Irreplaceable

Part 8: The Mother

- "Do you think I'll be a good mother?"
He caressed her baby bump and felt a small kick.
- "I don't see a reason why not."
She didn't look convinced.
- "Of course you'll be a good mother," he tried to sound convincing, but it was hard because he wasn't sure that either of them would be very great at parenting. But he wanted to believe. He put his free arm around her waist and pulled her closer for a gentle embrace. She pushed him back.

- "Mihawk," she scolded him. "It's time for dinner."

He sighed and watched as she went to the kitchen.

----

Mihawk wasn't looking forward to seeing her. He hadn't actually seen or talked to Hancock in years, only sent emails telling about their son missing her and how he was growing up. He didn't blame her for leaving, there had been fault in both of them, but he couldn't bring himself to forgive her either. Perona seemed exited though he didn't understand why. She knew of the history, yet she was dressing up Zoro to his finest and she too looked like she was ready for a business meeting, yet she hadn't bothered with make-up. In fact she hadn't worn any after the accident.

- "I don't think this is going to be a very joyous occasion," he sighed as they were getting out of the car at the parking lot of a luxury hotel.
- "Probably, but I still want to try. Maybe she is actually happy to see Zoro." Peronas voice was full of fake hope.

They went pass the counter as had been instructed. Hancock didn't want any extra attention. The lift ride was long and tedious.

- "I do look cute, right?" Perona looked at herself in the mirror, anxiously smoothing her bangs. "Maybe I should have curled my hair." She tried poking any stray hair back into her bun.

None of the questions were truly directed at Mihawk, so he just sighed and held onto Zoros carrier. Zoro looked happy. They had tried telling him what was to come but his attention span wasn't that long yet. Perona patted Mihawk on the arm.

- "Hey don't be nervous. We're a team, Team-Zoro. Horo horo horo!"

Mihawk sighed again though he didn't feel as bad anymore.

----

The corridor was silent and they quickly located the room. The door was opened by a large woman with red hair. She quickly guided them in.

The room was very high end. There was a double bed, sofa and a TV. It was clearly meant for longer stay. Though the lack of bags indicated that Hancock wasn't going to stay long. She laid regal on the sofa and had a stern look on her face. Next to her was sitting another woman with the same green hair as Zoros. Hancocks eyes narrowed when she saw the trio.

- "Hope you do not mind me bringing my sisters with me," she said mockingly.
- "Of course not," Perona quickly answered her slightly shaken by Hancocks presence. "I am Perona the-"
- "Yes, yes. I know who you are." Hancock cut in and stood up. She was a tall and intimidating woman. "I did not come to see you. I could care less for a slapper my son married." She looked down her nose at her.
- "Hancock," Mihawk sounded cold. She gave him a look that could have petrified anyone, but he kept his calm. "We can leave anytime we want."
- "Fine," she huffed. "So what do you want?"
- "To get acquainted with you." Perona was confused by Hancocks hostile demeanor. Almost like a cornered animal. Was she scared of something?
- "Hmph! I just tried to keep it polite in the letter. All I wanted was pictures of my grandson, not meet up with whoever pushed him to this world." But there was a quiver in her words, like she didn't actually mean them. They still made Perona angry.
- "So you didn't actually want to see even him?"
- "True, but you are here now. Congratulations on being so stubborn."
- "Don't be like that sister. You didn't come here to fight, remember. I for one am exited to see my grand-nephew." The woman with the green hair stood, she was even taller than Hancock, but in no way was she scary. "Can I look at him." She walked closer.

Perona instinctly took a step in front of Zoro. The woman looked confused, but then smiled gently.
- "I'm Boa Sandersonia, Hancocks little sister. The red hair over there is Boa Marigold. She's the youngest of us."

- "Sandersonia, step down." Hancocks voice was demanding and full of authority. Sandersonia had no choice, but to back away. This little interaction revealed to Perona why this side of the family had been so absent in the live of her husband. Hancock was undeniably the head of the family. She was extremely intimitading.