third.

[getawaywith]

[ action for 503 Ricardo Street ]

[Shizuru is baking a pie. She's humming a country air as she works, because she's heard that housewives are supposed to hum as they work

Comments

[mayfield_mods]

[When she comes to the door, Jane is there to open it.]

What can I do for you, dear?

[getawaywith]

Oh, no, it's nothing like that.

[She holds out the pie, smiling in the most charming way possible.]

My name is Shizuru, and I'm your new neighbor. I thought I'd bake you something to show my appreciation of my new home.

It's pumpkin pie.

[mayfield_mods]

How thoughtful! It looks lovely, Shizuru.

Would you like to come in?

[getawaywith]

It's only my way of saying hello.

[Come in? Why not. She might learn something.]

If it's not an imposition...

[mayfield_mods]

Not at all.

[She lets Shizuru in and makes her way right to the kitchen to set down the pie.]

It really does smell lovely. I might be naughty and have a little slice now. Would you like one?

[getawaywith]

Oh--I'm watching my figure!

[That's what American housewives say, isn't it? Shizuru isn't sure if it applied back in the '50s, too. But it feels like a natural part of her current persona.]

[mayfield_mods]

A small bite won't hurt, will it? I won't tell if you don't!

[getawaywith]

[Oh, dear. Is this going to come down to kitchen knives after all? That would be unfortunate.]

I do appreciate it, Mrs. Smith, but...I just wouldn't feel right at all!

[She gives a little bow.]

I was brought up to give gifts with all my heart, not sample them first!

[mayfield_mods]

Well, if that's how you feel.

[Jane takes a bite of the pumpkin pie and frowns.]

Now, what recipe did you use for this?

[getawaywith]

It is.

[And she lifts a hand to her mouth in concern and alarm--]

It was my mother's, or so I thought; how I hope I remembered it properly!

[mayfield_mods]

It's very good, dear.

[Eating with a concerned expression.]

[getawaywith]

Why, thank you!

[Waiting with a polite expression that is not impatient at all, because Shizuru is very, very good at being patient and hiding her true intentions, even now with her sanity starting to fracture.]

[mayfield_mods]

[Jane's face is still calm and smiling as her hands clutch her stomach. She continues eating.]

[getawaywith]

[In contrast, Shizuru's smile starts to fade. A little. It doesn't entirely go away.]

Mrs. Smith, you must know by now what I believe.

You must know I believe that for Natsuki to come back, you have to go away...

[mayfield_mods]

I-- I don't know what you mean.

[Jane doesn't sound well at all.]

[getawaywith]

Don't you? Oh, dear, I should have made sure to handle your husband first, perhaps...