Amelia hummed softly as she stirred a pot on the stove, the cozy scent of garlic and onions filling the air and drifting through the morning sunlight that spilled across the kitchen. She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter, Emma, who was sitting at the kitchen table, munching on toast as she flipped through her school notebook. Emma's long brown hair fell in soft waves around her face, the morning light catching the hint of gold in her strands.
Amelia smiled to herself, realizing just how quickly Emma was growing up. She still saw that little girl in her sometimes, but lately, there was a young woman sitting across from her.
"Hey, kiddo," Amelia said, reaching for a spatula. "What's going on with the guys at school? Got your eye on anyone?"
Emma looked up, her green eyes flashing with surprise. She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips as she chewed her toast. "Mom, I told you—I don't have a boyfriend."
Amelia chuckled, leaning against the counter with her hands on her hips. "So you're telling me there's not even one boy you're a little interested in? Not even a small crush?"
Emma paused, a soft blush creeping across her cheeks as she glanced back down at her notebook, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of the page. "Well… okay, there is this one guy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amelia's eyebrows shot up, her eyes lighting with interest. "Oh, really? You're holding out on me! What's his name?"
"His name's Lucas. He's not, like, a crush or anything, Mom." Emma's cheeks flushed even more as she went on. "He's just… really nice. Kind, you know? And… his family's, like, really wealthy. But he's not like those other rich kids."
Amelia watched her daughter's face, trying to suppress a knowing smile. "So you're saying he's kind and rich? He's got a lot going for him already, huh?"
Emma rolled her eyes, but there was a shy smile on her face. "He's not a crush, Mom. I just… noticed him, I guess. His family's impressive. His mom's always put together—she's very polite and stylish. I guess they just… seem like good people."
Amelia's heart softened, seeing how carefully her daughter chose her words. "Well, it sounds like you're around people with good values. That makes me happy," she said, patting Emma's shoulder.
Emma's blush deepened. "Mom, it's not like that," she muttered, but Amelia could see the little sparkle in her eyes, a quiet excitement that only a mom could detect.
After breakfast, Emma grabbed her backpack and headed to school, waving goodbye as she slipped out the front door.
"Bye, Mom! See you later!" she called out, her voice bright.
"Have a great day, sweetie! And don't forget to tell me everything when you get home," Amelia replied, watching her daughter walk down the driveway, her heart swelling with pride.
The day passed slowly for Amelia, filled with the usual errands and housework. But she couldn't shake the feeling that Emma's mention of Lucas was just the beginning of something big. By evening, she was back in the kitchen, setting up a cozy dinner for the two of them.
Just as she finished setting the table, she heard the door open, and Emma's hurried footsteps.
"Mom!" Emma called, sounding both excited and nervous.
Amelia turned, and there was her daughter, standing in the doorway with a half-smile on her face, her cheeks flushed. "Lucas invited me to his house for dinner tonight," Emma said, barely able to contain her excitement.
Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Dinner? At his house? That's… exciting! When did he ask?"
"He asked me during lunch. He said his family's having a few people over and thought it'd be nice if I joined them." Emma's cheeks turned an even brighter shade of pink. "It's… kind of a big deal, right?"
Amelia grinned, a mixture of pride and curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Well, I'm glad you told me early. I was planning to make your favorite tonight, but I'll save it for another day." She smiled softly, touching Emma's shoulder. "Just remember, if anything feels off, you call me, okay?"
Emma nodded, looking reassured. "I will, Mom. Promise."
She headed to her room to get ready, and Amelia could hear the faint sounds of music drifting down the hall as Emma prepared. A little later, Emma emerged, wearing a red dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress made her look more mature, more sophisticated, and Amelia couldn't help but admire how stunning her daughter looked.
"Wow," Amelia said, her voice thick with emotion. "Emma, you look beautiful."
Emma blushed and adjusted the strap of her dress, her fingers trembling just slightly. "Thanks, Mom. Do you think it's… too much?"
"Not at all," Amelia replied, her voice soft with pride. "You're perfect. Just be yourself."