Eight weeks ago I entered St Ursula’s wearing my own clothes. We all did. Some of us knew what to expect, some of the others clearly didn’t. After taking a mandatory shower, we were presented with a pair of knickers and a training bra, followed by our skirts, blouses, socks and shoes. It was a humbling and humiliating experience for all… but I’m glad my mother had forewarned me.
“Can we go?” I asked, not wanting to loiter in a public place for longer than is necessary.
“Sorry. Yes.” Mum replied. “I got carried away just looking at you.” she smiled as her eyes yo-yo’d from my face to my feet and back again.
We left the train station and walked through the car park and mum repeatedly told me how nice I look in my uniform and how well I walk in my heels… “Well, I have had plenty of practice,” I replied. “Fifty-four days worth.” I thought. Yes, I’ve been keeping count.
Mum had left the car parked on an adjoining street where the parking is free. I felt so self-aware in my short pleated skirt and white knee socks in my hometown. I mostly kept my head down but couldn’t help but glance around to check I hadn’t been seen. Not only is my uniform very distinctive and nothing like any of the uniforms the Beckford schools have, it’s also a Saturday.. I know that I stand out. I spotted mum’s car and breathed a sigh of relief, eager to hide inside it. But as we neared a voice called, “Hi Patsy!”
I looked at mum. Mum looked around. “Hi Judith.” she waved.
One of our old neighbors was on the other side of the street, eagerly making her way across. My hopes of getting home unseen were quickly dashed, as Judith and her daughter Sarah approached us. “Long time no see!” Judith said to mum.
“Hello! And Sarah too.” mum grinned. “You remember Peter don’t you?”
God, I wish I was a girl, I thought as my old friend, former next-door neighbor Sarah looked, looked again, then smiled at me. “Hi Peter,” she said. “You’re dressed as a girl,” she noted, looking me up and down.
“It’s my school uniform.” I gulped.
“Peter’s at boarding school now.” mum proudly stated. “He’s back for half term. Aren’t you?”
I gulped and nodded, then forced a smile.
“Is it a girl’s school?” Sarah asked, staring at my skirt and legs.
“No.” I sheepishly replied. “We just have to dress like girls.”
“Why?” she asked with a furrowed brow.
“Dunno.” I shrugged. “We just do.”
“It keeps truancy down.” mum interjected. “Amongst other things.” she smiled.
“I bet it does.” Judith grinned. Her face was the very definition of bemused. She tore her eyes away from me and addressed my mother. “Look, we can’t really stop but we’ll have to catch up… it’s been ages.”
“It has.” mum replied. “Why don’t you pop round one day this week?” she suggested. “I guess Sarah’s on half term too?” she asked, smiling at Sarah.
The arrangement was made. They left and we got in the car. “It was nice bumping into Judith and Sarah wasn’t it?” mum asked as she fastened her seatbelt.
“Well… it would have been if…” I straightened the pleats of my skirt over my lap and sighed.
“I thought you liked your uniform.” mum said.
“I do but… it just feels weird here… bumping into people I know,” I replied.
“I’m sure they thought you looked very nice. Which you do.”
“Thanks,” I murmured. “I’m sure they thought a lot more than that,” I said to myself as I recalled the bemused looks on their faces when they realized who I was.
