I was sitting on the wall in Darling Harbour during my lunch break. A group of young people in their teens sat nearby. The dominant colour of their clothing was black — black skinny legged jeans, fashionably ripped black t-shirts, calf length boots laced part-way.
Their jet-black hair hung in front of their faces partially obscuring piercings of eyebrows, noses, lips and ears. Heavy eye liner and mascara was worn by both genders. Bangles and chains jangled and tangled as they pushed, poked and playfully rough-housed each other, swapping mobiles or ipods.
One of the young men’s phones rang. After a brief conversation he hung up and reached for the backpack at his feet. From it he withdrew a neatly folded pair of blue denim jeans, a pale blue polo shirt and a pair of clean white sneakers.
He took off his boots, unclipped the chains from his belt loops and stood behind his mates to change into the fresh attire. He put on the sneakers and carefully removed the dangly arrow shaped earrings and chained necklaces.
He used make-up wipes to remove his eyeliner and mascara, then brushed his hair back. Tucking the long fringe neatly behind his ears saw the transformation complete.
He folded the clothes he had taken off and placed them, along with his boots and jewellery into his bag. He slung his backpack across his shoulder and slipped his mobile into his shirt pocket.
“Say hi to your Dad,” called one. They burst out laughing. He gave them the one fingered salute of friends, and left.
Ever wondered what kind of transformation your kids undergo after they have left the house?
City Observationist 