As they wait in line, Leah feels pressure building in her bladder. She takes out the pacifier.
“Tina, I need to use the bathroom,” she says.
“Sorry, sweetie, but you’ll just have to hold it.”
“I finished my venti Starbucks drink before we came in, remember? I’ve been holding it for a while already.”
“Why didn’t you ask to go sooner?”
“I thought we’d be done faster. Also, I didn’t think you would tell me I had to hold it just because we were in line,” Leah points out. Tina looks back. Already, at least five people have gotten in line behind them.
“If I take you to the bathroom now, we’ll lose our spot in line, and wind up having to wait even longer to go home.”
“I can go to the bathroom on my own.”
“Not wearing a diaper that I taped on, you can’t. I use a special method to keep babies from taking off their diapers. You’ll need help to get it off.”
“Tina!” Leah squirms. “If I don’t get to a toilet soon, I’m going to end up using the diaper!”
“If you do, I won’t judge you. In fact, I’ll get you something special to thank you for putting up with me,” Tina says, seizing the opportunity. Leah groans loudly. “Please, Leah?”
“…Fine.” Leah closes her eyes. It takes a few moments to override her potty training, but she manages to let her bladder loose. The diaper is flooded with urine. “You owe me big time.”
“Yes, I do. Thank you, honey,” Tina says gratefully. Leah grumbles wordlessly and puts the pacifier back in her mouth. After fifteen minutes waiting in line, they finally reach the cashier, who takes one look at Leah and coos.
“What an adorable baby girl!”
“Thanks,” Tina says, handing over the items she’s purchasing. The cashier peers closer at Leah.
“Oh, she’s got a yellow diapy. Did someone go peepee?” the cashier gushes. Leah turns red. She’d forgotten that she’s not wearing any bottoms, leaving her diaper on full display. “Good thing you got more diapers for her!”
“Amen,” Tina says. She makes small talk with the cashier until they finish checking out, then she pushes the stroller out of the store and to the car. “All right, Leah, you’re free.” Tina removes Leah from the stroller. Leah lets out a sigh of relief. Tina pops open the trunk and lays down a changing mat, then picks Leah up and lays her on the mat.
“What are you doing?” Leah demands.
“Getting you out of that diaper.” Tina removes the diaper and shirt, then quickly wipes Leah down, before handing Leah her clothes. “All right, go ahead and change back.” Leah changes. “Feeling better?”
“Much,” Leah sighs.
“Great. Come on, we need to drop these things off at the daycare.” Leah helps Tina put the shopping bags into the car. They drive away from the store, towards Tina’s work. When they arrive at the daycare, Leah helps Tina unload and bring things inside. “You’re so helpful today!”
“I’m just stocking up on favors I can cash in later,” Leah says with a cheeky grin. Tina laughs.
“Oh, you. Go ahead and wait while I get these things put away,” Tina says. Leah wanders over to the main play area of the daycare. All of the children are her size, if not bigger. She knew that, but every time she gets proof, it hurts a bit. Before she can even sit on one of the small chairs that fit her perfectly and take out her phone, Tina comes over.
“All done?” Leah asks.
“No, sorry. An emergency came up and they need my help. Think you can wait for a while?”
“Sure thing. But that’s another favor you owe me,” Leah says. Tina smiles.
“Thanks. Feel free to play with the kids, by the way. They’ll probably be interested in a teenager their size.”
“Don’t remind me,” Leah mutters. She takes out her phone, intending to play on it for the entirety of her stay at the daycare.
However, fate has other plans.