Before she can make a move, a man with a scraggly beard and long hair walks over. The teenager looks up.
“Hey, Jeremy. You forgot your cousin’s kid here again.”
“I did?” Jeremy asks, scratching his head. He looks Laura up and down. “What’s his name?”
“Leo.”
“Hmm. Yeah, I think I’ve got a nephew or something with that name. You’re probably right.” Laura can’t decide whether she’s relieved or distressed to be mistaken for Jeremy’s relative. On the one hand, she hasn’t been found out yet. On the other hand, Jeremy will no doubt take her to a strange location. “C’mere, Leo.” Jeremy picks Laura up.
“He’s wet,” the teenager announces. Jeremy nods.
“I can tell. Well, I don’t have any spare diapers on me, and Carl hates it when I use the merchandise on my cousin’s kids, so he’ll just have to wait for a bit.” Jeremy looks at Laura. She hurriedly sucks on the pacifier, continuing to act as a toddler. “Think you can wait for a bit, Leo?” Laura nods. “Great.”
Jeremy props Laura on his hip and goes into the store. He talks to the adult employee, Carl, for a bit. Laura shifts uncomfortably. Her wet diaper is quickly becoming clammy and unpleasant. She wants a change, but she’s also nervous about being found out as a girl. Finally, Jeremy and Carl’s conversation ends. Jeremy looks down at her.
“So, Leo, looks like I’m in charge of you for the day.” Laura nods. “You’re probably wondering what you’ll be doing. Well…”