“You too has to go like this all day.” Tina says.

“No way.” He says and turns.

“Yes, way. You can stay home one night with your family. As you said, I’m rarely here.” Tina says.

He thinks for a second.

“Okay. If I’m staying, we’re playing board games after dinner.” He says.

“It’s a deal.” Tina replies.

She starts by combing his hair and then she makes a bun where he likely gets a bald spot later in his life. Tina chuckles.

“Oh, I bet I look good now.” He says with sarcasm.

“Actually, yes you do… Okay, I’m done. What do you think Megan?” Tina asks.

Megan is laughing at her brother.

“He looks funny.” Megan replies.

Their mother walks in and almost chokes on her coffee.

The three of them looks up.

“Oh my… Wait till your dad sees that, he’s gonna flip.” Their mother says.

“Then let him flip. It’s just for fun.” Tina replies. She looks down on Michael. “Maybe it will be your new home-do, gets the hair away from your face. It’s kind of good, isn’t it?” Tina asks.

“I guess. But there are other do’s that does that. Doesn’t have to be a bun.” He replies.

“Yeah, but neither of them makes you look this good.” Tina says and chuckles.

Then they all hear the front door open and close.

“Dad’s home.” Megan announces and runs into the hallway. “Dad, come and see Christina and Mike, they look so cool.” Megan says and drags her dad into the living room.

He gets a good look at his son and daughter.

“That is not the way a boy should look.” He says, looking at Michael.

“Oh come on dad. It’s just for fun.” Tina says.

“He’s a man Christina. First off he should have short hair. You could cut it off instead.” He says.

“First, I’m not cutting it off, second, I think I’m gonna wear it like this more often. It gets the hair away from my face. I like it.” He says, sticking up to his dad. Tina smiles at him, and softly pats his back.

“Come on Paul, they’re just having fun. It’s not a big deal.” Their mother says.

“Joanne, it is a big deal. He’s a boy, right now he looks like a girl. People might mistake him for a gay man.” Paul says.

“Would that be a terrible thing?” Tina asks.

“Yes. No child of mine is gay.” He replies.

Tina looks at him and just shakes her head. Michael also stands his ground.

“I’m not gay dad. But tonight, I have this hairdo. So deal with it.” He says. “Is dinner ready?” He asks looking at his mom.

“Yes.” Joanne replies.

“Okay, great, let’s go.” Tina says and takes Megan’s hand and they walk into the kitchen. Michael follows closely. The three takes a seat. “I’m proud of you Mike.” Tina adds.

“Well, he can’t just judge a person just because of a hairdo, that’s just insane. Maybe I’ll go like this everyday. That’ll teach him…” Michael says and grins. Tina smiles.

Paul and Joanne walk in a minute later and take a seat. Joanne has already placed the food on the table.

“Okay, dig in.”  Joanne says, he gives Paul a soft squeeze on his thigh.

They eat dinner, after about 10 minutes, the silence stops and they start to talk to each other. Paul tries to ignore Michael’s hair. It turns out to be a good dinner in the end.