All characters in this story are over 18 years old.
----------------------------------
I had just gotten home for my university's winter break, when I noticed my mom sitting on the couch, looking sad and lonesome. She was dressed in a black shirt and grey shorts, sipping on some tea. I walked over to her. "Hey Mom."
"Hi honey," she said, smiling at me as I sat down next to her.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
She sighed heavily.
"Oh, well, just the seasonal blues, you shouldn't worry about me, son." My mom seemed ready to dismiss the whole thing, but I plopped down on the couch to her left, and put my right arm on the top of the touch.
"Talk to me about it, mom! It's just between you and me."
She looked up at me, surprised by my sudden interest. "Honey... what would make you want to know that? Why do you care how your mother feels?"
"Because I love you mom!" I answered without thinking.
"But..."
"Don't say anything else mom! Just tell me why you feel bad."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Well, I'm just a little lonely on the holidays."
"What are you lonely for, mom?" I asked. My mom turned away from me slightly, looking bashful--or embarrassed.
"It's not really something I should talk about, dear."
"Please mom, I need to hear this."
She paused for a moment, then began to speak. "You see, it seems like every year around Christmas time, I start getting these urges. I haven't been in a relationship for so long, I've almost forgotten what it was like. I guess I just miss having a man around--I mean, of course you're here, and I love my son, but it's not like that." My mom paused and look a bit embarassed at having told me this.
"Of course you have me, mom!" I said, smiling. I put my arm around her shoulders and gave her a friendly, strong squeeze. My arm muscles were noticeable through my thin, white, and small college t-shirt, and my strong legs were evidence given my short black shorts.
"Yes, I have you, son. And yes, I love you. But sometimes I wish there was someone else here, too. Someone who could fill in all those empty spaces."
"Well do you want me to visit more often, mom? I can spend more time with you if it'll help fill in what's missing!."
"Err, well, son, you shouldn't exactly fill the needs I'm talking about." My mom nervously said. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she avoided eye contact.
"Mom, you don't have to be ashamed of wanting attention. I understand. Do you want me to compliment you more?"
"Honey, you're sweet, but it would never be appropriate for you to do what I'm talking about."
"So what are you talking about, mom? Never say never." My mom looked even more flustered, and seemed uncomfortable. She glanced at my chest ever so slightly, and I squeezed her shoulders tight again.
"Honey, I'm talking about my sexual desires," she said, looking at me seriously. I smiled. I had always known my mother was attracted to men, even at her age, and I knew I was attractive.
"Well I understand, you shouldn't be ashamed over wanting someone, mom--we all feel that way."
"You have a girlfriend, honey, I don't have anyone."
"Well, you could have someone, mom." At that my mom looked away.
"Well, I'm not exactly pretty like I used to be." My mom was silent. I began to rub her back with my right hand, and edged slightly closer to her.
"You're beautiful, mom." I said seriously.
"I guess I am, but I'd rather you didn't say things like that."
"But you are, mom. You're very beautiful."
"Oh, honey, you shouldn't say that."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm your mom, and I shouldn't expect you to say such nice things about me."
"But you *are* beautiful, mom," I insisted. "I mean it. And I would do anything to help you feel better about yourself."
"That's just it, dear, you do more than enough for me, and I love you dearly. You don't have to worry about your old mom."
"But I want you to be happy, mom!" I insisted. "I want to take care of you however I can." At that, I moved my leg close enough that it brushed against my mom. She noticed, and turned slightly flushed.
"Oh honey, you're a sweet young man, and you're girlfriend is lucky to have you."
"But you're important too, mom. You're even more important than my girlfriend, and I want to know how I can make you happy, too!" I said.
My mom sighed, and turned to look at me. I happened to notice her bust pierce ever so gracefully beneath her shirt, and I thought to myself that she was an attractive woman at her age. "Honey, you should go out with some other women. I'm sure there's plenty of girls that would like to meet a man like you."
"I didn't say anything about going out with you mom," I said, smiling. "I mean, I'm more than happy to treat you to a mock, mom-son date, if that would make you feel better."
"Oh you're very sweet, son," my mom said. She turned away dismissively, but I caught a glimpse of a small smile on her face.
"Why not!?" I happily insisted. "I mean, how do you like to be treated? I know how to treat a girl.
"Well..." my mom stalled. "Of course I like to be complimented, but--"
"And you're gorgeous, mom," I interrupted. "I mean, you look great for your age! Have you seen yourself lately?" I made an obvious gesture of looking my mom up and down, and again I couldn't help but notice her bust. For all her faΓ§ade of solemnity, my mom seemed at least a little flattered by my compliments.