Sally looked back at her brother and cast him a broad grin. “I don’t think he minds wearing girl’s shoes. He accidentally wore a leotard and skirt too and you didn’t mind that did you?” she giggled.
“Not until I realised I wasn’t supposed to wear it.” he blushed. “I just thought that’s what we were supposed to wear!”
“What’s this?” their mother asked, wondering if she’d heard correctly. Between them, they explained the mistake and the fact that everybody was OK with it. Sally said none the girls teased him, and added that the teacher said he could wear it again next week if he doesn’t want to wear shorts.
His mother quizzed him on why he wouldn’t want to wear shorts and after a brief pause for thought, he explained. “Well, I’m the only boy and don’t want to stand out that much… plus, shorts won’t bounce around like the skirts do.”
His mother glanced at her daughter. They shared a grin before she glanced at her son through the rear view mirror. “Well if it makes you feel more comfortable blending in with a group of girls?” she says, visualising Peter and Sally dancing side by side; black clackety shoes, white tights, matching black leotards and bouncy little skirts. If it doesn’t bother him then it shouldn’t bother her, his mother thought.
When they arrive home their mother makes them a sandwich each along with a glass of fizzy pop. It’s a sunny day so they eat in the garden, and Sally suggests they should practice some more. “We could show mum what we learnt today.” she adds. “Seeing as mum pays for our classes.”
“OK.” Peter replies.
Sally glances at her mother, then to her brother before suggesting, “I’ve got a spare leotard and skirt if you want?” she pauses as a look of reluctance sweeps her brother’s face. “I mean, you’ll get too warm in your pants and sweatshirt.” she states, looking up at the beating sun, “…and it’ll be better if we both look the part.” she adds. “Don’t you think mum?”
Their mother has been intrigued since they revealed that Peter had taken the entire class dressed just like all the other girls and, feeling like she’s missed out, she says, “That’s a very good idea.”
Ten minutes later, Sally and very sheepish Peter step out through the patio doors; Sally wears her black leotard with the Betty Baxter School of Dance logo on, with a voile wrap skirt. Whilst Peter wears a pale blue leotard and a matching skirt.”Well look at you.” their mother smiles.
Peter looks down at himself, gulps and smiles back.
“If I’d known you looked that good in a skirt I’d have bought you one years ago.” his mother teases before they go through some of the basic routines. She watches for ten or fifteen minutes and is clearly impressed. “You are very good Peter, considering you’ve only had one lesson.” his mother says as they stop for a breather.
“Well, Sally has given me lessons too.” he replies, much to his sister’s delight.
“Would you like more drinks? It looks like very thirsty work.” Mother asks as she goes to refill the pitcher. When she returns, they’re sat at the patio table eagerly chattering. “It’s hard to believe one of these gossiping girls is my son.” she grins as she refills their glasses.
Peter blushes but doesn’t seem offended. He looks down at himself and straightens his leg, pointing his toes. He’s blatantly aware that he looks like a girl as he observes his short skirt, thin legs, pop socks and shoes. “Oh no!” he says in a sulky voice, lifting his knee and running his fingers down his shin.
“What?” his mother says, looking at his leg, “Oh it’s just a ladder.” she says. “We’ll get you some more.”
He quizzes his mother, who explains that pop socks are very delicate and don’t last very long. “Fortunately they’re cheap so I’ll get you some more before next week.” she smiles as she pushes her fingers through his hair. “Unless you’d prefer tights?” his mother suggested. “I guess most of the other girls wear tights.”
“You can borrow some of mine if you want?” Sally offers.
