As We Sin

•M O J A•

I only got one person in this world. Me.

Tight smiles, scornful eyes, sweet lies, and bittersweet betrayals were a common in Tau's life. Coming from a broken home is unfortunate but it taught her a few things though. To keep her heart was cold; never opening for any man. She would never make that foolish mistake again.

Seated around the dinner table she and her relatives religiously held a dinner party at, she wasn't her usual sombre and aloof self. Hell, she was dressed for the nines.

Her beauty was not what astounded those who knew her intimately. Although her backless dress embraced her honeycomb tanned figure with such elegance, that even the old bag of bones she called grandmother was pleased by her appearance. It was her smile and outwardly confidence. Her relatives were in utter gratitude of her overwhelming positivity.

Her mother, however, was cautious.

On one hand, it's been a while since she's seen her daughter's bubbly smile. On the other hand, she knows it means trouble. Her daughter has a sadistic side to her. A side she involuntarily created with her neglect. Undine's daughter only ever wore that smile when she was thinking up something big.

The bigger the smile. The bigger the trouble.

This time her full lips were coated with deep red lipstick, white teeth shimmering in the dimly room. It was the type smile that gave the Cheshire Cat a run for his money.

Ominous yet alluring.

Innocent yet devious.

Tau could feel her mother's wary aura from a mile away. It didn't surprise her though; her mother always spoiled her fun. Undine's mood matched her dress, Tau thought. Both were so blue

"Tau, come here." Undine commanded, interrupting Tau's lively conversation with her cousins.

However, forever the stubborn teenager, Tau ignored her mother's calls. Making those around her jittery. The small sign of public display of disrespect to your parents would raise the brows of people.

A silent battle of wills to place between mother and child. Eyes locked on, daring one another to look away before Undine sighed, defeated.

"Of course, mother," Tau replied, "it's not like I was doing anything."

The light gibe her daughter said did not shock her, there of course laid animosity between them.

Her mother led her away to a secluded area in the living room.

Undine turned to her daughter and asked, "Tau darling, what has got you in such a good mood?"

Tau tilted her head to the side with her brows furrowed yet with a little-too-innocent grin on her lips, "Whatever do you mean, mother?"

Undine narrowed her eyes and replied. "I mean, you never attend these dinners without me begging you and when you do attend, you're in a foul mood. Now here you are, passing like an actor who has just won an Oscar."

Tau laughed at her mother's statement, drawing a bit of attention to them. Tau calmed down, but only a little, grinning she said, "Trust me, Undine, you'll soon find out."

"I pray to the Lord Almighty, you didn't―"

"Oh, calm yourself, Undine," Tau uttered, interrupting her, "this time, whatever happens, has nothing to do with me."

"...okay...it better not," her mother, mumbled before walking away.

Tau stood alone in silence, as she watched as her extended family interact with each other. She didn't even like most of them, the only reason she was there is because of unexpected luck today and of course her mother's pleading.