Michael knew his aunt’s neighbor by sight and there’s no way he’d call him a sissy to his face.
“Anyway, I think you’d look sweet in an Ashford uniform Michael.” She winked as fear swept across young Michael’s face.
“I’m not really going there am I mum?” He asked with an almost pleading tone.
“Yes if you get in.” His mother replied matter of factly. “I put it as your first choice and it is the closest, so fingers crossed.” She added, crossing her fingers with a hopeful grin.
Michael’s face dropped as he realized he’d very likely be going to the town’s least desirable school for boys.
“Don’t worry Michael… I’m sure plenty of your friends will be there too.” His aunt reassured.” and you’ll all be dressed exactly the same.”
“Yeah, like girls.” Michael sulked.
“It’s not as if you’ll be wearing a gym-slip dear.” his aunt said in a reassuring voice.
“But it’ll be freezing in those shorts in the winter,” Michael claimed.
“Well, the girls manage well enough in short skirts through the winter.”
“But they wear tights.”
“Well, some of the boys wear tights too…” Sandra replied. “…in the winter.” She added.
“I’m not going to wear tights… they really are for girls.” Michael retorted.
“They’re also warmer than knee socks.” His aunt stated. “I think the boys who do wear tights are far more sensible than those who don’t.” she smiled.
Michael tried to visualize it but didn’t like what he saw. “I’ll look just like a girl.” He silently figured.