Warnings: none

"I really don't see why I can't get ready on my own," Dallas complained as Daisy gelled his hair back. "I'm sixteen, Mom, don't you think that tells you I'm old enough to get myself ready? And for Picture Day of all days."

"Nuh-uh," Daisy replied smartly. "I'm not risking a repeat of last year, kid."

Dallas flushed in embarrassment, thinking about his sophomore year picture. It had slipped his mind that it was Picture Day that day, and he ended up going to school with a ratty sweatshirt, baggy jeans, and unbrushed hair. Compared to his classmates who were much more put-together, he felt like his picture was the bad seed of the whole yearbook. He internally groaned when he remembered when the envelope was first sent home, and his parents got to flip through multiple pages of Dallas looking like he just rolled out of bed and immediately went to school.

"I thought I said that it won't happen again," he told his mom, flinching when she dabbed some concealer over his acne. With puberty came pimples, he thought. Daisy ignored him, and Dallas reluctantly accepted the silence, until finally, she stepped away from him.

Dallas had to admit that his mom did a great job. His dark brown hair was gelled in a way that reminded Daniel of his early SSR days. He wore a plain white tank top with a dark blue flannel on top, and some black skinny jeans that felt surprisingly comfortable. Dallas heard the sound of a camera clicking multiple times behind him and stuck his tongue out when he saw his mom smile triumphantly.

Daisy walked over and placed her hands on her son's cheeks. "There's my son. Now, off you go. I'll show these pictures to Dad when he comes home from the office."

Dallas pecked Daisy's cheek. He grabbed his car keys from his bedside table and shuffled downstairs, turning his head to shout, "Later, Mom! Thanks!"

Daisy smiled fondly as she swiped through the pictures she took of her son. Her little boy wasn't so little anymore.

I know I've been hopping through Dallas's age throughout these chapters. I don't necessarily have a plan for this and just intend to make this practice for writing really short stories. Let me know if I should continue just making random chapters where Dallas's age is inconsistent, or if I should start making chapters in chronological order.

As always, reviews, constructive criticism, and requests are appreciated!