At one point, Tina tells Tonya to stay with “Aspen” while she grabs something. The entire time she’s gone, Leah sits silently in the cart, terrified that Tonya will recognize her.
“You’re a quiet little guy, aren’t you?” Tonya teases. Leah doesn’t say anything. Tina finally returns, holding a baby bottle. “Oh, is that for Aspen?”
“Yes, it is.” Tina gives it to Leah. “Drink up, Aspen!” Leah obediently pops the rubber nipple into her mouth and drinks the formula. They continue shopping.
Twenty minutes after Leah drank the baby formula, she lets out a loud fart. She looks at Tina in horror, unable to stop what’s coming. What little remains in her bowels empties into her diaper with another loud, wet fart. Tonya waves a hand in front of her face.
“Wow, that’s really smelly!”
“He’s a particularly smelly baby,” Tina says. Tonya wrinkles her nose. “Do you want to change him?” Leah’s heart stops.
“Uh, no. In fact, I’m just going to go find my mom and go back with her. I like babies when they’re cute, but not when they’re stinky. Tell Leah I say hi.” Tonya quickly leaves.
“I could tell you didn’t want her around,” Tina says softly. She pushes the cart to the bathroom, ready to change Leah’s diaper yet again.
“Did you have to give me a baby bottle with laxatives?” Leah hisses.
“Sorry, but it was two birds with one stone. There’s no way she’d expect that you’re her friend Leah now.” Tina brings Leah into the bathroom and changes her diaper again. “Don’t worry, that’ll be the last diaper change of the day. I promise.”
“It better be.” Leah’s stomach rumbles. “I’m hungry.”
“With how much you’ve pooped today, I’m not surprised. When we’re done here, we’ll do lunch. What do you want?”