A pretty, buxom young waitress named Annabelle showed Aaron, Annette and Ivan to an empty table in a secluded booth of Tuscany Cove, an upscale Italian restaurant.
"May I take your order?" she asked brightly with a notepad and pen ready.Aaron fixed his calculating gaze on her, taking in her delicate face, her large brown eyes, her porcelain skin, her soft brown hair in a ponytail and the way her crisp white blouse and black slacks that made up her uniform accentuated her feminine curves.Annabelle felt herself blushing under his scrutiny. Aaron's gaze seemed analytical, yet surface level. It was unlike any of the furtive stares from awkward boys or the undressing leers from older men.
"A question if I may Ms. Annabelle, are those shoes standard issue? I don't think I've seen the other waitresses wear them" Aaron asked her coldly.Annabelle blinked in surprise, then blushed further and giggled at Aaron's observation that she was wearing black leather pumps with chunky six-centimeter heels. "No they are not. I'm quite short, you see, so I prefer these shoes to give me some extra height" she explained, bouncing up and down in them.
"I see, and do those shoes affect the way you walk or is that elegant gait your natural way of walking?" asked Aaron again in his cold, clipped tone.
Ivan decided to intervene before Aaron made things awkward with his probing questions. "I apologize, Ms. Annabelle. Aaron's not used to dealing with people, please don't be upset." he told her.
To Ivan's surprise, Annabelle giggled again. "It's quite alright sir. I'm actually quite flattered that he thinks my walk is elegant." she reassured Ivan, still blushing crimson.
"Nobody has asked about my heels until now. This kid's really observant! Nobody has called me elegant before" thought Annabelle to herself as she smiled warmly at Aaron. "You're a very smart and observant boy. Yes, heels affect the way people walk. It's kind of like you are walking on tiptoes, your balance and center of gravity changes. You need to take smaller steps and stand straighter" she explained to Aaron.
"I see, I wondered why you were walking differently from the others, the heels changed your balance and center of gravity. I'm surprised that they have such a profound effect. Thank you for that information Ms. Annabelle. I shall have water and garlic bread to start, and a pepperoni pizza as my main course" said Aaron.
"Water, garlic bread and pepperoni pizza. Alright" said Annabelle taking down his order, she then quickly took down Ivan and Annette's orders and left, her hips swaying and her heels clicking.Ivan sighed in relief that Annabelle was not upset. He gave Aaron a look that was half impressed, half amused.
"You really need to work on your demeanor and small-talk, son. It is one thing to want to talk to a pretty girl, but direct questioning like that can make people uncomfortable. Next time, don't just directly ask her about her shoes" he chuckled.
Annette gave a worried look to Ivan. "Why is he so curious about high heels?" she whispered to him.Ivan squeezed her hand "It's his natural curiosity. He'll get over it" he reassured her.
"Don't give me that hogwash about natural curiosity! It's thanks to you men that we women have been indoctrinated into damaging our feet! Thank goodness I broke out of that! If only more of us would take a stand against those archaic torture devices" thought Annette to herself, observing Annabelle out of a corner of her eye with a mixture of pity and derision.
Aaron was lost in thought about Annabelle's high heels. He now realized what had intrigued him about Catherine's gait. While Catherine's heels were not the same style as Annabelle's, they still had the same effect.He watched Annabelle out of the corner of his eye as she walked or rather strutted in her heels with a swing in her hips and step. Her heels also made a distinctive, and to his ears pleasing, clicking sound on the tiled floors of the restaurant compared to the other servers' more practical flat shoes.
"Why don't you wear high heels, Mother?" asked Aaron suddenly, catching Annette off guard.
Annette took a deep breath as she tried to formulate an answer. "Well I've never worn them because I'm quite tall and felt that they were unnecessary. As a teacher, I'm standing for most of the day, and standing in high heels for long periods of time is quite uncomfortable, and can cause a lot of strain to your feet, so they are not very practical for me" she explained, emphasizing the "me" before Aaron could point out that Annabelle's job also required her to stand for long periods of time.
"I see" said Aaron, as Annabelle returned with their first course. "Another question if I may, Ms. Annabelle. My mother says she doesn't wear high heels because they are uncomfortable to stand in for long periods of time, and that they put a strain on your feet. I would like your opinion on the matter" he asked her as she set down his garlic bread.
Annabelle giggled at Aaron's childish yet surprisingly mature questions about her heels. It was a refreshing departure from the usual awkward attempts at flirting and canned pick-up lines she usually encountered, and a subtle validation in her choice of footwear.
"Well, I can't speak for your mother, but the health risk is not as severe as some people make it out to be. It depends on various factors, like the style of heel, the height of the heel and the shape of your feet. I'm quite comfortable and confident in mine" she said, giving Aaron a twirl in her heels while Annette glared at her in disapproval.
"Stop that disgusting twirling you shameless hussy! I don't need you encouraging a preference for heels in my baby boy!" Annette thought savagely to herself, wishing Annabelle could read her mood more accurately.
"I see. Thank you for sharing your views Ms. Annabelle. I agree with your assessment" said Aaron, inclining his head in thanks to her. She giggled and ruffled his thick, black hair. "You are a very interesting young man. I do hope you come again" she said and sauntered away, her hips swaying and heels clicking on the floor.
"What do you mean you agree with Annabelle?" demanded Annette, once Annabelle was out of earshot.Aaron stared at Annette coldly. "I believe Ms. Annabelle's opinion is the valid one Mother. She wears high heels every day and finds them comfortable. Why should I consider your assessment when you don't wear them?" he asked, his voice like ice.
Annette felt like she had been slapped in the face. Aaron's cold gaze and icy voice had an edge of contempt in it. "Now you listen here young man! You asked me why I don't wear high heels. I told you why I don't wear high heels. It boils down to personal preference. End of discussion!" she snarled.
Aaron gave her another cold look before starting to eat his garlic bread. Annette tried to calm herself down and remember that Aaron was still a child. He didn't know how systemic and harmful gender stereotypes and beauty standards were. That snake-hipped waitress herself was the perfect example of internalized misogyny.
"I actually agree with Aaron's reasoning. Annette has never actually worn heels, so she doesn't really have first-hand experience on whether they'll be comfortable for her" thought Ivan as he laid a calming hand on Annette's shoulder, keeping his opinion to himself, for he knew that high heels were a very sensitive topic for her.
The somewhat tense atmosphere continued until Annabelle arrived with their main course. Annette glared at her as she sauntered towards them carrying a large tray laden with their dishes. "Can you recommend a shoe store with staff that is experienced in high heels Ms. Annabelle?" asked Aaron as she served him his pizza.
"Well, there is Summer's Shoe Shop not too far from here. The owner Kate is very knowledgeable and helped me pick out my shoes" said Annabelle further amused at Aaron's intense curiosity.
"Thank you Ms. Annabelle," said Aaron, saving the location of Summers Shoe Shop to his phone.
"Just what do you think you are doing Aaron?" asked Annette suspiciously as Annabelle left.
"I was thinking that the high heels you have experienced were not comfortable and has therefore, clouded your judgement. Perhaps an experienced staff member would be able to help you appreciate their beauty and elegance" said Aaron.
"High heels are neither beautiful nor elegant! They are harmful for women's health, and symbols of patriarchal oppression towards women! I refuse to go near them!" snapped Annette.
"Ms. Annabelle doesn't look oppressed or uncomfortable. However, you have made your position on this quite clear Mother" said Aaron coldly before starting on his pizza.
"Relax Annette, Aaron's just curious. It will pass" said Ivan soothingly as Annette grew increasingly upset at Aaron's cold tone with her.
"This is bordering on obsession Ivan!" said Annette fiercely.
"I don't think that's fair, Annette. I remember being curious about high heels and other women's things when I went through puberty. I'm pretty sure you did too" said Ivan frowning at Annette.
"I didn't! And stop trivializing the issue Ivan!" snapped Annette.
"I wish your mother was still alive and here with us. I could use some female backup about this" thought Ivan dourly, as he gently stroked Annette's arm to calm her down.
"You seem to be in good spirits today. Found a gentleman who piqued your interest?" chuckled Lisa the manager as Annabelle entered the kitchen area with a spring in her step and a happy blush on her face.
"This particular gentleman still has a bit of growing to do. A shame really" responded Annabelle.
"You mean the kid at table 7 with his parents?" asked Lisa in surprise.
"He's the only person who realized I'm wearing heels. And he called the way I walk 'elegant'. Plus he's got this really intense and mature stare and demeanor" said Annabelle blushing at the memory of Aaron's adult-like piercing blue gaze that seemed to analyze her very soul, and his clipped, precise questions.
"Get a grip girl!" snapped Lisa, seeing Annabelle's far-off look.
Annabelle gave a yelp and shook her head to regain her bearings. "Of course, sorry Lisa" she said contritely, before snatching up the bill for Aaron's table.
"What time do you finish your shift Ms. Annabelle?" asked Aaron as Annabelle returned with their bill.
"Not for another 2 hours. Why?" asked Annabelle wondering what this precocious young boy was going to ask her this time.
"I see. That is a disappointment. I was hoping you would be able to accompany us to Summers Shoe Shop and model some heels for me" said Aaron in his usual clipped voice.
"That's an extremely selfish and rude request Aaron! Annabelle is a person! Not some dress-up doll!" gasped Annette, shocked that Aaron would ask a complete stranger something so inappropriate. Even Ivan was startled at Aaron's sudden request.
"In which case it should be Ms. Annabelle and not you, who should take offense at my request Mother" replied Aaron coldly.
"I-It's quite alright Mr. and Mrs Zakhrov, I'm sure Aaron wasn't trying to be rude. Um why did you want me to model heels for you Aaron?" asked Annabelle hoping to placate both parents, particularly Annette who looked increasingly more agitated. Without thinking, she stepped closer and held Aaron protectively towards her.
"I wish to learn about how different heels look on an elegant, sophisticated and civilized person such as yourself Ms. Annabelle, I apologize if my request was rude" said Aaron, looking up at her.
Annabelle felt a strange sensation pierce her soul. She blushed and batted her eyelashes at Aaron's complement.
"Nobody has ever said that I'm elegant and sophisticated. Most people just say I'm cute" she said quietly, blushing crimson.Hearing Aaron's answer, and seeing Annabelle's reaction, Ivan's look of worry dissolved, and he burst into uproarious laughter.
"You and I need to have a talk about the nuances of flirting Aaron" he chuckled.
Still blushing, Annabelle bent down and kissed Aaron on the cheek. He blinked in surprise, but quickly regained his Stoic expression.
"I'm very flattered that you think so highly of me Mr. Aaron. I'm very sorry, but I cannot accommodate your request, I'm a little too old for you to ask on a date. You should unleash that devastating charm of yours on girls closer to your own age" she said warmly before sauntering off, while Ivan still chuckled.
"Am I the only one who still thinks this was inappropriate?" demanded Annette coldly of Ivan as they left the restaurant.
"A little direct perhaps, but not inappropriate" chuckled Ivan, starting the BMW M5, its V8 engine rumbling to life.
"How can you be so cavalier! Your son just propositioned a complete stranger to model high heels for him!" shouted Annette.
"That's enough Annette! Don't try to twist Aaron's innocent attempt at flirting into something else!" snapped Ivan from the driver's seat as the car sped homeward.
"Thank you for supporting me back there Mr. Zakhrov, that was very chivalrous of you" said Annette sarcastically. They had reached home, and Aaron had disappeared into his room without talking to them any further.
Ivan pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Annette, Aaron is intelligent and perceptive, but also naive and inexperienced. What he said and did was logical, even if it seemed rude and inappropriate" he said wearily.
"How was it logical?" demanded Annette, shocked that Ivan was defending Aaron's appalling behavior.
"You made it crystal clear that you would never go anywhere near high heels, so Aaron did the logical thing and asked the only other woman he's interacted with whose preferences align with his! It was an innocent request from an innocent child!" said Ivan, his frustration boiling over.
"I'm his mother! He should accept my views and not the views of some little tramp who forces herself to wear high heels just because she's insecure about her height!" shouted Annette.
"I'm actually glad he's developed the critical thinking skills to not be indoctrinated into your feminist agenda" thought Ivan to himself.
"You know, we both neglected Aaron's own feelings on this matter. His cold demeanor blinds us to the fact that he has his own emotions as well. I'm going to check on him" said Ivan wearily, getting up from the living room couch and going up the stairs to Aaron's bedroom.
In his bedroom, Aaron sat on the bed in quiet contemplation. He was initially curious about high heels, was fascinated by the way they looked on Annabelle and was curious as to why his mother didn't wear them when they make women look so much more elegant and sophisticated.Annette's first answer while reasonable, seemed insufficient, which prompted him to seek out Annabelle's opinion.
Annabelle's statement that her heels were not only comfortable, but also had confidence boosting effects had fired his curiosity even further, and solidified his opinion that Annette's reasoning was flawed and biased.
Deciding that Annette's bias came from perhaps a bad experience, he had asked Annabelle for a shoe store recommendation, hoping that his mother would be open to giving them another try and come to appreciate their effects. However, Annette made it clear that she viewed high heels as a symbol of oppression towards women, which contradicted his own observation that they enhanced their elegance and sophistication and solidified his growing dislike for Annette's views on them. He also felt a burning desire to study the effects of heels, and thus asked Annabelle to model high heels for him.
There was a knock in his door and Ivan entered the bedroom. "How are you feeling son?" he asked coming in and sitting on the bed beside Aaron."I'm fine Father. I just find Mother's opinion of high heels irrational, and her disapproval of Ms. Annabelle's liking of them unwarranted" said Aaron in his cold and clipped tone."I agree with you. But it is important to respect other people's viewpoints and opinions even if you don't agree with them. Your mother hates high heels and refuses to wear them. That is her choice, and you must respect that choice. Just like how others respect your choices" explained Ivan.
There was another knock on the door and Annette entered the bedroom. She looked a little contrite."I'm sorry for being so harsh with you Aaron. I understand that you are a curious boy" she said and sat on his other side"I still think your opinion is wrong Mother. And you were not very nice to Ms. Annabelle" said Aaron coldly.Annette fought down the fresh anger that bubbled up in her.
"Let's make a deal. I will try on heels for you tomorrow at that shop Annabelle mentioned, but after that, I don't want to hear another word about it. Deal?" she asked attempting a compromise.
"Deal" said Aaron, a flash of excitement in his normally Stoic and cold eyes.Annette and Ivan bade him goodnight and left his bedroom.
"Do not say a single word Ivan Zakhrov" said Annette through clenched teeth as Ivan shook with suppressed mirth and excitement, Aaron had managed to convince Annette into doing something her own mother had failed to do.