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Great ......perfect  chapter . I love that Harley came to babysit , I think her and Paul make a great combo . The chapter is making it come together very well .

Wonderful chapter,  loved all the sweet family time .  You really do a great job making us feel like we are part of the story.  Nice to see Harley tone things down a bit, but I still can't give my trust for her, she's too snake in the grass for me. 

Hey everyone! Back-to-back chapters as promised. So far, everything looks good to be able to post the final chapter of this section on Thursday of this week. It should give you all some time to catch up if you haven’t already. Also, I’m still trying to figure out how much time to take off between this section and the next with all I have going on this Friday onward. Whatever the case, I will let you all know when I put out chapter 26. Looking ahead… there is another poll out for what I next write. The three options can be found back in chapter 14, and the link can be found back in both chapter 14 and 20. And just in case you forgot my method or are new here, this poll will remain open until I post my final chapter. When that will be exactly will be posted at the latest during the second to last chapter. Now… last but not least and as usual, I hope everyone enjoys this next chapter of my story! Chapter 25: Choosing Your Path Wisely The class filled their seats after the long weekend away. Most had stories of drinking and dancing or sports or hiking or even a few deciding to try the local… herbage. But as Addy joined her fellow classmates, she didn’t have a single story like that. Instead of party boats or sandy beaches or spontaneous trips to Albio or Itali, not only had she done the work that Dr. Halgen had sent her, including notes on subjects she missed, Addy had just returned from her mom’s funeral. While the service was massive, attracting hundreds and thousands from all over to admire the late doctor for her life’s work, only Addy, Warren, and their dad came to the more secluded family plot. A close family friend for decades now, the often-silent Mr. Drakos had stood outside the gate for added ‘moral support.’ Now, back in class, she had to refocus. Finding a way to honor her mom, Addy had rapidly switched majors before she left. She didn’t discuss it with anyone beyond Claire and Dr. Halgen and had made the switch in less than 24 hours, being immediately accepted into the program. Based on her personality, skills already, background as a volunteer at Psyche already, and one of the smartest in the ‘Littles 101’ class, Dr. Halgen had speedily approved her entry into the nursing program. With reality sinking in for her back home and her dad being more or less dismissive of her new career path, she took comfort that at least Warren had been supportive of her. It was likely just his grief manifesting itself nastily, but her dad’s shirking of her news had instantly filled her with both dread and doubt. On the plane back home though… the reading material from Dr. Halgen seemed to sing to her in a way she never thought possible. In class and ready to fully immerse herself in her new courseload, Addy beamed internally and sat up in her seat. “Okay, okay,” Dr. Halgen started, trying to ease the class. “Settle down, please.” The chattering died into a near-silent murmur from the back few rows. “Thank you. Now… as many of you heard, I will be leaving my post here as a full-time member of the faculty. I will still teach a few of the higher-level courses and for those lucky enough, to be your personal tutor.” The hushed murmurs grew. Many of the students knew of her upcoming job with Psyche, but the degree of her involvement both here at UCA and at Psyche were still highly unknown… until now. Almost instantly, the buzz began as to who would be chosen. A personal tutorship with Dr. Halgen was almost a guarantee of a strong start to a career right outside of college. Used carefully, the person chosen would likely be a confirmed pick and get their pick of any assignment across the country in Littlecare. As the class began handing in their papers, nodding and giving Addy a warm smile, Dr. Halgen nodded and clicked her slide deck forward, revealing a large and bold title. ‘Nursing for Littles 102,’ and under lesson plan… ‘How To Examine a Little to Determine Age.’ “Now then… do we all remember the basics on examination from last class.” Some nodded to Dr. Halgen’s question. Some didn’t and she sighed right away hearing that lackluster response. “What I figured after the crazy weekend you all doubtless had…” Sighing, Dr. Halgen switched to the next slide to show ‘Background.’ “We won’t be getting into this too in-depth. See my recorded sessions here if you want that, but… sit up for me and let’s get started. We also know we have Littles to save out there.” A commotion went up from the class as they sat up. For Addy, she smiled and just kept her posture before kissing a locket her mom had given her with both of their pictures inside. “For you mom…” she whispered, as almost had become her tradition lately when she felt she was about to start something she could credit her mom with. In this case… nursing. Dr. Halgen smiled, likely hearing Addy’s whisper, before using a laser pointer to show each of her bulletized topics. “First, start with your approach. Begin with observation, then proceed to low-touch, then high-touch, and lastly invasive procedures. As an example… think the steps involved in an ear exam.” *              *              * Addy thought about those early days a lot… especially now at the end of it all. Everything seemed so fresh and yet complicated and yet wonderous. Her and Dr. Halgen got close and by the summer a few months later, she had secured her first true internship under her personal supervision at the Calidaforna Psyche facility. She grew her bones there and established a reputation as a great nursing student. Now, as Addy surveyed her emptying room, it was hard to believe all that was now over. She had chosen this path and her email and sealed her steps going forward. Naturally shocked, the Juventas board tried to persuade her to stay, and when that didn’t work, tried to go after her dad as well to convince her to stay. With Dr. Halgen and Dr. Tracey gone, there was a growing concern at a lack of continuity care at the Crescentia location and even Psyche as a whole now. At least that was their public rationale for wanting her to stay beyond all the butt kissing they did as well. But now, aware of the organization that her mom and dad founded, she was now privy to the terrible details that had haunted her family for so long now. Her job was leverage over her dad to keep him quiet and compliant with the information he knew. While Addy wasn’t sure about her brother yet, she knew that with her leaving, that leverage was soon to go as well. Behind closed doors, the majority of the Juventas board was probably terrified of what came next. Looking around and seeing her bare walls, the first time in decades here now, Addy silently reflected on all the Littles she had helped over the years. Due to the power of Juventas’ drugs over 50 Littles had been saved personally by her. Assisted… she knew deep down that number could be triple, even double. It was a sad feeling not to help more Littles in the future, but as she removed each decoration and packed each box, she knew that if the plan went right, by tomorrow night, she would accept both the position on the Juventas board and the very organization trying to take most of the rest of the board down as well. But today was choosing day. Around here, that meant the caterers were running around downstairs. The Littles were saying their last goodbyes to the ones they would be leaving behind, and it also meant they now began to dread the decision that could very well change the course of their lives. For Addy, she just focused on packing. ‘No matter what Oliver chooses, I’m gone from this place forever after tomorrow…’ Not even thinking about it, her free hand crossed her fingers… a silent hope that she wouldn’t be leaving alone. Just as she was taping another shipping box of some more clothes when she heard a knock at the door. Spinning around, she saw Cassie standing there, now free of her crutches from the assault. “Hey there. You ready for tonight?” Cassie smiled and came in. “You know… I feel I should be asking you that. I’ve only got Robin to worry about tonight.” Addy could see the relief of less work… and the worry of the reason why. “Still no news on Xander, huh?” She shook her head. “No. I’ve been trying to find out, but… his trial was supposed to be a few days ago. I just… I can’t believe it’s choosing day already and he’s not here.” Addy had petitioned the board on his behalf and Dr. Halgen had left a strongly worded note before she left as well. Additionally, internal security cameras had recorded the evidence showing his complicity in the assault but his regret, sorrow, and changed mind about it as well. Now, it was just in the hands of the board. And that was the problem. ‘No, Addy. No. Don’t go there. Give Cassie hope.’ Addy took a deep breath. “I’m sure we’ll know soon enough. I bugged my dad about it, and he said he’s going to have someone contact you as soon as they know something.” Cassie smiled at her friend, a look of desire that she wouldn’t be leaving, all hidden underneath her obvious gratitude. “Thanks, Ads…” She then looked around the slowly emptying room. “So… any idea where you’re off to next?” Addy stopped fidgeting with the box containing her scrapbook of her past helped Littles. After tonight, she would update it one last time for Katrina and Oliver. She hoped the final entry from this place could be filled in simply with ‘He Chose Me!’ While she wasn’t entirely sure if there was a leak still in Juventas or Psyche, even after discounting Penny who had pretty much shrank into the background after Dr. Tracey’s mishap, Addy still felt that she could trust Cassie. “Well… there’s a spot open at Juventas. I could help a lot of people, but…” “But it’s Juventas,” Cassie finished for her, both knowing Addy well and Juventas well enough to know the clear issue with accepting any offer from them. True, Psyche was under the purview, but there was usually a pretty distinct difference between them. Going this way, Addy was essentially entering the lion’s mouth on her own. “Yeah…” Addy felt sure of her decision but the other members on the board and their various schemes and backstabbing over the years would make her a fool if she wasn’t at least a little nervous about it. “I want to go. I just… my whole family’s worked for them. Management maybe… but still under the thumb of someone.” Addy didn’t speak his name, but Mr. Drakos’ and his rigid control of most things was known to anyone who really knew anything about Juventas at this point. “But you do want it, right?” Cassie poked like a good friend. Addy nodded. “I do. Working for them… well, I want to help Littles wherever I finally end up at. Here… I feel things are just too sour… too complicated for me to stay here.” She looked away for a moment and saw the photo she kept of her and her mom on her bedside table… likely the last thing she would remove here. “I wish the values my mom put down still ran this place, but… the new hire?” Cassie sighed. “Oh… don’t get me started on her. It’s like Dr. Tracey the sequel… minus the southern charm she had tucked in her front pocket it seemed. This one… what’s her name?” “Ms. Olivos…” Addy said with a grim tone. Taking over the role that Dr. Halgen had, Addy at least wished she had a doctorate in Little’s studies or even biology for that matter. Instead, she had practical experience… but all from ‘corrective institutes.’ Looking ahead, Addy doubted most new Littles would last with any maturity past a month now… “Yeah… did you hear about her grading of TV time now?” Cassie asked, her temper rising justifiably so. “I did,” Addy confirmed with dismay. “No Little can just look away now. They need to pay attention or go to ‘the room.’” She sighed. “Whatever that is…” “I don’t know,” Cassie admitted. “Part of me doesn’t at this point. Part of me… wants to go with you.” Just as Addy was about to say something, Cassie held up her hand to stop her cold. “No… don’t do that. I don’t want to trade this place for Juventas as it stands. Here… I might be able to help a Little or two. But…” She winced and then leaned forward. “If you really are dead set on going to work for Juventas directly… can you at least sway your dad to look into any of this?” Addy was a little sad that her friend wanted to stay behind but she knew it was probably the wise move at this point. For her, she had her dad, brother, and both Josh and Elena on the board as allies. Cassie was friendly and could make an ally of a lobster… but it would be a major risk for her to come over. So, instead, she patted Cassie’s shoulder. “I can do that anyways. I’ll make sure to call him up tonight. But… for now, let’s enjoy one final night here with our Littles. After all… it’s our last night with them and all the others…” Cassie nodded with some lingering sadness and the two set off for the downstairs. Quickly checking in with Oliver, she made sure he was all ready to go. “Oops! Let me help you with that.” She rushed over and began to adjust his bowtie. It wasn’t required but most Littles opted for some sort of fancy state of dress. Suits could create problems, but a sailor outfit could do just the same… just on the opposite side of the Littleness spectrum. Looking at Oliver, with some advice from Addy, he had opted for a simple look of a vest and bowtie with some comfortable and sleek slacks. His diaper bulge stood out a little, but Oliver seemed to be far past the point about caring about that sort of notion anymore. “There…” She stood back and admired her Little. “Just perfect.” Oliver looked down and pulled at his vest before looking back up at her, his eyes still showing a level of uncertainty. “You mean it?” “Absolutely.” Some nurses would lie to their Littles to butter them up. For the more regressed with poor memories, they might just remember the kindness and choose them. For Addy, she didn’t like those tactics, but regardless… she didn’t have to lie to him. “Just make sure to sweep your hand through your hair on your wristband side before you step on the stage.” Oliver looked at his hands and while he spotted the wristband, fear seemed to creep over his face. Addy stepped forward and did it herself to show him what she meant. “Don’t worry… I’ll see you again and remind you then. Also… I’ll get nurse Wendy to check as well. I think she’ll be the one directing you all out on the stage tonight.” Oliver nodded, and adjusting one last button on his vest, Addy led him out of his room. Tonight, he vowed that no matter what, it would be his last night here. “Go on,” she soon directed him toward the stairs. “You head on. I need to check on Katrina. You know how she gets with her hair… just hope she couldn’t find scissors again…” Oliver giggled a little and toddled off, being sure to use the rail as a guide the whole time… just like Addy had taught him. Pushing in, she sighed with relief when four inches of her hair weren’t missing… unlike two weeks ago. “Hello, beautiful. You ready for tonight?” She stepped in but before Katrina answered her, Addy sniffed. “Oh. Hold that thought. I think I know a certain princess who could use some refreshing…” Katrina only smiled and giggled a little. That’s just who she was now… About twenty minutes later, Addy helped Katrina down the stairs. More unsure of her footing, her regressing was a little deeper than Oliver’s. Addy hadn’t changed anything between their processes and Oliver was even affected by her milk, but the wise and experienced nurse also knew that attitude played a large role in this process as well. A natural Little, Addy could scarcely remember a moment where Katrina had fought the process. “Alright, honey. Let’s get you settled. Maybe… oh!” Addy spotted Rick looking around the room… clearly looking for his new Little. It wasn’t official but it would have been the shock of the night and likely years to come if she didn’t choose him. She soon crouched down and guided Katrina’s look to where he was standing. “Look baby! Look who it is!” “Ah!” she squealed. “Rick!” Addy could have stopped the Little from running over with her diapered waddle and into his arms. It wasn’t exactly protocol on the night where they would be choosing… but Addy didn’t want to ruin a good moment between them. Rick was nice, strong, and would provide for her. Katrina was happy and content and, in the end, that’s really what mattered around here. Addy just made sure to keep Ms. Olivos away from the two. Apparently, rules were never meant to be bent around her… Following suit, Addy made sure the other Littles were okay, a few still aching with the decision before them, but she quickly found Oliver as he stuffed his face with cake. “Oh Oliver…” Quick to the rescue with a wet wipe, his face was soon spotless. Other Littles would have squirmed… Oliver just stood there and smiled. And all was happy and good… until Cassie rushed through the crowd, clearly searching for Addy. “Addy! Addy! They did it! They really did it!” she cried out, attracting the attention of a few of the guests. Addy wanted to comfort her friend over the one thing that was clearly wrong… but she didn’t want judgement or questions by the guests or Ms. Olivos either. “Come on, Cass.” She pulled her heaving and panicking friend away from the others and to a more secluded hallway, now all patched up from the assault. “Come on, Oliver. You too…” Seeing Ms. Olivos, Addy didn’t want to risk him away from her so close to the end here now. “Okay, Cass,” she started with the calmest voice she could muster. “Tell me what’s going on. Who did it? Did what to who?” “Xander!” she yelled, her voice cracking at the end. The board voted and I just heard… they threw him out of the program. The voted against him!” Addy had to keep herself from cracking her knuckles in fury. “Did… did they tell you why?” “No. I just…” She seemed moments away from breaking down. Robing wasn’t likely going to choose her… but with new management around here, it wouldn’t have been a good look in front of the new boss of this place during one of their big moments in the year. “They said the vote was close… but just not enough.” Addy hesitated. She needed to know more… she just didn’t want to ask it. “So… is he…?” She gritted her teeth and tried to keep her mind from going to dark places. “Is he on the streets or a home or…?” She trailed off and quickly took Oliver’s hand for her own comfort. To her relief though, Cassie shook her head, sniffling a little. “No… apparently some members on the board got him a safe place to live. The person told me the vote was… lively. Not everyone was so onboard and… chaos basically was the bottom line. So… a few seemed to take an interest in his case…” Outwardly, Addy made sure to keep up the front she knew she needed in order to protect her friend from the truth. Knowing what she did now, she suspected that her dad, Josh, and Elena had voted in favor of Xander and his new ways as a Little rather than the criminal he used to be. She also knew the board needed to change and fast. Tonight was just one example… but for safety and no matter how much she hated it… Cassie had to be kept out of the loop on this one. “Xander is…?” Oliver’s tiny voice questioned from below the two nurses. Addy sighed and pulled him close to her leg for comfort and he immediately latched on. The two weren’t exactly close but once Xander began to regress and then later when everything got out, the former criminal wasn’t exactly the bad guy of the facility anymore. “I’m sorry, Oliver. The board voted to expel Xander from his contract. They probably saw him in breech of the rules…” Sadly, it wasn’t even close to the first time. In fact, Littles being expelled seemed to happen three or four times a year now. “I wish it wasn’t the case, but they think he’s a threat. He stepped out of line, and they probably felt he was too much of a liability to go with a caregiver from this program.” Xander only hugged her leg tighter. “I… I can’t believe this,” Cassie said shakily. It was clear she was in shock from the news. Xander wasn’t perfect but he was still her Little and especially after his softening, the two seemed to grow closer. “I know some of the board is helping, but with the way he is and no contract. I… I…” Everyone here knew what happened to Littles who went out into the world without a contract. The less said about it, the better… Addy reached out to her friend and rubbed her arm for what little comfort she could give. “Let me reach out to my dad. I might be able to find out more about him… maybe even check up on him occasionally.” “You… you would do that?” Cassie questioned with shock. “For Xander?” “I would,” Addy confirmed. “I stood up on his behalf to the board. They didn’t count my testimony I guess but I made sure to talk about his change of character. Now, he’s just a Little who needs our help.” Addy pulled out a tissue from her clutch and handed it to Cassie. “Okay… you dry your eyes and then go find Robin. Get her ready and talk to her.” Cassie quickly nodded. “You’re right, Ads. I need to focus on her.” She sighed and dabbed her eyes of a few errant tears. “She got caught in the last TV time… she can’t seem to stop chewing her fingers now. It’s like she sees them as sausages… makes me worried.” Addy nodded. “Then go. Keep her safe and keep her calm. The ceremony should be starting soon.” Not needing another prompt, Cassie soon sprinted off, leaving Oliver an Addy alone… at least for a moment. “You two! You two!” a voice screeched from the far end of the hallway followed by some snapping. “Away from each other! Rules are rules!” With a wince, Addy looked toward the voice… and found Ms. Olivos nearly speedwalking to where they were. “Ms. Olivos… we were just talking and I was calming my Little down… like any good nurse would do. Don’ you agree?” Considering it was her last official day here, Addy decided to push it a bit. “Surely in your experience you would know that would be important on a night like this.” The bony woman squinted, likely knowing what Addy was up to. “You… just separate from each other now!” she barked. “Your Little doesn’t seem upset anymore. So… move! Move! Move!” Without waiting for an action or a reply, she spun around and took back off toward the main bulk of the party. A moment later, Oliver pulled on Addy’s long green dress. “Addy?” he asked up to her. “How’d someone like that become head of this place. Isn’t she supposed to be… nice?” Addy smirked. Even someone like Oliver, who seemed to care more about holding on tightly to Stripe at the moment, could see right through her. “You’re right, sweetie. She… well, I really don’t know how she got here. Maybe magic, huh?” “Oh! That would explain it!” he exclaimed, his mind clearly settling into a Little’s mindset. He didn’t really believe in magic, but sometimes… Littles would just get so caught up in being an actual Little that things like facts and truths seemed to matter less than what was in their imagination. And as much as Addy would have loved to stay with him, she knew that Ms. Olivos was making her rounds and that the ceremony would soon start. Oliver had to be backstage, and she needed to be in the crowd… waiting… hoping. She knew it would be agony until she saw him again, but with a quick bum pat, she sent him off, ensuring Stripe was still tucked neatly in his arms. In a few moments, she knew he was going to need all the support he could get, and this time, she knew that no matter what… she couldn’t help even if she wanted to. With the two departing, Addy made her way back into the main bulk of the party where she pulled Katrina to the back as well. A moment later, Erin and Cassie followed and also sent their Littles away. Alone now, Addy had ample time to study the new head… and she wasn’t impressed. It was one thing in this world to have a plan or to have a desire to control Littles. In some parts of the world, it was as natural as breathing. Their methods were extreme, but a Big herself, Addy knew the compulsion well… one she could keep in check though. Seeing Ms. Olivos though, after each person she talked to, seemed to have no safeguards in place. Enforcing the strict rules most never followed here with the remaining Littles still in the program or to the Bigs and horrifying them with pro-Big sentiments… Addy didn’t like what she was seeing. ‘How can my mom’s company come to this?’ For her, Dr. Halgen, despite some of her failings, would always be the benchmark in which she judged all other heads of facilities. Dr. Halgen, wherever she was at, was stern but most saw through that front and instead, she guided her nurses and the Littles who came here to better lives and therefore raised the standard here at Psyche in Crescentia. She could have used a softer touch and drunk less alcohol at night… but she was a good person to run this place. Now… ‘Where the heck is she?’ So far, she was still a missing person’s case. Addy thought she might have shown up secretly tonight, never having missed a ceremony before, but all around… still no sight of the good doctor and former head of this place. Regardless of her own thoughts on the matter, Ms. Olivos soon took the stage and gave a two-minute introduction as to what they were doing. No pomp and circumstance. In fact, her wording made this seem more like an auction than a beautiful choosing ceremony where the Littles for once got to exercise free will. It was a precious gift, and one, as time moved on with the Littles choosing, that seemed to be taken for granted now. Jacob… Ella… Robin… Katrina. Each came here with problems they wanted to solve. Some of these problems they were born with, and some were thrust on them. Each had come with hope for a cure and a promise to be made to a Big of their choosing. Now though, each had chosen and each seemed happy. No upsets or shocking choices, and that was never a bad thing… even if a few Bigs did walk away in disappointment. Rick and Katrina though… only beamed with joy. Katrina almost did forget her lines though. Her diaper under her dress seemed like it could use a change based on her waddle to the lowered microphone in front of everyone, but she made it. And her words were simple but direct. “Choose Rick.” Her vocabulary just enough… she soon found him and much to the chagrin of Ms. Olivos, broke protocol and ran into his arms. Without hesitation, she yelled “Daddy!” But no one moved or broke them apart. This one moment… it was truly why her mom had created this program. Yes, to cure diseases, but that could happen in a million ways by now. Addy knew the truth of that from the stacks she had searched in the basement. But Psyche… Psyche New Beginnings was to provide just that; a new start to the lives of happy Bigs and Littles alike. And seeing Katrina and Rick… Addy had a feeling they would no doubt be very happy together. Then came Oliver. With Stripe practically fused to his right arm, he used his left to adjust the microphone. “Uh… hi?” he started nervously. “I guess… I guess I… uh… choose now.” His nerves on full display, his eyes seemed fixated on the crowd… and not in a good way. Looking around herself, she soon spotted Delany in the crowd as well. Seeing his nervousness with her, Addy nearly lost her lunch. ‘He’s not going to choose me? Or…’ But she saw his fear. There was a problem with Delany… what she wasn’t sure, but she knew it. ‘No… he needs a signal from me…’ It was against the rules, so she kept it small… just a wave really, but it did the trick. Two seconds later, Oliver was grinning from ear to ear right at her. A second after, he pointed with a laugh right at Addy. “That one!” he shouted with about as much confidence as any Little could, excitement and joy crystal clear in his tone. “I choose her. Addy! I choose Addy!” Dropping ceremony completely, he followed Katrina’s example and nearly dove into the crowd. Addy, seeing it all unfold, was about as speechless as ever. ‘He chose… me? He actually chose me. He. Chose. Me. Oh!’ Her mind raced. ‘I need to figure out where I’m staying. And he needs a crib and a highchair and toys and diapers. Yes, tons of diapers and creams and that shampoo he likes the smell of.’ But before she could get a single thought more out, she saw her Little… her actual soon-to-be legal Little barrel right towards her. Smiling right back, she crouched to the floor and opened her arms wide. “Oliver!” “Addy!” he shouted back before burying himself deep in her arms. She wasn’t ‘mommy’ yet. She nearly had heard it slip from his mouth the other day after an afternoon feed… but he seemed to blush at least six shades of red right after. She didn’t want to push it. She wanted him to know and to feel it and to say it like it had always been her name. It was something for later. For now… she just hugged him back with all the love she could give her new Little. After so many choosing days and ceremonies, Addy found she was having trouble focusing now that this was her last one. Of course, it didn’t hurt either that Oliver was with her the whole time and cutely trying to dance with her out on the floor, his little vest and bowtie looking right at home there. Still… throughout all those emotions of finality to this place and resolution now that Oliver was going to officially be her Little, she noticed a few oddities around her. Normally, in each party, those Bigs rejected go home. They are thanked and placed on a list to be the first priority for the next batch of Littles whenever they wish. For some, that batch would start two days from now. What remained of the party was usually the nurses, the Littles who had chosen tonight along with their caregivers, and the Littles who were still in the earlier batches. Often, not weighed down by finality or emotional releases of joy, they provided the best entertainment. Still possessing their old adult minds in some capacity, they were organized and could lead out onto the dance floor. It could mean some rambunctious and chaotic parties… but they were most definitely fun. Tonight though, the music dragged somberly like a poem of thoughts of peace and calm. With Oliver so close to her and occasionally using her feet to keep to the rhythm of the music dancing around them, Addy didn’t mind so much with the slow dances. After an hour though, when things began to wind down further, she took notice. Curious, she made and excuse for punch and looked where all the other Littles were. And sadly, she found them, but instead of dancing, they were glued to the TV or enjoying their toys… all the while each and every one of them was in diapers. Two months… maybe, but only a month in and in diapers? Too soon… way too soon.’ Xander had been delayed and that caused him problems. It was just the same as those on the opposite end with Littles losing too much and far too soon. For Addy, it was another warning sign… another call to her inner machinations that there was a problem. Whereas before, she would have to accept it or talk to her dad, she was no longer burdened with such an issue. So, leaving Addy to be watched by Cassie, in part to make a phone call, but also to distract her with Robin now dancing with her own caregiver, Addy found some quiet and called up the single number she had been wanting to for almost a week now. “Dad?” she spoke first. “Addy?” he questioned. “Is that you… this late? Wait… did Oliver choose you? Is everything okay?” “Well…” Addy made sure to think for only a split second to keep him from worrying. “Yes and no. I’m fine, but… two things. Sorry to wake you, but… I thought this couldn’t wait any longer.” “Oh?” Her dad seemed intrigued over the phone, and she could just hear the slight creak of his mattress as he likely no sat upright in bed to listen more closely. “Yes…” Addy took a deep breath. “Uh, about Oliver first… yes, he chose me. We’re both thrilled and we actually both are in agreement on something…” “Well, congratulations. Truly,” he congratulated her with the utmost sincerity. “You’re going to make a wonderful mommy. But… what are you two in agreement about? Is that the problem?” “Yes,” Addy confirmed. “We both see the problems here. I saw Ms. Olivos tonight and Oliver got a taste of her as well… huge problems, but… I think I have the solution…” “Addy…” His voice was already laced with warning over what he likely suspected she was going to say. “Wait, Dad.” Addy knew this was her decision… she had no doubts left in her now. “I know you wanted me to tell you tomorrow, but… I can’t wait that long.” She took in a deep breath and tried to settle her nerves over this new beginning she was about to embark on. “Dad,” she said slowly but with conviction, “I’ve decided. I want in on the board.” “You…” He didn’t seem surprised. In fact, his single word seemed to drift off to make way for the scheming and planning his brain was no doubt doing now. “Addy… I just want you to know how proud and happy I am for you. I’m nervous… won’t deny that, but proud, Addy. So very proud of you… taking my seat on the board. I think if your mom was here, she’d be over the moon proud as well.” “Thanks, Dad.” Addy was grateful this was a phone conversation and not face to face due to the amount her cheeks were blushing. “So… what now?” “Now? Well, you’re under no obligation, but… how about you and Oliver stay with me. I’ve got plenty of room and we’re away so you can prepare and think about your future. Plus…” He lowered his voice a little. “Just upped my security package. It would take a tank to get in now.” If Addy had heard that two weeks ago, she would have called the hospital to check in on her dad. Instead, now, with the bitterness of reality of Juventas, she found herself grateful and impressed by the lengths he would go to for her. “Thanks, Dad. Oliver and I will be over before dinner tomorrow. Lots of paperwork with him and me leaving this place for good, you know?” “Yes, I do,” he chuckled. “Went through that with your mom when she first started processing them. Needed some migraine meds those nights!” Both laughed for a moment and then her dad cleared his throat. “Okay… joking aside, you just let me know when you get here. For now… go and see Oliver and make your plans.” Addy agreed and both tired, knew the night was coming to a swift end. Already, Oliver was sitting in a chair and drinking form a sippy cup with slowing drifting closed eyes. It was adorable. ‘Of all Littles, I can’t believe Oliver chose me. From a closed off Little to this… I swear he would light up if he simply saw me tonight. What a difference three months can make here…’ But looking around, Oliver now seemed to be the outlier still fully awake. By now, most Littles were saying goodbye to their caregivers until tomorrow or being led or carried up to their rooms. It was a peaceful moment… but contrasted heavily buy the stinky sleepy Littles already passed in front of what ever they were doing. Painting or reading or trying to write. All normal around here as crazy as this place was… just not for any other Little other than those third and final stage candidates. It was just another sign of change around here, and Addy knew that things needed to change. ‘One way or another, I have no idea how, but I’m taking these places down. For my Little… for myself… I need to create a better world.’ She needed a plan and rest, but for now, she just looked over at her very own Little. Curling up around the sippy cup and Stripe, she felt so lucky that they would be together going forward. Responsibility but reliance and caring that might not have otherwise existed without this place she was now leaving behind to go face challenges untold as a member of the board. With the other Littles passing out on their thickly padded posteriors, the outside world was peeking in, and Addy knew that it had been a decision made by the board. She felt she was missing something and knew things became more complicated as you began to know more about your job… but right then, she made a solemn vow as a new official and soon-to-be mommy that she would still be a good person when all this was over. For today though, she merely smiled and went over to pick Oliver up. Choosing day was over. The rest of their lives together were about to begin.  

I've done it a few times. It works better if you cut holes in the pull up before putting the diaper on.

From Nottinghamshire, shame you can't pick up @tonto69