PART 26 (no you didn't miss PART 25. Just getting the numbering right from here forward after it was kindly pointed out :) Perhaps at some point a mod can correct my mis-numbering from the earlier parts.)
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Mrs. Smyth returned her full attention to Josh, and she gained momentum as she continued to inspect his ensemble. “The whole look is precious. The polka dots are very on trend for young girls. Nice, even proportions. The skirt is short enough to be sassy without being inappropriate. A little bouncy perhaps, but pretty nonetheless. I like the ruffling detail too… very playful but not overdone. The matching sandals and lovely hairband pull it all together sweetly,” Mrs. Smyth complimented him.
Kathy blurted out, “You should see his curtsy!” Josh was certain he saw that boy, Justin, jerk his head around when he heard Kathy say “HIS curtsy.” Glancing over, Josh saw Justin perusing him with renewed interest. “Go ahead!” Kathy whispered.
Seeing no other option, Josh dipped down into a quick curtsy for Mrs. Smyth who was both surprised and flattered by the girlish show of respect. Gwendolyn involuntarily gasped. This was all so surreal and wonderful. A younger couple in their twenties sitting in the corner watched the spectacle attentively. A teenage girl at a different table leaned over to her mother to whisper something.
Grimacing, Josh daintily sat back down. He was weak-kneed and needed to sit. Could this get any worse? He couldn’t believe there was this much to say about his outfit. He caught a glimpse of Justin, and the boy’s eyes were positively bulging. Josh quickly looked away.
“Bravo dear! Very sweet! That was lovely… just lovely!” Mrs. Smyth exclaimed. Then she continued, “your sundress is so light and breezy with that charming flare silhouette. Those extra layers under the skirt really do make all the difference in the fullness of your skirt. It’s chiffon, isn’t it dear? And did I detect the briefest hint of some pretty ruffles on your lovely tights when you twirled around?”
Now beet-red, Josh stammered, “Yes ma’am, you are right. My dress is made of pink chiffon, and I’m wearing some nice ruffled tights underneath.” It was excruciating to have every girly detail of his outfit described in this public setting, and it was another blow to realize he had unwittingly exposed his frilly bottom. Desperately trying to shift attention elsewhere, he said, “Kathy picked it out for me.”
Smiling, Mrs. Smyth said to Kathy, “well you certainly have a nice eye for fashion dear. Very feminine and summery.” Mrs. Smyth further commented, “your navy dress is chic as well. Simple but elegant. Very in style.”
Kathy smiled modestly at the compliment, “Thank you very much. I was just happy to help out when Josh decided he wanted to start trying girly things.”
“She did his hair too,” Gwendolyn explained to Josh’s discomfort as she directed the conversation right back to him. She had relished the last few minutes, and she wanted the focus to remain on her son. “It’s amazing what she’s done with it since he hasn’t had a proper haircut in months!”
“Well you’ve done a wonderful job, Kathy,” Andrea concurred. Reaching out to lightly brush Josh’s hair with her fingers, Andrea said, “but if you want to get that proper haircut this week, I’d be happy to put him in my chair.” Speaking to the blushing boy, Andrea said, “fortunately it’s long enough that you’ll have several nice styles to choose from.”
Catching his mother’s eye, Josh knew he should say something. “Thank you Miss Andrea. That would be so wonderful… if it’s OK with Mommy I mean,” he said softly. He knew it was a long shot, but maybe his mother wouldn’t want to go to all that trouble. He squirmed in his chair causing his chiffon dress to rustle and swish. Reflexively, he pulled his knees together a bit tighter and felt the tingling friction of his ruffled tights rubbing against his thighs.
The childish way Josh addressed his mother did not go unnoticed by Andrea, but she didn’t comment. Speaking again to Gwendolyn, she explained, “truthfully my schedule is rather light this week, so I can easily work him in. In fact, we have enough stylists to take you all for an appointment if you like and get a family discount.”
Grateful for Andrea’s generosity and pleased to have steered the conversation back the right way, Gwendolyn immediately replied, “that would be wonderful, Andrea. You are too kind. Of course we will. Thank you so much!” She was thrilled at this additional opportunity.
“Here’s my business card, just call tomorrow morning and we’ll get you all booked this week. It won’t be a problem,” Andrea replied.
“Joshy you should bring all your hairbows and barrettes so Miss Andrea can see them,” Kathy chimed in. “He’s got a whole box of cute accessories!” she added enthusiastically.
“Bring whatever you like dear,” Andrea smiled, “We should certainly help you make the most of all your pretty things.”
Josh’s skin was crawling now. So much for that long shot. The week ahead was rapidly filling up with all sorts of sissy horrors. A looming visit to the dress shop. A hair appointment. No doubt more girlish outfits. The unicorn bra and panty set in his dresser. The box of hairbows and barrettes on his vanity table.
“See you very soon, Josh!” Andrea told him eagerly as they said their goodbyes. Departing, she added, “that floral scent is lovely by the way.”
She said his name a little too loudly, and the busboy clearing the next table obviously heard it. The lanky teenager didn’t say anything, but he stared intently at Josh for a few agonizing moments. He looked to be fifteen or sixteen. Although he was roughly Josh’s age, he looked much more like a typical teenaged boy who probably played several sports. Chuckling quietly, the boy finished clearing the table and headed to the kitchen.
As his mother paid their check, Josh saw him whispering to another busboy and discreetly pointing in his direction. The second boy’s eyes widened, and they both began to giggle before the manager told them to get back to work.
Josh was beside himself. Everybody in this town was going to know he was a sissy. And he had actually chosen to do this. He stepped daintily behind his mother and sister as they headed for the door, his chiffon dress rustling every step of the way. He absentmindedly reached up and touched his lovely pink hairband. He had to walk right by Samantha and Justin who were still ogling him. He tried to avoid eye contact.
Gwendolyn, however, paused when she saw the face of Justin’s mother. As that boy was silently mouthing something vulgar at Josh, she thought she recognized a kindred spirit. While the ill-mannered Justin continued to make fun of Josh with an exaggerated limp wrist gesture, Gwendolyn spontaneously decided to share a little more with this stranger. Smiling kindly, she bent over and whispered briefly to Justin's mother. As Gwendolyn stood back up, Josh detected a curious look on the other lady's face. Justin's mother was staring intently at Josh now as if seeing him for the first time. Gwendolyn felt rejuvenated, and she continued to the door.
As they exited, Gwendolyn paused to pick up one of those little flyers that advertise local events which were stacked on a table by the door. Reading it, she remarked, “well that looks interesting.” Josh saw her tuck the flyer in her purse.
As they got back in the car, Josh saw the same lanky busboy through the window talking to their waitress. She smiled and waved as they pulled out of the parking lot. Josh sighed and looked down at his chiffon skirt as it poofed up prominently below his seatbelt. He folded his hands on his lap and held it down as best as he could.
From the front seat, he heard a familiar refrain. “Knees, Joshua.” His knees instantly flew back together.
Topic: New Arrangements for Josh (Read 119119 times)
