"You look fabulous," Teresa said, parting Taylor's hair down the middle and combing it down the sides. Teresa must have seen skeptical disbelief in Taylor's face, because she continued, "Absolutely. Hold still just a moment, while I touch up your eye-liner. There. You'll be the darling of the Ball."

"I'm really scared," said Taylor.

"That's fully understandable. After all, it is your first date." Teresa stood back. "Stand up and let me get a good look at you." Definitely, she thought, as Taylor stood up and turned around to face her. Taylor in a fluffy-sleeve Chartreuse Green dress extending below the knees, light nude tights, and black Mary Jane shoes, looked adorable.

"Isn't he, um, waiting?"

"But of course, let him wait. Torture him with anticipation."

Another five minutes or so later, Teresa said, "Let's go now. But slowly, gently, daintily. You may wish to take long, slow, deep breaths," she continued. "But breathe normally once they see you."

They left Teresa's room for the hallway. Teresa followed behind Taylor. "You're doing fine," said Teresa at a moment's pause just before the top of the stairs, still hidden from those downstairs. They continued.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, their father asked, "You sure you want to go through with this, Son?"

"Yes, Daddy," answered Taylor.

"Off to the Daddy-Daughter Ball, then," pronounced Daddy as they departed.

After they left, Teresa said, "He'll love it. My Daddy-Daughter Balls have been simply wonderful and totally romantic, ever since I was his age. I can't help being a little jealous of Taylor, going with Daddy instead, now."

"So how long has it been?" asked Mom. "Four years? That long?"

"You made me up to look like a fifteen-year-old girl that first time, even though I was only twelve. Unfortunately, I couldn't do that with Taylor. The best I could do was have him resemble an adorable ten-year-old girl. But it's high time my little brother learn the joys of Daddy-Daughter dates."