This is part II of Syzygy, a story in which a young lady falls in love with her mother.
>>The first chapter can be read here<<
See the end for various notes and trivia.
Chapters in this story
Recall
Waiting in the community center for mom to finish. Got a frozen yogurt and watched music videos in the cafeteria. The workshop ends and people are finally leaving the room. A few people are still lingering when I go in to see her, but she sends them away once she notices me waiting.
“It was nice of you to stop by.”
“I said I would.”
“Yes, but you didn’t attend the workshop, so I figured you weren’t interested.”
“I didn’t feel like being stuck in a cramped room just to learn about stuff I heard of before. I already go to school for that.”
“Well, I’m certain I covered numerous topics that you were unaware of.”
“You could just tell me about it later. At home.”
“Hmm…”
We hug and kiss. She’s so warm and she always smells so nice. We spend a long time like this before the sound of the door opening catches us off guard and we separate. Someone enters the room, saying that they have the room booked next for a conference. I guess we both forgot that this was a completely public place…
Alba says sorry and packs up the last of her things. Before leaving, the person recognizes her and asks for a picture. I have to wait while they talk for a while before we can leave.
On the way home, she tells me more about how her day went. She talks about some of the things she went over in her workshop. I bring up the person that walked in on us before we left. They had no idea that Alba had a daughter and looked so surprised when she introduced me. I thought it was funny. She sighs.
“I was reckless. That could have played out so horrifically if we had reacted any slower.”
“Yeah… That reminds me of when mom almost saw us that one time.”
“Ah, in the music room….”
That was when mom had woken up in the middle of the night and noticed that the light was on in the music room. We were lucky then, too. Mom was too tired and sleepy to notice anything. We had a ton of time to react then. She was annoyed that we were up so late, but happy to know that we were still getting along.
“Wait, are you serious??”
“That’s amazing, honey! I’m proud.”
“When? When does the movie come out?”
“If I’m not mistaken, they’re aiming for a winter release–in time for the holidays.”
“That’ll be nice. We have to go see it together.”
“Of course.”
Alba surprised us with the news that she had been hired as a composer for the upcoming Nutcracker movie. The crew was putting together some sort of behind-the-scenes, “Making of” documentary, so she had also been invited to go out for a retreat in the mountains for the shooting.
“So, when’s the retreat?”
“In three weeks. The two of you are allowed to accompany me during the trip, though a portion of my time will be dedicated to filming for the documentary, as well as working with the director.”
“Will we get to see the Nutcracker??”
“… The Nutcracker isn’t real…”
“Ughh!! I know that!
But… are there any statues? Or life-size cutouts? Anything??“
“I’m not sure. I‘d have to ask.”
“Now that I think about it, it’ll be hard for all of us to be there together at the same time. Solis only has one week of spring break.”
“You could give the school a note so I could stay out longer?”
“No. We can’t.
I’ll also be busy with the shop… but I should be able to join during the last week… Maybe.”
Mom really likes working at the café. I used to get upset thinking about how she gave up on music–that she threw all her talents away. To be honest, I still don’t really get it. I just know that she always looks the happiest when she baking or figuring out stuff for the shop. It really seems to maker her so happy.
Amoret
Azzie’s parents gave me a ride to the resort since mom is busy with the shop all week. Alba worked things out with the front desk. They gave me the key to her room when I arrived so I could let myself in. Connecting rooms. One bed each. Guess I’m supposed to have my own bed, but mom won’t join us until the end of the week, so…
Alba’s belongings are already spread throughout the room. Tidy. I watch TV for a while before she returns to the room. She smiles and gives me a hug. She always smells so nice. I tell her I didn’t wait long. Didn’t mention that I snooped a little and found her underwear. She tells me that she planned on going on a walk to take photos of the scenery and record samples of the nature. She says it’ll help her get a feel of what to do with her compositions.
“The scenery here was used as reference for certain scenes in the movie.”
“Huh. That sounds random.”
”According to the director, the theme of ‘exploration’ plays a large part in the film. Both in the physical, and spiritual sense.”
“Oh! Have you seen it, already?”
”No, but the director provided me with details on how the score will be used throughout the film. I have a vague idea of the characters’ motivations, as well as what happens during certain scenes in the film.”
It sounds annoying. I don’t think I could ever make music about something I’ve never seen or experienced for myself.
Her availability is sporadic over the next few days as she works on the soundtrack or meets with staffers for the shooting of the documentary. When she’s free, she usually prefers to sit and read. I guess this stuff is tiring. One night, I ask her to come with me to the pool. It’s huge and it has a hot tub.
“How are you enjoying your spring break, Solis?”
“It’s nice, I guess.
I like being here. It really feels like we’re… together.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
“I wish it could be like this all the time.”
”… So do I.”
It’s nice to be able to do whatever we want without having to worry about being careful. Even if we aren’t too careful, I don’t think it matters right now, because we’ll never have to face anyone at this resort again.
Andante
“… but we were able to finally wrap things up last night! I’m grateful, but it was such a pain.”
“That was very sweet of her to lend a hand. We should do something nice to return the favor.”
”Definitely. But for now, I’m takin’ it easy.”
Mom finally joined us at the resort now that her sister was able to cover the shop. Mom and Alba ramble about stuff while I’m busy messaging my friends, trying to come up with ideas for the band’s next song. Spring break is almost over. I’ll have to go back soon, but mom and Alba will still get to enjoy the resort together while I’m gone. I’ll have to stay at Azzie’s place until the trip is over.
“Alright, I’m ready for a shower and heading inside. Either of you tired?”
“No.”
“I’ll stay out a little while longer, dear.”
Mom kisses Alba on the forehead before heading back to the room. Alba doesn’t speak to me right away since I’m still busy messaging my friends.
“Are you tired?”
“Only a little.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m alright, I guess.
I kind of miss when we had this place to ourselves.”
“Mm…”
She doesn’t say anything for a while.
“How do you feel? About your mother and I?”
..? About her and mom? I don’t get it.
“I don’t care.”
I shrug, but she’s still looking at me. Waiting for me to continue. She’s patient like that. It’s a little annoying.
“Well… I love you both…. I love both of you...
… and I like that you’re together… but I also like being together with you.
Ugh, it’s weird.”
She’s quiet again, but not in the way where she expects me to speak. She rubs me on the shoulder.
“But I don’t want to stop doing things with you.”
Then she hugs me close. And gives me a kiss.
“I wouldn’t want this to change, either. I like what we have.”
“Yeah… but it’s so weird, too! Arrghh!!”
She laughs.
“Yes, it is strange, but… it’s what makes our relationship special.
I love you, Solis.”
“Love you, too.”
caesura
Solis is back in school. She acted so pouty about having to leave, but she gets to escape her moms and have sleepovers with her little friend for the next week. She’s got nothing to complain about. She’ll be fine.
I’m excited for alone time with Alba. It’s been over a week since we’ve had a chance like this, and I miss her.
“Now may not be the best time, dear. I’m sorry…”
“oh. Alright.”
Disappointing, but oh well.
“Are you alright? Stressed out with all this work stuff? You’re not pushing yourself too hard, are you?”
“No, I’m fine, it’s just… I’m not feeling up for it at the moment. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Just take care of yourself.”
I don’t understand how she couldn’t be in the mood. It’s already been so long… I think the stress of this gig has gotten to her and she’s probably not ready to open up about it yet. I know she will when she’s ready. For now, we lay together, watching reruns of that nutcracker show until we fall asleep.
On another night, I convince Alba to visit the pool with me. I think she could use the relaxation. On the way down, some random person greets us with a whistle and a cheeky smile.
“It’s a good thing I got my soak on before y’all came back down” They say. ” I wouldn’t want to interrupt the two of you again, ehehee~”
“What the hell were they talking about?”
“I-I’m not sure! Perhaps she mistook us for another couple?”
Maybe they were just drunk.
“Having fun? Composing for the movie?”
“You could say that. It’s interesting to create such a… whimsical score.”
“Ahh, so that’s the tone you’re goin’ for. Can’t wait to hear it.”
“Mm… You would have been more suited for a task like this.”
“Nah, you got it honey.”
I would have never accepted the job, even when I was at the height of my musical ‘career’. It was never really my thing. Music is nice and all, but it was only ever a hobby–something fun to do with my friends. We grew up and drifted apart, then my interest in music-making simply fizzled out.
“You know, Solis is just like you.”
“Hm? I don’t think so…”
“Yeah, she is. You both have the same attitude with music. Always so serious about it. She might stick with it–just like you have.”
“I think she holds a lot of your values. She wants to be just like you and have the time of her life with her friends while making music.”
“That’s what she’s trying to do, at least. She’ll figure herself out someday.”
Alba lifts herself out of the pool.
“I think I’ll call it a night. I’m a bit tired.”
“Oh. Want me to head up with you?”
“No, it’s fine. You have the entire pool to yourself. Enjoy it.”
I’d enjoy it a lot better if my gorgeous wife were still with me. I linger for a while until a family comes down to make a splash, then I head back up. I’m caught off guard by what I find when I make it back to the room.
“Oh! You–”
“No! Sorry, I just… got into a certain mood…”
She stops what she was doing, straightens herself up, and puts the phone away.
“Hey, it’s alright. Want me to help you finish?”
“No, no, It’s fine. It was… stupid. I’m just tired. I’m going to sleep.”
“… Alright, then.”
I can’t wait until she’s done with this contract. She’s never been this stressed with a gig before.
In the morning, Alba rushes out to have breakfast with some of the documentary staff. She left her phone in the room and Solis is calling, so I answer it.
“Hey, kid. What’s up?”
“Oh.Mom. What are you doing?”
“Nothin’ much. Think I’m takin’ it easy for the day.”
“Oh, okay… Where’s Alba?”
I wish she got in the habit of calling her “mom”, too.
“She’s busy with the bigwigs, or whatever.
How about you? Did you need somethin’?”
“No. I was just… just calling to see how things were going.”
“Aw, how sweet.”
“When are you coming back?”
“Tomorrow.”
”Okay. Bring me something good. I forgot to look in the souvenir shop.”
“Oh, you reminded me. I would’ve forgotten if you hadn’t mentioned it.
I’ll go down now. Say ‘hi’ to your friend for me.”
“No. Bye.”
May as well go down now before I end up forgetting again.
There’s a lot of cute goodies to bring home, though I can never be sure what the “right choice” is with Solis. I take a few photos of the souvenirs, still using Alba’s phone since I already had it on me. I’ll send them to Solis so she can decide on what she likes best.
I go to text her, but something isn’t right…
These messages. The tone. It isn’t right. This looks like sexting. But it can’t be right.
A video message from Solis… It’s sick… I’m sick to even get a glimpse of my daughter behaving like this. Just a few seconds in and I want to vomit.
It’s disgusting.
When was this? Two nights? Two nights ago? … Is that when I walked in on her?
What in the hell is this??
I can’t stand the thought of seeing her right now. I don’t know what to do, but I know I need time. And wine. I need to think. Figure out how I’m going to handle this. I’m gone for a while. Maybe a few hours. She’s reading in the bed when I return.
It’s fucked up, but I love her. Despite everything, I still want to love her. I don’t know if I can get over this, but I know I can’t throw it all away. So I go to her again.
“No thank you, dear. I’m a bit tired from the day.”
Maybe that’s why I’m pushing so hard. I don’t want everything we built together to crumble. Or maybe I just want to feel like everything is still normal.
“What’s gotten into you? I said no. I’m not interested right now.”
She has the gall to be upset.
“Yeah? But you’ll slick right up for Solis, huh?”
She gasps. Her mouth hangs open, but she doesn’t make any other sound.
“Is that it? Is that why you haven’t been in the mood at all, lately? Because you have your eyes on her??”
“I don’t…”
“Have you been fucking our daughter??”
She’s going to cry.
“Why would you think that?”
“Answer. The. Question.”
And she does cry.
“Honey, What are you doing with her?”
“I’m sorry. Oh god, I am so sorry.”
The tears roll down her cheeks as she begins to sob.
“I am. We’ve… We’ve had… encounters for a while, now.”
“’Encounters’? Jesus fucking Christ, Alba!”
“I am so sorry.”
“Why??”
“It just… happened.”
“Don’t give me that shit.”
“It’s the truth, I swear! It just happened and I… I should have stopped it… I should have put an end to it, but I didn’t…”
”God…”
It’s too much.
“What are you doing!?? With our lives? With our daughter’s life??”
“I’m sorry, Mell!”
I feel her lips on my cheek.
“I want to fix this. We can do whatever you want. Please.”
She keeps kissing me. It’s repulsive.
“Just stop. Cut it out.”
What the hell are we gonna do now?
【retrospective】
This part of the story is pretty unique because… i actually kind of found myself a bit… uncomfortable while working on this? Disgusted, even? it’s so strange! i guess maybe it’s because this part feels more real and in-your-face bc the whole family unit is together and u get the POV from a mell, the regular, normal adult 😎whereas part 1 felt more… ideal… like a fantasy and dreamlike (from solis’ POV at least)
speaking of solis, her name was originally Soliseqious… but my perfect partner shat on me when i revealed it. and I always intended for her to go by “Solis” anyways so… i chopped it down to just ‘Solis’. Maybe it was for the best…?
Finally, the Nutcracker stuff mentioned in this chapter (as well as briefly in part 1) is a reference to one of the short experimental games i made after trying out RPG developer bakin for the first time. It’s about the journey of 2 sentient christmas decorations (a nutcracker and an angel tree-topper) as they go out to rescue a boy and save christmas from an evil santa. I’m really attached to the design of my nutcracker (i love redheads 🤤) and i hope to be able to draw more of that characater, maybe even use her in another game. maybe put those characters in the syzygy sandbox game?
The next part will be the conclusion to the story! And, as i’ve mentioned before, I’ll work on putting together a casual, light-hearted sandbox/simulation game centered around these characters once the story is complete! yay!
Lovely little creature 
send me your thots and prayers