’t on the wrong page in this matter.

“Meanwhile, you can treat yourself a drink or snacks that you can get inside the freezer.” Taeyeon nodded and stated.

“No need to. I don’t want to trouble you.“ Tiffany nonchalantly said.

“Whatever pleases you.” Taeyeon shrugged and walked past Tiffany, directing herself to ascend the stairs and call for her daughter along with Tiffany’s daughter.

Tiffany looked around the house while waiting for Taeyeon. All she knew that Taeyeon was a widow and jobless at the moment. Her husband had died not long after Amber was born due to incurable sickness. What sickness it was, Tiffany didn’t really remember. Taeyeon lived from the inheritance of her husband after his leaving. It was said that her husband’s insurance money was quite big and maybe that’s why Taeyeon didn’t need to work. The information actually wasn’t valid since she heard it from mouth to mouth. But well when you’re living in such a neighborhood, who else could you trust if not your gossiping neighbors right?

Tiffany went to the living room and saw there was a big widescreen TV along with a leather couch which Tiffany estimated wouldn’t cost less than a million won. The TV was also completed with high tech speakers. The rug that covered the floor also looked expensive. Tiffany tilted her head and saw several paintings decorating the wall. Tiffany was never a person who understood art but she judged the paintings too would cost Taeyeon a lot. Unfortunately, Tiffany didn’t have enough time to explore all areas since Taeyeon and her daughter had come down.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” Krystal, Tiffany’s daughter approached her mother.

“I should be the one asking you. What are you doing here? Why didn’t you directly come home?” Tiffany raised one of her eyebrows and asked her daughter.

“I went home but you weren’t there so I came to Auntie Taeyeon’s house.” Krystal answered with a low voice, feeling afraid of her mother.

“I was home the whole day, Krystal. Maybe I was in the bathroom when you knocked and you didn’t wait long enough until I had done.” Tiffany sighed.

“Hello, Auntie Tiffany!” Another voice joined. It was Amber’s voice, Taeyeon’s daughter.

“And I see you’re still with your abnormal style, Amber. You are a woman. Why would you dress like a man, huh? You could be-“

“Stop right there, Tiffany. She is still a kid. You shouldn’t say such things in front of her.” Taeyeon butted in and frowned. She didn’t like.. wait scratch that. She hated when someone else indirectly called her daughter abnormal.

“What, I am just stating the truth. She’s only 10 and yet she already behaves and dresses as a man does. If you don’t want her to end up being a.. umm.. different, you should teach her how to be a proper woman. Before it’s too late if you know what I mean.” Tiffany said.

“She is my daughter. I have the full right in deciding how I want to educate her. How she will end up and who she will like is none of your business.” Taeyeon raised her voice a little bit.

“I’ve heard that you never once close with a guy since the departure of your late husband. People said you don’t like men anymore. I don’t really care about that but I just hope you wouldn’t let your daughter become like you as well.” Tiffany kept on rambling, ignoring the dark expression of Taeyeon.

“ENOUGH! You are too much! If you don’t have more business here, I advise you to get out of my house!” Taeyeon screamed and it shocked everyone in the room, including their children.

“Mom.” Amber hid behind Taeyeon’s back, squeezing Taeyeon’s shirt.

“Tch. Fine. I want to go home anyway. Let’s go Krystal.” Tiffany wrapped her hand on her daughter’s hand and dragged her to the front door.

“By the way, Amber. Stop playing with Krystal okay? I don’t like you being too close to her.” Tiffany stopped right before the door and turned around. She gave a devil smirk to Amber before continued walking outside. Taeyeon immediately slammed the door once Tiffany had out of her house.

“Mom, are you alright?” Amber walked behind Taeyeon, feeling worried about her mother. Never once she saw Taeyeon yell to anyone like that. Taeyeon whom she knew would never raise her voice like that. Taeyeon was a very kind and patient person. She was nice to everyone, well maybe except to Tiffany.

“I am fine, darling. Ignore what Tiffany said earlier, okay? is sharper than a knife. Just forget whatever words she spat from her dirty mouth.” Taeyeon got herself a beer and gulped it. She hoped by doing that could calm her anger and slightly fix her mood.

“It’s alright, Mom. I know what she was trying to say. She practically called me gay, didn’t she?” Amber climbed the stool and sat on it.

“Amber.” Taeyeon was surprised by her daughter’s statement. She put down the can of beer and stared at Amber with a shocked expression.

“I know I am different, Mom. I thought it’s a phase at first. I always feel uncomfortable wearing woman’s clothes. It just feels weird in me. I too don’t like to have long hair because it’s troublesome. I hate seeing my hair being formed in a ponytail or such. It’s a sign that I am gay, right?” Amber smiled a little and asked her mother.

“You are maybe gay or you are maybe not gay. What difference would it make? It wouldn’t change the fact that you are my daughter, sweetheart.” Taeyeon walked to Amber and stood in front of her.

“I love you no matter what or who you are. You are maybe still underage but you already understand how different you are from other girls of your age. I am so proud of you. Whom you will be in love with is yours to decide. Be it a woman or a man, I wouldn’t be in your way. As long as that person can make you happy, I will accept her or him.” Taeyeon smiled and ruffled Amber’s hair.

“I love you so much, Mom!” Amber jumped down and hugged Taeyeon.

“I love you too, baby.” Taeyeon patted Amber’s back.

“But one thing I don’t understand.” Amber suddenly said.

“Hmm?” Taeyeon withdrew and went to the freezer, retrieving the bucket of chocolate ice cream for her and Amber.

“Why did you let people think negatively of you?” Amber asked.

“What do you mean?” Taeyeon grabbed two tablespoons and gave one to Amber. She opened the ice cream container and put it in the middle so Amber too could reach it.

“I often hear people talking about you badly, Mom. They said that you’re a widow and your husband is dead because of sickness. They also spoke that you are jobless and we both can live well up to now from your husband’s life insurance inheritance. None of it is true, Mom!” Amber protested. She disliked how people badmouthed about her mother when Taeyeon was nothing but an angel in her eyes. She didn’t know what she would have become if Taeyeon wasn’t there to save her.

“Which one is not true?” Taeyeon smiled and responded casually. She took a full spoon of ice cream and it.

“You are not a widow. You’re not even married yet.” Amber whined.

“Correct. What else is there?”

“You are not jobless. You are a famous author with an artificial identity which means we can live well today because of what you have written so far. Your books always sold well and become the number one bestseller. You have lots of money to be spent and we can even go around the world yet you would still have lots of money.” Amber exclaimed.

“Hmm.. You are right in a way. Is it all?”

“No! Lastly, I am not your real daughter. I am just a girl who you took from an orphanage. You have saved my life and even become my guardian angel. You have a heart of gold for allowing me to call you mother.” Amber started to tear up. She would easily cry whenever she was reminded of her not too good past.

Her orphanage was on the verge of bankruptcy because fewer people had enough kindness to make donations for the orphanage where she used to live in. The owner declared her lost soon and admitted she had only few money to be spent on the kids. Therefore, they sent their remaining employees to find potential people who would be willing to take the kids with them. There were only 3 kids left, including her. Amber had lost hope when Taeyeon came in and took her in. It occurred around 2 years ago yet it was still fresh in Amber’s memories. They moved out of their old place and Taeyeon bought a bigger house which coincidentally located just beside Tiffany’s house.

“This one is not correct. You are my daughter, Amber. You may come out not from my womb but I treat you and love you like my own daughter so don’t you dare to call yourself an orphan anymore, okay? You have a parent, a mother and that person is me.” Taeyeon put down her spoon and leaned in to kiss Amber’s forehead.

“Yes, Mom.” Amber smiled when Taeyeon brushing her tears. She could see sincere love in Taeyeon’s eyes and she was more than sure that Taeyeon indeed lover her like her own daughter.

“But I have two questions left, Mom~”

“Why are you so talkative today?” Taeyeon chuckled.

“One. Why does Auntie Tiffany hate us so much? I mean, we never do bad things to her, don’t we? Is it wrong for me to want to befriend her daughter? I swear I don’t have any odd feelings for Krystal. I only treat her as a normal friend, Mom.” Amber seriously said.

“Well.. Who knows. She is just weird that way. Maybe she has a thing with different people like us. Nevertheless, her hatred for us doesn’t cost us a thing, right? So why would you bother? Regarding you and Krystal hmmm.. Like I have said, I won’t forbid you to befriend anyone, including Krystal. I can see that she is a good girl. You said she is smart too, right?” Taeyeon halted. Amber nodded her head to answer the question.

“You could say you don’t have any weird feelings for her, but how about Krystal’s feelings for you? Are you sure your manliness doesn’t attract her in any way?” Taeyeon smirked, teasing her daughter.

“Yaah, Mom~ How would I know?” Amber blushed.

“Then that’s the answer. Her mother is simply afraid that her daughter would like you and officially become gay. Imagine how embarrassed she would be if it turns out that Krystal is the one who has different feelings for you? Ha! Her expression would worth a million to be seen!” Taeyeon laughed while clapping her hands.

“Well if that happens then I am not so sure anymore. I mean, Krystal is kind of attractive don’t you think?” Amber scratched her not so itchy neck.

“And I thought someone just said she didn’t have odd feelings for her friend~” Taeyeon chuckled.

“What is your second question then?” Taeyeon propped her chin using her hand and moved her head forward, toward Amber.

“Are you really gay?” Taeyeon gulped, feeling regret asking the question.                

“Have you ever seen me in a relationship with a woman before?” Taeyeon raised one of her eyebrows.

“Never. But then again, I never once saw you bringing someone home. Someone who’s not Auntie Sunny of course since she is your cousin.” Amber tapped her chin cutely, trying to look serious when she’s still a kid.

“Then you already have your answer.”

“It’s been 2 years since I lived here, Mom. Does it mean you never have someone during that time?” Amber pried.

“You’re still too young to talk about a romantic relationship, Amber. Now go upstairs and do your homework. I will prepare dinner for you.” Taeyeon chuckled and walked around the kitchen island to pinch Amber’s cheek playfully.

“You are no fun.” Amber pouted.

“But promise me one thing, Mom!” Amber suddenly said.

“What is it?”

“You have to tell me when you already find someone, be it a woman or man.” Amber said.

“Yes, big baby. I promise you.” Taeyeon smiled.

“Pinky promise!!” Amber added.

“Fine fine. Pinky promise~”

Taeyeon was right when she said Amber was too young to talk about the romantic relationship, moreover to acknowledge further about her preference. Was she gay? Was she normal? Actually, Taeyeon herself wasn’t able to answer the question. That’s why she tried to make a diversion. She had a girl crush back when she was still in high school but then again she too ever had a relationship with men. Did it mean that she’s bi? Taeyeon mentally shrugged and got herself busy, starting to cook for dinner.

---

“Mom~” Krystal sneaked into Tiffany’s room and found her mother reading a novel.

“Yes?” Tiffany looked up.

“Can I come in?” Krystal politely asked for her mother’s permission. Different from Taeyeon and Amber's relationship which was more like best friends, Krystal and Tiffany's relationship was truly like a mother and daughter. Krystal respected Tiffany as her mother. They were close but not to the point where they could act casually as friends did.

“Sure, sweetheart.” Tiffany smiled. She put her novel on the table beside the bed and patted the unoccupied space beside her.

“Where is Dad?” Krystal asked.

“He just called, saying he would come home late. His subordinate couldn’t go to work so he has to work two shifts for today.” Tiffany replied. Her husband was a doctor so it’s normal if he sometimes had to dedicate his time more to work. People’s life was at stake and Tiffany was proud of her husband’s occupation.

“Like usual.” Krystal mumbled.

“What do you want to talk with me, hmm?” Tiffany asked. She knew there were times she wished he could make more time for family, moreover since Krystal was still a child where she needed her father’s role and existence in her life.

“Oh. It’s about our neighbor, Mom.” Krystal’s words changed Tiffany’s expression.

“Why do you hate Auntie Taeyeon so much? She never does something bad to us, Mom.” Krystal was oblivious with Tiffany’s sour expression.

“I don’t hate her.”

“But you were so angry earlier. You said rude things to Auntie Taeyeon, Mother and it’s not a good thing to say. Why did you insult her that far?” Krystal frowned.

“Come here.” Tiffany carefully lifted Krystal and made her sit on her lap.

“You still remember Auntie Bora right?”

“She’s the one living across our house. Am I right, Mother?”

“Yes, you are. She said it’s not good to be too close with Taeyeon. People often talk about bad things about her. They say Taeyeon was a loner and look like a good woman when she is not. She earns money not in a good way. People say, she often goes out after midnight while asking her cousin to take care of her daughter.” Tiffany explained but not too specific, knowing who’s the one she was talking to.

“How does it relate with Auntie Taeyeon being a bad person, Mother? Maybe she goes out to buy medicines or to meet up with friends?” Krystal reasoned out innocently.

“No no. It doesn’t work like that, baby. Look, you are still a kid. There are many things you don’t understand. In short, people who go out from home after midnight usually aren’t good people. Do you understand me?” Tiffany ran her fingers through Krystal’s shoulder-length hair.

“Alright, Mom. But she is very nice to me. She always gives me delicious food when I’m playing at her house. And… Why did you call her different and why it’s better if Amber didn’t become her as well? What is wrong with Auntie Taeyeon, Mother?” Tiffany clasped her face and hit her head mentally. She forgot she had said improper words in front of her daughter who was very polite and innocent.

“About that.. Sighed. just forget what I said, okay? It’s nothing. The thing is, don’t get too close with Amber do you hear me? You can see yourself that her style is far from a normal woman. She cut her hair as a man does and she also doesn’t behave as a woman does. She is not good for you.” Tiffany hugged her daughter from behind, letting Krystal’s back to lean on her chest.

“But I think that’s what makes her look so cool like a handsome Oppa!” Krystal said too excitedly.

“No means no, Krystal!” Tiffany’s firm words got the little girl to shut up .

“But-“

“No buts. I prefer you to play with boys for real. At least they are indeed men, not an artificial one.” Tiffany said in a calmer tone.

“Just remember that I am your mother. I wouldn’t advise you to do anything that would only bring you bad luck, sweetheart. Whatever I say or try to get you to do is for your own good, for your bright future.” Tiffany kissed the top of Krystal’s head and helped the kid to turn her body so she could see her.

“I know, Mom.” Krystal smiled weakly.

“Good. Now, have you done your homework?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Okay. Let’s go to your room so I can check your answers.” Tiffany climbed down the bed first before reaching out her hand to her daughter. They walked hand in hand to Krystal’s room.

Tiffany didn’t know that deep inside, Krystal was disappointed with Tiffany’s accusation and decision about her friend. Why would her mother believe in Auntie Bora so much when it’s clear that Taeyeon wasn’t that kind of person? Further, Tiffany was also clueless with the fact that actually if not because of Amber, maybe she would have still being bullied by the naughty boys at school.

---

It’s been a week since that event where Tiffany barged in and embarrassed Taeyeon by saying rude things to her along to her daughter, Amber. Since then, Tiffany put her eagle eyes to monitor Krystal all the time. She would always be on time in driving Krystal to school and picking her up immediately after the bell rang. It didn’t give any chance for Krystal to be seen with Amber. She could only play and chat with her during school time when Tiffany wasn’t there.

Different from the possessive mother slash Tiffany, Taeyeon was still giving Amber free time. Amber said she was big enough to go to school alone. Besides, the school was not that far. Taeyeon agreed with Amber’s request and let the young girl go back and forth alone. Sometimes when Taeyeon wanted to invite Amber somewhere fun like a mall or park, Taeyeon would fetch Amber from school, making her wanted it or not have to meet eyes with Tiffany. Today was a day where Taeyeon fetch Amber from school.

“Why are you here, Mom?” Amber asked once she had a sight of Taeyeon in front of the school gate.

“Someone is not happy to see her mother coming and pick her up.” Taeyeon smiled and bent her body a little to kiss Amber’s cheek.

“I don’t have a good mood today. I am sorry.” Amber smiled a little.

“Are you sure only today? It’s been a week since the last time I caught a sincere smile appear on your face.” Taeyeon helped Amber to bring her bag and walked to the parking area.

“It’s nothing, Mom.” Amber sighed heavily.

“It’s because of her, isn’t it?” Taeyeon hinted to Amber. The young woman looked up and tilted her head a bit. She saw Tiffany and Krystal walking hand in hand toward Tiffany’s red car.

“Kind of. I mean, why can’t she give Krystal more freedom like how you do toward me? It’s not like our school is unreachable by foot or something.” Amber groaned and walked first to Taeyeon’s car.

“Don’t be grumpy or you’ll get older faster.” Taeyeon said playfully.

“She’s just being insecure, Amber. She obviously doesn’t want you to be seen together with Krystal anymore.” Taeyeon unlocked the door by pressing the alarm key.

“I know, Mom. What did I do wrong? I never once hurt Krystal! I care for her a lot but her mother. Ugh! I hate her!” Amber retorted with an annoyed expression.

“Be patient, honey. Don’t you have any other friends besides Krystal?” Taeyeon smiled. She helped her daughter to put her safety belt on.

“Of course I have! But.. It’s just different.” Again, Amber sighed.

“Do you really like playing with Krystal?” Amber weakly nodded.

“Alright then. I will find a way so you could play with her again soon, okay?”

“Really Mom???” Amber quickly looked up. Her frown was replaced by a wide smile. Taeyeon was happy seeing her daughter’s smile back no matter how impossible her promise was.

“Yes.” Taeyeon smiled along. She would do anything for Amber, including making unreasonable dreams become reality.

“Yeaay!! Thank you, Mom! Where are we going today?” Amber leaned in and kissed Taeyeon’s left cheek.

“Let’s have lunch outside. I don’t feel like cooking today. Besides, Auntie Sunny wouldn’t come home until Sunday.” Taeyeon said.

“Can we have Japanese food today then? I want ramen!” Yep, Amber surely sounded much happier than before. Taeyeon sighed mentally, trying to rack her brain to find out ways to crumble Tiffany’s wall. After all, Tiffany disliked her from the start. Why? She too didn’t have any idea about it.

---

“Oii!” Sunny talked right inside Taeyeon’s ear. The poor woman was startled and almost fell down from the dining chair.

“YAH! What’s that for?!”

“For daydreaming in the morning of course. I don’t have a morning shift today so I would leave to work this afternoon instead. Mind to spare what’s inside your dusty brain?” Sunny placed her freshly brewed coffee in front of Taeyeon.

“I’m just thinking. Thanks’ for the coffee.” Taeyeon smiled.

“Duh! I can see it as well that you’re thinking. But, what are you thinking about? If it’s related to love life then I am more than ready to hear it!” Sunny giggled and sat across Taeyeon.

“Nah. It’s about Amber.”

“What about her? I see her grade is okay as usual and she too has a brighter mood nowadays even though I don’t know what caused it.” Sunny sipped her own coffee. Taeyeon often gave her allowance for taking care of Amber so she didn’t really care about her salary from work.

“It’s not that.” Taeyeon then told the complete story about Tiffany being Krystal’s daughter and how it related to Amber one way or another.

“Uhm.. So the problem is how to make Tiffany like you right?” Taeyeon sighed and nodded her head albeit weakly.

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