Michael is somewhat surprised that Peter doesn’t have one, “I think every lad I know has at least one dress.” Michael states, “But most of them don’t like having to wear them.”
“I’m not surprised. I think it’s pretty rotten making you wear something you don’t like.” Peter replies.
“Yeah, I suppose… James likes them.”
“I noticed,” Peter replies, glancing at James who walks with Peter’s mother, chatting away. “I’d hate to dress like that all the time.”
“He doesn’t wear them all the time,” Michael says, defending his younger brother.
Later, they stop for a bite to eat in a seafront café. Peter’s mother says “Doesn’t James look nice in his dress Peter?”
“I guess,” Perter replies as he thinks the exact opposite.
“So have you got many dresses, Peter?” Aunt Jo asks. She is genuinely surprised when he tells her he hasn’t got any. “Why not?”
Peter shrugs, “I don’t like them.” he replies.
“Well neither does Michael but…” she turns to her eldest son, “…you’ll wear one occasionally won’t you?”
Michael gulps and nods.
“I keep thinking about buying George one too,” she adds, casting a smile at her husband.
Uncle George claims he’s too old. “Dresses are OK for boys, but not grown men.”
He is accused of being a stick in the mud before his wife points out that in ten years’ time both James and Michael will be grown men, and there’s a strong likelihood that most men will be wearing skirts and dresses by then.
Peter’s mother agrees with her sister-in-law, but adds, “I couldn’t imagine George in a dress.” Before saying that she could imagine Peter in one. A look of horror sweeps her son’s face at this revelation. His mother casts him a smile. “Don’t worry Peter… I’ll only buy you one if you want one.”
“Phew!” thought Peter.
“Why don’t you come shopping tomorrow with James and me tomorrow?” his aunt suggests, turning to her youngest and smiling. “You could try a couple on to see if you like it… you never know.”
“Erm….” Peter stammers, looking nervously from his aunt to his mother, then to his young cousin. “I’d rather go fishing with Uncle George and Michael… if that’s OK?”
“Of course Peter.” his aunt smiles. “But you can’t fight progress… all boys are going to find themselves in dresses sooner or later… and you’re no exception.”