The Saturday had begun fairly non-eventfully.  Patrick and some of his friends were playing ball in the front yard, and, very quickly, the game ended with the breaking of one of the windows.  The others immediately ran off, and Patrick was alone to take the blame.  He quickly knew what the future held as watched the errant ball sail toward the window, causing a loud shattering noise, promptly followed by Gram’s appearance at the front door.

“Ruffian!  This the second time you have done this!  Wash you hands and face and go to Martha’s room! Immediately!”

There was no use in protesting. There never was.  But he figured he’d try.

“But, Gram. I can’t stay home from school next week – it’s finals!”

“Well, then, you will have to go to school in your Patty dress.”

“But Gram – can’t we wait until next week, so I can stay home?  The others will never let me live it down!”

“Should have thought about that when you broke the glass!   Brought this on yourself, boy.  Go now,” waving her hand in a ‘shoo’ motion.

Patrick was shattered.  It was one thing being dressed as a girl at home – but at school?  This was terrible! He trudged up the steps.  He knew his sisters would be coming up soon.  He was trapped.

As he entered Martha’s room, that now-familiar feeling came over him once again, of being out of place in all the frills and laces and light colors.  He hated the ridicule and humiliation, but he had to admit to himself that he kind of liked the feel of pantaloons and skirts on his legs.  It was the darned stays that bothered so much, especially when his sisters decided to have fun and tie them too tight!  He could hardly breathe!