The Sisters Part 2
Author: Bethany-Louise, Nov/3/2003 09:09:07 [-04]
The Sisters part 2 by Bethany-Louise
‘Right then, young man,I think we’d better call your mother.’
'Oh please don’t,’ the young man cried.
‘So it’s the police then, is it?’
The young man was caught in a trap. If she went to the police his mother would find out anyway, and he would still have to explain the situation to a stranger, however innocent the explanation.
The young man nodded his agreement as he pondered his fate. He realised that he had no real choice and had to agree to the two women even though he had to face his mother.
‘I think I will er, let you call my mother.’ The dejection in his voice was clear for all to hear
‘Right then, dial the number.’ Gertrude firmly passed over the telephone to his trembling hand.
He slowly tapped out the number, and tentatively held the receiver up to his ear.
Oh please, don’t be in, he thought to himself. The rings were finally broken by his mother’s voice. ‘Hello.’
‘M…mother,’ came his wavering response.
‘Is that you Anthony?’
‘Ye…yes, mother.’
‘Where are you?’ There was concern in her voice, as she instinctively knew something was wrong.
The young man stammered an inaudible reply, and Gertrude grabbed the receiver from his shaking hand.
‘Good morning madam, my name is Ms Wilkes, from the lingerie and children’s wear shop in town. I have your son here with me, I think you should come down here and collect him.’
‘I don’t understand, Ms Wilkes, is Anthony alright?’
‘He’s fine, however there has been, shall we say, a little indiscretion. I think it’s best for all concerned if you just come down to the shop.’
There was a pause, as the mother pieced together the facts. ‘Oh no, not again, I’ll be right down.’ Gertrude smiled as she heard the words, as she realised her original theory was correct.
‘Sit down over there, Anthony, you’re mother is coming to collect you,’ Gertrude pointed to a chair by the counter.
Anthony did as he was told, even though Gertrude was talking to him as if he was a child. He was just about able to hold back the tears as he awaited his mother’s arrival. He scanned the room in silence. He couldn’t help himself be amazed, at the array of silks and satins of the dresses, which hung invitingly from their hangers. There was a mixture of dread, and yet extreme excitement, emanating from the pit of his stomach
Catherine, in the mean time, had placed several pairs of girls’ frilly panties on the counter, next to the lacy rumba tights. She smiled knowingly over to Anthony, as he shuffled apprehensively on the seat of the chair.
Gertrude had disappeared in the back of the shop, she returned carrying a tray of tea for three, and a glass of milk. As she put the tray down there was a sharp knock on the door and the sound of the handle turning.
‘Ah, that must be your mother, Anthony,’ Gertrude gleefully exclaimed.
She made her way to the front of the shop and opened the door for Anthony’s mother.
‘Ms Wilkes?’
‘Yes. Ms Curtis isn’t it? Anthony’s in there, please come through,’ Gertrude ushered Anthony’s mother into the back, locking the door behind her.
‘This is my sister Catherine.’ Mrs Curtis acknowledged her.
Anthony sat mortified as his mother entered the room. She glanced at the display of frillies on the counter.
‘Anthony how could you, and at your age too!’ His mother was furious.
‘Ms Wilkes, I don’t know how to explain this but.’
‘Please Mrs Curtis, don’t alarm yourself, I think I know what you’re going to say.’ Gertrude tactfully diffused the situation, not wishing to push the woman too far at this stage.
‘Oh Ms Wilkes, if only you knew.’ She was now on the verge of tears.
‘Shall we have a cup of tea and talk about it?’ Gertrude sat her down and poured the tea. She passed Anthony the glass of milk, which was gaily decorated with bunny rabbits and ducks; it was very childish in appearance.
Anthony’s mother composed herself and sipped her tea.
Gertrude then recounted the story of the last few weeks in detail, flowering up the facts as she did so. Anthony felt his face flush as his actions were described to his mother.
‘So there we have it. I thought it better if you took him down to the police station as he only looks to be about twelve years old.’ Gertrude finished her account.
‘He is actually sixteen years old, but he does look a lot younger,’ Anthony’s mother replied as she finished the cup. ‘I’m afraid Ms Wilkes, that I’ve failed as a mother, I was far too soft on him as a child. I knew he was secretly playing at dressing up, but I’d hoped it would go away in time’.
‘Please don’t chastise yourself Mrs Curtis, It’s a very difficult situation for a mother to find herself in.’ Gertrude’s consoling attitude calmed her.
‘Drink your milk up, there’s a good boy,’ she snapped, as she glared in the direction of Anthony.
Gertrude was now dominating proceedings, just as she had planned.
‘I’ve had quite a few male customers in here over the years, who have been shopping, shall we say, for themselves.’ Mrs Curtis’s ears pricked up attentively.
‘It’s my belief that they should be helped to solve their little problem.’
‘What do you mean, Ms Wilkes?’
‘Well, from the array of undergarments on the counter, Anthony obviously wishes to dress as a little girl. The question is can he act the part also? Let me put it another way. If he’s encouraged to dress as a little girl, may be his masculine side will emerge, and reject his female side?’ Gertrude theorised.
‘You mean, if he’s allowed to wear dresses in the open, he will hate it so much that he will never want to wear them again?’
‘Precisely my dear, regression therapy.’ Gertrude smiled.