Eyes open. I wake up early. It’s a lovely day. The sun shines, the birds sing and all that. While waking up properly I realize that I feel girly today. I have no idea where that came from. But why not go to school in girl mode?

I know I don’t have any skirts, especially not uniform skirts, in my wardrobe but anything else should be possible to find. Shoes: similar. White knee-socks: one pair at the back of the drawer. White blouse: white shirt is acceptable. Jacket; same for both versions of the dress-code. Tie: same. Underwear: same as usual. Who’s going to see them anyway? No gym today. Now for the uniform skirt. I don’t have one but my evil twin does, at least five of them. As a matter of fact the little rat has more clothes than any girl could possibly use.

MOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!
Uh, uh. A piece of advice: when raiding someone’s closet listen carefully to when the shower stops.

Mom sighs: “Peter, Judy what are you up to now?” That’s us, a.k.a. the infamous quarrelling twins (fraternal of course).
Mom isn’t stupid though. Seeing me there in the pleated school uniform skirt she realises what’s up.
“Are you really sure you want to do this? Considering your rather “forceful” stand during the debate about gender-neutral dress-code you will be in for a lot of teasing.”
[Discussion with at times raised voices…]
“Well it’s your funeral. Don’t come crying to me later though”
To the weasel:
“I will not ask you to lend your skirt. What you’ll do is to give it away and we’ll go shopping tonight.”
Shopping, the magic word. I could almost see the dollar signs in the shopaholic’s eyes.
“Will this apply to anything else necessary to make my SISTER presentable?”
“Of course, do your worst” said my mother with a smile, knowing very well what she was allowing to happen to me.

Strangely, this turns into the best “brother/sister” moment in years. To begin with I get a crash course in make-up. I have to make sure to keep it toned down since I have no intention of going to school looking like a whore. OK, maybe my opinion about that is more conservative than about 97% of the girls in school. What we finally settle on is very nice though and I’m amazed what could be done with my hair. I refused all jewellery. While not banned it’s discouraged at our school. The skirt is another point of dissension. Even though the scamp claims to know exactly what you can get away with regarding skirt length (admittedly an irrefutable expertise) I prefer the one skirt not shortened. The silk blouse is really nice. I didn’t know clothes could give you feelings like this. Underwear: I know that thongs aren’t allowed but who will know? And I’m discovering that I do love silk. The matching padded bra creates the illusion that I have quite big breasts. The knee-socks get discarded and I discover the delight of really classy sheer tights (yes, they are allowed by the dress-code). My mother and I are informed that I also will go shopping tonight. If nothing else I need new shoes since my feet are too big to “inherit” any of the available. So I was partially right earlier, my shoes are good enough for the time being. When ready we really look like twins. Well, if you count one rather demure in regulation length skirt and tights and one faux-innocent Lolita-wannabe in too short pleated skirt, practically see-through blouse and knee-socks. Yes, yes, I know my description may be influenced by my hopelessly outdated standards.

“Peter, Judy. Hurry up!”
Despite our early start we are running late so mom drives us to school. We get there just in time for the bell. My mates all get stunned expressions when they see me but there is no time to talk as we walk into the class-room.

Damn, I had forgotten that we have Mrs. White today. The most bigoted teacher in school. I know I’m going to hate what’s coming. Luckily I’m way back in the crowd and initially she’s focussing on those wearing short skirts (including you-know-who). Now she sees me. I can see her face change. Heeere it comes!

“Judy, how nice to see you dressed like the proper young lady you are and not like some grubby tomboy!” AAARGH!

Peter really shouldn’t have worn those thong panties when falling off his chair laughing, especially not wearing that short skirt.