Sammys Little Problem

[newt]

This is a story I wrote/am writing on my Tumblr, but I thought I should post it here. This series is based on and in the same universe as in "Classified: My New Life,” which is written by another great author here.

Chapter One

Samantha could barely pay attention. She’s heard this same spiel so many times. She gets it. She’s over it. She’s not going to be a Little anyway, so why does she have to sit through her school principal drone on about it again and again?

Today was Classification Day. Students receive their test results every year on the last day of high school. Samantha had heard it so many times before she knew exactly what the classifications were: Caregivers, Neutrals, and Littles. The classifications were based on DNA tests. Each person was genetically predisposed to one of the three.

Caregivers were the backbone of society, according to the principal. Caregivers, unsurprisingly, were usually found in jobs and roles that allowed them to help others, filling their genetic desire to be needed. In the years before they turn 25, they gain more strength to allow them to meet the needs of their roles. 25 is a special age for Caregivers. It’s the age they are legally deemed Caregivers. It’s the age they are allowed to adopt Littles, should they desire to do so.

Neutrals gain no genetic advantages (or disadvantages if you ask them). They are genetically identical to humans before the Great Mutation, when humans suddenly developed the Caregiver and Little genes. They are allowed to adopt Littles, though the process is much more complicated. Neutrals, for the most part, live regular lives.

Littles, on the other hand, fall into three categories:

Level One Littles lose the most muscle mass, emotional maturity, and physical abilities, such as walking. Most lose the ability to say more than a few words. They are, for all intents and purposes, babies.
Level Two Littles are commonly referred to as Toddlers. They are mobile, able to walk and talk, but lose all continence. They, like Level One Littles, are in diapers full time. They lose much of their emotional maturity, though retain all their previous mental faculties.
Level Three Littles are the most independent of the Littles. They often have decent potty control, with some requiring Pull-Ups in case of accidents, and some even able to go without any protection—provided they can get to the bathroom in time. Both Level Two and Three Littles were permitted to attend simplified college courses and even hold some jobs, provided their Caregiver permits it. And of course, subject to their needs and requirements as Littles.
But none of that mattered to Samantha. She had everything planned out. She’d been accepted to Stanford University on a full scholarship with the engineering department. She was literally going to become a rocket scientist.

“Why do we have to sit through this again,” Samantha asked her best friend, Lindsay, “How many times do they think we need to hear this?” Samantha and Lindsay had been best friends since first grade. They grew up together, they might as well have been sisters.

“It’s the worst,” Lindsay replied. Lindsay also had a bright future ahead of her. She’d be attending UCLA on a volleyball scholarship. Her whole family was tall and athletic. Both Lindsay’s parents and sister were caregivers. No one doubted Lindsay would be one too.

Samantha and her parents were Neutrals. Nobody in her family had been anything but Neutral. Unlike Lindsay’s family, Samantha’s parents held deeply prejudicial views about Littles. They were “burdens on society, living off the system.” Samantha was careful to hide her parents’ prejudices from her friends.

“Do you think your sister is going to adopt someone from our class?” Samantha asked Lindsay. Alyssa, Lindsay’s sister, was 27 years old. Samantha had always looked up to Alyssa. Alyssa always had her life together. She attended USC on a volleyball scholarship, won two national titles, and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in accounting.

“I hope so! She’s been talking about adopting a Little for two years,” Lindsay huffed, “I’m sick of hearing about it. Just do it already.”

One tedious hour later, the principal had finished. The seniors were sent to their homerooms to receive their results. Samantha sat next to Lindsay, same as always. Their teacher called each of their names, handing them an envelope with their Classification results. The class waited until all the results had been handed out before they opened their results.

Around the room, people reacted to their Classification. Samantha, not worried about her Classification, watched with the others with interest. Most were, unsurprisingly, Neutrals, as Neutrals represented about 55% of the population.

Mark Gillespie, the starting quarterback of the football team, screamed in anguish. He put his head down, sobbing. Samantha knew what that reaction meant; Mark learned he was a Level One Little.

She turned to Lindsay, “Poor guy, he was so good at football, too. Maybe your sister will adopt him!”

“I think Alyssa wants a Level Two Little to be honest,” Lindsay said as she opened her envelope. She smiled, “Caregiver, surprise! Open yours, Sam!”

Samantha opened her envelope. She read it once. “No, no that can’t be right,” she thought to herself. She read it again. The world froze around her. Every time she read it, she started over, assuming it was a bad dream, and that the next time she read it she’d see “Classification Result: NEUTRAL.”

But it never did. No matter how many times she tried, she couldn’t change it. She stared in horrified disbelief:

Classification Results: LEVEL TWO LITTLE.

[newt]

Chapter Two

“Sam? Sam? What’s going on?”

Samantha heard Lindsay’s voice as if she was in a bubble. It sounded distant. She barely processed the words. Samantha could barely process anything right now.

Samantha felt like her world was crumbling around her. This was not real. This must be a dream. She could not be a…Level Two Little. No way. Even hearing Level Two Little rattle around her brain felt wrong.

Samantha didn’t realize Lindsay had grabbed the envelope from Samantha’s hand. All she could think about was what she was about to lose. Her Stanford scholarship. Her job with NASA. Her..her..she couldn’t go any further. It was too much. Too difficult.

Samantha cried. Cried for the future she lost. Cried for the future she’ll now have. Cried for everything.

Lindsay read the results. She didn’t say anything. She walked over to Samantha and hugged her. She let Samantha cry; they’d talk about it when she calmed down. She knew what Samantha was thinking. How difficult it must have been to read she was a Level Two Little.

After ten minutes, Samantha sobbed to Lindsay, “What am I going to do Lindsay? It’s not fair! Why did this happen to me?”

“I know Sam, this sucks. I won’t pretend otherwise. But it’s not the end of the world. You can still go to Stanford, they have a…program for you.” Lindsay didn’t think calling it a Little’s Program was a good idea. “Plus, you have your parents! They’ll will help you sort everything out!”
Lindsay didn’t understand why this only made Samantha cry even harder.

“Y-you don’t get it, Lindsay. My parents hate Littles. They think they’re burdens on s-society, a waste of resources. They told me they were happy Littles didn’t run in our family because they’d never care for one, even family. Even…even…me.”

Lindsay kicked herself. She’d long suspected Samantha’s parents were anti-Little bigots, but surely they’d care for their own daughter. What kind of monsters would abandon their child for something out of their control?

“Th-th-they told m-me,” Samanatha stuttered through sobs, “That i-if I was Li-Little to not even c-c-ome home…” Samantha was sobbing harder than ever.

Lindsay was simultaneously furious with Samantha’s parents and lost in grief for her best friend. Lindsay knew that Littles had one month to find a Guardian or Caregiver of their choice. If not, the Littles were sent to an adoption facility where they’d live until a Caregiver or Neutral adopts them. If they get adopted. Lindsay would never let that happen to Sam.

“Well, then you’ll just have to come home with me. You know my parents would let you stay with us, they’ve loved you for years! It’s been ten years of my parents trying to get me to be more like you!”

Samantha seemed to calm down after hearing that. “A-are you s-sure, Lindsay? They won’t m-mind?”

“Of course not! Now, let’s wipe those tears off you. We’re going to walk out of here with our heads held high, right? You’re our school’s Valedictorian! You’re the smartest, most successful one here! We can deal with everything when we’re home, I promise.”

Lindsay stood up, expecting Samantha to follow. “Are you coming, Sam?”

Samantha shook her head. “I-I can’t,” she sobbed, tears started to flow again, “I-I-I h-had an acc-accident, Lindsay.”

“Oh, Sam, I’m so sorry. Almost everyone left already, so nobody will see! I’ll take you to the nurse’s office.”

The Nurse’s Office had a few extra nurses working today, ready for the new Littles. Samantha distantly heard the nurse tell Lindsay that it was common for Littles to have accidents when they get the news, as heightened emotions can trigger accidents.

The nurse, hearing Lindsay was a Caregiver, gave Lindsay a pull-up for Samantha, saying it’s best if Lindsay helps Samantha change, it should keep Samantha’s emotions under control. Which, the nurse said, is why pull-ups are preferred for Level Two and Three Littles, at least for the first time. Diapers, the nurse said, were too big of an adjustment too soon. It’s best for a Little’s Caregiver or Guardian to diaper their Little for the first time.

Samantha felt numb as Lindsay followed her into the bathroom. She was still heartbroken, but she was glad Lindsay was there with her. She didn’t know what she’d do without her.

Lindsay recognized Samantha was lost in her own world, dissociating from her new reality. She didn’t want to make Samantha’s first experience with pull-ups to be traumatizing. So, she pulled out her best maternal voice and told Samantha she was going to get her out of those wet pants. Samantha barely reacted as Lindsay pulled down her shorts and underwear.

“Okay, can you lift up your left leg? Good job, Sam. Now your right? Perfect. Now, let’s slide this up…and done.” Lindsay grabbed the spare gym shorts the nurse provided. She put Samantha in them.

“All done, Sam,” she cooed, “You ready to go to my house?”

Samantha broke out of her trance. “W-what? Sorry, I think I zoned out for a while. What’s this?” Samantha asks, grabbing at her pull-up.

“It’s not a diaper,” Lindsay says quickly, trying to be as casual as possible, “It’s just in case you need it; you can take it off when we get home.” Lindsay wasn’t sure if that was a lie, but it was better to avoid any more heightened emotions before they got home.

Samantha seemed to accept it. Lindsay hoped she could get Samantha to her house before she snapped out of her shock. There were plenty of heavy emotional conversations in store for Samantha in the next few days. But she doesn’t need to worry about that yet. Not right now.
All Samantha needs is to get home. Lindsay will take care of everything once Samantha is down for a nap. She’ll explain everything to her parents. They’ll understand. She knows they will.

But, as Lindsay is driving home, Samantha quietly staring out the window, an idea forms in Lindsay’s mind. She gets out her phone and calls her sister, Alyssa.

“Hi Allie. Listen, something happened today during Classification. And I think…well, can you come over right now? I think you’ll want to see this. Great, see you in a bit.”

Lindsay looks over at Samantha and smiles.

[newt]

Chapter Three

Samantha did not resist Lindsay’s suggestion that she take a nap. She didn’t want to be awake anymore. She didn’t want to think about this anymore. And, more than anything, she’d hoped she’d wake up and this would all be a bad dream. She was asleep before Lindsay left the room.

Lindsay called her mom about Samantha. Her mom, Carol, agreed to let Samantha stay with them before Lindsay could even finish her sentence. She’d even sign up to be Samantha’s Guardian until they could find a Caregiver for her.

Carol spent far more time composing herself after Lindsay told her about Samantha’s parents. Carol knew that the stream of expletives she was thinking—however fitting—would not set a good example for her daughter.

Carol told Lindsay to keep Samantha calm and relaxed when she woke up. She’d go grab some pull-ups and diapers, just in case. But other than that, Samantha should be okay. At least, until Samantha transitions. But that could be hours, days, weeks, or even months.

Ten minutes later, Alyssa walks into the house, concern on her face. “Hey Linds, what’s going on? Are you okay? What Classification did you get? Your call was very cryptic.”

Lindsay smiled, “I’m a Caregiver, too. It’s not about me. It’s-it’s about Samantha.”

“Sam? Isn’t her whole family Neutrals? Surely, she…” Alyssa trails off.

“L2,” Lindsay says bluntly.

“Oh my gosh, really?!” Alyssa says in surprise, “How’s she doing? She must be devastated. She was just here a month ago smiling about her scholarship to Stanford.”

“Well,” Lindsay hesitates, “she’s not doing well at all. She’s upstairs sleeping.”

“Here? Why isn’t she home?”

Anger flashes on Lindsay’s face. “Because her parents are bigots. Horrible, disgusting bigots that kicked their own daughter out of their house. And to think I’ve spent the night at their house so many times. Complete as—”

“I agree, Linds,” Alyssa says quietly, “Don’t get too angry, let Samantha sleep. Plus, we don’t want her to hear that. Especially not that language.”
“She’s a high school graduate, Allie, she hears it all the time.”

“Maybe, but she’s a Little now. And I won’t let Littles hear that kind of language.”

“Fine, whatever,” Lindsay concedes.

“So, what is Samantha going to do?” Alyssa asks, “She has a month to find a Guardian or Caregiver before she’s…well, you know.”

“Mom said she’ll register as her Guardian if she has to,” Lindsay said, “She won’t let Sam go to the adoption center. She was so pissed at her parents.”

“I don’t blame her,” Alyssa responds, “Vile humans.”

Lindsay knew she needed to be subtle here. If Sam was going to be a Little, Lindsay wanted Sam to stay in her family. Allie was Sam’s perfect caregiver. Lindsay would get to be there for Sam every step of the way. She would be the best big sister, or would it be Auntie, Lindsay wondered. Not that it mattered. As long as Sam was cared for.

“Do you know any Caregivers looking to adopt,” Lindsay asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible, “The sooner we find someone for Sam the sooner she can relax and adjust. The prospect of being sent to the adoption center must be horrifying.”

“Nicole just adopted a Little a few months ago,” Alyssa responded, “She would have been perfect. I’ll have to think about it.”

Come on, take the bait. Lindsay changed tactics; maybe if she saw Sam, her caregiver instincts would kick in. “Do you want to go up and see her? I’m sure she’s still sleeping, but if she’s awake, I’m sure she’d be happy to see us both.”

Alyssa agreed. They quietly walked upstairs and opened the door. Sam was still asleep, lying on top of the covers. She looked so cute. Alyssa saw the pull-up peeking out of Sam’s shorts. Unable to resist herself, driven by what Lindsay hoped was instinct, Alyssa walked over to check Sam’s pull-up.

“It’s wet,” Alyssa whispered, “She must be transitioning sooner than expected. The intense emotions of losing your parents and academic dreams probably caused it.”

They walk outside the room. “We need to get her some more pull-ups,” Alyssa said, “I don’t think we can let her go without them and she’s going to leak soon.”

“Mom’s stopping on her way back from work.”

Alyssa opens the door and peeks back in. Lindsay sees the faintest outline of a smile on Alyssa.

They walk back downstairs. Alyssa sits on the couch. For the second time today, Lindsay watches someone lose themselves in thought, Alyssa staring at nothing in particular. Lindsay walks to the kitchen, she wants this to be Alyssa’s idea, not hers.

[newt]

Chapter Four

Samantha woke up suddenly. In her daze she had no idea where she was. It wasn’t her room. Why was she here? Where was here?
She felt overwhelmed. What was happening? She didn’t understand. She was alone and scared. She wanted someone, anyone.

Samantha didn’t know what to do. So she cried. It felt right, for reasons she couldn’t comprehend. Even as something in the back of her mind fought against those tears.

She cried until the door opened a minute or two later. A women came running in. Samantha had no idea who she was, her eyes too full of tears to see anything.

“Sam, Sam, I’m here, Sam. It’s okay. We’re here.” She says as two other women enter the room.

She recognized the voice.

Everything came rushing back to Samantha. The fog was lifted, like a streaming video that finally buffers. She remembered everything.
“A-Allie?” she says, tentatively.

“I’m here Sam, you’re okay!” Alyssa says as she sits on the bed next to Samantha.

“Yeah…” Sam responds, “It was the strangest thing. I forgot where I was when I woke up and I-I-I don’t know. I just felt overwhelmed and forgot where I was.”

Samantha wipes her eyes. She sees everyone clearly. Alyssa has a look of deep concern and…something else, Samantha thinks. Is it love? She can’t decide.

Alyssa rubs Samantha’s shoulder.

“That’s perfectly understandable, Sam, you’ve had a difficult day. Are you starting to feel a bit better?”

“I think so,” Samantha admits. The longer she’s awake the more she feels like her old self. She pushes the Little problem out of her mind. At least, for now, she’s surrounded by friends. Or, the thought both saddens and comforts her, family now.

“Good to see you, dear,” Lindsay’s mother, Carol, says, “I want you to know you can stay here as long as you need. We will never, ever abandon you. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, Mrs—.”

“It’s Carol, dear. I’m not Mrs. anything to you. I’m your family now.”

Samantha smiles at Carol. She’s always thought of her as a second mother. Maybe it’s time to drop the “second,” she thinks to herself.

“I’m glad you’re awake, Sam,” Lindsay says, cheerfully, “It was starting to get boring with just Allie and mom.”

Everyone laughs. Lindsay adds, “And you should have seen how fast Allie ran upstairs when she heard you. I’d almost forgotten she was a college athlete until I saw her run to you.”

Samantha looks at Allie. She’s smiling deeply, but Samantha notices her eyes watering. Samantha smiles back, it must be something important because she never let Lindsay get away with jokes about her growing up.

“You want to head downstairs, Sam?” Lindsay asks.

“Yes, I do. I could use a Diet Coke.”

Alyssa smiles, “why don’t we meet you guys downstairs?”

Carol and Lindsay look at each other, smiling. They walk out and close the door.

“Sweetie, there is one thing I need to ask before we go down. I didn’t want to ask you in front of Lindsay. And please don’t be embarrassed. But I do need to check your pull-up before we go down.”

Samantha blushes. She’d forgotten about the pull-up. “I think it’s fine, Allie.”

“I’m sure it is, Sammy, but I’d feel a bit better if I knew for sure. Let me just…” Alyssa says as she reaches towards Samantha’s pull-up.
Alyssa frowns slightly. “Sam, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, I promise. Okay? But I think you leaked a bit on the bed.”

Samantha opened her mouth to apologize.

“Samantha. Listen. You don’t need to apologize. You don’t need to be embarrassed. It’s absolutely okay. I will get you a new pull-up and bring the sheets down to the washer. And I don’t want to hear one apology. I don’t want to see any embarrassment on your face, okay?”

“You went through more today than most people do in a lifetime. Everything will calm down as soon as you get comfortable.”

Samantha almost smiles a bit in spite of herself. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. But what about when…when…”

“That’s not today’s concern, Sam. We will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, you’ll wear these pull-ups until you calm down. You’ll be done with pull-ups once you go two days without an accident. That’s all you need to worry about for now, okay?”

“Okay, Allie. Thank you for making me feel better. And doing this alone. It would have been very embarrassing with Lindsay here.”

“Of course, Sam. Why don’t we tell her you’re not in pull-ups for now? If you want to keep it a secret, that’s fine. Just, uh, tap your nose three times if you have an accident. How does that sound?”

Alyssa’s heart almost explodes in happiness as Samantha smiles for the first time. “That sounds great, Allie!”

“Now, can you come over here so I can get this old pull-up off you and wipe you down?”

“Do you think I can do it myself?” Samantha begs.

“Maybe in a few days. But for now, I’ll handle it. Your only job is to tell me if you had an accident. You can slide it off if you need to go to the bathroom. But I want to ensure I care for your skin after any accidents. Your body isn’t used to this and diaper rash is not fun. It will be hard hiding that from Lindsay!”

“Okay, fine,” Samantha pouts.

“Oh stop pouting, Sam. It’s just for a few days.”

“I guess you’re right, Allie,” Samantha says, smiling.

Alyssa smiles. Comforting Samantha makes her feel…complete. Needed. Seeing Samantha smile filled her with joy. And maybe Lindsay was right. She did run up to Samantha the second she heard her. And she doesn’t need to know she may never be out of pull-ups, and eventually diapers, ever again. Not now.

And she has been thinking about adopting a Little for a while. She’d put it off, saying she wanted to get married first. But, maybe it was that she hadn’t found the right Little. Or maybe it was because the right Little hadn’t needed her yet.

“It tickles, Allie!” Samantha laughs as Alyssa wipes her.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry, sweetie! I forgot to warm them! It won’t happen again!”

Something about Samantha’s giggles crystallized everything for Alyssa. The thought of Samantha toddling around in diapers, happy to see her, needing her, felt right.

Samantha was her Little, she decided. She just hoped that, when the time came, Samantha would want her as her Caregiver.

But that was a conversation for another time. She had to send Samantha downstairs and convince her that nobody else knew she was in pull-ups. Or, at least, convince her Mom and Lindsay to play along.

She’d also have to have a talk with Lindsay. Would Lindsay want her to be Samantha’s caregiver? One step at a time she told herself.
“Okay, Sam, you ready to go downstairs?”

[newt]

Chapter Five

As Samantha walked downstairs, she heard a string of expletives. She knew who it was. It was Lindsay’s father, Henry. He was mad.

Samantha heard Henry yelling, “THEY ABANDONED THEIR OWN DAUGHTER! THEY ARE FILTH! IF I EVER SEE HER DAD AGAIN I’LL PUNCH HIM SQUARE IN THE FACE. NO FATHER ABANDONS THEIR DAUGHTER!”

Samantha heard Carol try to calm him down, “I know dear, I know. But she’s upstairs. Please.”

Henry stopped yelling but wasn’t finished. Samantha heard the pain in his voice. “How could they do that to Sam?!? She’s an amazing, talented, beautiful girl. I thought I changed the last diaper in my life when Lindsay was potty trained. But if her own parents can’t be there for her, I sure as heck will.”

Samantha paused on the stairs. Tears welled in her eyes. As much as she hated her parents, and hated that she was a little, she felt safe here. Loved. She didn’t know Lindsay’s parents cared this much about her.

Alyssa sat next to her. “You okay, sweetie? You shouldn’t have to hear that language. But if you do, I hope it shows you how much we care for you, all right? None of us will let anything happen to you,” Alyssa pauses, tears filling her eyes, “Ever. I promise.” She leans over and gives Samantha a hug.

Tears flow down Samantha’s cheeks. “Thank you, Allie. You have no idea how much this means to me. I was so scared earlier. I thought my life was over. I thought I’d go from Stanford to the adoption center by the end of the day. At least I know you will help me find a…a…”

Samantha struggled to say Caregiver. It was something she never expected to have. She’d never thought she’d need someone to take care of her. And now she’d have to find someone she didn’t even know to be that person. But at least she’d be with her new family before she had to leave.

Alyssa sniffled. Samantha felt Alyssa’s hands trembling. Alyssa looked at her, eyes full of love. She hesitated like she was scared to say something.

“What’s wrong, Allie?” Samantha asks.

Alyssa takes a deep breath. “Sammy, there is something I realized a few minutes ago, something that I was planning to ask you later. Something that I want more than you could ever, ever understand. You’ve always been like my second little sister. I would never, ever let anything happen to you.”

She paused again, sniffling. Samantha saw her nerves.

“Sammy,” Alyssa takes another deep breath, “I know this may not be the right time. I know this may be too early, but it just feels like the right time. But…would you like me to be your Caregiver?”

As Alyssa finishes, the tears that had welled up in her eyes fall. She looks as vulnerable as Samantha feels.

Samantha never expected this. Not just after today’s events, but ever. Alyssa had always felt like family to her, the big sister she never had. She was always nice to Samantha. Always willing to help her with homework, boy problems, and any other issue.

She also thought, up until Alyssa asked, that she’d have to find a random Caregiver. She thought it would at least be better than the adoption center, but she wanted someone she knew. Someone she trusted.

Samantha started sobbing. She was so happy Alyssa offered. She hadn’t even thought about it, but if anyone HAD to be her Caregiver, she wanted it to be Allie.

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry,” Alyssa stuttered, “I know I shouldn’t have asked this soon, I just…I just couldn’t help myself.”

Samantha laughed through the sniffles. “No, Allie, I’m just…I’m just so thankful you asked. I never expected to need a Caregiver, but now that I do, I don’t think I could imagine anyone better than you. So yes, yes, yes, please! Thank you so much! I love you, Allie!”

Alyssa started sobbing even harder as she hugged Samantha. “I love you too, Sammy. I promise I will be the best Caregiver in the entire world for you. I promise, I promise, I promise. I’ll take the best care of you. And you can officially and forever be part of the family!”

Lindsay jumped into the stairway as they hugged, smiling and screaming, “Yes! I’m so excited!! Sammy is part of the family! I knew you’d come around Allie!”

Initially startled by Lindsay’s sudden appearance, Samantha started laughing with pure joy, hugging Lindsay. “Thank you so much, Linds! You made this all happen! I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for you!”

Lindsay couldn’t help it, she kept singing—screaming, really:

“WE ARE FAMILY! I GOT ALL MY SISTERS WITH ME! WE ARE FAMILY! GET UP EVERYBODY AND SING!”

“Okay, okay, calm down!”

Lindsay’s parents are there too, wondering what all the commotion was about. “What’s going on here?” Henry asks.

“Allie asked Sammy if she could be her Caregiver and Sammy said YES!” Lindsay screamed.

Lindsay’s mom, Carol, puts her hands to her face, smiling, more tears welling up. “Oh, sweetie, I’m so happy for you,” she says to Samantha, “I know none of this was part of your plans, but I’m so glad we can stay a family!”

Even Henry had tears welling up in his eyes. He smiles at Samantha and Alyssa. In typical bad dad joke fashion, he says, “I’m just glad I’m not responsible for more diapers; Lindsay was enough for me!”

Both Alyssa and Lindsay yell “DAD!” at the same time.

Samantha was too happy to care about the thought of diapers. Like Allie said, she’ll worry about it when she gets there. For now, she was just happy to be with her family. Her real family, she thought.

She may not be their blood, but they chose her. And somehow, that felt like a deeper bond than what she had before. She was home. Where she belonged.

“Who wants burgers?” Henry asked, “I’m grilling tonight. Our first night together as our complete family.”

[newt]

Chapter Six

Dinner was every bit as enjoyable as Samantha expected. Samantha’s Little status was never mentioned. It was just like she was the third sister. Henry was an artist, the grill his canvas. She never enjoyed a burger more than that night.

As the dinner was quieting down, Lindsay asked a question Samantha hadn’t thought about yet. “Where is Sam gonna sleep tonight?”

Samantha honestly didn’t know. She looked over to Alyssa. As she did, she realized how strange this was. Allie was now her…authority figure. She was now the one in charge of her. And not just in charge–but legally responsible for her. Well, she may be soon. She was about to lose so many of the freedoms and privileges she had secured over the last few years from her old parents.

And that wasn’t even counting the freedoms she would have gained as a Freshman at Stanford. She was on the cusp of living on her own. Free to do what she wanted, when she wanted.

But now, she probably wouldn’t even be allowed to do anything alone. Her heart sank as she thought about it. She was a Level Two Little. They called L2s Toddlers. What kinds of freedoms do toddlers have?

The thought that the world, her friends, and her family would eventually think of her, Samantha, the one who got a full scholarship to Stanford in the aeronautical engineering program, as a toddler was too much.

Samantha was on the verge of crying as she heard Alyssa, “Sam? Sam? Earth to Samantha!”

She looked over to Allie, “Sorry, I spaced out, what’s going on?”

“I was just saying how it made sense for you to come to my house for the night. It will eventually be your home anyway. For one, it’s close to the Littles Registration office. For two, we can discuss whether you want me to register as your Guardian or Caregiver. I don’t want to pressure you too soon.”

“Oh, yeah, that makes sense,” Samantha says, “But do you think I can do a sleepover with Lindsay soon?”

“I don’t see why not, Sammy!” Allie and Carol say at the same time. They look at each other, laughing.

“Looks like you learned from the best, Allie,” Lindsay laughed, “You’re already becoming Mom!”

“Well, It’s getting late,” Alyssa says, “I want to get Sammy home and into bed. It’s been a long day, and she could use a good night’s sleep.”
Samantha looked around, wondering if they’d all agree with Alyssa. She wasn’t sure she liked having her decisions made for her, but she figured she’d have to get used to it.

Ten minutes later, goodbyes finished, Samantha was riding with Alyssa to her place. As she looked over at Alyssa, Samantha knew she made the right decision. Having a caregiver may be strange, but she knew Alyssa cared deeply about her.

Alyssa looks over at Samantha. “I can only imagine how strange this is for you, Sam,” she said, “I know you expected to be at home tonight, wondering how you were going to decorate your dorm. But now you’re in my car, driving to my house, as a Level Two Little.”

Samantha nodded, unsure what to say.

“I just want you to understand that I understand. This won’t be an easy transition for you. This might not even be fun for you at first. I will do everything in my power to help make it easy on you, okay.”

“Okay,” Samantha answers.

“But you have to understand this. You are a Little now. You may not act like one yet, and you may not have any problems making it to the bathroom, but it will happen. And you also have to understand, after we go to the Littles Registration office tomorrow, I will be legally responsible for you.”

“I don’t say that because I want to tell you that what I say goes. I say it because I know it is a huge responsibility. It will be my job to provide for you. My job to make sure you have food on the table, clean diapers, and up to date on your college courses. I will be the one who has to make choices about your health, your well-being, and your future.”

“And I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to make sure everything in your life goes well. I take it as seriously as I would for my own child. You may not think about it that way, but to me, you are my child.”

“If anything happens to you from now on, I will be devastated. Okay?”

“I-I understand Allie,” Samantha responds, “It’s just a lot to take in all at once.”

“And I will be here with you every step of the way. I want you to be able to tell me how you feel. I don’t want you to get overwhelmed because you’re not alone.”

“Thank you, Allie.”

“Now, I know I’m still asking a lot of you all at once. But I know you’re not a little Little yet. You’re still the same intelligent woman that got into Stanford. So, nothing like the present.”

“I can either register as your Guardian or Caregiver tomorrow. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it is. If I sign up as your Guardian, it makes me temporarily responsible for your care. I’ll just be an acting Caregiver, but not a permanent one. If something happens, I could lose custody of you significantly easier. But, if you decide you’d rather have a different Caregiver, I could withdraw my name easier, however hard it would be on me.”

“But if I register as your Caregiver, it is essentially me signing your name on your birth certificate. I will legally become your parent. Nobody could take you away from me unless I prove to be negligent or abusive. And I will never be, either. But, once again, if you change your mind about me, I’m not sure it would be possible to stop being your Caregiver.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in right now. We can always go from Guardian to Caregiver later. I will choose whatever you want. Just know that I have decided. I want to be your Caregiver. I don’t want a random Little. I want to care for you. The beautiful woman I’ve seen grow up. I will spend my life taking care of you if you let me.”

Samantha takes a few minutes to think it over. She can’t imagine having anyone else, either. But she understands what Alyssa is saying.

“I want you to be my Caregiver, Allie!”

[newt]

bri0618 said:

Wonderful story…not gonna lie it actually brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.

Thank you! I really wanted to capture all the emotions. The fear and anxiety but also the love and support and hope.

I’ve already written 26 chapters so there will be plenty more chapters soon!

[newt]

Chapter Seven

Alyssa watched Samantha sleep for a minute or two. She realized it would take a while before she adjusted to this new life. She’d always wanted a Little, but actually having one, watching her sleep made everything so much more…real.

Especially because that Little was Sammy. She never expected to be caring for her. Sammy was supposed to be off building the future spaceships for NASA, not building Lego spaceships in her living room. It would be a difficult transition for Sammy.

But difficult or not, Alyssa knew she had a job to do. Whether Sammy understood—truly understood—that those dreams were now lost or not, was now irrelevant. She was a Level Two Little now. Alyssa would make it is as easy for Sammy to transition as she could, but she had to let go of her former relationship with Sammy.

Alyssa could no longer think of Sammy as Lindsay’s super smart, independent best friend. The one who was supposed to head off to Palo Alto at the end of summer. She had to think of Sammy as her Little first and foremost. By the end of summer Sammy wouldn’t be at Stanford, she’d be here, in diapers, relying on Alyssa for her basic needs.

Alyssa knew this summer would be a challenge. Probably the hardest challenge she’d ever face. They’d both ever face. Sammy, like anyone else in her position, won’t let her independence and self-reliance slip away without a fight. She’d battle to keep it every step of the way. Sammy might yell, scream, and rage against Alyssa at times. But Alyssa would take it in stride. She wouldn’t hold it against Sammy.

Alyssa would do it because Sammy needed it. She would do her best to treat Sammy as the adult she was until she transitioned, whenever that was. Alyssa had spent hours reading up of Level Two Little transitions after she put Sammy down for bed.

Alyssa learned that the transition has no set schedule. Sometimes it happens quickly and all at once after Classification Day. Other times it happens slowly, progressively. The only certainty is that it will happen. Usually over the course of one to three months.

Two common triggers, research found, were heightened emotional states, caused by instability and fear, and comfort. When a new Little is in a safe, peaceful environment, the transition is easiest. Alyssa was determined to provide the latter.

The most common indicator that a Little is undergoing the transition, especially for Level One and Two Littles, is the loss of potty training. The addition of diapers to a Little’s life is often the hardest, as it happens earliest in the transition. It is a physical symbol of the Little’s new life.

Once a Little is back in diapers, research recommends that Caregivers and Guardians begin treating their Little as a Little. Though Caregivers should be careful not to overwhelm the Littles, as they will often still retain much of their old self for a while in the beginning. It’s a delicate dance.

Alyssa, therefore, decided that she will treat Sammy as the adult she is as long as she is out of diapers. Until then, she would do her best to speak to Sammy (or Sam for now) as an adult, giving her as much opportunity to decide on things for herself.

Before Alyssa woke Sammy, she checked her pull-up. It was soaked. Alyssa sighed. It might not mean much, as it may just be from her emotional day. But she would have to keep an eye on it. She softly sat on the bed, gently waking Sammy up.

“Good morning, Sam, how did you sleep?”

Samantha slowly woke up. “Good morning, Allie,” Samantha mumbled, “I slept great, this bed is really comfy.”

Alyssa felt bad, she knew Samantha wouldn’t get to keep that bed. Little ones didn’t need queen-sized beds, especially when they didn’t have any rails to keep them from falling out of the bed. “I’m glad you like it, Sam. Today’s a big day, you ready for it?”

“I think so. Not like I have any choice anyway.”

“You always have a choice, Sam. Now, how is your pull-up doing?” Alyssa wanted to see how Samantha would handle it.

“I-I-I think I’m dry,” Samantha answered meekly.

“Sam, are you sure? It’s okay if you aren’t.”

“No, I’m dry.”

Alyssa wondered if this were how it would go from now on. “Let me see Sam,” Alyssa says as she checks the pull-up, which she knows is wet, “It’s soaked, sweetie. Can you not tell?”

Samantha’s eyes tear up a bit. “I don’t know. I’m sorry, Allie.”

Alyssa brushes Samantha’s hair. “Sam, I already told you, you will never, ever have to apologize for having an accident. I just need to know if I need to change you, that’s all.”

“But…but…if I wet then…that means you’ll put me i-in d-diapers,” Samantha stutters.

“Sweetie, I’m not going to put you in diapers just for one accident on your first night, okay? We’ll know when that time will come when we get there, okay? But for now, all we need to do is get you out of that pull-up, get you a nice, hot shower, a fresh new pull-up and go on with our day. Sound good?”

“Yes,” Samantha concedes.

As Samantha went off to take a shower, even Alyssa wasn’t sure what she meant when she said, “We’ll know when the time comes.” But, at least for now, she will try to keep Samantha in pull-ups as long as Samantha’s body allows.

Until then, she’ll keep an eye on Samantha’s pull-ups. When the accidents start outnumbering the bathroom trips, she’ll have no choice. Or if Samantha starts having other accidents. Alyssa almost forgot about those. But it’s all part of the job. She’ll know when it’s time to put Sammy in diapers, she assures herself.

[newt]

Chapter Eight

After her shower, Samantha sat on her bed, wondering how her life could change so radically, so fundamentally in less than 24 hours. Her family abandoned her. Everything she worked so hard to accomplish in the last 18 years, all the promise her life held—traded for a lifetime of diapers, playtime, and temper tantrums.

It wasn’t fair.

It was cruel.

How could it be anything but cruel? Why did her parents, her family, her teachers, her friends all push her so hard to succeed knowing that one single envelope could destroy it all? What was the point of learning to be mature, independent, and responsible when it would all be taken away, never to return?

No. This was wrong. She had come too far, achieved too much to lose it all. She wouldn’t let that happen. She would prove to Alyssa, to her parents, to everyone that she is not a Little.

Samantha took a deep, steadying breath. She must keep her emotions in check. No matter how unfair, how overwhelming this situation gets, she would never break down and cry like some regular Little. She will handle herself like the adult she IS, not the Little everyone expects.

She wouldn’t let the pull-up Alyssa left out for her get her down. She’d wear it with dignity for two days. She wouldn’t need it, she told herself, but to argue with Alyssa about it would only make her look childish.

She put on an outfit Lindsay gave her, along with a few extra changes of clothes for the time being. Nobody thought going to her parents’ home would end well—for anyone. Luckily, Lindsay and Samantha had been sharing clothes for years anyway.

She went downstairs, a cornucopia of delicious smells tickling her nose. Among Alyssa’s seemingly never-ending list of talents, cooking was definitely near the top.

“You look nice, Sam,” Alyssa says as she notices Samantha walking over, “Ready for some breakfast? I figured you’d had a rough day yesterday, so you deserved my ultimate breakfast sampler. We got scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, banana pancakes with macadamia nuts, French toast with freshly made boysenberry jam, and warm, gooey double chocolate chip muffins, my Mom’s recipe.”

“Wow, you really went all out, it smells delicious! And your Mom’s double chocolate chip muffins are my favorite thing in the world!”

“I’ve been begging my Mom for the recipe for years, but I guess she finally broke down so I could make them for you today.”

Samantha laughed, “Well, I guess if there’s anything good that’s come from all of this, it’s finally getting that recipe!”

“Let’s hope it’s not the only good thing, Sam,” she says a bit more seriously, “Now, let’s feast!”

It was the best breakfast Samantha had ever eaten. Everything she tried was the best thing she ever ate until she tried another dish. Even she had to admit she could get used to this.

Once they were both stuffed, Samantha took the opportunity to prove she was still an adult. She grabbed both plates off the table and went to the kitchen to clean up, assuming there’d be plenty of dirty plates, bowls, and tins. There wasn’t. Samantha forgot how thorough Alyssa was. She never left a mess.

“I got those, Sam,” Alyssa said walking in behind her, “Don’t worry about it.”

“I can at least clean our plates, Allie.”

“Well, I won’t stop you if really want to clean, be my guest.”

Alyssa was watching TV when Samantha walked back to the living room.

“Okay, Sam,” Alyssa said, “I think it’s best we head to the Little Registration office first thing today. The sooner we get that taken care of, the sooner we can both relax.”

Samantha dreaded stepping foot in the Little Registration office. It made everything sound so…permanent. So real. But she would walk in with her head held high, like a mature adult.

“That sounds great, Allie!” Samantha says.

“I know we discussed it yesterday, but I just want to be absolutely positive about your choice before we go,” Alyssa asks, “Guardian or Caregiver?”

Samantha had been mulling it over all night despite choosing a Caregiver last night. She worried that if she chose a Caregiver, she’d be stuck with a permanent Caregiver even if she proved she was not a Little. But if she chooses Guardian, what if she is taken away from Allie? It was almost too terrifying to consider, even if it meant she might have an easier chance of proving she was an adult.

She knew the choice was obvious. Risk was unacceptable in engineering. So why should it be acceptable in her life?

“Caregiver.”

Ten minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the Littles Registration building. Seeing the building sent shivers down Samantha’s spine. But for some reason she felt it in her abdomen, too. It was a strange feeling.

Samantha didn’t dwell on it long.

Alyssa was already getting out of the car, asking Samantha to follow her. Had Samantha been less distracted, she might have noticed another foreign sensation: the warmth spreading in her pull-up.

[newt]

Chapter Nine

The Littles Registration Office looked exactly how you’d picture it in your mind—if you were picturing a DMV poorly decorated to look like a nursery. The waiting area, rather than a hodge-podge of chairs filled with bored drivers, resembled a small playground, filled with toys, slides, and coloring books. Littles of all levels were happily waddling about, followed closely by the Caregivers and Guardians.

The pastel blues, pinks, and yellows clashed violently with each other. The colors were chosen seemingly at random, with murals of colorful balloons, Disney characters, and rainbows.

It was exactly how you’d expect a busy, underfunded, government facility to look.

Everything about the Littles Registration Office made Samantha feel uneasy. Whether it was the explosion of colors, regressed Littles showing absolutely no shame about their bulging, exposed diapers, or the lingering smell of diapers and baby powder that so often accompanies nurseries, Samantha couldn’t say. It was all of it.

This was not the well-kempt, sprawling, prestigious Stanford campus. This was as far from the beautiful, yet imposing brick buildings, filled with the brightest minds of the generation as Samantha could possibly get.

Samantha fought with every ounce of willpower she possessed to stop herself from crying. Before stepping inside, this all seemed so abstract to her. But seeing this made it real. This is what Alyssa expected her to become.

“Samantha?” Alyssa asked, “Do you want to sit down?”

Samantha silently followed Alyssa to two sets of chairs. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything. All she could do was hold in her tears.

“Everything okay, Sam?”

Samantha took a deep breath, “Yeah, it’s just a bit overwhelming seeing this. I was just thinking how different it is than…than…Stanford’s campus.” She lost the battle, saying it out loud broke the dam. Samantha sobbed.

“Oh, Sammy,” Alyssa cooed as she hugged Samantha, “Don’t judge everything by this place, this isn’t reality! Your life will be so much better than this! I promise you. And as soon as we leave here, I’ll call Stanford for you and arrange everything. You’ll still be a Stanford student!”

Samantha was inconsolable. She didn’t care how she looked anymore. She just wanted to cry. What else could she do?

“Sweetie, it’s okay. Our number is almost up, we’ll be out of here before you know it!” Alyssa says, rubbing Samantha’s back.

A few minutes later, as Samantha’s sobs slowed, their number was called. “That’s us, Sammy, Kiosk 27. Are you ready to get out of here?”

“Y-yes,” Samantha stuttered.

As they walked past a Caregiver and what looked like a Level One Little, Samantha accidentally walked into the Caregiver. “I’m so sorry little one, I didn’t see you there!”

Something about being called “little one” made Samantha feel even worse, her sobs back in full force. Alyssa grabbed her hand to get her away from the situation.

Unfortunately, the heightened emotions proved too much for Samantha. A sudden cramp in her stomach forced Samantha to stop walking. Seconds later, another, stronger cramp hit her. Her eyes went wide in horror as she realized what was happening.

Samantha, surrounded by Caregivers and Littles, felt her body squat down against her will. She felt another cramp, the strongest yet. She felt her body, acting of its own accord, start to push. Her hands formed into balls as a grunt escaped her lips. Another cramp, another push, another grunt.

As her face continued to turn red, she felt it happen. Her body pushed again, forcing her mess into her pull-up for the first time. For a split second, Samantha thought it was over. Until she pushed again, squatting down even further than before. A great mass filled her pull-up.

Tears fell freely off her as she felt it. It felt heavy, warm, disgusting. She wanted it to stop. But one last wave hit her. A loud grunt escaped her mouth as she pushed. Even more mess filled her already overworked pull-up.

She stood there, trying to catch her breath as the reality of the situation started to sink in. She just messed herself at the Littles Registration Office. She was no different than the Littles toddling around. She was a Little.

“Oh, Sammy, come here. It’s okay,” Alyssa said tenderly, “You’re fine, we can get you cleaned up in no time.”

Samantha could only continue to sob. As she did, she felt Alyssa turn her around and pull back her pants, looking into her pull-up.

Alyssa was…checking my diaper Samantha thought, horrorstruck by the realization. Not only did she have a very public accident, but also a very public diaper check.

“Sammy, sweetheart. We’re going to need to get you changed, those pull-ups aren’t designed to handle this kind of mess. Can you follow me to the kiosk so I can let the man there know we need to change you first?”

Nothing sounded worse to Samantha than toddling in a messy diaper to explain to some stranger that she needed to be changed. But what choice did she have? She didn’t want to be in this messy pull-up any longer than she needed to.

“I’m sorry, sir, but—” Alyssa started.

“Don’t worry ma’am, I saw the whole thing. Changing tables are down the hall to the right. I’ll be here once you get her all fresh and clean.”

“Allie…w-w-we’re not g-going home?” Samantha sobbed.

“Sammy, you can’t sit in a car with that! We need to get you changed. And they have changing tables here to do just that.”

“B-b-bu- I d-don’t want-t-ta do that here, Allie. Please.”

“I know you don’t Sammy, but I promise I’ll get you into a fresh, clean diaper in no time.”

“D-d-diaper?”

[newt]

Chapter Ten

Alyssa wonders if this was all her fault. She should have known that seeing this many Littles, this soon after getting the news, would cause a heightened emotional reaction in Samantha. All because she was selfish and scared.

Scared that something would happen to Samantha if she didn’t register as Samantha’s Caregiver as soon as possible. Selfish because she wanted to be the one to love, support, and guide Samantha through this next chapter of her life.

There was nothing Alyssa could do to prevent Samantha from ending up in diapers. She knew that. But she wanted more time with Samantha before she transitioned. More time before their relationship was exclusively Caregiver and Little.

But Alyssa never wanted it to happen like this. As she watches Samantha have her first messy accident, her heart is breaking. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Not like this.

Alyssa hopes she will never have to watch Samantha go through something like this again. Watching the terror in Sammy’s eyes grow as she squatted down, helpless and afraid, will be forever seared into Alyssa’s heart.

And, more than anything, she never wanted Samantha’s first experience with diapers to happen like this. To suffer the indignity of a public diaper change—a messy diaper change to boot—in the Littles Registration Office of all places.

There was nothing Alyssa could do about it now though. She couldn’t avoid changing Sammy here even if she wanted to do it elsewhere. Sammy’s pull-up was not designed for that kind of mess. All she could do was try her best to get Sammy through this diaper change as quick as possible. As soon as they finished here, she would do whatever Sammy wanted to decompress.

“Allie…w-w-we’re not g-going home?” Sammy sobbed.

“Sammy, you can’t sit in a car with that! We need to get you changed. And they have changing tables here to do just that.”

“B-b-bu- I d-don’t want-t-ta do that here, Allie. Please.”

“I know you don’t Sammy, but I promise I’ll get you into a fresh, clean diaper in no time.”

“D-d-diaper?”

“Yes, Sammy. At least for right now, okay?” Alyssa lied, “Can you hold my hand so we can go get you changed? I will make it extra quick, I promise.”

Sammy hesitantly grabbed her hand, still sobbing. Alyssa squeezed it tightly, hoping to convey her love and support. They walked down the hall to the changing tables. Alyssa’s heart sank when she saw them. There were three changing tables in a row with no dividers offering any privacy for the Littles. Two other Littles were mid-diaper change. Only the middle changing table was unused.

Sammy immediately reacted, screaming, “Allie, no please! Not here! Please! I don’t want to be changed here!”

Alyssa’s voice cracked, “Sammy, we have to do it here, we don’t have a choice. Please, it will all be over quick. I’m so sorry, Sammy!”

Both Caregivers looked over to Alyssa, eyes full of understanding. “First time?” one asks Alyssa.

“Unfortunately, yes, I had hoped to have more privacy for the first time, but she had an accident, and my hands are tied,” Alyssa lamented.

“I won’t do it!” Sammy screeched, “You can’t make me!”

The other Caregiver let out a sympathetic sigh. She walked over to Sammy, kneeling in front of her. “Honey, it’s okay to be scared. How about this: we will finish our changes and then we’ll stand in the hallway so your Caregiver can change you with more privacy. Nobody will see but her. How does that sound?”

Sammy looked slightly relieved but clearly didn’t like the idea of being changed at all. “I don’t want to be changed, I don’t want to wear diapers! I want to be an adult!” Sammy stomped her feet as she said it, still sobbing uncontrollably.

Alyssa joined in, “Sammy, I think that is a great idea. Nobody will see. But you need to be changed, sweetie. You can’t be in a messy pull-up for long, you don’t want a rash, do you?"

“N-no,” Sammy whimpers.

“Okay, look, they’re both done changing. They’ll stand right outside. Nobody will see you. Now can you get up on the changing table?”

Sammy shrugs, defeated. She walks over to the changing table.

“Thank you, Sammy. That is very mature of you. Now, let me help you up,” Alyssa said as she picked up Sammy and gently placed her on the changing table. Sammy was surprisingly light.

Sammy winced as she was placed on the changing table, feeling her mess spread in her pull-up.

Alyssa got right to work, making this as fast as she could. She knew Sammy would only be okay for a few minutes. Any longer and she’d throw another tantrum.

Sammy laid there, hands covering her face, whimpering. She couldn’t bear to watch. She just wanted to run away. To be invisible. To be a regular Neutral.

Alyssa ripped the waistband of Sammy’s pull-ups. Sammy shivered as Alyssa pulled it down and started wiping. Sammy started sobbing louder. A few painful minutes later. Sammy was clean. Alyssa brought out the diaper and started fluffing it.

Sammy instantly reacted. Her legs thrashed in the air. “Allie, no please, I want another pull-up! I don’t need a diaper, it was just one accident!”

Alyssa grabbed Sammy’s legs. “Sammy, sweetheart, I need you to stop. I need you to relax. I need to get this diaper on you. We don’t have a choice. If you stop now, I’ll take you to any store you want and buy you whatever you want, okay?”

Sammy relaxed, mulling it over. “Anything, Allie?”

“Yes, anything.”

Alyssa put the diaper under Sammy. “Thank you for calming down, Sammy. I’m very proud of you.” She pulls the diaper up on Sammy and tapes it into place. “There, all done, Sammy. See, not so bad, right?”

Sammy just laid there, unsure about the diaper. “I-I guess,” she sobs, “Can I have my pants?”

“Of course, Sammy,” Alyssa says as she lifts Sammy off the changing table and onto the ground, “Here you go.”

“It feels so thick, Allie. Does it need to be this thick? Everyone can see it!”

“No, they can’t, Sammy. Those jeans hide it well,” Alyssa bluffs, “Plus, it won’t feel so thick for long, I promise. Are you ready to go back to the finish off what we need to do here so we can leave?”

“Yes, Allie.”

“Okay, thank you for handling this so well, Sammy,” Alyssa says, wrapping Sammy in a bear hug.

As they walk out of the changing area, Alyssa thanked the Caregivers for helping her.

[newt]

Chapter Eleven

The Little Registration Agent smiled as she saw Alyssa and Sammy return. “How can I help you today?”

Alyssa and Sammy sat in the chairs in front of her. “I’d like to register as her Caregiver. She was just classified as a Level Two Little.”

“No problem,” the agent responds, “Can I see both of your IDs? Thank you.”

The agent starts typing the information into the computer. “Okay, yes, I have her file here. Samantha is listed as an L2. And you said you’d like to register as her Caregiver, not Guardian, correct?

“Yes, Caregiver,” Alyssa responds.

“No problem,” the agent responds, “You have read and understand all the obligations and responsibilities that registering as a Caregiver entails, have you not?”

“Yes, I have,” Alyssa responds.

“Okay,” the agent says as the printer whirls to life, “I’ll need both of you to sign here…great. And I will notarize it now. Done. Okay, as soon as I scan that in the system, you will officially be registered as Samantha’s Caregiver.”

Tears well in Alyssa’s eyes as the notarized paper is scanned. She looks over at Sammy. Sammy timidly smiles back, grabbing Alyssa’s hand as she notices Alyssa’s tears.

“Thank you, Allie. I love you so much. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“I love you, too, Sammy. Always.”

“Great, now that that is finished, you are officially a Caregiver, Alyssa! Now, just a few more things and you’ll both be done. First, we need new pictures of you both for your updated ID cards.”

With the pictures taken, the agent leaves to collect the new cards. When he comes back, she hands one to Alyssa.

“Your ID is essentially identical to your last, Alyssa. Same basic driver’s license, but with your Caregiver status listed there along with Samantha’s information.”

The agent hands the second one to Alyssa. “Here is Samantha’s Little Identification Card. It is important you carry it with you. Or whoever is caring for Samantha. Obviously, Samantha’s previous driver’s license has been rescinded. This new ID reflects her Level Two Little status, your information as her Caregiver, and can be used as a bank card to cover any expenses if necessary. You may connect it to your bank later.”

Sammy looks at the card, more tears welling in her eyes. She didn’t even think about driving. But now it’s just another privilege she lost. She tries her best to not cry again.

“And finally,” the agent says, “Here is your government stipend card for all new littles. The government covers most of the initial expenses for new Littles. It should cover the cost of one month of diapers, a new bed or crib, a changing table, the government-mandated Little’s car seat and installation, as well as a head start on a new wardrobe and any accessories.”

“Thank you, understood,” Alyssa says.

“Now, you have 72 hours to schedule your car seat installation. If you fail to do so, you will receive a daily fine. And if your Little is not riding in it after that time, you will receive a hefty fine and ticket. You can arrange installation at Littles’R’Us, the government’s preferred Little’s retailer.”

“Understood,” Allie says.

“Now, unless you have any other questions, you are all set!”

“Nope, none from us. Thank you for your assistance!”

As they walk out of the Littles Registration Office, Alyssa stops and gives Sammy a massive hug and a kiss on the forehead. “I know that was all so much to handle all at once, Sammy. I’m so proud of you! You were so mature about all of it.”

Sammy just sighs. The whiplash for the last hour and a half clearly overwhelmed her.

“How about this, Sammy? We don’t need to worry about any of this for the rest of the day. We can handle everything later. How about we go back home, you take a nap and forget about everything. I’ll call my parents and Lindsay and we can have a movie night. We can go shopping for you later if you want. How does that sound?”

“W-will I have to wear my diapers there, Allie?” Sammy whines.

“Let’s see how you do for the rest of your day. But if you do, I promise I won’t tell my parents or Lindsay you’re in diapers. It will be our little secret.”

“Okay, Allie. A movie does sound fun!”

Twenty minutes later, Sammy is fast asleep.

Alyssa calls her parents.

“Hey Mom, it’s official, I’m a Caregiver!” Alyssa rejoiced.

“Oh my gosh, honey, I’m so proud of you! I’ve always known you’d make the best Caregiver when the time came! Sammy doesn’t know how lucky she is!”

“I’m the lucky one, Mom! But listen, today has already been extremely difficult on Sammy. I think I made a mistake by bringing her to the Littles Registration office so soon. Sammy got one look at all the Littles and had a very messy accident right in the waiting area.”

“Oh, the poor thing. How did she handle it?”

“Not very well, not that I blame her. I never wanted her first time in diapers to happen so publicly. But I think it’s safe to say she’ll be in diapers full-time from now on.”

“I’m so sorry sweetie, I know you’d hoped for a bit longer before that happened. But it was inevitable.”

“I know, but it’s here now. And listen, to calm her down after, I told her I’d see if we can do a movie night as a family—and that I wouldn’t tell any of you about her diapers. So can you let Dad and Linds know so they can pretend Sammy’s not in diapers, at least for tonight?”

“That’s very sweet of you, Alyssa. I’ll let them know. What kinds of movies should I pick out? Do you only want movies appropriate for Littles tonight?”

“I think she deserves one last night of normalcy, Mom. We can worry about Little stuff in a day or two.”

“Sounds good, she is your Little after all! I’m still so proud! I’ll see you both tonight!”

[newt]

Chapter Twelve

Sammy groggily woke up from her nap. Even she had to admit she felt much better after the nap, despite how hard it was to fall asleep.

She was still reeling from the morning. The Little Registration office, the mess, the public diaper change, the realization that she’d never drive again. It all felt like an open wound that hasn’t had any time to heal.

A quick glance at the clock reveals she’s been asleep for two hours. She’s hungry; a feeling confirmed by the telltale rumble in her stomach. Hopefully Allie has lunch, she thinks.

As she gets out of bed, she hears the crinkling of her diaper. It still feels so foreign. She wonders if she’ll ever get used to it—our out of diapers ever again. The thought fills her with dread and disappointment. How could she be in diapers? Lost in thought, Sammy walks downstairs, not even thinking about how she’s dressed.

Alyssa is sitting on the couch reading one of her favorite murder mystery novels. She smiles as she sees Sammy waddling into the room, not even realizing she’s wearing nothing but a t-shirt and a diaper. She looks so cute, she thinks to herself.

But Alyssa decides to not make a big deal about it to keep Sammy’s spirits up. Besides, it won’t be long until this is the most natural thing in the world.

“Hey Sammy, how’d you sleep?”

“Good,” Sammy responds, “I’m a little hungry though.”

“I figured you might be, lucky for you I made us some tomato soup and have grilled cheese ready to go on the heat. That sound good?”

“Yes, that sounds amazeballs, Allie. Just what the doctor ordered.”

“I had a hunch you’d be happy. Want to come help me make it?”

“I do, actually, I want to watch the magician in action, maybe steal some of your tricks.”

Sammy was almost sounding like her old self, Alyssa thought to herself. She wanted to keep that going, even if it meant ignoring the sagging wet diaper on Sammy. Sammy didn’t even seem to notice, and Alyssa figured it could wait until she’s eaten. Everyone is happier with a full tummy.

Alyssa puts the soup on the stove and gets the pan ready for grilled cheese. “So I talked to my parents, and they LOVE the movie night idea! Everyone is excited to see you! Lindsay asked if you wanted to watch Mean Girls since it was both of your favorite movie.”

“Linds always chooses the perfect movie,” Sammy says, “A quiet night with everyone is exactly what I need after…well, you know.”

“It’s been a tough day, that’s for sure! But now you’re all rested, about to have a delicious meal in your tummy, and going to have a great night watching big girl movies!”

Something about the way Allie said “big girl movies” made Sammy uneasy, but before she could dwell on it, Allie placed a bowl of tomato soup and a plate of grilled cheese in front of her. Sammy was too hungry to worry anymore.

Sammy greedily ate her lunch, leaving only the “icky” crust on the plate. Even Sammy was startled when she called it “icky,” but Alyssa just smiled as she removed the crust.

“Alright, Sammy,” Alyssa started, “Now that you got a full belly, I think it’s time to change that diaper.”

Alyssa felt bad breaking Sammy out of her spell. Sammy clearly hadn’t given any thought to the state of her diaper. Alyssa represses her smile, she knows Sammy is in the beginning stages of her transition, so these sudden moments of clarity will be jarring to Sammy. At least, for now.

Sammy’s eyes flashed with embarrassment at the sudden realization that she not only ate lunch in nothing but a T-shirt and a diaper but didn’t even know she was wet. Panic welled in Sammy’s throat. How could she not even realize how she was dressed? Or that her diaper was wet?

“I-I-I didn’t even k-know it was wet, Allie,” Sammy blubbered, “W-what’s happening to me?”

Allie grabbed Sammy, hoping to stop the tears before they started. “Sammy, listen to me,” she consoled, “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You had a very difficult morning and you just woke up from a nap. Of course your brain was sluggish! I’m sure you’ll notice any accidents later if they happen.”

Alyssa knew it was a lie. But now wasn’t the time. Tonight was Sammy’s last night as a “big girl.” Sammy may not know it yet, but why ruin it for her? Tonight was for Sammy.

Her last night to hang out with her best friend before their relationship completely changed. To watch one last adult movie before they become too mature for her. One last night to drink soda. One last night to stay up late. One last night before Samantha becomes Sammy permanently.

“I guess, Allie,” Sammy sniffled, holding back tears, “It’s just scary not even realizing my diaper is wet. I don’t even remember going.”

“Well of course not, Sammy! You were sleeping,” Alyssa comforted Sammy, “And it’s not surprising after this morning! Look—we can make a big deal about it or we can just let it slide. I, for one, don’t hold it against you even for a second. So why are you embarrassed? Why cry over it? Let’s just change that diaper and head over to see Linds. And we won’t mention it again. Sound good?”

Sammy sighed, “You’re right, Allie. Thanks for not making me feel bad about it, though.”

“I will never—ever—tease you or make you feel bad for your diapers or anything else. Do you hear me? I don’t want you to ever be embarrassed in front of me. I will be your biggest cheerleader, biggest supporter, and biggest defender from now until forever, okay?”

“Okay, Allie,” Sammy said, cheering up, “But Lindsay and your parents don’t know about my diapers right?”

“Not a thing, Sammy.”

[newt]

sofiahammerstein said:

So she’s doomed, poor thing. Nice of her mommy not to rub things in her face, but hate to see it be a one-way trip since your description of Level 2s made me think she still would have her intellect? It’s an interesting universe though.

Looking forward to seeing more!

You’ll just have to keep reading to find out! But there is definitely a certain level of melancholy in the universe that I try not to ignore!

I want it to be more than just a “girl in diapers” story. It’s roughly based on my experience with incontinence, just well, you know, super exaggerated. But the emotions are the same.

From here on out the chapters will get much longer. For people reading here, I’m posting the chapters back to back. But I’ve been writing this over the course of 6 months.

[newt]

Chapter Thirteen

Sammy hesitates before getting into the car. Is she allowed to sit up front?

“What are you doing, Sam? Are you just going to stand there all day? Or you going to come to movie night? Sit up here with me!” Alyssa points to the front seat.

“Thanks Allie, I wasn’t sure if I was allowed.”

“Tonight’s not the night to worry about that, okay? I told you, tonight isn’t the night to worry about this morning, or the future, or anything. Tonight is to just have fun.”

Fifteen minutes later, Alyssa and Sammy walk into Alyssa’s parent’s house. “Hey guys,” Alyssa yells, “Wow, something smells real good!”

“Hi honey,” Alyssa’s mom, Carol, answers, “Your dad couldn’t help himself, like always. He went crazy in the kitchen. Looks like there was an explosion in the kitchen. How are you Sammy, dear?”

“I’m doing great, Carol!” Sammy says, giving her a hug.

“I’m so glad to hear it! Linds should be coming down any minute. She decided to take a shower a few minutes ago. Why she can never do it early, I’ll never understand.”

Sammy laughs, “I think I spent more time waiting for her than I ever did studying.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me!” Alyssa’s dad, Henry, boomed, “How are you, Sammy? Are you thirsty? We got your favorite Diet Coke, just for you!”
“I’d love one!”

Henry brings Sammy a cold can of Diet Coke as everyone goes into the family room, finding spots on the couch.

“Henry dear, can we skip football for just one day?” Carol insisted.

“Sure thing, that’s why I got YoutubeTV on my phone, so I can watch my game while you girls watch whatever it is you girls watch,” Henry chuckled.

“Hi Sam!” Lindsay screamed, running down the stairs, “You ready for movie night?”

“You know it!” Sammy responded.

“Well I thought it was movie night, girls. Night being the key word,” Henry quipped, “But it doesn’t look like night to me, its barely dusk. I haven’t destroyed Mom’s kitchen all afternoon to not serve my girls dinner!”

“I am hungry,” Alyssa said, “And the day I turn down a meal from Dad is the day I die!”

As they walked to the dinner table, Sammy saw that Henry wasn’t joking about cooking all day. This made Thanksgiving day meals look tiny in comparison.

“I couldn’t decide what to make,” Henry joked, “So I didn’t decide. I just made all of it”

“Come sit by me, Sam. I want to talk to you!” Lindsay demanded.

For the next hour, Sammy and Lindsay were lost in conversation at they ate dinner. Gossiping about boys, talking about their favorite shows, and wondering if their nerdy math teacher would ever make a move on Ms. Green, the science teacher.

Alyssa watched Sammy, taking it all in. This is exactly what she hoped for. Sammy had completely forgotten about this morning, engrossed in conversation with Lindsay. At least for tonight, Sammy could just be Sam.

Though Sammy was flying through those Diet Cokes. Alyssa hoped that the two stuffers she secretly added to Sammy’s diaper would hold up. The last thing she wanted to do was remind Sammy about that.

With dinner finished, everyone shifted to the family room to watch the featured presentation, Mean Girls. Unsurprisingly, Henry told everyone that he’s cleared the dishes. But the sound of the football announcers could just be heard.

“Mean Girls was the perfect choice, Linds.” Sammy said, sitting next to Lindsay, “You’re right, Tina Fey is definitely a comedic genius.”

Sammy and Lindsay continued to chatter throughout the first hour of the movie. Carol laughed, wondering how the girls were barely paying attention, but still managed to quote every line of the movie as they happened.

Lindsay watched Sam’s eyes grow heavy, cuddling up beside her. She could tell Sam was definitely struggling to stay awake. But, at the same time, she felt a wave of love for Sam as she tried to stay awake. She, like everyone else—but Sammy—knew what this night meant. Knew that this was the last time she’d ever watch Mean Girls with Sam.

“Come cuddle up with me, Sam,” Lindsay said, pulling Sam against her.

Sam looked up at her, smiling. Tired, but content. “Thanks, Linds, this is super comfortable.”

Lindsay looked down at Sam as her eyes grew heavier and heavier, running her fingers through her hair. Sam was grinning as she fell asleep.

Lindsay looked over at Alyssa, eyes full of tears. “Do you think she had fun tonight, Allie?”

“I know she did, Linds,” she responded, sniffling as she fought back tears, “Thank you for this. I know she’ll always appreciate you being there for her tonight. I know everything’s gonna be changing soon.”

“When can I come to see her next?”

“Give her a few days to adjust. I know she’ll be happy to see you, but the next few days will be a big transition for her. We’re going to Littles’R’Us tomorrow to get her crib, changing table, car seat, diapers, and clothes. She’s going to be very emotional as everything changes. I want her to be used to her new routine before anyone else sees her.”

“I understand Allie. It will be hard for me too, if you can believe it. But I know it’s going to be way harder for her.”

Lindsay continues to stroke Sammy’s hair as they continue to watch the movie.

Not long after, Lindsay wrinkles her nose. “Allie, I think it’s time to be a Caregiver…”

Alyssa laughs as the smell hits her nose too. I think you’re right. She gently picks Sammy up, trying not to wake her as she lays her down on the floor to change her diaper, glad Sammy slept through the whole thing.

[newt]

CodyBaby said:

Awesome story, usually this isn’t my cup of tea, but this time, I’ve got a good feeling. I’M just curious cause I don’t exactly understand this universe, will Sammy fully become a toddler with the size of a toddler to help for the caregiver, or is she just an adult but the caregiver is much much more stronger than a regular what I think is called a Neutral.

That’s a good question! She stays the same size, the Caregivers just become a bit stronger to compensate.

I will admit that part is a bit of story magic because I didn’t want them to physically regress but I wanted to still have some cute scenes with caregivers lifting and carrying them. So it’s a bit of me having my cake and eating it to.

[newt]

Chapter Fourteen

Alyssa laid in bed, procrastinating. Today was going to be a long, emotional day. There was no way around it.

Today would be the start of Sammy’s new life. Her first day truly living as the Level Two Little she was. Alyssa would no longer allow Sammy the privileges and responsibilities she’d been enjoying the last few days. It was time.

Alyssa spent the next few minutes writing out the checklist for today. Not that she needed it, but writing it all out was the perfect distraction. The list contained all the basics: diapers, a diaper bag, a baby monitor, pacifiers, onesies and dresses, sippy cups, toys, a changing table, a new crib, and, of course, the car seat.

Mostly, Alyssa was avoiding grappling her most pressing concern: how she was going to break the news to Sammy. Should she wake her up and lay her cards on the table, telling Sammy she would now be strictly treated as a Level Two Little? Or she should she just treat her as one?

She couldn’t decide, so she went downstairs to make breakfast. She was craving breakfast burritos. Burritos are the balm for so many ails: hangovers, late-night munchies, and in this case, stress and anxiety.

She got to work setting everything up. She’s get everything ready to start cooking before she woke up Sammy. Cooking always calmed her anyway. It was almost meditative. But soon she had no more prep left to finish. It was time to wake up Sammy.

“Good morning, Sammy,” Alyssa cooed, gently nudging Sammy’s back, “Time to wake up, sleepyhead.”

“Wh-where am I,” Sammy said confused.

“Back in bed, silly. You fell asleep watching the movie.”

Sammy felt strange knowing she had not only fallen asleep during the movie but didn’t even wake up at all going from Alyssa’s parent’s house to her bed. It made her feel like the Little she was.

“Oh,” Sammy says flatly, “I don’t even remember leaving.”

“You were out like a light. Did you have fun?”

“Yeah, it was great!” Sammy replied, “I needed that!”

“Well, I’m glad, Sammy. You want some breakfast burritos? I got them ready to go downstairs?”

“Absolutely, I do.”

“But first things first, Sammy,” Alyssa says as she moves the covers off Sammy and checks her diaper, “You need a new diaper, little one.”

Sammy flinched slightly hearing “little one.” Alyssa had never called her that before. It felt strange, infantilizing. But she decided to ignore it. “Okay, Allie.”

Alyssa got to work on Sammy’s diaper. “This will be so much easier once we get you a changing table.”

Sammy’s face flushed. “Are we going to Littles’R’Us today, Allie?”

“Yes, we are. Can’t put it off any longer. But first, it’s breakfast!” Alyssa says as she finishes taping up Sammy’s diaper.

Sammy gets up, looking around for her shorts. Alyssa notices. “Don’t worry, Sammy. Let’s just get breakfast, it’s not like I don’t know you’re wearing a diaper.

For a second, Sammy looked like she wanted to argue, but thought better of it, following Alyssa downstairs.

As they ate breakfast, Sammy looked up at Alyssa, something on her mind. “A-Allie, remember when we said we could go to any store and get anything I wanted?”

“I do, Sammy, what do you have in mind?”

“Well, I was thinking, maybe…maybe we could get a puppy? I always wanted a golden retriever, and you said I could have anything I wanted.”

That wasn’t what Alyssa expected. She thought Sammy would want an expensive toy or something. Not a puppy. She kicked herself for not being more specific, Sammy may be a Little, but she wasn’t dumb. But maybe, she thought, it would be exactly what she needed to make her transition easier.

“I don’t know, Sammy. Puppies are a lot of work. I already have a lot on my plate taking care of you. Would you promise to help me take care of it?”

“I will, Allie! I promise! I’ll take extra special care of it, you’ll see!”

Alyssa shrugged. She did always want to get a golden retriever, but not so early in Sammy’s transition. It would help Sammy get through today though.

“I’ll tell you what, Sammy. If you can get through today, and behave the entire time, we can go to the pet store in a few days to get one. How does that sound?”

“YAYYY!!” Sammy squeals, “Thank you, Allie! I promise I’ll be good!”

“Don’t thank me yet, Sammy, you’re the one who will have to pick up its poops!”

“I don’t mind, Allie!”

“Well, we’ll see, Sammy. For now we need to get you ready. I’ll start the bath while you think of names!”

“A…bath? Why can’t I take a shower, Allie?”

“I don’t think it’s wise to leave you alone to do that, Sammy. But baths are just as fun!”

Sammy looked mutinous. A bath sounded horrible to her. She was about to argue her case before she remembered her new puppy. She decided to allow Allie to give her bath to keep her happy. She could fight this battle after she got her puppy.

Alyssa smiled. The puppy would be a lot of work, but for now at least it would make getting through today easier. She turned on the bath, letting the water run over her fingers until it was the right temperature. Once it was, she plugged the drain.

“Okay, Sammy. Let’s get you ready for the bath.”

Of all the embarrassing things to happen to Sammy, this felt like the worst. Sammy knew she could do all of this herself, run the bath, remove her clothes, get into the bath. Yet Allie insisted she help her to do. She felt so…little. So helpless.

The thought that this would be her life from now on filled her eyes with tears as Allie helped her into the bath. She realized she would forever lose any shred of dignity and privacy she ever had.

“Oh, Sammy,” Allie cooed as she noticed Sammy’s tears, “Don’t cry. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about! What’s wrong?”

Sobs erupted from Sammy. “I-I-I just r-realized how I’d n-never have any privacy again. I’ll just be your h-helpless L-little f-forever.”

For the first time, Alyssa had no idea how to respond. Everything Sammy said was true. What could she possibly say to Sammy? How could she look her in the eyes and tell her she was right?

Alyssa took a deep breath. “You’re right, Sammy. My job will be to help you with these things for the rest of my life. You will lose a lot of the privacy you used to have. I won’t lie to you.”

“But I promise you this. I will do everything in my power to treat you with all the dignity and respect as I can. Of course I will still check and change your diapers, bathe you, put you in the car seat. But I will never forget who you are. You’ll never be just a Little to me, a toddler who’s only a few years old. I’ll always respect you as the Sammy who was accepted to Stanford, who I saw grow up with Lindsay, who was just as much of a little sister to me as Lindsay. Okay?”

“Just because it’s my job to care for you, it doesn’t make me—not even for a second—think less of you. To be honest, I don’t know if I’ve ever respected you more. It takes a strong person to handle this as maturely as you. But the reality is you are a Little—my Little. I am your Caregiver. I love you more than you can ever understand. I will prove it to you my entire life. You hear me?”

Sammy took a few seconds to think everything over. She hated how much she was losing. She hated being a Little. But, even Sammy had to admit, she was glad that if she had to be a Little, she was glad she was Allie’s Little.

“I love you too, Allie,” Sammy sniffled, “I’m really glad I have you. It’s just…a lot.”

“I understand, Sammy,” Allie echoed, “It is a lot. But you can talk to me about anything, okay? You don’t need to hold it all in. I’m here for you, okay?”

“Okay, Allie.”

“Now, I think you’re as clean as you’re gonna get,” Allie said as she grabbed a towel for Sammy, “Let’s get you all dry.”

Once Sammy is dry and in a new diaper, Allie picks out some clothes for Sammy. “I want you to wear some clothes that are easy to change. We’re going to be trying on a bunch of clothes today, so I don’t want to make it harder on ourselves.”

“B-but Allie, this skirt makes my diaper look so poofy, can’t I wear something else?”

“Sammy, honey, I know it’s not the best, but we are going to Littles’R’Us. Do you think anyone there will judge you for that?”

“I guess not,” Sammy huffs.

As they head to the car, Sammy walks to the front passenger seat. “I’m sorry, Sammy, but I think it’s best you sit in the back seat. It’s a bit safer.”

Sammy goes to the back, dejected. She silently pouts all the way to Littles’R’Us.

[newt]

Chapter Fifteen

It took a second for Sammy to comprehend how huge Littles’R’Us was when they pulled into the parking lot. It made Costco seem small by comparison. This wasn’t going to be a quick trip.

Sammy took a deep breath, trying not to feel so overwhelmed. She couldn’t help but notice Allie treated her much more like a Little than ever before. Movie night now felt like a lifetime ago. She still didn’t feel like a Little. She felt the same as she did the day she received the news.
Just…with much less bathroom control. She did get a bit sleepier around midday and around 8 PM, and, she had to admit, did have to work harder than usual not to be emotionally overwhelmed. But still, adjusting to being treated like a Little was harder than she expected.

“You ready, Sammy?”

“Do I have a choice?”

Alyssa laughed, “Well I guess not, no. But I want you to stay close to me. This store is huge, and I don’t want you to get lost, okay? I want you to hold my hand or the cart at all times.”

“I’m not a baby,” Sammy huffed.

“I never said you were, Sammy. I just don’t want you getting lost. What would you do if you got lost? You don’t have the keys to the car. You don’t have a cellphone to call me. What would you do?”

“Well, I would have my cell phone if you didn’t take it away!” Sammy retorted.

“We went over this, Sammy,” Alyssa said sternly, “You don’t need a cellphone like you had. We can get you one designed for Littles in the future, but I don’t want you surfing the web and getting into trouble.”

Sammy stuck her tongue out at Allie before she realized she was doing it. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

“Well, that is a great point there, Sammy!” Allie laughed, “Now, can you hold my hand?”

Sammy did. They walked into the store. It was hard to fathom how large it was. There seemed to be endless rows of Little’s products of all levels. It was so big that Alyssa grabbed a map before heading to the counter.

“Hello,” the woman at the counter said nicely, “How can I help you today?”

“We’re here to get everything set up for my new Little, Sammy,” Alyssa responded.

“What a cutie!” the woman said looking down at Sammy, “The first trip is always so exciting! You get to pick out everything your heart desires, little one!”

Sammy couldn’t bring herself to respond. Instead, she hid behind Alyssa in embarrassment.

“She’s still a bit shy,” Alyssa acknowledged.

“Well, that’s perfectly fine!” she said to Sammy before turning back to Alyssa, “I can get you set up, did you bring the paperwork from the Littles Registration Office?”

“Yep, right here.”

“Perfect. Okay. So I see Sammy here is a Level Two Little. Most of the L2 supplies are down towards the back. Just head straight down and you can’t miss it. You’ll find the diaper aisle on the way, as well as any of the products that are appropriate for both L1s and L2s, such as bottles, sippy cups, and diaper bags.”

“Great,” Alyssa replied, “But these shopping carts don’t seem big enough to carry everything, though.”

“Whoops, I almost forgot! You’ll use this scanner here to select any of the bigger items you’d want. We offer same day delivery and installation if you finish before noon, which gives you three and a half hours, plenty of time. For things like diapers, you can put some in your cart, but you can scan the rest, and we’ll deliver them along with any furniture. And everything you scan will be added up, and once you get to the checkout, the government rebate will automatically be deducted from the total, and you can pay the difference there.”

“Thank you so much,” Alyssa says as the woman gives her the scanner, “I think we can figure it out from here!”

Alyssa grabs a cart. “Okay, Sammy, you ready to start?”

“I-I guess,” Sammy whimpers.

Unsurprisingly, the diaper section is huge. There are diapers of every size, thickness, color, and interest.

“It looks like the L2 diapers are a few rows down,” Allie says, consulting the map.

“What’s the difference between L1 and L2 diapers, Allie?”

“Well, L1s and L2s have different needs. Remember, L1s can’t walk or talk, so their diapers need to be different than L2s. L1 diapers are way thicker since they don’t need to worry about walking. They’re so cute, though. I’m sure we could get you some!”

“Sammy laughs nervously, “I think that’s okay, Allie.”

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know!”

They get to the L2 diaper aisles. Sammy sees there are three sections: Daytime Diapers, Nighttime Diapers, and Swim Diapers. Each design had a diaper on display, to let the Littles get a better idea of each design.

“Okay, let’s start with daytime diapers,” Allie says, “Which ones do you like best, Sammy?”

Sammy’s stomach sank at the question. This made it feel so real. She was going to pick out the diapers she’d wear for the rest of her life.

“I-I don’t know,” Sammy whispers.

Allie pulls Sammy in for a hug. “It’s a lot, I understand, Sammy. But would you rather have me pick out boring, ugly diapers? If you’re going to wear them anyway, you might as well choose the ones that match your style!”

Sammy doubted diapers would ever match anyone’s “style,” especially not hers. Looking around, she definitely didn’t think any of these diapers would do that. All of them were in sickening pastel colors or complete with babyish cartoon patterns. She started walking down the aisle, seeing her options.

“Look at this one, Sammy!” Allie encouraged, “These ones have astronauts, and these ones have rockets on them!”

Alyssa knew it was a mistake as soon as she said it. Sure, they did make the most sense for Sammy, but maybe it was still a bit too soon for Sammy to want them.

Sammy teared up almost immediately. It was one thing to go from an adult to a Little, but going from potentially being a rocket scientist, to wearing rockets on her diaper was just too much. Tears welled in Sammy’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, Sammy, I should have known that was a stupid suggestion! I didn’t mean to upset you!”

“It’s not fair!” Sammy whined, “I don’t want to wear diapers with rockets on them, I want to work on rockets! I want to go home!”

Alyssa kicked herself. She should know how not to set off her own Little’s tantrums, even if this was so new. “Sammy, please, everything is okay. Come here.”

“No!” Sammy shrilled defiantly, stomping her feet, “I won’t do it! I won’t choose a diaper! I won’t be a Little! I won’t, I won’t, I won’t!”

Sammy’s screams echoed across the store, drawing sympathetic looks from other Caregivers. Alyssa stood there, unsure how to help Sammy.

“It’s okay you’re upset, Sammy. It’s okay to be angry. I know you don’t want to be wearing diapers. These are big emotions, it’s perfectly fine to feel them. But right now you need to choose some, okay? It’s not up for debate.”

Sammy looked mutinous. “I’m not a baby! You can’t make me!”

Alyssa sighed. “Sammy now is not the time for screaming. I understand you’re frustrated, honey. But you need to calm down and explain to me how you’re feeling, alright? You cannot scream like this in public. Can you take a deep breath for me, Sammy?”

It took a few more stomps, but eventually, Sammy gave in and took a deep breath.

“Thank you, Sammy. You’re doing great. Now let all your anger and frustration out as you breathe out, okay? Nice job. One more time. Good girl, Sammy. Now, can you tell me how you’re feeling?”

Sammy took a few steadying breaths. As she did, she felt herself calm down, regaining her previous clarity. “I-I’m sorry, Allie! Sometimes it feels like I lose control and just want to cry and scream, I don’t know w-what’s happening to me.”

“I understand, Sammy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“But we can’t yell and scream when that happens, can we? We need to talk about our feelings before they explode, okay?”

“Y-you’re right, Allie.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Sammy. Just promise when you start to feel overwhelmed, you’ll tell me, okay?”

“Okay…”

“Thank you, honey. That’s very mature of you. Now, can you help me choose some diapers?”

“Yeah, I can, Allie,” Sammy says, looking back at the rocket ship diapers, “I actually do want them, Allie. I want to see them so I’ll always remember my goal, to be the first Little rocket scientist ever!"

[newt]

Chapter Sixteen

Alyssa smiled. They were making progress. At least Sammy decided on the rest of her diapers without much more of a fuss. Still, there were plenty more opportunities for meltdowns ahead.

It wasn’t easy, but Sammy managed to pick out her daytime, nighttime, and swim diapers without feeling horrible. Even when she looked at the nighttime diaper samples, she swore they were twice as thick as the daytime diapers. But she found some cute—and she hated that she thought they were cute—pink ones that had a different Disney Princess on each one.

Choosing swim diapers was even stranger. The thought of needing diapers even to swim made her blush harder than she anticipated. Another thing to worry about. And how she could hide those poofy diapers under her swimsuit was something she wouldn’t let herself dwell on. That’s future Sammy’s problem, she said to herself.

Sammy distracted herself from watching Allie scan all the diapers. She kept scanning and scanning. The number of diapers piling up. And Sammy would go through every single one, whether she wanted to or not.

She still wasn’t used to the idea she’d be in diapers every day for the rest of her life. Knowing that her last diaper-free day was behind her. That she would never use the toilet again. The toilet would become nothing more than an ornament, a memorial in the bathroom. Everything will end up in the seemingly endless supply of diapers Allie was scanning.

Sammy was startled back to reality. She felt Allie’s hand reach under her skirt, checking her diaper. It was done so casually, so mechanically that Sammy felt even more infantile. Apparently, Allie decided that she’d check her diapers the same way as any other toddler.

“You’re a little wet, Sammy,” Allie said matter-of-factly, “But I think you can go another hour or so.”

“Okay,” Sammy responded meekly.

“Now, there are a few more things we need in the L1/L2 combined section before we move on. Sippy cups and bottles are the next aisle over, then—”

“Alyssa? I thought I recognized you!” A woman interjected, happy to see Alyssa.

“Oh, wow, hi Linda, it’s great to see you,” Alyssa responds, “Didn’t expect to run into you in the diaper aisle!”

Linda was one of the few women that matched Alyssa in height. Her smile was contagious. She seemed every bit as warm and comforting as Alyssa. Standing beside her was a shy girl who looked a few years older than Sammy. She was dressed a bit more…mature than Sammy, though still looking every bit like a Little. Sammy could not detect any diaper bulge, though.

“Well, Emily here has been having a bit of a problem staying dry during naptime at preschool. Her pull-ups aren’t cutting it anymore, so her teacher recommended she bring some diapers until she gets it under control.”

Emily’s face flushed red. Unlike Sammy, she clearly never expected to be in diapers. She looked at Sammy, almost daring her to say something. Sammy offered her a sympathetic smile.

“But enough about me, Allie, you didn’t tell me you adopted a Little! That’s so exciting! I’ve been wondering when it would happen!”

“It only happened a few days ago! This is Sammy, my Little.” Allie said, rubbing Sammy’s shoulders.

Linda beamed at Sammy. “Hi, Sammy! It’s nice to meet you! You’re a lucky girl, Allie is probably the best person I’ve ever met!”

Sammy stood there, embarrassed. “T-thank you,” Sammy mumbled, “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Sammy is my little sister Lindsay’s best friend. You met her a few times when we were at USC. She took her classification results pretty hard. She’s an L2, but I knew I couldn’t let her go to an adoption center. I’ve known her too long to let that happen.”

Emily gave Sammy a piteous look upon hearing Sammy was an L2.

“Well, I’m happy to hear that! I know it can be hard at first, Sammy, but you are in great hands,” Linda says before turning to Emily, “This is my Little, Emily. She’s an L3.”

“Hi, Sammy,” Emily adds shyly.

“Nice to meet you,” Sammy says, trying to sound as mature as possible.

“Well, I hate to run, Allie, but we need to run, I need to drop Emily off with her diapers before I rush to work,” Linda said, “But we should schedule a playdate soon so we can catch up!”

“That would be great!” Allie agrees, “It’s been way too long. I’ll call you soon to set something up!”

Moments later, Allie and Sammy are alone again. Sammy was still recovering; she’d never met another Little in person. Well, aside from the ones she saw at the Little’s Registration Center. Seeing an L3 filled her with jealousy–if she had to be Little, why couldn’t she have been an L3?

“Linda is so sweet,” Allie says, “She was one of my best friends when I was at USC. I don’t know why we lost touch…but, anyway, where were we?”

Sammy didn’t want to be the one who reminded Allie about her sippy cups. So she just shot Allie an innocent look of uncertainty.

“Oh, that’s right! We need to get you some bottles and sippy cups!”

“Do I really need baby bottles? Or sippy cups? I’m not a baby, you know. I can drink without spilling.”

“You’re not the one who has to clean up the spills. And besides, won’t it be easier not to worry about spilling?”

Sammy was willing to concede the sippy cups but not the bottles. “I guess so, Allie, but do I really need baby bottles?”

“You don’t need to use them all the time, but I’m sure every once in a while it will be easier for you. Especially when you’re really tired. I’ll only get a few, and we can figure it out as we go.”

“Fine,” Sammy whimpers.

“Oh, Sammy, look at these!” Allie exclaims, pointing to a set of cups, “These match your diapers! Look, they all have princesses on them!”

Sammy wasn’t sure about this new Disney Princess motif. Sure, she loved them growing up, but to go back to them like this wasn’t what she ever expected. “Those are fine,” Sammy says.

They move to the next aisle. A whole row dedicated to pacifiers. A seemingly endless supply of colors, variations, and sizes. Just looking at them filled Sammy with emotion.

“Okay, Sammy, try not to get overwhelmed with choices,” Allie says, mistaking the look on Sammy’s face.

Sammy’s eyes begin to tear up again. Pacifiers were for babies. Not her.

Alyssa realizes what Sammy was thinking in the nick of time. She found a cute pink pacifier, scanned it, and opened the packaging. Before Sammy could react, she placed it in her mouth.

The foreign object startled Sammy. But to her surprise, before she could spit it out or yell at Allie, her mouth started sucking on the nipple. It was…calming. Her mind wanted to reject it, but couldn’t. No, this was…okay?

Alyssa smiled as she watched Sammy accept it. She’d been waiting for this moment since she asked Sammy to be her Little. Nothing prevents a tantrum Little better than a pacifier.

“How do you like it, Sammy?” she coos.

It took a few seconds for Sammy to respond. “Ith nithe, I gueth,” Sammy lisped clumsily, not used to talking with it in her mouth.

“Well, I think you look so cute,” Allie laughs, “Now, can we choose some pacifiers?”

Sammy was startled by how much her pacifier calmed her. She almost didn’t even care how she looked. Almost. A few minutes later, Sammy had picked out a sizeable collection of them. She didn’t even think about taking it out as they moved to the next aisle.

The next section was changing tables. Alyssa didn’t bother asking Sammy for her input. She analyzed each one in detail, deciding which fit Sammy’s needs best. Each looked the same to Sammy, but Alyssa looked at each like it was completely different. Finally, apparently satisfied, Alyssa scanned the one she wanted.

They reached the changing table pad section. Alyssa had Sammy lay on each one, asking her which felt most comfortable. “Make sure you choose a comfortable one, Sammy, you’ll be spending a good amount of time on it!”

Once Sammy decided, they went to the bedding section. Sammy’s heart sank when she saw most of the selection was cribs. “Do I really need a crib, Allie?”

“Well, that depends, honey. If I catch you sneaking out of bed too often, yes. But for now, I think we can settle on a hybrid bed. The ones over there have much smaller railings to keep you from falling out of bed. But if necessary, it can convert into a crib.”

The process went remarkably similar to the changing table. Alyssa inspected each model in detail, ultimately choosing without Sammy’s input. Sammy, however, got to choose her own mattress.

“We’re making great time!” Alyssa grinned, “You’re doing such a good job, Sammy. I’m so proud of you!”

“Thankth,” Sammy responded, blushing at the realization she’d had her pacifier in the whole time.

Sammy watched Alyssa as she fumbled with something in the cart. She saw a flash of something pink before Alyssa turned around and walked over to her. Alyssa was checking her diaper before Sammy could react.

Sammy squirmed in embarrassment.

“Wow, Sammy, you really soaked this, I’m glad I checked! Let’s go get you changed.”

Without warning, Alyssa picked Sammy up and carefully deposited her in the cart, making sure Sammy’s feet went through each opening. Sammy felt her diaper squish as she was placed down. She didn’t remember having a single accident.

Though that was the least of Sammy’s concerns. Being picked up without any warning made her feel so tiny. Especially now, as she was essentially face-to-face with Alyssa pushing the cart. She looked down, realizing her swollen diaper was on full display, her skirt unable to cover her diaper.

“Sorry, Sweetie, but it’s just easier this way.”

As Sammy was pushed to the back of the store, she tried to ignore the smiles of other Caregivers as they saw her, eyes always drifting down to her diaper. There were “awws” and “she’s so cute!” every time she passed anyone.

Finally, they reached the changing area. The women’s bathroom had a series of changing tables. Alyssa swung the diaper bag on her shoulder before picking Sammy up, laying her down next to another Little. The Little showed no sign of reaction, nor said anything in return to her Caregiver’s questions. Sammy assumed she must be an L1. The Caregiver gave Sammy a wave.

As she watched, Sammy felt the tabs being ripped from her diaper. She suddenly felt embarrassed again, sucking on her pacifier harder than ever. To her horror, Sammy realized Alyssa had picked out a nighttime diaper for Sammy. Its size was immediately apparent as Alyssa fluffed it.
Alyssa noticed Sammy’s apprehension. “I know it’s a nighttime diaper, Sammy, but we have to go look at clothes and car seats next, and I want to make sure everything we choose one that fits all your diapers, okay?”

Sammy didn’t want to wear it but wanted to get out of this changing room as soon as possible. Public diaper changes were so embarrassing. She just nods silently

As the diaper is pulled up to her stomach, Sammy realizes just how much thicker it actually was. Even dry, it felt thicker than the soggy diaper she had just been changed out of.

“There, all done, Sammy,” Allie bubbled, picking Sammy up and putting her down.

Sammy realizes how much harder it is to walk like this. She couldn’t put her legs together even if she wanted to. The diaper was clearly visible below her skirt. Sammy can only imagine how she looks right now; standing there in a diaper that her clothes do nothing to hide and a pacifier that matches her diaper.

She doesn’t think it could get any worse until she tries to take a step. She started waddling like a baby, taking their first-ever steps, unsteady on their feet.

“Okay, Sammy, you ready?”

[newt]

Chapter Seventeen

Sammy sheepishly waddled out of the changing area, hyper-aware of how thick the nighttime diaper was between her legs. She sucked on her pacifier, fully aware of how childish it made her look but needing the newfound soothing power it held over her. She had never looked—or felt—so little.

She found it significantly more challenging to keep up with Allie. Every step required her to swing her legs awkwardly to move around the mountain of padding between her legs. It was slow, humiliating work.

Alyssa couldn’t help but smile as she watched Sammy. Nothing could have prepared her for something this cute. With Sammy distracted, looking around at the other shoppers, hoping to avoid being spotted, Alyssa took a video of Sammy waddling behind her, a pink pacifier in her mouth and a matching pink diaper peeking below her skirt. She immediately sent it to her Mom.

They finally made it to the clothing section. Unlike the other sections, the clothing section was open and easier to maneuver. Far less oppressive than the massive rows of goods elsewhere. Though the section was sprawling, taking up at least half the store.

To Sammy’s horror, the first section they arrived at was onesies. She knew Allie would buy them, but, as with every other aisle they passed today, seeing them in person made it much more real. For some reason, they looked far more babyish to her than the diapers or even her pacifier.
It was the uniform of the babies—of Littles. Engineered to make a Caregiver’s life easier, with easy access to their Little’s diaper. Her diapers, now. The snaps at the crotch were visible proof of her new status in life.

“Which ones do you like, Sammy?” Allie’s voice echoes into Sammy’s ear.

Sammy ultimately opted for solid color onesies, unable to bring herself to choose ones that say “Lil’ Stinker” or “Diapered Princess.” At least the solid colors would give her some dignity, she hoped. She was, however, disheartened as Allie scanned at least 15 onesies. So many, she thought dejectedly.

Next up came shorts, skirts, and pants. At least these, Sammy noticed, didn’t scream Little like onesies. Sure, they didn’t have anywhere near the sophistication that she preferred from her favorite stores like Zara or Abercrombie, but they didn’t feel like they were made for actual toddlers.

Of course, there were still plenty of reminders. None of the jeans or pants had buttons or zippers, opting for elastic waistbands that Sammy knew would make it easier for Caregivers to access their Little’s diapers. And, it was hard to miss the signs indicating that the crotches were designed with diapers in mind, capable of fitting even the bulkiest diapers comfortably.

Sammy was surprised when Allie, without warning, pulled down her skirt. “Sammy, can you put your leg into these? I need to see if they fit.”

“C-can’t we use a changing room, Allie?” Sammy moaned.

“There’s nobody here, Sammy. Besides, they’ll know you’re in a diaper anyway.”

Twenty tedious minutes later, Allie was satisfied they found enough jeans, skirts, and shorts—even a few pairs of overalls with more snaps on the bottom. Sammy wasn’t sure she liked the idea that they could all fit over her overnight diaper but decided not to bring that up to Allie. At least she found skirts that covered her diaper, unlike the one she had on.

As they moved on to tops, Sammy realized she’d never wear any tight-fitting or fancy tops she preferred. From the looks of it, she’d be expected to wear cute T-shirts and—even more gut-wrenching—something called diaper shirts, meant to be worn without pants. Sammy did her best to find the least little Little clothes, but nothing she found would truly hide her Little status.

“What will happen to all my old clothes, Allie?” Sammy wonders, taking out her pacifier.

“Well, I think we can donate them to charity.”

“Can I keep some of my clothes?”

Allie sighs, “I don’t think that’s a good idea, sweetie. I don’t want you to have reminders everywhere of your old life. It will only make things harder. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s what I think is best for you.”

“So I don’t even get a say?” Sammy says, defiance rising in her voice.

“Not in this, no. It’s my job as your Caregiver to do what I think is best for my Little. So, I’m sorry, but the answer is no.”

Enraged, Sammy chucks her pacifier on the ground, “that’s bullsh*t! You don’t get to decide what to do with my things, Allie!”

“I’ll let that slide for now, Sammy, but I will not allow you to throw things or cuss again. Do you understand me? I know you’re angry, but that is not how you handle your feelings.”

“Or what?” Sammy seethed.

“Or you’ll end up with a red bottom and spend the next 20 minutes in timeout.”

Sammy stared at Allie, trying to decide if it was a bluff. She wouldn’t really spank me? Sammy thought. All she knew was that now wasn’t the time to find out. She’d fight this battle later, in private.

“Fine,” Sammy whined.

“Can you pick up your pacifier, then?”

Sammy huffs as she walks over to it. As she grabs it, she gives it to Allie, unwilling to put it back in her mouth.

“Thank you, Sammy. Do you want another paci?”

Sammy was torn. She hated that she did want another pacifier. But also wouldn’t admit that to Allie when she tried, and failed, to act like anything but a Little. Allie decided for her, opening a second box for a new, white pacifier with pink polka dots. As angry as she was, Sammy accepted the new pacifier. Unlike the last pacifier, this one came with a tether attached to Sammy’s shirt.

“We’re almost done, okay? You just need to pick out a car seat, and then we can go to the toy section, as long as you behave. Can you do that for me, Sammy?”

“Yeth, Awwie,” Sammy said sheepishly through her pacifier.

Sammy did not like the idea of a car seat. She didn’t understand why she needed one anyway. Just because she was a Little didn’t mean she physically shrunk. She wouldn’t need a car seat if she were a Neutral. But Sammy assumed they would be nothing more than a glorified booster seat, nothing too embarrassing.

That thought was immediately thrown out the window as they reached the L2 car seats. They were definitely not booster seats, Sammy realized dejectedly. No, these were massive. The car seats didn’t sit on the regular seats; they must be the seat.

“W-why are they tho big, Awwie?” Sammy fretted.

“Well, you’re too big for a regular car seat. These car seats are installed into the car itself.”

Sammy spit out her pacifier and pointed to the L3 car seats, which were the glorified booster seats she’d imagined, “Why can’t I use those?”

“Those are for L3s, Sammy. You need an L2 car seat unless you want me to get a ticket every time we drive anywhere.”

“B-but these are so big. They look the ones babies use,” Sammy protested.

“I know, but look at all the cool things they have! They have cupholders, pockets for your toys, and even have the same foam comfort lining as all the nicest mattresses. You’ll be traveling in the pinnacle of comfort!”

“I’ll be traveling strapped down like a baby,” Sammy grumbled.

“Well, that’s just to keep you safe, Sammy. I can’t have you moving around the car getting into trouble.”

Sammy huffed but didn’t push it any further.

“Now, want to test a few out?”

“Fine…”

Sammy waddled down the aisle, looking at the different options. If she had to choose one, she would choose the most expensive. That would show Allie, she thought. She found one that had all the bells and whistles. “This one.”

“Well, sit down in it to see how it feels.”

Sammy did. She would never admit it to Allie, but it was significantly more comfortable than any other chair she’d ever sat in. Her body fit it like a glove, like sitting on a cloud. Maybe this wasn’t so bad…

At least until she felt Allie strapping her in. The sudden loss of freedom startled Sammy. She felt like a prisoner, unable to escape. This wasn’t as comfortable. Allie stepped back to take it all in. Sammy desperately tried to unlock herself, fidgeting with the belt to unlock it.

“Sorry, Sammy, but only I can release you. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose.”

Anger brewed in Sammy. “Let me o—,” Sammy suddenly stopped midsentence. A violent cramp shocked Sammy into silence. Before she could even react, she felt her body tense as she pushed.

“No, no, no, no,” Sammy whimpered in her head.

But there was nothing for it. She could feel the mess sliding its way into her diaper as she helplessly pushed against her own will. A grunt escaped her mouth as she stared straight ahead in shame.

There she was, trapped in a car seat, pooping herself. Her body defying her attempts to look and sound like a mature woman. Forcing her to look every bit like the Little she was. She pushed again, grateful that Allie pretended to be interested in another car seat. A few minutes later, she was finished.

“A-Allie…I’m done.”

Allie came strolling back, her face both sympathetic and worried. “I think we need to get you back to the changing table, Sammy.” Allie unlocked Sammy and picked her up, standing beside her.

Sammy felt herself turned around as her skirt was lifted. Another ignoble diaper check. Sammy felt her waistband pulled back as Allie peered inside.

“Looks like these diapers work,” Allie says cheerfully, trying to diffuse the tension in Sammy’s eyes.

“Why d-do you need to check me when you know I-I…went?” Sammy whimpers.

“I just need to see if we have a blowout, Sammy,” Allie says as she slings the diaper bag over her shoulder. Returning to Sammy, she places the pacifier back in her mouth. She carefully picks Sammy up, hand skillfully resting under Sammy but avoiding the mess in her diaper.

Sammy once again found herself in another humiliating position on the way to a changing table. She hid her face in Allie’s neck, fully aware that her messy diaper must be entirely on display. Just when Sammy thought she couldn’t feel more Little, she finds a way. All she could do was lean forward to avoid touching the rapidly cooling mess in her diaper.

The one saving grace for Sammy was the changing tables were empty. She didn’t know if she could have handled a messy diaper change in front of anyone else. Sammy hated messy diaper changes. It never went quickly. All she could do was silently lay there as she felt Allie wipe her bottom, wishing she went faster. To Sammy’s delight, Sammy saw Allie fluffing a daytime diaper.

A few minutes later, they were back at their cart. Sammy tested several other car seats but ultimately chose the first one she tried. Allie scanned it and they headed off to the toy section.

Before getting to Littles’R’Us, Sammy looked forward to choosing new toys. But after seeing how infantile everything in the store was, Sammy now dreaded it, assuming it would be only toddler toys.

So she was pleasantly surprised when she got there, realizing the toys were cool. Well, except for the L1 toys. She felt a pang of sympathy for the L1s. But her toys, at least, were fantastic. There were awesome, complex Lego sets, board games, things she’d actually play with.

Naturally, she leaned towards the Legos. She chose several sets and a box of assorted pieces to help round out her collection. She always loved Legos; now she can play with them whenever she wants and not worry about people thinking she’s childish anymore. The one good thing about being a Little.

“Okay, Sammy, I think we got everything! You ready to head out?”

Sammy nodded.

After Allie paid the bill, they went to the service desk to schedule the installation.

“We can have everything installed today by 3 PM, ma’am,” the service worker said, “And you can leave your car with us. We will install and deliver your car seat when we deliver your furniture. Our courtesy shuttle will take you home now.”

“Great!” Allie responds. Sammy smiled. She made it through Littles’R’Us. One step closer to a puppy.