Two days later they’re driving down the M1 and heading for Slough for the first time since summer. To avoid the oft congested M25, they exit the M1 near Milton Keynes and drive through Aylesbury, Wycombe and Maidenhead and eventually into Slough. Neither of their parents are from the area meaning there’s no family to stay with, so they head for the Travelodge in the city centre. After booking in, they go into town to have a strolled and get some food. “So what’s it like being home again kids?” their Dad asked. Kate joked that it has electricity and running water and everything. Peter said it was busier than he recalls, adding that it’s maybe a bit too busy after becoming accustomed to small town life.
“It is half term.” his mother says. “The schools are out so it’s bound to be busier. You might bump into some old friends.” she optimistically says.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Peter pessimistically retorts. “Apart from Noel, Carol and Mark… I don’t know who knows that I go to an EP school.”
“You worry too much.” his mother says. “You might not like the uniform but it’s a much better school than anything Slough can offer.”
“Yeah I know.” Peter replied.
They strolled around the shops before settling in Nando’s where they ate some much needed and much missed grub. His mother and sister planned to spend tomorrow shopping. Kate has arranged to meet with a couple of her old friends and asked if Peter’s looking forward to meeting up with his old mates. “Yeah.” he replied, adding that he’s a bit worried since they know about his school. Kate suggested that he’s got nothing to worry about. “It’s just little things like… my pants and tops.” he said.
“No one’s going to know what you’re wearing underneath.” his sister states.
“I know… it’s just gonna be weird, hanging with my old mates whilst wearing girl’s undies.” he replied. “They might not know but I will.”
“They’re not girl’s undies Peter.” his mother states, and not for the first time. Yes, his training bras and big knickers may well have ‘boys’ clearly printed on the packaging, but as far a Peter and most of the other boys at Butterworth High School are concerned, they are girl’s undies.