Mum rolled her eyes. “You can wear what like around the house, providing we’re not expecting visitors… and I don’t like the idea of you wearing stockings.” she said. “You may be nearly fifteen but that’s still a bit too young for stockings and suspenders.”
“He’s a bit too male too.” my sister grinned.
“We all know that that doesn’t matter.” Mum replied. “It’s 2016 after all.” she stated. “Who’s to know in ten years time… androgyny for boys might be the height of fashion?” she suggested.
A silence followed. I retreated into my thoughts but rather than wallowing in the misery of the situation, I thought instead about the silence. This time, it’s a comfortable silence. My sister broke it by asking if I’m going to wear the boyshorts and bralette. I sighed before responding. “I dunno… I might wear the boyshorts under some tights but… I’m not sure about the top.”
“Think of it like a little vest.” Mum suggested. “You did say you like wearing matching tops and bottoms.” she added. I didn’t reply since I’m back on uneasy ground. “And I’ll buy you some tights next time I’m in town.”
“Thanks Mum.” I said.
“You can borrow some of mine in the meantime.” Hannah suggested. “If you want.”
“Err…. thanks.” I meekly replied, then declined.
“Do you like shorts?” she asked.
“What?”
“Shorts.” she repeated. “You know when girls wear a little pair of shorts with thick black tights or leggings…” she asked. I nodded. “…do you like it?” she asked.
“It’s OK I guess.” I gulped. “Why?”
“Well… I think a guy could wear shorts and tights and not look too girlie… you know like, distressed denim ones, with a skinny tee maybe.”
“Yeah but…”
“But what? We’re not going anywhere and no one’s coming round that I know of.”