“I’m going to work, and you’re going to my daughter’s house,” Anna replies.
“But-” Kaitlin starts.
“I can’t take the day off, and it’s either that or daycare.”
“…Fine,” Kaitlin mumbles.
“I’m glad you won’t fight it. This is the best option. Daycare would cost money, while my daughter is more than happy to watch you for free. Once I get off work, I’ll go straight to the mall to look for the dice. After I find them, I’ll come pick you up from Louisa’s place.” Finished with the dishes, Anna dries her hand on a towel.
“I wet,” Laura announces from her highchair. Anna goes over and checks Laura’s diaper.
“Yes, you are. But you don’t need a change just yet. You can wait until you’re at Louisa’s.” Anna removes Laura from the chair. “By the way, you two will have a great time. Trust me.” Kaitlin trails after Anna, who goes to dress Laura.
“Ith the a thay-at-home mom?” Kaitlin asks as Anna pulls a dress over Laura’s head. Anna puts socks and shoes on Laura’s feet.
“No, she runs her own business out of her house,” Anna replies. She ties Laura’s hair into pigtails. “Perfect! All right, time to get going!” Anna grabs a diaper bag, throws it over her shoulder, and picks Laura up. Kaitlin follows Anna outside and gets into the car without prompting, while Laura is buckled into a car seat.
“Wet,” Laura whines, shifting in her seat. Anna pops a pacifier into her mouth.
“I know. Louisa will change you after I drop you off.” Anna gets into the driver’s seat. They pull out of the driveway.
As they pull up in front of a house, Kaitlin hears a soft hiss. She looks over at Laura. Laura’s diaper, visible under her dress, is turning yellow. Laura, however, doesn’t seem to notice, so Kaitlin stays quiet, curious about how long it will take for Laura to realize she’s wet herself again. Kaitlin looks out the window. There’s a sign sticking out of the front lawn reading “Superstar Ballet Studio”.
“Here we are!” Anna chirps. She gets out of the car and comes around to unbuckle Laura. “Ooh, you’re soaked. You must have peed again.” Laura’s eyes widen. She sucks on her pacifier more fiercely. “Come on, let’s get you girls inside.”
Kaitlin follows Anna into Louisa’s house. After a quick introduction, Kaitlin is told to watch TV with Louisa’s children, a son about Laura’s current age and a daughter about Kaitlin’s current age. Anna and Louisa chat while Kaitlin watches TV. After Anna leaves, Louisa whisks Laura away to be changed. She returns in a few minutes and sets Laura in the playpen with her toddler son.
“So, Kaitlin, I don’t know if my mom told you,” Louisa says, “but I run a ballet studio out of my home. My daughter, Riley, helps me out and even participates in the advanced class for her age group. I was wondering if you’d like to participate in the beginner class for your age group. You’ll have a lot of fun.”
“I don’t want to leave Laura alone,” Kaitlin says. Louisa beams.
“No worries! Lucas sits in his playpen during lessons. And I have a class for his age group, and he participates in that one. Even if you don’t participate in a lesson, Laura will probably be sitting with Lucas in the playpen all day.” Louisa ruffles Laura’s hair. “If she stays as well-behaved as she’s been for the short while the two of you have been here, I’ll probably have her join in on Lucas’ class.”
“…Oh,” Kaitlin mumbles.
“Well?” Louisa asks. “Do you want to have a lesson?”