"Uh oh, looks like someone went poopy pants!"
Leah's blood runs cold as she recognizes the voice. Tonya was right there, watching her mess her diaper. Again.
"Where's your mommie or daddie? Are they nearby? We should probably get you changed."
Something in Leah snapped at Tonya's tone. What was with the patronizing tone? Would she act the same if she knew this was her best friend? Like a child who needed to be babysat? Against her better judgement, Leah felt a little angry: every insecure thought about what Tonya would think if she knew Leah was that poopy girl at that party rushed past. The tall, mature girl who babysits in her spare time, was popular with boys, and was never once doubted on her real age, suddenly talking to Leah like an infant. It made her blood boil, but...never once has she treated Leah like she was less. Was that it? Her greatest fear being Tonya, the one person who treats her like her age, suddenly treating her like a baby?
The anger turned to guilt. Why would Leah think so little of Tonya? Distancing herself, making Tonya feel like Leah didn't want to be around her, ghosting her texts...was any of that worth it?
She can hear Tonya behind her, still not able to see her face. In reality, Tonya would be surprised and probably uncomfortable to see Leah like this, not treat her like a kid. But...Leah realized she didn't want to run either; she wanted Tonya to see, and meet the new her...just not like this.
With a mischievous grin, she bolted towards the playground structure.
"You'ww have ta catch me first!" She challenged with a laugh, uncaring if her voice was recognized. She hopped her friend would take the bait, always sticking her nose into other people's problems, and was rewarded with echoing footsteps behind her.
"Wait, hey, where are you going? Come back, you need a change-"
"Only I decide that!"
She knew Tonya was faster; longer legs and all. However, Leah was craftier, as well as Tonya being no match against her new found toddler energy. Just as the taller girl tried to grab her, Leah ducked under and slid into the playground, smushing her diaper flat. She heard a groan of frustration, and smiled wider.
"Okay little girl, you wanna play a game? Fine."
"Ha, now ya get it!"
She climbed through the structure with the agility of monkey, maneuvering herself through the different bars and sections in a burst of fun she hasn't experienced in ages. She climbed high enough to look down and see Tonya looking around, trying and failing to match her speed.
"Wook at you, trying so hard to chase me." Leah laughed, hanging above her. She began moving again when Tonya looked up, "Why? Cause you see a child in need? Can't keep your nose out of other's business?"
"I- no, I just...your parents might be worried-"
"An assumption."
"That's...okay, fine. Why are you running?"
"Cause it's fun, and I knew you'd chase me. You always loved helping others, even if they didn't want it."
Leah maneuvered herself silently through the parts. Tonya made her way onto the middle of one structure, while Leah hung just above her. Her heart was beating, but she didn't have time to be nervous.
"Wh- what do you mean? I don't know you...do I? I'm not from this side of town, so I didn't babysit you...I'd remember someone as young as you."
"More assumptions!"
Leah moved while Tonya jerked her head in her direction.
"You're being a real brat for someone in a poopy diaper!" She spit in frustration.
"Ha! Bold words for someone who froze up like a deer in headlights after she pooped herself at Dairy Queen."
Tonya's face erupted into bright red.
"How- you- I'm lactose intolerant, it wasn't- how do you know-" She fumbled around her words, eyes darting around as she started to put pieces together. Whelp, no more hiding. This is it.
"I think you chased me because you can't help but chase when someone runs. The challenge of it. You've done it since you were a kid." She hung from a bar upside down right above Tonya just as she looked up. There was no denying it, she was looking at her best friend dressed like a toddler in a princess onesie, a poopy diaper, and a pacifier hanging from her playful grin. Tonya's eyes widened.
"Leah?"
"Heya, Tonya."
It felt childish, but Leah needed a little bit of childish for her introduction. Here she was, a bratty tot princess for all to see. There was a hint of anxiety at Tonya's reaction, but she mostly felt excited at finally being herself without having to hide. A vibrant flash of emotions flashed across Tonya's face, finally settling on...