The next day at school was weird. It felt like everyone was looking at me oddly, as if they somehow knew that I’d worn something I shouldn’t have… but that was just me being paranoid. If anyone knew, I’m pretty sure I’d know they knew.. but that didn’t stop me spending much of the day thinking about the time I’d spent wearing a dress.
It wasn’t until midweek that I opened my wardrobe (something I do everyday) to hang my school pants up and I noticed the navy blue sailor dress hanging there. “Mother?” I said as I went to the kitchen, checking she was alone.
“Yes love?” she asked as she pottered.
“Why is that dress in my wardrobe?” I sheepishly asked.
“Because it fits you and you said you liked it.” Mother replied.
“I didn’t say I liked it.” I insisted, but backtracked after Mother gave me one of those looks. “I just said it wasn’t bad.” I reminded her. “But I don’t want it in my wardrobe.” I mournfully added.
“Well it’s been there all week. Why you’ve waited ’til now to mention it I don’t know.”
“Because I hadn’t noticed it ’til now.” I replied. “Can I put it somewhere else?”
“You could hang it from your door hook if you want.” Mother suggested, although I knew she was teasing me. “There isn’t room in Sonia’s wardrobe and it doesn’t fit her anyway… and my wardrobe’s jam packed full too.” she explained. “And since Gregory left for college there’s plenty of room in yours.” she smiled. “And if you do want to wear it again you know where it is.”
“But I don’t want to wear it again!” I claimed.
“Well it’s there just in case you change your mind.” Mother replied as she resumed folding the laundry. “No one would think any less of you.”
“Gregory would.” I moaned, sticking out my lip. “If he was still here you wouldn’t me making me wear dresses.”
“I’m not making you wear anything!” Mother replied, before reminding me that it was I who wanted to borrow a pair of tights and I who agreed that wearing the dress would be a nice surprise for Sonia. “I made it perfectly clear that you didn’t have to wear it Andrew… it was your choice.”
I slumped my head into my shoulders. “Yeah but…”
“And Gregory isn’t here.” Mother interrupted, “When he was the pair of you were horrible to your sister, and now he’s gone it’s good that you’re finally starting to get along with Sonia.”
“I wasn’t horrible to her!” I whined.
“You weren’t very nice either… all that sniggering and whispering and giggling behind her back.” Mother retorted. “Vincent’s doing the best he can in a difficult situation and the very least you can do is show him some support and solidarity.” Mother paused, pulled out a chair and sat down. I followed suit. “Now I know Vincent isn’t a real girl, and I know he’d rather be a normal boy… but I need someone to call my daughter and fortunately for you, that someone is Vincent.” Mother explained in a calm and considered voice. “Put yourself in his shoes.” she suggested, “Wouldn’t you be happier having a nice brother instead of one who sniggers and sneers at you?”
“I don’t snigger at her.” I claimed.
“Well… not since Gregory left you don’t.” Mother pointed out.
At that moment the front door opened and Vincent returned. “Can Laura come in?” he asked.
Laura hovered behind and said “Hello Mrs Jackson… hi Andrew.”
I muttered a hello as Mother said, “Hello Laura. Don’t you look smart in your uniform.”
“Oh er.. thanks.” Laura replied, looking down at herself and frowning. “Mother makes me keep it on ’til I’ve done all my homework.”
“Oh that’s a good idea… it’ll help you concentrate.” Mother smiled.
“I’d rather wear my own clothes after school.” Laura frowned.
“I’m sure you would dear, but I suppose school isn’t really over until your homework’s finished.” Mother told her.
“That’s what my Mother says.” Laura replied.
“So what have you two been doing? Gossiping?”
“No.” Vincent and Laura replied in unison.
“Sonia’s been helping me with my homework.” Laura claimed.
“Can I loan her my Black Beauty book?” Vincent asked before explaining that Laura had to choose a nineteenth century book to read, then write an essay about it, but not being much of a reader she didn’t know where to start.
