Poor David has no idea how pretty he looks, especially when he sulks and pouts, his mother thinks as she washes the dishes. If she’d known just how effective petticoating would be she’d have done it last year and probably the year before. Maybe if he’d worn a dress then, he’d have played nicely with the girls instead of spoiling their fun. Maybe I shouldn’t have kept him up in his room this year? Maybe next year I’ll put him in a party dress and see if it helps him to play nicely with them? But then all his friends would find out and they’d tease him, she figured. “Is everything nice and tidy in there?” she asked when her two children entered the kitchen.

“Yes.” Janet replied. “We’ve made a mini buffet from all the leftovers and arranged them on the table, and we’re going to have a family party after we’ve watched a DVD.” she said.

“That sounds nice.” her mother replied. “Which DVD are you going to watch?”

“I’m not sure…” Janet thoughtfully replied. “I can’t decide between Tangled, Brave or Frozen.”

“Why maybe David should choose one?”

“That’s what I said but he can’t decide either.”

“Not Frozen.” David muttered. His mother suggested Brave, since she thinks he’d enjoy that with all its warring clans and bows & arrows. “I’ve seen it.” he replied. I suggested that he could watch it again. “But it’s a girl’s film.” he mumbled.

“I don’t think that matters under the current circumstances.” she replied. “Have you seen Tangled?” she asked. He shook his head. “Well watch that then.” his mother suggested. With head hung low, David agreed before meekly asking if he could take his dress off. “I said bedtime David.” his mother stated. He conceded and followed his sister to the lounge. His mother took them a beaker of pop each and deliberately gave them matching ‘princess’ beakers.

“Thanks Mum.” Janet said.

“Thank you.” David meekly added.