I was in the kitchen when she came out of her room and started helping me with breakfast.
"You got up late today?"
"Yes, I did. It took me until two in the morning to finish that report," she said, tying her long brown hair.
"You know, you are now working from home, so could've done it later."
"I just wanted to get over with it. Don't forget we've to go to Aunt Sharon's house in the evening."
"I won't. Please buy some new dresses."
"Why? What's wrong with my clothes?" she asked, looking at me with her deep blue eyes.
"Well, you're always wearing these long drab skirts. You should change your wardrobe."
"Thanks, Mr. Armani, but I like them and that's what I'll wear."
"Fine," I said as I got up to go to school.
On the way, I kept thinking about her. She wasn't the same person she used to be. When I was a kid, she used to have parties at home, went out a lot, and was always smartly dressed. But after Dad's death, she stopped inviting friends over, hardly ever went out, and simply stopped caring about herself. I wanted to bring that Mom back to life.
In the evening, I went with her to Sharon's house. Sitting down in the living room, Mom asked her about my cousin Kim, who at 18 was just one year younger than me.
"She's in her room," answered Sharon as her dark brown eyes studied Mom from head to toe.
"Are you working out?"
"Of and on," replied Mom.
"Touch your toes?"
Mom, who at 5'9 was an inch taller than her sister, Sharon, got up and was about to bend down but realized something and sat down. Although she didn't say it, it was apparent to us that she sat down because she knew if she tried to touch her toes a good part of her breasts would be visible to us.
These sorts of thoughts never crossed Sharon's mind. Although she was, as usual, wearing a low-cut top she went for her toes, giving both Mom and I got a good view of her boobs, except for the nipples hiding under a blue bra. She then went back to the couch and was talking when Kim arrived.
"Aunt Megan, I'm going to buy you some clothes," she said without even looking at Mom.
"That's exactly what I told her this morning. All she has are these skirts," I said before Mom could even reply.
"Kim and Nick are right. You need a complete overhaul," added Sharon adjusting her shoulder-length black hair.
Mom just nodded her head in agreement and continued to sip the red wine.
We all got up for dinner and Sharon told us that she was going to a party tomorrow and asked us to join her. I was game, but Mom wasn't. So Sharon asked her why she didn't want to go.
"You know, I don't like parties. I get bored there."
"It's a small party, just dinner and drinks. Don't worry there won't be any loud music."
"I've never seen you attend a small party, and both men and music are always loud there," replied Mom, smiling at Sharon.
"No, there will be just a few friends."
"I want to come, too," pleaded Kim as her brown eyes searched her mom's face for a positive response.
"Of course, honey. I know you can't leave me alone, not even for a second."
Hearing that, Kim arched her eyebrows, threw her long black hair back, and crossed her hands across her chest.
The next evening, Sharon came with Kim to pick us up. Although Mom was a year younger than Sharon, she appeared a lot older because of the gray and white long skirts and equally drab blouses and tops she always wore.
Sharon, on the other hand, believed in "if you have it, flaunt it." Today, she was wearing a pink shoulder-less dress that was revealing all the charms of her full-figured body.
Kim, who was nearly as tall as her mom and was developing into a curvaceous woman, was wearing a green tank top that left her midriff exposed and a short black skirt that barely covered her smooth thighs. Both of them were looking gorgeous.
Mom and I got into their car and went off to the party.
I was dancing when Sharon dragged me to a corner where Kim was waiting for us. She handed us a joint, lit one for herself and we headed toward where Mom was sitting. I asked her whether she wanted a drag but she refused.
While Kim and I were busy with the joint, a man came up and asked Mom whether she was enjoying the party.
"Yes."
"You come here often?"
"No," replied Mom.
"I used to live in this neighborhood but now I've moved to Michelin Street."
"Okay," said Mom.
With Mom talking in monosyllable and displaying no interest, he looked sideways, sat silently for about a minute, got up, and melted away.
"That man wanted to talk to you," whispered Sharon.
"Well, I didn't want to talk to him. I'm happy sitting here."
"You'd rather stay alone than talk to a man?"
"I don't like talking to strangers. I've you guys and that's enough for me."
I turned toward Kim but she shrugged her shoulders and continued enjoying the joint.