Diaper Lovers

The guy in gray does have what looks like a diaper on. That would have been fun to be in.  

Absolutely wash the sheets, I don't want a pee smell in my bedroom.

When Kaleigh Turner’s university lacrosse team breaks down in the picture-perfect town of Sweet Hollow, the girls are split into host homes for a warm helping of good old-fashioned hospitality. There’s no cell service, no mechanic until morning, and the locals’ smiles are just a little too wide. Kaleigh isn’t thrilled about being separated from the others, but it’s late, and the woman at the porch door seems kind enough. Just a weird little town. Just one night. By morning, the pie is gone. The nursery is locked. And Kaleigh is no longer dressed like a college athlete. She’s padded. Pacified. And slowly starting to realize the stranger holding her hand doesn’t plan to let her leave anytime soon. This is Book One of the Sweet Hollow Series... ------------------------------------------ PLAYER PROFILE Kaleigh Turner - Junior 5’1”   |  109lbs  | Position: Attack | Style: Pure Scorer   Analysis: An absolute masterclass as a Pure Scoring Attacker, Kaleigh Turner has the innate ability to be in the right place at the right time and make the shot when the pressure is on. She has the heart of a lion inside of her pint-sized body, but more than makes up for her small stature with her determination to get what she wants, no matter the cost.   CHAPTER ONE If Kaleigh had known this bus ride was going to turn into a girl’s locker room on wheels—complete with stale Gatorade and Libby’s stand-up comedy hour—she’d have begged to drive herself home. She was bored, but too wired to sleep as highlights and mistakes from the last game still buzzed under her skin.   The bus rumbled down the lonely two-lane, headlights flicking over pine trees that blurred into darkness. Inside, it was a rolling fortress of noise and heat—girls sprawled in half-sleep, laughter bouncing off the metal ceiling, a stale undercurrent of sweat and sugar from the victory snacks they’d been demolishing all trip. Kaleigh sat near the front, her window seat giving her a perfect view of her reflection in the glass. She ran her fingers through her hair, fixing stray waves that had stuck to her temples. She didn’t do messy. Not even in the middle of nowhere. Behind her, Libby was holding court with Hannah and Taylor, her voice bouncing over the hum of the wheels, while she kept them in stitches with some story that didn’t even make sense from this angle. Kaleigh caught a few words—enough to smirk, but not enough to join in. Libby was currently mid-rant about how she’d totally saved the game with that last block—her voice echoing down the aisle, drowning out the low hum of the tires. Her voice boomed down the aisle. “I’m telling you, that last block? MVP shit. Goalie of the century.” “Oh please,” Hannah giggled, her blonde hair pulled up in a messy bun. “Libby, you’re like six feet tall and the size of a barn door,” Hannah shot back from two rows behind. “You didn’t even move! The ball hit you because it had nowhere else to go.” Libby threw a half-empty bag of pretzels at her and the pint-sized freshman squealed with laughter, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. Hannah’s laughter had that innocent, breathless quality, like she was still discovering how loud she could be. Taylor watched with that faint, amused smile, notebook balanced on her knee, always taking in the whole scene without a single word wasted. Kaleigh rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help the grin. These girls never shut up, but it was the best kind of noise—family noise. A pack of wolves in jerseys and ponytails. Madison was up a row, angled inward, deep in some hushed conversation with Coach Kristen—two heads bent together in that serious, steady way of theirs. She wasn’t the oldest, but she had this vibe that kept everyone grounded. Like nothing could rattle her and Madison couldn’t turn it off if she tried. Always thinking three steps ahead, even when the rest of them were halfway to dreamland. Even Kaleigh had to admit it—she felt safer when Madison was in charge. Peyton was slouched in the aisle seat across from Kaleigh, her shoulders relaxed and eyes half-lidded. She had one earbud in, the other dangling as she idly twirled an empty Gatorade bottle between her fingers.  Meanwhile, Kaleigh was more interested in the peanut M&Ms Libby was hoarding in her backpack. “You gonna share or are you hoarding like a squirrel?” she teased, flicking Libby’s arm. Libby snorted. “Buy your own, princess.” “Ugh,” Kaleigh groaned dramatically, tossing her head back against the seat. “I’m already broke. I guess I’ll just waste away up here, dying from an utter lack of protein.” Taylor, seated a few rows back with her notebook open, didn’t look up. “We can expense snacks if they’re for team morale,” she said flatly, flipping a page. “Is that true?” Kaleigh asked, genuinely interested. “No,” Taylor deadpanned. The bus roared with laughter. Erin, perched in the front row beside Miss Caroline, turned and grinned back at them. She had one foot up on the seat, arms slung across the backrest like she was made for bus rides. She was effortlessly cool in that way that only came from knowing how to play both sides of the field. Half big sister, half therapist—the kind you went to when shit got real.  Best athletic trainer in the land and she always looked comfortable in the chaos, like nothing could shake her. “You’re dancing back there, princess,” Erin called, her voice lazy but warm. “Gotta go?” Kaleigh flipped her hair over her shoulder, trying for nonchalance. “I’m fine. Chill.” Kaleigh smiled despite herself. Erin never pushed too hard, never asked for more than she gave. It made Kaleigh feel safe—like no matter how much shit they gave each other, Erin would have her back when it counted. Kaleigh shifted, a soft pressure building in her lower belly. She wasn’t desperate—she never let it get that far. She just didn’t do discomfort. She liked things clean and easy, princess-level care even if she’d never admit it out loud. She sighed and pulled her phone out again even though she knew it wouldn’t work. No service. She rolled her eyes and slipped it back into her bag. She leaned forward, one hand on the seat in front of her, as she caught Miss Caroline’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Miss Caroline?” The older woman turned, her round face bright with a patient smile. “Yes, sweetheart?” “Could we… maybe stop soon? I need to…” Kaleigh trailed off, cheeks warming. Miss Caroline smiled back, warm as fresh cookies. “Of course, honey. I’ll find us a good spot.” “Thanks, Miss Caroline,” Kaleigh muttered. That was the thing about Miss Caroline—she understood. Kaleigh was half grateful, half mortified. She knew the second they stopped, it’d be another round of baby jokes. That was fine. She could take it. Libby didn’t miss a beat. “Aww, princess can’t hold it?” Her grin was wicked, and Kaleigh shot her a look that would’ve frozen boiling water. Hannah piped up from the back, “It’s okay, Kaleigh. We’ll hold your hand while you go potty.” “Can’t have our little princess ruin her shorts. That would be tragic,” Peyton mumbled lazily, not bothering to open her eyes. “I hate all of you,” Kaleigh said with fake sweetness, flipping them off. Miss Caroline’s voice cut through the chatter, patient and calm. “Be nice, girls. I’ll find a gas station. Everyone can stretch their legs.” Kaleigh nodded, trying to play it off with a roll of her eyes, and slumped back in her seat with a sigh of relief. Kaleigh didn’t mind. She liked being seen, but not necessarily part of the show. As much as she hated feeling like the baby of the team, she was not about to become the girl who peed her shorts in front of everyone. Erin leaned in and gave Kaleigh a small grin from the front row. “Good call, K. Don’t let these hyenas shame you for wanting to be comfortable. I’m sure everyone has to go and just didn’t want to say anything. Way to take the lead.” Kaleigh’s shoulders relaxed a bit. Erin always understood—she never judged. Kaleigh shot her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Erin.” The bus kept rumbling down the road, the windows rattling like teeth. Kaleigh let my eyes wander, picking up snippets of laughter and half-baked stories. The air was warm and sticky, but somehow… cozy. Like if you squinted hard enough, this was exactly how a team was supposed to feel: messy and loud and a little too close. Kaleigh could hear Caroline’s gentle voice rising above the low rumble of the bus, something about the town they were heading through and how it was always a nice place to stop. Erin nodded along, her easy calm a counterpoint to the buzz of the rest of them. Kaleigh felt a flicker of relief and let her head rest against the window again, watching the darkness roll by. A little smile played at the corner of her lips—sweet relief was coming. And after that? Maybe she’d let herself join in the jokes. Maybe. But first… just let this bus stop. Kaleigh shifted again, her legs pressing together tight. The chatter helped distract her from the increasingly urgent need to pee. The bus’s AC had kicked on again, and the cold air only made it worse. Outside, a flicker of neon finally broke the darkness—a glowing promise of relief. Miss Caroline slowed the bus, her gentle voice carrying over the engine hum.  “There,” she said softly. “There’s a little gas station up ahead. We’ll pull in, let everyone stretch.” Kaleigh’s shoulders dropped in relief, a small smile ghosting her lips. She didn’t know why the idea of stopping in this quiet, off-the-map town felt like a tiny luxury—like a stolen breath in the middle of a game. She didn’t see the way Miss Caroline’s eyes lingered on the flickering neon sign just up the road, or the way Erin’s lips pressed into a thin line when the bus rolled into the parking lot. She just felt the bus slow to a stop and the weight in her bladder ease at the promise of relief. As they rolled into the gas station, Coach Kristen looked back at them all, her face soft but serious. “Alright, five minutes, girls. No wandering off.” “Who’s gonna kidnap us, the old lady at the slushy machine?” Hannah teased. Libby snorted and then pulled out her best creepy scary story face. “Or maybe that sketchy trucker parked out back. Bet he’s got a basement full of Barbie heads.” Erin’s tone shifted, calm but with an edge. “Yeah, we’re not taking chances. Stick together, understand?” Kaleigh loved that about her—the way she could flip from big-sister jokes to stone-cold seriousness in a heartbeat. It was how she knew Erin had her back. Kaleigh let herself sink back against the seat, her mind already skipping ahead to the snacks she’d grab and the chance to freshen up in a real bathroom—because a princess didn’t rough it if she didn’t have to. She caught Libby’s smirk in the window reflection, but didn’t say anything. The bus was full of girls who had her back—even if they pretended otherwise. And right now, she’d take that over any five-star bathroom in the world. CHAPTER TWO The gas station was exactly what Kaleigh expected: old neon, yellowed tiles, and a flickering sign that read “Welcome Ya’ll.” in faded red. One of those nowhere places that smelled like diesel and burnt coffee. A weird old guy in oil-stained overalls was already there, wiping his hands on a rag as they pulled in. His grin was a little too wide, like he’d been waiting for them to roll in. Kaleigh watched him warily as he ambled closer. “Evenin’, ladies,” he said, his voice a slow, syrupy drawl. “Bus trouble?” Miss Caroline smiled back, all patient Southern charm. “Just a quick pit stop, thank you. We’ll be out of your hair in no time.” “Aw, don’t rush,” he said, his eyes sweeping the girls in a way that made Kaleigh’s skin crawl. “Not much else to see out here tonight.” The girls didn’t answer. They just exchanged looks—an unspoken agreement to file him under creepy but probably harmless. Libby cracked a grin, nudging Hannah. “Go on, Hannah. Before he builds a shrine to you in the back room.” “Gross,” Hannah muttered, flipping her honey-blonde hair over one shoulder. Miss Caroline’s voice cut through the chatter. “Girls, go stretch your legs. Five minutes, and stay together.” As soon as the bus door whooshed open, Kaleigh lead the pack into the tiny store—anything to shake off that guy’s stare. The air inside the gas station was stale and warm, smelling of old gum and even older coffee. Kaleigh had just made her way through the snack aisle when she spotted the flickering neon BATHROOM sign hanging over a warped wooden door. She hesitated for half a second, weighing the rising pressure in her bladder against the absolute horror show she’d glimpsed through that doorway. But before she could even make a decision, Hannah darted past her—eyes wide, lips pressed together like she was holding back a prayer. “God,” Hannah muttered, already fumbling with the knob. “I can’t hold it anymore—don’t judge me.” Poor girl had been holding it in for half the bus ride. She gave Kaleigh a quick, grateful look—like she was the hero of the hour for speaking up. Hannah didn’t even hesitate. She ducked inside and slammed the door. Kaleigh heard her let out a relieved sigh—like she’d been about to burst.  Kaleigh took another look at the stained linoleum tiles, the single bare bulb buzzing like a wasp nest overhead. Nope. Absolutely not. She’d hold it. No way she was lowering herself to that. A girl has to have standards.  Erin gave her a knowing smirk as she fell back in line with the group.  “Like a portal to the ninth circle of hell in there,” Kaleigh offered, nose scrunching. Libby poked her head in next and came back out in less than a second, gagging dramatically. “Nope. I’m good,” she declared, grabbing a bag of chips instead. Taylor didn’t even bother. She was at the fridge, scanning the rows of cheap energy drinks while Peyton hung back, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Kaleigh found herself drifting around the snack aisle, trying not to touch anything sticky. She picked up a candy bar, flipped it over, and put it back. Nothing looked fresh. Nothing felt right. Erin leaned against the counter, cool as ever, but her eyes were alert. She clocked the guy at the register with a calm stare that said, Don’t even think about it. That was enough for Kaleigh—if Erin was on edge, she knew she’d be okay.  Miss Caroline reappeared from outside, smiling like she was trying to sell them all on this dump. “He’s going to top us off with gas. Says it’s the last place for miles.” “Of course it is,” Libby said under her breath. Alright, girls,” she called, already leading the way. “Let’s get back on the bus. We’re almost there.” They filed back onto the bus in twos and threes, the door folding shut behind them with a hiss like a sigh of relief. The air felt damp and sweet after the stale funk of the gas station, and Kaleigh wasted no time sliding back into her seat, crossing her legs tight. She’d hold it. She’d hold it until their next stop or until she died, whichever came first. Hannah dropped in beside her, still pink in the cheeks but grinning with relief. “Don’t even look at me,” she said. “I had no choice.” “Hey, no judgment here,” Kaleigh said, flipping her hair nonchalantly while her legs twitched. She resumed her judging look as soon as Hannah turned around to steal more snacks. “Sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.” Libby dropped into the seat behind her, still crowing about the horror show they’d just escaped. “That bathroom was straight-up haunted,” she said, voice half disgusted, half delighted. “I swear to God, there was something moving in there.” Peyton, wiping her hands on a napkin she’d grabbed from the snack rack, gave her a sideways look. “Or maybe it was just your reflection in the mirror, Libs.” “Fuck you, Peyton,” Libby shot back, but she was laughing, too. “Ugh,” Hannah groaned, hugging her backpack to her chest like a teddy bear. “I don’t even want to think about it. Let’s just get out of this creepy town.” Hannah buried her face into her bag, shoulders shaking. “I’m never going to be the same again. Like, I’m forever marked by that bathroom. It’s in my soul now.” The old guy gave them a slow, toothy grin as he finished pumping gas and Miss Caroline kept chatting politely, her voice calm. But Kaleigh noticed the way the woman’s hand stayed tight on the bus door. The way her shoulders never really relaxed. Something about that smile made her shiver, but she didn’t say anything. “Y’all have a safe trip,” the man said as they climbed back on. “Ain’t much else ‘round here. Town’s up the road if y’all need a place to eat or take a breather.”   Miss Caroline nodded, but she didn’t look him in the eye. Kaleigh caught that and tucked it away. She knew enough to read the difference between nice and too nice.   They all settled back into their seats as Miss Caroline turned the key, the bus’s old engine grumbling like it was too tired for this nonsense. It wheezed, sputtered, then gave a reluctant roar that rattled the windows. Kaleigh watched her in the mirror, catching the flicker of worry in Miss Caroline’s eyes.   The bus lurched forward with a rumble, the tires crunching over gravel as Miss Caroline pulled them back onto the main road. She caught Erin’s eye in the mirror, her own mouth a thin line that said she was just as grossed out as they were but didn’t have the luxury of saying it. Hannah made a face. “That guy kept staring at my legs like he’d never seen a girl wear shorts before.”   Kaleigh smirked. “Well, maybe he just doesn’t get a lot of visitors out here in the middle of nowhere. Maybe you’re his once-in-a-lifetime chance to see civilization.”   Libby leaned her head back, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Civilization my ass. That place was like stepping into a horror movie. LIke one of those really old ones with no WIFI from the 90s or something.” Taylor’s voice was soft but sure. “We’re just lucky it was a quick stop.” The chatter picked up again. The girls tore open bags of chips and passed around lukewarm sodas. The vibe felt forced, like they were all pretending this wasn’t the weirdest pit stop of their lives. She let her eyes close for a second, letting the soft rumble of the bus and the laughter of her team settle around her. They were back on the road. That was all that mattered. Kaleigh kept her gaze fixed out the window as the bus turned off the main road and rolled on. She noticed the detour signs as they passed and when she turned back towards the front, the town came into view—tiny, almost too perfect. Old-timey storefronts, white picket fences, and streetlamps with hanging flower baskets. It looked like a movie set someone forgot to tear down. “Sweet Hollow”, Kaleigh muttered under her breath, reading the large welcome sign as they drove past slowly.  The chatter on the bus had just started to mellow when the bus gave a low, shuddering cough. There was a rattle. Then a hiss. Then it died completely. The chatter cut out like someone yanked the plug. The only sound was the soft tick of cooling metal. “Shit,” Miss Caroline said, her voice calm but edged with frustration as she guided the bus to the side of the road. Kaleigh didn’t know much about cars but she was fairly certain this wasn’t good. Miss Caroline cut the ignition and turned to look back at them all with that tired, motherly smile. Coach Kristen surveyed the scene and the sets of wide eyes staring back at her. “Alright, girls. Out. I see a diner ahead. Let’s get some food and I’ll make some calls to get us back on the road soon.” The girls stepped off the bus and stretched in the chilly night air, the hiss of cooling metal fading behind them. Kaleigh followed at her own pace, catching the scent of the diner’s grill drifting on the breeze—a warm promise against the cold. She didn’t miss the way Miss Caroline’s eyes lingered on the old neon sign or the flicker of something in Coach Kristen’s expression, but she let it slide. They were all starving, the place ahead had food, and that was enough for now. Libby was already dragging Hannah along by the hand, chattering about milkshakes and fries. Peyton fell in behind them, looking casual but alert. Even Taylor’s nose was lifted, sniffing out the scent of a fresh pot of coffee. Kaleigh paused a beat longer at the bottom of the steps, her gaze flicking back at the bus, quiet and still under the streetlamp’s glow. Then she turned and let herself be pulled along with the others, laughter and chatter already rolling ahead of her. The diner’s door swung shut behind them with a soft jingle of bells. Inside, every head turned. Conversations stopped. Forks paused midair. The girls stood in the doorway, frozen for a beat as every face in the diner turned their way.    CHAPTER THREE The diner looked like it’d been frozen in time: checkerboard floors, neon lights, red vinyl booths so bright they practically glowed. The smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee wrapped around them like a warm hug as they stepped inside. “Come on in, girls,” a kind voice shouted said from behind the counter “Make yourselves at home!” The team spread out in small clusters, chattering about the bus breakdown and the weird gas station vibes. Coach Kristen was at the counter, phone in hand, trying to get a signal—frowning when the bars kept flickering in and out. The cook, a round, grandmotherly woman with a pink apron and kind eyes, beamed at them from behind the window pass. “Order up whatever you want, girls,” she said. “It’s on the house tonight.”   Libby’s eyes went wide. “You’re kidding.”   “Nope. No sense in letting you go hungry,” the cook said, her voice warm as a quilt. “We’re known for our pies, too. Save room for dessert.” Hannah squealed, bouncing on her toes. “I want one of everything!”   Libby scooted around her, already craning her neck to see what was on the pie rack. “Free pie? God, I love small towns,” she said. Miss Caroline herded them to a set of booths, the girls sliding in, legs tangling and laughter bubbling up as menus were passed around. Taylor didn’t sit right away—she hung back, eyes flicking around the diner like she was cataloging every face, every smile. The cook—they’d been here only a few minutes but she’d already told everyone to call her her “Miss Sandy,” like she’d known them for years—poured sweet tea that tasted like summer and walked around with a pitcher of fresh lemonade that kept finding its way back to their table, no matter how many times they emptied it.   Coach Kristen was still holding her phone in the air, trying to create a bar on her phone out of sheer willpower. “No service way out here,” a man seated next to her at the counter said—tall, broad-shouldered, with a smile too easy to trust. He had a metallic name tag that read Mayor in big bold letters. “But don’t worry. Our mechanic’ll take a look in the morning.”   He watched her for a beat as she opened her mouth to speak and then beat her to the punch. “But don’t you worry, we’ll get you girls sorted out,” The Mayor added, his tone friendly but final. For now… let’s get you fed, huh?” “Thank you,” Coach Kristin said, her voice polite but tight, as she looked at her team laughing and salivating as they eyed the food on the grill.  Sandy bustled behind the counter, pouring sweet tea into chipped glass tumblers, her bright laugh floating up as she winked at them. “Order anything you want, hon. The kitchen’s yours tonight.” Hannah practically vibrated with excitement, fingers drumming on the table as she chattered about milkshakes and fries. Erin watched her with that easy big-sister grin, calm and protective even in this strange place. Kaleigh sank into the booth across from them, her eyes on Sandy’s careful movements. The food came out fast—plates piled high with burgers and golden fries, bowls of thick stew that smelled like heaven after hours on the road. Sandy was everywhere at once, refilling drinks and sliding extra pie slices onto plates, her smile never slipping. Kaleigh caught snippets of chatter from the counter—a curvy cheerful woman talking about some kind of preschool program she was excited about to a sweet quiet girl, not much older than them, whose eyes kept darting shyly from the bubbly educator towards the gaggle of giggling girls.  The diner’s warm glow and the endless flow of sweet tea and lemonade made Kaleigh’s head feel soft and fizzy. She sipped another glass, the icy sweetness cutting through the heavy meal of burgers, fries, and pie that had turned her into a little kid again—stuffed and satisfied in that way that only comes from homemade food. She shifted in her seat, pressing her legs together. Her need to pee was growing, a steady pressure she kept ignoring because, God, that tea was too good to stop. She didn’t even want to know what they put in it—sunshine and magic, probably. She kept refilling her glass like she was chasing a sugar high, even though she knew she’d regret it later. Around her, the girls were mellowing out, voices dropping to soft giggles as the food settled heavy in their bellies. Libby leaned back in her seat, her hair falling in her eyes as she let out a groan. “I’m gonna explode,” she muttered. “If I die tonight, bury me in pie.” Peyton snorted, one arm draped over the back of the booth like she was too full to even care. Hannah was bright-eyed and bouncy, somehow still finding room to sip lemonade and nibble on crusts of pie like a sugar junkie. Kaleigh listened with half an ear and let her eyes wander the diner—a woman wiping down a table with a cheery hum, Miss Sandy’s warm laughter as she checked in on everyone, the clink of dishes and the low murmur of town folk in quiet conversations. It was too perfect, too cozy, like a scene from an old movie. When Coach Kristen finally stood and walked over, the table quieted immediately. She rested her hands on the back of Libby’s seat, her face soft but serious. “Alright, girls,” she said, voice gentle. “I talked to the mayor. The mechanic can’t look at the bus until morning, and there’s no service out here. No hotel, either, but the townspeople have offered to put us up in their homes for the night.” A wave of murmurs and frowns rolled through the table. “Wait, so we’re just staying in random houses?” Peyton asked, one brow arched. “Can’t we just crash in here or even back on the bus?” Coach gave a small smile, patient. “I asked. They said the diner’s not set up for sleeping, and it’s too cold out there for the bus. They’re being generous, girls. Let’s be respectful.” Kaleigh swallowed, her discomfort—both bladder and otherwise—simmering just under her skin. She didn’t like this. She didn’t like it at all. “Can we go in pairs?” Hannah’s voice was small. “They said their homes are small,” Coach said. “Too small for more than one. But they’ve promised to take good care of us. It’s just for the night.” A beat of silence. Then Miss Sandy’s voice slid in, sweet and syrupy, as she leaned in close with a smile that was all honey and butter. “It’s just for the night,” she said softly, echoing their coach as she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Morning comes fast, and I’ll have fresh muffins waiting. You’ll feel right at home, I promise.” The girls murmured half-hearted agreement, slumping back in their seats, too tired and too full to keep arguing. Kaleigh watched Miss Sandy’s warm, motherly smile and let her words settle in her bones. There was something familiar about her. Something she felt like she could trust.  “Alright, girls,” Coach said finally, her voice steady but soft. “Be polite. Be grateful. We’ll meet back here first thing for breakfast.” Miss Sandy’s laughter was bright as she gathered up empty plates, stacking them with practiced ease. “Oh, girls,” she cooed, her voice as bright as the neon sign outside. “We’re going to take real good care of you. Don’t you worry about a thing.” The girls stood slowly, gathering their things with resigned shrugs. Sandy gestured them to the door, and one by one, they filed out into the cold night. Sandy bustled through the diner one last time, her movements quick and practiced, sweeping up crumbs and empty cups. “Alright, ladies,” she said brightly. “Let’s get you tucked in. It’s late, and there’s no better sleep than one that comes after my homemade pie.” Kaleigh lagged behind, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie as she watched her teammates shuffle out into the cold. She felt the tightness in her belly again, but shrugged it off and figured it was from the gallons of sweet tea she’d just guzzled. “Come on, sweetheart,” Miss Sandy said, giving her shoulder a gentle pat. “Your host is waiting.” Kaleigh hesitated at the threshold, the warm glow of the diner fading behind her as she stepped into the chill night air. She felt the weight of Miss Sandy’s hand at her back, guiding her forward with that same soft, insistent push. “Here she is,” Miss Sandy said softly, her voice honey-sweet as they reached the bottom of the steps. She stopped beside a tall, willowy woman in a powder-blue dress, her hair pinned in soft curls, her smile warm and almost dreamy. “Kaleigh, this is Vicky Parker. She’s going to take you home tonight.” Vicky’s smile widened at the sight of her. “Oh, she’s darling,” she said, soft and almost dreamy. She reached out and took Kaleigh’s hand, her grip surprisingly firm. “Welcome, sweetheart. My husband, Sheriff Parker, had to step out for a bit. He’s seeing to some things tonight, but he’ll be home soon.” Kaleigh swallowed, forcing a small, polite smile. “Oh. Okay,” she said softly, her voice just above a whisper. The chill air slipped under her skin, and she shifted her weight, her bladder aching with a sudden urgency she tried to ignore. Miss Sandy gave her shoulder one last reassuring squeeze, her smile unwavering. “It’s just for the night, dear,” she said softly, like she was coaxing a child. “Vicky will take good care of you. And remember, in the morning, there’ll be hot coffee and fresh muffins waiting here.” Kaleigh forced another smile, even as her bladder gave a sharp pang and the cold night air seemed to slip under her skin. “Thank you,” she murmured, though she wasn’t sure who she was thanking—Miss Sandy, Vicky, or just the universe for getting her out of that cramped bus and greasy diner and into something that she hoped might be a little more cozy.  She let herself be led away, her steps echoing in the quiet night as Miss Sandy waved and watched them go, her sweet smile never faltering. The diner door swung shut behind them with a soft jingle of bells, and just like that, Kaleigh was swept out of the warm, familiar chaos of her team and into the eerie stillness of the night. --------------------------------- The Sweet Hollow series is my newest creation and obsession. Join me on Ream or SubStar for exclusive access, bonus chapters, and everything I can’t share here. My subscribers have been reading this story for over a week now. You can read the ENTIRE 55k word story on Ream or SubscribeStar or grab it now on Amazon. Find Abby McGee here: SubStar | Ream | Amazon

Chapter 23:  Dani fights the urge to turn around and take one last glance at Therese and Alisha who the little’s knew were anxiously waiting from down the street.  They were being watched. Their every move scrutinized.  “Smile.” Little Johnny Boy hissed beneath his breath.  She held his hand in a death grip and did as he said.  They had to appear like a normal and happy couple. They had to appear like they just had the best vacations of their life and weren’t fugitives on the run.  The long walk way up to the automated gate felt like an eternity as the weight of what they were doing fell on their shoulders.  An officer sat in a little booth. There was a gold badge on his chest and he held a radio.  “Hello, there!” The Amazon bellowed down at them in a grandfatherly voice.  It was meant to invite them in, lower their guard so he could attack at the moment they least expected.  But two could play at this game.  “Hello!” Little Johnny Boy responded. He stepped forward toward the window where the man leaned down to see them.  “We’re traveling back to the portal world today, sir!”  “Now, is that right?” The Amazon laughed. “Did you enjoy your stay?” Little Johnny Boy chirped. “Why, yes sir! It was quite the adventure but it’s time for my wife and I to head back to the real world.” “Well, aren’t you two adorable. Tell me your names and I will see if you are on the approved list.”  Little Johnny Boy gave their identities and sure enough he finds them in a split second.  Dani is too concentrated on her hammering heart to even notice the way the Amazon’s eyes drifted down the lengths of their bodies, the way his lips twitched at their diaper-less state and little getup.  There are two armed guards in what look like military uniforms by the front gate and it only takes one simple nod for them to be gestured forward towards a machine. “Passports?” They demand.  Little Johnny Boy holds all of the documents and hands them over as requested.  Dani can barely keep her leg from bouncing and doesn't understand how he can be so calm.  It’s less than a minute when the guards hand back their documents not lingering over their faces for more than a few minutes. They don’t seem concerned in the slightest and that worries Dani.  “Once through security, you will be subjected to further questioning and inspection inside. If you have any objections against this, now is your time to speak and we can find you different accommodations.”  You mean adoption? “Yes, sir.” Little Johnny Boy gulps.  They are ushered forward and he goes first, stopping in the middle of the metal machine and raises his arms where a beeping sounds.  Dani is next and she is worried they are going to find suspicious her polka dotted training panties or their bags which were put through a different place but everything comes out the other side with no hassle.  “You two are all set.” The bald guard states. “Just go straight through those doors and take a left. You will see a waiting area with others. They will tell you what to do from there.”  Dani and Little Johnny Boy can’t help but share a look, both thinking the same thing - this is too easy.  The absolute horror stories that they have heard about the portal crossing were not just make believe which only solidified that the worst was yet to come.  For the most part, the Amazon’s thus far were acting normal. As if they were giant-sized beings, as if they didn’t want to smother them back into diapers and the Little’s knew there was nothing normal about that.  But they continued onward. They had prepared for the possible challenges and knew making it through the crossing was possible because others had done it before. But the times had changed and the rules were different so they had no idea what to expect.  Dani couldn’t help but tilt her head back in wonder. The entire building was a sterile, glassy surface. Glass windows made up the sides of the building that climbed so high and illuminated the lobby with sunlight.  She’d never seen anything so spectacular.  “Isn’t it amazing?” Little Johnny Boy murmured.  Yes.  Dani was lost for words.  “When we get through, I’m taking you to New York City. The skyscrapers are even taller than these ones. You can actually touch the clouds.”  “You’re messing with me!” she gasps.  “Nope.” He pops the p. “Scouts honour.” “Scouts - what?”  “Never mind.” He shrugs. “I’ll explain later.”  They find the waiting area quick enough. It’s just up ahead where around six other littles are seated.  They head for the desk.  “Name?” The guard asks and it’s the same spiel.  The woman’s eyes flicker from the faces on the paper to their own and back to her screen.  She freezes, staring at Dani a moment longer than she is comfortable with.  Dani can feel herself holding her breath but can’t find it within herself to let go because time seems to creep by until they are given back the papers.  “Your names will be called shortly. Wait over there.”  They can feel the woman’s eyes on their backs as they make their way to where the others are seated but they can’t do anything.  Instead, the littles make small talk.  Dani detested small talk.  “Hiya!” A curly haired woman greets them as they sit down across from her. “Golly, it sure is early. I think I’m running on three cups of coffee right now.”  “Is that so?” Little Johnny Boy says.  “You betcha. They’ve got a little coffee stand around the corner. It tastes like piss but it gets the job done.”  She didn’t need to say anymore because that was confirmation enough of a spiked drink.  The number one rule growing up was never to accept any drink from an Amazon because instead of sugar, laxatives were their sweetener of choice.  Now glancing around, it is disheartening to see the many others with steaming mugs and Dani knows that they’ve got no shot at making it through. “Were you here on vacation?”  “Oh no.” The lady shakes her head. “I’m a researcher with the University of Michigan. I’m writing my thesis on the anthropology of Amazonian culture. It’s quite fascinating stuff I must say!”  Is that right? Dani scowls.  The woman couldn't seem to stop talking. “I’m most interested in the power imbalance. You know in our world where inequalities fall to race or class, it’s all about size here. I was tempted to see what it really was like to be put back in diapers,” she whispers the last part, “for the research and all.”  Is this woman crazy? Dani doesn’t know if she was stupid or had a death wish and can just barely stop herself from rolling her eyes. So many mistakes could just be avoided if people just used common sense.  “We just have to get through here and we are in the clear. It’s a piece of cake now. We’re all potty-trained aren’t we, haha?”  They don’t find that very funny because Dani, well, was not.  Good thing she’d used the bathroom before leaving the house but her bladder was weak and sooner rather than later she would have to again. She just hoped it was once they were through the portal.  “You really must try this coffee,” the woman continues when they don’t respond. “It should win an award for worst coffee ever.”  “Oh we believe you.”  Dani could feel herself starting to become antsy. It had been almost thirty minutes.  It was a short time later that the lady was called through the double doors and she had yet to come back out… just like everyone else. The others in the waiting area had slowly dwindled away, replaced by wide-eyed hopeful newcomers and thirsty coffee drinkers.  Dani wished they could warn them but it was not their place and the less attention the better.  “We’re ok.” Little Johnny Boy soothed, placing a gentle touch to her bouncing knee.  “It’s been too long.” “This is typically how appointments work.”  He was saying that to mostly reassure himself. Little Johnny Boy was also getting restless.  To the left where they had entered the building were two stationed guards, another stood in front of the door where everyone had disappeared through and then there was the Amazon at the desk. If they wanted to leave, there was no possible way now - that is, undiapered and free.  “Why do I feel like this is a trap?” “Because it is.” Dani huffed.  OoOoo  It feels like an eternity before their names are called. Dani is summoned first. It is almost impossible to part from Little Johnny Boy but with an encouraging look, she breaks away.  “It’ll be fine,” he mouthed. “You got this.”  But did she? She rubs at her eye. There’s a twitch that won’t go away and her stomach is beginning to grumble. She’s hungry.  “Chloe Brennan?” A tall, large breasted woman guides her into the tiny bare room.  There was only a metal table, a regular chair and a highchair (no doubt for her). “Let’s get you settled, sweetie.” The blonde lady gleamed.  Large hands slip beneath her armpits without warning and she’s lifted into the air and dropped into the comfy seat.  It reminded her of home.  Of Abby.  She missed Abby…  “It sure is early for you to be up,” the lady officer commented sitting across from her so they were face to face. “My name is Officer Hannah. It’s what my name tag says. Can you read these letters?”  Her voice is sugary sweet and Dani can see the familiar glossed over look in her eyes.  Of course, she could read. Instead, Dani simpers and her voice raises an inappropriate octave. “Yes, ma’am.” “What good manners!” Blah! Dani struggles to keep the smile on her face but her cheeks begin to hurt.  “To start, I am just going to ask you a few questions. If you can't answer that’s A-okay! Just try your best sweetie, ok?” “Yes, Ma’am.” She was going to puke from all the love in the air.  The officer looked down at a clipboard that Dani was sure she didn’t need and as much as the Little strained her neck, she was unable to see what was written down.  “Very well. The first question is: what is your favorite color?” That’s it? Dani frowns. She’d prepared herself for hard hitting bombardments that were meant to crush her soul and break her spirit.  She didn’t expect was that.   The woman paused, smiling brightly as if it were some great big surprise. “I-uhm-what?” Dani stumbles over her words.  The officer tuts her lips. “Does someone need to turn their listening ears on?”  “N-no, Ma’am.” Dani blushes.  She fiddles with her fingers, unable to ignore the spreading warmth in her chest. Dani didn’t like to be chastised but her maternal tone ignited something in her that she couldn’t suppress.  Focus, Dani! Her mind hissed.  She shakes her head, attempting to clear the encroaching fog.  “I- I like pink.”  Dani says what the Amazon wants to hear and that’s the key to winning their game. You have to play right into the palm of their hands.  The more they complied, the more likely they were to let them go. “Pink is a very pretty color for a little girl - sorry, adult - like you!” The officer giggles, writing something down in her notes.  “Next is question is… what is your favorite animal?”  Animal? Dani’s eyebrows couldn’t have raised higher into her hairline.  “Pony.” Her jaw clenched shut.  “Ponies are very cute-almost as cute as you!”  She thought she was cute. This time, her lips twitch up into a smile despite her warring mind telling her it wasn’t really a compliment. “Did you make many friends during your stay in Amazonia?”  Dani shrugs.  “Words, honey. Use your words.” “Yeah, I guess. Everyone was really nice.”  “Well, where are they now?” Chloe Brennan’s friends were probably brainwashed in a crib somewhere including herself.  “Oh you know… probably still exploring.” “And you were tired of exploring?” It’s silent for a moment as Dani thinks of a response.  Alisha said less was better. The more they elaborate on the story, the more questions there would be that they would be unable to answer.  Dani clears her throat but doesn’t get the chance to speak.  “Are you thirsty, dear?” Concern coats the Amazon’s voice. “My oh my, I didn’t think to offer you anything to eat or drink! You probably haven’t even had breakfast.”  The lady reaches down to the ground where she sits back up with a juice box in her hand. Dani was Pavlov’s dog personified, unable to stop the immediate flood in her mouth at the sight of the sugary drink.  Abby never let her have juice and Dani has to stop herself from making grabby hands. The fog was getting thicker.  “Here you are, dear.” Officer Hannah chirps, sticking the straw through the hole and places it on the plastic tray in front of her. “Take a sip. You’ll feel much better. My girls just love ApplePunch.”  It was called ApplePunch because it was a punch to the stomach. Full of incontinence drugs and addictive substances, it was meant to render a Little incontinent and would leave them unable to stay away from its dangerous effects. One sip and Dani would be hooked.  That must be what happened to the others that came before her.  “I-I’m not very thirsty -”  “Nonsense.” “My dentist says not to have too many sweets-” “Well, your dentist is not in the room, are they?” ”But-“ ”Drink.” Her firm tone left no more wiggle room for argument and Dani could only be grateful that she hadn’t been called out for ‘talking back’ yet. The viscous voice at the back of her mind squeals in delight but the logical part of her brain was still in control… for now.  Dani reaches forward gripping the juice in her hand and takes a tentative sip. It’s heaven in her mouth. Before Dani knows it, she has taken another sip and another.  “Arghhh!” The Little groans two minutes later when the box has gurgled to a finish.  “I bet you don’t have that in Omaha.” Officer Hannah comments.  Dani finds herself shaking her head in response. She can feel herself drifting up into the clouds and knows the antidote is quickly fading.  But she can’t stop herself now.  “What is Omaha like?”  As her brows furrowed together and lips pucker, she tilts her head. They went over all the information this morning.  “Farms… rural.”  Dani repeats what she was told but it was becoming hard to remember.  Little Johnny Boy said to stay focused but it was hard.  “Not much out there then.”  “No.”  “It must be crazy seeing Amazonia then. It’s a big change, especially from your - what do you and your husband do again?”  “What we do?” She squeaks.  It’s impossible to stay still and focused because of her rumbling belly and Dani knows it is only a matter of time.  “We, um, we-” Think, Dani, think!  What the hell did they do? She’d forgotten how difficult it was being a grown up. Everything was so much more complicated. She didn’t like to think.  “We…” she swallows. “We work.”  “Work?” The officer’s lips twitch. “Is this a pretend work? Just like your pretend husband?”  “N-no,” Dani stumbles over her words. “We-I-is’impor’an-”  “What’s more important than playing with your dollies and making big messy presents in your diapee for your mommy and daddy?”  Dani is unable to speak back because a grumbling ache attacks her lower abdomen and she’s clutching her tummy in distress.  A few tears spring from her eyes and she groans, “pleaseeee! Imma big giwl!”  “If you are a big girl then you will tell me the truth. Who are you really? Our facial recognition scanner picked up some discrepancies in your appearance. You’re not Chloe Brennan.”  Dani gasps for air, clutching at her side as sharp stabbing pains penetrate her body.  She needs to push! She needs to poop! Suddenly the door barges open and a brown skinned man has appeared with a desperate look in his eyes.  “Hughes!” He exclaimed.  “Rodgers?” She gaped. “What the hell? We’re in the middle of something - “ “No time.” He’s breathless. “There has been a security breach. The computers have been hacked, everything is down.” “Wha-what about all the Littles? What about her?” Dani is in too much discomfort to really understand or care about what is going on. She just needed to use the bathroom.  ”Let me deal with this one. They need you on the fourth floor.” OoOoo Dani didn’t know if this was luck, an eerie coincidence or part of the plan but she didn’t have time to question which one it was because the mess she was about to make was too large for her training panties to hold.  “Let me get you down.” The officer - Rodgers - huffed but Dani had other plans.  She needed to find the bathroom.  As soon as her feet were on the floor, in a moment of quick thinking, Dani was out the door.  “Hey! Wait!” Rodgers yelled after her. “I’m on your side!”  Dani didn’t know what side he was talking about and she was too quick. All she got was a flash of the waiting area and Little Johnny Boy’s surprised face. Turning a corner where guards once stood, she didn’t know where she was going, only that she needed to find a diaper or something!  But she was lost.  A whine escaped her lips and she wished for her paci. Her fingers were not a great alternative but as her thumb inched for her mouth, it was the only option.  Another cramp wrecks her stomach as she doubles over. As her knees bent down into a low squat, Dani knows the fight is over. However, she didn’t feel scared, only relieved.  This is what little girls do. They make big messy presents for their mommies and daddies just like Officer Hannah said. But Mommy wasn’t here right now.  She wasn’t anywhere.  “Dani?” A voice yells somewhere in the didstance.  It catches her attention momentarily. She is forced to look up and that's when she sees Little Johnny Boy running in her direction with Officer Rodgers in suite.  She is prepared to run (more like waddle) again but Little Johnny Boy pleads with her. “Don’t run… please.”  “Bu-but,” she whimpers. “Poopy. I need to make poopy!”  They catch up to where she is squatting and Little Johnny Boy kneels in front of her. “We’ve got diapers for you here,” he gestures to one of the large bags in his hand. “You don’t need to run. Not like last time.”  Last time? Her face scrunches up in confusion. Everything was really blurry right now. Nothing made a lot of sense.  “Everyone Is preoccupied with the hack. We’ve got about five minutes until the power goes out and the portal is temporarily shut down.” Rodgers’ said, standing watch.  “And then we’re set to go?”  “As set as we could be.” He sighed. “There is currently only one guard at the portal right now. He’ll be easy enough to distract.”  Dani is laying on her back now as Little Johnny Boy expertly tapes the diaper around her waist in no time. “I’m getting deja vu,” he smiled. “Only this time I caught up to you.” Dani is supposed to understand what he is saying but there are blanks in her mind that she can’t pull forward. Besides, she was more focused on the fact that this man she liked was currently putting her in a diaper. But in the end, she supposed it didn’t matter because because with her life so up in the air recently, nothing seemed to faze her.  The Little doesn’t waist anytime. As soon as the puffy padding is on her body, she lets out one big push and her mind and body is gone to the wind. A brown lump hangs from her backside and bladder is released in a flood.  She stands up satisfied with herself and can’t help but exclaim, “Uppies! Uppies!”  The Amazon and Little share a look at her outstretched arms. Rodgers shrugs to Little Johnny Boy. “It would be faster to carry both of you actually. They’ve probably already figured out that something is up.”  “Fine.” Little Johnny Boy relents.  Dani squeals with joy as they are lifted into the air and both situated in one arm each. She can feel her fresh warm mess press into every nook and cranny of her skin but doesn’t pay any heed.  The hall is long and wide and confusing and everything looks the same but after two corners, one flight of stairs and through automated double doors, they come to a large room.  It looked like an airport with the different doors and gates for the planes but there were no planes and no exit on the other side. Just dark holes that seemingly went nowhere.  “Rodgers?” A man sits up at the sight of the three of them. “What have you got there?”  He was a weedy man with a head too large for his skinny build. He hesitates, glancing over the trio, trying to work out what was going on.  “Chief needs you outfront.” Rodgers lied. “Chief said to stay down here.”  “Well, he’s saying something different now-” “No he’s not. Dude, what… what's going on?” the man stands up now from the stool. His hand moves to the radio at his hip. “The processing center for the Littles is down the hall.”  “Oh, I know.”  “Rodgers-“ “You’re going to have to forgive me for this.“ “What?” The two littles are placed to the ground and in one swift movement, Officer Rodgers has drawn an object from the waistband of his pants and points it directly at the man. Startled, his hands flew up in surrender, eyes widening. They flicker back and forth between the device and Rodgers.  “Dude, you don’t have to do this,” his voice trembled. “Whatever it is you are doing, I c-can help you-“ He doesn’t have a chance to finish because the sound of a loud bang echoes throughout the building.  Letting out a scream, Dani is pushed down to the ground. A warm body lays on top of her and she twists around to find Little Johnny Boy with a fierce expression on his face.  They look to where the bang came from, surprised to find Rodgers and the other officer unconscious on the ground with darts lodged firmly in their backs.  Dani can’t help the scared tears that stream down her cheeks as Little Johnny Boy yanks her to her feet.  They are not alone.  Almost two dozen Amazons flood the room and they are coming right their way.  Alisha and Therese said there was a chance the plan would fail but Little Johnny Boy hadn’t wanted to believe it would. But here they were with their only ally unconscious against a swarm of angry Amazons, a regressed Little and the exit is right in reach.  “Dani, you’re going to need to help me-”  “Hewp?”  “Yes!” He nodded. “I’m going to lift you on my shoulders and you’re going to press that big red button. Can you do that? It’s the only way away from the bad guys.”  “O-okay!” She sniffled.  He would like to believe that she was not as gone as once was. Dani is able to follow his directions as he lifts her into the air with surprising ease.  “Now!” Little Johnny Boy screams.  Her hand comes crashing down and it takes less than a second for the portal to come to life. A loud whizzing sounds and without a thought, Little Johnny Boy surges forward not fearing what is on the other side.  OoOoo Author’s Note: Hey all! Here’s another chapter! I always love to hear what you all think so don’t be afraid to comment! I hope to update again soon but until then happy reading!   

Thanks everyone for your kind words.