Peter mentioned a handful of boys in his class who reportedly wear girl’s clothes outside of school, including Keith, possibly Alan and Robert. “Is he the one with the bob?” Kate asked. Peter nodded. “He’s cute.” his sister claimed.

Peter didn’t immediately respond, but he did thank his lucky stars that so far, his mother hasn’t suggested he grow his hair long or get his ears pierced like Robert. At least Robert’s hairstyle keeps his gold heart shaped studs mostly hidden. “He doesn’t want to be though. He can’t stand his hair and never wanted his ears pierced… but his mum made him.” Peter replied. “I told him to just cut it but he daren’t.” he added. “It’s really mean.” he claimed.

“Well… I’m sure Mum wouldn’t be too happy if I cut my hair off.” Kate shrugged. “…and I never really wanted my ears piercing but I got them done.” she added.

“Yeah but you’re a girl.”

“Yeah but.. when you go to Butterworth High… it doesn’t make any difference.” Kate stated. “I think you should get yours done, and I reckon you should grow your hair… not long long, but long enough to play with.”

Peter sneered. “Nah… it’d just be one more thing to worry about.” he said, tousling his hair. “At least this is easy.”

“Yeah but… besides putting a couple of clips or a slide in it, you can’t do much with it.” Kate said.

“I like it like this.”

“Fair enough.” Kate replied. “I suits you.” she said. “But it’s good to try different things… which is one reason why I think EP works.” She explained that by taking boys out of their comfort zone and putting them in what is essentially a girl’s environment, they’re less inclined to bully, be boisterous or brutish…”

“Because we’re too busy feeling embarrassed.” Peter quickly replied. He’d phrased it like a wisecrack but, from the moment he puts his training bra on to the moment he takes it off, he knows he’s a petticoatee. Maybe Kate’s right about the comfort zone, he wonders. “Why else do you think it works?” he asked.

“I dunno… lots of reasons I guess; there’s virtually no truancy, hardly any bullying… well, not amongst the boys anyway. They take as much pride in their appearance as us girls do… mostly anyway.” Peter’s sister supposed. “Do you think it works?” she asked. “…and if not, why not?”