by Daring Diane
Sally and Jack raised Lee to be honest and fair-minded. They instilled a sense of right and wrong. Jack worked with his son from a young age to deal with everyone in an honest open way. Lee was confident in his own abilities and always had a plan for where he thought his life was going. His first year in high school had thrown some wrenches into Lee’s plans. Lee’s success was highly correlated to the skills he developed when younger.
Lee’s parents ensured that Lee dealt with all people in a fair and non-biased manner. Lee understood the concepts of racism, bullying, harassment, and especially sexual bias or harassment. When Lee got involved with the cheerleaders, he looked at it as a group of students and friends he was working with. He talked to his mother regularly for advice. It never occurred to him to think of the team members in any way other than as equal team members. Even as a young man who had hormones flowing through his body, it never occurred to Lee to look at any of the cheerleaders in a sexual way. Most young males in an environment with attractive girls in tight clothing would have trouble controlling their excitement which could be very embarrassing. Lee found himself constantly surrounded by girls in revealing clothing, talking about boys, makeup, and even some personal issues. Due to his upbringing and his personal character, he was able to segment his feelings and emotions aside so that he could be in these situations and never once made anyone feel uncomfortable. It is important to understand that Lee dealt with these people as equals and he did not have to alter his behavior or manage his emotions since it was part of his essence.
Lee wore the same cheer shorts as all the other team members. Yet, his crotch did not show a prominent bulge. In addition, no one had ever suggested or claimed to have seen anything except a modest presentation by Lee. It was one of the things that had caught Sylvia’s attention. Lee dealt with everyone as an equal. Frankly, Sylvia was baffled by his lack of a reaction and wondered if it was possibly due to a sexual preference. She was surprised when in a casual conversation she off-handedly asked Darby if Lee had a boyfriend or girlfriend. Stunned, Darby said, “A boyfriend, you must be kidding. Lee is only interested in girls.”
Sylvia stared back at Darby. “Really? I guess I wondered. Every other boy who has ever approached me regarding anything involving cheerleading was just trying to get girls. Lee does not seem to have any interest.”
Darby looked at Sylvia seriously, “Coach, Lee doesn’t work that way. He treats everyone the same and he has no biases. He would never allow himself to think about people that way. He and I have played and done things with lots of our friends over the years. Lee is the single fairest person I know. He simply puts himself in teacher/leader/participant mode and he would never risk his role or threaten his responsibility. He just has a way of locking his mind in task mode. While he likes girls, he is probably unable to consider any of the team members as partners since it would put his role at risk.”
Sylvia smiled, “How long have you two been dating?”
Darby laughed again, “Lee and I are best friends. We are closer than many brothers and sisters. We tell each other all our secrets. He is my best friend and I could never threaten that by going out with him. Actually, I haven’t gone out with anyone. We usually hang out with a group of friends. I just haven’t found a guy that gets me excited yet. And, I am confident my mother is very glad.”
“I’m sure your mother is happy.” Sylvia said. “Any mother would be proud to have a well-adjusted daughter who is smart and comfortable with herself. Darby, you and Lee are both very special and I am very proud to be working with both of you.”
After Darby left, Sylvia wrote a note, dated it and sealed it in an envelope. Then she mailed it to her home. Someday, she was going to open that envelope and show it to Darby.
**********
Friday, Lee showered and pulled on clean panties and a matching tank top style camisole. He dressed in his squad polo shirt. He had not tried the shirt on before this morning. The sleeves were a little shorter than some of his other shirts. Lee always wore his neckline open so he did not bother closing any of the buttons. After adding a pair of shorts, he put on the warmup coat and pants. He had a pair of blue shoes that he often wore. Reluctantly, he put the necklace around his neck. He moved the pendant inside both of his shirts.
With much trepidation, Lee put the leggings and tank top in his string bag. He added another top and cheer shorts. The clothing seemed all wrong. While he secretly wanted to try on and maybe wear the leggings. He was desperately afraid of being teased or identified as some kind of sissy loser. Ever since, Lee started wearing his panties and matching shirts as his only underwear, Lee had a deep seated desire to wear some other feminine clothes. He loved the cheer shorts. But, he did not want to lose face in front of the girls. How could a guy appear in front of the squad in the tight leggings? He wanted to wear them, but the fear of being embarrassed was all consuming.
The tank top was something he might want to wear under clothes where no one would know. But wearing it to practice in might be dicey. He would not realize until later in the day that it had a built in bra.
Lee had developed an interest in girls’ clothes. He looked at them and noticed what people were wearing. He liked girls and wanted to date them. And yet he also thought it would be fun to wear or at least try on some of the clothes he had seen girls wearing. He also noticed that a lot of the clothes girls wore were almost the same as boys’ clothes. Sometimes late at night, Lee wondered if he wore a pair of girls’ pants if anyone would be able to tell the difference. For lots of shirts he could probably get away with it. It stirred something inside him.
Lee wanted to have the girls’ respect and trust. He did not want to risk losing it.
Walking to school, Darby could tell that Lee was worried about something. “What’s the matter?”
Lee looked at her and kept walking. Under his breath he said, “I’m worried about practice. I don’t want to be the butt of everyone’s jokes. How can you expect me to practice in the leggings?”
“Lee, boys wear leggings for all kinds of sports. Some are odd while others are not. Ballet, ice skating, and bicycling are common sports where both sexes wear leggings. But, there is also snow skiing, running, and most male cheerleaders. If the pants bother someone else, let them deal with it and don’t let it bother you. When our team performs well you and all the other members can thumb their noses at the idiots.”
“You wear what we wear and your squad will defend you and protect you. Today, you will wear your leggings and tank top. I love these warmups and I think you look good.”
Lee said, “I was surprised at how comfortable the warmups are. Do you think the writing on the legs is a little much?”
Darby shook her head. “No, it lets everyone know we’re on the cheer squad and tells them our names in case they don’t know. I like it. Everyone will know we are on the same team.”
Darby looked at Lee and asked, “Are you wearing your pendant?”
Lee blushed, “Yes I have it on.”
Darby smiled, “Good.”
At lunch, all the members of the squad congregated at a couple of tables. They were all wearing the same warmups and it just felt like they should be together. Several people mentioned the warmups throughout the day. Lee noticed that more of the compliments came from girls. At lunch, Lee could tell that several of the girls had their tank tops on under their polo shirts. Several, people took the coat off while eating lunch.
At the end of the day, Darby and Lee made their way to the gym. Lee decided to change in one of the bathrooms. Lee changed into the leggings. He loved the way they hugged his legs. They did not feel like they would bind. He looked forward to trying them out at practice. Taking off his shirt, Lee unfolded the tank top. As he rolled up the edges of the shirt to pull it on, he realized there was an inner liner. He slipped the shirt over his head. He immediately realized the shirt had a built-in bra. He couldn’t stop pulling it on. He reached under and adjusted the bra so that the band fit around his t
orso and was not bound up. It felt weird. He had never even considered putting on a bra before now. He sat on the toilet. How could he walk out in front of all the girls wearing a bra? It didn’t matter that it was part of the shirt. Everyone would know.
Lee was sitting on the toilet with his head in his hands. There was a knock at the door to the bathroom. There was noise at the door from several people. Someone said, “Watch the door.”
“Lee,” It was Darby. “Lee, are you dressed?”
“No. I have to change.”
“Lee, I can see your bag. Your polo shirt is in the bag and I can see your leggings on your legs. Open the door. Now!”
Lee leaned forward and turned the knob. Darby noted that he had his tank top on.
“Lee, you’re dressed for practice. Let’s go.”
“Darby, I can’t. Everyone will laugh.” He leaned forward to whisper. “There’s a bra in the shirt. Everyone will know.”
Darby laughed. “Lee, I’m wearing the same shirt. So, are the girls guarding the door. Of course, we know it has a bra. Who cares? No one can see it. All anyone can see is the shirt. Now, we are late for practice and I don’t want to get in trouble for being in the boys’ room. So, we’re not leaving without you. Let’s go.”
Lee pulled his warmup coat back on, gathered his things and walked with the girls to practice. Darby hooked her arm in Lee’s as they made their way. She did not want him running away.
The girls were ready to start practice and everyone doffed their warmups and moved into position. Darby was standing next to Lee. “Take off your warmups and pretend you are wearing your cheer shorts like any other day. You look fine.”
Lee took off the coat, folded it and placed it on his string bag with the matching pants. He ran his hand to his hair to make sure his ponytail was up a little off his neck. Taking a deep breath, he turned and walked to position.
Everyone was wearing the exact same outfit. Lee took another breath and began. He tried to forget his clothes and concentrate on the workout. He was so worried about the workout that he really pushed everyone. After about an hour of the most ruthless workout the girls had ever endured, one of the girls cried, “I’m done. I think I may pass out.” When a couple of other girls agreed, Lee fell out of his trance and looked around. Darby was signaling him. Lee nodded because he did not know what she was trying to tell him.
Darby said, “I guess Lee figured we needed a hard workout since we are going into the weekend. That’s all for today. You can all bring something to torture Lee with at the party. No practice tomorrow, we have to prepare for the party. We’ll see you all tomorrow afternoon. Hey I have an idea, everyone wear your black leggings.”
Lee realized he was breathing really hard. He was soaked in sweat. He wasn’t sure why, but, he felt really good about the workout even though he was tired. More importantly, neither the top nor the leggings had hampered his workout. He felt really good. Lee and Darby typically walked home, then showered and changed. Everyone spent a few minutes doing some cool down stretching and sat around and chatted.
As they were standing around chatting, Darby reached over and pulled the bottom of Lee’s tank top down. “Lee, sometimes these tops ride up. They look better if you give it a tug down over the top of your leggings after a good workout.” Also, she thought, if your top goes up and the leggings slide a little or roll at the top, you don’t want people to see your panties. But that was a secret they knew but did not share. She was going to have to keep an eye out to make sure Lee didn’t expose his secrets.
Lee and Darby donned the warmups and headed home. “Darby, I don’t have black leggings.”
Darby said, “Are you sure?” She had that impish smile he loved.
“What do you mean? I just have these leggings for practice.”
“Lee, didn’t you give your mother the practice rules and clothing choices?”
“Of course, that way she can help me make sure the clothes I need are clean.”
“Well, your mom called my mom and asked what kind of black leggings I had for working out because it was on the list. I’m betting that your mom, who we both know loves to shop, has ensured that you have everything you need for practice including black leggings.”
Dumbfounded, it never occurred to Lee that his mom would run out and buy him workout leggings. “You’re probably right. She would do anything to make sure I’m prepared.”
Darby said, “When we get home, we can check. If she didn’t you can borrow a pair from me. We’re about the same size.” Suddenly something inside of Lee zoomed to his mind. The idea of wearing Darby’s leggings was really exciting. For some reason, wearing any of her clothing might be really exciting. Lee’s mind had drifted off as they kept making their way home.
“Lee. Lee?” Darby shoved his shoulder bringing him back to the here and now.
“What? Why’d you push me?” Lee was looking at Darby perplexed.
“You suddenly had this smile on your face and you were like in a trance or something. I talked to you and you had no idea. I can’t figure out how you didn’t trip and fall. What were you thinking about?”
Lee had no intention of telling her what he was thinking about. “I guess I was wondering what kind of leggings my mom might have gotten me.”
While that was the first thing that popped into Lee’s mind, the way he said it, Darby thought it sounded like one of her friends speculating on something their mom bought them like a new top or skirt. He almost seemed excited to know what she bought. Maybe he secretly liked the leggings in the same way as his underwear. She had the odd thought that if he started wearing leggings to school, he might have some problems with the other students. Just as quickly, she realized how dumb that sounded. Even if he liked leggings, he probably wouldn’t wear them to class. But the cheer team might all want to wear leggings and what would he do then. Maybe the cheer squad should decide to do that to let Lee wear the leggings. She’d have to think about that.
Entering the Corcoran house, Lee kissed his mother and Darby said hello. They sat down and had a snack. Lee seemed to be waiting and unwilling to ask anything. Darby pushed ahead, “Mrs. Corcoran did you happen to notice that for practice Lee was going to need some black leggings?”
“Thank you for asking, Darby. Yes I did. I forgot to tell Lee. Erin and I went shopping and got you some leggings for practice at the cheer supply store. I put them in your closet with your other cheer practice clothes. I wasn’t sure what length you wanted, so I got some that are cropped right below the knee and some that come to the ankle. Erin and I were having so much fun, we actually bought a couple of other things. I got you some of the long tights in a black and white space-dyed pattern that I thought you might like for running in cold weather. Erin bought something similar for you Darby. I also got Lee a couple of matching loose fitting tops. They’re so nice for just sitting around in. You might like them alone or as a second top when running in cooler weather. The neck is open so you won’t have it rubbing or binding when you work out. I got you some red over the knee ones to just give you another alternative.”
Darby and Lee decided to get showered, change clothes and then hook up to clean the family room at her house for tomorrow night.
Lee went upstairs, closed his door and looked towards the closet. His breathing was heavier than normal. His mom had bought him more girls’ leggings. He did not understand his excitement. He didn’t want anyone to know how he felt. He thought he should be embarrassed. But his mom didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. He moved to the closet and looked over the new pairs of leggings. There were two pair of black leggings, the black and white space dyed pair and one in red. While they looked simple enough, Lee was breathing hard as he felt the soft stretchy material. They were wonderful. He wanted to put them on and hide in his room. He then noticed the two loose fitting tops his mother had bought. One was black and gray space dyed and matched the leggings of the same color. The second top was a red and white space dyed pattern which almost se
emed to have some pink. He figured it was an optical illusion due to the combined red and white. The sleeves were loose and the neckline was wider than most of his shirts.
When Lee went upstairs, Darby stepped back into the kitchen. “Mrs. Corcoran, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Of course, Darby. Have a seat.”
“So, you obviously read the dress and grooming sheet we sent out for everyone. I appreciate your helping Lee with the leggings and all. There is a little problem we have not talked to Lee about yet. Coach Steiling and I were reviewing the rules and the coaches are considered part of the squad at events. Everyone is judged on presentation and we want to present a unified front.”
Sally understood, “That makes sense.”
Darby continued, “And that was one of the reasons we had to prepare the grooming portion of our instructions. The uniform top which we all, including Lee will be wearing is sleeveless. Everyone will be wearing skirts or Lee and Coach Steiling will be wearing shorts.”
Sally nodded, not knowing what point Darby was trying to highlight.
“Can I just say it instead of beating around the bush?”
Sally exhaled, “Please do. I can’t figure out what the point is.”
Darby paused, “Someone has to explain the rules to Lee. While he doesn’t have a lot of hair yet, he has to shave his underarms and legs. Also, if he has any hair on his chest it has to go.” Darby sat back like she had dumped the weight of the world.
Sally sucked in some air, “You are asking me to tell him he has to do this so you don’t have to tell him?”
Darby looked like a little kid in trouble. “Yes, please. It doesn’t seem like such a big deal. But I don’t know how he will take it. Maybe you can tell him the rules and tell him he should do it because he would be doing what everyone else was and that it would look really bad if he had hair showing.”