When they get home, Tina gets to work replacing all of Leah’s clothes with what she bought at the store. Leah grimaces when she sees Tina get rid of her underwear in favor of the training pants.
“There!” Tina says cheerfully once she’s finished. “What do you think?”
“I…love it,” Leah lies weakly. Tina doesn’t notice the lie. She beams at the compliment.
“And you’re in luck, sweetie. We have a family reunion today. You can show off your new wardrobe there!”
“Family reunion?” Leah asks. Tina begins to rummage through Leah’s closet for an outfit.
“Yep. Not your dad’s family, my family.”
“I haven’t met your family before.”
“That’s right. You’ll be able to meet with them in style!” Tina pulls out a powder blue dress with a poofy skirt. “If you want, I can help you get dressed.”
“…Sure,” Leah says glumly. She’s fallen this far already, after all. Tina puts Leah in a fresh pair of training pants, though the previous pair wasn’t dirty, tights, dress shoes, the blue dress, and styles her hair with a large matching blue bow. The hairstyle is incredibly juvenile, and as Leah looks at her reflection, she sees only a toddler. Maybe even a literal baby.
After Tina gets ready, they load up in the car.
“Leah, sweetheart, would you mind riding in the car seat?” Tina asks.
“Why?”
“Technically, your weight is in the range of children who need one. Now that you’re more comfortable with your size, I’d love it if you would sit in the car seat. It’ll be safer.”
“…Fine.” Leah buckles herself into the car seat.
The family reunion is held at a banquet hall. When they first arrive, Tina goes around, introducing her family members to Leah, who all clearly think she’s very young. But since Tina tends to treat Leah like she’s a child, she doesn’t think of her relatives’ reactions as unusual. The last person Leah is introduced to, Tina’s mother, offers to take Leah to where the other children are playing.
“Oh, that would be excellent, thanks, Mom,” Tina says. Tina’s mom takes Leah’s hand and leads her out of the main room.
“I’m so happy to have such a cute little granddaughter like you, Leah,” Tina’s mom gushes. “I can’t wait to see you grow up!” Leah forces a smile. “Ah! Here we are!” Tina’s mom opens a door, revealing a room filled with toddlers and babies. Leah’s heart sinks. This was what she expected, but part of her had hoped Tina’s mom wasn’t taking her to a nursery.
“Hello, Lucille,” says one of the adults, bouncing over. “Who’s this cutie-pie?”
“This is Leah, my new step-granddaughter.”
“Oh, wonderful!”
“I thought she could stay here, since she seemed a bit bored surrounded by adults.”
“That’s no problem!” The adult looks Leah over. “She seems pretty young. How old is she?”
Leah squeezes her eyes shut, dreading whatever answer Tina’s mom provides.