GILDING THE LILY
Lucy’s
father took her out for a pizza on her birthday and spoiled her, as usual. A
computer game she’s been on about for weeks, a cashmere jumper that will need
hand-washing, and a box of make-up.
Lucy saw
my expression. “Mum! I am ten now, you know.”
“We
discussed this already, darling – no make-up till you’re a teenager.”
“It’s not
fair – everyone else wears it.”
“None of
your friends do.”
She
smiled reluctantly, knowing she’d lost. “Okay – I’ll swap it – Boots have some
really cool sunglasses.”
It seems
only yesterday she was in nappies.
...................................................................
Exquisite though these are, I prefer roses au naturel, hence my story today.
Thanks to Rochelle for the photograph and for hosting Friday Fictioneers. To read how other writers interpreted the prompt, go to https://rochellewisoff.com/ and follow the Blue Frog trail.
Yes, they grow up so quickly. I hate seeing little girls trying to look like teenagers.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter puts nail varnish on her little girl and I don't even like that!
DeleteA battle swiftly won!
ReplyDeleteTill the next time!
DeleteI had a young student years ago whose mother entered her into beauty pageants. Saddest thing to watch her begin to look like a painted doll, before she even reached 13. And it was her mom who taught her how to use the makeup. Gracious.
ReplyDeleteAwful things those pageants
DeleteI know that feeling Liz, they do grow up quick!
ReplyDeleteTurn your back for a minute...
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteSuch a poignant story. Mums have growing pains, too, don't we?
Shalom,
Rochelle
We do. My second child turned fifty last month!
DeleteDo you think there's a period betwen wishing we looked older and wishing we looked younger when women are actualy happy to be the age they are?
ReplyDeleteThat's a very philosophical question for a. Wednesday, Patsy! Probbly not an age, as such, just the odd day here and there.
DeleteIt is amazing what you do with 100 words!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan.
DeleteThanks lisa.
ReplyDeleteThe battle is won this time. But it will rear its head again... The first time my ten year old grand-daughter came out of her room coated in make-up, one look sent her back again. She's twelve now... and I have to look the other way and bite my tongue.
ReplyDeleteHard, isn't it, and they think we're being mean rather than protective.
DeleteKids used to be kids and enjoyed being so. How times change.
ReplyDeleteClick to read my FriFic tale!
I never even tried my mum's lipstick till i was twelve!
DeleteI wonder how many times the words, "It's not fair," have been uttered by unhappy teens (or pre-teens). I know I said it more times that I can count, at least in my mind. Lovely family moment!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda. My reply was often, "life's not fair, get used to it' 😊
DeleteShe gave in pretty easily - though you can't beat a good pair of sunnies from Boots :-)
ReplyDeleteShe knew she'd been xaught out - none of her friends used makeup!
DeleteIn the blink of an eye!!
ReplyDeleteShe'll be grown and gone.
Deletetime does fly fast. :)
ReplyDeleteFar too fast.
DeleteThey grow up so quickly!
ReplyDeleteHaving brought up four kids I am now watching my youngest grandchild grow up. She's four and such a joy.
DeleteSigh! A couple of years and my young one will be out of her teens. Negotiating skills are so important for parents these days ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. Mine are all over forty now and I'm still stepping lightly on occasions!
DeleteAlas they grow up fast in all the wrong ways.
ReplyDeleteThey do, though watching what they learn the right way is great fun.
DeleteIt certainly sounds like difficult territory to steer around without fights and tears.
ReplyDeletePre-teens are in some ways more difficult than teens.
DeleteChildraising is one venue where everyone appreciates purity and authenticity, and hates to see it go.
ReplyDeleteSuccinctly put, Anthea, thank you.
Delete