Leah comes to the conclusion that she can’t head home on her own looking like this. She will be humiliated, yes, but humiliation is better than the police taking her for an unattended child and picking her up.
Reluctantly, Leah goes back into the store. Tina’s in the same area she was when Leah had her accident. Leah’s stepmother looks up.
“Leah?” Tina says, confused. “I thought you were heading home because you were sick.”
“I lied,” Leah mumbles.
“Why are you in different clothes?”
“I…” Leah closes her eyes. “I had an accident.”
“An accident? What kind?”
“The…wet kind,” Leah whimpers. Tina’s eyes widen. “I don’t know what happened! I waited too long to find the bathroom, and then I couldn’t find the bathroom, and then I tripped and-”
“Shh, it’s okay,” Tina says, rubbing Leah’s back. “But why did you decide to dress like someone who goes to the daycare I work at?”
“It was the first thing I grabbed.”
“I see.” Tina lifts Leah’s skirt.
“Tina!”
“Are you wearing training pants under there?” Tina asks. Leah turns red. “Let me guess. The first thing you grabbed again?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, it’s probably for the best you got some sort of protection just in case you have another accident.”
“I’m not going to!”
“I didn’t say you would,” Tina says firmly. “I’m just saying that if you do, it’s good you’re wearing something. Though I’m not sure how much protection something that thin provides.”
“Thin? These feel pretty thick to me!”
“Yes, because you’re used to underwear,” Tina says. “But here’s the thing. Training pants are for occasional small accidents from toddlers. You’ve got a bigger bladder than a toddler. So if you have another accident, you might soak it through and you’ll be in the same position you were in before.”
“Fine,” Leah sighs. “What’s your solution?”
“You’re in luck.” Tina pats the package of diapers in the shopping cart. “I have to get some diapers for the daycare today, and they’re in your size.” Leah’s jaw drops in shock. “Come on, let’s get you changed in the restroom.”
Tina leads Leah to the family restroom, where she has Leah take off her skirt and modesty shorts, then lay on her back. She lifts Leah’s butt, slides the diaper under her, and tapes it on. With that done, she lets Leah put the skirt back on, but holds on to the modesty shorts.
“Tina, everyone’s going to see my- the diaper if I don’t have those,” Leah hisses.
“They’ll just get in the way if you need a change,” Tina says. “Now come on, we have to keep shopping.” Groaning, Leah follows Tina out of the family restroom. The diaper, however, impedes her movement. It technically fits her, but is a bit snug, and on top of that, is very thick. Leah now has the distinctive toddling gait of someone the age for the diaper she’s wearing.
“This sucks!” Leah whines. “I can’t keep up with you when I’m wearing this!” Without a word, Tina picks Leah up and puts her in the seat of the shopping cart.
“There. Problem solved.”
“Wh- you-” Leah stammers.
“Look, if I wait around for you to waddle after me, we’ll take all day to shop. I’m assuming you want to end this as soon as possible.”
“…Yes,” Leah mumbles.
“Then the cart it is.” Tina pats Leah’s head. “Don’t worry, this will make you feel better about having to ride there.” She shoves something into Leah’s hands.
It’s…