Match Maker One Shots

Never Grow Up

Summary: Peter is growing up and Taylor isn't too happy about it

Warnings: Peter is a moody 14-year-old, Taylor is sad, it's short (<1100)

2036

There was a time in Taylor's life when she truly believed that Peter would never grow up. Serenading him as an infant seemed to make her believe that he would always be a little bundle of joy that she got to carry around every day.

She was terrified when he turned thirteen because that's when she started drifting away from her parents and became her own person. She knew it was inevitable, but it seemed to happen so, incredibly fast.

Peter used to laugh at everything she did and said but now it was like he couldn't stand even just talking to her. She wished he stayed that little. That simple.

Taylor often found herself in a morning predicament. She stood in the doorway of her son Peter's bedroom, school uniform in hand, with a pleading look in her eyes. "Come on, Peter, you really need to put on your school uniform," she implored, her voice filled with a blend of exasperation and affection.

But Peter, the eight-year-old he was, was having none of it. He swayed and twirled in his cosy pyjamas, his messy hair a testament to his carefree morning spirit. He giggled and continued to dance around the room, seemingly oblivious to his mother's gentle insistence.

Taylor couldn't help but sigh, a mixture of amusement and slight frustration. She had tried the stern approach, but it never worked on her free-spirited son. Instead, she decided to join in the dance, matching Peter's goofy moves with her own, even though she was clad in her own professional attire.

As the dance party continued, the door creaked open, and in walked Taylor's wife, Mallory. Leaning on the doorframe with a warm and affectionate smile, she watched the impromptu dance-off between mother and son. Her British charm exuded a sense of calm and grace.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mallory announced, "Breakfast is ready, you two."

Taylor blushed at the reminder that there were more pressing matters at hand. She then turned to Peter, her expression filled with a touch of playfulness. "I think Peter's feeling a bit under the weather today. Can he stay off school?"

Mallory raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Well, that depends. Can I be invited to the dance party?"

Peter's face lit up with excitement as he looked at Mallory. He yelled, "Yes!" and even showed off his missing teeth, a testament to his ongoing battle with the Tooth Fairy.

With a chuckle, Mallory stepped into the room and joined the dance party, making it a delightful family affair. The morning dance-offs became a cherished ritual, and they were a testament to the love and laughter that filled their home, which transcended the daily routines and challenges of life.

Taylor missed that, so whilst Mallory was away for the day and it was just her and her fourteen-year-old, she tried to bond with him. Taylor had anticipated this phase, but that didn't make it any less challenging.

One sunny afternoon, as they sat at the kitchen table for lunch, Taylor decided to break the silence that seemed to hang over their mother-son interactions recently. She cleared her throat, glancing at Peter who was absorbed in his smartphone.

"Peter," she began tentatively, "I was thinking... how about we watch a movie together later tonight?" She tried to sound casual, her eyes showing a hint of longing for their mother-son bonding time, which had become a rarity.

Peter looked up from his phone, his teenage rebellion clear in his eyes. "No thanks," he replied curtly. "I'm going to the cinema with my friends."

Taylor's heart sank a little at his response, but she tried to keep her composure. "Oh, that sounds nice," she said with a forced smile. "Would you like me to drop you off at the cinema, dear?"

Peter, seemingly annoyed by the suggestion, rolled his eyes dramatically before reluctantly agreeing. "Fine, Mum, if you must."

Her smile remained soft, though, as she realized that even though her teenage son might not be as receptive to her attempts at bonding as he once was, he still appreciated her support. It was a subtle affirmation that their relationship was still strong, despite the challenges of adolescence.

As they finished their lunch, Taylor couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth in her heart. She knew that parenting a teenager was a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs.

He was rushing Taylor to the car, a sense of urgency in his every step, for he had made plans to meet his friends at the local cinema. It was a significant occasion for him, a night out with his peers, a taste of growing independence.

As they neared the cinema, Peter abruptly requested Taylor to stop the car a little way down the road. His voice held a tinge of awkwardness as he spoke, "Um, Mum, could you, uh, stop here?"

Taylor's heart sank at his unusual request. She had noticed the subtle shift in Peter's behaviour recently, the way he had started to distance himself, as if the presence of his mother was no longer something to be openly acknowledged in front of his friends.

Clearing her throat, Taylor turned to face her son, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and love. "Alright, Petey," she said softly. "Have a wonderful time with your friends. Remember, I love you. Be safe and enjoy the movie."

Peter mustered a forced smile, his teenage insecurities apparent as he glanced around nervously. "Thanks, Mum. Bye," he replied hurriedly, before opening the car door and stepping out.

Taylor watched as her son walked away, tears welling up in her eyes. She knew that growing up came with moments of distancing, of wanting to establish one's own identity separate from the protective embrace of a parent. But that knowledge didn't make it any easier to accept the distance that was growing between them.

Driving back home alone, she couldn't help but shed a few tears. It was a bittersweet moment, realizing that her little boy was becoming a young man. Her love for him remained unwavering, even if the dynamics of their relationship were shifting. As a mother, all she could do was cherish the moments they had together and support his journey into the world, even if it meant sometimes standing on the sidelines.