Once I’d tidied the kitchen, I sloped off to my room, avoiding any more unwanted attention. I kicked off my shoes and slumped on my bed. A good while later I heard a knock on my door. “Pete?” Said my sister’s voice, “Are you decent?”
“Yes.” I replied.
Cheryl opened the door and sat on the edge of the bed. She felt my punishment was a bit unfair. I agreed. But she went on to say that I had brought it on myself. Again, I agreed. “Granny calls it ‘petticoat punishment’.” I added.
“You look OK in that skirt though.” She said kindly. “Who’s idea was it to shave your legs?”
“Mother’s.” I replied. “I have to shave my arm pits too.”
Cheryl’s eyes almost popped out of her head again. “Really?!”
I nodded.
“And how do you feel about that?” She asked, brushing her hand over my nylon clad lap.
“Well….” I pondered, “I’d rather not have to… but I guess I deserve it.” My head dropped. “It could be worse I suppose?”
“How so?” Cheryl asked.
“Well at least I’m grounded. I couldn’t bear having to go outside dressed like this.”
“Oh you look OK!” She said, “At least you don’t have hairy legs.” She smiled, stroking my hairless knee.
My eye’s rolled as if to say ‘yeah right!’ Cheryl smiled, I smiled back.
We chatted for a few more minutes before Cheryl left me alone. I gave her a hug and thanked her for understanding. “Are you coming down stairs or staying up here all night?” she asked.
“I’ll be down in a bit.” I replied, glancing at the clock. “But my bed time is 9.” I added.
“NINE?!” She asked.
“All part of the punishment.” I shrugged. “Ready for bed at eight, bed time at nine.” I stated, parroting Mothers rules word for word.
Cheryl frowned on my behalf, “OK.” She said. “I’ll see you in a bit.” Before leaving me alone.
I changed into my night clothes and listened to the radio until around 8.15, before joining Mother and my sister in the lounge.
“I had a feeling you’d not be wearing your own pyjamas.” Said Cheryl as I sat down wearing one of her old nighties.
“Oh… er….” I grunted as I sat myself down in front of the TV.
Mother went to bed not long after the movie started, stating that I was to go to bed as soon as it finished. After a few moments Cheryl said “You know Pete, you do look quite comfortable wearing my old clothes.”
“Erm…” Was all I could reply before Cheryl continued.
“I mean….” She paused, “Mother said you can’t wait to change out of your school dress and into something nicer on a Friday.”
“Well…” I replied. “Anything is better than wearing that!” I paused, “Apart from that ‘thing’ I had to wear when granny visited last Saturday!” I added.
Cheryl giggled, “Yes. I hated wearing that dress so much too. I think I only wore it a couple of times all in all.”
I smiled. “I’m not surprised. I nearly died when Granny arrived, I had no idea She was coming over.”
“Oh poor you.”, Cheryl said sympathetically. “Still, you looked OK earlier, quite trendy really.”
I cast my mind back and visualised myself wearing the short black skirt and skinny blue t-shirt. “Yeah that was OK I guess.” I agreed.
“So what are you wearing tomorrow?” She asked inquisitively.
“I don’t know.” I replied honestly. “Mother tends to choose something for me so we’ll see eh?”
“Why don’t you choose what to wear?”
“Well I did tonight, but last weekend I couldn’t decide so Mother chose for me.”
“Yes I know how you feel.” Cheryl said. “I was always spoilt for choice too. Which skirt? Which dress? Which top? Which shoes? It can be quite overwhelming! And that’s before doing my hair and make up! I used to spend hours trying different combinations before…..”
I butted in, “It’s more a case of wanting to wear jeans and a t-shirt and NOT one of your old dresses.” I explained.
Cheryl gave me a sympathetic frown of support before calmly saying, “Well… Mother’s made her mind up and you can’t for the time being. So you may as well try to enjoy it.”
I paused for a moment before saying, “What is there to enjoy about wearing your old school uniform all week and then wearing whatever ‘pretty’ monstrosity Mother chooses on the weekends? I look like a boy dressed as a girl and feel totally ridiculous all of the time!” I snapped. “This is horrible.” I added, chocking back a tear with a gulp.
Cheryl Paused before saying “Fair point…. I’ll have a word with Mother and see what I can do.”
“Thanks Cheryl.” I said. “I’d really appreciate it.”
