Luke chuckled. “True.” he said, recalling how she didn’t hesitate when reprimanding him with a slap across the face.
“Does that need washing and ironing for tomorrow?” his dad asked, nodding at Luke’s tunic.
“Err… yeah.”
“Take it off then.” his father said.
“Have I got any clean laundry down here?” Luke asked. His dad handed him a small bundle, claiming he meant to put it away earlier but hasn’t found the time. “That’s OK.” Luke said as he found some underwear, some pants and a top to wear. He gave his tunic and the matching under-shorts to his father who perused the laundry tags. Luke pulled on a pair of pants. “Feels weird wearing pants with no leg hair.” he commented.
“Well enjoy ’em while you can son.” his father said. “The way things are going you won’t be allowed pants for much longer.”
“Who decided that women’s clothes were servile?“ Luke grumbled.
“The same people that decided that men should be subjugated.“ his dad said, before quietly adding “Women!“
Luke left his dad to his housework and returned to the lounge.
“You’ve changed.” Luke’s mother said when he returned from the utility room.
“Dad’s washing my uniform.” Luke replied.
“Well he could have done that later… I wanted to get used to seeing you in servile attire.”
“You’ve got plenty of time for that Mum.” Luke replied. “I signed an eighteen month contract this morning.”
“Don’t sound so glum about it… the Marrion Hotel’s an excellent place to work.” she told him.
“I’m not so sure… I can’t do right for doing wrong and I’ve already lost 20% of my rate.” he replied. “My wages will barely cover my board now.”
“Only because you failed to apply yourself. You just have to try harder.”
“I tried my best.” he claimed.
“Well it clearly wasn’t good enough Luke. I know you’re only a boy but even you’re capable of carrying luggage for a living.” his mother told him.
“Yeah.” Luke sighed. It was always the same whenever he had something to grumble about. The rules are never wrong, it’s just him who fails to follow them. The women are never harsh, it’s his fault for getting on the wrong side of them. Nothing’s ever unfair, it’s just how things are these days. He’s only a boy and as such is always in the wrong. He should try harder… and no one expects his best to be very good since he’s just a boy after all, but that’s no excuse because boys only have to do the easy jobs. No one’s asking them to have a career! Who’d be a boy in this day and age?