Man of the House (celebstars and Pale Moonlight)

[Pale Moonlight]

David sat in the Limo, next to his mother, as they made the drive to the graveyard, a long line of cars trailing behind them. It was raining, of course......but it seemed fitting, somehow. Like the world was crying.

God knew he wanted to.

But when he looked over at his mother, and saw how hard she was trying to keep from doing just that, not wanting everyone to see how much she was hurting inside, he knew he couldn't. He had to be strong for her, just like she was doing for him.

He reached out, and gently took her hand, giving it a squeeze. David smiled for her, putting on the brave face he knew she needed right now, and tried not to think how much he missed his Dad. He'd thought that last night in the Hospital had been the hardest, as the light left his eyes....but this was harder. It was.....final. And as they pulled into the cemetery, driving past row after row of headstones, he squeezed her hand tight.

The Limo finally came to a stop, just behind the Hearse, and David opened the door, shaking out the umbrella as he stepped out, and holding it over his mother as she slid out as well, and stood beside him. In careful, measured steps, hand in hand, they walked to the gravesite, where the Priest and other were already waiting.

David looked around, at all the people that had come to say goodbye. So many faces. Most he knew, some he didn't, but all of them carved from the same granite. All of them grieving, each in their own way. His father had been a wonderful man. He'd always had time for his friends, and for his family.

And now he was gone.

He barely heard the words of the Priest, as he conducted the ceremony. David just kept staring at the coffin. His father couldn't be in there. He just couldn't. His dad was so full of life. It couldn't just...end like this.

But as he watched the coffin lowered into the ground....the last bit of hope he'd been holding on to disappeared with it. And as he looked to his mother, his father's last words to him rang in his ears.

"You're the Man of the House now. Take care of your mother.....because she's going to need you now. More than ever."

I promise, Dad, he whispered to himself, I'll be there for her. I won't let you down.

 

[celebstars]

Gemma liked wearing black, she felt it suited her and her near pale skin, but not today, not under the circumstances. Her feet were a little sore in the black heels she wore, she had forgot to return them to the store a couple of days ago and couldn't find another pair given the rush she was in this morning. See through pantyhose or tights as some would call them were hugging her long legs up to her waist with a black coming down to her knees from her shoulders. Her black silky hair was tied back in to a bun, keeping her face clear. Even without any makeup Gemma looked radiant, a natural beauty which was rare in this world as so many women liked to plaster their faces with cosmetics.

Getting out of the limo, she kept her hand on her son's, it was the only hand she wanted to hold at this moment, the only person she felt would understand the great loss. To everyone else, it was a person who had died, someone who had been a part of their lives, but for Gemma, it was someone who WAS her life.

Standing on the wet grass, her heels slightly sinking in to the earth, she saw the coffin lower to it's final destination before the Priest said some words.

Gemma didn't look down to often, she kept her head high, looking straight on past the other headstones, the voice of the Priest going in one ear and out of the other. She couldn't bring herself to go through with this, Gemma wanted to leave, to just walk away. Unexpectedly, she held her son's hand tighter, squeezing it with all her might to stop herself from crying.

When the service was complete, it didn't take the mother long to turn on her heels and walk back towards the car, out of some respect she wiped her shoes against the curb to rid them of the mud and dirt, there was no way she would be allowed to return them now.

Hopping back in to the car, not a single droplet of rain on her thank to her son and the umbrella. "Just take me back home please" she said to the driver, taking off her heels now and resting them on the floor so her feet were free for the time being.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

When his mother told the driver to just take them home, David couldn't agree more. There was a Wake at a friend of the family's house, but he didn't want to face that any more than she did. He just wanted to be alone with his grief.

No....not alone. He looked at his Mother, at the mask she was wearing to hide her pain, at the tears she wouldn't let herself cry. He'd stand by her side through this, just as he'd promised. He owed his father that. He owed her that. But, that wasn't the only reason. Maybe not even the biggest one.

David loved his mother. Her warm caring heart, the regal way she carried herself, the way she laughed when he cracked a joke. He looked at his friend's mothers, and he'd realized a long time ago that he was lucky. Very lucky. His mother was special, in a way that most people that knew her probably never saw.

But he did.

So it wasn't just because of a promise, that he stayed by her side. He wanted to be there. Wanted her to know she could rely on him, that she could even lean on him if she needed to, when times got hard. Times like today. Part of him wanted to curl up into a ball and just cry....but he wouldn't. He couldn't. His mother needed him.

And that was all that mattered.

David looked into her eyes, and said softly, "I don't want to go to the Wake either. I'll call them, and tell them we're going home. They'll understand." He smiled for her, hoping to coax a smile from her in return, though he knew it wasn't likely. That was ok. He understood. He felt the pain she did. Maybe in different ways, but it was there. And maybe together, they could find a way through this.

Because now......all they had was each other.

He squeezed her hand again, and said, "I'll make you something to eat when we get home. We can watch a movie, if you like. Or talk. Whatever you want to do."

He didn't have a lot of experience in this, trying to comfort someone who was grieving, but he was going to try. Try as hard as he could.

His mother deserved that.

 

[celebstars]

A smile didn't leave her lips, instead she looked at him and sought comfort, so she rested her head on his shoulder and put a hand on his chest just like she would her husband if he was sat next to her in a car. "Your a good boy" she told him, looking at the space in front of her, so empty.

"We can do whatever you want, anything that comes to mind" she mentioned, although her voice signaled she was depressed, not least sounding excited to be doing something with her son. A sudden hiss of pain left her mouth as she lowered a hand to rub her foot, blisters forming on her heel because of those damn shoes.

The journey there wasn't so bad, as in wasn't so long, a short traffic jam didn't do much to dampen the spirits but Gemma perked up a little once they were home. Leaving the car, she walked without her shoes, those clear pantyhose of hers picking up the dirt along the walkway to the door.

Being an actress, she had quite the bit of money behind her so it was no wonder their home was quite nice. The dark haired woman wasn't in to being flash and showing off so she lived on a quiet neighborhood alongside regular people who were also quite wealthy. They had four bedrooms, one which was made in to a gym and a pool outside. A garage out front allowed for her to park her two cars, well three now as she owned her late husband's.

"I'm going to shower, get out of these clothes, I won't be long" she muttered, giving her son a smile, a weak one.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

When his mother said she was going to take a shower and change, he nodded and smiled. "That's a good idea. I'll do the same. And then I'll fix us something to eat." David headed off to his room, to do just that.

Once he got to his bedroom, and closed the door, he started taking off the black suit and tie he'd worn for the funeral, carefully putting everything back on the hanger. He padded into the bathroom, grabbing a towel from the rack, and then stripped off the rest of his clothes. He paused for a moment, looking at himself in the mirror. The face staring back looked...different, somehow. A little older, maybe. A bit sadder. His thick brown hair, so like his father's, was starting to hang down a bit. He'd learned he had to keep it short, otherwise it was just an unruly mop. His eyes, though....those were his mother's. Hazel, and almond shaped.

David looked at the rest of himself with a critical eye. The last couple years he'd grown 6 inches, and he was pretty sure he wasn't done growing yet. He'd never be a football player, not with his build. He was long and lean, like a runner, but the last few months he'd noticed he was starting to put on some muscle as well. It looked good, he had to admit. He already topped his mother's height by a couple inches, something he liked to tease her about. Not today, though.

Enough of this. Time for that shower. He hopped in and got the water going, and scrubbed down quickly. He wanted to be finished and have the food ready before she got out of the shower. He hoped she was taking a long one, letting the hot water relax her muscles, washing away her cares, and her tears. Letting it splash on her shoulders, and down her back, her skin glistening, and so very soft.....

David blinked. Where the hell had that come from? He shook his head, trying to clear that image from his mind. It wasn't easy though, for some reason that picture seemed to linger.....

He shut off the water and hopped out, toweling off quickly. It must be the stress, he thought. It's putting crazy thoughts in my head. That's all. David threw on a pair of comfortable gray sweats, and combed his hair, before going to the kitchen and seeing what they had. He doubted she'd have much of an appetite, but she really needed to eat something. A salad, maybe. Yeah, with cubes of cooked chicken, and a light vinaigrette. And a glass of ice tea to wash it down. Perfect. Light and simple, and they had everything ready to go. He spent a few minutes throwing it all together, and then carried it out to the Living room. It took a couple trips, and he bought out the nice cloth napkins, taking a moment to give it a nice presentation, like they did at restaurants.

Once everything was ready, he sat down on the couch, and waited for his mother to finish her shower.

 

[celebstars]

Gemma had her own bathroom, an on-suite attached to her bedroom. It wasn't to long before she was naked and in the shower, cleaning herself in both body and mind. She was meant to be in there trying to calm herself, but she couldn't, the very tiled walls which she was enclosed in was his work. Her husbands. He could always build things, paint things, tile things, he was a real man who liked to do his own work rather than go out and pay someone to do it.

Leaning her soft back against the glass door of the shower, her arms crossed over her 34C breasts and she sobbed, finally letting out the pain which she was holding on to for so long for her son. Gemma had to appear strong for him, not let him see she was a wreck.

After a good ten minutes of just sobbing, she finally got down to washing herself, combing her fingers through her long black hair with shampoo to give it a shiny soft feel. She liked having it medium length, down just below the shoulders was enough she thought.

Once washed, the woman got out, grabbing a towel and drying herself off. Walking in to her bedroom, she had no plans to talk to anyone today, she didn't want the fuss and if one more person asked her how she was feeling she thought she would explode with anger. After being dry, she walked over in her naked form to her closet and took out a pajama top and bottoms. Of course she put on some underwear first, although never placed a bra on. Sometimes they hurt her to have them on all day.

Walking downstairs, Gemma had her black hair in a short ponytail, her body above the waist was in a light blue tank top, with no bra underneath and below was white cotton pants which matched her white socks.

Seeing what her son had laid out for her she smiled and took a seat next to him on the couch. "Thank you" she said, cupping his cheek with her hand and kissing the opposite cheek with her lips.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David blushed as his Mother kissed him on both cheeks. He wasn't sure why, exactly. Maybe it was because she smelled so good, after her shower. Maybe it was the way she held him, the way the kisses seemed to...linger.

Or maybe....it was just her. His mother was a beautiful woman. He'd always known that. She was an actress, after all, and he'd seen all her movies a dozen times over. He never got tired of watching them, even the ones where she had just been starting out, and was only playing a bit part. When she was on the screen, she was....mesmerizing.

But he just smiled when she pulled away, and said, "You're welcome. I knew you probably weren't very hungry, but you should eat something." He sat next to her, their hips and shoulders touching as he started eating his salad. He wanted to be close to her....needed to be close to her. There was still this aching void in his chest, and being near her helped...fill it, somehow. His mind drifted to other times, happier times, times he'd spent with his father. He smiled at one memory, and turned to his mom.

"I was just remembering the first time Dad took me fishing. How we sat in the boat, while he taught me. He showed me how to bait a hook, how to cast, how to reel the fish back in. We spent all day out there, just....him and me." David actually managed to chuckle. "We didn't catch a single fish. Not one. I was so disappointed." He shrugged. "I guess what I was most disappointed about was....not being able to bring a fish home to show you. But Dad, he said not to worry. So we stopped by the store, and bought a mess of fish, and then we put them on a string." David grinned at his mother. "You were so happy, so proud when we got back, and we showed you the fish. And Dad and I, we were just smirking at each other the whole time. It was....a really great day."

David draped an arm over his mother's shoulder, and said softly, "I miss him. I miss him a lot." He looked at his mother, and said quietly, "I know you miss him too. And I'm here, Mom. I'll always be here for you. Dad told me I was the Man of the House now, and I promised to take care of you." He leaned his head against hers, and whispered, "I love you, Mom."

 

[celebstars]

When he started to remind her of memories of her husband, Gemma tried to hide any expression that she may cry. Instead, she listened carefully before a smile came over her, "I thought you actually caught that fish!" Her shoulder leaned in to him, pushing him slightly before she stopped. "What other secrets did you to have!" Her mood had lifted upwards, the funny side of her husband making her laugh even after he had passed.

Feeling his arm press against her shoulder to bring her in to lean towards him, Gemma heard her sons cries. She thought back to herself in the shower and how she let it all out. "It's OK, cry as much as you want." Falling backwards, her back rested against the sofa and she cradled her son like he was a baby, allowing his head to rest on her chest as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"I'm here for you, we got each other, that is all that matters OK? We need to make each other happy, and you are the man of the house, so you need to be strong for me. Your sixteen, you aren't a kid anymore, your a young man. You father would be so proud of you David."

Pushing him back up, Gemma returned with her back up straight, leaning over the food he had made. "Let's watch a movie or something? When was the last time we did that?"

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David rubbed at his eyes, as they sat back up again. He wouldn't have minded staying there a little longer......with his mother cradling him against her chest. He knew they were clinging to each other right now, each of them trying to help the other through this horrible, awful thing. It was only natural that he'd want his mother to hold him. But....

Something felt.....different.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it. Maybe it was just the stress of everything that had happened. These last few days had turned them both inside out. Surely, that was the reason.

It couldn't be....something else, could it?

David looked up, into his mother's eyes. At the way she was struggling to hold it all inside, and putting on a brave front, just for him. The way he could see her love for him, shining through. Even after all they had been through, she looked so....so....

....so beautiful.

He blinked at that....and then shook it off. Of course she was beautiful. She always had been. She was an actress, after all. Her beauty was one of the things she brought to the screen. Why else did he like to watch her movies?

Wait.....what?

David tried to think that one through. She was talented....really talented. She'd been nominated for awards....she'd even won a couple. And the roles she took on....she tried to play different types of characters, from sweet to dangerous, and everything in between. He'd seen her as a housewife, as a spy, as a young girl in love, even as a junkie on the streets. But in every role....you saw the character. Not her....not his mother. And yet, somehow...she was always there.

Or maybe....that just what he saw. Because he loved her.

So when she suggested watching a movie, he grinned. "A movie sounds great. I'll make some popcorn, and get us a blanket. It'll be just like old times." He hopped off the couch, and went to the kitchen. He pulled a bag of popcorn out of the cupboard, and tossed it into the microwave, letting it cook while he grabbed the blanket from the hall closet. He handed that to his mother, as he circled back around, just as the popcorn was finished popping. He dumped it all into a bowl, and brought it out to her, and then went to pick a movie for them to watch.

And that brought him up short. Which movie? They had hundreds. Part of being an actress. She was always researching roles, getting hints from other actors how to approach a part.

So....how to choose? Nothing sad....they couldn't take that, either of them. A comedy? He thought about that....and shook his head. Too much, too soon. An action movie, some kind of thriller? He considered that for a few moments....and decided he just wasn't in the mood. So, what did that leave?

He looked back at his mother....and he knew. A Romance. Something light, and sweet. And he knew the perfect one.

It was one of his favorites. His mother had really put her best work into it. It was the story of two people, each coming from a bad place in their life.....and finding love together. He wondered how she'd feel, watching one of her own movies....but he knew he could ask her about various scenes, and what had happened while they were filming them. Get her mind off their loss, and on to something she loved.

He popped the movie into the DVD player, and went back to the couch, snuggling under the blanket next to his mother. He grabbed a handful of popcorn, and smiled at her.

"I always thought this was your best one."

 

[celebstars]

Seeing her son hop of the couch with a spring in his step pleased her, it was nice to make him happy, have a tiny bit of joy, even if it was just watching a movie with him. He still had that immaturity about him yet he was fast becoming a man now, the mid teen looking more like his father everyday.

"I like popcorn, and a blanket sounds nice" she smiled, brushing some of her black hair behind her ear, keeping her face fresh and clear. Even without any makeup Gemma was a beautiful woman and despite being depressed and in a bad place that beauty never faded.

When he brought the blanket back, the mother covered herself with half of it and waited for the popcorn to be ready. It only took a few minutes before David was back and the DVD brought to the player.

"Why do you like this one?" Gemma asked, her right hand under the blanket, her left one out of it to dip her hand in to the bowl of popcorn in between them.

Looking at him, a piece of fluff had gotten caught in his hair so she ran her fingers through like a comb to clear it. Her fingers soft and comforting as always.

The movie had just started and the pair were seated on the sofa.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David just shrugged at the question. "I don't know, exactly. There's something about..." He cocked his head, thinking about it for a moment, and then he turned and smiled at her.

"It's the way you tell the story.....your character's story, I mean. When you first see her, she's....in the shadows. She's in this dark place, and you can feel how badly she's hurting. I mean....you just want to take her in your arms, and tell her it'll be alright. It's heartbreaking, in the beginning."

David was getting into the story now, enthused with her performance. She always said he was her Number One fan....and she was right. He loved talking movies with her, and he knew she loved it just as much. It was her passion, the thing she did best, and loved the most. And as he continued talking about her performance.....the oddest feeling started creeping up on him....one he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"But then.....she meets this guy.....and right away, you can see there's something about him. You can see it in his eyes, that's he's in pain, too. And when they meet......they just know. They can see it in each other.....how much they hurt. And part of them wants to just run away.....you really notice that in your character, when she heads to the door.....and her hand reaches out for the doorknob. She just can't bear to take on anyone else's heartache...not on top of her own."

David reached out, and took her hand, holding it tight. "But....she stops.....and turns back." He smiled at her, his eyes shining. "Every time I see that scene, I just want to cheer. No one would blame her for running away.....but she doesn't. She looks at the man.....this wounded stranger....and decides to take a chance."

He laid his head on her shoulder. "And the man....you can tell he's scared, too. But he looks at this....incredible, beautiful woman....and you can see it click. When he sets the drink down, and gets up from the chair. You see that these two people....are still fighting for happiness, even after all they've been through."

"That's why it's my favorite. They don't give up. They take one more crazy chance.....and it's worth it."

He turned his head, and looked into his mother's eyes, just inches away from his own. "Love is always worth it, Mom. Always."

 

[celebstars]

Gemma listened to him talk about the movie, she was sure he somehow saw things in them that others did not, including her and she had read the script. When he took her hand, she felt how soft his was, and she linked her fingers in with his as he rested his head on her shoulder.

When he looked up to her, his eyes inches from hers, Gemma smiled, leaned in and kissed his cheek and forehead whilst running her fingers through his hair with her spare hand. "Love is, love is very important, otherwise you wouldn't be here" she laughed. She wanted to tap his nose with her finger, but that would only baby him, he was a teen now and she needed to start treating him like one.

The mother had come to think of her son as a young man, he was maturing very well, was level headed and wasn't like the other teens who chose to be in gangs and causing trouble.

"And one day, you will understand what love really is, you will make a girl very happy, I've raised a very good man, me and your dad both have."

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David blushed when she kissed his cheek, and forehead, but secretly....he was wriggling with pleasure. He loved it when his mom was like this, playful and affectionate, and the fact that today of all days she was able to express that....it told him he was doing the right things. That he was helping her cope with his father's death, and in a strange way....it was helping him, too.

He'd always been close to his mother, and now that it was just the two of them, he suspected they'd grow even closer. They needed each other now, in a way they never had before. And when she agreed with him, that love was important, that without it, he wouldn't even exist....

....his heart skipped a beat.

Sex. She's talking about sex....

He blushed even deeper, out of embarrassment now, when she said that....especially when she said he'd make a girl very happy one day. He hoped so, he wanted to, but....

.....so far, that hadn't happened yet.

"I, well..." he stammered, before shrugging once more, and looking in his mother's eyes, "....girls my age, they just seem so....immature. It seems like all they care about is Justin Bieber, and clothes." He shook his head. "I don't want that. I want something.....real. Something more. Something...."

He struggled for a moment, trying to put into words what he was feeling, until he glanced at the screen. It was the part of the movie where the two lovers had their first kiss, in the rain. It was a beautiful scene, one of his favorites, in fact. David smiled, and looked back at his mom, pointing at the TV.

".....that. That's what I want. Right there."

David smiled at her.....and then froze.

Oh God....did I just say that? She's going to think I meant....

....her.

A sudden realization slammed into him like a freight train. All these years, he'd loved his mother. Been her biggest fan. Supported her, been there for her.....but it wasn't until this very moment that he also realized....

...that part of him was in love with her. And now that it was out there, now that he'd realized where all the strange feelings he'd been having were coming from.....he was terrified how she would react.

 

[celebstars]

When he pointed to the television, she looked at it and saw herself kissing the fellow actor in the rain. At first thought, she believed he meant something romantic, something special with someone. Of course what was what he meant...right?

Looking away from the screen to her son, she noticed the way he was laying on her, the way they held hands and then it dawned on her that her son may have wanted her. Those eyes widened, a fear deep inside of her was stirring, she was wrong she told herself.

Did he see himself as the man of the house now in which it involved taking her to bed to? Sleeping in it with her? Mounting her and fucking her like she was his woman? Like his Dad?

"You want something special" she nodded, just like the picture showed. "You will have it one day." That instinct kicked in, cupping his face before she realized that might have not been a good idea given her son might have a crush. Taking her hand away, she smiled weakly and then sat up, pushing him off her gently. "I need the restroom" Gemma told David, walking away and heading upstairs where she went to her bathroom.

When inside, she closed the door, locking it before resting her back against it. Holding her face, she wiped away her eyes, she didn't need something like this she thought to herself.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

At first, he thought it was ok. When she'd cupped his cheek, and told him he'd have something special someday, David had thought it was going to be all right. That whatever.....feelings he might be having at the moment, feelings he didn't truly understand himself, they'd work it out. Like they always had.

But then her eyes widened, and she excused herself to use the bathroom. And in that moment, he knew he'd done something wrong. That he'd crossed a line that should never be crossed.

Oh God....I didn't mean it like that...exactly, he thought to himself. I just wanted to cheer her up, be there for her. That's all, I swear.

And now....I've chased her away. I am so stupid!

David looked longingly at the place where she'd been sitting....and then recoiled in horror. He scooted away, to the furthest end of the couch, grabbing a pillow and placing it over his stomach, wrapping his arms around it.

I've got to fix this, he whispered to himself. Somehow. I need to make this right....so she doesn't look at me like some sort of....freak.

The only problem with that was....he had absolutely no idea how to do it.

 

[celebstars]

After some time in the bathroom, she had composed herself and had a good think about what had happened. The idea she had in her mind of her son liking her....like that was absurd.

That thought soon left her mind, she came out of the bathroom and walked back in to the living room. "Sorry, I had to pee badly" she said lying. She made no mention of why she actually left. Gemma didn't want her son to actually think she thought he had a crush on her. Especially at the time of which his father had passed.

She finished watching the movie with him, although it was rather silent, she tried to make some conversation with him.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

The months went by, and slowly life began to return to some sort of normalcy. It wasn't the same...how could it be?....but both David as his mother found ways to cope with the loss. He was focusing on his studies, and she had taken a on a new project, starring in a new movie. Both them kept busy, and did the best the could to move forward in their lives.

But every now and then....there'd be a moment. A moment where something would remind them of their loss, and how much they missed their husband and father. In those moments, they'd reach out to each other, for a hug, or to squeeze hands, anything to help remind them they weren't alone in this.

And yet, despite all that, there was still a dark empty hole in their lives, one that never truly went away. David could see it in his mother's eyes, just like he could see it in his own. His dad had been a great guy, and they would always miss him.

Sometimes....those moments would catch them both by surprise.

 

[celebstars]

The new project Gemma had been working on turned out to be a big hit in cinemas. It had turned records upside down and obliterated them to hold top spot in the highest grossing film ever made. It was quite an achievement, no one was expecting it, but the promotional work on chat shows and radio certainly helped it come in to the limelight.

The British actress wanted to celebrate, she felt like she deserved a good time, owing it to herself to enjoy life once more. That is why she held a party, nothing to serious, just a few close friends and family. With the time at 7pm, the party was drawing closer and things were coming together nicely. Everything Gemma had cooked was laid out and ready to be eaten as soon as they arrived.

"David?!" Gemma shouted up the stairs. "Are you ready yet?!"

A black dress was worn by the woman, it hugged her every curve tightly, she looked so elegant and sophisticated. It was zipped up at the back and left her shoulders bare, it worked well with her pale flesh. So starting from the chest down to her knees, she was covered in what looked like leather that was almost skin tight.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David heard his mother call out, asking if he was ready. "Be right there, Mom!" he answered back, as he threw on a dark jacket. The last few months his body had caught up to his growth spurt, and he had started filling out quite nicely. He was looking forward to tonight's party, but mostly it was for his mother's sake. Her latest movie was turning out to be a huge hit, and she'd wanted to celebrate. And why shouldn't she? She'd earned it.....they both had, in fact. They'd started the healing process, and this party was a good step in the right direction.

Besides...it would make her happy.

He took one last look in the mirror, and adjusted his shirt. He'd opted for something simply, yet stylish. Dark slacks, black shirt, and a dark jacket. He'd skipped the tie, and left the top two buttons undone on his shirt. He grinned at himself in the mirror, and then quickly splashed on some cologne. It was his father's favorite, and it seemed....right, somehow. He hoped his mom would appreciate the gesture.

David came out of his bathroom, and down the hall, entering the living room and looking at all the preparations. "It looks great Mom. I think everyone's going to have a good time...."

His voice trailed off, as he saw his mother's outfit. It was....beautiful. Stunning, even. And....even though he tried hard not to see it that way....see her that way....it was incredibly....sexy.

David just stared, and then realized with a start he was staring, and struggled to compose himself. "Wow, mom....you look.....fantastic."

 

[celebstars]

After a few more preparations, like putting some glasses out next to the wine and beers, Gemma saw her son who said she looked fantastic, a smile came over her. "Thank you. You look very handsome." She didn't catch the smell of his father's cologne just yet, but she would sense it later on in the evening.

The silky smooth black hair was tied back in to a bun and had to long pins inside keeping it together. It gave her a more Asian look about her, adding to the elegance of the woman.

A sudden knock on the door made the mother move and welcome her first guests. It was her Aunt and Uncle along with some friends behind them.

"Auntie, Uncle" Gemma acknowledged, kissing each on the cheek with her red lipstick. As soon as they walked in, she hugged her friends tightly, before closing the door.

For the next thirty minutes Gemma was walking back and forth towards the door letting people in, although this time with a glass of white wine in her hand. She seemed busy, active, and in a different place then a few months ago.

"Don't forget to have some food, I haven't been cooking all day for nothing!" She pointed out in her British accent. She was having fun, the music which played wasn't to heavy or to loud, just a gentle beat you could dance to, light with a nice tempo.

Her back was against a friends, Sarah, the light brown haired woman no older than Gemma and also had a glass of wine in her hand.

"Look at your boy, all grown up." Putting her glass down on a table, she grabbed David's hands and danced with him. "If I was younger Gemma I might ask his number" she teased her friend.

Gemma just laughed and danced on her own in front of the pair.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David blushed a bit, when his mother said he looked handsome, and stammered out a small "Thank you." He felt a little unsure of himself, as they finished preparations for the party, putting out food and glasses and the like, because before it had always been his father who had been doing these last minute tasks, while he had mostly tried to stay out of the way and look invisible. But now, he was pitching right in, stepping up and doing his part, just like he knew his father had wanted.

It wasn't long before the guests started to arrive, and David did his part, circling around the room and greeting their friends and family. Mostly they were his mother's friends, but he'd known many of them for years, so it wasn't as if he was completely out of his element. He was nervous at first, taking such an active role with the celebration, but after awhile he relaxed, and started enjoying himself. He even snagged himself a glass of wine, careful to only sip from it. The last thing he wanted to do was get drunk and embarrass his mother, especially with all the work she'd put into this night. But the small bit of alcohol he'd allowed himself relaxed him even more, giving him a nice warm glow that he thoroughly enjoyed.

It wasn't long before people started dancing, swaying to the music they'd selected together for the evening's entertainment. And before he even realized what had happened, his mom's friend Sarah had grabbed him and drug him out to the floor, not giving him the option to refuse. David just grinned, and went with it. He wasn't the greatest dancer in the world, but this was a special night, and besides....Sarah was an attractive woman. Dancing with her was just plain fun. But when she winked at his mom, and said if he was older, she'd be tempted to ask for his number, he could feel his ears burning bright red. He knew she was just teasing....but she was beautiful, and it was hard not to take notice of that.

The song finally ended, and David had a sudden thought. He went to his mom, and took her by the hands. "Come on, it's your party. Dance with me," he said with a grin.....just as the music started up. A slow song, quiet and bluesy, and he almost froze. A slow song....

But he quickly shook it off, and just smiled at her, taking his mother in his arms, wrapping one around her waist, and holding her hand with the other, and moved in time with the music....all the while, unable to take his eyes off of her. He looked into her eyes, and said softly, "You look great, mom."

All the while, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her perfume.

 

[celebstars]

When her son grabbed her, Gemma stayed on the dance floor, let him wrap his hand around her waist and hold her hand as they music made all the couples dance together.

"Thank you" she replied kissing his cheek, then inhaling the very smell of her husband, which stirred some emotion inside of her. She wasn't sure what it was, love, hurt, pain, but she kept silent and gave a smile. "You have been really good, very grown up, not sure I could have coped with out you, I owe you one."

It wasn't until then that Gemma's Uncle came over and asked for her dance. She rested a hand on his shoulder, took his hand like she did her son's and danced with him, having a more adult talk about the past than she could with her son.

Once the song was over with, everyone started to play some games, whether it be cards, board games, or even the karaoke which was set up. Either way, everyone was having fun and the party was a success. Of course, there had to be a moment about her film which she had worked on, Gemma felt very embarrassed but smiled with glee and raised her glass of wine to having such amazing family and friends.

Now came the end of the night, 1am, people were drunk, including her as she showed them out, standing by the door, letting a draft in.

"Thank you for coming, it means a lot." Kissing some of their cheeks, hugging others, the last guest left which was Sarah.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David blushed again, as he and his mother danced. "Mom, you don't owe me a thing. I want to help. I want to be there for you, anytime you need me." He smiled at her, enjoying the moment, seeing her happy, and having her close. It felt strange, a little bit anyway, but it also felt...exciting. Like he truly was an adult.

The dance ended, and he sighed as his Great Uncle cut in and took his place. He shrugged, and went back to the other party guests, helping himself to some food, and another glass of wine. He promised himself he'd be careful, besides, it wasn't like he had to drive home or anything. The second glass warmed him up even more, and he could feel himself getting a little tipsy. He was laughing more than usual at the conversations, and he even found himself flirting a little with some of the female guests. He even found a moment to brush up against Sarah, and throw her a cheesy line. David knew it wouldn't go anywhere, it was just.....fun.

The night seemed to swirl all around him, with games and music, and conversation. At some point he ended up with a third glass pressed into his hand, but he couldn't say for sure who had given it to him. It didn't matter, though he realized the alcohol was really starting to kick in now, so he focused on eating more, and even had an espresso to sober him up a bit. But he could tell his face was a bit flushed, and that he was a little too giddy.

They'd toasted his mother, raising their glasses in honor of her and her movie, and he'd raised his right along with them, making sure she could see him among the crowd. David smiled at her, a warm, happy smile, but with the wine flowing through him he could feel a taste of....something else, as well.

But finally, the party started winding down, and people started gathering their coats, and saying their goodbyes. David shook hands with several of the men, and got several hugs and even a couple kisses on the cheek from some of the women. Eventually, everyone had left for the night, until finally it was only Sarah at the door. David came up behind his mother and wrapped an arm around her waist, smiling at Sarah as they stood in the doorway.

"It was a great party, mom. A big hit. I hope you enjoyed it, Sarah," he said with a grin, and then looked over his shoulder. "And now...cleanup." He shook his head, and sighed. "Any chance we can put that off until tomorrow?"

 

[celebstars]

"No you don't have to clean up now." Gemma teased, sticking her tongue out, implying he would be the one to do all of the cleaning tomorrow. When drunk, the mother wasn't someone to turn angry, or sad, but she was very giggly, very fun, a fun drunk her friends would say.

"I have had a good night, and it is time to sleep." She said, poking her son's chest with her finger. Lifting both hands up behind her head, she took out the pins holding her hair together and let the beautiful smooth locks fall below her shoulders. Kissing her son on the cheek, she smelled the cologne again, and started to run her face against his neck.

"He would be so proud of you. He would want you to take care of me and you have."

Leaving her son, she started to take each step up to her bedroom. Her ass swayed from side to side in the tight leather before she reached the landing and made her way to her bedroom, with some wonky footsteps given her tipsy state.

 

[Pale Moonlight]

David grinned at his mom as she stuck her tongue out at him, and he responded in kind, sticking his tongue out at her playfully. She was feeling no pain at the moment, that was for sure, the way she giggled and stumbled a bit. Well, neither was he, he realized. He'd had three glasses of wine after all, and he almost never had more than half a glass, on the rare occasions his mother allowed it.

"Oh sure, make me your slave," he said with a laugh, as she hinted he'd be doing the cleanup tomorrow. But when she poked his chest, and said it was time for bed, he could only nod, and then suddenly yawn. "Wow, it is late, isn't it?" he said, the yawn catching him by surprise. "Yeah, lets hit the sack. It's been a long day."

He froze though, when she reached up and pulled the pins from her hair, letting it fall free, before leaning in and kissing him softly on the cheek....lingering there a moment, as she rubbed her cheek against his. And when she told him his father would be proud of him, he could feel himself choking up, barely allowing him to speak.

"...I hope so, Mom," he whispered. "I want to do right by him....and by you." They shared a look, a moment, both feeling the loss once more, before she turned, and staggered off down the hallway to her bedroom.

The tight leather pants covering her ass making little circles, swaying from side to side, as she walked away.

David swallowed, as he watched her. He couldn't help it. She was still the most beautiful woman in the world, in his eyes. And she always would be.

But when she stumbled in the hall, putting a hand against the wall to steady herself, David was at her side in a flash, wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her. "Whoa there," he said with a tipsy laugh, "...careful now, don't want you to have an accident..." He walked with her, holding her close against him, keeping her steady, as they made their way to her bedroom. Once they got inside he sat her carefully down on the bed, and paused for a moment, unsure what to do or say next.

"Umm.....do you need some help with your shoes, or something?" he asked, in a voice he barely recognized.