“Why are we at the mall?” Kaitlin asked. Anna pulled into a parking spot and turned off the car.
“This is where you lost the dice, right? We’re going to go look for them.”
“No find,” Laura said. Kaitlin nodded.
“We looked and looked but couldn’t find them.”
“Well, maybe you just need an adult’s help,” Anna said. She got out of the car, opened the side door, slung the diaper bag over one shoulder, and then unbuckled Laura from the car seat. “Come on, Kaitlin, let’s get going. We don’t want Laura to get a diaper rash from sitting in a poopy diaper for too long.” Laura turned beet red at the idea of developing a diaper rash.
“I’m coming,” Kaitlin mumbled, getting out of the car. Anna held out her hand. Kaitlin stared at it.
“We’re in a parking lot and you’re five. You need to hold my hand,” Anna said firmly. Kaitlin reluctantly took the offered hand.
When they entered the mall, Anna immediately headed for the restrooms near the entrance. Kaitlin followed her in and leaned against the wall, watching Laura get her diaper changed for the second time that day. Once the change was completed, Anna removed Laura’s pacifier.
“You don’t need to be sucking on that all the time, and you probably shouldn’t, since it’s bad for your teeth,” Anna instructed. “But if you throw a fit, I’m popping it right back in, okay?”
“I behave,” Laura said. “Me big.”
“Mm, no, you aren’t. Not right now.” Anna lifted Laura off the changing table. “But that’s all right. And actually, if you two are on your best behavior the whole time we’re here, I’ll stop to get you girls ice cream on our way home.”
“Ithe cream?” Kaitlin asked eagerly. Her adult mind cringed at the idea of being bribed, but her new child tendencies were thrilled. Anna nodded.
“Yes. But when I say best behavior, I mean absolute best behavior. No tantrums, no crying, no complaining.” Kaitlin and Laura nodded.
“And you need to act like your current ages.”
“No wan’ to,” Laura mumbled.
“You already kinda are,” Kaitlin pointed out. “You pooped yourthelf twithe today. And you thuck on a pathifier.” Laura sniffed loudly. Anna frowned at Kaitlin.
“Don’t tease her.”
“What? I’m jutht telling the truth.”
“She’s a baby. She can’t help it.”
“Not baby,” Laura mumbled sadly. Anna sighed. Laura sniffed again. “No, Anna right. Me baby.”
“That’s nothing to be upset about,” Anna crooned, stroking Laura’s hair. “Especially since magic is what brought you into the situation.” Someone else entered the bathroom.
“Aw, what a cutie,” the woman gushed upon seeing Laura. Anna smiled.
“Thank you.” Anna looked over at Kaitlin. “Come on, we’ve got a lot to do today.”
They exited the bathroom and Anna made a beeline for the stroller rental place. Remembering what Anna had said about being rewarded for good behavior, Laura silently allowed her to buckle her into the stroller.
“Why are you putting her in a throller?” Kaitlin asked. Anna put the diaper bag into the compartment behind the stroller.
“She’s too little to walk everywhere and I don’t want to carry her the whole day. This is the best option.” Anna beamed down at Laura. “And I’m very proud of how well she took the news that she would be in a stroller.”
“Ice cream,” Laura said. Anna’s smile broadened.
“Yes, that’s exactly the kind of behavior that gets a girl ice cream. And look on the bright side, you get a free ride through the mall!” Laura nodded reluctantly.
“So, where should we start?”