Once I’d finished tidying my room, I reluctantly changed out of my uniform and stepped into the blue dress. The skirt section flared out as it had several layers of netted underskirt sewn in. I struggled for a while to get the back zip fastened up all the way. It had short, puffed sleeves with white frilly lace edging, and a square neck again edged with white lace. I checked my reflection in the mirror to see just how stupid I looked. I couldn’t remember seeing Cheryl wearing it before and wondered where it came from. I was sat on the edge of my bed, fastening my feet into the blue satin sandals when I heard the front door open. Mother was home. She was on her way up the stairs by the time I’d fastened up the other sandal.
“Oh it’s so nice to see that dress being worn!” Exclaimed Mother as she entered my room. “Cheryl never liked it.”
“I’m not surprised!” I replied sarcastically. “I don’t ever remember seeing her wearing it.”
“Don’t be like that Peter.” Mother snapped. “Granny bought it for her when she was 14. How are the shoes?”
“High!” I replied, “I’ll break my neck in them.” I added.
“You’ll be fine.” She said. “Just take shorter steps when you walk, and be careful on the stairs.” She advised. “Well, stand up and let me see you properly.”
Shyly I stood up. “Woah!” I said, not used to the extra height I rose to.
Mother grinned. “You look almost delightful!” She passed me a hairbrush. “I’ll make some tea. You brush your hair and I’ll see you downstairs in a moment.”
I took the hairbrush and ran it through my hair, before slowly and carefully making my way down to the lounge.
“Oh I say!” A voice exclaimed as I entered. To my horror, my grandmother was sat with my mother on the sofa. “Isn’t that the party frock I bought for Cheryl?” Asked Granny.
“Yes it is.” Mother replied. “Well come in Peter and say hello to Granny.”
“Hello Granny.” I whimpered. Wishing the ground would swallow me whole.
“Hello Peter.” Said Granny. “You look very nice.”
I said nothing, dumbstruck. Mother gave me a stern look, prompting me to reply. “Thank you.” I Murmured.
“Well come and sit down Peter. It’s so long since I’ve seen you.” Granny said, gesturing to the chair opposite the sofa. “You Mother tells me you’ve been getting into trouble at school.”
Shyly I sat opposite Mother and Granny, making sure I smoothed my dress under me as I sat. They chatted about my expulsion from school and my ‘petticoat punishment’ as Granny called it, as if I wasn’t there. “Well he’s certainly less boisterous than he used to be.” Granny commented as I sat silently in their presence.
After more chit chat, Mother suddenly turned to me and said, “Oh by the way Peter. You forgot to put your knickers and vests away. They’re still on the radiator. Could you put them in your knicker drawer please?”
I felt myself going bright red. As if the fact I now wore knickers was more embarrassing than wearing this dress in front of my grandmother. “Oh, er…. I’ll do it now.” I replied shyly, before exiting the lounge to put my washing away.
Granny entered the kitchen as I was neatly folding the small pile of white lacy underwear. “Well I must say, it’s lovely to see you wearing that frock. Cheryl never wore it you know.” Granny said. “It was quite expensive you know.” She added.
I didn’t know how to respond. I knew the expected response would be along the lines of ‘thank you, it’s very nice’ or ‘yes, it’s lovely’. But in this case, I felt it best to simply say “Thank you.” I always liked Granny and didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “I’d better put these away.” I added, making my escape.
On my return to the lounge, Mother asked, “Peter will you be a darling and make a pot of tea? And theres some scones in the pantry, could you bring those also?”
“Yes.” I replied.
A few moments later I returned with a tray of tea and scones. Carefully I placed the tray on the coffee table before sitting opposite Mother and Granny once more. “Oh thank you Peter.” Said Granny. “You’re such a good gir… boy… sorry Peter.” She added, apologising for her mistake.
