In the first chapter, my neglected trophy mother in her prime meets me for the first time after spending the previous 3 years studying in Europe. Initially, I intended to console her, but she was too attractive, and soon we ended up in bed together.
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The following morning was one of those rare summer rainy days. I didn't check the weather channel to see if it was related to one of the tropical storms in the area. However, one thing was clear - No outdoor activity.
Mom opened my door quietly at 9 am to check if I was awake. She saw me reading e-mails on my computer and smiled, "It's an ugly day outside. Are you planning to stay home or visit one of your former friends?"
"Did Dad leave already?"
"He always leaves before 7:30 am."
"In that case, I stay here to harass you."
"As a good mother, I am willing to suffer my son's presence..."
"Jokes aside. If I could do whatever I wanted without you complaining about it, I'd like to photograph you."
"Me? Why?"
"Because you are gorgeous, and I'd like to remember you like that forever. I'll keep the pictures for posterity."
"Honey, I was much prettier when I was your age. I can show you the pictures your father took of me when we started going out."
"I saw those pictures, and I agree you were beautiful back then. But these days, your beauty is still there, and the signs of maturity make you even more attractive."
She giggled, "Are you saying you find my new wrinkles attractive?"
"Mom, some people turn ugly with advanced age. However, some look better. To name a few: Anne Hathaway, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Lopez."
"These actresses look great, but they have special personnel who take care of them with exercises, massages, makeup, and after all that, their pictures are carefully taken from flattering angles, with the right background and lighting. Even then, the pictures still go through photoshopping. I remember I used to admire Cindy Crawford. One day, I saw her on the street, and trust me, I was very disappointed."
"You see, that's what I thought; you underestimate your beauty. Father neglects you, and your self esteem is in the gutters. Let me prove to you that you are wrong."
"Well, we cannot be outdoors today, so I'll agree to a couple of photos, but you do not show them to anybody. I let YOU play with my pictures. However, I hate to see others pointing a finger at me after seeing the real me."
...
I brought the DSLR I bought in England 2 years earlier and arranged soft white lighting in the living room. I instructed her to comb her hair in a low bun style and wear a long gray dress.
Mom entered the living room 15 minutes later. She looked great but the camera needed more facial contrast, so I helped her put on minimal makeup, a touch of mascara, and light red lipstick. Then I sat her on the large couch in front of the heavy curtain and shot 3 pictures from different angles.
I examined the photos on the small screen and liked the results, especially since it was only the first try. I showed her the photos. She looked at all 3 and asked, "Did you photoshop the photos when you checked them?"
"Mom, why would you think this way?"
"Because I see myself in the mirror every day, and I do not look THAT pretty."
"I'll tell you what, I'll shoot another set, and we'll see the pictures together."
"OK. How do you want me now?"
"Don't touch the face but loosen the hair, change your dress to the short black one, and wear the 3" heel shiny black shoes."
After twenty minutes, she returned. This time, she looked much more than pretty and impressive. She looked very sexy!