Olympiczero

Not the best idea? What could be better than getting all comfy and cozy in bed! Nothing bad can happen there!

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 54 The soft morning light gently filtered through the curtains of Isabelle's room, casting a warm and golden glow on her cheek. Isabelle smiled as she felt the warmth of the morning sun against her. After a full day of wet, dreary rain, the cool sunny autumn day was welcome. Isabelle had plenty to be happy about that morning, as she stretched her little legs out beneath her blanket, her soaked night diaper underneath her. Isabelle had just had the best weekend she could recall in recent memory; she had spent every waking minute with Lola and Dani. And, as though that wasn't enough, Isabelle couldn't recall having a more productive few days working toward fixing whatever it was that was happening to her. 'I have the wand,' Isabelle reminded herself. It was half of the plan. 'And Dani is going to help with the second half,' Isabelle recalled the moment Lola had said that Dani knew a magic caster. 'What were the odds of that?' Isabelle wondered, though disappointed Dani had never previously shared the identity of her magical friend with Isabelle before now. Either way, it meant Isabelle could, for the first time, simply enjoy herself, and not worry about anything other than just being Isabelle. Isabelle felt herself sink into her mattress. It had been so nice climbing into Lola's bed each of the last two nights. Even better waking up there. And though she missed feeling Lola's arm around her, there was something special about sleeping in your own bed. 'In fact, I don't think my bed has ever felt more comfy!' Isabelle's nose flickered as the scents of her room filled her body. The scent was a delicate medley of clean cotton and baby powder, swirled around with hints of chamomile and lavender from the lotions Jane lathered Isabelle in each morning and night. It an aroma that enveloped the senses like a comforting embrace. Isabelle allowed herself to open her eyes but for one moment, spotting the canopy of pink and and cream that hung over her. The little lights that were laced through the fabric shone dimly in the morning light. Isabelle shut her eyes once more, taking advantage of every moment she could that morning before her mom would inevitably come in to start the day. Isabelle let Rabbity go, stretching her arms above her head, feeling as her well rested body extended upward, before allowing her arms to spread out at her sides. But as she did so, something happened that Isabelle had not quite expected; her the tips of her fingers on each hand hit something. Something hard. Isabelle winced and pulled her hands back in to safety. 'Did I roll in the night? Is my body sideways?' Isabelle wondered if she had simply hit her headboard. "But that wouldn't explain why my other hand hit something. Unless.......had Isabelle hit her headboard AND the footboard? 'Am I.....Am I big again?' Isabelle's eyelids fluttered open. She could hardly believe it. Could it really be? Isabelle turned to her left, her heart beating rapidly. 'Could it be all over?' Isabelle blinked in confusion at the sight that greeted her. It wasn't a headboard. And it certainly wasn't a footboard. No, before Isabelle were a series of wooden slats. As Isabelle gazed up and down her bed, she saw that the slats ran from below her feet to above her head. At the base of her bed was a solid piece of material Isabelle could not see through. But as her eyes traced the opposite side of her bed to her right, another series of slats rising up from the bed stood firm and tall. Isabelle didn't need to look behind her head to confirm what she already knew. Isabelle was laying in a crib. The crib itself was large enough that Isabelle fit more than comfortably. Even stretched out as much as she could, she could neither reach the top nor the bottom of it, and the tips of her fingers only grazed the edges when she reached out sideways. Isabelle sat up, her heart rate not slowing down, to take in the sight around her. The crib sat almost exactly where her bed had been, except laying in the other direction. with on of the crib's slatted sides resting against the back wall of her room. The crib's simple, but sturdy wooden frame was painted in a soft shade of lavender. The crib was adorned with delicate flowers, which ran down each of the cylindrical slats that kept Isabelle confined within in. The flowers were decorated in pinks, yellows, reds, and blues, and Isabelle couldn't help but appreciate the beauty and detail that had gone into it. Isabelle's small hands reached out as Isabelle sat but on her butt, pulling her legs toward her. Isabelle could feel the comforting squish move around underneath her, a smile naturally appearing on her face. Isabelle used her fingers to trace one of the flowers closest to her, her attention focused on the beauty of it rather than her situation. Isabelle pulled her hand back inward, placing it on the ground and using it, and her other hand, to lift herself to her feet. Between the soft, plush mattress, and her very soggy diaper, Isabelle struggle to lift herself up, eventually using the wooden slats as a crutch to steady herself. As she stood, Isabelle was surprised to see how high the slats reached, her gaze barely hovering above the barrier that kept her contained. Isabelle gazed around the rest of her room. For the most part, everything was still where it was supposed to be. Her dollhouse and toys lay in the corner to her right, looking recently used and played with. Her changing table, though appearing larger to her eyes since she last saw it, sat clean and blissfully along the wall. Isabelle's eyes moved to her left, where her closet stood tall and open, her clothes neatly hung on their usual racks. Isabelle's desk and coloring items were all perfectly organized where she had last seen them. However, as Isabelle's eyes moved to her immediate left, there was one difference. In the corner, where there had once been a nightstand, was a pile, so high Isabelle could hardly believe it, of stuffed animals. Isabelle looked and looked, seeing stuffie after stuffie piled high. Elephants and penguins, whales and lions. Each animal seemed larger than the rest. Isabelle needed to explore. More than anything, she felt the need to jump into the pile of stuffies. Isabelle did her best to lift herself up, intending to go over and out of the crib. "Shooey!" Isabelle exclaimed, unable to lift herself over. 'New strategy,' Isabelle thought to herself, this time swinging one leg up in an effort to get it over the side of the bed. 'MISS!' But Isabelle was not about to give up. With all of her might, Isabelle threw her leg over once more......... "GOT IT!" Isabelle called out, too excited to contain herself. But it was at that moment that the door to her bedroom opened up. Standing there, watching the scene unfold was her mom. And though in Isabelle's mind, she had never slept in that crib before once in her life, she had a sinking feeling she was violating some rules she should have known about. "ISABELLE!" Jane called out dashing over, and quickly picking Isabelle up from where she lay on top of the crib. "You're going to hurt yourself like that! Now I know you got to sleep in a big girl bed at Lola's," Jane explained as she lifted Isabelle up, kissing her stomach bad giving her diaper a quick sniff. 'After breakfast,' Jane told herself, as she hiked Isabell on to her hip, and proceeded to carry her toward the stairs. "Now I know you slept in a big girl bed at Lola's all weekend," Jane started explaining, as she descended the stairs. "And we can convert your crib into a little bed for you if you want. But I also know that you snuck into Lola's bed every night," Jane said playfully, as they rounded the hall into the kitchen. "And big girls who are ready for beds stay in their own bed all night. So, if you can promise to stay in your bed, we can change your crib.' Isabelle would promise no such thing, and so stayed silent. 'Waking up in Lola's bed is the best.' Isabelle thought to herself, as her mom plopped her onto her soggy diaper, into a similar, but less comfortable highchair than she had at Lola's house. 'This one has no padding on it!' Isabelle wanted to complain, but thought better of it. "No? Not ready?" Jane asked mockingly, as she laughed and started to make Isabelle a bowl of cereal. "Okkkkayyyy sweetie. That means you're staying in your crib. Right. Where. Mommy. Can. Keep. You." Jane said, before booping Isabelle on the nose. Isabelle couldn't contain her giggles. Isabelle didn't exactly want to stay in the crib either though. It wasn't that the mattress of the crib had been uncomfortable. 'In fact, the mattress was kind of amazing.' But it was more important thought her legs over the side of the crib, her tiny feet touching the cool floor beneath her. It was more that it was a crib. 'Cribs are for...' But Isabelle thought better of finishing her thought. 'Why? Why fight it?' Isabelle wondered instead. 'When every change happened to me, I fought it. And where did that get me? Nowhere.' Isabelle dipped her spoon into her cereal, scooping the first few bites into her mouth. 'I fought going down to tenth grade when I had to do my showcase. I fought going down to middle school. I fought it the whole way,' Isabelle thought, as milk dripped down from her face and on to her sleeping gown. 'Then I fought my whole may through fifth grade too. I ended up wetting my pants in the school cafeteria. That wasn't helpful. And it was because I fought it. Fought everything.' Isabelle felt her stomach gargle a bit as she continued to chow on her cereal, as much of it getting in her tummy as on it. 'Then I had to go to second grade. And that was just awful. There was no Lola. No Dani. No Mel. No anyone. And the accidents didn't even stop.' Isabelle clutched her spoon as she let her arms rest on her tray, lifting her butt off of the seat so it was hovering in the air. 'None of my theories worked either. Not the ones in high school. Not the ones in middle school. Not the ones in elementary school." Isabelle squeezed her spoon tighter, both understanding and not caring as to what was happening, as she pushed a huge load of poop into her diaper, smiling as the relief in her tiny tummy spread to all corners of her. 'And it wasn't until preschool, and until this weekend, that things started to improve.' Isabelle thought as she settled back down into her mess, feeling as the warm contents of her diaper spread in every which direction; up her backside, through the bottom and toward the front of her, and everywhere in between. 'In fact, it wasn't until after I threw my tantrum at Lola about the highchair, about the diapers, that things started getting resolved. It was only after....' Isabelle shifted some more, finding that, rather than bothering her, her messy diaper was actually quite comfortable. '.....after I simply accepted Lola's decisions, started letting all of this happening to me, that things got better. And they got WAY better.' Isabelle couldn't help but accept the truth of it. 'Now I am in possession of the star rod. Dani is going to bring me her magician or whatever. And it's all because I just let it go. Let it be. And the truth is.....' Isabelle scooped the rest of her cereal into her mouth, picking some of the marshmallows that had fallen off of her shirt. '.....truth is I'm happy. The truth is I really......really loved being Lola's little siter. Really love being mommy's little girl. Really love.......being me.' It was a hard reality to accept. And it didn't necessarily mean she was going to stop working to get back. 'But it also doesn't mean this has to be bad, especially when it's so good.' Isabelle thought, as she shifted around more in her dirty diaper with a smile. 'So stop fighting it,' Isabelle told herself. 'Stop fighting the crib. Stop fighting the car seat. Stop fighting it all, and just let it happen. And it'll all get better. It will. It will all be better,' Isabelle thought, smiling more and more. Isabelle sighed a deep breath of relief, as her mom's words replayed in her head once more. "\'As you grow up - and yes, you're still growing up - things are going to happen to you. Things are going to happen around you. Things you cannot explain. Things you don't always understand, or that don't make sense. And you won't be able to control it all. And that is really hard to accept.' 'But the truth is sweetie,' the replay continued, 'what you're going to have to learn to do, what a grown up learns to do, is that you need to accept the things that are happening, let them happen, all of it. And once you do, you can learn how to deal with those things.' 'Why hadn't I just listened to her earlier?' "All done sweetie?" Jane asked, snapping Isabelle out of her deep thoughts. "Seems like it! And..." Jane continued, before dramatically sniffing in the air. "...I think you're all done doing a big deposit for mommy, aren't you sweetie?" Isabelle giggled. She giggled because she knew it was true. She giggled and nodded, smiling, because she knew her mommy would clean and change her. She smiled because it was all better. *********** Isabelle sat happily in her stroller as her mom wheeled her down a hallway that had become all too familiar to her; she was off to preschool. Better yet, they had met Jess and Becky at the door, and so while their moms chatted, Isabelle got to hold Becky's hand as she walked alongside the stroller and eavesdrop. "..........pullups all weekend........................not once." "That's amazing!..................................long way away..........big stinky for mommy" "Oh not missing that................maybe she can..............." ".....oooh that would be nice.............show her how...................good example........." "..............Friday?.......................Again. It was fun last time........" "Uhh...yah. I think that works..................................sitter?" "I'll take care of it............................." 'Becky!" Jane now called out louder. "I am so proud of you. Your mommy just told me how you didn't have ANY accidents all weekend. What a big girl you are! You'll be in big girl panties before we know it!" "Uh-huh!" was all Becky responded. As week ago, Isabelle would have been irritated, both by the news and her mom's intonation. But today? "Yay Becky!" Isabelle said, as she clapped her hands. Jane bent down with a smile, proud that her daughter was being supportive, and unbuckled the harness to the stroller. "Have fun you two!" Jess called, as Isabelle and Becky skipped into class together, each of their dresses bouncing as they did. "They are just too damn cute sometimes." Jess added, as she watched Jane fold up the stroller. "But we're stopping for coffee before you go to work. I want to hear all about Sam folding you up this weekend." Jess said, as she started walking back down the hall. "That doesn't even make sense!" Jane called after her. But Jane was smiling nonetheless, the memory of having been "folded" up more times than she could count too fresh, and too damn good. ***************** It was the best day Isabelle had had at preschool since she started there. Isabelle finally felt like she could be her complete self. There was nothing to worry about. 'It's all just so......just so.......perfect.' Isabelle thought, as Miss Deena went through morning story time. The particular story of the morning dealt with numbers and counting. Though the students were encouraged to count along, Isabelle found herself completely lost, unable to do so. Something else stood out that day as well. Isabelle watched as Miss Samantha and Miss Kelly moved around the class, helping students by taking them to the bathroom. It was a relief Isabelle found, when they passed right by her, even as they helped Becky who had signaled Miss Kelly over to help her. In fact, Isabelle found that without the constant need to focus on going to the potty and to make it on time, her mind was free to focus on other matters. No longer would her studies, her experiments, her theories be disturb. Instead, she was left entirely undisturbed, free to do as she pleased. 'It's just wonderful,' Isabelle thought, as she released her bladder freely and without a care for the second, 'or maybe third?' time that morning. Her diaper drooped merrily into her leggings, as Isabelle went from activity to activity, free as a bird. It was only at lunch time that Isabelle was finally interrupted, even if briefly. "Okay there sogster," Miss Kelly said as Isabelle took another bite of her Linguini-O's. "Let's get you into a fresh diaper." There had been no chastising. No negative remarks to make her feel badly. No indication that Isabelle had done anything wrong. Anything other than what she was supposed to, as Miss Kelly lifted her up, pressing her warm, soaked diaper comfortable against her. skin. Isabelle didn't object as Miss Kelly laid her down on the changing table, even releasing a yawn she had built yup. Isabelle didn't object as Miss Kelly slipped a pacifier into Isabelle's mouth, or when she hummed a lullaby as she changed her. Isabelle let it all happen; the wipes, cold as they were, the lotion, smooth as it was, the powder, its scent unparalleled as it was, before she was quickly taped up and returned to her lunch table with Becky, Miss Kelly picking up Julia to repeat the process. Isabelle smiled as she walked back toward her lunch table and passed by the potty chart. Isabelle's eyes were immediately drawn to the middle section, where she spotted Becky's name. 'She graduated!' Isabelle thought to herself. Soon enough, Becky's name would be firmly in the section at the left for "Big Boys" and Big Girls." Normally, Isabelle knew that was reserved for kids in big boy or girl panties. 'Becky must be close." And then there was her name, Isabelle recognized. It was listed right next to Julia's on the right side, in the section titled "Learning the Ropes!" Isabelle smiled because it was perfect for her. She held no ill will toward Becky - Isabelle was in fact, still learning the ropes, if you could even call it that. Isabelle shifted her legs, feeling the sweet, sweet comfort of her fresh diaper. 'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.' After lunch ended, Isabelle was happy for her nap time. She was exhausted from the morning, and was feeling sleepier than usual. 'More to do this afternoon,' Isabelle thought, as she laid her head down to rest. The afternoon passed faster than Isabelle realized. After waking up wet, Isabelle Becky, and Julia gathered around a pile of wooden blocks with divots for rails along the sides for free play time. 'Let's build a train track!" Becky suggested, as Isabelle and Julia clapped, nodding in agreement. Isabelle plopped onto her wet butt, picking up a few blocks to inspect them. 'The mission was clear: to create the most magnificent train track ever seen.' Isabelle, her golden curls bouncing as she moved, set the first wooden block down. "This can be the train station!" Isabelle called out, her friends nodding in agreement. Julia grinned mischievously at her friends and said, "Let's build the track to go through the mountains! These are the mountains! Over here!" Julia called out, pointing toward the reading nook which currently had a disinterested occupant in it. Isabelle thought it was a fantastic idea. Becky also nodded enthusiastically. "And we can make a bridge over the river!" Becky called out, as she laid down one of the blue nap mats on the floor between the station and the mountains. Isabelle, not to be left out of creating an obstacle, added one more in with a soft smile, "Don't forget the tunnels through the forest. These will be the trees!" Isabelle explained, setting up some large plastic trees that were part of the house set along the way. And so, with creativity filling their minds, and not to mention laughter filling the room, the toddling trio began arranging the wooden blocks on the floor, from the station, and along their route. Isabelle laid down a straight piece to start off of the station, figuring a smooth ride to start would be helpful. But her excitement grew, and became infectious as she moved on to curved and twisty pieces, before the tracks ran close to the river. Becky took over at that point, carefully placing several elevated bridge segments. The girls watched as Becky built the bridge strong and sturdy. To Isabelle, it wasn't just a napping mat that lay before her. No, it was clear as day that a sparkling river was flowing through the class, and Becky's bridge had overcome it. "First obstacle down!" Becky called out, as the three girls embraced for a hug. It was Isabelle's turn now, as she took several large, curving pieces, and wound them through their trees. No - not the plastic trees that had once been there. Those were long gone, Isabelle realized, as she ducked her head under a branch only she could see. In their place were the most majestic California Redwoods, rising high, through the very ceiling of the class, and climbing way up to the sky. Julia took over from there, but it was no easy feet. Isabelle could see it - a narrow, steep, and winding path up the mountainside. "Careful Julia!" Isabelle called, as Julia navigated the treacherous rocks and cliffsides, building her mountain pass up, and then around the mountain, so there would be safe return for the passengers. As they worked together, the track evolved into a mesmerizing landscape of winding paths, bridges, and tunnels. The girls' cooperation was a symphony of laughter and shared ideas, each block fitting into place like a puzzle piece. "Look!" Isabelle exclaimed, as Julia laid the last piece connecting the railroad back to the station. "Our trains are ready to explore!" Becky and Julia cheered, and each of the girls picked up their train, starting it at the station. First, Becky went, pushing her train along the tracks. Isabelle went next, following Becky's lead around the first few bends, toward the river. Isabelle could hear as Julia started after her, right on her tail. "Choo-choo!" Isabelle called out, making train sounds as she pushed the engine forward. The girls giggled as they watched their trains navigate the twists and turns of their carefully crafted track. Becky's eyes lit up as she turned and announced, "Time to climb the mountain!" Becky went first, and Isabelle watched as she climbed, climbed, and climbed into the mountain pass. 'I'm next,' Isabelle thought, as she crawled forward on her hands and knees, pushing her train upward with all her might. Isabelle pushed and pushed, braving the cold winds and blustering snow of the mountain pass. She pushed and pushed some more, fighting through snow drifts and narrow cliffsides. She pushed again, around steep cliffs and icy terrain. Until finally, as she approached the end, Isabelle pushed one last time. Except Isabelle's train had stopped. Isabelle wasn't pushing her train any longer. Instead, Isabelle was pushing something else. Something large. Something stinky. And Isabelle was pushing it all into her diaper. Isabelle pushed and pushed, unconcerned about her conduct as she filled her diaper until it would expand no more. Isabelle pushed and pushed some more, her poop spreading outward and forward with nowhere else to go. Isabelle pushed again, emptying the contents of her bowels into every inch of her overloaded diaper. Until finally, she approached the end, and there was nothing left to push out. Even then Isabelle pushed one last time. "Beep Beep Isabelle!" Isabelle turned to see it was Julia, who had caught up to her on the mountainside, seemingly oblivious as to what Isabelle had just done. "Sorry Julia!" Isabelle called back, as she re-ignited her engines, and crawled forward, easing her train over and through the mountain pass, before taking it back to the station. Playtime continued, and the girls ran their trains through their track over and over again. As they did, the girls took turns being the train conductor - the designated title for the lead train, Julia going next, and Isabelle going third. It wasn't until the fifth run around the tracks that Becky took a spot behind Isabelle, and caught wind of what her friend had done. "Miss Samantha! Miss Samantha!" Becky called out, as the teacher passed by. "Isabelle made a poopy." Isabelle hadn't even noticed what Becky had done, having bene too distracted when her train broke down in the forest past the bridge. Isabelle was started when Miss Samantha scooped her up and patted her butt. "Oh Isabelle. This diaper is going to explode its so full!" Miss Samantha stifled a laugh. "I'll bring your conductor right back after she gets a much needed diaper change. I think this diaper has enough in it to fuel all your trains right now." Isabelle giggled as Miss Samantha carried her to the changing table. *************************** "And then we had lunch mommy. And then I hadda nap. And then we played trains! It was the best. I made the station. And the Forest. And Becky made the river and the bridge. And Julia. Julia. Julia....Julia made the mountain mommy. And then we all made the tracks. It was the bestest." Jane smiled as she finished latherin Isabelle's body with baby soap, flipping her over on to her stomach in the tub so Jane could wash between the girl's butt cheeks. "I'm so happy you had a fun day sweetie," Jane smiled at her daughter, as she took a wash cloth with her free hand and started cleaning off the soap. "Yah!" Isabelle called out, as Jane started to drain the tub, her daughter now clean, head to toe. 'At least until her next accident,' Jane joked to herself. Jane was really impressed with how well Lola had done with Isabelle, but it was clear that bath time had been skipped over the weekend. Isabelle allowed her mom to wrap her up in her towel, before setting her down on the closed toilet seat to brush Isabelle's hair. "It was mommy. But I miss Lola. Can we see Lola and Sam tomorrow?" Jane smiled. She was happy Isabelle had enjoyed her time with Lola so much. "I don't know sweetie. Lola has school tomorrow. But we're going to have dinner with her on Wednesday again.' Isabelle winced, her mom catching a knot in Isabelle's long hair. "Sorry sweetie. Sorry. But yes, you'll see Lola on Wednesday. That's pretty good, isn't it?' 'It'll have to do, Isabelle thought,' disappointed. "Otay mo.....moh.......mommmy," Isabelle said through a yawn. "I'm sweepy." Jane watched as Isabelle's eyes practically rolled back into her head. "Okay hunny," Jane said, finishing her brushing job. "Let's get you into a diaper and into bed," Jane said, picking Isabelle up. Isabelle let her head rest on her mom's shoulders, nodding and smiling. Soon, she would be in bed, comfy, cozy, and wonderful. Isabelle simply needed to just let it all happen.

Thank you so much for your kind words! The car seat does sound comfy, doesn't? I am a very visual person as well, so I do the same. I just want everyone else to see what I see when I picture Isabelle and co. in my head, so I am thrilled to hear that you've been able to do the same. Thank you for your comments and support!

I suppose we'll both have to wait to find out! So far her theories haven't worked out so well. But perhaps the Star Rod one will be different. The part you quoted is just one part of her tale, and I tried to reflect in the following few paragraphs. I think Isabelle has, in many ways, come to really love what has happened to her. But it isn't surprising to me she's still trying to get back, even if its just a matter of being fixated on the goal. I think readers can expect to see some real self-reflection as Isabelle tries decide what it is she may want. I happen to think so. I am glad you do too! I' still hoping to find an artist to bring it to life (still searching!) Thank you for continuing to be such a wonderful and supportive reader🥰. I'm trying to engage with commenters more between chapters now.

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 53 "So, what was in there?" The question was so innocent. But that didn't make it easy. Lola tapped her fingers against the kitchen counter nervously. Lola raised her free hand to her head, running it through her head, her anxiety palpable. She hadn't slept very well the night prior, though Isabelle crawling into the bed around 3 AM had helped. Lola made sure to snuggle her extra specially last night. How could anyone even begin to answer the question though, innocent as it may have been? There was no common sense answer to provide. The journal was a relic, one that proved magic indeed existed. It contained the very real, very present thoughts of a teenager, one who had been much like Lola and Dani, yet was no longer. It was a journal of a journey unheard of, one that would never be taken seriously. Not from a toddler. And not from a teen. It was a journal reflecting a certain kind of madness, a tragic descent from adulthood to babyhood, with no signs that it might stop. The writings, which were once coherent, had all but descended into scribbles, the very last of which was, although decent enough for someone Isabelle's age, were messy and and required deciphering. Even the theories were a reflection of the impact the magic had had. From well rounded theories with scientific and medical bases, to investigations of pranks, through galaxies and theories of cosmic interference, all the way down to magic itself. The irony of this was that magic, in fact, was starting to seem like the only viable explanation. And how could anyone explain what they read in that journal to someone? No doubt the tale would be doubted. But even if presented, would anyone believe it was real? Would anyone really consider the journal itself was not the prank, that it was concocted either as a joke, or a figment of a far madder person's imagination? Was there any humor to it all? Would her mother believe it? Would her friends believe it? Teachers? Doctors? Scientists? Or had the memory of what was once true been lost on everyone. It was a sad story, really. That was what the journal was at its core. Sad. It told the story of a girl, who had the world in front of her, have it all taken away. And there was nothing she could do about. It seemed like she tried everything. In the end, she was reduced to person that was not even recognizable as compared to who she once was. But sometimes a story, even history, can be misleading. Did the journal really tell the complete tale? Was the joy that its author felt throughout her journey reflected in each stroke of the pen? Was the artist's laughter, her giggles, her dimpled smile, captured by the colors that wound their way through her drawings? Was the love the journal's owner received and gave found between the pages documenting her descent? Or was the journal simply one part of the story? Of her story. Lola itched her hair once more. She sun had been blocked out all morning by the rainy clouds that hung overhead. It was going to be a wet, gloomy day. 'Fitting,' Lola thought to herself. Lola was feeling rather gloomy herself, as her eyes glanced over toward Isabelle. Isabelle was smiling, gleefully sitting on her butt in front of the television, singing along to whatever cartoon Lola had found that morning for Isabelle to watch. Lola watched as Isabelle's braided hair bounced from side to side, like a grandfather clock ticking away the seconds. 'How much time was left?' Lola wondered It was an apt metaphor, Lola thought, bringing her coffee mug to her mouth, her eyes fixed on Isabelle. Lola wanted to smile. She did. But she couldn't. She simply couldn't. Not today......... .... .... .... ... "HELLLLLLOOO. Earth to Lola," Dani said, waving her hand obnoxiously in front of her friends face. "Are you there? Is anyone home? I asked you a question." Lola snapped out of her haze, moving her gaze off of Isabelle and back toward Dani. Lola starred at her friend. it was as though the last several minutes hadn't existed at all, even if Lola knew they had. "Huh?" It was a responsive reflective of Lola's challenging morning. Dani smiled. "I asked you a question. What. Was. In. There?" Dani said, speaking slowly as though to mock Lola for her inability to answer the question. "Oh. I. Ummmm..........." Lola set her mug down, taking a deep breath. ... ... ... "I don't know." It was an honest answer. But Lola could see Dani wanted more. "What I mean to say is, I didn't look." Lola could see the disappointment on Dani's face. "I mean. I flipped through it, like I told you." Lola explained. "And I saw some of Isabelle's drawings. But there was someone else's drawings too. They clearly weren't Isabelle's. And then there were all sorts of notes on the first few pages. Some seemed really personal at a glance. So I didn't read it. It may be her mom's. Or a recycled book she found that she's just coloring in. Either way, it wasn't my business." There was perhaps a world where Lola had read the journal, one where the course of events that proceeded from that day were markedly different than the ones that took place. But that was not this world. Not yet, at least. "Sorry," Lola added, as if to explain why she didn't respond right away. "Just a little sad she won't be waking up here tomorrow. It's strange...but I am going to miss having her here." "No I get that. I do. But Journal. No read? Seriously?" Dani asked surprised, acting playfully as she sat down next to Lola, caressing her friends back with one hand, and tapping the journal with her free hand. "This could have insight into future step-mom's life!" Lola scoffed at her friend again, but Dani was not about to cease her use of familial terms - it was simply too much fun getting a rise out of Lola. "Maybe its like, her journal, like a diary or something. Maybe I should just take a peek for us both......" Dani sarted to say, as she flipped open the book, revealing the contents of the third page or so. "See look. There is a list here about......." Lola snapped the book shut before Dani could read much. "No thank you. I mean it. It really isn't any of our business. And it really isn't a very good drawing book for Belly. But her drawing did give me an idea of how to spend the day today. You going to stick around?" Dani let her shoulders fall, disappointed that Lola wouldn't let her read the journal. But Lola was clear on her decision. "Yah. I need to go home this afternoon though. What's the plan?" It was at that moment that Isabelle decided to speak up. Well, not speak to be exact. But there was certainly an audible noise that was coming from the living room which drew both Dani and Lola's attention. Isabelle had lifted herself up on to her knees, her digestive system having woken up and indicated to her it was time to go. And so, with her eyes peeled on the television, Isabelle churned her face, and pushed a large load of poop into her diaper. Lola and Dani smiled as they watched Isabelle's diaper sag down from her pajama pants, until it was just barely hanging above the floor in her pants. Then, as quickly as she had started, Isabelle's body visibly relaxed, and she sat back down on her butt, squelching her poop against her butt cheeks as she found a comfortable spot to settle and continue watching her show. "Well," Lola said, draining her coffee, and setting the mug down. "First things first I suppose. But then were off to the store." **************************** "We're going to have so much fun today. I have a surprise planned for you Belly!" Lola explained, as she helped ease Isabelle little rubber rainboots on to her feet. "Just because its wet outside, doesn't mean we can't have fun in here!" Isabelle was all smiles as she rested her right arm on Lola's left shoulder, steadying herself as Lola helped her get her second rainboot on. "I like surprises!" Isabelle responded. The morning had been fun so far, despite the rain. Isabelle had gotten to wake up in bed with Lola again, which made her feel safe and loved. Lola and Dani had sat with her while she ate breakfast, chatting away as Isabelle listened about the rest of the night after Lola had carried her up to bed. "I even got to watch a bunch of cartoons again!' Isabelle thought to herself. "Okay. Give me your hand," Lola instructed, as she opened the door to the house, guiding Isabelle out under her umbrella. 'No need to haul the stroller with us for a short trip," Lola thought, as she watched as Isabelle leaped into the very first puddle she saw on the stoop, splashing the water in every direction. "Okay, let's not be doing that." Lola said, her own leggings taking the brunt of the explosion. Isabelle giggled, finding her actions to be quite hilarious. Isabelle did her best to keep up as she held on to Lola's hand, who guided her to her mom's car in the driveway. "Other side cutie," Lola explained, as they walked together around to the driver side of the car, as Dani climbed into the front seat. Lola opened the back seat door, setting the umbrella down beside her. "Up we go," Lola said, as she picked Isabelle up to place her in the car. Isabelle felt herself placed down into the car. But it wasn't right. It was strange. Isabelle realized there was something off right away, as her booster seat was far more plush, with a softer, and thicker cushion underneath her. But it wasn't just her butt that was softer. No, Isabelle also felt as her head rested back against a softer surface as well. 'Did Lola restuff the headrests in mom's car?' Isabelle wondered, before she could process what was happening. But it was not long before she did. Sometime between the sides of her head finding a foreign cushion. Once Lola had her firmly and securely buckled in. Somewhere between the time Isabelle felt the cushion of her seat envelope her, and the closing of the car door, she figured it out. Gone was her booster seat. And in its place was a very familiar object, one she had once buckled Eric into herself. Isabelle was in a car seat. The car seat was a symphony of sleek lines and plush cushioning. Its sophisticated exterior, a harmonious blend of onyx black and soothing gray, exuded an air of understated elegance. The seat itself possessed one patch a pink, a splash of color to signal both the sex of its occupant, and provide it some whimsy of fun. Yet, it was the features within that truly set it apart. As Lola set Isabelle down in the seat, Lola noticed the soft padding that cradled the toddler's body. Isabelle was not tense at all, her body immediately relaxing as Lola buckled her in. The memory foam of the seat molded perfectly around Isabelle's body, confirming that it was indeed her seat, and had been for some time. Lola pulled against the five-point harness crossing Isabelle's chest, confirming for her own mental well-being that Isabelle wasn't going anywhere. Lola fastened the seatbelt that anchored the car seat in place, and handed Isabelle a sippy cup filled with water. Lola then shut the car door with a smile. Lola was able to climb into the driver seat knowing Isabelle was safe. God forbid they were in an accident, Lola was sure the car seat's reinforced steel frame would protect Isabelle from any danger on the road. The car seat offered a sturdy protection that gave Lola peace of mind as she started the car, and put it into drive, easing her way down the driveway and onto the town road. As they set off for the store, Isabelle felt herself sink into the car seat. 'No, it's almost as if I am melting into it,' Isabelle thought, as she ignored the conversation taking place in the front seat. Isabelle wanted to feel rage, wanted her anger to boil at the fact that she was not even consulted that her booster seat had been removed from the car. Isabelle wanted to want to yell, and scream, to object to the childish treatment that she was continuing to receive. 'It's like the booster seat all over again,' Isabelle thought, as she willed her frustration her angst to boil, to overflow, to erupt. But it simply didn't. And Isabelle felt no rage. She felt no frustration. She felt no disappointment or irritation at all. In fact, she felt happy. Happy as she fell away into a world of comfort. Each turn of the car pressed her body further into the cushioned surfaces that seemingly surrounded her legs, her sides, her head. Isabelle fell deeper and deeper into the blissful security of the car seat, the harness pressing the soft, thick, and cushy padding her diaper firmly against her skin. It was a comfort much like her high chair had provided her at lunch. 'And I can still sort of see out of the window,' Isabelle noted for herself. Lola stole a glance at Isabelle through the rearview mirror, as they turned on to the main highway. Lola couldn't help but smile, her heart warmed by the little girl's joyful giggles as the car turned and sped up. The car seat wasn't just a safety feature; it was a haven that allowed Isabelle to experience the world beyond their doorstep in complete comfort. "........have the list of stuff?..........." "...............so much fun.............................more than her, I think......" "honestly, me......................................actually gave me an idea for next week......................." "...................if she's cool with it. Maybe she wants it........................................" "I guess................................There. The turn is there." Lola pulled into the parking lot of the store that was their destination. It took a few loops in the store lot to find a parking spot close to the entrance, but considering how the rain was at torrential levels, it would be worth it. "Okay. Here we are Belly. We're going to have to move quickly to stay dry, so I'm going to carry you in," Lola explained, as Isabelle watched her open the umbrella outside the car, and step out. Dani, for her part, bolted as fast as she could from the car to the entrance, disappearing out of sight. Lola unbuckled Isabelle as she dropped her empty sippy cup to the floor. Lola pulled Isabelle close to her body and under the umbrella, before shutting the car door behind her and locking it. Isabelle wrapped her arms around Lola's neck to help, her legs barely dangling down to Lola's waist. "Let's go," Lola said, as she jogged with Isabelle through the lot awkwardly, not used to hauling the extra weight around her neck. "Wheweeeeee Belly. It is really wet out there," Lola exclaimed, as they found shelter in the store. Lola shook the umbrella off before folding it up, making her way toward Dani who had collected a shopping cart. "Thanks for your help back there," Lola said sarcastically, as she settled Isabelle's legs through the child's seat in the cart so that Isbaelle was facing Lola as she pushed the cart. Isabelle immediately noticed how uncomfortable the metal framed seat was compared to her car seat. 'But at least I get to look at Lola in here.' "What?" Dani replied, as she stroked Isabelle's blonde curls. 'Every woman for herself. I didn't even have an umbrella," Dani added, as she walked beside Lola pushing the cart through the store. Isabelle hadn't been sure at first, but once they were inside, recognized where they were. It was a Michelle's, a chain of craft stores that was loaded with art and craft supplies. Isabelle's eyes were popping out of her head as Lola wheeled her through aisle after aisle, each having more colors and supplies than the last. Isabelle tried her best to reach each shelf from the cart as they moved through the store, managing to pull more than a few things she thought looked fun into the car without either Dani or Lola seeing. 'We're going to have a fun art project," Lola explained to Isabelle as Lola and Dani worked very decisively to put certain items into the cart. "And I think you're really going to like what we make Belly." Lola and Dani shared a smile. It was killing Isabelle that she was the only one who didn't know what they were going to be making. 'But it only builds the excitement!' Isabelle realized, as she yanked another package of glitter off of a hook, dropping it into the cart while Dani and Lola were distracted. Lola and Dani were efficient, and not 20 minutes after they entered the store, they were standing in line at the cash, setting their items down on the belt to check out. "I don't remember getting this....what's this.....and this for Lolz?" Dani asked, genuinely curious as she pulled some haphazard items Isabelle had dropped into the cart out to pay. Lola smiled, realizing what had happened. "Seems a little menace was throwing things in the cart when we weren't looking, isn't that right Belly?" Lola said, as she returned to Isabelle and tickled her. Isabelle couldn't help but laugh and squeal as Lola tickle attacked her, releasing her bladder instantly into her diaper. Her pee forced its way around her sides and under her butt, having little room in the front as Isabelle was pressed right up against the metal seat. Dani removed Isabelle's items from the cart - "except the glitter, let's keep that," Lola called back to Dani. "And that one too - that's a present." Lola quickly paid for the supplies, and Isabelle soon found herself being pushed toward the exit. Lola picked Isabelle up, setting the cart back in the stack, and prepared for her dash back to the car. "It seems someone had a little tinkle time in the store, didn't she sweetie," Lola remarked, as she patted Isabelle's drooping diaper from over her pants. Isabelle didn't think much of it, and didn't respond. "That's no problem sweetie. No problem at all," Lola continued, conversing with herself, as she carried Isabelle out quickly to the car, the three girls setting off for Lola's ***************** Lola spread out the art supplies across the table Lola had unfolded in her basement. The table was only ever really used once a year, when Lola and her dad put together puzzles over the Christmas holiday. Lola figured there would be no harm in using it for their little project. In fact, as Lola set out the supplies—malleable cardboard pieces, glittery papers, colorful markers, shiny ribbons, and an array of stickers-Lola could practically feel the spirit of the holidays coming off of the table. "Okay, team," Lola declared, "today, we're going to make a magical wand called........the Star Rod!" Isabelle's entire body went stiff, her eyes darting to meet Lola's. "Now, this is no easy want to make," Lola explained. "It possesses extremely strong magical powers. And so it's very important that we follow this EXCEPTIONAL blueprint without fail!" Lola placed a very neatly torn out page containing the Star Rod drawing Isabelle had made, placing it at the center of the table. 'Could we truly......truly be making the wand I need?' Isabelle wondered, as she stared back and forth from her drawing, to Lola and Dani, unconcerned that Lola had removed a page from her investigative journal. Lola reach behind her, and set something down in the center of the table. 'There it is....' Isabelle thought, staring at the special item Lola had stood up: a long, cylindrical wooden piece that they would transform into the Star Rod. Isabelle could feel the power emanating from the base of the rod toward where she was. 'This is it.' Isabelle simply couldn't contain her excitement. "YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!" Isabelle was calling out, as she leaped in circles around the table, as Dani and Lola chuckled at her enthusiasm. "That's right," Dani chimed in. "And it's going to be the most enchanting wand ever!" Isabelle didn't need to be told twice. She knew what power the wand held. And here were her friends, as always, there for her in her time of need. Together, they would craft the magical wand, and Isabelle would be one step closer to her salvation. With Lola and Dani's guidance, the three girls began the crafting adventure. "Look at all these colors, Isabelle!" Dani exclaimed. "What color should we start with?" Isabelle giggled and pointed to a bright blue paint, her eyes sparkling. Isabelle dipped her fingers into a bowl of paint, her face lighting up as she spread color onto the wooden stick. Isabelle took her time, frequently consulting her blueprint to ensure that she was coloring the rod to specifications. Lola and Dani joined in, electing to use paint brushes rather than their finders, shading the rod and creating more defined lines to correct for Isabelle's haphazard mess. From Isabelle's perspective, however, it had all been here.. As they painted, Isabelle began to share the story about the Star Rod, weaving tales of magical realms and dreams coming true. Isabelle left out the true purpose she would need it for. 'But Lola and Dani are entitled to know of its power,' Isabelle decided. 'Perhaps they could even get a wish from it too.' Lola and Dani played happily along as Isabelle told unbelievable tales, asking questions to ensure they understood exactly how the Star Rod worked. 'Hmmm so it needs a magic caster, does it now?" Dani asked, making a suggestive head nod toward Lola that Isabelle didn't pick up on. 'Yes!" Isabelle confirmed, as she allowed Lola to begin wiping her fingers clear of the paint. The poor girl had gotten paint all over her shirt, pants, and even her face which she just insisted on touching. In fact, there was even a spot of dried purple paint in Isabelle's nostril where the girl had picked her nose after just dipping her fingers in the freshly poured purple paint. "We need to find someone with magic first so they can give us all our wishes!" "Hmmmmmm. You know what Isabelle," Lola offered, as she started to wipe Isabelle's second hand. "I think Dani may just be able to find someone with magic powers. But it may take her.......oh I don't know....six days or so to find them," Lola explained, responding to Dani's inquiry without revealing their plan to Isabelle. Isabelle's jaw nearly dropped. "Can you Dani? Can you really?" It was all coming together. Isabelle was going to solve the conundrum. It would all be resolved. "Oh, oh yes. I think I can sweetie," Dani responded, pulling out the pliable cardboard that she started shaping into a three dimensional star. "I am pretty certain I'll be able to." Lola and Isabelle started working on the decorations, as Dani worked to craft the star for the top of the wand. Isabelle selected sparkling sticky stars to add to the wand's handle, giggling as she carefully placed them onto the wooden stick. Lola helped guide the placement, steadying Isabelle's wobbly hands as they worked together to place the stars in a spiral up the wand's handle "Star is ready!" Dani announced, as she put the finishing touches on shaping the bright, yellow star. "Want to put some gold glitter on it Belly?" 'What a ridiculous question,' Isabelle thought. 'Of course I do.' Isabelle nodded faster than she knew her head could move. Dani smiled, and helped Isabelle apply some glue on to the star, careful not to damage it, as Isabelle dumped clumps of glitter everywhere. Dani than used a hot glue gun to secure the star to the rod. "Now," Lola announced, "let's add a touch of ribbon to make it even more magical." Dani showed Isabelle how to tie a ribbon onto the wand, creating a flowing tail that would dance in the breeze. Isabelle watched in fascination, mimicking Dani's actions as best as her tiny hands could. With Lola's help, Isabelle was able to secure the ribbon to the base, the blue tails flowing in the air. As the final touches were added, the Star Rod came to life—a kaleidoscope of colors, glitter, and imagination. "It's perfect," Isabelle said, her eyes shining with pride. Isabelle couldn't help but clap her hands, her face glowing with accomplishment. Dani held up the Star Rod and declared, "With this wand, all wishes can come true," as she handed it to Isabelle. Isabelle's eyes widened, and she took the Star Rod in her hands, holding it with a mixture of wonder and delight. Isabelle could feel its power rupture through her body, her bladder releasing at as it did and filling her soggy diaper up even more. Isabelle turned her gaze to Lola and Dani. She knew what she needed to do. "Thank you.........thank you so much." Isabelle said, as a yawn emerged from her teeny mouth. "You're welcome sweetie," Lola responded. "Why don't we leave the wand with Dani for now," Lola stood up, taking the wand and handing it back to Dani, "while I take you upstairs." Lola lifted Isabelle up, the weight of her wet diaper pulling her pants down. "Someone needs a fresh diaper. And a nap." Isabelle didn't protest. Before Lola even had her on the ground floor, Isabelle was asleep on Lola's shoulder. ********* Isabelle sat in her high chair as Lola put bits of cut up chicken pieces on her tray for her to eat. After putting Isabelle down for her nap, Lola and Dani took longer than expected to clean the basement. 'She got glitter EVERYWHERE," Dani complained, seemingly unable to even find it all. "It's like she tried to find new places to throw it." Lola smiled. It was a complete mess, and by the time they finished, Dani said her goodbye and was off, Star Rod in her possession. Dani was careful to cover it in a few plastic bags to protect it from the ceaseless downpour. Lola was exhausted from the weekend. But she knew her dad and Jane would be home soon, and that Isabelle would want to eat dinner soon after she woke from her nap. So Lola worked to tidy up the house. She stripped her bed and washed the sheets, the faint linger of Isabelle's soiled diapers having made their home in her room. Lola then tidied up the kitchen, and started to make dinner. "I think I'm going to have to put myself to bed early tonight too," Lola told herself, as she put two chicken breasts into the pre-heated oven, just as she heard Isabelle call to her from upstairs. Lola had placed Isabelle in front of the television while she finished dinner. Before the chicken was done, Lola felt her cell phone ring. Seeing it was her dad, she quickly picked it up, putting it on speaker phone. Isabelle turned her head as Lola spoke, catching parts of the conversation. "Hey dad." "..........in the car......" "Oh cool. Hey Jane.............fun?" "....................possible without you..........................little angel?" "She's good..................bed with me again.............television....................dinner.......................exhausted." ".......not used to being able to do that.............cant' get out on her own at home...............taste of what it's like................." "Hah. I'm not sure about that," Lola said, as she made her way over to Isabelle, sitting down next to her on the floor. Lola slipped her hand down Isabelle's pants, slipping her fingers into Isabelle's diaper to check on it as her dad and Jane continued to speak. "Well were on our way back," Isabelle heard Sam explain, the phone now close enough to hear it all. 'But we're going to be a little later than expected. The rain on the roads is really bad. Are you guys okay there." "Yup," Lola responded, removing her hand from Isabelle's diaper, it only having been wet once, Lola determined, since she was put down for her nap. "Well see you when we see you. It's no problem. We're going to have a quiet night here I think." "Thank you Lola." It was Jane speaking now. "How's my little princess? Is she behaving?" "HI MOMMMMMY!" The sound of her mom's voice for the first time in days warmed Isabelle's heart. She couldn't wait to see her mom again. "HI SWEETIE!" Jane called back. Lola laughed - it sounded like Jane had as much enthusiasm in her voice as Isabelle. "I can't wait to see you baby. You be a good girl for Lola for a little bit longer, okay? Mommy is coming as fast as she can!" "OTAY MOMMY!" Isabelle called back, before turning back to her television show. "Don't worry Jane, we're all good here. We'll see you soon. Say Bye-bye Belly!" "BYE MOMMMMY I LOVE YOU!" "Bye sweetie. And goodbye Lola - see you soon!" After dinner, Lola didn't have much energy to play, so lifted Isabelle out of her high chair and brough her downstairs to the theater. "How about we put on a movie while we wait for you mommy?" Lola proposed, setting Isabelle down in the middle chair in the front. 'Sounds fun!" Isabelle responded. "But can we not watch the monster movie?" Lola laughed. "No, we won't watch the monster movie. We'll watch something better. How do you feel about Rover-Roo? Do you know who that is?" Lola asked, as she flipped through Getflix, spotting the movie. Lola turned to see Isabelle smiling and nodding. "Perfect, I'll put that on." Lola recalled starting the movie. She recalled the opening music play as she reclined her seat. Lola recalled Isabelle climbing off of her own chair, and laying down on Lola instead. Lola even recalled the group find their first clue. But Lola didn't remember anything else, as she fell fast asleep with Isabelle in her arms. ******************** "Helllloooooooo there." Lola heard Jane's voice call, as her eyes shot open, spotting Jane standing over her, and her dad standing behind Jane laughing, holding his phone out and taking a photo. Lola started to shift to sit up, panicking that Jane might be angry that she fell asleep. But she realized she had Isabelle laying on top of her, and so thought better of it. "Looks like you needed a nap too, huh?" Sam joked, making sure to be quiet enough not to wake Isabelle. "Oh hush," Jane said, playfully slapping Sam's shoulder, who feigned pain at the hit. "And don't worry about waking her Lola. It's okay." Lola nodded, as she gently shook Isabelle to wake up. "Belly. Bellllllyyyyyy......Wake up. Look who's here Belly. It's your mommy....." Isabelle slowly opened her eyes, fighting off her exhaustion as best she could. ".........huh.........Mom....mommy!" Isabelle called, as she climbed off of Lola and into her mom's waiting arms. Lola watched as Jane scooped Isabelle up tightly into her arms, holding her snugly against her body. "My sweet, sweet little girl. Mommy missed you SO much!" Jane said, as she kissed Isabelle on her head before holding her back out. "Did you have SO much fun with Lola. It looks like she took extra good care of you!" Isabelle rubbed her eyes and nodded. "I had the bestest time mommy. Can I stay with Lola again soon? Can I? Can I please?" Lola's felt like her heart was going to explode. She was overwhelmed with love, and was so happy that Isabelle had actually had fun with her. "Oh, well, I think Lola needs a little recovery from having so much fun with you all weekend," Jane explained. "But as soon as she does," Jane said, now looking at Isabelle, "You can stay with Lola whenever she has time to watch you. Mommy trusts her completely." No. Lola had been wrong. NOW her heart felt like it was going to explode, and it took everything she had in her not to cry then and there. "Thank you Jane. And she's always welcome." "Let's get you home to bed sweetie. You have a long day tomorrow at school. We packed the car while you were snoozing away on Lola," Jane explained. "Thank you Lola. Truly. From the bottom of my heart. And goodbye you," Jane said, leaning to the side and kissing Sam as she held Isabelle. "Wait," Lola called, before fetching something behind the couch. "This is for her. For Isabelle," Lola explained, handing Jane a wrapped gift. "it's nothing, really," Lola explained. "I just thought she would like it."

You won't have to wait too long! 😄Honestly, the few "weekend with Lola chapters" have been some of my favorite to write, and also to read. They may not be the best written chapters in the story, but I just can't get enough of writing them. I'm actually sad the weekend has to end!

Your assumption is correct. I tried to set it up like that. I'm going off my notes here, but the Journal was introduced in Chapter 26 or so when Isabelle had just moved 6th grade. She continues writing in it in a few chapters later, but Isabelle is in second grade at that time. I tried to include some spelling mistakes in her journal to reflect her regressed mind, but probably should edit to make it more clear. The mistakes are also inconsistent, I remember seeing on an edit (spelled correctly in one entry, not in the other). So there is quite a bit of editing work I need to do throughout. I do apologize if it detracts from your reading experience (it bugs me like crazy). I think there are a few chapters in the 30s where she writes in journal that should have some purposeful typos. But by the end of second grade, and then into preschool, she's just drawing pictures. Isabelle even tries to go back to consult her notes, but for some odd reason, can't read it! But the Journal hasn't changed. The only people that have seen it so far were Jane and funny enough, Charlotte. There was a time where Mel had peeked as well, but I think I edited that out. But no one in the past showed any interest in flipping through the journal, instead just looking at the pages they saw. And thank you for reading. Your support and comments are truly appreciated.

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 52 "So," Dani said, before biting down on the last of her toast, and bringing her coffee to her lips to wash it down. "To recap, you woke up to a poopy diaper in your bed, got some poop on your finger during a diaper change, endured the wrath of a toddler tantrum, and then cried in the kitchen by yourself. Did I get that correctly? Sound about accurate?" Dani was mocking her. But Lola wasn't in any mood to be mocked. "It isn't funny Dani." Lola responded tersely. "Actually," Dani said as she slurped another sip of coffee, "I find the idea of you waking too poop in your bed and you getting some poop on your finger to be quite funny. Hilarious even. Just be thankful it wasn't a blowout in your bed." Lola starred at her friend. 'How can she POSSIBLY be so calm and relaxed after everything I just told her. "She told me she hated me Dani. HATE-TED me. She's going to tell her mom. Jane will never trust me with Isabelle again. And WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING AT ME?" Lola was getting genuinely angry at her friend's snickering. 'I am laughing," Dani explained as she stood up, "because you deserve to be laughed at right now. You're taking this wayyyy too seriously.' Dani said, before cutting Lola off before she could interrupt her. "She's a little kid Lolz. She has tantrums. She yells stuff. She didn't mean it. She probably doesn't even know what she said. She doesn't hate you at all. In fact, she's probably forgotten she said anything all together." Dani continued to sip her coffee. "It......It didn't feel like it was just......It felt like she meant it Dan." Lola knew her friend was probably right. But Lola was hurt. Lola turned her gaze toward Isabelle, her small body in the same exact spot Lola had set her down in front of the couch, eyes fixed on the television. 'It really doesn't even seem like she cares that she upset me.' Lola thought. "And that might be the worst part of it all.' "Listen," Dani said, interrupting Lola's morose train of thought. 'Let's list all the things you did right. You snuggled her into your bed after she probably had a nightmare - for which, I am not responsible." Lola scoffed at Dani's disclaimer. "You're totally responsible if that's what happened." Dani wouldn't hear it. "Next, you changed her out of, what sounds like, a very poopy diaper. Then, you fed her a delicious breakfast. And now," Dani gestured toward the living room, "she's laying on the ground watching cartoons. She's happy. And you're doing a great job. I promise." Lola listened as her friend spoke, feeling a little better about her efforts. "I did do all those things. But it was odd. She fought me on so many things that didn't seem to bother her yesterday. She went on and on about wanting a pullup, when her mom didn't even pack any. And then she threw a fit about sitting in the highchair that we fed her dinner in just last night." Lola couldn't reconcile Isabelle's behavior. "Kids do weird things. It's probably just because she wanted to sit where you were sitting. The pullup fixation is probably something from school, or wanting to prove she's a big kid to her new older sist - " Dani started to tease, but thought better of it, as Lola's eyes pierced her very soul "...prove she's a big kid to you." Lola sighed. "I'm sure you're right. But why do I feel so crappy about it then?" Dani laughed again, as she went over to the coffee pot to refill her mug. "Because no matter how many things you do right, eventually, she will have a tantrum and make you feel crappy. It's what kids do. Like I said, aren't they the best?" This time, Lola did smile. It was nice having Dani around. "How about this," Dani said as she made her way over to Lola, rubbing her back. Now it was Lola's turn to let her head fall onto someone's chest. "Why don't I cancel my plans tonight, and stay here again. Just to help if you need me?" 'No! Absolutely not. You've been looking forward to your...special plans tonight all week.' Lola said, both saying and not saying what she and Dani both knew Dani had planned for her evening Lola was not about to get in the middle of it. "Nonsense," Dani responded. "Chicks before - " Dani stopped her sentence as Lola kicked her, spotting Isabelle approaching from the corner of her eye. Dani caught on, and elected to change her language "....boys. And in any event, I would have FAR more fun here. Isabelle," Dani said, turning to the toddler who inched up next to them. Dani and Lola were both keenly aware that Isabelle hadn't picked her eyes up from the floor. "Would it be okay if I have another sleepover with you and Lola tonight Belly? I would really like to, if you're okay with it?" Lola watched as Isabelle, eyes still on the floor, slowly nod her head. Dani looked back at Lola. "See? Isabelle has invited me over. I can't say no now! I'll reschedule my other plans." "...can I have some more pwease?" It was barely a mumble, and had someone else been speaking, Lola wouldn't have even heard. But fortunately it was quiet when Isabelle spoke. Lola turned her eyes down to Isabelle who was holding her empty sippy cup up. The poor girl still hadn't picked her head up once, and she looked utterly pathetic lifting her empty cup out, asking for help. Lola wasn't sure how to help, other than give the girl what she wanted. "Of course you can sweetie," Lola responded, doing her best to air a positive attitude in her voice, and keep Isabelle's spirit up. "Do you want water or juice?" Isabelle's response was barely a whisper, her gaze not once leaving her feet.. "...uice..." 'Okay sweetie," Lola said, as she filled the sippy cup with the remaining apple juice on the counter handing it back. "Why don't you go finish your show before we wrap up and go out?" Isabelle didn't even nod. She simply took the juice and ran off, still too embarrassed to even look at either Dani or Lola. "See?" Dani said, triumph in her voice for all the wrong reasons. "She feels badly. She can't even look at you. She didn't mean it Lola. You'll be fine." Lola didn't want Isabelle to feel badly. 'I just wish it hadn't happened to begin with.' Lola knew Dani had been right. It was just hard to accept. But there was one other thing Dani had said that Lola still didn't understand. "What's a 'blowout'?" ************** Isabelle raised no complaints when Lola strapped her into her RISABABY as they left the house around 10:30 that morning. 'How can she still smile at me...' Isabelle wondered, as Lola expertly braided Isabelle's hair into two braided pigtails, before lifting her, and depositing Isabelle into her stroller. "......even after the way I treated her." Isabelle accepted the sippy cup of water Lola handed her, content to be able to hide from Lola's gaze using the stroller's overhead cover. Isabelle wanted to apologize to Lola all morning. She just didn't know how to. 'I can't believe I said those things to her...' Isabelle had promised to be on her best behavior, and she had been anything but. 'And it isn't Lola's fault,' Isabelle realized. 'It was mom that didn't pack any pullups for me.....but also the highchair?' It had all just been so confusing to Isabelle that morning. 'I just...lost control.' The worst part of it all was Lola was still being so sweet to her. 'She deserves better.' Isabelle watched as Lola pulled a large strapped bag around her shoulder, before disappearing behind her. Sure enough, the stroller started to move, and they were on her way. Isabelle was surprised at how much she was enjoying being in the stroller. 'Maybe its a good thing I didn't complaint about this TOO.' She realized she just needed to give it a fair chance. It was nice, not having to walk with such small legs. And it was almost like riding a roller coaster. Isabelle couldn't help but smile as they went down the steep decline toward the village shops Isabelle knew all too well. There were other advantages too. The seat was, admittedly, extremely comfortable. After Lola had strapped her in, Isabelle allowed herself to rest back into the seat, rather than sit up and pull against the straps. The seat was not only padded and supportive, but was extremely soft, and her diapered butt fit perfectly into the seat. In fact, Isabelle all but forgot the five point harness keeping her safely inside. She was simply comfortable. The best part, however, was getting to focus on looking around instead of walking. Isabelle had been so uneasy on her feet that morning, she worried that if she had to use all of her energy focusing on her steps, she would have missed the world around her. Isabelle smiled as she spotted cardinals flying, chirping away as they walked. Isabelle saw squirrels running up their trees, the pretty flowers lining the gardens along Mansion Row, and the beautiful cars driving up and down the street as Lola navigated the stroller along the sidewalk. There was of course one drawback. As Lola pushed Isabelle along, she found herself largely excluded from the conversation Dani and Lola were having behind her. Isabelle caught pieces of it, but on top of finding her attention more easily grabbed by the things going on around her, it was hard to hear even when she was focusing on her friends' conversation. "............................told him we would just move our plans to next weekend..............' "....................feel bad................................come over later anyway? "....................no.......................with his.....................................and his sister....................." ".................already have plans...............halloween.........................my place." "That's right.........................work out for the better............................if you know, that's okay." "oh............................anyway..........I said we would meet her around noon.......................can hold on until then............." "........hungry..........................seems happy.........................going to be fine." Even if it was a little frustrating, Isabelle wasn't quite ready to face her humiliation yet. 'Maybe being excluded right now isn't the worst thing,' Isabelle though, as her stroller hit a little bump, bouncing her upward before the decline finally levelled off. "Sorry sweetie!" Isabelle heard Lola call from behind her. 'She's still being too nice to me...' Isabelle had been to the local village shops more time than she could count. It would be her first time though in her current state. The village was only about a ten minute walk from Lola's, and the girls often found themselves there in the past after staying over at Lola's on Friday nights. Lola instantly recognized the designer stores and nice restaurants as Lola made her way in along the path, waving to a mother who was pushing a similar stroller to her own as they passed one another. "How about we explore some stores before we meet our friend for lunch?" Lola proposed, trying her best to include Isabelle. Isabelle didn't respond, but didn't exactly object either. The village was like a picture-perfect postcard, with cobblestone streets, quaint little houses, and blooming flower gardens. It was busy that morning, with lots of parents, kids, and teenagers like Lola and Dani about. Lola pushed Isabelle past store after store, each boasting its own unique charm. Isabelle felt her mood was already changing for the better, releasing her bladder without paying any attention to it at all. Their first stop was a lovely bookstore with shelves stacked with colorful storybooks. Lola wheeled Isabelle's stroller into a section appropriate for her age, while Dani disappeared to find a book that she had been looking for. "Why don't you see if you can find a story for me to read to you tonight before bed? Pick any one you want," Lola told Isabelle, as she unbuckled Isabelle's harness and helped her out of her stroller. Isabelle felt the sag of her diaper droop between her legs as she waddled her way over to a shelf full of colorful books, excited to explore and investigate them. Isabelle picked up a few of what she determined to be the best choices, clinging to the books as if they were treasures to be cherished forever. Isabelle found what she determined to be a safe place to set them down, laying on her stomach and flipping through them. Lola smiled as she watched Isabelle look through the books, not a care in the world. Lola spotted a low chair near Isabelle, and decided to sit down on it, and started stroking Isabelle's back as she was distracted by the books. Sensing an opportunity, Lola lowered her hand, pulling Isabelle's dress up, and pressing her fingers against her diaper. 'She's definitely wet. But I'm thinking she can last a bit longer," Lola thought, not seeing anywhere to change Isabelle in the small book store. Isabelle was too distracted by her fun to even notice what Lola was doing. Finally, Isabelle settled on a book about penguins, holding it up for Lola to see. "This one looks to be the best!" Isabelle said enthusiastically, realizing it was the first time she had met Lola's eyes since she had yelled at her that morning. And starring back at her was Lola's unconditional loving gaze. 'I don't deserve her," Isabelle thought, as she heard Dani return from behind her. "Can't believe they had it - ooooh. Penguins. Neat choice Belly," Dani added, as Lola took the book from Isabelle. "Why don't you walk for a little bit sweetie," Lola proposed, as they made their way to the register together. "Just stay close." Lola figured the walking might help tire Isabelle out a little bit. From the book store, the trio made their way to a boutique clothing store. Isabelle waddled alongside the stroller ahead of Lola and Dani, stopping periodically to point at various store fronts, and to pick up a penny she found that had fallen near a bench. 'SCORE,' Isabelle thought, as she held on to her prize tightly. Dani and Lola were elated to see that the store they picked had children's clothes, forgetting entirely that they had come there for themselves. Lola and Dani guided Isabelle through the store, picking pretty dress after pretty dress, and adding to a pile. The morning was filled with laughter and delight as Lola and Dani dressed Isabelle up in outfit after outfit, snapping photos of their super model the whole time. Isabelle didn't mind - she was having fun with it too, feeling like a little fashion star with every new outfit. "Oh sh-" Lola stopped herself, as she changed Isabelle back into her regular clothes. "-ooooey. Shoeey. I lost track of the time Dani. It's already almost 12:30. Tori has probably been waiting for us for a while. Leave all of those things - except the little bathing suit. I want to keep that one " Lola took the navy one piece bathing suit, decorated with flamingos, and paid at the register. "Hop back in sweetie. We're in rush, so please sit still." Isabelle climbed in to the stroller, doing as she was told. 'I guess things are going better since breakfast.' Isabelle wanted to simply pretend the morning didn't happen as Lola pushed her quickly down the village sidewalk. 'But I know I owe her more than that.' It was getting near time to rip the band-aid off. As Lola rounded the corner, Isabelle saw that they had arrived at a familiar cozy café with outdoor seating. The spot served sandwiches and salads, and cool, homemade iced tea that was wonderful to have on a farm fall day. Isabelle hadn't noticed how hungry she had been until they passed the first few tables, Isabelle literally drooling as the smells filled her nostrils, causing her to sit up and lean out from the stroller. But then Isabelle heard a familiar voice. "Oh my god. You were totally right Dani. She has the TOTAL hot mom look going." Isabelle's attention turned toward the voice, where she saw Tori sitting at a four-person table, partially covered by an overhead umbrella, providing some shade. Isabelle watched as Dani hugged Tori, retreating into her stroller to hide from her old dance mate. Isabelle was happy when Lola stopped the stroller on the far side of the table, kicking out the break to she wouldn't roll away. "Right? It's the outfit, the diaper bag, the stroller. It's a total vibe," Dani responded to Tori, "annnnnndddd. it. really. does. suit. her." Dani teased, emphasizing each word as she looked back at Lola, moving out of the way so Lola could hug Tori as well. "Ew! Why on earth did you say I have 'mom vibes?" Lola asked Dani, as she embraced Tori. "Teenage mom is NOT 'hot' mom, for the record. And let's get 'mom vibes' out of our vocabulary when describing me." Lola said, waving her open palm in a circle at her friends. "Besides, she's already got one of those." Lola returned to the seat next to Isabelle's stroller, setting the diaper bag down. "And for the record, there is nothing wrong with my outfit." Tori and Dani laughed, as Dani took her seat as well. "Belly, are you going to say hi to our friend Tori?" Dani asked, as she pushed the stroller cover back from over Isabelle's head, removing the one place Isabelle had to hide. She was now exposed, and left with no other options. "Hi Tori." Isabelle said sheepishly, as she waved gently, before re-adjusting herself as far back as she could in the seat. Isabelle was desperate to conceal herself, pulling the front of her dress up with her hands as if to seek any shelter from being left open to the world. The consequential effect was that she simultaneously revealed her very soggy diaper to the whole table. "Well hello there cutie," Tori responded, noticing the yellowed diaper immediately, and waving back. "She is just precious Lolz." "Yah," Lola confessed. "She kind of really is," Lola said, turning her gaze to Tori with a smile. "But it also looks like she's needing a diaper change. Excuse....Excuse me," Lola said, calling a waiter over. "Can we just get one highchair here in place of this seat." The waiter nodded, smiling at Isabelle before taking the chair away and disappearing. "I'll be right back," Lola said, lifting the strap of the diaper bag over her shoulder once more. "I'm going to go change her in the bathroom." Lola picked Isabelle up on to her other hip, and started making her way into the restaurant. "See?" Dani said, raising her voice so that Lola was much within earshot. "Total hot mom vibes." Lola turned, scoffing at the table, as she watched her two friends laugh away. ******** Isabelle settled into her highchair without a peep. 'I'll get through this weekend, and then deal with this with mom. No more problems for Lola.' The highchair wasn't nearly as comfortable as the on at Lola's, but it did have one advantage - there was no tray, so Isabelle was pulled right up to the table just like all the other girls. 'Plus, the fresh diaper feels really nice.' Dani, flanking Isabelle on her other side, reached over and lovingly wiped a bit of drool from Isabelle's chin as she spoke to her friends. "How lucky are we to have the cutest little lunch date?" Tori and Dani nodded, smiling at Isabelle's adorable antics, as she allowed Dani to wipe her face. As the friends perused the menu, Isabelle showed her own enthusiasm for lunch by clapping her hands and pointing to various words on the menu, though she had no idea what they were. 'Maintain the illusion you can read, and maybe Tori will believe you can.' Isabelle intended to be taken seriously. Soon, the waiter who had fetched the highchair returned to take their order. "Sweetie - what do you think you want to eat? They have pasta, or tasty chicken fingers and fries. Or even a hamburger. What do you want?" Lola asked, kindly pointing to some food on another table to show her what the food looked like. 'Breaded, fried chicken, AND fried potatoes? Thank you.' Isabelle thought. "Chickies!" Isabelle responded, before bothering to form a complete sentence in her head. The three teenagers smiled at Isabelle's adorable response, before ordering the food, each of the girls getting some sort of extravagant salad. While they waited for their food, Tori, Dani, and Lola caught up on the events of school that week; classes were hard, but fun; dance was brutal, but worth it, and social life - friends, boys, and all manner of activities that were going on in 12th year. "I can't wait to come over for your party next week Lolz." Tori said, as the waiter set her salad down in front of her. 'Do you know what you're going to dress as?' "She's going to be a cat, because she is lame." Dani responded playfully, before Lola could answer. "Excuse me. A cat is classic. And very halloweeny! And you have no idea what you're going to be, as usual." Lola added smugly. "At least I am prepared. And let's not use the word 'party' to describe the event,' Lola said, turning to Tori. "My dad doesn't allow 'parties,' especially unsupervised ones. It's more of a......controlled get-together." Lola finished, before turning to Isabelle. "Do you want some ketchup on your plate?" Isabelle was too distracted by the plate that was set in front of her to participate in the Halloween conversation. There was a pile, as high as her head, off perfectly golden chicken tenders, piled high on top of a mountain of fries. 'I have never in my life seen a more beautiful sight,' Isabelle thought, as she began drooling once more, her eyes practically popping out of her head. "Ye....Yes pwease...." Isabelle responded, as Lola sprayed a but of ketchup on a side plate. Isabelle didn't wait any longer, grabbing at the first tender, dipping it in the ketchup and munching it, as she managed to spread ketchup immediately all over her hands and face. As she continued to grab, dip, munch, and mess, Isabelle unknowingly sent little bits of her meal flying around the table. "She really was hungry," Tori said, as all three teens chuckled at Isabelle. 'One..........more...........bi......bi.........bite,' Isabelle thought, as she munched the first half of a fresh chicken tender, before setting the rest down in defeat. Isabelle swallowed, and then slipped down into her highchair, held in place only be the wooden by between her legs which pressed her recently wet diaper up against her. Lola reached over with a wet napkin, wiping Isabelle's hands with no resistance, as Isabelle's eyes started to flutter shut. Lola reached behind her, taking the folded up stroller, unraveling it. "Come here sweetie," Lola said, as she lifted Isabelle out of her chair, and set her down in the stroller. Isabelle immediately slumped down into the seat, her eyes shutting completely. Lola buckled Isabelle in, before pulling the stroller cover over her head, before sitting back down in her seat. "It's probably past her nap time," Lola explained for Tori's sake, as Lola gently glided the stroller back and forth. The bit of motion put Isabelle right to sleep. ************************* "........................................been dating for?" ".............months.................................before summer.............................belle only learned a few weeks ago or so................" "..................................................like, for real?" Isabelle could tell she was no longer in her stroller, but still felt incredibly comfortable. She shifted her head to the side, finding soft padding......'...no...not padding......Lola......' to rest against. "hmmmmmmm," Isabelle moaned, as she felt Lola stroke her hair, doing her best to stay awake and listen to the conversation. But she was still so sleepy. "..........................................I think.............................................but it's great, really." ".....................................like a total big sister now............................" "............makes me really happy....................................doing my best.....................never had siblings before, you know?" ".....................obviously is wild about you...........................about Jane, was it?" "..................actually really cool...................happy for dad too................................for so long." Isabelle didn't have much in her. She couldn't fight off the weight of her eyelids, her body physically exhausted. "..................................to swim.......................................teach.................." "......................not sure.......................need to call this afternoon..................................and we can try........' "Cool..................................did Dani............be back?" ".............so more likely around 3..................' Nope. That was all she had. And Isabelle found herself fast asleep once more. *************************** ".........................sweetie.........." Isabelle turned her body, her squishy diaper moving underneath her. "mmmmhmmmmm" Her diaper felt nice, Isbaelle had to admit, even in ites very wet state. Isabelle located Rabbity, pulling it in closer, as she settled into the comfortable mattress once more. But it wasn't Rabbity that had woken her up, Isabelle realized, as an arm continued to stroke her. "............to wake up sweetie.............sleep tonight." 'mmmmmmhmmmmmmhmm" Isabelle mumbled again, as she shifted, feeling her warm diaper press against her once more. 'Maybe these things aren't so bad after all,' Isabelle pondered. Isabelle blinked her eyes open, as she rolled back onto her back, to see Lola sitting beside her. Lola was now stroking her stomach, causing Isabelle to giggle from the tickles. "There she is!" Lola said with a smile, as she kissed Isabelle on the forehead. "Time to wake up sweetie, you were out like a log!" Lola explained, as she stood up before lifting Isabelle up from the bed. "Your mommy called when you were asleep," Lola continued, as she set Isabelle down on the changing table, lifting her dress over her head and off, before laying Isabelle down. 'Probably want this,' Lola thought, as she reached for the pacifier and set it into Isabelle's wanting mouth. Isabelle started sucking on it immediately, shutting her eyes once more as she felt Lola tear at the sides of her wet diaper. 'Your mommy said she loves you very much. And I told her what a good girl you've been, and how much fun were having," Lola narrated, as she pulled the wet diaper from underneath Isabelle, depositing it into the Diaper Djinn. "She can't wait to see you tomorrow she said, but I told her we have lots of fun to have between now and then." Lola took some of the warmed up wet wipes, and started to clean Isabelle up, bending the girls legs upward so she could access every part of her. Isabelle was getting used to the process, allowing Lola to manipulate her body however she wanted, as she nursed away at the bulb in her mouth. "And it all starts with this afternoon. We're going to go swimming in the pool," Lola said enthusiastically, "which means you get to wear your new bathing suit we got today!' 'That does sound fun,' Isabelle thought to herself, now opening her eyes again, feeling rested after her long morning with Lola and Dani. "Now, before we get your dressed," Lola starting proposing, her charge cleaned up, "I thought maybe you'd like to try and use the potty like a VERY big girl. Do you wanna try? Your mommy and I thought maybe you would want to give it a shot?" Lola had told Jane about the pullup incident from breakfast. "That's so strange! We've never really tried pullups with her. There was that one time.....but she hasn't shown that she's even close to ready yet!" Jane had explained, much to Lola's relief. "But maybe she's watching her friends at preschool and wants to grow up. Her friend Becky is getting much better..........let her try to use the toilet if you want. See what happens." Lola agreed, though based on the Jane's tone, Lola wasn't expecting much. Isabelle pondered the offer. "Use the......potty?" the words slipped out of her mouth before she could think. 'But I've been wearing my.................' It was a hard offer to digest. Lola had made clear that there were only diapers available. 'And the diapers are.....well amazing,' Isabelle confessed. But trying the potty? 'It seems like Lola wants me to try....' Isabelle thought, looking back at the smiling girl as she continued to nurse at the pacifier. So Isabelle nodded. 'I'll show her just how big I am.' "Great!" Lola said enthusiastically, picking Isabelle up off of the changing table. 'Wait - she's taking me like THIS?!? I am completely naked,' Isabelle thought, as she felt Lola secure her against Lola's hip, carrying Isabelle down the hall and pushing open the bathroom door. Isabelle clung to Lola as tight as she could, praying no one else was upstairs to see her as naked as the day she was born. But Isabelle's concern about being naked was quickly forgotten when Lola pushed the door to the bathroom open. Isabelle's eyes fell on to the spot where Isabelle knew the toilet was supposed to be. The bathroom was as ordinary as any other, and Isabelle had used it more times than she could count. But the toilet wasn't there. No, instead, something terrifying was in its place. The toilet had been replaced, or destroyed perhaps, by a giant, hairy, green monster. "Mmmmhmmmm. Delicious children," Isabelle heard the monster say to her, 'Come sit here in my mouth, and let me have a BITE OF YOU!" the monster called to Isabelle, opening its mouth and laughing. 'AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. No...NOOOOO!!!! NO POTTY. NO MONSTER! NO POTTY!" Isabelle screeched out, her pacifier falling to the floor. Isabelle's shriek startled Lola, as Isabelle continued to scream and try to climb up Lola's side away from the toilet monster. "NOOOOO!" Isabelle cried again, now sobbing uncontrollably. "JESUS Isabelle," Lola said, almost losing her grip on Isabelle but securing her with both arms, holding her against her body and letting Isabelle's head rest on her shoulder. "Sorry for shouting.........Sorry. Okay. No problem sweetie. No problem, shhhhh shhh shhhh. No potty. No potty,' Lola repeated, as she carried Isabelle out of the bathroom. 'Not ready. Confirmed. Also, will be killing Dani. Confirmed.' Lola thought to herself. "Let's get you ready for swimming instead." Isabelle couldn't believe what had overcome her. 'It had to be a toilet...but it wasn't.....it was definitely a monster.' Isabelle didn't need to understand. "I just sure as shoot am not going anywhere near that thing. Not now. Not ever.' Isabelle's heart rate began to slowly steady. Isabelle simply couldn't believe not only what she whined out of her mouth next, but that she also really meant it. "Lola, I want my diapers.' ********* Isabelle walked side by side with Lola through the glass door toward the back patio. Isabelle was walking more awkwardly than normal. Lola had dressed Isabelle in one of the re-usable polyester swim diapers stored in the changing table. 'They seem to have everything,' Isabelle thought, as Lola snapped the buttons shut on the snug diaper, which hugged her chubby thighs with little ruffle designs. The new material was extremely soft and comfortable, but it was thick in a unique sort of way. Lola had then put Isabelle into the new one piece bathing suit she had purchased, adding to the bulk between her legs. The polyester, cross-back bathing suit fit Isabelle like a glove, but it didn't make walk around very easy. "You look great!" Lola had told her though, and Isabelle was feeling confident despite not being able to walk very fluidly. As they made their way to the backyard, Isabelle spotted Tori already in the pool. On the nearby lounge chairs, Isabelle spotted towels, sunscreen, and even some snacks for their pool adventure. Isabelle also saw her backpack from preschool sitting on its own chair, next to a more colorful and fun towel. Dani was nowhere to be seen, which upset Isabelle a little bit. Upon reaching the poolside, Isabelle's eyes widened in awe at the sparkling water. "Can I go in Lola?" Isabelle asked. Lola crouched down to Isabelle's level. "Not just yet sweetie. Your mom says you need to wear these floaties to go in. But look, I found the ones that I used to use when I was your age. And now you get to use them to!" Lola said, as she slid the pink and white arm floaties up Isabelle's arms, until they were over her biceps. "Remember, Isabelle, we have to be safe around the pool. You can only go in when either Tori or I am with you, okay?" Isabelle nodded, understanding the importance of staying close to Lola. Lola proceeded to remove her shirt, revealing her simple, yet stunning, black bikini. Isabelle couldn't take her eyes off of Lola as she tied her hair up into a messy bun, every curve of her friend's body seemingly more beautiful than the last. Isabelle turned red as Lola lowered herself into the pool, Isabelle's eyes tracing Lola's body from top to bottom. 'I never looked like that...even when I looked like that,' Isabelle thought to herself. "Okay sweetie. Come to me," Lola instructed, as Isabelle took another step toward Lola's outstretched arms. "There you go," Lola said, as she gripped either side of Isabelle's waist, lifting Isabelle up, and pulling her into the pool on Lola's hip. Lola started to float backward effortless, her feet bouncing along the edges of the pool as she carried Isabelle with her. Lola and Isabelle floated along the shallow end of the pool. Isabelle let out a delighted squeal as the water tickled her feet, her waist, and then her chest, as Lola slowly lowered her in bit by bit. The water was refreshing, and in the warm autumn afternoon, was perfectly pleasant. "Ready to go in deeper, Isabelle?" Lola asked. Isabelle nodded with enthusiasm, and Lola guided her gently as they ventured further into the water, Tori now following them and playing with Isabelle as well. As they floated around, Isabelle gained more confidence, splashing around and giggling with joy. "Lucky for you Isabelle," Lola started explaining, 'we have the best swim teacher in all the land here. Tori teaches little girls just like you how to swim at the beach." For some reason, that rung a bell to Isabelle. 'Where did I hear that before......' Isabelle wondered, her attention focused on her thoughts as Lola approached Tori in the pool. Without asking, Lola handed Isabelle off to Tori. Isabelle stifled a whine as she refocused on what was going on, only moderately managing to stop herself. ".....hnnnnnnhnn....." "Oh don't worry cutie. I don't bite," Tori explained. Tori proceeded to take Isabelle through a series of swimming exercises, first getting her to paddle her arms, and then working on kicking her legs. Isabelle kicked and pushed away with all her might, finding that she had somehow completely forgotten how to swim. Isabelle clutched on to Tori no matter what she did, just to be safe. "Good job you little fishy," Tori said, complimenting Isabelle. Isabelle couldn't help but smile. Tori continued her "lesson," just as Dani appeared in the backyard. "I'm baaaaaackkkkkkk. Oh Isabelle! Look at you go! You're swimming!!" Dani called out, as she started to remove her shirt and shorts, revealing her own bathing suit. Dani's voice had distracted Isabelle for just a second, but it was long enough that Isabelle let go of Tori, and was left free floating, with no one to support her. Isabelle started to panic, waving her arms as fast as she could, forgetting she could kick as well. 'I'm going to drown. I'm going to drown. I"M GOING TO DR - ' But she wasn't. She was floating, she realized, the floaties on her arm ensuring her head stayed above the water. Isabelle calmed down enough to paddle her heart out to close the gap between herself and Tori, wrapping her arms around Tori's neck! "Great job Belly!" Lola called from a bit away. "Oooh and thank you for warming the pool too," Tori added mockingly, electing to hold Isabelle at a bit of a distance for a moment or two as Isabelle unknowingly let her bladder loose. Isabelle wasn't exactly sure what Tori meant, but Dani and Lola certainly found Tori's remark to be funny. As the afternoon passed, Isabelle's swimming skills improved, and she became braver with each passing minute. Dani had joined them in the water, and the three teens each took their turns carrying Isabelle around the water, letting her float and paddle for bits of time on her own, always careful to be nearby. "Okay. Are you ready to try to swim ALLLL the way to Dani over there?" Tori asked Isabelle, as she re-secured the toddler in her arms. Isabelle looked across the pool toward where Dani was standing. In reality, it was not more than four feet. But in Isabelle's head, it might as well have been a while. Isabelle felt her grip on Tori tighten, as she shook her head no. "Okay, okay. No need to squeeze," Tori said, holding Isabelle securely, hoping it would relax the girl. "You did a wonderful job today, but I think we're done our lessons," Tori said, placing Isabelle on the pool edge next to Lola. "Come here nugget," Lola said, helping Isabelle stand up and walking her over toward the pool chair with Isabelle's things. Now that she was out of the pool, Isabelle could feel just how water logged her swim diaper was from the pool, forcing her to waddle after Lola. Lola proceeded to wrap her in her towel, drying Isabelle off as she wrapped Lola wrapped her in close. "Lola........" Isabelle muttered, her stomach feeling queasy and sinking. 'It's time,' Isabelle decided. "Yes? Are you okay sweetie?" Lola responded, as Isabelle could hear Tori and Dani commence a splashing fight she was glad to not be in the middle of. "I'm.......I'm......." Isabelle ducked her head. 'I can't look at her while I do this,' Isabelle thought, as the chorus of laughter continued behind her. '....I'm sowry I was so mean to you this morning. I......I didn't mean.......I didn't mean what I said......I....I....don't hate............I love you." Isabelle said, mumbling the last part as a tear fell from her eye. Lola's heart melted, as she slid her hand under Isabelle's chin, lifting her face up to her own, smiling at Isabelle. "It's okay Belly. Don't worry about it. It was a hard morning for everyone, and you were in a very new place," Lola explained. "Thank you for apologizing though. That was very grown up of you. And I love you too, so very very much," Lola found herself saying, as she pulled Isabelle in for a hug, before wrapping her up in her towel. "Why don't you relax on your chair a little bit. I think I saw some coloring things in your bag and a book. Why don't you draw me a picture, okay?" Isabelle nodded. 'Coloring does sound nice,' Isabelle decided. Isabelle turned around, setting her towel down on the smooth pavement around the pool, and went over to her backpack. Isabelle retrieved her investigative journal and some colored pencils, and set herself down on the lounge chair, laying on her tummy. Isabelle flipped through the book finding the first empty page, which was a blank one next to the photo of the star rod. For a moment, Isabelle considered continuing her investigation. 'But Lola asked me to draw HER something,' Isabelle thought, opting instead to start drawing a picture of everyone swimming together. Lola returned to the edge of the pool, letting her legs fall into the water as Isabelle was distracted with her coloring. Isabelle worked hard to draw the pool, Dani, Tori, Lola, and herself. She wanted to make a picture with Lola in it, but was worried about not doing a very good job. So Isabelle put all of her focus, her energy, and her best effort into making something Lola would be proud of. As the sun slowly started to set, Isabelle was nearing the end of her picture. Isabelle only needed to finish Tori's face, and the bubbles on her arm. As she reached for the pink pencil, Isabelle started to feel a familiar feeling in her tummy, and a small pinch from her butt. "But there's no reason to be uncomfortable,' Isabelle decided, as she closed her eyes for a moment, letting instinct take over her body, and pushing a mushy load of poop out into her swim diaper. The process only took her moments, and Isabelle felt instant gratification as she released her lunch into her awaiting diaper. 'That's better,' Isabelle decided, as she thought nothing of it, laying down and continuing to color her floaties Dani, however had spotted precisely what was going on. "Looks like you're going to have a fun change there Lolz," Dani joked as she pointed toward Isabelle. Lola and Tori followed Dani's finger, their eyes settling on Isabelle laying on her stomach on the chair. They watched as Isabelle shifted her butt a little higher in the air, scrunching her face and hands for just a moment, before observing as her swim diaper was weighted down. Then they watched as Isabelle laid back down, going right back to her drawing. "If you're such an expert, why don't you handle it?" Lola retorted, as she started to stand up. "You know what," Dani replied, swimming toward Lola. "Because I am SUCH a good friend, I will do that for you. But you'll DEFINITELY owe me one," Dani said, as she climbed out of the pool. Lola looked back and forth from Dani to Tori, equally surprised that Dani had so willingly volunteered as she was terrified as to what favor Dani would call in. 'Hey," Tori chimed in. "Don't look at me. I'm not offering. I just teach swimming." Lola laughed, as she followed Dani over to where Isabelle was laying. "Belly," Lola said, getting the girl's attention. "It looks like someone made a stinky diaper, huh?" Lola continued sitting down by Isabelle. Isabelle didn't respond, but kept coloring. "If it's okay with you, Dani is going to take you for a diaper change, while I clean up out here, okay?" This time, Isabelle did turn around, and nodded at Lola. "Okay little stinker," Dani said, Lifting Isabelle up, and securing Isabelle's against her side. "Let's wipe that bottom up." Dani proceeded to carry Isabelle up toward the house, Lola smiling at Isabelle the whole time until she disappeared from sight. Once they were gone, Lola turned her attention to the journal, picking it up. "Huh," Lola thought, as she looked at Isabelle's drawing of the pool. "Not bad," Lola said aloud, as her gaze shifted to the drawing of the star rod. "I wonder what else is in here..."

Could be! Or maybe something else? I think Lola is just not used to tantrums. Only child, no little siblings. And she's a little nervous and sensitive about the whole weekend. If I know anything about Isabelle, and I'd like to think I do, I'd expect a proper apology soon enough. Thank you as always. I love receiving comments from the readers. It really encourages me to keep going!

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 51 Isabelle rubbed her eyes and sat up. Everything felt strange around her. 'The comforter..............it's wrong." Panic started to set in. Isabelle could feel a cold drop of sweat drop from her brow, down her cheek. 'Where is....where...WHERE IS....." But Isabelle found it - found Rabbity, staving off a full on panic. But still. Everything else was wrong. Even the air in the room wasn't right. It was.....'different.' She wasn't home Isabelle realized. But she wasn't sure where she was Isabelle sat up with a start, her heart still beating faster. It was dark - very dark. It was dark inside the room she was in, which was not her room. It was dark outside her room, which was not her outside. It was all wrong. And Isabelle felt like crying. Slowly, Isabelle started to breath in and out, and gather her surrounds. "I'm........I'm.....I'm at Lola's, I'm okay." The thought was less comforting than Isabelle would have thought, or hoped. She wanted to be home, in her bed, under canopy, 'with my mommy.' But at least Isabelle knew where she was. She recognized the bed, the end tables, the lamps, and even the new changing table. But that only helped a little bit. It only helped Isabelle feel a little bit better about herself. 'I still want to cry,' Isabelle confessed, as the panic didn't subside. Everything still felt wrong. She had never felt further from home than she did in that moment. 'I want mommy,' Isabelle thought, but the thought hardly did justice to how she felt inside. "I want mommy......" Isabelle repeated herself, this time out loud. 'But mommy isn't here,' and Isabelle knew that. She needed to do something about it. She didn't want to be alone for one more second. Isabelle took Rabbity by the paw with her left hand crawled out of bed. As her feet hit the floor, Isabelle could feel the weight of her wet diaper sink between her legs. As Isabelle waddled toward the door, she was surprised at how consistently comfortable the diaper still felt. The diaper had this magical ability to be forgettable one moment, yet noticeable in only the best ways the next. And that was despite the diaper forcing her to walk around awkwardly, even more so in its soiled state. Isabelle managed her way to the door and reached for the doorknob, pulling it with all her might. The door was heavy, and Isabelle just managed to pry it open enough for her and Rabbity to slip through before the air circulating in the house shut it behind her with a loud bang. The door closing behind her startled Isabelle even more, setting her closer to the edge of a breakdown. It took everything Isabelle had in her not to cry in that moment. Isabelle found herself moving across the hall and pushing open the door she knew was to Lola's room. Isabelle used her weight this time to push the door in, finding it easier to open up in this direction. It was dark in here too, but somehow, it also felt brighter, as Isabelle could hear the sounds of Lola breathing as she slept. 'It feels better in here already,' Isabelle thought as she dragged Rabbity along her side. Isabelle didn't need to see the room; she knew her way around here. Isabelle made a direct line, as quiet as she could toward the bed. Spotting a good, empty spot at the foot of Lola's bed to climb up to, Isabelle set Rabbity down on the bed first. Isabelle then grabbed the comforter with both hands, pulling her right leg on to the bed. It took all of her energy, but Isabelle managed to hoist herself up. Isabelle retrieved Rabbity once more before climbing up toward the top of the covers, pulling them down from Lola's arms, and climbing underneath. Isabelle pulled the covers back over her. As she held Rabbity in close, Isabelle wiggled her way in against Lola's body, setting her head once more on Lola's chest, and shutting her eyes again. Isabelle wasn't sure when it happened, but she knew she could feel Lola pull her in even closer in the night. And Isabelle slept soundly once more. ************************* The very start of the morning light hit Isabelle's flush cheek through the bedside window. Isabelle tried to turn her head to shield her face from the sun, but found that she was unable to do so; there was something preventing her from moving. Isabelle changed her strategy, freeing her arms from the tight comforter, again with a struggle, but eventually succeeding. Isabelle noticed she was laying on her side. Using her free hands, Isabelle was able to quickly identify the blockage preventing her from shifting; it was Lola. Laying directly behind Isabelle on her side as well was Lola, her savior of the night, with her left arm draped around Isabelle, holding Isabelle tightly against her body. Isabelle calmed herself and smiled, taking Lola's arm and pulling it over herself tighter, careful not to wake her. Isabelle didn't want to get up just yet. She was still feeling sleepy, and wanted to stay in bed. Isabelle was struck, unfortunately, with an all-too familiar feeling. It hadn't, in fact, been the warm sun against her face that had woken her up as she had suspected. No, instead it was something else. It had been her belly, rumbling its rumble as it did. It took Isabelle longer than she cared to confess to identify precisely why it was that her stomach was rumbling, and by the time she did, Isabelle was unfortunately left with few options. Had she noticed earlier, Isabelle likely could have gotten out from Lola's embrace without waking her friend. Isabelle could have snuck off to the bathroom, with none the wiser, and relieved herself. It would have been a challenge, sure, to get the diaper off. 'But I am sure I could have figured it out.' Had Lola been awake, Isabelle could have asked for help. Isabelle could have kindly told her that she needed to use the potty, and Lola would have offered to take her. It would have been a little embarrassing, sure, to poop in front of her friend. 'But I could have done it.' Had Isabelle asked Lola to go use the potty the night before, Isabelle likely could have avoided the situation all together. After all, Isabelle had eaten a lot of veggie nuggets, and her belly was basically bursting. It would have been strange, sure announcing in front of Dani that she had to go. 'But I wouldn't have had to go now.' Isabelle took a deep, peaceful breath and contemplated her remaining options. Time didn't feel as much of a concern to Isabelle, as the smile expanded further across her face in Lola's warm embrace. So she took her time considering what she might do as she gently rubbed her face against Lola's arm, feeling her friend's warmth, smelling her scent, hearing her breath. 'I could wake her up," Isabelle considered. 'But that's not a very big girl thing to do.' Lola was sleeping after all, and it was rude to wake people up early on the weekends. So Isabell's mind moved on to door number three, as she peacefully considered what other options there might be, dismissing the idea of waking Lola all together. There was of course, another option, one that was patently obvious to Isabelle as she felt the warm, comfortable bulk between her legs. The option was practically calling out to her, inviting her, welcoming her to select it. 'It's probably what I'm supposed to do, and I promised to be a good girl," Isabelle reminded herself, her mind not battling her any longer on her newfound point of view.' After all, she was in a diaper for a reason - she belonged in them, because she wasn't quite ready to potty train yet. 'And it's not like I stayed dry during the night,' Isabelle reminded herself. It was alluring, Isabelle happily admitted to herself, the last vestiges of her bathroom independence crumbling away in her mind. Her stomach was aching for relief, and relief was readily in sight. Well, not sight, but it was so comfortably and wonderfully wrapped around her waist. Isabelle was still feeling warm and happy under her covers, under Lola's arms, and wasn't ready to get out of bed yet, her happy morning still persisting despite her more immediate needs. And though some part of her felt like she was ready to potty train, 'well...this is different. I don't get to sleep with Lola every night. I can try another time,' Isabelle decided. She was prepared this time for what would happen. She would be the one deciding it would happen. 'Yes,' Isabelle shook away any remaining resistance 'Yes....I can.....I can do this. Yes.' Isabelle thought, her eyes remaining closed, a smile from ear to ear, resigning herself to her best option, her only option, as waking Lola and asking for help was out of the question. 'This is what they expect of me. 'Errrughhhh" Isabelle grunted, as she clutched Lola's arm tighter. Isabelle's body and mind were finally working in sympatico, and it didn't take much more than one push from Isabelle for her sphincter to open up, freeing her semi-soft poop into her diaper, falling into her seat. The relief was insatiable, and Isabelle wanted it again. And so she pushed once more, her body and mind working together once more, as she pushed more semi-soft poop into her diaper, this time falling until there was no room left, and pressing against her butt. And just like that, Isabelle felt wonderful again. Her stomach felt great. She was comfortable in bed with Lola. And even her diaper felt cozy and warm. So Isabelle closed her eyes and drifted off back to sleep in Lola's bed. ************************* "Oh. Oh sweeeetieee...WHEEEEEWWWWWWWW." Isabelle woke up to Lola's exaggerated remarks, though couldn't be sure what they were about 'At least I think they're exaggerated.' "Peeeeee-Ah-Yewwwww Belly." Lola repeated, now shifting her weight up off of the bed, and standing at its side. Isabelle felt the comforter being lifted off of her, but still refused to open her eyes. She wasn't ready to face the music yet, though was no completely sure what she had done still. Isabelle could hear the laughter in Lola's voice as her friend continued her conversation to herself. "Well. Well well well. When you came into my bed last night I didn't know it was to do THAT," Lola continued joking, hoping to make light of the situation. Despite her attempts at humor, Isabelle was starting to feel badly. She wasn't even certain about what she had done. Well. That wasn't exactly true. 'I think I MAY know what this is about,' Isabelle confessed to herself, as she rolled on to her back and sat up, squelching her poopy diaper underneath her. 'Yup......I'm fairly certain I do.' The diaper, for the first time, no longer felt comfortable anymore, her poopy mess having cooled off, and her skin beginning to itch. Between the discomfort of her mess, and Lola's jokes, Isabelle found herself tearing up. "I'm.....I'm.....I'm sowwwwyyyyyy" Isabelle forced an apology through her tears. 'Oh no no no no no," Lola said, jogging around the side of the bed and picking Isabelle up. It was her turn to start feeling bad. 'I guess she's feeling a little sensitive about her...well...her poopy diaper,' Lola deduced, as she stroked Isabelle's head. "Don't be silly sweetie. It's not a problem," Lola repeated as she held Isabelle in place on her hip, incidentally squishing her poopy diaper even further. "I was just kidding. I was so happy you decided to come into my bed with me. It was like a slumber party," Lola exclaimed, wiping Isabelle's remaining tears away. 'Don't you worry about your diaper one bit. Isabelle flopped her head on to Lola's shoulder, still embarrassed and feeling badly. It felt safe in her friend's clavicle, where no one could see her, and she could see no one. Isabelle felt her face burn up as she dug it further into Lola. 'Come," Lola said, kissing Isabelle on the forehead, 'Let's get you into a fresh diaper." The words went right over Isabelle's head. Lola carried Isabelle on her hip across the bedroom to where she had laid the sweet girl down to sleep. 'Maybe I should wake Dani...' Lola wondered, as she pushed the door open. Lola had changed Isabelle's wet diapers only twice now - was she really ready for a poopy one? Lola sighed as she pushed the door to Isabelle's room open. 'No. I can do this.' she said, motivating herself. 'When I told Jane I could watch Isabelle, I knew she would have to poop in her diaper eventually.' Lola knew it was inevitable. It didn't mean she was any more ready for it. 'But I have to be. And I want to be.' Lola resigned herself to the situation, setting Isabelle down on her back on the changing table, before pulling the strap across her stomach. "There there sweetie. It'll all be over soon. Here, take this -' Lola said, as she pushed the unwrapped pacifier into Isabelle's awaiting mouth. As soon as it entered, Lola noticed an immediate cessation to Isabelle's crying. 'Dani was right again,' she thought, as she began pulling Isabelle's pajama pants down, revealing her very much maxed out diaper. "Okay sweetie," Lola said, unsure if she was speaking to Isabelle or herself. "Let's get this over with." Lola smiled down at Isabelle, who had managed to stop crying, and was slowly sucking away at her new pacifier, in and out. Lola gently tore at the sides of each of the diaper, opening it up. Immediately, Lola was confronted with a smell that had previously been contained, but now was released to the world. 'EEEGAD. The smell. Its like a biological weapon,' Lola thought to herself, doing her very best to keep her face composed for Isabelle's sake. Lola took a deep breath before continuing. Lola started by bending Isabelle's legs up, and using the front part of the diaper to wipe as much of the poop off of Isabelle's butt as she could. Dani's voice echoed in her head the whole time: 'You'll want to get as much off as you can with the old diaper, so there isn't as much work for you to do.' Lola remembered discussing her deep fear, which had now become a reality, with Lola just the morning prior. 'My deep fear that I won't be a very good ste-...babysitter.' But, surprising even herself, Dani's technique appeared to work well. 'And the smell isn't even really THAT bad,' Lola said, lying to herself. Lola folded the very full diaper up enough so that none of its contents would touch Isabelle, and then proceeded to reach for more than few wipes, cleaning the girl up. Lola was meticulous in cleaning Isabelle, sure to clean every nook and cranny. 'You'll probably get some of it on you once in a while. It just happens.' Dani's voice echoed in her head once more, as Lola noticed a smear of Isabelle's poop spread against her right index finger. "Gross." Lola accidently said aloud, regretting it instantly. Isabelle's head perked up at Lola's remark, and she began fidgeting on the table. Isabelle accelerated the rate she was inhaling the pacifier, as her mind raced. 'What?!?! Oh god....she think.....she thinks I'm gross.' Isabelle's emotions were volitile - even more than normal - and her eyes began to well up. Isabelle had already been feeling embarrassed - now she was mortified. Lola realized her mistake instantly, but there was nothing she could do but cover it up. "Oh no. No no no. Sweetie. I wasn't talking about you. I promise. there was a.....a...." the lie didn't need to be that good, Lola realized. She was lying to a little girl. 'It was a bug. I saw a bug. It was gross. But don't worry. I got rid of it too. It was just a bug." Lola continued to explain, as she finished wiping Isabelle up, depositing the dirty wipes into the diaper - after wiping her finger clean - and moving across to the corner of the room to stuff it all in the Diaper Djinn. 'A bug?' Isabelle thought, curious. 'That does make sense. Bugs are gross. And as long as it wasn't about me.....' Isabelle wasn't entirely sure that there had been a bug, but willingly accepted that was the case. It was, after all, a better alternative that Lola being grossed out by her. Lola proceeded to rub soft lotions into Isabelle, followed by some baby oil Dani had explained to use at least once a day. Once Isabelle was all creamed and oiled up, Lola proceeded to reach under the table, pulling out Isabelle's protection for the start of the day. "How about this one?" Lola proposed, as she presented the option to Isabelle. Isabelle picked her head up to observe what Lola was offering. But what Isabelle saw was unexpected, even if it shouldn't have been. The shock of it alone caused Isabelle to open her mouth up enough, causing her pacifier to fall to the ground. What Lola held in front of her was simply not right; there was no image of Rover-Roo. No image of fairy princesses, or characters from her favorite movies. Even the shape was wrong - there were no leg holes, no wrap-around elastic waistband, no complete shape. No. Lola was not holding a pullup. She was holding a diaper. 'Some wires must have gotten crossed,' Isabelle concluded. 'Lola must be confused. She simply must think because I wear diapers at night, I also wear them during the day.' But Isabelle also knew that Lola had seen her in her pullups before. In fact, Lola had changed her out of one just the night prior. 'Evidently, some clarification is needed,' Isabelle reasoned "Nu-uh!" Well, it wasn't exactly the well reasoned argument that Isabelle had intended to articulate. So she developed it further. 'I don't wanna diaper. I wanna pullup Lola!" Isabelle explained. 'There, that should do it" Isabelle thought, as she laid her head back down. Surely Lola wasn't just going to put her in a - "Oh sweetie," Lola retorted, as she lifted Isabelle's legs up and slid the plain diaper decorated with pink animals on it, under Isabelle. "Your mommy told me that you want to start wearing pullups. But your mommy also said you just weren't ready." Lola proceeded to pick up the blue bottle of baby powder, twisting it open. "And that's okay. Before you know it, you'll be a superstar. But for now, we're just going to dress you in this." Isabelle felt the blood leave her face, as she went pale, cold and stiff. 'This is outrageous. This is preposterous. Unacceptable. This is. This is......THIS IS....." Isabelle felt herself on the verge of exploding. 'But I promised mommy I would be good,' Isabelle reminded herself. 'Surely a second attempt at reason will work?' Isabelle wondered. "But I wear pullups during the day. Diapers are for night!' Isabelle explained, as she could feel Lola powder the diaper underneath her, followed by her crotch. "I want my pullups. Gimme. My. PULLUPS!" Isabelle was starting to get loud again. Lola paused her process, setting the powder down. 'She must want to show me that she is just a big girl,' Lola deduced. Lola shifter her body to the side so that she could look down into Isabelle's eyes. "I know that you're a VERY big girl sweetie. And a big girl is a girl who listens and behaves, right?" Lola added, trying to do her best to get past this before it became an issue. Lola lowered her face even closer, with a big smile, as she pulled the Front of Isabelle's diaper up, sealing it tightly shut with the hook and loop tabs. 'And besides," Lola added, before kissing Isabelle's belly, "Your mommy didn't pack any pullups for your sweetie. And we don't have any here to put you in! Come, let's go get you dressed and give you something to eat instead of worrying about silly things like diapers or pullups." Lola lifted Isabelle up, setting her down on her feet. 'It's........its....not possible.' Isabelle's mind was trying to process what Lola was saying, but her insides just wanted to burst. 'I......why wouldn't mommy pack my pullups?' Isabelle wondered. 'Sure....I had a couple of accidents.....but I wear pullups....' Isabelle immediately felt uneven on her feet. 'Am I lightheaded? Sick?' Isabelle was doing her best to cope with the change that had occurred, but she felt like throwing a tantrum 'I know...... I know I'm supposed to behave though......mommy....mommy made me promise....' Isabelle turned her gaze back toward the lines of shelves built into the changing table, unwilling to move her wobbly legs just yet. Isabelle's eyes moved from shelf to shelf, searching for what she knew just had to be there. There was a shelf stocked with the diaper she had worn the night prior, and another shelf with another series of thick diapers, some of which she recognized; there were ones her mom had likely sent. But the remaining shelves didn't have any pullups. Two more shelves were loaded with diapers, similar in size to the one she had on, but with tons of different designs. And finally, the last shelf appeared to boast another kind of diaper, one Isabelle didn't recognize at first. 'She wasn't lying.....' Isabelle sighed. She had to accept that Lola had been telling the truth. But it didn't make her less angry. "Now I am angry at mommy.' Isabelle decided, feeling a demon inside her growing larger and larger. Lola allowed Isabelle to take her time looking at the changing table, confirming for herself that there were no pullups. 'What an odd thing for her to ask for,' Lola thought to herself. 'Maybe I'll let Jane know. If she's asking for them, maybe she's ready to start potty training again.' Lola smiled as she recalled a number of the stories Jane had told her about Isabelle's first foray into that effort. "Arms up sweetie," Lola announced, as Isabelle reluctantly accepted. Lola pulled a pink sundress with yellow flowers over the toddler's head, letting it fall down to her knees. "See sweetie? Let's not worry about it for one more second. Come. Take my hand. Let's go downstairs together." Lola was in desperate need for some coffee. Isabelle looked back up at Lola, taking a deep breath to try and subside her anger, before taking Lola's outstretched hand. Isabelle looked back up at Lola, doing her best to put a smile on. "Okay." It was progress, even if it didn't feel like it. Isabelle was glad to be holding Lola's hand as they moved out of the room and toward the staircase. She still felt a little wobbly. 'Perhaps its just the diaper, throwing me off,' Isabelle wondered. But the truth was, the diaper was incredibly comfortable. It was not quite as nice as the night diaper she had been in, lacking the same amount of cushion. 'But it's pretty friggin amazing too,' Isabelle thought. Once they arrived at the stairs, Isabelle used her free hand to hold the railing to provide her additional balance. "One more big stair...." Lola sang, as they reached the bottom of the steps. Isabelle decided to jump it, to make a little show of it. And she landed it perfectly! "Yay! Good job Isabelle. Into the kitchen." Isabelle continued to hold Lola's hand as they entered the kitchen, and made their way toward the fridge. "Okay BIG GIRL," Lola said, hoping to validate Isabelle's feelings. Lola watched as Isabelle smiled at the remark, apparently working. "Let's get some food in your tummy. Up we go." Lola said, as she picked Isabelle up, and slipped Isabelle into a new piece of furniture that Isabelle had not noticed when she entered the kitchen. Isabelle had not reacted quickly enough to stop what was happening. Instead, Isabelle had been distracted yet again by the kitchen. It wasn't the shiny appliances, cookware, or even kitchen island per se that had distracted her this time. No, it was the fact that the kitchen felt as though it had ever so slightly grown in the night. Isabelle thought the idea of the kitchen simply growing was a little silly, but refused to laugh, despite wanting to, because she was still grumpy about the pullup situation. In fact, it was only after Lola had secured Isabelle safely in hear seat, that Isabelle noticed a difference. Isabelle tried to shift forward, to reach the kitchen island in front of her, but was prevented by something she had not expected; it was a tray of some sort. That was when Isabelle noticed what was really going on. She was in a highchair. Isabelle turned her gaze to her right, looking at the stools that stood in a perfectly neat line beside her. Not one of them boasted her booster seat any longer. No, Isabelle was sitting in the seat that was newly designated for her. And Isabelle was not happy about it, the anger from the morning boiling over, coming near a breaking point. The elegant highchair that stood tall, firm, and sturdy near the kitchen island, with the tray in front of Isabelle abutting the island itself. It was unlike any highchair Isabelle had seen before—made of sleek, polished wood with a cushioned seat that looked, and felt, as soft as a cloud. The wood frame had intricate carvings of all sorts of cartoonish characters in it, eating various foods with smiles on their face that Isabelle did not share. Had she not been so angry, it would have felt more like a throne than a highchair. Lola set down a sippy cup that Isabelle hadn't see before on the tray. The cup was shorter, with smaller hand grips flanking each side of the cup. The colorful pink top boasted a flatter and wider nozzle to retrieve the contents from. The exterior was covered in even more cartoon characters, all smiling at Isabelle just like the ones on her chair. It did not make her feel better. The mere sight of the creamy, delicious looking milk inside had Isabelle salivating. However, she had bigger fish to fry. Isabelle had had enough of this nonsense. "NO. NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Isabelle was in full on tantrum mode, and there was no soothing, no calming, no words that were going to help her now. "I don't want the highchair!" Isabelle protested, crossing her arms. "I DONT NEED IT. I WANNA SIT THERE," Isabelle demanded, pointing to the stool nearby. "AND I WANT MY PULLUPPPPPPPS" Isabelle was now shouting about everything that bothered her. Everything that was wrong about the morning. Isabelle was having big, big feelings, and she was letting them out in a big, big way. Lola, who had been collecting items in the fridge, was startled by the response. 'She sat in that just last night.....ugh....rough morning already.' But Lola knew that would need to handle the situation with more grace than she was receiving. Lola set the items in her hands down, and crouched down to Isabelle's level. "It's okay, Isabelle. The highchair is here to keep you safe while you eat. It's just for breakfast time. It's your special chair!" But Isabelle was not easily convinced. 'She thinks those little words are going to work? On me? AFTER WHAT SHE'S DONE TO ME?!?' No, Isabelle was determined to express her displeasure. Her extreme displeasure. And she wanted to make it hurt too. Isabelle's bottom lip quivered, and her eyes welled up with tears. "No highchair!" she insisted, her voice trembling. "NO DIAPERS!" Isabelle cried louder now. She was at her absolute breaking point, kicking her legs out in a fruitless attempt to escape from her chair. And so finally, after that failed, Isabelle let loose. "AND NO YOU! I HATE YOU" There is was. Isabelle intended to make it hurt. And she did. But she couldn't believe what she had said. And as Isabelle continued to cry loudly, she was pretty sure it wasn't about the diapers, or the highchair, or anything else. She was sad for being so mean. Lola did her best to control her face. Lola was no beginning to feel a mix of anger and sadness herself. But mostly sadness. 'Am I failing?' She had to wonder. Lola wanted to understand that it was just Isabelle going through a phase of asserting her independence. 'I suppose transitions and change can sometimes just be challenging for little girls like Isabelle.' But it didn't mean that Isabelle's words didn't break her heart. Lola took another breath to compose herself before turning to face Isabelle, putting on her bravest face. "Sweetie," Lola started, as she considered approaching Isabelle to comfort her, but electing to giver her space instead. "I can see that you are having lots of grumps this morning. And if you need to cry, or scream, or yell, that's okay. But I am not going to respond until you have decided to calm down. So get it all out of your system. And when you're ready to talk to me like a big girl, we can talk." Lola wasn't sure if she was saying what she said for Isabelle's sake, or her own. 'She said...she hates me......' Lola almost wanted to cry herself, laughing internally at the thought of the two of them in the kitchen, each breaking down in tears. Lola just hoped she was handling the problem properly. She patiently tried to distract her with the promise of a delicious breakfast. "I know you don't like it right now, but it's only for a short while, Isabelle. We'll have breakfast together, and then you can play and have fun." Lola explained, as she continued preparing Isabelle's breakfast. Isabelle's cries slowly began to subside as Lola continued to reassure her. Isabelle continued to heave and sob, however, as Lola prepared a delightful spread of fruit, toast, and yogurt, arranging them neatly on a colorful plate for Isabelle. Isabelle was too ashamed to admit it, but her eyes sparkled with delight as she saw the array of delicious treats, her stomach grumbling for the food. Isabelle wasn't ready to admit it though, so concealed her desire by picking up her sippy cup, using it to shield her face as she drank it. Lola placed the plate in front of Isabelle on a tiny table, making sure everything was within her reach. Isabelle turned her head to the side as Lola approached, only because she was still embarrassed. But the movement was like another arrow to Lola's heart, who couldn't help but shed a tear behind Isabelle's back after placing the food down. 'She really does hate me,' Lola thought to herself, as she wiped the tear away. 'Coffee. I need to make coffee,' Lola told herself, giving her something to distract herself with. "Once you finish eating sweetie, then you can get down from your highchair. Okay?" The offer was more than reasonable. 'In fact, its more than I deserve after how I treated Lola just now.' But Isabelle was still struggling internally with eating her breakfast. It felt like, if she ate the food, she was accepting the highchair. If she ate the food, she would be accepting the diaper. If she ate the food......'If I eat the food.........If I.........' Isabelle's thoughts were cut off once more by the grumble in her stomach, this one considerably louder. "....Aw hell. I am starving," Isabelle caved, as she ignored the plastic fork and spoon Lola had set down, using her hands to pick up variations of berries, banana, and apple slices on her plate. Slowly but surely, Isabelle's frown turned into a half-smile, and she started to nibble on her toast. Lola sipped her coffee, watching as Isabelle ate every bite of food Lola had prepared, washing it down with her milk. Isabelle hadn't even seemed to notice when Lola re-filled her sippy cup after Isabelle finished it, as the little girl ate and drank away happily. With each bite, Isabelle's mood brightened. Isabelle could feel Lola's cheerful presence, around her, and though she was feeling better, the shame of what she had said lingered. Isabelle couldn't even pick her head up to look Lola in the eyes. She didn't know what to do, how to apologize. Isabelle had crossed a line, and she knew it. 'Is there a way back?' As Isabelle finished the last of her breakfast, her tummy boastfully sticking out proudly, Lola determined breakfast had come to an end, Lola praised Isabelle, hoping it would help her feel better. "Such a good, big girl sitting in her highchair," Lola said. Lola gently wiped Isabelle's face with a soft cloth, wiping away remnant of just about everything Isabelle had eaten. 'Thank god her dress is still clean,' Lola noted, as she unbuckled Isabelle and lifted her out of the seat. Isabelle was shocked Lola was even still willing to compliment her, but still wasn't ready to face the music. "Why don't we sit you in front of the couch and put on some cartoons while I clean up?" Lola proposed, not waiting for Isabelle to agree as she set her down and turned the TV on. Isabelle was happy for the distraction - anything to take her mind off how awful she had been to Lola. Isabelle wanted to apologize, and was even starting to say the words. But Lola had turned around so quickly, Isabelle never got the change. Lola wanted to be alone. She felt like a failure. And in that moment, just needed to be away from Isabelle.

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 50 Isabelle shifted in her already wet pullup, trying to get comfortable. The seat underneath her wasn't uncomfortable, per se. In fact, it was incredibly well cushioned, the plush surface soft and supportive. 'It just needs to be worked in a little bit,' Isabelle thought to herself, as she tried to push her wet bottom further down into the stiff material. 'It's just....new' Dani and Lola were happily splitting a pizza that had been delivered only moments earlier. When Isabelle overhead that they were having pizza for dinner, she grew very excited. Unfortunately, it turned out, pizza was not on the menu for her. "Your mommy brought us your favorite nuggets for dinner, isn't that great sweetie?!' Lola explained to Isabelle, after setting her down on the floor in the kitchen. 'Nuggets.........well those do sound pretty good,' Isabelle confessed. And it did feel kind of special having something different than what everyone else was having. "Yummy!" Isabelle replied to Lola, watching as a smile developed on Lola's face. Isabelle couldn't stop reflecting on Lola's words, replaying them in her head over and over again.' She said....this is just important for me to get right.....I want to help make it right,' Isabelle thought to herself, committing to not be difficult. Lola examined the package of frozen nuggets, as Dani skipped over to look as well. "Oooh look. They are V-E-G-G-I-E nuggets. Smart!" Dani offered, successfully concealing their deception from a clueless Isabelle who couldn't even process what letters Dani was using, let alone spell the words out. Isabelle was simply content to toddle around and explore the kitchen. 'It's an odd perspective,' Isabelle thought, as she reached her left hand out to graze the bark wood of the kitchen island she had once had far too many meals at. Isabelle shifted her feet, one slipper after the other, around the island, her little fingers dancing along the cool wood as her eyes gazed upward toward the marble top. 'I've been in this kitchen a million times before. I know that. But still......it all feels so new from down here.' Isabelle's eyes widened in wonder as she rounded the side of the island, her eyes darting in every direction, the warm, golden light from the ceiling casting a magical glow on everything it touched.. The kitchen seemed so vast from her little position near the floor. Isabelle's small fingers reached out away from the island to touch the shiny knobs on the stove, and she marveled at the array of colorful fruits in a large bowl on the counter. Lola gently lifted Isabelle up, and away from the stove. "Let's not play with that sweetie. You can burn yourself," before setting her down on the countertop just beside the appliance. "Sit up here while I put your nuggets in," Lola declared, as the oven beeped informing everyone it had pre-heated. Isabelle didn't mind. Her new perch allowed her to see the kitchen from a whole different perspective. Isabelle's eyes widened, and she pointed excitedly at the refrigerator door, various shiny stainless steel appliances, and rows of pristine cookware. Isabelle watched as Dani made her way over to the fridge, opening it and revealing shelves filled with an assortment of delectable goodies. Isabelle's eyes grew wide with awe as she spotted the rows of desserts and drinks. Dani reached in and pulled out a plastic container of strawberries, setting them down, before slicing each berry into quarters. "Here Belly," Dani said, as she handed the sliced up pieces to Isabelle one at a time. Isabelle accepted them in the small, open palm of her hand, happily pressing them against her mouth one after the other. "It's probably later than she's used to eating," Dani remarked to Lola, as Dani glanced up at the clock already reading 6:30. Isabelle garbled strawberry after strawberry up, the red stain from the fruit appearing prominently around her mouth. Isabelle continued to eat and explore with her eyes, her attention soon drawn to a sparkling chandelier hanging above the kitchen island. She pointed upwards, her eyes twinkling like stars, as she envisioned the crystals dancing around the solid chandelier, like gravity pulling them in toward its center. Isabelle's eyes glittered with bewilderment, causing her to miss her mouth with her last strawberry, the berry bouncing down her shirt, before hitting the floor. Isabelle didn't bother paying attention as Lola bent over to pick it up and throw it out. The girls' pizza arrived soon after. After Lola brought it back and set it down, Isabelle was moved from the countertop near the over and into a booster seat on a kitchen island stool she hadn't seen before. It wasn't her normal seat, and Isabelle had to assume - correctly - that it was yet another purchase by Sam to surprise Isabelle, and most likely Jane. Isabelle soon found a plate full of veggie nuggets in front of her, and a big, tall sippy cup filled with water. Isabelle immediately started chowing down with a big smile on her face. 'I didn't even realize how hungry I was.' Between bites, Isabelle practically inhaled her water, which Lola happily refilled for her after finishing her first slice of pizza. "Someone is a very good eater," Dani remarked, as she stroked Isabelle's hair. Isabelle smiled. It felt good to be complimented, even if it just was for eating. But the compliment was enough to encourage her to continue doing exactly what it was she was lauded for - and so Isabelle continued to happily eat nugget after nugget, and drink her second cup of water, despite being more than full already. By the time Isabelle's plate was empty, she was stuffed. Isabelle let herself slip down in her booster seat as much as the strap holding her in place would allow her, letting her head fall back and eyes roll back into her head. Isabelle sat quietly for a few minutes while her friends chatter away, content to ignore the over-stuffed toddler who was, from their perspective, behaving like an angel. Isabelle was only able to catch pieces of the conversation as she swung her ballet slipper back and forth underneath her. "......want to do with her tonight.......?" "........can swim...........don't want to dry my.................." "What if we.........................already 7:15 ish............what time did her mom say........." ".........or so. But she did have a late nap. I suppose we can .....................and then.................." "How about instead..........................i know for a fact that works. And then, like you said, we can just.................." Isabelle knew Dani and Lola were making a plan for the night. While normally she might have input, Isabelle was simply to full to participate. And it didn't really matter anyway. 'As long as I am with them,, I don't really care what we do." Instead, Isabelle focused on her breathing, her little tummy protruding out from her little shirt, the very bottom of her belly sneaking out and exposing itself to the air. Isabelle focused on her breathing, deep breaths in and out, as she worked to digest her meal. As Isabelle was breathing, she felt a twinge from her bladder. Instinct again took over, and Isabelle happily released her pee into the thirsty pullup that enveloped her with a growing smile on her face, closing her eyes. Isabelle felt as the front of her pullup soaked up as much as it could, before her pee started to bounce off of the front, tumbling underneath her and quickly being soaked up by the dehydrated padding. Instinctively, Isabelle lifted her left butt check ever so slightly as she began to feel her pee dam up, freeing the liquid to traverse the barrier that was her bottom, which had prevented her pee from flowing more easily. As she finished, Isabelle ceased shifting for comfort, her warm squishy padding now providing presicely that. Isabelle opened her eyes to find her friends both quietly starring at her, stifling giggles and smiles. It was Dani who spoke first. "Hi sweetie. Anything to tell -" "Sh. No," Lola said, cutting Dani off, and gritting the next part through her teeth. "She's supposed to tell us by herself. I want to give her a chance." Isabelle turned red 'Do my friends know what I just did?' Isabelle had to consider that they might have noticed. 'But how could they? Why would they?' Isabelle was still struggling to reconcile that she was at a regular sleepover with Dani and Lola, but also, it was anything but regular. 'Of course they know,' Isabelle resigned herself. "They both know I need protection. They both know I'm.....' Isabelle sighed. "..little. And they've already changed me - numerous times in Lola's case.' "I...uh...I hadda accident Lola...." Isabelle said, though surprisingly, even to herself, felt no shame about it. 'But I should.....right?' "Oh that's okay sweetie. Thank you for telling me!" Lola responded, as she emphasized the last part to Dani. "Dani is going to clean up down here," "I am?" Dani responded, jokingly. "Yes she is. And while she does so, I'm going to get you changed." Lola said, a bit of anxiety in her voice. 'It's no different than Wednesday night,' Lola reminded herself. "And then we're going to have a little dance class. Doesn't that sound fun?" Isabelle perked up at the sound of "dance class," and found herself clapping her hands together before she even knew what she was doing. Lola made her way over to Isabelle, unbuckling her harness and lifting her up. As Lola did, she could feel the weight of Isabelle's pullup hang down. "I think we're going to change you into your night diaper sweetie. This is already very full!" Lola explained to Isabelle. Isabelle knew Lola was not really looking for a response out of her, but she nodded nonetheless. "I'll be back in a bit," Lola said, as she left Dani in the kitchen, gobbling down her fourth slice of pizza, with almost as much sauce on her face as Isabelle had had a few nights earlier. Lola carried Isabelle up the stairs and back toward the guest room with the new changing table in it. Isabelle found herself oddly excited. In fact, she couldn't wait to be laid down on the table again. It was not only incredibly comfortable, but the room was filled with all sorts of scents and noises that brought a sense of comfort and peace to her. "Woah," Lola said, as she made it to the top stair, pretending to heave. "I think you may have had too many nuggets! I could barely carry you up, Lola joked as she pushed the door open to the bedroom, a sense of tranquility immediately overtaking Isabelle. Lola laid Isabelle down on the soft changing table once more, looking down at her for a moment with a big smile, and lots of love. "Let's get that wet pullup off of you," Lola said, before grabbing the pacifier Dani had used earlier, and easing it into Isabelle's accepting mouth. Lola proceed to remove Isabelle's ballet slippers one at a time, setting them down by her feet. Lola pulled Isabelle's leggings off, tossing them to the corner as Isabelle rhythmically sucked away at the large bulb occupying her mouth. "Let's get this off as well," Lola added, pulling Isabelle's t-shirt over her head, careful to avoid the pacifier, and leaving Isabelle in nothing other than her wet pullup. Lola proceeded to remove the pullup, gently lifting Isabelle's bum to slide it down her legs, before depositing it in the diaper djinn. "Better already I bet." 'Okay Lola. First wipes." Lola turned her attention to the wet wipes, which were already pre-warmed, gathering several before beginning to wipe Isabelle clean. Lola lifted Isabelle's legs up vertically, making sure to get every nook and cranny of her bottom as well. "We're going to have so much fun doing a little dance routine after you're clean,' Lola explained, as she deposited the dirty wipes into the diaper djinn as well. Lola returned to the changing table, and proceeded to unfold one of the new, thick night time diapers that Dani had picked up earlier, and unfolding it. Lola slid the new diaper under Isabelle, letting her lay on it while she reached for the purple powder bottle. Isabelle couldn't imagine being on a more wonderful surface than her changing table. That is, until Lola slid that new diaper underneath her. The soft padding felt as though it was melting around her, enveloping her in a cloud of plush softness. Isabelle felt as though she was sinking into an endless pillow, and she found herself smiling, instantly at ease, as she continued to happily suck away at her pacifier. "That's a happy girl," Lola remarked, as she began spreading the lavender scented baby powder all over Isabelle's crotch. Isabelle couldn't help but wriggle as Lola rubbed the powder in. If Isabelle had been capable, she would have remarked at how far she had fallen in a mere few months. Just this past August, Isabelle was sleeping over at Lola's in this very room, reading a mature novel. Now, Isabelle found herself laying on a changing table, her best friends having changed her wet pullups twice already, in the same spot she once asserted her own independence. But such a remarkable change was lost on Isabelle, especially in the moment, where even she would have confirmed Lola's words - she was a happy girl. Lola pulled the front of Isabelle's diaper up, always looking down at her with a smile, before sealing the hook and loop tabs across her belly. "Wait just there. I'll get your jammies." Isabelle lay, shifting slightly to feel the new diaper that was around her. 'This is, without a doubt, the most comfortable thing I have ever worn," Isabelle had to admit to herself, pondering why everything wasn't made out of the heavenly material that she was in. But Isabelle also noticed how much thicker it was than her usual nighttime diapers, as she struggled to even touch her thighs together. 'There is a lot of bulk here," Isabelle thought, as Lola returned with a matching pajama set. 'Here we go," Lola said with a smile, as she presented a two-piece set of white pajamas with a pattern of unicorns and rainbows all over them. Lola proceeded to slip each leg around Isabelle's feet, setting the elastic banded holes around Isabelle's ankles, before pulling the pants over Isabelle's thick diaper. "Let's sit you up," Lola said, "and I'll take this," Lola said, as she pulled The pacifier out of Isabelle's mouth, causing Isabelle to whine. "Arms up sweetie," Lola said, as Isabelle cooperated, and Lola slid Isabelle's matching pajama top over her head. "All done!" Lola said proudly, as she set Isabelle down on the ground by her feet. "Ready to dance now?" Lola asked with a smile, her right hand out to hold Isabelle's. Isabelle was a sight to behold. She was standing at the foot of the changing table, her legs forced apart by her thick new diaper. Isabelle looked down at herself. Her pajamas were ever slightly too small; the ankle bands wrapped a litlte higher than they should have been so that the pajama pants could be high enough to cover her diapered butt. Even so, the waistband of her diaper was very much exposed over the top of her pants. It didn't help that her pajama top, though very comfortable, was slightly too short, exposing the skin of her belly laying just above her diaper to the world. Isabelle's eyes traced her long hair from her chest, up her neck, until finally, her eyes met Lola's. And Isabelle smiled back at her, taking Lola's right hand with her left one, her little fingers settling into Lola's welcoming pals.. But there was something missing, as Isabelle wriggled her bare toes. Isabelle shook her head no, and pointed with her left hand at her slippers on the floor. "Slippers! I need my dance slippers!" Lola simply chuckled. "Of course! How could I be so foolish!" Lola said, as she bent down and gently eased Isabelle's feet into her ballet slippers once more. 'She didn't really need them, but if she wants to...' Now Isabelle felt complete, as her body was once again overcome with wave after wave of warmth, of certainty, or an assurance that all was right in the world. "Now I'm ready!" Isabelle called out, leaping once as she was unable to contain her excitement. Isabelle followed Lola as she led her down the stairs. Isabelle could feel her shirt ride up higher each time she took a step down one of the massive stairs, careful to hold on to Lola with one hand, and the banister with her free hand. Waiting at the bottom of the stairs, was Dani, who was practically squealing. "Ooooooh she is so cute!" Dani remarked. Isabelle couldn't help but notice how many conversations were taking place in front of her, yet didn't seem to include her. "I love your pajamas sweetie," Dani added at the end, relieving some of Isabelle's concern. "Thank you," Isabelle replied, genuinely glad that Dani like her PJs. It made Isabelle feel a little better about them, even if they didn't fit perfectly. "She certainly is cute. Now lets get our dance on," Dani proclaimed, as she led Isabelle into a living room that Isabelle was all too familiar with, but yet, seemed as foreign as the kitchen had. Isabelle stepped into the giant room, and could see Dani had already cleared space by moving a coffee table and a loveseat. Isabelle was so distracted by the open room, she hardly heard Lola explain what they would be doing. 'We're going to do something fun Belly. Its called a 'Pas de trois.' do you know what that means?" Isabelle starred at Lola with a blank expression. Isabelle was doing her best to recall what it was. "I know....I know this...Its a....Its a.....Its.....a......" but sadly, nothing came. Isabelle couldn't seem to get past a block in her head. Rather than let the silence permeate any longer, Isabelle simply shook her head no. "Is it a dance?" Lola knelt down and smiled at Isabelle. "Yes, Isabelle! That's exactly what it is. Tonight, we're going to teach you a VERY special dance called a pas de trois. It's a dance for three people," Lola explained. "One," Lola started, pointing at Dani. "Two," Lola continued, pointing at herself. "And..." Lola said, pressing the tip of her finger against Isabelle's nose, and encouraging her to finish the sentence. Isabelle couldn't help but giggle, swatting Lola's hand away. "Threeeeeee!' Isabelle called out, finishing the sentence. Lola kept smiling back. "Exactly. Three. A dance for all three of us. And it's going to be magical!" Dani chimed in, "You'll be the star, Isabelle," Dani added, as she twirled into the room effortlessly. "We'll guide you every step of the way, and you'll feel like you're dancing on air! You're already the best dancer in class, and now you're going to be even better! You'll see!" With excitement bubbling in her heart, Isabelle took her place in the middle of the dance studio/living room, right where Lola placed her. Isabelle could hardly contain the anticipation, her tiny feet eagerly tapping the floor in her slippers. Lola and Dani then assumed their positions on either side of Isabelle, ready to begin the dance. 'This feels like home,' Isabelle thought, standing between her best friends. Lola and Dani started to walk Isabelle through a few simple movements, teaching Isabelle to point her toes and stretch her arms gracefully. "Exactly like that Isabelle. Perfect." Lola applauded her. Isabelle did her best to follow their lead, even if she struggled to keep up with such spectacular dancers, giggling with delight at the joy of moving like a ballerina. Lola and Dani took turns demonstrating each step of the pas de trois, carefully guiding Isabelle through the magical dance. They showed her how to spin, twirl, and leap with the elegance of a swan. Isabelle did her best which each step, but many were very challenging and required a level of balance she simply no longer had. It was no help that her diaper was forcing her legs further apart, making each bend, leap, tow tap more challenging than they would otherwise be. But Isabelle didn't even notice. In fact, she had lost all recognition that she was even in a diaper. All she knew was that she was insanely comfortable. "Are we ready to try with some music?" Dani asked. Isabelle worked to catch her breath, pitter pattering over to the coffee table to grab her sippy cup filled with water, taking a big gulp as she worked to slow her heart rate. 'This is a lot of fun,' Isabelle thought, 'but a lot of hard work.' Isabelle set her sippy cup down, and turned her gaze back to her friends, who were playfully taking turns with some advanced ballet movements. 'For the life of me, I know what this dance is.....but I just can't put my finger on it.' Isabelle took another gulp of water. "Save some for the fishies Belly," Dani called over mockingly. "Time for music, let's go!" Isabelle sighed, putting her water down. It was hard to keep up with her small little legs, but Isabelle made her way back over, and took her position in the center, as Dani turned the music on. As soon as the music played, Isabelle's heart soared. 'THAT"s what this is!' Isabelle thought, immediately recognizing the tune. It was, of course, Swan lake they had been rehearsing. Specifically, it was a pas de trois done by a group of swans that welcome the audience to their habitat. But Isabelle didn't have much time to think - she needed to dance. Isabelle's slippers took over, going through the motions of the dance that Lola and Dani had taught her. Isabelle recognized that her teachers had simplified the dance significantly now that she was able to tie it to the music. And it was a good thing- Isabelle could hardly keep up with the pace as it was, doing her best to She felt like a princess in her own fairytale ballet, dancing with her friends under the twinkling lights. Lola and Dani, easily stepping through the basic dance, watched with pride as Isabelle's dance skills blossomed in front of them. Isabelle's tiny hands moved with grace, her feet glided across the floor, and her face lit up with sheer happiness. For Lola, it was an especially special moment, getting to watch Isabelle dance for the first time. 'She's incredible,' Lola was left thinking to herself, as Isabelle glided in perfect synchrony with her and Dani. Time seemed to fly by, and soon, they were performing the pas de trois flawlessly, as if they had been dancing together for years. Isabelle was no longer tumbling in transitions, or accidently stepping out of sequence. The three girls flowed perfectly, side by side. The living room became a stage of dreams, and Isabelle's laughter filled the air, complimenting the beautiful music, as it drew to a close. "Isabelle! You were amazing!!" Lola was practically shouting. In truth, Lola was still stunned at how well Isabelle had done for a girl her age. "I can't wait to tell your mommy how good you are! You have Higgins written all over you!" Isabelle was laying on the floor, exhausted, trying to catch her breath. As she did, Isabelle felt that her diaper had swollen up a bit since she had started dancing. 'Is that sweat?' Isabelle wondered, shifting her butt slightly as though to check. "No......No I definitely peed. When did.......' Isabelle thought about trying to figure it out, but decided, she simply didn't care. She was still SO comfortable, her thick diaper seemingly gaining padding and plushness, rather than losing it after her wetting. 'It feels better.' Lola watched as Isabelle lay on the floor, her eyes fluttering open and closed, before Isabelle allowed a yawn to escape her mouth. Lola watched as Isabelle turned her head to the side, closing her eyes. Isabelle lay perfectly still, her tummy just popping out from her shirt, her diaper waistband riding just above her pajama bottoms. 'She's precious,' was all Lola could think. "I think it's time for someone to go to bed now," Lola announced, as she made her way over to Isabelle and picked her up. The prospect of her night ending prematurely, however, sent a startle through Isabelle, who shot her eyes open immediately. "NOOOOO!" Isabelle cried out, louder than she had expected. Isabelle gathered herself, before continuing. "Noooo. Pwease. I wanna stay up with you and Dannnnnnnnni." Lola frowned. 'She's not gong to make this easy on me, is she?' And the truth was, Lola wasn't ready to say goodnight to Isabelle yet either. It was Dani who intervened, as she was shifting the furniture back to their original places. "Oh come on Lola," Dani said, looking to score obvious points with Isabelle. "It's girls night. She can stay up a LITTLE past her bedtime. And I know that if we let her, she's going to be a VERY good girl, aren't you Isabelle?" Isabelle wasn't going to let the opportunity pass. "Uh-huh! I promise!" Isabelle replied, her face full of desperation as she anxiously awaited her fate to be determined. Lola sighed. "Okay. Okay fine. To be clear, it is already very past her bedtime. So let's remember that I am the cool one," Lola said, directing her remark at Dani. "You can watch a movie with us for a little bit. But first you need to brush your teeth," Lola said, now speaking to Isabelle. But before releasing Isabelle, Lola pulled the back of Isabelle's diaper out, as though to check if there were any accidents she needed to know about, before setting her down. "I'll meet you upstairs in the bathroom." Lola said, "Your toothbrush is already there, and there is a stool for you to reach the sink. Go quick before I change my mind." Isabelle didn't bother to nod. She simply waddled her way toward the stair case, using her hands as balance on each step as she climbed all the way to the top. "She's a little wet already, but I don't need to change her, do I?" Lola asked Dani, as if to confirm her decision was a good one. 'No way. Those diapers are thick as hell. One would last her half a day, so long as you know, she doesn't poop in them." Lola nodded. "That won't happen I don't think. She really is supposed to be potty training. I probably should have done a better job taking her to the bathroom more often, even if she's technically supposed to ask." Lola felt like she had let Isabelle down, as she worked to straighten the pillows on the couch. Dani just shook her head. "Don't worry about it. You can't blame yourself for all this stuff. And you've already told me she's had plenty of accidents. She's still learning. Don't fret about it. You'll do better with taking her tomorrow." Lola smiled. She was happy she kept her plans with Dani tonight. Dani simply had much more experience with kids. Even though Lola was not worried about looking after Isabelle, it was nice to have a supportive friend to make her feel better about things just like this. 'Like she said, I'll be a pro in no time.' And Lola truly believed that. "Go set up a movie - NOTHING SCARY," Lola felt the need to emphasize, knowing Dani's preferred choice of movie, especially considering the season. "I don't need her going home traumatized because you decided it was the right time to introduce her to the Screwdriver franchise," Lola called back as she ascended the stairs to confirm Isabelle was brushing her teeth. Dani threw her hands up as though to plead her innocence. "Nothing TOO scary. I hear you, I hear you," Dani responded mockingly, as she made her way down toward the theater room in the basement. Lola rolled her eyes as she made her way into the bathroom. 'That girl,' she remarked of Dani, as she pushed open the door. What she found before her, however, was nothing more than comical. Isabelle was there, in fact doing as she was told. Isabelle turned to show Lola that she was brushing her teeth, toothpaste all over her face. The countertop, similarly, was covered in toothpaste, and the nearby depleted tube looked as though it had exploded. 'Guess I can't let her do this on her own,' Lola realized. "Sweetie. What on earth happened in here. It looks like a firehose of toothpaste went off!" Lola immediately regretted making a joke, which only caused Isabelle to spit even more toothpaste out as Lola grabbed a washcloth, and wet it under the sink. "Let's finish up without any more giggles while I clean up here." Lola said, as she proceeded to wipe the counter down and discard the now-empty tube of toothpaste. Isabelle spit her mouth out, as Lola handed her a cup of water, helping her have some to rinse her mouth out. "Now we have to wipe you too," Lola narrated, as she proceeded to clean Isabelle's hands, face, and even "god...how did you get toothpaste on your ear?" Lola genuinely wondered, as she finished cleaning Isabelle up. "Okay, now let's go downstairs and watch a movie!" "YAY!" Isabelle replied. "What are we going to watch Lola?" Isabelle asked, genuinely curious. "Something normal, we can only hope. For both our sakes." And Lola meant it. Isabelle and Lola arrived in the theater room to find Dani with a big bowl of popcorn -"What - I couldn't help it!" Dani explained - and a movie already set up. "Dani! I said nothing scary. Come on!" Lola said, expressing some genuine frustration. "What?" Dani replied. "It's a good movie. A KIDS movie I should emphasize." "It literally has the word MONSTER in the title of the movie Dani!" Isabelle shuddered at the word, and Lola waved toward Isabelle as if to prove her point. "Yes, Monsters LLC. It is fantastic. And I promise its not scary. She'll love it. It's great." Dani explained, as she put a handful of popcorn in her mouth. "Also sufficiently Halloweeny." Lola sighed and gritted her teeth as she took the middle of the three leather seats in the front row of the room. "I am going to K-I-L-L you if this scares her." Dani's response was curt - she threw a piece of popcorn at Lola. Isabelle stood by facing her friends who were seated side by side. Her eyes moved from Dani, on the left, to Lola, in the middle, to the empty chair on the right. "Come sit down Belly," Lola said, as she patted the empty chair. "It won't be scary," Lola added, wondering if Isabelle was feeling apprehensive after their discussion. "Dani PROMISES," Lola emphasized. But that wasn't the problem. "You have to go there!" Isabelle demanded, not quite sure what had overcome her as she pointed to the seat on the right hand side. "I wanna go in the middle!" Isabelle couldn't believe she had made such a demand at Lola. But she couldn't help herself. "I wanna sit next to everyone!" Lola laughed as she stood up. "See?" Dani retorted. "She sensed you were trying to take away her fun and now wants to sit next to me!" Dani teased, as Isabelle climbed up into the now vacant middle seat. Lola took the seat on her other side. "Here," Dani continued. "Just for that, you get some popcorn. Isabelle happily accepted, picking up three pieces - immediately dropping one - and putting two into her mouth. ("Dani! She just brushed her teeth!). But Isabelle needed to clarify her position after she swallowed. "No! Next to everyone!" Now it was Dani's turn to smile. "Yes yes, next to everyone I SUPPOSE. Now let's get started." Dani said, as she patted Isabelle's head. Dani proceeded to push play with one remote, and used a second one to turn the lights in the room off. Isabelle recalled watching the start of the movie. 'The monsters do seem somewhat friendly,' Isabelle thought to herself, 'but the big hairy green one is very scary.' Isabelle was particularly disturbed when that monster scared a child in her bedroom, sending a slight shiver down her spine. Isabelle found herself shifting back in her seat, almost as if she was trying to get away from the monster on the screen. "You are D-E-A-D," Lola whispered to Dani, who admittedly, had started to feel a little bad. Lola stood up from her seat and lifted Isabelle up in her arms intending to carry her upstairs to bed. As though sensing Lola was going to take her upstairs, Isabelle offered a saving grace. "I like the small blue monster with the big eye," she confessed. "See, she likes it." Dani repeated. Lola sighed once more. 'Fine. One more chance." Lola then took Isabelle's spot on the chair, letting the sweet toddler sit on her lap, laying her head on Lola's chest. Lola stroked Isabelle's back gently, as she settled down, and the movie continued. Slowly, but surely, Isabelle felt her eyes grow heavy, and she started missing more and more of the movie. There were some floating doors at one point. And Isabelle could have sworn she saw an octopus lady. The mean salamander had polka dots at one point. And the cute girl ended up friends with all the monsters. But Isabelle didn't see much of the movie, as her heavy eyes shut once and for all to close out her spectacular day. Isabelle hummed against Lola's chest as she slept safely in her friend's arms, Lola holding her tightly as she wet her diaper once more on her lap. ****************** ".......take her up now...............right back..........." "......I'll come............" ".......quiet. She'll wake............................." "Okay....Okay....quiet..............................ass" "Open it.......slowly............................Thanks." "............down here...................slippers. Take the slippers off......" "Okay..............I just need..............no not that......................yes the stuffed Rabbit. What else in that bag could possibly be 'Rabbity?'" "..........................................." ".....Sorry..........Thank........" ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ...... ".........................goodnight sweetie..................... ..............................................................I love you."

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 49 "Belly." Isabelle heard her mom calling to her, but wasn't really processing. Isabelle lowered her wrist to pick up a few more runes from her cereal bowl, doing her very best to avoid any of the nutrient-filled, fibrous grain pieces. Instead, Isabelle was working hard to get one type of each of the marshmallow runes onto her spoon, curious what it would taste like to eat them all at once. 'Almost.....there.........' Isabelle had one more marshmallow to get. But just as she bent her spoon to scoop a little milk to let it flow on to her spoon, two others escaped. "Damn it!" Isabelle called out reactively. "Excuse me young lady. You watch your mouth," Jane replied. "I don't know where you heard that language, but you better not say it again. Now I need you to listen to me." Isabelle felt guilty as her mom chaste her, and so set her spoon up and looked up sheepishly. Her mom was standing in front of her, trying to talk to her about something. 'I can't remember what though,' Isabelle confessed to herself, as she examined the large bag her mom had next to her. "As I was saying sweetie, Lola is going to pick you up at preschool today, okay? And you're going to be staying over at her house tonight, so you need to be on your best behavior. Now, Lola is in charge, and that means whatever she says goes. Okay?" Isabelle nodded, but her mom didn't seem to be satisfied. "Not good enough. I need you to say it out loud for me." Isabelle fidgeted her feet, which were already in her ballet slippers for the day. Isabelle had insisted on wearing them, and Jane didn't feel like fighting her on it. Jane was trying to make sure Isabelle would be in a good mood for Lola later. "Yes Mommy. Lola is in charge. Whatever she says goes." Isabelle picked her spoon back up, no longer interested in playing her marshmallow game. She was feeling hungry now, and just scooped whatever cereal she could get, depositing it into her mouth and slurping it down. Jane relaxed her shoulders. She wasn't sure why she was so tense, but at the same time knew exactly why. 'It's the first time I have left her alone with anyone besides Jess, and longer than I have left her alone in...well.......' The answer, Jane knew, was forever. Isabelle had been hers to raise alone, and though Jane had steadily worked over the last year to give her daughter some independence, the thought of being away from her for two whole nights, and almost three full days was...'challenging.' It wasn't that Jane didn't trust Lola with her daughter. 'It's just that.....I want to trust her so badly.' Jane knew that her relationship with Sam was getting more serious, and with Isabelle acclimating so well to Sam and Lola, she would need to trust both of them with Isabelle more. 'But that doesn't make it easy.' In so far as it concerned Lola, Jane was fairly certain that she had destroyed any semblance of having a normal relationship with the teenager. After Jane bathed and changed Isabelle into her night diaper, putting her to bed, Jane spent about an hour and a half on the phone with Lola. Jane almost laughed at herself as she recalled the conversation from the night prior, giving Lola instructions about Isabelle, emergency numbers, and doing her best to prepare Lola for every scenario possible. "Hi Jane. How are you? I am so excited for my weekend with Isabelle!" Jane's voice quivered with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She hoped Lola wouldn't regret those words "Hi, Lola. It's Jane. Isabelle's mom." Jane instantly regretted the words. 'She probably knew that.' In fact, Jane could hear Lola stifling a chuckle on the other end. "Hi Jane, Isabelle's mom. What can I do for you?" Lola responded playfully. It only made Jane feel sillier. "Hi. Yes. Sorry about that. I hope you're doing well. Listen, I am just a little nervous about everything, and wanted to make sure you have everything you need." Jane hadn't realized that when Lola proposed to watch Isabelle, Lola intended to have her over at her and Sam's house, rather than at Jane's own home. Jane was going to put an end to it right there, but it was Sam who convinced her otherwise. 'Always Sam....' Jane thought to herself. "She'll have fun being in a new place," he had suggested. "It'll be exciting for her, and it'll likely tire her out to run and explore the house. They can watch movies in the theater, and Lola can swim with her in the pool." Sam had decent points, but he didn't realize, having been so far removed from having a toddler, how his points were all off-set by other issues; they didn't have a changing table, all of Isabelle's diapers and pullup, changing supplies, a new bed, a new bedroom, not knowing where the bathrooms were, not having a potty chair, not having a high chair or booster seat, and much, much more. Jane had intended on setting Sam straight on all these points, but Sam had added one more point, one that shocked Jane to her core. "....And.....And. It might...you know...be nice for her to START getting used to sleeping over here. I love you Jane, and I hope you see this going where I do." What was she supposed to say to that? Jane knew what she wanted to say: 'Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.' And she loved Sam too. So Jane did the only thing she could - she approved, under the condition that if Isabelle had too hard a time, they would move back to Jane's on Saturday night. Sam and Lola found the terms agreeable. But that left Jane to pack and explain a whole lot of supplies to Lola. "So. The pull-ups for the day. She still has accidents, and you need to remind her to go to the potty. But she is supposed to ask you by herself. But also remind her. Don't forget to remind her." Jane was repeating herself, as Lola laughed. But Jane couldn't help herself. "The diapers are for night time. Unless she needs them during the day. But really they are for night time. And she needs one before she goes to bed. At night. So make sure to put those on at -" Lola cut Jane off that time. "At night? Right? Night diapers for the night?" Lola responded mockingly. "Right!" Jane responded, not catching the humor at first, but eventually, left with no choice but to laugh with Lola. "Oh Lola. I'm sorry. I haven't been away from her this long ever. Just bear with me okay?" Jane went on to explain the lotions, creams, and powder. Pink and yellow lotion bottles for the day, purple for night. Green and blue powder bottles for day, purple for night. Jane went over doctor's numbers, emergency numbers, and preferred food lists. Jane went over sleep and nap schedules, eating schedules and bathing schedules. Jane reviewed the clothes she was packing and the bathing suit for Isabelle to wear. Jane explained how to unfold Isabelle's stroller, and how to strap her into her car seat. "And the most important of all - she needs her stuffed Rabbit to help her sleep. It's name is - " "Rabbity," Lola said, finishing the sentence. "She's told me all about Rabbity." Lola paused before speaking again, this time more softly, and a lot more seriously. "Jane. I really can do this. She's going to be perfect with me. Just try and enjoy your weekend. I won't let anything happen to her. You can count on me to take good care of her. I'd never let anything happen to her." Lola meant it. Anyone who would have heard her would have known as much. Jane certainly did, and the relief was evident in her voice. "Thank you, Lola. You have no idea how much this means to me." Lola chuckled softly, understanding that Jane wanted to ensure Isabelle's comfort and happiness. "Don't worry, Jane. I'll make sure Isabelle is well taken care of. I'll follow your instructions and ensure she has a fun and safe weekend. We're both going to have a blast together." Jane snapped out of her memory, looking at her daughter in front of her. 'I really hope this goes well,' Jane said to herself, before smiling. 'It will. It will go well.' Isabelle was excited to spend time with Lola, which was good news too. "Okay then sweetie. Let me just load the car with all your things, and I am going to go drop them off at Lola's house. Isabelle...? Isabelle! Listen. Remember, Lola is picking you up today!" Isabelle looked up at her mom and smiled a smile a reassurance. "Yes Mommy. Lola is picking me up." How could Isabelle forget that? It was the best news she may have ever heard. ******** Isabelle's was tippity tapping her shoes for the whole day at preschool. 'Lola is picking me up today. I get to spend the weekend with Lola.' Isabelle's eyes kept darting to the clock on the wall; 3:00 PM couldn't come soon enough. 'Actually, if it came sooner, that would be real nice,' Isabelle thought to herself, watching as the clock moved glacially, each second taking what seemed like hours to pass. 'It would be really nice in fact.' Isabelle found herself completely distracted all day at school. Isabelle had been so distracted, she missed her opportunity to make a cow "Mooo" when she was called on during song time. Isabelle was too busy starring at the clock during a game of musical chairs that she had completely forgotten to even try to find a place to sit down when the music stopped, being the first one eliminated. Isabelle was so distracted imagining her weekend with Lola that when Julia "goosed" her during a class wide game of duck-duck-goose, she didn't even get realize and get up to give chase. Isabelle's distraction had also apparently rolled over into her potty training, or lack thereof. Whether it was a nervous bladder, or the copious amounts she was drinking to try and pass the time, or her longing to start her weekend with Lola, or even all of the above, Isabelle had accident after accident at preschool, and needed as many as three changes before lunch. If it wasn't for Samantha having picked Isabelle up and placed her on the toilet, Isabelle would have had quite the poopy accident as well. Despite having not been so active in the morning, Isabelle found that she was easily able to fall asleep during her usual nap time. She was grateful for her nap as well, as it was seemingly the only thing that helped pass the time faster. After she was changed out of yet another wet pullup. "Sweetie," Miss Deena sighed as she changed Isabelle once more, "it doesn't seem like you're even trying to get to the potty in time. Your mommy is going to put you back in diapers if you aren't ready." Isabelle heard what Miss Deena said, but it didn't really register. 'Diapers are for night time, not the day.' It was about as much as Isabelle could register in the moment, as Miss Deena set Isabelle down, only to replace her on the changing table with Julia, who was being handed over by Samantha. "Why don't you go with Miss Samantha and play with your friends," Miss Deena suggested as she worked to pull Julia's shorts down for a diaper change. "You've been really quiet today. Some playing will be nice." Isabelle simply nodded, as she glanced once more at the clock. 'Time isn't going to pass much faster if I just keep starring,' Isabelle realized. "What are we going to play Miss Samantha?" "Oh I am sure we can think of something. Do you want to play magic fingers?" Isabelle's entire body perked up at the concept of a magic game. "Magic? I like magic! How do you play." Samantha laughed. "I'll show you. Why don't you collect some friends and bring them to the carpet in the middle, and we can all play together?" Isabelle nodded. Isabelle made her way around the class, asking anyone and everyone if they wanted to play the game. Isabelle found quite a few takers in the end. Becky also agreed, but told Isabelle she needed to go to the potty first, and disappeared before returning. Julia, after being put in a fresh diaper, also wanted to play. Once Isabelle had about 10 participants, she returned to Samantha with her entourage. "We're ready," Isabelle declared! "Excellent!" Miss Samantha greeted them with a twinkle in her eye. "Let's all gather here on the carpet together and listen. I have a delightful hand game for all of us to play together. It's called 'Magic Fingers'!" The children clapped their hands in excitement, eager to learn the new game. Isabelle was especially excited to learn more about magic. Miss Samantha demonstrated the hand motions and the playful rhymes that accompanied them. As she led the group through the movements, the group on the carpet transformed into a lively dance of wiggling fingers and happy giggles. "But the game only works," Samantha added, 'if you truly believe in magic. So I need to make sure everyone here believes in magic before we start, okay?" All of the children nodded their heads rapidly, none more so than Isabelle. At the same time, they each looked around to ensure everyone in the group also believed in magic, all prepared to kick any detractor out of the game. Once it was confirmed that they all, in fact, believed in magic, Samantha started the game. "Magic fingers up so high, touch the sky!" Miss Samantha sang, raising her hands above her head. The children followed suit, stretching their little arms as high as they could, their eyes sparkling with delight. Isabelle stretched as high as she could, going up on her toes to reach as high as possible to access all the magic she could. "Magic fingers down so low, touch your toes!" Miss Samantha continued, crouching down and touching her toes. Isabelle repeated the process, bending as low as she could, seeking magic high and low. The other preschoolers all copied Miss Samantha as well, giggling as they reached for their toes with tiny hands. "Magic fingers dancing round, all over the ground!" Miss Samantha exclaimed, swirling her fingers in the air. Isabelle, Becky, and Julia danced with enthusiasm, their fingers wiggling with excitement as they moved around in a circle, wiggling at each other, wiggling in every direction. Isabelle could feel the magic flowing through her. 'It's working,' Isabelle thought, 'it's really working!' The hand game continued with more playful rhymes and creative movements, such as "Magic fingers, give a pat, find a friend, just like that!", "magic fingers tap a friend, show them love, all the way to the end!", and "Magic fingers give high fives, find a buddy, feel alive!" The children clapped their hands together, and Isabelle, Becky, and Julia made sure to find each other's hands, reinforcing their friendship. The longer the game continued, the more others joined, and before Isabelle knew it, the whole class was playing. "For our last one," Miss Samantha announced loudly, observing as some parents began entering the classroom, "Magic fingers wave goodbye," Samantha turned left and right to wave to each and every preschooler, as the preschoolers did the same, their week together coming to an end. "We'll see you soon we'll see you soon, no need to cry!" As Isabelle finished waving goodbye to all her classmates, she went and found Becky and Julia, the three embracing in one more hug before the end of the day. "Okay everyone," Miss Deena announced, as the trio released each other. "If you see your parents or whoever is picking you up, come sign out and you can go. For everyone else, quiet time." Isabelle waved goodbye to Becky as she saw Jess come in, and not much longer, Julia found her mom Kat and left. Isabelle looked up at the clock and saw it was only 2:50. 'I have ten more minutes,' Isabelle thought to herself, and decided to go into a reading nook with a book and make up a story. Isabelle was lost in a book that she felt was about a fairy princess (it wasn't) when she was startled by a set of arms wrapping around her from behind. Isabelle nearly jumped, but she didn't need to turn to know who it was. The scent was unmistakable. It was a scent that Isabelle could recognize anywhere, anytime. It was a scent, in fact, that had become more noticeable, more prominent, more comforting in a way she never would have anticipated it to be, more wonderful than ever. It was a scent Isabelle knew all too well. Isabelle's nostrils were filled with a unique blend of exotic spices, soft florals, and a hint of woody undertones. It was as if a bouquet of flowers and an enticing spice bazaar had come together to create a symphony of captivating aromas It was Lola. 'Hey there cutie!" Lola called, with all of the enthusiasm in her voice that Isabelle loved so much. "Whatchya reading there?" Lola asked, releasing Isabelle so she could stand up. Lola knew the question was rhetorical, but wanted to know what sort of game Isabelle was playing. Isabelle never answered the question. She simply opened her eyes, dropped her book, and turned and jumped into Lola's awaiting arms. "LOLA!!!" Isabelle cried out, as she wrapped her arms around Isabelle in a vice grip. "Oh well hello to you too! Quite a leap and grip you have there," Lola said, pulling Isabelle up on to her hip so their faces could be level. "Your teacher tells me you haven't even packed your bag yet sweetie. Why don't you collect your things while I sign you out, okay?" Lola proposed, setting Isabelle down. Isabelle nodded, puttering over to her cubby in her slippers as quick as she could to pack her bag. Isabelle zipped her bag up, and made her way over to Miss Samantha, Miss Deena, and Lola who were chatting. 'Sorry I was late. I came as soon as class ended," Lola explained. Isabelle turned and looked around, realizing just then that she was the last kid in class. "It's fine," Miss Deena explained. "Jane explained everything. I just need you to initial here.." Miss Deena pointed to a place, as Lola noted it, "...and here." Lola repeated the process once more, ".....and you're set!" Miss Deena announced. Lola turned and looked down at Isabelle. "You hear that? You're all mine now!" Lola proceeded to reach down and pick Isabelle up, hoisting her on to her hip once more, before giving Isabelle a big smooch on the cheek. "Let's get going. Your mommy left me her car to use, so it'll be just like normal," Lola announced, before waving good bye and taking off with Isabelle. Isabelle laid her head down on Lola's shoulder with a smile, as she was carried out of her preschool. Isabelle felt completely as ease, so much so that her bladder started releasing as soon as Lola pushed the doors open to the school into the parking lot. For her part, Isabelle didn't notice one bit, but Lola certainly made a mental note that her charge would be in need of a change. It didn't matter though - Lola simply held Isabelle closer, as Isabelle continued to pee away. "So," Lola explained, as she set Isabelle down in her booster seat. "We're going to have lots of fun tonight. It's going to be a special girls night sweetie, and I have lots of surprises planned," Lola continued, as she buckled Isabelle into her seat. "I hope you're ready." Isabelle was. 'But first," Isabelle thought, "I need a nap." Isabelle didn't bother fighting off her yawn, allowing it to consume her whole body. Before Lola had even backed out of her parking spot, Isabelle's head fell to the side, and she was fast asleep. ********* "......................Oooh. Oooh. Oooh. Can I carry her in?......." The voice was unfamiliar. But familiar at the same time. Isabelle kept her eyes closed as she felt the car come to a stop. She was still feeling sleepy. ".....Sure.................but she's pretty much soaked through her pullup, so you may not want to." 'Lola.' Isabelle knew that voice. That voice was very familiar, and it put her instantly at ease. Isabelle left her eyes shut. "..........like I care. She's too adorable. And it's not like she isn't wet in class ever.........." ` 'In class?' Isabelle didn't fight off the yawn this time either, allowing it to peacefully consume her body as it worked its way up. 'I know it......I know who it is......' Yet, Isabelle was still too tired to open her eyes, even as the car door opened up, and the late afternoon autumn breeze filled her nostrils. Isabelle inhaled deeply, the aroma of damp soil. the faint scent of fallen acorns, the sweet undertone of apples and pears from the air encapsulating her small body. "......All yours then! But you get to change her too now." 'Lola again,' Isabelle thought, as she felt a fresh glob of drool fall down from her lips. "Deal." Isabelle opened her mouth ever so slightly, as she felt someone unbuckle her from her seat, allowing the drool to more easily cascade out of her small mouth and down her soft, plump chin. Isabelle felt herself be lifted out of her seat, her head quickly finding its resting place on another shoulder. Isabelle inhaled deeply. And smiled. Isabelle knew this scent too. The scent of someone else, which complimented the autumn air. Isabelle recognized the perfume right away, whispers of spiced apples and cinnamon, infusing the air with a cozy and comforting warmth and reminding you of woodland walks through golden forests. It was Dani's favorite scent, worn only in Dani's favorite season. Dani always claimed fall was meant for her, becuase it matched her hair and had the best holiday - Halloween. Isabelle let herself nuzzle further into her friends neck as she recalled the memory, Isabelle's legs dangling around her friend's midsection. "Well bring her inside then. I let her sleep in the car, but I am worried if I don't wake her, she won't sleep tonight. You have no idea how nervous her mom was about leaving her. If I screw this up......." Isabelle heard the car door shut, followed by the familiar noise of the car locking. Isabelle was starting to feel more awake, even if she wasn't ready to open her eyes just yet. 'A little longer...........please.' Isabelle thought, as she felt her drool fall off her face and on to Dani's neck. If Dani noticed, she didn't react. "Oh enough of that," Dani responded, shifting Isabelle's dead weight higher up on her hip. "I thought you said step-mom was super cool anyway? The way you made it sound, I was almost worried I would be replaced." Dani came to a stop, Isabelle assumed at Lola's front door. "She is cool. She's actually a ton of fun to hang out with," Lola inserted her keys into the car door . "She's just nervous. Single mom and all I guess, never really leaves Isabelle alone...This is just important for me to get right," Lola said, getting serious with respect to the last part. "And you have to stop calling her that, BY THE WAY. She may actually...you know...become that. Your snark isn't funny anymore." Lola's demeanor had returned to its usual playfulness, as she opened the door to the house. Isabelle decided it would be an opportune moment to "wake up," as they made their way into the house. Isabelle started by rubbing her eyes with her firsts, blinking and fluttering them open as she simultaneously constricted her legs a little tighter around Dani. "Hmmmmghhhmmmm" Isabelle moaned, as she decided to fight off her last yawn of her nap, and pull her head up off of Dani's shoulder. "Well hello there my star pupil!" Dani said, a smile beaming from ear to ear, as she starred into Isabelle's eyes warmly. "And how was our nap? Let me tell you, I am VERY jealous that you got to have one. Personally, I LOVEEEEE a nap. But I NEVER get to have one. I think its a stigma against grown ups, you know? Its simply not right. I am entitled to a nap. Nay! I demand one!" Dani continued to joke as she carried Isabelle upstairs, who simply couldn't stop herself from giggling all the way up the stairs. "Hey cutie pie," Lola added, as she climbed the stairs ahead of them. "I told you I had surprises for you. Bet you didn't expect your ballet teacher to be here!" Isabelle smiled, happy to see Lola even though Isabelle knew she was there. Isabelle shook her head no, full of glee, smiles, and giggles. In truth, Isabelle should have anticipated it. She just never thought long enough about it. 'Friday night was always sleepover night. It was sacred. I suppose they have carried on the tradition without me." Isabelle felt saddened at the thought - was she really even necessary for the friendship? But then it occurred to her - she was at the sleepover after all. 'Even if its a little different.' Nevertheless, it felt special to be back here. It felt like normal, even if a new normal. Isabelle couldn't help but smile. "It's just up here in the spare bedroom. You won't believe what he did. Or maybe you will. Its very......well dad." Lola continued. Isabelle realized Lola was no longer speaking to her, but to Dani, about something Isabelle had likely slept through. "Come on, just in this guest room." Isabelle watched as Lola pushed open the door to a guest room that Isabelle, in fact, normally slept in at sleepovers. The room otherwise stayed empty, but was elegantly designed and perfectly suited for her when she used to sleep over. 'In fact, its better than we could offer them when it was my turn to host.' Isabelle had always felt bad about the basement pullout bed, even if the trio had always had fun sleeping their together. As Dani carried her into the room, however, there was one notable furniture change that Isabelle didn't anticipate. The queen size bed remained, its back against the left hand side of the wall. The linens were the same; plush white comforter, and the bed still covered in an assortment of colorful pillows. The dark wood end tables stood resolute, each with a lamp Isabelle had used for years to read chapter after chapter of books before sleeping. Agains the back wall was a beautifully painted canvass, modern piece, which along with the pillows, added a pop of color to the room. But all of that was expected. All of that had always been there. It was something else. Something Isabelle couldn't take her eyes off of as Dani rounded the corner, carrying Isabelle into the room. There, against the right hand side of the room, was something foreign. Something new. Isabelle knew what it was. She recognized it instantly. But it seemed out of place, after so many nights, and so many mornings waking up in the room. It was something she never anticipated, and so couldn't ever expect to see at Lola's. Why would Lola ever have one? Why would Sam ever need one? It would serve no purpose, have no utility, be a waste of space, and have no function at all. Because there was no reason to have a changing table. 'Until now.' Isabelle could hardly appreciate the ramifications of what this meant. Isabelle was simply no longer capable of understanding what sort of commitment, what sort of message Sam was trying to send to Jane by making this leap, by making this outrageous purchase. The concept was simply beyond her comprehension. At least for tonight, Isabelle didn't even want to try to explain it, to understand it. Tonight, with her friends by her side, Isabelle had no reaction at all to the changing table. The changing table had simply become something she had grown accustom to. And more than anything, in this moment, Isabelle was in a very soggy pullup, and was looking forward to a change. "My god," was all Dani said at first, silence taking over the room. "I know. Right?" Lola responded, followed by yet another silence. Isabelle allowed her friends - who were not unaware of what Sam had done - to have their moment, despite desperately wanting to remind them that she would very much like to be in a fresh pullup. But Isabelle kept it to herself. "This is like, like the Rolls Royce of changing tables," Dani said, as she set Isabelle on her back on the changing table. "I mean. This thing is incredible." Dani was searching for the right words, as she explored around a few buckets, finding the changing table fully stocked, not just with the things Jane had packed, but with much, much more. "Your dad isn't messing around," Dani added, as she seemingly found what she had been searching for, tearing it out of its package. Isabelle couldn't dispute her friends conclusions. The changing table was remarkable, though she only saw it briefly. Had she been able to take its entirety in, Isabelle would have seen a table crafted from the finest mahogany wood, boasting intricate carvings of delicate vines and cherub angels. Underneath Isabelle, as Dani laid her down, was a plush cushion with the softest silk covering. Isabelle couldn't help but feel it was even more comfortable than her own bed, almost causing her to want to go back to sleep from the moment Dani placed her on it. This changing table was not just a practical piece of furniture; it was a breathtaking spectacle. The table was stocked meticulously with an array of changing supplies. The lotions and powders Jane had sent sat piled next to he highest end of moisturizers and creams that Jane couldn't fathom of purchasing, let alone recognize. In a row of glass jars, the finest organic baby oils awaited their turn to pamper little Isabelle's delicate skin. Other fabric containers lined newly installed shelves above the table, filled with all manner of supplies. Below the surface, a silver tray lined with a velvet like material held an assortment of designer diapers and pullups alongside Isabelle's normal supply. The new, thicker night diapers were adorned with delicate patterns of stars and moon, clouds and sheep, waiting to lull their bearer to sleep. Dani felt compelled to pick one up with her free hand, Dani's jaw nearly dropping as she displayed it to Lola. "We are DEFINITELY putting her in one of these later. They're friggin adorable." Lola simply smiled. "Yah this is....a little much. I warned him too. And let's try and use the stuff Jane sent though." Lola said, taking the diaper Dani was offering in her own hands. 'Except maybe this...." Lola said as played with the soft diaper between her fingers, "this thing is flat out luxury." As Dani looked to resume her duties of changing Isabelle, Lola took the opportunity to look closer look at what Dani had retrieved. "I'm not sure she uses those," Lola added, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Her mom didn't pack any," Lola said, continuing her conversation with Dani. Dani shook Lola off. "Trust me. She'll love it. They all do. And she's young enough, its fine. It helps, you'll see," Dani added, before returning her full attention to Isabelle. Dani moved her hand toward Isabelle's face, before revealing a large bulb in her hand, and moving it toward Isabelle's mouth. Isabelle felt panic overtake her at first. She wasn't sure what Dani was doing, but saw something coming toward her mouth. Isabelle wanted to move her head away, wanted to dart, to avoid whatever was coming on toward her. But she couldn't. More accurately, she didn't. Instead, Isabelle allowed instinct to take over. She didn't run. She didn't fuss. She didn't even move. No, instead, Isabelle simply opened her mouth, accepting the bulb, the comfort quickly eradicating any semblance of anxiety she had previously. "See?" Dani said, as she gently released the pacifier she placed in Isabelle's mouth, watching as the sense of tranquility overtook Isabelle. Lola watched as the sucking motion of the pacifier quickly soothed Isabelle, the little girl's eyes beginning to close as she settled into the soft, silken padding. "Just trust me. I'll help you become a pro in no time," Isabelle heard Dani say, as she felt her friend pulling her leggings over, and off of her feet, followed by her pullup. "It really isn't that hard," Dani continued, as she located the baby wipes, which were warmed by their container, and began soothingly wiping Isabelle up. "You could put her in her night diaper at this point, but she just got up from a late nap," Dani continued to explain, "So she'll probably need another change before bed. And this way," Dani moved to retrieve a fresh pullup, while grabbing powder with her other hand. "We can keep her up longer with us." Dani went about finishing up with Isabelle's change, as Lola took her turn to respond. "I did fine with her diaper change the other night. But it was my first one, even if I didn't want to admit it to her mom." Isabelle hadn't realized that Lola had never done that before, and started to feel bad that she had asked. Without realizing, Isabelle started sucking her pacifier more rapidly. But Lola continued. "It was nice though, you know? I felt like......like.....like I was really taking care of her." Upon hearing Lola's clarification, Isabelle began slowing her rhythm on the pacifier down again, and her heart warming at Lola's thoughts. Isabelle felt Dani's hand tap underneath her, and Isabelle again acting on instinct, as she lifted her butt so Dani could slide her fresh pullup on. "Ya. I totally get you," Dani responded, moving through the motions as though they were second nature, as she pulled Isabelle's leggings up, and eased Isabelle's ballet slippers back on. Dani playfully tickled Isabelle's stomach as she wrapped her conversation with Lola up. "I've been telling you for years - kids are the best." The echoes of Isabelle's giggles from behind her pacifier only accentuated Dani's position. Lola smiled. "I don't know about all kids," Lola joked. "But this one," Lola started, as she picked Isabelle up from the table, placing Isabelle on to her hip. "This one is special," Lola finished, giving Isabelle a big, wet kiss on the cheek which caused her to giggle even more. Lola turned to Dani with a wink "And I'm. Not. Sharing." Lola added, before sticking her tongue out at Dani and playfully running out of the room. "Oh like hell you're not." Dani called, considering washing her hands before giving chase, but simply not caring enough to do so. And just like that, Dani chased Lola, Isabelle in hand, down the stairs and toward the kitchen. Isabelle was right back at her sleepovers, and in that moment, she wouldn't have traded it for anything.

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 48 Isabelle gripped her captain's chair tightly with both of her hands. The high pressure cosmic zone had not relented since Isabelle had been cleared to re-assume command of her ship one week prior, making exploration not only extremely dangerous, but it was beginning to take its toll on the bodies of the human population of the ship: population 1, Investigator Astronaut Captain Isabelle. Isabelle shifted her weight to the side, her investigator-astronaut diaper having once again swelled up without her realizing. 'I'll likely need a change again soon,' Isabelle confessed to herself. 'But not yet. I cannot yield command right now. Not when we're so close.' Isabelle had grown accustomed to her diaper - it wasn't anything to be ashamed about. It simply was something she needed to wear under the circumstances. The last week had been a major challenge for everyone, including Isabelle. Despite now having possession of the key from the deep access point, the crew had been unable to navigate their way back toward the area the sunken ship was in for another, and hopefully final, descent to retrieve the ship's secret. 'It seems every time we solve one problem, we encounter another.' Isabelle remained determined though, and had been working hard to keep morale up. "Steady now everyone, we're almost there." Isabelle did her best to keep a confident demeanor, but the truth was, she was nervous. Isabelle released her bladder as she took control of the helm, navigating ahead. "Here we go." The issue, it seemed, on top of the high pressure system, was an electrical storm that had formed above the area where the ship lay at the bottom of Aquaria. The storm had settled in the region for over a week, only gaining more power by the day. Despite having the best astro-meteorologists in the galaxy, Isabelle's team was unable to find a traditional way to stop the storm. So they decided to pursue a non-traditional method: "Magic," Isabelle muttered to herself. After failing to get through the storm, Isabelle decided to adjust her plan. She was nothing if not a resourceful and adaptable captain, ready to do whatever it took to complete her mission and ensure the safety of her crew. After settling down at a local cereal bar one morning, Isabelle engaged in a conversation with some dolphins, who told Isabelle that if it was indeed her intention to get rid of the electrical storm, she had only two options. "You can either wait," the lead dolphin impatiently told Isabelle, as he chewed a mouthful of his Leprechaun Runes, "or you can visit the Clam Conjurer of the deep. She can help you with your problem. She has the power of magic." Isabelle considered the proposal for a long moment, before dipping her spoon into her own bowl of Runes. With each bite, Isabelle considered the proposition. 'What else can I do?' she was left wondering, as she swallowed her cereal. "Thanks," Isabelle said as graciously as she could. "The runes are on me." Isabelle threw down a few coins, including a generous tip, on to the bar table to cover the imported cereal, before returning to her ship. The lead dolphin merely nodded as thanks, pushing a simply drawn map so that Isabelle could get to the Clam Conjurer, before returning to his pod. Isabelle picked up the map, examining it closely. Something was starting to shake her body, the images around her fading. Isabelle closed her eyes and refocused, finding the world settling around her again. Isabelle knew she was running out of time, as she turned her attention back to the map. 'At least this area looks accessible. But if that storm grows any further out, it won't be. Better get going.' And so Isabelle found herself navigating the boundary of the electrical storm. Thanks to some additional upgrades to the ship, and some incredible steering by Isabelle, The crew found a safe area to land outside of the electrical storm, and within easy access to the Clam Conjurer's home. Isabelle released her tight grip on her chair, suddenly filled with relief. Isabelle let her neck muscles rest, throwing her head back while relaxing and spreading her legs out from under her. As she did, Isabelle released her bladder once more, her investigator-astronaut diaper now at complete capacity. "Captain Isabelle," Doctor Teddy called from his station. "Sensors indicate it is time for a change. No need to come down, well come to you." A change did sound nice, Isabelle thought, as she smiled and simply closed her eyes. ****** Isabelle's eyes blinked open and closed, as she shifted her weight from underneath her. It wasn't the first time her eyes had fluttered that morning, but the first time, she had simply shut them again and gone back to sleep. Now, Isabelle found herself stirred and awaken from her sleep, and more than anything, cold. Isabelle opened her eyes fully this time, as she wrapped her arms around her bare chest. Isabelle was comfortable, despite being cold, but couldn't quite figure out where she was. 'It's not my bed,' Isabelle thought, recognizing a different sort of cushion underneath her. Isabelle turned her head to the left, finding herself elevated and starring at her desk. "Oh," Isabelle thought, realizing where she now was. Isabelle yawned, settling down from her earlier anxiety about where she was, rubbing her hands along her arms to stay warm. As she did so, Isabelle's view of her desk was obstructed, her mom's midsection coming into her immediate view. Isabelle angled her head further to the right, meeting her mom's eyes. Isabelle was overcome with love at the sight of Jane looking down at her, and couldn't help but simply smile. "Hi Mommy," Isabelle offered, through another smile. Jane smiled back. "Good morning my sweet baby. Someone was very sleepy this morning. We're almost done changing you though. Butt up sweetie." Isabelle turned her gaze down to see that something was missing. Her night diaper had apparently already been removed, and she was laying on her changing table completely naked. Isabelle lifted her head slightly, spotting the white baby power spread around her groin. 'Mom changed me....and i didn't wake up?' The idea felt odd to Isabelle, as she lifted her butt as instructed and allowed her mom to slip her pullup the rest of the way up her legs. Even though the rest of her body felt cold and naked, the pullup offered at least some comfort as it snuggled against her tummy, her legs, her butt, and her back. 'Some comfort....but not the most comfort....Sometimes I just wish.....' But no. Isabelle didn't actually want that. 'Do I?' Isabelle pondered the question for longer than she realized, and her mom prompted her out of her daze. "Come on sweetie. We have a long day today. We have to get you dressed. And don't forget you have ballet this afternoon with Miss Dani! Do you need to use the potty first?" Her mom's comments snapped her out of her daze, allowing Isabelle to answer her own question. 'Of course I don't,' Isabelle confirmed to herself. "No Mommy," Isabelle answered without truly considering her mom's question, instead too focused on her own. Whether Isabelle was being honest with herself about her own inquiry was a question for another day. Whether she was being honest with her mother was a question that would answer itself much sooner. 'But,' Isabelle thought, shaking off both, 'mom raised a far more important matter; I am going to get to see Dani today!' Jane hoisted Isabelle off of her changing table, and on to the floor. "Come, let's get your brushed, washed, and fed. Mommy has to dress you in your ballet clothes for preschool today - Auntie Jess is going to pick you up and take you to ballet today, and she's going to be a little late." Jane recalled how challenging it was to change both Isabelle and Beck the prior week. 'I'll just leave Jess to pin their hair up. And I doubt Isabelle will mind," Jane thought, as she sarted pulling Isabelle's ballet tights up her legs and over pullup. Isabelle allowed her mom to dress her without a fuss. "Yay!" was the only reaction Isabelle offered, and if you asked her what it was supposed to be in response to, she would have told you it was to everything; to seeing Dani, to ballet, to getting to wear her ballet clothes, and more than anything, to getting to wear her ballet slippers all day. It was a complete response to the whole series of questions, one Isabelle was proud to shout out loud as her mom pulled a white leotard decorated with rainbows up over Isabelle's little body. "Look mommy!" Isabelle called to Jane, as Jane had turned her back to Isabelle to fetch her ballet slippers. "My leotard looks like Lola's shirt!" Isabelle cried excitedly, as she played with the thick, ruffled shoulder straps that held her leotard, and pullup, snuggly in place. Jane, having retrieved Isabelle's ballet slippers from her closet, turned back to her daughter and smiled. "Oh my! They do, don't they? Maybe that will help you dance just as well as Lola too? She's quite the ballerina you know Isabelle. Maybe you can ask her to teach you some dance moves when you're staying with her this weekend?" Jane decided to casually drop the news that Isabelle would get to stay with Lola that weekend, hoping that her daughter wouldn't throw a fit about it. 'I have no idea how she's going to react,' Jane thought. But Jane didn't have to wait long. Isabelle's smile grew wider than it had in a long, long time. "REALLY Mommy!?! I get to have a sleepover with Lola for the WHOLE weekend?!? REALLY REALLY?" Isabelle asked, jubilant and bouncing. Jane sighed in relief and smiled back, as she bent down once more to help Isabelle put her ballet slippers on. "Really Really sweetie. And you better promise to be a good girl, or else you won't get to do it again, okay? Lola is going to call me everyday and tell me whether you are listening to her. Be the good girl Mommy knows you are," Jane instructed, as she settled the second shoe on Isabelle's foot. Isabelle was overcome with joy, with excitement, with a feeling of everything finally working out. As her second foot settled into her ballet slippers, Isabelle's entire body felt as through it was quaking. Isabelle was overcome with the greatest feeling she had ever had. A loving and fulfilling warmth that had been simmering at the very base of her toes began to boil, spreading out from her teeniest pinky toe out toward her ankles. It boiled more and more, before erupting out from the base of her feet, shooting up her squat legs, and blowing out in every direction like a volcano as it reached her stomach. The Feeling spread higher, and stronger, as the explosion reached her sides and back, her chest and shoulders, and then tumbled down her arms at breakneck speeds, crashing into the very tips of her fingers. The feeling continued to boil, a second eruption, this time in the very base of her belly, exploded upward until it consumer her neck. The feeling overcame her, relaxing every bone and muscle in her body. Isabelle's mouth fell open, as if to let the pressure and steam of power have some valve to release through, to relieve her body of the overpowering sensation. But it was for naught, as yet another eruption, this one from her chest, exploded upward and outward, spreading once more to every corner of her body. This one, however, spread even higher yet, reaching her little button nose, spreading to her eyes and ears, and through to the very tippy top of her head. Isabelle waited. And waited. This was the time, the moment when the feeling would normally leave. It would leave and take something with it, something Isabelle couldn't remember. But this time it didn't. This time the feeling lingered. It wouldn't leave. Thoughts of Dani and Lola, of her Mommy and Jess, of school and of Becky and Julia overtook her. The feeling stayed, stayed longer than it ever had, as Isabelle embraced it, accepted it, loved it, and then, before she could do anything about it once more, let it go, as it flowed up and out of the very top of the crown of her head. "Baby!" Isabelle heard, as she was snapped out of her moment, the warmth still lingering in her core and around her groin. "I thought you said you didn't need to potty," Jane said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. Isabelle looked down, feeling for the first time as her pullup began drooping between her legs. 'it hadn't been the warm feeling that had persisted,' Isabelle realized, as her legs were forced apart by the new bulk between her thighs. "You practically soaked through that pullup already sweetie. I can't send you to preschool like that," Jane announced, as she lifted her arms under Isabelle's armpits. "Come to Mommy. Let's get you changed again." This week hadn't been going as well as hoped, Jane confessed, as she pulled Isabelle's leotard and tights down, and began to wipe her daughter up for the second time that morning. ***** Isabelle sat attentively on the carpet in Miss Deena's class, listening to her as she told a story. On her left, Becky was sitting, fidgeting about, while Julia was to Isabelle's right, starring into space. Isabelle hadn't exactly been in the mood for sotry time. 'I wish we were doing something more active this morning.' But Miss Deena did tell the kids that they would be able to go out into the playground after story time, so Isabelle did her best to sit patiently. Rather than pay attention to the story, Isabelle let her mind wander to better things to come; to dancing in Dani's class that afternoon, to her whole weekend with Lola that was coming up, to the fact that she got to wear her ballet slippers to preschool that day. 'Things are all looking up' Isabelle thought, as her eyes were diverted to Becky, who had called over Miss Kelly about something that Isabelle wasn't listening to. Isabelle's mind re-focused. 'Things are going well,' Isabelle thought to herself. "And the best part of it all is I finally have figured out what is happening to me, and more importantly, how to fix it.' Isabelle was determined to work on finding the star rod - the first step in her infallible plan to return herself to her past life. Isabelle glanced to her left once more, only to find that Becky was no longer there. Isabelle shrugged it off, before returning to more exciting thoughts. "I also need to come up with a plan today for my dance performance,' Isabelle realized. Dani had told the dancers that they would each be performing a piece that the dancer chose, and that it should reflect who they were as a person. 'But what kind of person am I?' Isabelle found herself asking. "Or what kind of person do I want to be?' Isabelle wondered if her performance ought to be the latter, rather than the former - a representation of the kind of person she truly wanted to be, rather than was. Isabelle's train of thought was broken, however, as Kelly's voice made its way into her head. "What a BIG girl Becky, asking to use the potty all by yourself. And NO accidents! That's why you got TWO stickers" Isabelle turned to see Becky returning, holding Kelly's hand, a big smile on her friends face. Isabelle smiled in return - 'getting stickers is awesome,' and decided to clap for Becky. Kelly, for her part, decided to linger. "Yay!" Isabelle offered alone, trying not to interrupt Miss Deena's story as Becky returned to the group. Isabelle couldn't help but notice that Becky was looking proud of herself, and was happy for her friend. Kelly, meanwhile, stood by. At first, Kelly didn't say a word, and Isabelle returned her attention to Miss Deena, not wanting to get into trouble. But Kelly made her intentions more apparent, even if neither Isabelle nor Julia picked up on them. "Does ANYONE else want to be a big girl and ask to use the potty all on their own?" Isabelle heard the questions, but didn't really hear it. While she was aware that Kelly had asked something, it didn't feel like it had been directed at her. And even if it had, Isabelle couldn't, for the life of her, even recall what the question was, even if it had only been asked seconds earlier. Instead, Isabelle found herself chuckling as Miss Deena had arrived as a particularly silly part of her story, where an egg person had tumbled off of a stone wall. "Hehehheheh" was about the only response Isabelle offered, and it certainly wasn't responsive to Miss Kelly's question. Kelly, however, was not going to give in to a toddler, especially not one who had fibbed to her just that past Monday about not needing to use the toilet. 'It's a shame she couldn't ask like her friend did though,' Kelly thought. 'Some kids are just more ready than others,' Kelly reminded herself. "Come on Belly. I'm taking you to the potty. Up we go. And you're next Jules." Kelly said, as she lifted Isabelle up into her arms, and headed toward the bathroom. "NOOOOOOOOOO" Isabelle screeched, as Kelly carried her off. Isabelle hadn't exactly been interested in Miss Deena's story, but she certainly wasn't going to let someone else tell her when she did, and didn't, need to use the potty. And right now? "I don't. Hafta. GOOOOOOO," Isabelle screamed out once more, as Kelly closed the bathroom door behind her, and set Isabelle down on the ground, smiling the whole time. Isabelle threw her arms up to her chest, crossing them as Kelly started to remove Isabelle's leotard. "We're just going to try Isabelle," Kelly repeated, pulling Isabelle's arms apart just enough so Kelly could slip her leotard down, followed by Isabelle's tights and pullup. Kelly couldn't help but notice that Isabelle had already had a little pee in the pullup. 'Oh bother,' Kelly sighed, as she sat Isabelle down on the potty. "We're going to try for FIVE minutes Belly, and if you don't have to go, then you don't have to," Kelly offered, still smiling. Isabelle had already returned to crossing her arms. 'The audacity of this woman. That she thinks she knows me better than I do." Isabelle was starting to get herself even more upset, her stomach gurgling in what Isabelle assumed was anger. Isabelle decided she would tell Kelly what she thought of Kelly's plan. "No. No no no no no no NOOO!" Isabelle called out, as she leaned forward to get her face closer to Kelly, her little red face puffing up. "I. Don't. HAVE - " Isabelle's beratement was unfortunately cut off. As Isabelle took a breath to push out the last word of her shout at Kelly, she pushed out something else instead. Rather than finish her sentence, Isabelle offered only a loud grunt - "Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh" - as she balled up her hands, her red face puffing out a breath as she pushed her poop into the potty. It was no small, accidental poop either. Isabelle really had to go. 'But.......when......where...' Isabelle felt herself wonder, as she grutned yet again to push the remainder of her poop into the potty. Isabelle worked to catch her breath, but her face was not red for another reason. "Well, well well," Kelly responded kindly. "You don't have to what Belly?" Kelly teased playfully. "To go? To poop? Seems like a little girl had to go quite badly! What a stinky you made!" Kelly laughed to herself, as she waved her hand in front of her face. "Now let me wipe you up. You didn't do so well last time." What was Isabelle supposed to do? She was humiliated, having been proven so foolishly wrong about her need to go. 'I still don't understand....' Isabelle was left in complete confusion. She had no realized she needed to poop at all. The most confusing part? Part of her didn't really much care that she had even made it to the potty in time. "Even though I know I do care. Or....or should." Isabelle again found herself distracted, as she was lifted up off of the potty. "There are more important things to worry about," Isabelle decided. "I can't keep letting myself get distracted. I need to give my full attention to fixing what has happened to me," Isabelle thought, returning her mind to her investigative journal." As she did, Isabelle bent forward and allowed Kelly to wipe her butt for her without a care in the world. "All done," Kelly announced, as she threw the wipes into the nearby Diaper Djinn, re-dressing Isabelle, and taking Isabelle's hand. "Only one sticker though sweetie, because you didn't ask to go by yourself. Maybe this afternoon if you do you can earn more stickers!" Kelly reached her palm out, offering a sticker of a circus elephant balancing on a beach ball. "Still proud you made it," Kelly said, even though she knew Isabelle wouldn't have but for forcing her. Isabelle took the sticker Kelly offered with a big smile. Isabelle, despite what had happened, felt she had earned it, and walked with Kelly out to the potty chart, proudly sticking it next to her name. Isabelle stood back, intending to review the chart and see how her friends were doing, when Kelly re-directed her back toward the group. "Not now sweetie, you can come look later." Isabelle made her way back to her friends, sitting down in her original spot. No statement of congratulations was publicly made this time for Isabelle, but Isabelle didn't really notice. Instead, she was happy to be back with her friends. Back to normal, as she settled in to listen to the rest of story time. "Ooooooh Jules, PEEE-YES" Isabelle overheard Kelly saying, though didn't pay much attention to what was going on. "Someone had a big poopy while we were gone, didn't they?" Isabelle overheard Kelly once more, focusing more on the story instead. Isabelle knew accidents happened - it was no big deal. In fact, Isabelle hadn't even noticed a smell. 'Let's go get your bottom changed sweetie." And with that, Kelly and Julia were gone. ******* Miss Deena and Miss Kelly watched over the preschool class with attentive eyes, ensuring the kids safety while giving them the freedom to explore and learn on the playground inside the school gates. The kids all seemed to be getting along fine. "They needed to release their energy," Miss Deena remarked to Miss Kelly. "Look at me, Miss Deena!" Isabelle called out, balancing on a low beam as she pretended to be a tightrope walker. "I'm walking on a rope over a deep, deep ocean!" Isabelle wobbled as she tried to steady herself. She moved her vision back on to the beam, focusing on a single point, as she envisioned herself traversing a bridge over the surface of Aquaria. "You're doing fantastic, Isabelle!" Miss Deena encouraged, clapping her hands. "I see you've become a brave explorer!" Isabelle watched as Miss Kelly leaned over to whisper something to Miss Deena. Miss Deena laughed, before turning her attention back toward Isabelle, and pointing at her, or something about her. Isabelle shrugged it off, and looked around to see what others were doing. Nearby, Becky was scaling a small climbing wall, her determination evident in every step she took. Isabelle watched as her friend tried to brave the wall, struggling with the first few steps, but then seemingly getting a drip. "I'm a fearless mountain climber!" Becky declared proudly. After several minutes, Isabelle watched as Becky reached the top and struck a triumphant pose. "Wow, Becky, you're reaching new heights!" Miss Kelly praised, as she passed by. Becky bent over to Miss Kelly to whisper something else into Miss. Kelly's ear, and Isabelle watched as the two of them made their way back inside. As they passed Miss Deena, Isabelle could hear Miss Deena congratulate Becky, her smile beaming with pride. "You're showing us what a courageous adventurer you are Becky! Good job!" Isabelle's eyes diverted in the other direction, where she spotted Julia sitting in the sandbox. There were a few other kids in big sandbox as well, but Julia was off to the side working on her own project, building a castle using her tiny hands and a bucket. Isabelle couldn't help but smile as she spotted her friend, Isabelle just able to overhear Julia as she was sharing her game with anyone who cared to listen "This is a magical castle with fairies and knights!" Julia announced with a smile, inviting her friends to join her make-believe world. "I can see the fairies already," Miss Deena said, playing along, as she passed by the sandbox, bending over to pull back Julia's diaper. Kelly had apparently changed Julia into a diaper rather than a pullup after the morning's incident, something that stood our prominently in the girl's leggings. Seemingly content with whatever she saw, or didn't see, Miss Deena released the diaper and stood up, "and they're very excited to have you as their queen!" Miss Deena said, moving on to another child who was sobbing and needed attention. Isabelle's attention was diverted back toward the door to the school, where she observed Becky and Miss Kelly coming back. Isabelle made her way the rest of the way across the balance beam, before jumping triumphantly to the other side to the applause in her head. As the children continued their play around her, their laughter filled the air, creating a symphony of joy. They took turns on the swings, pushing each other and giggling as they soared toward the sky. They slid down the colorful slides, feeling a rush of excitement with every twist and turn. Becky, Isabell and Julia even started to play tag, kindly passing who was "it" around, and having a blast. Miss Deena and Miss Kelly observed from a distance, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever they were needed. Time flew by, and soon it was lunch time. Miss Deena and Miss Kelly announced that they had decided to have lunch outside at the picnic tables, and so worked to gather all of the kids together. Our little trio gathered around a picnic table for themselves, as Miss Kelly came by and dropped off each of their lunches. As Kelly put Isabelle's down, she reached around and pressed her hand against the front of Isabelle's pullup, finding it, unsurprisingly, wet. "Sweetie," Kelly said as she pulled her hand back, "looks like you had an accident. Why didn't you come tell me you needed to go." Isabelle ignored Kelly, shrugging and instead eating away at her sandwich, dismissing her teacher's question. 'It can probably last through her nap,' Kelly decided, as she made her way to another table. Isabelle continued to eat as she, Becky, and Julia all chatted about their adventures, sharing stories about the imaginary worlds they had created. "I found a treasure chest on top of the jungle gym!" Becky exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "It was filled with gold coins and magical gems!" Isabelle grinned, wondering if the treasure chest she would find would be filled with gems and gold as well. It occurred to Isabelle as she ate that rather than play, she might have searched for the star rod in the playground. 'If Becky was able to find gems and gold......maybe the star rod is out her,' Isabelle wondered, as she picked her head up and started looking around. Julia decided to contribute to Becky's game, staying thematically on point "And I saw a friendly dragon flying in the sky! It was a little scary at first, and it flew around my castle that I built, but then we became friends!" Isabelle giggled, "Well, maybe in your castle, there can also be unicorn who can grant wishes! I wished for us to be best friends forever!" Isabelle had other wishes too, but right now, she was just thankful to have the friends she did. As lunch wrapped up, the class was ushered inside for nap time. Isabelle only realized as she put her head down on her mat how truly tired she was, and before she knew it, and before someone could take her to the potty, she was out cold, exhausted from her morning of fun and adventure. Isabelle's afternoon passed nicely. After her nap, she was first in line for a change, as her pullup was practically sagging down to her knees. Isabelle didn't mind much - she had slept well, and the changing table was always comfy to lie on. Isabelle nearly fell back asleep as she was carried on to it by Miss Deena, finding the whole process peaceful and nurturing. The afternoon's lesson plan focused on identifying letters and sounding them out. Isabelle did her best to keep up with the others, but found herself often distracted, and struggling to identify the letters. Even when it was just a single letter on the page, Isabelle found herself unable to identify its shape, the lines and ink constantly feeling like they were moving around. It was mentally straining. Once the lesson was over, the kids were all allowed to have free time for the afternoon. Isabelle moved quickly to collect her investigative journal from her bag, but was intercepted by Miss Deena, who forced her to sit on the potty once more until she peed. When Isabelle returned to the playroom, she was again interrupted by Miss Kelly, who coaxed Isabelle into a game of duck duck goose with some other kids. Begrudgingly, Isabelle had to admit that she had fun - perhaps too much fun, as she completely forgot about her journal as she ran around chasing a boy named Kyle who "goosed" her. Slowly but surely, more and more kids left for the day, their parents picking them up. When Kyle left, there were only three players left in their game, and Isabelle took the opportunity to return to her original plan, seeking our her journal and carrying it with her to a reading nook to start working on. But Isabelle had barely opened to the page with her star rod drawing when Miss Kelly picked her up, and carried her to the bathroom again. Out of spite, Isabelle held her bladder the entire 10 minutes Miss Kelly made her sit on the potty, insistent that she prove that she didn't need to go. "Okay Isabelle," Kelly sighed, "You'll have to try again when you get home," Kelly finished, as she helped Isabelle get dressed once more. 'HAH! Serves you right,' Isabelle thought to herself, putting her smuggest smile on her face, as she continued to clench her bladder shut as Miss Kelly dressed her. Isabelle quickly made her way back to her reading nook, sitting down, when she was interrupted, yet again. "Belly! I was looking all over for you," Jess's familiar voice filled the empty classroom. "We're going to be late for ballet. Come on, pick up your things." Isabelle sighed, feeling aggravated that she was unable to work on her theories. Isabelle was forced to close her journal and bring it back to her bag, before hugging Jess. Isabelle was feeling sad, and needing comfort after everyone interrupted her all afternoon. Isabelle held on to Jess tightly as Miss Deena approached. "She had a lot of potty trouble today. I think she's just feeling a little blue." Isabelle didn't care what Miss Deena thought. She didn't care that Miss Deena was right. She just wanted to be held, and was ecstatic when Jess rubbed her back as she chatted about something with Miss Deena. ****** Isabelle looked around the room as beads of sweat dripped from her forehead. The ballet studio wasn't large, and even from where she sat near the edge of the mirror, Isabelle had a good view of all of the parents. The only problem was that her mommy was nowhere to be seen. Isabelle craned her neck as she say up on the back of her legs, hoping that she simply overlooked her mom. But Jane was nowhere to be seen. Isabelle was surprised when she and Becky arrived to dance class late, to find Julia there. Julia's mom - Kat or something - had been talking to Jess about how they signed up late after Jess told her about the class or something. Isabelle didn't care why really, it was nice having Julia in her class. There was something about Julia that was unique. Isabelle saw it every time she looked her in the eye, and felt a pull toward her. Isabelle was in an even better mood once Dani bounced into the class. Dani engaged with all of the students in the ballet class, but even Isabelle knew that Dani had paid special attention to her. Isabelle was caught a little off guard when Dani asked her if she still had any sauce on her face from her dinner with Lola the night earlier. "HOW did you know about that?" Isabelle had demanded, as she turned red in embarrassment. "I know everything you. Just keep that in mind this weekend," Dani had retorted with a wink, before Isabelle put two and two together and realized Dani and Lola, unlike her, still went to school together. 'Still. It's neat that Lola was speaking about me" Isabelle thought, though she was unsure what Dani meant by the rest of it. Isabelle was happy when the class started and they went through their warm up moves. Isabelle felt as though she had done a really good job mimicking Dani's movements. When Emily transitioned the class into their lesson plan, Isabelle flowed through the movements they had practices on Tuesday like a seasoned veteran - she grew tall like a flower, and spread her wings like a bird. She crossed her legs like a crane, and bent down like a bunny. And, as always, she lept high like a frog! Motion after motion, movement after movement, Isabelle felt her whole body engaging and flowing through the exercises with ease. Above all, her Isabelle felt her slippers guiding her through them, like a second skin directing her whole bodies movement as she flowed gracefully from one exercise to the next. Isabelle was thrilled as Dani and Emily continued to compliment her, and even used her as an example to show some other students in the class what to do. At one point, Isabelle even overheard some of what Julia's mommy remarked to Jess about how well Isabelle was doing - "She really is outstanding for her each. In my experi........." "Okay everyone," Emily had said, as the end of class was nearing. "As Dani explained on Tuesday, everyone is going to take a turn showing us who they are through dance. Everyone is going to get a chance, and when you are not performing, its your job to be a supportive dance partner to your friends, okay?" Emily said, emphasizing the latter part about being supportive. "Now, who is going to go first?" Isabelle watched as Julia finished her performance, Julia's mom watching intently and with pride. Isabelle continued to squirm in her place on the ground, waiting for any sight of her mom. 'But almost everyone has gone already,' Isabelle realized, as she began feeling gloomy about the fact that her mom wasn't there. All of the other parents were seemingly present, most of whom had their phones out, videotaping and taking pictures of their kids performing. Isabelle was about to tell Dani that she didn't want to perform, when she heard the door open. Isabelle's eyes perked up and toward the door, a smile taking the place of her frown - there was her mommy, coming in just as Emily called Isabelle's name to come up and perform. Isabelle was ready. Isabelle stood up confidently, making her way to the middle of the circle to take her position. Isabelle closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and waited for the music to begin. But the music didn't start. Isabelle opened her eyes, and immediately recognized what was happening. 'Its been a while since this has happened,' Isabelle noted, as she watched as the world around her fall away into a dark abyss. Gone was the studio, gone was the mirror, and gone were the spectators. Gone were her classmates, her teachers, and even the the building around her. Isabelle found herself tumbling down, further and further into the abyss, though always in perfect control. Isabelle felt as the tip of her toe landed perfectly on a solid point below her, and from that point, a majestic stage flowed out, cascading around her like waves against crashing against the beach. The vast expanse of polished wood settled underneath her, providing the perfect platform for performances that captivate the senses. Isabelle picked her head up, looking out in front of her as the most incredible theater unfolded from the darkness; a state of the art lighting and music system, plush red velvet seats, gold-trimmed balconies, and a majestic proscenium arch, the space in front of Isabelle exuded a sense of opulence and grandeur. Isabelle's eyes were diverted upward toward the ceiling, a breathtaking masterpiece, showcasing a celestial mural that seems to come alive as the light around her dimmed, transporting the audience to a celestial realm. And the audience - filled to the brim with guests waiting to see Isabelle perform. Isabelle's attention was drawn toward the first two balconies to her left. It was filled with her loved ones; her mom, Sam and Lola in the first box, Dani, Mel, Jess and Becky in the next. They were all smiling down on her as she was fulfilling her dream. Isabelle recognized where she was immediately. It was her greatest of dreams - she was at the Royal Ballet in London. Every hope she had, every fiber of her body, it had always wanted to end up here. And now she was - she was in front of her family and friends, performing at her dream venue, and Isabelle wanted to take it all in, wanted the moment to never end. But she couldn't. The music started, and without realizing it, Isabelle started as well. As the music began to play, and Isabelle began to move, a hush fell over the audience. The spotlight illuminated the stage, and there, standing alone with a mix of excitement and nerves, was Isabelle. Isabelle looked down as she noticed her sparkling tutu that twinkled like stars, making her feel like a true ballerina. With the music guiding her, Isabelle's feet took their first steps, and she twirled with grace. Her movements were not just choreographed; they were filled with the sheer joy and love she had for dancing. With every step, every movement, Isabelle manifested her passion for Dani and Lola, her adoration for Sam and Jess, her dedication, unconditional, and overwhelming love for her mommy. The audience watched in awe as she danced with innocence and enthusiasm, feeling the emotions Isabelle sent in every direction, with her face, with her movements, with her love. Isabelle was oblivious to their watchful eyes, enthralled in her movements.. As the music reached its crescendo, Isabelle finished her solo with a flourish, striking a final pose that left the audience captivated. The room erupted into applause, and a wide smile spread across Isabelle's face as she took a bow. As she stood up, her eyes traced their way to her loved ones. Around her, the ceiling faded into darkness, the arch crumbled away into dust, but Isabelle didn't notice. The seats folded back down, and the floor underneath her wisped up back to the very point her toe landed on, but Isabelle didn't see. Even as the very last of the world around her faded back into nothingness, Isabelle only saw her friends, her family, until one by one they faded away as well, until it was just her mommy, alone on the balcony. Isabelle could see the pride in her mom's eyes, as she lingered there for just one more moment. Isabelle could feel Jane's heart swell with pride as she watched her little Isabelle take the stage with such confidence and joy, as she watched her daughter fulfill her dream. Tears of happiness welled up in Jane's eyes, and she couldn't help but beam with pride. Isabelle felt her own eyes begin to well as she starred back at her mom as well. Jane's little girl had grown so much in so many ways, and in that moment, Jane knew that this recital was more than just a performance; it was a milestone in Isabelle's journey of self-discovery and expression. Isabelle found herself standing back in her dance studio, as her friends and teachers clapped loudly around her. In fact, many of the other parents, who had not bothered much for other children's performances, were clapping too. But Isabelle heard none of it, saw none of it. She was still starring at her mommy, who hadn't stopped looking at her, looking at Isabelle with the exact same pride in her face and tears in her eyes as she had been from her balcony. And Isabelle felt happy, as she wiggled her toes joyfully in her ballet slippers once more.

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 47 Isabelle slept better than she had in a long time. It was the type of sleep that Isabelle, months earlier, would likely have described as she "slept like a baby." Unfortunately, that particular idiom had taken on a whole new meaning in Isabelle's life. Now, it was more factual description. Suffice it to say Isabelle slept long, well, and undisturbed, a smile gracing her delicate face as she tucked Rabbity under her arms, the covers wrapped tightly around her thanks to Jane. When Isabelle woke up, she was feeling rested, overwhelmed with fulfillment, and just generally happy - a happiness that she hadn't felt since the day she started going back. The reasons were oblivious. 'I can't believe I got to see Dani,' Isabelle thought to herself, as she stretched her little legs out underneath her, reaching for the edge of her bed without success. Isabelle herself knew why she had slept so well - it was the first night in a long time that her life was feeling in order; her days were passing more enjoyably at preschool with Julia and Becky, she had gotten to have dinner with Lola - who paid attention to her all night, - she had her dance class with Dani, who she had missed so very much, and even her weekend babysitting with Mel had been heartwarming. 'Everything is just......' Isabelle was on the verge of saying perfect, but stopped. The adjective felt right as it first formed in her head. It felt warm as it jumped newly developing synapses in her brain, flowing down her brain stem. The word filled her with warmth as it bounced around her mouth, her tongue and vocal cords preparing themselves to pronounce the descriptor to the world. It was only as the word made its way to the tip tongue, only when it appeared it was going to escape her lips, when it arrived at the last bastion of defense she had, that it froze, her body and mind fighting to stand firm in what she knew to be true. 'No.....' Isabelle was forced to remind herself. "Not perfect." This time Isabelle forced herself to say the words out loud, almost as though she needed to convince herself they were true. Perhaps she did need to. "None of this is perfect. Its not right. I need to -" Just as Isabelle was completing her thought, she was interrupted by a pressing and desperate need. 'Oh sh-' Isabelle clenched over, staying thematically consistent as she was yet again unable to finish her thought, however apt the choice of word would have been. 'Oh god no.' Isabelle knew what her body was telling her - she needed to poop. Isabelle took a deep breath and contemplated her options. Isabelle knew she was running low on time, so quickly considered what she might do as she shifted her legs underneath her, feeling the swollen, warm, and what had come to be comforting, diaper underneath her. 'If I try and run for the bathroom, I am not sure I'll make it,' Isabelle concluded. Isabelle weighed other options. 'I can call for help,' Isabelle considered. 'But that's not a very big girl thing to do.' Isabelle was desperate to think of what might be behind door number three, though hadn't entirely dismissed the idea of calling for help. There was of course, another option, one that was patently obvious to Isabelle when she had shifted her legs earlier. The option was practically calling out to her, inviting her, welcoming her to select it. 'There wouldn't be anything wrong with doing that,' Isabelle considered. After all, she was in a diaper for a reason - for emergencies, for accidents, to protect her from problems just like this. 'And it's not like I stayed dry during the night,' Isabelle reminded herself. It was alluring, Isabelle was forced to admit. Her stomach was aching for relief, and relief was readily in sight. Well, not sight, but it was wrapped around her waist. Isabelle was still feeling warm and happy under her covers, and wasn't ready to get out of bed yet, her happy morning still persisting despite her more immediate needs. And though she had been upset at her last two poopy accidents, this time it was.....'well this is different,' Isabelle decided. She was prepared this time for what would happen. She would be the one deciding it would happen. 'No,' Isabelle shook the thought off. 'No....I can't.....I can't do that. Not willingly. No.' Isabelle sighed, resigning herself back to option two, and deciding it was best to ask for help. 'Even if a big girl isn't supposed to need help.' Unfortunately it seemed, Isabelle's mere consideration to simply let her bowels go had overtaken her body for just the split second she had allowed it to. The result? Her body had decided to act. Isabelle quickly did what she could to tighten up her body once more, but her needs were now at a critical level. "MOMMMMMMMYYYYY" Isabelle called out desperately, though the action of calling for help itself didn't help, and caused enough seismic activity in her body that her sphincter opened at the small bit of force that was pushing out, and the head of the first log of poop making its way out of her. Isabelle was quite convinced she didn't have another call in her, and could only hope that her mom had heard her. Fortunately for her, Jane came in almost immediately, opening the door with a joyous smile and glow to her that made Isabelle want to be with her mom more than anything. "Good morning my little princess! What's going on?" Jane asked, as she made her way toward Isabelle's bed, sitting next to her and kissing her head. Isabelle responded in a quieter, more strained voice this time. "Mo..mmy.....poo...py....." It was all she could muster, as her mere speech opened up her body more, letting the head of the firs log push its way between her cheeks just as she stopped it. "Oh my!" Jane responded, quickly realizing what was going on, but still being playful about the situation. "Sounds like someone needs to go potty! Let's carry you on to the potty like a big girl!" Jane announced. Though Isabelle doubted that was how many big girls made their way to the potty, she didn't care in that moment, and allowed her mom to pick her up out of her bed. As Jane lifted Isabelle, another seismic rupture ensued. In the brief time between Isabelle being lifted up, and Jane's arms making their way underneath Isabelle's butt, Isabelle lost some control, and the small head of poop which had made its way out slithered it's way out from her butt cheeks, falling into the seat of her diaper. As Jane's arms swept under Isabelle's butt, Isabelle was able to regain control of what remained, sealing the walls before more poop breached gates. However, the little poop that did escape was quickly pressed up against her by her mom's awaiting hand. "Let's get you to the potty sweetie," Jane said, neither she nor Isabelle realizing that they were not quick enough to avoid a small accident. Jane carried Isabelle out of the room as Isabelle's head rested peacefully on her mom's shoulder. 'Never mind,' Isabelle thought, ignoring her bowels once more. 'The morning did get better,' Isabelle thought as she nuzzled her fact into her mom's neck, Jane's scent filling her nostrils and setting her body instantly at ease. "Thank you mommy." Isabelle said, unsure if she was responding to her mom's help, or simply thanking Jane for being her mommy. Jane quickly shifted Isabelle from her arms, down to the floor in front of the seat of toilet. Jane rapidly removed Isabelle's diaper by tearing the sides, and lifted her on to the toilet to sit without any further accident. Isabelle could hardly keep up with what her mom was doing, but as soon as she was seated on the toilet, her bowels let loose, one log of poop after the other. Isabelle sighed with relief. "Better sweetie?" Jane asked, as she quickly inspected Isabelle's diaper, noticing the poop smear that had escaped. Jane wrapped it up quickly, not wanting to damage Isabelle's confidence. 'Poor girl...' Jane was already growing concerned about Isabelle's progression with potty training, but it seemed it was not getting better. 'One day at a time,' Jane reminded herself. Isabelle, for her part, never realized what had happened, and simply nodded to her mom's inquiry. "All done mommy," Isabelle responded, as she started to reach for the toilet paper. Before her small hand could reach it, however, Jane cut it off, holding it and preventing it from going further. "Mommy will wipe you on your changing table," Jane told Isabelle. After seeing her daughter's diaper, Jane knew Isabelle would need a more thorough wiping with some baby wipes. Isabelle simply shrugged it off, and allowed her mom to lift her up, and carry her back toward her room to start the day. ***** Isabelle felt the car come to a stop. Isabelle had been distracted, and was not really paying attention to where she was headed, though she knew it was to school. Isabelle's mind had been elsewhere. More accurately, it hadn't shifted at all - her thoughts were still of Dani and Lola, of Mel and Becky, and of her mommy, the most wonderful of them all. Isabelle heard as her mom shut the driver's door, waiting for her to come around and get her out and take her to yet another wonderful day of pre-school. But Jane didn't open the side door - rather, Isabelle could hear her mom open the trunk to the car, and rummage with something behind the car before closing the trunk once more. Seconds later, Jane appeared at Isabelle's door as was expected earlier, only she wasn't empty handed. As Jane opened the car door, the mystery of the trunk visit had bene revealed. Next to her mom, as she was unbuckling Isabelle, stood a rather intricate and fancy looking stroller. The stroller looked like a masterpiece of design and engineering, crafted by a renowned brand - RISABABY - known for its unparalleled quality and elegance. Its sleek frame was made of lightweight carbon fiber, giving it both strength and a modern allure. It was engineered to provide the smoothest ride for Isabelle, effortlessly gliding over any terrain, be it a rough cobblestone street or a pristine park pathway. Isabelle was a little startled as Jane lifted her up, and placed her into the seat of the stroller. As Jane bent down to buckle Isabelle in, Isabelle took in her surroundings. The seat felt like a cozy cocoon to Isabelle. Isabelle wouldn't have known, but the seat was lined with plush, hypoallergenic padding. The seat cradled Isabelle's little body as she settled into it, ensuring her comfort. Jane finished securing the five-point harness system, securing Isabelle safely in place, leaving Jane with no worries about her adventurous daughter wiggling her way out of the seat. Isabelle's eyes glanced upward as her mom disappeared behind her. The canopy of the stroller was a marvel in itself. Isabelle immediately noticed as she was shielded from the harsh rays of the sun, through still allowing her to observe the world around her without any hindrance. As Jane began to push, Isabelle felt the smooth ride the high-grade wheels provided, swiveling and maneuvering, granting Jane exceptional mobility. Jane had selected the stroller specifically because of its safety, but also because of the multitude of storage options that adorned the stroller. A spacious under-seat basket provided ample room for Jane to stash the diaper bag, snacks, and other essentials. There were also compartments built into the handlebar, perfect for holding Jane's phone, keys, and even a cup holder for a cup of coffee or bottle of water. Isabelle started to look around, and noticed that they were not in front of the pre-school. "Mommy - where are we?" Isabelle still was not sure why they were not in the normal parking lot, and more importantly, why she had been placed in a stroller. 'I want to walk mommy! I can walk!" Isabelle called out, kicking her feet to no avail, intent on asserting her independence. Jane, however, did not relent. "Sweetie there was no room in the parking lot so I had to park across the street. Sit still. We will be at your school in just a minute," Jane explained, as she stopped at the crosswalk and pushed the pedestrian crossing button. Normally Jane would have let Isabelle walk. The stroller was really for long days or more treacherous areas. But they were already going to be late to school, and Isabelle often got distracted while they were walking. 'Not in the mood to pull her the whole way,' Jane had decided when she unfolded the stroller. As the signal to cross changed, Jane made her way across the street, pushing the stroller with ease in front of her. Isabelle decided to simply let things be, noticing some advantages to sitting in the stroller. First and foremost, Isabelle had been finding her mind stretched thin lately. It was harder and harder for Isabelle to focus on a number of things at once, sometimes even a single thing. The stroller removed any effort Isabelle needed to put on focusing on her steps, or where her mommy might be, freeing her mind for other activities. Second, and though Isabelle hated to admit it, the stroller was incredibly comfortable. In fact, Isabelle was not sure if she had ever sat in a more comfortable chair. There were no bumps, no uneven surfaces, no problems at all. The RISABABY was absolutely perfect, and she felt like a princess being ushered about on her palanquin. It was quite lovely. Isabelle's mind was brought back to reality as her mom turned the stroller around, so she was now facing backward. Jane opened the door to the pre-school, and lifted the stroller up over the last step. Rather than unbuckle Isabelle at the front, Jane elected to wheel her all the way to the classroom. As they approached, however, they ran into two familiar faces. "Morning Jane," Jess's familiar face rang from the front of the classroom door. Holding Jess's hand of course was Becky, who waved to Isabelle. "And Good morning to you too Belly. Lucky girl getting a ride all the way to the door today!" Isabelle turned a little red, embarrassed that Becky was not also in a stroller. Isabelle crossed her arms and started to pout in response. "Oh she's a little grumpy. We had to park across the street," Jane offered as an explanation, bending over to unbuckle Isabelle. "But I bet her mood will change soon, since she gets to see her new friend tonight again," Jane offered teasingly, speaking to both Jane and Isabelle. with the last buckle undone, Isabelle hopped out of the stroller, with a confused look on her face. Jess removed any confusion. "Oh that's right. You're having Sam and his daughter over tonight, right?" Jane nodded to confirm. "And then you have your whole weekend....how fun!" Isabelle's mind went elsewhere as Jane and Jess continued to chat about things Isabelle didn't quite understand. It didn't matter though - none of that was important. She was going to get to see Lola again tonight! 'I am the luckiest, girl in the world,' Isabelle thought, as her mood changed instantly and she made her way with Becky into the classroom, where Miss Deena was just beginning to start her class with Miss Samantha. ****** Isabelle was beginning to feel that every day at pre-school was better than the last. The morning started much like the others, with group circle time int he middle of the room on the rug. As the morning circle started, Miss Deena and Miss Samantha told the class they would be starting off with music that day, to which Isabelle, flanked by Julia and Becky, clapped about happily. Miss Deena pulled out her guitar, as Miss Samantha banged a tambourine along with her. The children all sang lively songs together, most of which Isabelle recognized right away. They laughed at the silly noises that Miss Samantha made when they sang "Old MacDonald," screamed out answers as they sang a counting song together, and even though Isabelle struggled to get the answers right, had fun. After music class, Miss Deena and Miss Samantha handed out workbooks to all of the children, along with a set of stickers with animals on them. The goal of the exercise, Miss Samantha explained, was to take the animal sticker and put it into the correct habitat in the stencil book, which had the Arctic, the jungle, a city, the ocean, and all sorts of other habitats. Once the sticker was in the right habitat, Miss Samantha told the children they could spend the rest of their time coloring the pages before lunch. Isabelle felt she had done a pretty good job. Isabelle found a sticker of a majestic lion, correctly placing it in the jungle. Isabelle also accurately put the polar bear in the Arctic. Isabelle was also able to put the seal in the ocean. But there were others that Isabelle struggled with. Isabelle was confused where she was supposed to put the panda bear, deciding he might be happy living in a metropolitan city. Isabelle also didn't recognize one of the animals, which turned out to be a narwhal, mistaking it for a unicorn which she placed in the forest. Despite getting frustrated with putting the animals in the wrong spots, Isabelle largely had fun with the game, and had even more fun coloring the pages. By the time lunch came around, Isabelle was feeling very hungry. Unfortunately, Isabelle was delayed in going to eat. Despite being asked a few times to use the potty, and despite each of her friends successfully using it themselves, Isabelle shook off the numerous requests to use the potty. The result? Isabelle had wet herself twice that morning, and was in desperate need of a fresh pullup by lunch. "Belly," Miss Deena explained, as she started changing Isabelle, "I want you to really try to use the potty this afternoon, okay sweetie?" Isabelle felt guilty as Miss Deena was changing her. Isabelle had known on at least the first occasion that she needed to pee. 'But I was having too much fun singing,' Isabelle thought. The second accident was just that - Isabelle had been too distracted by other things. But Isabelle knew there was a correct answer. "Okay Miss Deena." Unfortunately, Isabelle didn't have much more success that afternoon. After lunch, and during naptime, Isabelle soaked through her pullup again. When she woke up, Isabelle tried to deny that she was wet to Miss Samantha. Unfortunately Miss Samantha checked and confirmed that Isabelle was wet. Isabelle felt badly about lying, but after what Miss Deena had said, Isabelle had felt a lot of pressure to not have another accident. Miss Samantha took Isabelle for another change, and sent Isabelle on her way. Isabelle was glad that Miss Deena had assigned quiet time that afternoon. After her series of accidents that day, Isabelle was content to continue working on her magical theory for the first time in days. Isabelle settled herself into one of the reading nooks, and pulled out her investigative journal, slipping to the more recent pages to familiarize herself with where she had left off. Isabelle arrived at the last page she had drawn at. Starring back at her was the magical princess, with her ruby red hair, her stunning, shimmering crown atop her head, and her rainbow magical dress. In her hand of course, was her wand, the Star Rod, the very source of the magic that Isabelle had hoped. As Isabell continued to examine her picture, a thought occurred to her. ''It makes no sense to find a magical princess, or witch, or wizard, or even a fairy, if I can't offer them the means of changing me back!' Isabelle deduced. 'It would be QUITE rude of me to just demand that a magic user change me back, without offering them help to do so!' How had Isabelle not considered this before? Isabelle's conclusion seemed so obvious to her as she sat there looking at the picture. 'First things first,' Isabelle concluded, 'I need to learn more about this star rod.' Isabelle thought long and hard about her next steps. "If I am going to ever find this magical star rod, I am going to have to learn more about it," Isabelle said to herself out loud. Isabelle was confident this was the right path forward. With her tiny hands clutching her array of colored pencils, Isabelle turned to a new, blank page, and got to work. Isabelle worked diligently, carefully sketching a long, curving line that formed the wand's handle. The handle was a dazzling shade of blue, just like the summer sky on a clear day. Isabelle smiled with satisfaction - 'the blue represents the origins of the wand - it comes from the sky' - as she moved on to the next step. Gently, Isabelle did her best to draw a star at the top of the handle. Isabelle had to stop at one point, to make sure she counted the correct number of points the star needed, before returning to trace the star with her yellow pencil. Once the outline was complete, Isabelle worked to fill the star with an array of colors, reflecting the beauty of a rainbow, and the power that came from each color. 'It's the most powerful wand that's ever existed,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'It needs every single color to reflect its power!' Each point of the star held a different hue, from fiery red to calm green, and every shade in between. Isabelle's eyes lit up with wonder as she realized she was drawing the exact wand she would need to offer a magical princess to help her. As she finished the star, Isabelle reflected on the drawing and decided more was missing. 'This is no ordinary wand,' Isabelle thought, as she released her bladder into her pullup, prioritizing her drawing instead. Isabelle grabbed more colored pencils, adorning the wand's handle with even more stars, scattered like tiny stars in the night sky, shimmering like diamonds. Isabelle's pencil danced across the paper, leaving behind trails of glittering stardust. With every stroke, she felt a tingling excitement, as if her creation was coming to life. As Isabelle added more details, the star rod seemed to gain a life of its own. Glittering streams of light swirled around the wand, radiating an enchanting glow that warmed Isabelle's heart. She could almost feel the magic flowing through her colored pencils as she continued to draw, the wand's power almost bursting off the page. 'Where am I ever going to find a wand of this power?' Isabelle wondered, but she couldn't be stopped, as she paraded the wand with more colors, more power. Lost in her own little world, Isabelle embellished the wand with intricate patterns, shimmering colors, and dazzling swirls. Each design carried a different meaning—a wish for happiness, a dream of adventures, a hope for endless joy, and of course, a power to undo what had happened to her. With every touch of her pencils, Isabelle poured her heart, her love, and her commitment into her masterpiece. Finally, Isabelle added a touch of sparkle to the star's center. She imagined that this magical gem could grant any wish its owner desired. It was the core of the wand - the Star Rod's true power - concealed within its center. Only the caster could truly understand it's power, could wield the all powerful wish, could know what the true desire of the caster - or castee - was. It was the very heart of the Star Rod, and it pulsated with the purest form of magic—the magic of love and innocence. As the last stroke of color touched the paper, Isabelle beamed at her creation—a dazzling Star Rod that seemed to come to life on the sheet. She held it up, feeling a surge of power jump off the page and into her chest. To her, this drawing wasn't just a picture—it was finally the first step toward solving the conundrum that had overtaken her life, and nothing would stop Isabelle from getting back now. Well, other than that she needed another change. ******** "Oh god. How on earth is it already 6:15?!?!?" If there had been another adult in the room, they would have quickly recognized the stress, nay, the panic in her voice. Sam and Lola were supposed to arrive at 6:30 for dinner, and Jane was, simply put, not ready at all. Jane stood in her cozy kitchen, covered in flour, egg, and tomato sauce all over her apron, body and face. 'I look more like Isabelle than a functioning adult,' was all Jane could think in that moment. Isabelle, for her part, was laying on the ground nearby, intending on playing with a doll she had brought downstairs. But Isabelle had been distracted for the better part of the afternoon. 'Mom never acts like this in the kitchen,' Isabelle noticed right away. Indeed, most of the meals Jane made were very simple. And so, when Jane had sat Isabelle down on the ground and gone about making fresh noodles for a homemade lasagna, Isabelle's focus had been on her mom. Jane knew the dish was ambitious. 'But I can't exactly serve them what a normally make.' Jane was used to cooking for a toddler and herself, not for someone she cared about deeply. It didn't help that she was late getting home; Miss Deena had wanted to talk about Isabelle's accidents again, and they unfortunately got stuck in rush hour traffic on the way home. True to form, Isabelle needed to be changed again when they got home, Jane opting to put Isabelle into a nighttime diaper, explaining to Isabelle that it would be easier to put her to bed after Lola and Sam left. The worst part of the afternoon however, had been Jess calling. Jess was supposed to take Isabelle for the weekend, as Sam had planned a weekend getaway for himself and Jane. Jane was going to let Isabelle know that evening. Unfortunately, John's mom had taken a bad fall and everyone was going to go visit her for the weekend out of town. So that put a damper on the afternoon. Jane was intent to not let it ruin their night though. Once Isabelle was finally settled, Jane carefully laid out the ingredients for a delicious homemade lasagna, working as fast - and consequently, as messily - as she could as the minutes and seconds ticked away. Isabelle could sense that her mom was overwhelmed, and so set her doll down and decided to help. Isabelle stood up, flattening the dress her mom had put her in down, and crinkled her way over to her mom, tugging at her mother's apron. 'Not now sweetie. I need a few minutes," Jane responded to the tugging, making her way over to the stove to make sure the sauce wasn't burned. Isabelle knew her mom needed help, even if she wasn't ready to ask for it. Isabelle decided that she would take care of dessert, since her mom was so focused on the meal. Isabelle turned around, spotting a bag she knew was the foundation of any good dessert, and started making her way across the kitchen. Isabelle's bright eyes were filled with excitement as she reached for the bag of flour on the counter, her fingers just beginning to edge the bag over the side. 'Nearly........there.......' Isabelle thought, straining and reaching for the bag, which was about to fall over. Jane, catching a glimpse of what was happening at the last second, managed to prevent disaster. Jane darted across the room, inadvertently dropping the stirring spoon with sauce on the floor, before gently moving Isabelle's hands away from the bag of flour, and laughing, "Not this time, sweetheart. Flour isn't for playing." Isabelle felt a little discouraged as her mom moved the flour our of her reach. "I am helping mommy!" Isabelle declared, and Jane couldn't help but smile back at her. "I know sweetie. But if you really want to help mommy, you can play with your dolly and keep your pretty dress clean for me, okay?" Jane looked at the clock, as she bent over to pick up her spoon and wash it off - 'already 6:22 and I don't even have the lasagna in the oven.' More panic was starting to set in. Her mom had asked nicely, but Isabelle knew that she could do more to help her mom than just get out of the way. So as Jane returned her attention to the sauce and the oven, Isabelle changed tactics. 'If I just do whatever mommy does, that must be helpful!' So Isabelle stood nearby, doing her best to mimic her mom by pretending to stir the air with a wooden spoon. Giggling, Jane let her daughter play chef for a moment while trying to keep an eye on the simmering sauce. However, Isabelle's curiosity soon led her to another adventure. 'Stirring is boring!' Isabelle announced to herself. Instead, Isabelle found a better ingredient to cook with. Just on the kitchen island, Isabelle spotted a bowl of fresh eggs and simply couldn't resist the temptation. 'Those will help with my dessert,' Isabelle decided, making her way to her stool with the booster seat, and climbing into her spot. After making her way up - and always in an attempt to be helpful - Isabelle grabbed two eggs for what she decided would be her pie. 'It will be just like the one I made with Julia and Becky!' Carefully, Isabelle tried to descend from her booster seat, making sure her feet were firmly placed on the rung of the stool, and then the ground as she made her way down. It was almost the perfect landing, but as her last foot hit the ground, Isabelle slipped a little and accidently let go of one of the eggs, watching as it fell, fell, fell, and then..... *SPLLLLAT* The startling noise of the egg cracking on the ground had two effects; first, it shocked Isabelle such that she tightened her hand into a ball, crushing the second egg. And second, of course, it caught Jane's attention. a split second of silence pierced the room, just as embarrassment and shame overwhelmed Isabelle. Isabelle couldn't do anything to stop it. The tears formed by themselves, and a bellow from the pit of her stomach took over control, as she let the crushed egg and yolk in her right hand open up, and wailed for Jane. "MOMMMMMMMYYYY" Isabelle cried out, as tears poured down her cheek. "Oh no, Isabelle!" Jane exclaimed as she rushed to intercept her daughter before Isabelle made a mess of the yolk all over her dress. Jane rushed to her daughter to comfort her, grabbing some paper towel on the way. "Shhh Shhh it's okay sweetie," Jane explained, careful to not let Isabelle get any egg on her outfit - 'not that it makes a difference anymore.' Jane took her time wiping a few droplets of egg from Isabelle's hands, and smiled at her little helper. "Thank you for trying to help sweetie,' Jane said. Isabelle hadn't done anything wrong, and normally Jane knew she could keep a better eye on her daughter. "But let's leave the eggs for Mommy, okay?" Isabelle nodded, sniffling away more sobs. Just as Jane felt she had regained control over the situation, the inevitable happened; the doorbell rang. "Well," Jane thought, standing up, "at least he's about to learn what he's in for! Why don't we go open the door together?" Jane proposed to Isabelle, before laughing at what she could only imagine they looked like. Jane couldn't help but smile at the situation; she was perfectly imperfect, and Jane knew that Sam would have a good laugh about this, even if it was at her expense. Isabelle offered her left hand to her mom, which Jane accepted, as Isabelle wiped her running nose with her right one. Together, they made their way to the door, opening it up for Sam and Lola. The juxtaposition between the two sets of parent and child was comical. On one side of the threshold to the home stood Sam, standing tall in his perfectly pressed button down shirt, his beard neat as a button, and wry smile as perfect as ever, and Lola, standing perfectly upright in a designer pair of jeans, and a cute floral print sleeveless top with ruffled trim. On the other, Jane, sweaty, sticky, her apron, shirt, and skin, covered in various patches of flour, egg, sauce, and all manner of ingredients, and Isabelle, who had somehow also managed to get flour on her legs and arms as well, egg yolk dropping from her hand, and remarkably, wearing only one sock. The pairs stood in silence for what felt like a full minute, taking in the respective sights of one another, and Jane bearing a look of despair, before Sam chimed in. "So," Sam started. "How can we help?" Isabelle watched as all three of Lola, Jane, and Sam laughed genuine, loud laughs. Isabelle wasn't entirely sure what the joke had been, but decided to laugh as well. In the end, all Isabelle had wanted to do was help anyway. Now, everyone was going to get to. Lola and Sam came in, and immediately went to work to help Jane. Sam was in charge of stirring the sauce, while Jane worked to make the layers for the lasagna. Lola helped clean the egg off of Isabelle's hands, lifting her up and supporting Isabelle's diapered butt so she could reach the sink. Lola than wiped down Isabelle's legs, and found her missing sock, returning it to her foot. "Much better cutie pie," Lola added as she finished dressing Isabelle. Isabelle couldn't help but blush, before hugging her friend. "Now," Lola proposed, "why don't you take me upstairs and show me your room while the silly grownups finish cooking, okay?" Jane mouthed a desperate and genuine 'thank you' to Lola as Isabelle took Lola's hand and dragged her upstairs. "I have some unfortunate news," Isabelle heard her mom say to Sam, just as Isabelle was climbing the stairs. Whatever it had been, Isabelle didn't want to, or care to know. Isabelle was simply too excited to show Lola her room, forgetting for one brief night that Lola was supposed to already have been there before. Isabelle went about showing Lola all the parts of her room, filled with excitement. "And over here is my dollhouse. OH OH OH and over here is my bed. It's a princess bed, see? AND OH here is where I color. And this is Rabbit. AND AND AND!" Isabelle was on a high as she showed Lola around, pointing out all her favorite places to be, and her favorite things to do. Isabelle was so excited and distracted as she showed Lola around, she hadn't even noticed when she started peeing into her diaper. Lola couldn't help but enjoy the little girl's excitement. 'I guess this is what it would be like to have a little sister,' Lola thought to herself, the idea more of an unfulfilled fantasy than reality. "Well, perhaps fantasy not much longer,' Lola wondered to herself. Every time Isabelle showed her something new, Lola made sure to ask Isabelle a lot of questions about it. Without realizing it, Lola was actually really enjoying herself, and was almost as surprised as Isabelle was when Jane shouted up the stairs that dinner was ready. Lola looked at her watch 'I can't believe a half hour went by so fast.' "Let's go cutie," Lola announced, picking Isabelle up and wrapping an arm underneath her. As she did, Lola become immediately aware of Isabelle's wet diaper, but decided to let it be. 'I am sure it can manage through dinner,' Lola thought, but noted to say something to Jane. For her part, Isabelle was famished by the time Lola sat her down at the small kitchen table that they never used. Jane had to move Isabelle's booster seat into one of the chairs Jane had collected from the basement, and it felt odd to sit in. But Isabelle didn't care enough to hesitate eating, digging her plastic fork into her pre-cut up pieces of lasagna as soon as she sat down. "Change of plans for the weekend sweetie," Sam said, as he took his seat at the cramped table next to Lola. "Looks like I am going to be in town after all." Sam's expression changed to reflect his disappointment, though Isabelle wasn't paying attention. "Oh no," Lola responded, genuinely upset for her dad and for Jane. "What happened?" This time Jane provided the response, as Sam chewed his first bite of the lasagna. "Oh it's just that my friend cancelled on us. Her mother-in-law needs some help, so they are heading out of town and there is no one else to watch Isabelle for a whole weekend." Jane was doing her best to conceal her own sadness at the situation. She had been looking forward to her weekend away with Sam all week. Isabelle's head perked up for a minute at the sound of her name, though she wasn't sure why she was being discussed. Before Isabelle could ask, Lola interrupted. "I can watch her." The room was suddenly quiet again, just like when the doorbell rang. It wasn't the same kind of silence this time. This time, it was more of a result of surprise than panic. Lola's offer was sincere, but that was not the cause of the shock. No, instead it was the excitement with which Lola asked that took everyone by surprise, But Lola doubled down. "Really. I can. I can watch her," Lola repeated, unsure if she was trying to convince Jane or herself. "I want to watch her. I want you two to have fun this weekend." Lola knew her dad had been excited about this trip, and suspected Jane was too. Jane broke the silence on the subject, offering the kind of smile a parent does when someone offers something sweet, but is going to be denied nonetheless. "That's a very sweet offer of you Lola, but I know you have much better things to do with your weekend. And besides, she's quite a lot to deal with. She.....well you know she's not quite potty trained yet, and isn't used to me being away." It meant a lot to Jane that Lola would even offer, but Jane knew it wasn't a fair thing to ask of Lola. And Isabelle really wasn't used to being away from Jane for more than a night - there was no telling if Isabelle would be a challenge. To everyone's continued surprise though, Lola insisted. "Jane I promise it's fine. I am happy to. I...." Lola wasn't sure how to explain it. "....I like spending time with her. It's not work - it's....it's fun." Lola really wasn't sure what it was, but there was something special about Isabelle, and she really did enjoy spending time with the girl. Slowly but surely, Isabelle was starting to figure out what was going on. 'I didn't know mommy was going away, but this might work out for me,' Isabelle thought. And so Isabelle cheered out, convinced it was a done deal. "Yay! "I wanna stay with Lola!! Lola! Lola!" Isabelle cheered out again, bringing a smile to everyone's face. Sensing there might be an issue with Lola's kind proposal, Sam intervened. "Do you now? Well, why don't you let you mommy and I discuss it later, and we can see. For now, why don't you tell me all about your dance class yesterday. Did you have fun with Dani?" Sam asked, changing the topic. Sam knew his daughter's offer was genuine, but also knew that it wasn't fair to make Jane so out loud that she might not be ready to leave Isabelle alone with Lola, something Lola may not have considered. Isabelle's eyes perked up at the question. 'YES! It was the best!" Isabelle was a little surprised that Sam knew Dani, not quite making the confection right away. Instead, much to everyone's amusement, Isabelle's first thought was much different "Do you take dance classes with Dani too?" In fact, Lola nearly spit her food across the room, composing herself at the last second. After it was cleared up, Isabelle went on to explain all the fun she had, going through the lessons they did, and proclaiming Dani as the best dance teacher there ever was. The rest of dinner went along wonderfully, much like all the time the four spent together did. The night was full of smiles, laughs, and of course, lots and lots of Isabelle. As dinner was beginning to end, Sam and Jane worked to clear the table. Lola laughed at the sight of Isabelle, her face and hands covered in sauce and cheese. As Lola worked to help clean Isabelle up, Isabelle started to yawn, before settling her head on her arms on the table, her eyes fluttering open and closed. "Let me take her up to bed, looks like I have a sleepy little girl" Jane stated, "I'll be right back." "No." Lola blurted out, faster than she realized, before collecting herself. "I....I can take her Jane." Lola recognized this would be an opportunity to prove herself, as she stood up. "Really," Lola repeated, "I insist. You stay here with dad. I can do this, really. I promise." Jane hesitated for a moment. 'I want to let her do this. She really cares about Isabelle, and it's obviously important to me that they like each other.' But Jane also knew there was so much to do, and she couldn't ask her boyfriend's daughter to do it. 'But he's more than my boyfriend. And she's more than just that too,' Jane admitted to herself. Lola sensed Jane's hesitation. "Jane, she's in good hands I promise. I can help her get dressed, and help brush her teeth and,' as if sensing what Jane would interrupt her with next, 'I can change her diaper if she needs it. I can handle this. Trust me.' Lola's offer was made with confidence, control, and most importantly, love. Jane couldn't help but be filled with joy as she heard Lola's speech. It was, however, only as Sam rested his arm on her lower back, as though to encourage her to give Lola a chance, that Jane relented. "Okay. Okay sure," Jane repeated, before turning to Isabelle. "Lola is going to take you to get ready for bed, okay sweetie? You be a good girl for her." "Yay......" Isabelle mumbled, with as much enthusiasm as her little tired body would allow, somehow finding the energy to fight off her sleepiness for just a moment. Lola smiled, happy that Isabelle wanted Lola to be the one to get Isabelle ready for bed, scooping Isabelle up and carried her up the stairs. "I'll be back in a bit," Lola called back, Isabelle's head resting against her friend's shoulder, her arms wrapped around Lola' neck, and her eyes firmly shut. Lola took Isabelle directly to the bathroom to help her wash her hands and face more thoroughly, before helping Isabelle brush her teeth. Lola made sure that Isabelle brushed every single tooth. "You need a really bright smile if you're going to be a ballerina Belly, better brush them all," Lola reminded the toddler. Once Isabelle was done, Lola carried Isabelle to her room, and laid her down on the changing table. Lola had decided to change Isabelle regardless - 'the last thing I need is to be the girl who forget to change her and she leaked.' But when Lola tore the diaper sides off, she was surprised at just how wet Isabelle was. "You practically soaked through this diaper you little puddle monster," Lola joked playfully to the sound of Isabelle's giggles. Lola took her time changing Isabelle. 'Dani is so much better at this kid stuff,' Lola admitted to herself. 'But I want to be better too.' Lola took her time, making sure to be gentle in wiping Isabelle. Lola then took the time to put some lotion on Isabelle, setting a clean diaper underneath her, before spraying Isabelle with likely too much baby powder. Just like that, Lola sealed up Isabelle's second diaper of the night, before pulling out a nightgown and helping Isabelle into it. By the time Lola lifted Isabelle off of the changing table, the sweet girl was already fast asleep. Gently, Lola laid Isabelle down into her princess bad, placing Rabbity in her arms, and pulling the covers snugly over her charge. Lola took a moment to sit at the edge of the bed, watching as Isabelle slept peacefully before her. Lola took her hand and gently stroked Isabelle's hair, unable to stop herself from smiling. Lola leaned it, kissed Isabelle goodnight on her forehead, before sitting back up. 'I know what I am going to do.' Quietly, Lola left Isabelle's room, shutting the lights and door behind her, before making her way back down to the living room where she saw her dad and Jane on the couch together. Lola made her way over to them with a renewed energy, confidence, and most importantly, determination. Lola planted her feet in front of her dad and Jane, and offered them only one sentence. "I'm watching her this weekend, and that's the end of that." Jane and Sam simply laughed. Jane knew her willpower to say no had been defeated. Jane could see the love Lola had for her daughter in her eyes, and knew she could trust Lola with anything. It didn't hurt that suddenly, Jane was looking forward to her weekend again. Thank you so much! I really worked hard to set some things up in early chapters and so am grateful for those that are reading or re-reading as it goes on and can appreciate them! I am so very happy to hear from you when you post! Thanks for the support!! Well, here I was trying to write a chapter and you go ahead and try and make me feel good about myself and stuff while I am trying to edit! Do you know how distracting that is? Have some compassion for this suffering soul! 🙃. But truly, thank you for your kind words! You were my first ever *official* follower on this site, and it means a lot to have you continue to follow along. I have been desperate to race Isabelle toward the end at times, and am constantly fighting myself to hold back. My vacation time was much needed, but I am hoping to get some writing in this week and next, so hopefully more to come in the near future. Privileged to have you as a reader!

Good day to everyone, First and foremost, I would like to thank you all once again for your support of the story. My heart melted as I watched the views surpass 30K last night. I am so thankful for your support. Second, I will be going on a ten day holiday beginning on Friday, and updates are unlikely during that period, though I will be spending quite a bit of time writing so hopefully many updates will come shortly after. Lastly, I have been, without any success, looking for a talented community artist that might be interested in taking commissions to add some artwork for the story. If anyone is interested, or has a suggestion, please message me privately. I don’t want to influx the story board with posts of suggestions and/or volunteers. Thank you all so much! Olympic

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 46 The rest of the evening much the same as the prior. Isabelle found comfort in the routine of it all; after they dropped Becky off at home, Isabelle and her mom returned to the comfort of their own house. Jane had chided Isabelle for having yet another accident, but Isabelle hadn't been bothered; she had tried to go at school and didn't need to, and then needed to go later in the car, and so did. Isabelle didn't see the problem. Dinner was smooth, and bath time had been less of an ordeal than the night prior as Isabelle was less confused when her mom had entered the bathroom with her. After Isabelle's bath, her mom had made her sit on the toilet for nearly half an hour. Isabelle had whined and complained the whole time. She had been bored, and didn't need to go. But after the full half hour, Isabelle found herself peeing. "See?" Jane had said in a 'told-you so' kind of voice. "Told you that you needed to go. Mommy knows best." Isabelle had been irritated by her mom's decision to mock her. "I didn't need to go when you made me sit down! You've just forced me to sit here, for like, forever!" Isabelle cried out from the toilet seat, as her mom bent over to help her wipe. Jane wasn't particularly fond of Isabelle's decision to raise her voice, but it was past the girl's bedtime, and Isabelle was obviously cranky. "Okay cranky pants. Up on your stool and brush your teeth. You took so long to pee its already past your bedtime." Isabelle complied, before her mom lifted her up back into her room, into her night diaper, and off to bed. As with her night, Isabelle's morning passed much the same as the prior morning had. Isabelle, unsurprisingly, woke up to a very wet diaper. Isabelle was growing used to the squishy padding underneath her in the mornings. In fact, she looked forward to it. Something about her night time diapers just made things easier. 'I feel rested in the morning. I can sleep without worrying about accidents. It just frees my mind up for more important things.' Isabelle had decided. And Isabelle had important things to focus her mind on that day. Yesterday had been positively too much fun, and Isabelle later regretted that she had allowed herself to become so distracted by her fun day at preschool that she hadn't even consulted her investigative journal once to further her new magical theory. 'Today I'll be more focused,' Isabelle decried. But even as she thought it to herself, her mind was racing to other subjects, such as what Miss Deena would have planned for the morning class. More and more, Isabelle was finding herself more easily and happily distracted. 'It's kind of nice,' Isabelle realized, as she shimmied herself to a more comfortable position to allow herself to freely pee into her already sodden diaper. As Isabelle's pee tapered off, she decided to make her way downstairs herself that morning. As she climbed down the stairs holding Rabbity, Isabelle could feel her diaper drooping between her thighs, the warm comfort of her recent wetting pressing against the inside of her leg with each step she took, all the way to the bottom. Isabelle turned toward the kitchen, where she spotted her mom. Isabelle couldn't help herself as she ran toward Jane, wrapping her arms around her moms legs. "MOMMY!" Jane couldn't help but smile. After breakfast, Jane helped Isabelle get dressed for the day, first by removing her soaking wet diaper, and wiping Isabelle clean, before changing her into a fresh pullup. Moments later, Isabelle was downstairs in a simple pair of leggings and a t-shirt, and today at least, matching socks insider of her light up running sneakers. Just like that, Isabelle was off to preschool with a smile. Isabelle arrived to class early, leaving her mom in the dust as she jaunted into class, looking for anyone and anything to play with. Jane could only laugh as she set Isabelle's backpack with her lunch into her cubby, before waving goodbye to Miss Deena, giving the teacher a 'fingers crossed' sign for a better potty day for her daughter. Miss Deena nodded back in acknowledgment. As Isabelle explored the preschool that morning, she found that she had arrived earlier than she had yesterday, and there weren't many other kids around. Those that were there, Isabelle was unfamiliar and unsure of, so Isabelle looked for something else to do. Not long later, Isabelle found herself pre-occupied in one of the reading nooks by herself, where she had taken a nearby picture book with her. Isabelle sat down and flipped through the book. Based on all of the images on the pages, Isabelle concluded the book was about a fairy princess. But Isabelle was still not able to read any of the words on the pages, though she recognized a good number of the letters. So Isabelle decided to invent a story, turning the pages as she recited aloud to herself. Isabelle found herself giggling away at one of the pages where she had decided that the fairy slipped on a banana peel when she felt the need to pee to use the potty come on. Isabelle looked up to see if Miss Deena was nearby, but she wasn't. Isabelle looked back down at her book, struggling with herself to decide what she should do. Part of her knew that she was supposed to go find a teacher, or even just go to the potty herself. But part of her questioned if that was the right thing to do. After all, she was in school to learn, and right now, she was learning how to read - or at least that was what she told herself. 'Wouldn't it be more right to sit here and continue to learn, than to stop my reading lesson for something as silly a the potty?' Isabelle questioned 'After all, mommy put me in a pullup so that I can have accidents,' Isabelle thought to herself, as her stomach rumbled again. Isabelle was not sure what to do, and her head was hurting just thinking about it. Fortunately, the decision was made for her. "Good morning Isabelle!" Kelly called, as she sat down in the plastic chair opposite Isabelle in the reading nook. "I see you are doing quite a lot of story telling this morning. This looks like so much fun!" Kelly turned her chair, to see where Isabelle was, and followed along as Isabelle told her about her nonsensical story of a fairy princess. Kelly looked down at the book, seeing what it was actually about. 'Not even in the ballpark,' Kelly laughed to herself. "Why don't we put the book down and take a potty break?" Kelly proposed, as both Kelly and Isabelle heard the little girl's tummy rumble once more. Isabelle nodded; it wasn't that she necessarily wanted to go to the potty - it was simply out of convenience. Kelly was already there asking to take her - 'I might as well just go at this point.' Isabelle stood up and took Kelly's hand, following her into the potty. The process in the bathroom was much the same as the day prior with Samantha. Isabelle did her business, and half-heartedly wiped herself. Kelly had apparently been given a heads up about the brown streaks in Isabelle's pullup the day earlier, and intervened before Isabelle could get off the potty. "Nuh-uh sweetie. That wasn't a very good job wiping. Let Miss Kelly help you." Kelly proceeded to stand Isabelle up and bend her over, wiping Isabelle's bottom clean. 'If she insists,' Isabelle thought to herself, as she happily exposed her butt for Kelly to clean her up, before pulling her pullup and leggings up her legs. "Isn't that better sweetie? Going to the potty like a good girl?" Isabelle wanted to shrug. She wanted to not react at all, in fact. Isabelle was beginning to question whether it really was the more mature decision after all, thinking back on how this process interrupted story time twice in two days now. But Isabelle knew there was a right answer to Kelly's question. "Yes Miss Kelly." Plus, there was one added bonus, Isabelle recalled as she washed her hands. "Do I get a sticker now?" Miss Kelly smiled and confirmed that yes, Isabelle would get a sticker, pulling out a "WAY TO GO!" sticker with a unicorn on it. It really was one excellent sticker, and Isabelle happily placed it next to her name on the potty chart. Isabelle smiled, before making her way back into the main preschool area where she found Becky and Julia. Isabelle went to her cubby quickly to retrieve her sippy bottle of water, when she saw that Jess was leaving, and waved goodbye to her, as Miss Deena started class for the day. Isabelle took a seat on the big comfy run in the center of class as Miss Deena explained the morning activity. "Today we are going to have such a great day everyone." Isabelle could feel Miss Deena's energy. Isabelle believed her too - it was going to be a great day. Isabelle couldn't help but turn to Julia and smile, lifting her cross legs off the ground, unable to quell her excitement. Isabelle was practically bouncing. "Miss Kelly is going to go around and give out the exact same wooden blocks to everyone - there is no need to take anyone else's blocks," Miss Deena emphasized. "And its important that you all have the same blocks in order to be able to build the shapes we are going to build together." Isabelle's curiosity picked up, her attention squarely on Miss Deena, as Kelly was going around and handing the blocks out. "What we are going to do today is use our blocks to build various structures and shapes. Miss Kelly and I will build a shape in the middle for everyone to see, and you will all try to build the same shape. Doesn't that sound fun?" Isabelle wasn't even able to process whether she thought it sounded fun or not - she did - and found herself nodding rapidly, just as Kelly handed Isabelle her blocks. "Now, let's start by all counting together how many blocks we each have in front of us, okay? All together now!" Isabelle found herself picking the blocks sitting in front of her up one at a time to help her count. "One...Two......'Freee," Isabelle started, as she picked up to rectangle blocks, and one cylindrical block, "....Four......and uh.......uhhh....." Isabelle missed calling out the number "Five" with the rest of the class as they all did, the number having temporarily escaped her memory. 'Of course! Five!' Isabelle thought, as she thrust her pyramid shaped block into the air. Isabelle did her best to mimic the shapes as Miss Deena and Kelly built all sorts of structures in front of the class. At first, it was easy; the structures only involved stacking two or three blocks. Isabelle, Becky, and Julia were all able to easily follow along as they first watched Miss Deena and Kelly put their blocks together, and then did their best to copy them. Sometimes Isabelle's structure would topple over and fall. But Julia and Becky's did the same, and it Isabelle found herself giggling as the blocks tumbled. As the morning went on, however, Isabelle found herself struggling to build the structures that Miss Deena and Kelly were. It started when Miss Deena introduced a fourth block into the structure. it had taken Isabelle some time to figure out how the pieces went together. "Like this Isabelle," Kelly said, as she helped Isabelle turn her rectangle on its short side, fitting into the other pieces. "Oh," was all Isabelle muttered. It seemed so obvious now that Kelly put it together. But even when Isabelle knocked it over to try herself, having seen Kelly do it up close for her, she was unable to finish it the same way. When Miss Deena started including all five pieces, however, Isabelle found herself getting incredibly frustrated. Isabelle could barely follow along as Miss Deena and Kelly twisted and turned the blocks into strange and complex structures. No matter how hard Isabelle tried, she kept failing. Isabelle simply couldn't figure it out, and she felt like crying. Isabelle fought off some tears, and turned toward Becky to see how she was faring. Isabelle was comforted by the sight of Becky all together having given up it seemed, smashing her blocks together and making dinosaur noises instead of doing the exercise. But when Isabelle turned to Julia, Isabelle saw that Julia was succeeding. It angered Isabelle that Julia could make the structures but she couldn't. 'She's just a stinky diaper baby,' Isabelle thought to herself, before realizing how mean that was. Instead, Isabelle took a deep breath and decided to ask for help. "Julia........" Isabelle started, barely whispering, but catching her friend's attention. Isabelle lifted her finger and pointed toward Julia's tall, strong structure. "Can you show me how to do that?" Julia nodded and crawled over to Isabelle, gently guiding Isabelle's hands as they held the blocks into the right spots. After about five full minutes, Julia backed her hands away as Isabelle set the final block in their last exercise. It wasn't perfect like Kelly's but it was a lot closer to what they were aiming for. 'Thanks Julia," Isabelle compassionately offered, as she hugged her friend, not realizing that she was releasing her bladder whilst doing so. "No problem Belly!" Julia exclaimed, as she hugged her friend back. Becky, not wanting to be left out, decided to get up and join the group hug as well. Isabelle felt warm and fulfilled, as her pullup was warmed and filled. ****** The afternoon had passed very much like the day prior. After lunch, Miss Deena very publicly determined that Isabelle's pullup could last her through her nap. Isabelle was not really bothered by the declaration - she was only with Julia and Becky at the time, or so she thought. One of the older girls named Brandy who was nearby snickered as she overheard Miss Deena talk about Isabelle's accident. Brandy was in big girl panties -she had more stickers than anyone at preschool, a fact she like to remind everyone of. It made Isabelle feel a bit guilty for having had an accident. Miss Deena's assessment had been accurate, but just barely. As Isabelle rose from her nap, she could feel a larger than normal squish underneath her. Kelly went about changing Isabelle into a fresh pullup - "this one was hanging on by threads," Kelly had announced to no one in particular as she sprayed a generous amount of powder on to Isabelle before pulling the fresh pullup up her legs. After nap time, the preschoolers went through rotating activities in groups. Groups were put together alphabetically based on the letters of your first name. Isabelle found herself in a group with a Henry, a Justin, and luckily, Julia. Isabelle moved with her group to various stations; first her group was assigned to a rubber band station, where the team needed to work together to try and build a rubber band ball. Next, Isabelle rotated with her group to a table with a set of train tracks with Kelly. Kelly removed some of the tracks, and the group needed to work together to fit the pieces back into the track, before moving the train in a big circle. After the train station, Isabelle's group was told to go to the individual reading nooks where they were told they could color or pick out a book if they wanted. As Isabelle was making her way to the bookshelf, intent to continue her fun game from the morning of inventing stories, something pulled her back. No, it was not her bladder, though she did need to go having finished another bottle of water. Instead, it was something else. Something chewing at her. Something she was supposed to do.. "My journal!" Isabelle exclaimed. It stunned the sweet girl that she had almost forgotten about it again, getting lost away in the day's activities. Isabelle turned around and darted toward her cubby, where she found her backpack. Isabelle opened it up, and retrieved her investigative journal from where she had packed it that morning, carrying it over to an empty reading nook. Isabelle had just sat down when Miss Deena had made her way over. "Isabelle, do you want to try and go potty?" Isabelle groaned. She hadn't even been able to open her book to develop her theories, and already Miss Deena was interrupting her. "Miss Deenaaaaaa I don't wanna. I wanna colooorrrrrr." Isabelle responded. It was true - it was her intention that morning to focus on one aspect of her new theory - finding a rogue mage, or witch, to help her cast the spell that would ultimately turn her back. Miss Deena could see Isabelle's body language change, the happy girl now sulking. But Miss Deena could also see Isabelle's feet bouncing underneath her. Miss Deena had been at this for too long - she wasn't going to give in to the toddler. "Come on Isabelle," Miss Deena said as she picked the sweet innocent girl up. Miss Deena wasn't interested in dragging Isabelle across ther room, only to get to the potty too late. "I know a potty dance when I see when. Let's go quick, and maybe you'll get back in time to color." Isabelle didn't. It wasn't for lack of trying. Isabelle was peed the second Miss Deena had placed her down on the toilet - "See, you barely made it sweetie! You need to pay more attention to when you need to go tinkles!" Isabelle ignored the remark, pulling her pullup back on without so much as bothering to wipe, and eluding Miss Deena's arms before dashing to the sink to wash her hands - "Isabelle - you forgot to wipe sweetie...ugh.." Deena sighed. 'At least her pullup is still on, but this girl is a LONG ways from big girl panties.' But despite all of her efforts, as Isabelle was turning her journal to the next empty page, Kelly rang the little farm bell indicating it was time to rotate to another activity. Isabelle couldn't help but groan loudly - she had missed her chance it seemed, now for the second day in a row. 'But what can I do about it?' Isabelle wondered, as she reluctantly swept her investigative journal off of the desk, and took it with her. 'Miss Kelly rang the bell,' and made her way to her next activity. Fortunately, Isabelle's sour mood quickly changed as she found herself playing dance freeze next with Miss Deena and one other group. Isabelle laughed and tumbled around as she did her best to stay frozen in place as the music stopped and started. With just one activity, her missed investigation for the day was forgotten. Isabelle was relieved as she heard her mom's voice behind her. Isabelle ran over to her mom, jumping up into her arms. "MOMMY!" It was the best part of her day, being with her mom, no matter how much fun she had at preschool. "Hi Baby! Did you have fun today?" Isabelle nodded, as Miss Deena came over to give Jane the report for the day. "Hi Jane," Miss Deena started, as she patted Isabelle on the head. "We did just okay today. Miss Kelly had to remind Isabelle to poop this morning, since she looked like she didn't notice she had to go,' Miss Deena started. "But she made it, even if Miss Kelly needed to wipe for her. We had a couple of wet accidents in the morning and afternoon, and someone was very soggy after her nap. But Miss Deena took you to the potty in the afternoon, and it was a good thing I did - you almost peed before you sat down!" Miss Deena recited playfully, referring to herself in the third person. "So just okay," Deena repeated, before addressing Jane more directly. "She does seem to be struggling to recognize when she needs to go. She may need to start wearing diapers for her nap too - Kelly mentioned that the pullup she had on was practically leaking. Though I don't know if it makes sense to keep her in a diaper just for a nap. Either way, we'll just keep encouraging her this week and see how it goes." Jane nodded. 'There was no reason to deviate from the plan,' Jane thought. "Go and get Becky baby, we're going to be late. You start ballet this afternoon." Isabelle's eyes went wide, and a smile ran across her face, at the mere mention of ballet class. 'Oh. My. God. YES!!' Isabelle was screaming inside. She had no idea what ballet class would be like, but whatever it would be, it would be great. "Okay mommy. I'll go get her right now," Isabelle called back, nearly running into a wall as she wasn't looking where she was going." "OH God!" Jane nearly screamed, watching Isabelle just nearly crash, before laughing nervously and turning to Miss Deena. "This girl is going to be the end of me!" ********* Isabelle was practically skipping as her mom helped Becky out of the car, and on to the ground next to Isabelle. Jane made her way to the trunk, before retrieving two ballet bags - one for each Isabelle and Becky - before taking each of the girls' hands, and walking them toward the front door of the building they had parked in the lot for. "Now I want you two to be on your best behavior, okay? This is a big girl ballet class, and you are to listen to the ballet teacher!" Isabelle nodded. "I will mommy. I promise. I promise promise promise promise!" Isabelle couldn't contain her excitement, it was all just too much. Jane smiled. She was happy that Isabelle was excited. Miss Deena had suggested a dance class for Isabelle, as she was quite elegant in her footwork, even at a young age in the preschool. Jane had always considered it an option as well. Even for her age, Isabelle seemed to have a good grasp of rhythm and music. She would twirl and dance around their living room at home with ease and grace. She was a natural. 'Where she got that from, lord only knows," Jane thought, being so uncoordinated herself. It had actually been Lola that had shared the details of this class with her when they had gone out for one of their many lunches together a few weeks back. Jane had then told Jess, who agreed they should sign their girls up together. "She told me that one of her friends works as a teacher there, and that she's very nice," Jane had told Jess. "She is an extraordinary ballerina herself - top of her class at Higgins, so I think we can rely on her advice." Jane was hoping Lola had relayed accurate information. Jane made her way in with the two girls, pulling them up to the front desk to check-in. They were early, but that was just how Jane wanted it. Jane knew she not only had two girls to get dressed and ready, but she also wanted to say hello to Lola's friend before the class had started. Isabelle's eyes wandered with amazement and disbelief From the moment Isabelle stepped inside the studio with her mom and Becky, it was as if the air around her started to shimmer and sparkle. The walls were adorned with posters of ballet performances, showcasing graceful dancers in breathtaking poses. The faint sound of music played softly in the background, adding to the enchanting atmosphere that captured Isabelle's every attention, as her mom wrapped up signing the two girls in. "Yes, for the 4:30 class. That's right. Where can I get them changed?" Jane said, though Isabelle was barely listening. Isabelle stood at the entrance, taking in the sights and sounds. Further into the studio, Isabelle spotted wooden ballet barres lining the walls, waiting patiently for her little hands to find their grip on them. Mirrors covered the studio's walls, reflecting the room in a thousand different angles, as if inviting Isabelle to step into a world of a million dance steps, her every move captured for miles at end. Jane took Isabelle and Becky's hands, leading them further into the ballet studio. As they did, Isabelle noticed a group of young dancers - older than her, but not quite teenagers - wearing their leotards and ballet shoes, their hair neatly pinned up in buns. She watched in awe as they practiced their pliés and tendus, their movements flowing with grace and precision. Isabelle's eyes sparkled with excitement, Isabelle couldn't help but wiggle her toes, imagining herself wearing a leotard and ballet shoes for her own class. Isabelle wanted to look like the other dancers in their elegant routines. She turned to Jane, her face beaming with anticipation. "Mommy, I want to go dance now!" Jane smiled warmly and knelt down to Isabelle's level. "Of course, my dear," she replied. "Let's get you and Becky dressed first." Jane guided the girls to a corner of the room, where Jane opened each of the two ballet bags. "I'll have to tell Jess to get you changed at Miss Deena's on Thursday. They don't have a dedicated space for it here sweetie," Jane explained, as she pulled out two sets of delightful and colorful leotards, tutus, and ballet slippers from the bags. "Now let's pick out the perfect outfits for our little dancers," Jane said, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Isabelle and Becky eagerly scanned what Jane had pulled out, their small fingers tracing the fabrics as they made their choices. Isabelle pick up the sky-blue leotard adorned with sparkling silver stars her mom had packed for her. Isabelle couldn't help but imagine herself soaring through the air like a graceful swan. Becky, on the other hand, had a vibrant pink leotard that made her feel like a blooming flower, ready to pirouette and twirl with joy. "Before we get dressed, does anyone need to use the potty?" Jane asked. Each of Isabelle and Becky shook their heads no. "Are we sure girls? There will be no taking a potty break during class?" the girls confirmed their certainty. Jane considered forcing Isabelle to go, but if Isabelle couldn't be mature enough to tell her, then maybe she just wasn't ready. 'I want to trust her,' Jane told herself. 'Maybe she really doesn't need to go.' Jane gently helped the girls slip into their outfits, fastening the buttons and ties with care. It took some attention to ensure that Becky's tights pulled up and over her diaper, which was extremely prominent in nothing more than the leotard, tights, and tutu. For her part, getting the tights over Isabelle's pullup was a little easier, but a bulge was very much still present. Jane couldn't help but notice that the front of Isbaelle's pullup was a little damp as Jane pulled her daughter's tights up. "probably just a few drips," Jane thought. As the girls stood up, Jane helped each of them into their ballet slippers; first Becky, and then Isabelle. Isabelle's shoes were decorated with little ribbons that went up her ankles, more typical of pointe shoes. But Isabelle was far too little for pointe shoes, and the ribbons on her slippers were merely decorative. As Jane tied the last ribbon around Isabelle's ankle, Isabelle was overcome with a sense of pride, of joy, and of overwhelming confidence. Isabelle felt great all dressed up in her ballet clothes. But most of all, she felt at home in her slippers. It was as if all of the world's problems disappeared. There was no need to worry about investigations. No need to worry about the stress and challenges of the day. It no longer mattered that Isabelle struggled with her numbers or with building blocks. It was not important that Isabelle couldn't read. And most of all it was irrelevant that Isabelle was starring at herself in the mirror, smile from ear to ear, wetting her pullup. In fact, Isabelle didn't even know. She was too busy being happy, being home, being with her slippers once more. "Now you girls are ready for class," Jane said, as she finished pinning Becky's hair back. "I think I see your teacher. I am going to say hi, and then take a seat on the side. Your mommy will be here to watch you too Becky, she's on her way." Isabelle nodded and returned to examining herself in the mirror. She was pleased with the leotard her mom had selected for her. 'If I want to jump as high as the stars, I might as well wear them on my tummy to help lift me!" Isabelle and Becky laughed and played as a few other toddlers made their way into the class. Jane meanwhile had approached the ballet teachers, to introduce herself. "Hi, you must be Emily. I am Isabelle's mom," Jane started. "We're so excited to be in the class, thank you for taking the late signups." "Oh its not a problem, we're excited to have your daughter. We love having new dancers in class, and I see she is here with a friend too" Emily responded. "And you should know, your daughter comes highly recommended," Emily explained in a joking manner. Nevertheless, the comment caught Jane off guard. "I don't understand, who recommended her?' Jane asked, through a nervous laugh. Emily laughed in return. "Oh don't be nervous. My assistant mentioned that her friend knew Isabelle or something of that nature. Here, let me introduce you to her." As Jane connected the dots - "Of course, yes. Lola mentioned her friend was a teacher here, but I didn't realize she would be teaching Isabelle's class with you" - Emily waved over a teenage girl that had been speaking to another parent. Jane watched as the tall, very fit ballerina turned around. The girl's shimmering copper hair, tied neatly in a bun was mesmerizing. But as the girl turned to face Jane, Jane was shocked at how absolutely stunning the girl was. "Where do they find these girls, and how do these girls find each other all the time?" Jane asked herself, thinking of Dani and Lola now both. 'I don't think we looked this good as teenagers,' Jane began asking herself. The red-headed girl made her way toward Jane. The girl's body was a work of art - she was strong and delicate at the same time. She looked the part of a true athlete. The girl's facial features were soft; her skin was looked smooth and delicate, and her green eyes were striking. Jane was not that experienced with competitive dancers, but there were striking differences between Lola and Dani that stood out to her. Whereas Lola packed a lot more muscular on her legs - and generally had a curvier body than this girl - this dancer seemed the more delicate type, her movements graceful and fluid even as she crossed the room to greet Jane. For whatever reason, Jane felt intimidated as the girl came right up to her. "Hi, it's so nice to meet you," the girl said in a bubbly and happy tone. Her voice immediately put Jane at ease, even as she moved toward Jane to give Jane a very surprising half-hug. "Lola has told me so much about you!" She started, before backing off and adding something Jane wasn't ready for. "And if you don't mind me saying, way to go bagging Mr. Hayes - he's a looker," the girl said with an embellished wink. Jane started turning red at this teenagers remark. 'Apparently Lola has been telling her friends about me.' Jane did her best to collect herself, but didn't manage much more than a "oh...uhh...yah thanks....Yes I am Jane." Jane felt completely disarmed by the girl. 'I just sounded like a blabbering idiot in front of this teenager.' "And that's your cutie over there, the blonde one?" The girl asked. Jane simply nodded. "Yes, that's my Isabelle. Or Belly. She likes Belly,' Jane added. 'Just stop talking Jane,' she told herself. "Well," the redhead continued, "I'll be sure to keep a special eye on her. Who knows? She could be Lolzers little sister one day!" The girl said gleefully, without a hint of discretion about her. "Oh, and I'm Dani by the way. It's so nice to meet you." And just like that, Dani skipped away to the group of little classmates, engaging with them and getting them organized "Sorry about her," Emily said, making her way after Dani toward the class. "She can be a lot. But I assure you, she's an excellent instructor." Jane smiled back, content to be out of the situation "Let's get started," Emily announced, joining Dani in the middle of the studio. Jane made her way to the side of the room, finding Jess and sitting in the empty seat next to her. "Did I miss anything?" Jess asked curiously. Jane took a breath. "You mean other than me sounding like an idiot in front of a teenager? Nope. Not a damn thing." Jess returned a curious look, before laughing at Jane and handing her a latte. Jane accepted it, as she fixated on one thing Dani had said -'she's right I guess, they could be like sisters one day.' ******* The class started with a gentle warm-up, as Dani led the toddlers in stretching their little bodies. "Let's all go ahead and reach for the sky, up up up!" Dani held the position, encouraging the students to do the same, as a few tumbled over. Isabelle reached as high as she could, even going on to her toes. "And now down to ground, down down down!" Dani sang. Isabelle had been awe-struck when Dani had approached her and Becky, introducing herself. Isabelle couldn't believe it - she had missed her friend so much. So when Dani reached out to shake Isabelle's hand, Isabelle practically swatted it away and jumped on Dani, hugging her tightly and fighting off a tear. Isabelle was under the impression she had been home in her slippers. But a home was just a series of empty rooms. Dani was home. Lola was home. Isabelle recalled her commitment she had made the weekend prior - she was never going to take time with her friends for granted again. "Oh well hello there Belly, so nice of you to give me a hug," Dani had responded. "You know, I actually heard from Lola that you give some pretty amazing hugs! Did you know that Lola and I are best friends?" Dani asked. "Of course I know!" Isabelle practically shouted. She wanted to shout that she was their best friend too, but the thought only came to Isabelle a little too late. "Well okay then," Dani responded, thrilled about the girl's enthusiasm. 'The hardest part of the class is always dealing with the stubborn kid. Thank god this one - especially this one - seems good.' Dani knew how important it was to Lola that Belly enjoyed the class, and made a mental note to be especially nice to her. "Are you excited to start your first ballet class Belly?" Dani asked the girl. Isabelle couldn't contain herself. Not only was she excited, but the fact that her class was going to be with Dani? "I CANT WAIT!" Isabelle had shouted, just as Emily made her way over to start the class. Isabelle continued through the warm-up routine with ease, each movement feeling new, but easy to master. It felt great to feel like she was succeeding at something for a change, Isabelle noted. Preschool had been a little tougher that day, even if it was still a lot of fun. But time and time again, Isabelle found she was only ever at peace dancing. After the warm-up, Emily and Dani started to introduce the toddlers to basic ballet positions. It had been Dani's idea to shift away from concrete numbers for the positions when teaching and instead to use simple and fun visual cues to help the toddlers understand how Emily and Dani wanted them to move. "Imagine you are a beautiful flower growing tall," Emily called out, as Dani went around the class helping the students get into first position. "Very good Isabelle, you're standing perfectly," Dani relayed as she passed by. Isabelle couldn't help but beam; her friend thought she was doing a good job!, Emily continued "Now like you're a bird spreading its wings," she called, as the students worked to transition into second position. Isabelle found the flow between first and second position very natural, even if a number of the other students were struggling with it. Emily was quick to spot Isabelle as standing out, as her eyes sparkled with excitement and energy. 'Even that Becky had been doing a pretty good job,' Emily thought to herself. 'Certainly better than some of the other students who were already showing a lack of discipline. But this class is also about fun," Emily would need to remind herself, as the toddlers eagerly tried to mimic the poses Dani and Emily would do, nearly all with their little diapers or pull-ups showing through their tights. The class continued with playful games and activities designed to enhance their balance and flexibility. Dani showed the dancers how to correctly hop over imaginary puddles, pretend to tiptoe like fairies, and leap with joy as if they were butterflies fluttering through the air. Dani showered all of the students with praise - but especially Isabelle. It was clear the girl had some natural talent. 'She could probably study at Higgins one day, if she wants,' Dani found herself thinking. Toward the end of class, Emily and Dani emphasized the importance of creativity and self-expression with dance. "Dancing, and especially ballet, is about showing us who you are," Emily explained. "Dance is a way to communicate, and share with others how you are feeling," Dani continued, "whether that be happy" - Dani said with a leap, "or Sad," Dani said, as she contorted her body to fall limp and toward the ground. "Or even.....SILLY" Dani called out, as she winked at Isabelle and did a silly series of bourrées. The whole class laughed, but Isabelle the loudest of all. "So, we are sending you home with a little homework," Emily continued. "On Thursday, at the end of class, we want you to show us who you are though ballet or dance. You can think of one dance move, or ten, whatever you want. And when you come back to class, everyone will get to show their classmates how they feel they can express themselves through dancing. Does that sound fun?" 'It really does sound fun,' Isabelle thought, as she chanted along with all the other dancers in agreement. "Well, that's class for today. I can't wait to see you all on Thursday," Dani called out. Isabelle was sad to hear class was already over, but couldn't contain herself. She had just had the best time, laughing and dancing with Dani once again. Isabelle didn't want to wait until Thursday to show Dani how dance - and how Dani - made her feel. And so Isabelle ran up to her and hugged her once more, this time refusing to let go. "Thank you Dani. That was the best." 'This is why I do this,' Dani reminded herself about her part time job. "Aw sweetie. You're welcome. You were very good," Dani said, hugging the Isabelle back, patting the toddler's very wet pullup. "With a little training, one day you might even be better than me. Or even better than Lola!" Dani exclaimed. "I can't wait to see you again on Thursday, but for now, I think your mommy is waiting for you. She looks like she's really proud of you too - why don't you go to her while I clean up?" Isabelle turned her head enough to see her mom beaming with pride, pride directed at her daughter. Isabelle didn't want to let go, but she knew it was time. It was enough to know that she would see Dani again on Thursday. 'In any event - I have some dance moves to think about to show how I feel," Isabelle remembered. 'This could take some thinking,' Isabelle thought, as she ran over to her mom, who picked her way up into the sky, like Isabelle was one of the stars on her chest.

Privacy? What kind of toddler gets privacy? 😝 I am glad to hear you are still following along and enjoying the tale. Who knows? Maybe she solves the conundrum before then! I'm grateful for your support! Perhaps you should double back and read chapters 19 again 22 again - your guess may have some foundation

Welcome

Really enjoying your idea. I am looking forward to the next segment! Thanks for sharing your story

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 45 Isabelle woke up under a canopy of stars once more. Well not stars to be exact. But it felt like that. 'It feels special.' Isabelle thought to herself, opening her eyes up and seeing the light woven through her priciness bed. The sun was shining brightly that morning, and Isabelle could feel its warmth against her cheeks as she pulled Rabbity AND Teddy into her chest. Teddy had made his way to the bed last night after Isabelle had gone through a rather rough afternoon. Isabelle lay down, reflecting on the rest of her afternoon as the sun continued to glisten into her room, a welcome sight after a day of rain. After Isabelle's....'incident' at the lanes, Jane had carried her to the bathroom to help change her. Jane had lowered the KangarooKids changing table in the bathroom, before laying out a changing pad. 'You never know if these things are clean,' Jane thought to herself. Isabelle had not stopped crying the whole time, though her wailing had transitioned to sobs as her mom quickly removed her from the very public situation. As she was set down, Isabelle felt her poop squish even further underneath her, spreading around. As Jane opened her toddler bag to get out the necessary equipment, Isabelle couldn't focus on anything other than the smell and squish of her pullup. The change had been relatively painless, at least for Isabelle. Jane had to go through a ton of wipes just to clean Isabelle up. But by the time Jane finished, Isabelle was smelling fresh and beautiful. "See baby girl? All good,' Jane said, as she stepped over to the nearby sink to wash her hands thoroughly, having gotten a little poop from Isabelle's bum on her finger tips. "No big deal sweetie," Jane offered, as her head spun in a million different directions trying to figure out why Isabelle had had so many accidents over the weekend already. "It is just so unlike her." Isabelle reluctantly allowed her mom to pull her along back to the bowling lanes, where Jess and Becky, and an entire birthday party, awaited them. But Isabelle was spared any further humiliation. Well, not entirely. "There's our stinky girl," Jess said playfully, as she opened her arms up for a hug. Isabelle didn't love being addressed as such, but who was she to turn down a perfectly warm and welcoming hug? Isabelle fell into Jess's arms, keeping her own arms close to her body, and letting Jess ensnared her, before rubbing her back. Over Jess's shoulder, Isabelle saw her relief; the birthday party had dispersed, all of the kids having either left or gone to the party room while Isabelle was being changed by her mom in the bathroom. 'Finally....something goes my way,' Isabelle thought. The four girls returned to their bowling, finishing their round before agreeing to play one other. Isabelle felt better about herself now that it was just the fourt of them, allowing herself to simply enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Isabelle felt especially better when Jess paused the game as well to take Becky to the bathroom for a chance, carrying with her a much larger, and thicker baby bag over her shoulder "Looks like your diaper is about to burst Becks, come to mommy. Let's get you into a fresh, clean diapey baby." Isabelle smiled to herself, realizing that she was still in just a pullup. 'At least I have been spared that much,' Isabelle thought. 'Mom still trusts me to get to the bathroom in time.' Isabelle watched as Jess held Becky's hand and led her toward the bathroom, her friend's diaper prominently sagging between her legs for everyone to see. Isabelle was positively wiped by the time they had gotten home. Dinner had been easy and simple, just Isabelle and her mom at the counter. As Jane waited patiently for Isabelle to finish the last of her food, she cleared the plates. "Okay sweetums. Bath time, and then bed. You have a big day tomorrow." Isabelle's brain was not firing on all cylinders as her mom helped her off of her booster seat, and on to the ground. 'A bath does sound nice,' Isabelle had thought, as she made her way up the stairs, unaware of how close her mother had bene behind her. Isabelle had found herself uneven on the stairs as she climbed, leaning too far from one side, and then to the other, as she had heaved herself up toward her bathroom. Pushing open the door to the bathroom, Isabelle had paused to take in the sight of the bathroom once more. It had been less startling the second time. Instead, Isabelle was more focused on the myriad of sea creatures that decorated her walls. Isabelle's imagination must have been running wild, because she could have sworn she had seen members of the Silly Squid clan and the friendly sea turtles that were native to Aquaria adorning the walls. "Keep going Belly," Jane had called from behind her, as Jane nudged Isabelle into the bathroom before closing the door behind both of them. Isabelle was still too delirious and distracted to consider what was happening. In any even, it had been then that Isabelle realized that she had needed to pee. Wanting to prove to her mother once more that the recent uptick in accidents were still just that - accidents - Isabelle removed her tutu, pants, and pullup, and climbed onto the toilet by herself, and started to pee. Jane had smiled as Isabelle did so, something Isabelle picked up on. "Great job sweetie!" Jane had said, as Jane made her way to the tub, and started to run the water, sticking her hand in to test the temperature before sealing the tub with a whimsical stopper. Jane reached across the tub as it continued to fill, grabbing a bottle of something Isabelle couldn't identify, before spilling a few drops into the tub. Almost immediately, Isabelle had realized that her mom had put bubble bath into the water. Isabelle had reached for the toilet paper, tearing off a few pieces to wipe herself, the air filling with a sweet and calming scent of lavender and rose. Isabelle recalled as she stood up off of the toilet, and removed the rest of her clothing. 'I suppose mom has seen me naked plenty like this,' Isabelle remembered thinking, as it struck her again that she had felt no shame being naked around her mom - a far cry from a mere weeks prior. Isabelle had been about to thank her mom for starting the bath for her, and usher her out, when her mom had interrupted her. "Okay Isabelle, it's time for your bath!" Jane said, her voice filled with excitement. 'Duh,' Isabelle recalled thinking, as she had returned Jane's comments with a strange look. "I know mom. I can do it," Isabelle said, not moving as she waited for her mom to leave the room. Isabelle stood there for a full minute, simply starring at her mother. "Well," Jane had said, "it looks like you've forgotten how to even step in a tub." Jane proceeded to pick Isabelle up from Jane's position on her own knees, and put Isabelle in the tub. Isabelle didn't have time to react, but was not pleased with the direction she realized it was going in. 'Mom is about to bathe me.....' Isabelle remembered the moment she realized what was going to happen. Isabelle's expression had turned from relief and excitement to shock. Jane had placed Isabelle on her feet in hte tub, which was now high enough that it rose up her legs. Isabelle's expression was blank, which Jane simply chalked up to exhaustion. "Sit down baby. The sooner we finish the sooner we can get to bed." Isabelle realized there was no escaping her fate. Moreover, she recalled that she had started to feel rather cold standing up naked in the tub, and the warm water around her legs was inviting. So Isabelle had obeyed, settling into the water. The bath had been a blur, but as she reflected on it, Isabelle recalled not minding as her mom bathed her. 'In fact, it had been kind of nice.' Jane was scooping water into a small plastic cup and gently pouring it over Isabelle's head, making a mini waterfall. Isabelle remembered giggling as the water cascaded down, her hair turning into a foamy crown of bubbles. Jane had even dumped some fun toys into the tub. There were mermaids that changed colors when they got wet, and a really neat boat that floated around her in the water. Isabelle had barely notices as Jane lathered Isabelle's hair with a sweet smelling shampoo, her fingers massaging Isabelle's scalp with care. Isabelle remembered closing her eyes at one point, enjoying the soothing sensation and the scent of the shampoo and bubble bath filling the air. When Jane finished rinsing off the shampoo, she passed Isabelle a washcloth adorned with playful characters. Together, they had washed Isabelle's arms, legs, and little toes. Jane then took the washcloth, turning Isbaelle over and paying special attention to her butt and crotch, making sure to be gentle where Jane could see some rash marks developing, and making sure every inch of Isabelle was clean. Once Isabelle was all clean, Isabelle remembered her mom wrapping her up in a huge, soft, and fluffy towel. Jane could tell Isabelle's mood had changed' her rosy cheeks beamed with delight as she snuggled in the warmth of her mother's embrace. Jane gently dried Isabelle's hair, combing through it with a wide-toothed comb, singing a soft lullaby to help Isabelle relax. In fact, Isabelle had all but fallen asleep in her mom's clutches in the bathroom. Isabelle's memory of the rest of the night was fragmented; she recalled being laid on her changing table, the smell of lotion and powder filling her nostrils. She remembered her mom putting some thick paste on her butt, and helping her into her pajamas. Isabelle thought that her mom had perhaps read her a bedtime story, but she had little memory of anything other than waking up in her squishy diaper. ****** Isabelle sat in her booster seat in the car as her mom took off from the house. Isabelle was looking forward to going back to school. 'Only one question - which grade will I be in?' For the first time, Isabelle felt prepared to deal with going back again. For the first time since this nonsense had started, Isabelle had been able to recognize that she had gone back again. 'I won't be caught off guard this time,' Isabelle told herself, as she prepared herself to deal with the exploits of first grade, or worst case, work her way through a kindergarden. Isabelle looked out the window from her perch as she considered her situation. 'Now that I've identified the cause of all of this - magic - it is time to formulate a plan to get back to normal.' Isabelle knew what she had to do. She had to find the source of the magic. "but more importantly, I need to find a great sorcerer who is willing to undo this spell that has been cast on me.' Isabelle thought of her drawing once more, recalling the mastery with which the princess had been casting the star rod. Isabelle was snapped out of her daydreaming as her mom pulled into a parking spot, and stopped the car. Isabelle quickly looked around her, but it was not very obvious where they were. 'This doesn't look like an entrance to Higgins I'm used to going through,' Isabelle thought, as Jane placed her on the ground, Isabelle's ankle length sundress billowing in the wind. "Take mommy's hand please," Jane directed, as Isabelle obeyed and followed her mom along the parking lot. Isabelle did her best to keep up with her mom, but found herself distracted as she looked around, taking in her environment. "Come on hunny. No dawdling. Mommy needs to get to work." Though Isabelle heard her mom, she didn't respond. Or speed up. Isabelle knew where she was. She had been here just this past Friday. Isabelle was at preschool. Isabelle's stomach was filled with a horrible sinking feeling as her feet stopped flat. Isabelle had been prepared to go back, but not like this. She was now leaving grade school altogether - she was leaving Higgins. And it hit her like a punch. Jane turned, slightly frustrated by Isabelle's conduct, and turned to pick Isabelle up. "Sweetie, this is not a place to stop." Jane chastised little Isabelle, as her daughter wrapped her warms around her mom's neck tightly. "You're going to be late. And so am I at this pace!" "Mommy don't leave," Isabelle heard herself calling out, as her mom carried her toward the front door of the building, which was being held open kindly by another mom whose child was walking maturely on his own two feet. Jane's heart fluttered. 'It's been some time since she's had separation anxiety at drop-off,' Jane thought. And while no parent wanted their child to feel stressed, it was nice to feel wanted no matter what. 'Before I know it, she'll be all grown up and not want her mommy,' Jane had to consider. Jane continued to carry Isabelle past the main office in the front and to her left, all the way down the hall to a classroom at the end of way. Isabelle realized where they were headed, at least. This was the exact same classroom that Isabelle had gone with Jess to pick Becky up at. 'At least its not all bad,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'I'll have Becky.' After the social fiasco that was second grade, Isabelle was thankful that she would have at least one reliable and amazing friend here. Despite it being preschool, Isabelle was already looking forward to it more than second grade. Isabelle's excitement was bubbling, whether she realized it or not. Jane, on the other hand, did realize. As she felt her daughter's vice grip loosen, Jane watched as a smile emerged on her daughter's face as they passed through the halls, all decorated with loads of colors and paintings. As Jane pushed the door open to the classroom, Isabelle was wriggling to get free, excited to run into the class and play with her friends. The room had not changed at all, Isabelle thought. If anything, it seemed quite a bit bigger, and a lot of the furniture bigger. The walls of the classroom were still decorated like the halls outside, full of artwork created by the tiny hands of the preschoolers that Isabelle was now one of. Isabelle's eyes danced across the little reading nooks the soft cushions, and the plush rugs. The classroom had been tidied quite a bit as compared to the Friday prior. A weeks worth of preschoolers could messy up a room pretty well after all. Isabelle saw the colorful bookshelf filled to the brim er, filled to the brim; the fun play area on the other side, the miniature kitchen already occupied. Across the way were the dollhouses that seemed so much more appealing than three days earlier. Isabelle's eyes moved further, back to the learning centers in the room where she would be sure to find herself later. The classroom was filled that morning to calm, soothing music that waltzed its way through Isabelle's head. Sun was shining in through the windows, the pastel curtains pinned open to let the daylight fill the space. And of course, toward the back of the class, ever present in the alcove where the bathroom was located, was a towering, stunningly detailed, and fully stocked changing table. Dancing above the table was a spinning mobile, currently occupying the attention of a boy roughly Isabelle's size, who apparently was already in need of a change. 'Not going to let that be me today,' Isabelle decided, as she instinctively moved into the room. "Good morning Miss Isabelle," a woman with a familiar voice beckoned toward Jane and Isabelle. Isabelle recognized the teacher from last week, who had introduced herself as Miss Deena. "Good morning Miss Deena," Isabelle replied, before her body compelled her to hug the teacher. Isabelle couldn't believe what she was doing, as her arms wrapped around Miss Denna's legs. But there she was, hugging her teacher. Isabelle let go, turning slightly red as she seemingly regained control of her motor functions. 'My my, what an affectionate young girl we have this morning," Miss Deena replied, whilst paying more attention to Jane than to Isabelle. Jane could only smile, enlarging her eyes to suggest there was more to it. "Sweetie, why don't you go see if you can find Becky. I think she's over by the dollhouses." Isabelle didn't need to asked twice, as she left the grownup and scooted across the room, seeking out her partner in crime. Jane turned back to the teacher in front of her, and exchanged pleasantries. "So, I am running a little late," Jane continued as she spoke to Deena, "but wanted to chat a bit before I dropped left. Isabelle seems to be having quite a few more accidents than normal. I don't know if maybe she's just not ready for potty training, or it was just an unusual weekend. But please keep a special eye out for her, if you can." Deena smiled. "Of course. We actually have Kelly and Samantha here today helping. Their college placement now has them here three days a week each, with Monday being the overlap day with both. So there will be lots of help. I'll make a point of ensuring someone takes her to the bathroom often," Denna replied. "Isabelle had been a real superstar for some time, but the last few weeks, we noticed the same. And her chart is starting to reflect it." Jane nodded. She remembered when Deena told her that Isabelle had to be moved back to the "Getting There" section of the potty chart. Isabelle hadn't been ready for big girl panties when Jane had tried them, but Jane just felt so much pressure as a single mom to get her daughter potty trained. Deena could sense the worry from the young mom. "Don't worry Jane. Kids learn at their own pace. Everyone is always in such a rush with this step. If she's not ready, she's not ready. Trust me, you'll miss those days soon enough." "Oh Miss Denna, I don't know about that," Jane said through a laugh, and thinking about the poopy bottom she had changed just yesterday. But Jane continued to smile, because she knew Deena was probably right. Even now, Jane was sometimes jealous that Jess had two kids in diapers. Jane missed it a little bit. "Thanks Deena. I'll see you at 3:30." Jane responded, before slipping out before Isabelle ever noticed. ***** "Good morning, Everyone!" Miss Deena bellowed from the middle of the class. Isabelle had been distracted playing dolls with Becky up to that point. Becky had been playing an imagination game where the dolls were famous ballerinas. Isabelle, finding the theme of the game delightful, had joined in. Before Isabelle knew it, she was lost in the fun world Becky had created, laughing away with her friend as they played. But now it seemed that class was starting, and Isabelle turned her attention to the middle of the class, where Miss Deena was standing next to a chair atop the fluffiest rug Isabelle had ever seen. "Are we all ready for a day full of fun and learning?" Miss Deena asked, her voice filled with genuine warmth. Isabelle nodded eagerly, and turned to see Becky doing the same. The two girls joined their classmates, taking a seat on the cozy carpet, ready to embark on their day's journey. "Today," Miss Deena began, "we are going to start out day by reading a book about animals! As we read, I want everyone to picture the animals that we read about. And when I call on you, I want you to make the same noise that animal makes. Okay?" Isabelle thought that this game sounded just wonderful, and found herself bouncing, as she cross her legs and her dress rode up her knees. Before Miss Deena could start however, Samantha had knelt down beside Isabelle, whispering into her ear. "Come with me Belly. We're going to try and use the potty before we start." It wasn't a question, and Isabelle pouted as she stood up and followed Samantha toward the bathrooms, holding her hand along the way. As they made their way toward the bathrooms together, Isabelle could hear a boy behind her roar like a lion, as all the other kids laughed. "Samanthaaaaaaaaa," Isabelle whined. "I'm missing the story though!" Isabelle desperately wanted to get back. 'What if I miss my turn to make a noise?!?!' It was a terribly frightening possibility. Samantha didn't relent, as they passed the potty chart on the wall. Isabelle's name was firmly within the "Getting There" category, her name had close to the fewest stars next to it in the grouping. "Come on Belly, you'll go really quick. Just try for me, and then you can get a star. Look, I already got one ready for you," Samantha said with enthusiasm, pulling out a rocket ship sticker and showing it to Isabelle. 'That looks like MY spaceship,' Isabelle thought to herself, as she warmed up to the idea of going to the bathroom. "Okay!" Isabelle made her way toward the door, with Samantha following Isabelle in. Isabelle was a little surprised Samantha had followed her in the bathroom, but was getting used to using the potty in front of others. Isabelle was relieved when she saw it was a normal sized toilet, and that she didn't need help on it. Isabelle pulled her pullup down, and her dress up, as she sat on the toilet, swinging her legs back and forth. 'I'll tolerate her and try, but tha -' Isabelle's thought was cut off, as her body naturally took over and started pushing. Isabelle grunted, before pushing her poop out into the toilet. As she finished doing so, Isabelle even added a little pee, listening to it echo off of the porcelain bowl. "Oh my! Amazing job Isabelle. See what happens when we just try sometimes?" Samantha exclaimed. "Do you need help cleaning up sweetie?" Isabelle shook her head no, before rapidly wiping herself a few inefficient times, and pulling her pullup back up. Time was working against her, and she needed to get back out to story time before she missed it all. "All done!" Isabelle called out, before moving toward the door. "Not so fast sweetie. Wash your hands first," Samantha instructed. Isabelle turned and complied, before running back toward the door and toward story time. "Don't you want to put your sticker on the chart first sweetie?" Samantha called out, loud enough that some of the kids turned around from story time to look. 'She does raise a good point," Isabelle thought. Isabelle turned back and accepted the sticker from Samantha, taking it and placing it next to her name at the bottom of the chart. Isabelle then rejoined her classmates. As Isabelle sat down next to a crinkling girl that had been called on to make money noises, she immediately became engrossed in the story. Miss Deena was taking them on an adventure through all sorts of places; hot places, cold places, high places, and low places. Animals in the sky and the ocean, on land and in trees. Isabelle was mesmerized by all the animals that Miss Deena was describing, and found herself laughing silly at all the noises that the kids were making. Finally, Isabelle got her chance. As Miss Denna was talking about animals that can hop, Isabelle was called on to make the noise of a frog! "Ribbit! Ribbit! Ribbit! RIBBIT!" Isabelle called out proudly, knowing what sound a frog made. Isabelle was so excited, she started hopping like a frog as she did, her classmates falling over laughing. Even Kelly had a genuine laugh, as she lifted the monkey noise making girl and carried her over to the changing table for a clean diaper. After story time, Miss Deena had announced that it would be time for art before they broke for lunch. Isabelle had made her way over to her cubby where her mom had left her bag, and pulled out her sippy bottle of water, bringing it back to the group, and sucking her water through the straw. Miss Denna again sat the kids down and began by explaining the art project they would do together. "Today we're going to be working together on a single art project. Does anyone here know what a mural is?" Miss Deena asked. Isabelle though as hard as she could, but for the life of her, she didn't know the answer. So Isabelle, along with the other students, shook their heads no. "A mural is like a big drawing on a single wall. Now, we all know in class here that we don't color on the walls, right?" Miss Deena paused to make her point. Isabelle found herself nodding - coloring on the walls was naughty, and Isabelle wasn't a naughty girl. "Instead of a wall, we're going to work together on this BIG piece of paper. Everyone is going to contribute, and put their own unique touch on the mural," Miss Deena explained, as Isabelle continued to drink away. As Kelly and Miss Deena went about laying the biggest roll of paper Isabelle had ever seen in her life out on the floor, Samantha went around handing out brushes and paint. Isabelle found herself seated next to Becky, as well as next to the monkey girl with the fresh diaper on, whose name Isabelle learned was Julia. Isabelle smiled and waved at Julia, who returned the smile with one of her own. "Hi Isabelle! I'm excited we get to be next to each other again!" The girl apparently knew Isabelle. The teachers walked around the room, encouraging the preschoolers, resolving disputes between students, and promoting collaboration. For their parts, Isabelle, Julia, and Becky all worked together wonderfully. They eagerly shared their ideas about what they were going to make in the section in front of them. Julia shared different painting techniques with Isabelle, and Becky was proposing all sorts of creative and silly ideas. For her part, Isabelle was the best painter, and Becky and Julia often asked her to help with the more difficult parts of their paintings. As the class progressed, the room was filled with laughter, chatter, and a symphony of colors. Some children painted bright suns and fluffy clouds, while others chose to create vibrant flowers and whimsical animals. Deena, Samantha, and Kelly all moved around the room, offering guidance and gentle suggestions, nurturing the preschoolers' confidence and artistic skills. As Isabelle shifted on to her stomach and started in a new blank area with the help of Becky, she felt a familiar feeling. Having already missed story time, Isabelle figured that she could wait until lunch to ask someone to go to the potty. Instead, Isabelle went about dipping her brush into a bright blue paint, and started painting the bird she had envisioned in her head. But Isabelle had hardly completed the body of the bird when her bladder calmly and easily released, filling the seat of her pullup, before flowing down toward the front. Isabelle barely even noticed, distracted by all the fun she was having. As the mural started to take shape, the children's faces beamed with pride. The canvas blossomed with their collective imagination, a reflection of all of the students unique personalities. But as a collective, the preschoolers were really proud of what they had put together. Lunchtime arrived, and Isabelle, Becky and Julia all sat together at a small table, their lunchboxes filled with delicious treats prepared by their parents. Isabelle felt the squish under her as she say down in her plastic chair, pulling out her tuna sandwich. The three toddlers chatted about their morning adventures, their words filled with excitement and wonder. "My favorite part was the painting," Becky had proclaimed, as she ate her cold buttered noodles. "I really liked painting best," Julia added. "I loved both the same amount!" Isabelle declared, her friends nodding in agreement. Isabelle's answer really was best, and the three girls happily and slowly ate their lunch. Isabelle was nibbling at the edge of the second half of her sandwich when Kelly came and sat down next to her. Julia and Becky had since taken their spots on their napping mats. But Isabelle was struggling to finish her food. "Come on sweetie. Take three more bites for me, and then you can go have your nap," Kelly said, encouraging Isabelle. Isabelle's eyes were weighing down on her. She was desperate for rest, but the rules had been established; she needed to take three more bites. Laboriously, Isabelle brought the sandwich to her mouth, taking a decent enough bite out of it before chomping, and swallowing. 'I'm not sure I can do it,' Isabelle thought to herself. "Two more sweetie...almost there," Kelly continued, rubbing Isabelle's back. The young student-teacher's encouragement managed to get Isabelle to take another nibble, swallowing it down. "Oh that was too small Belly. One more big one, and then nap time. You can do it. Let's see you be a big girl." Isabelle sighed, and resigned herself to her fate. She opened her mouth as large as she could, and before she knew it, found the entire rest of the sandwich inside her mouth, as she chewed away before swallowing. Isabelle reached out for the juice box her mom had packed her, slurping down the rest of it, before letting a blech loose. Kelly couldn't help but laugh. "Good girl," Kelly said. "Now do you wanna try and go potty before your nap?" Kelly asked. Isabelle shook her head. She was too full, and she didn't need to go. "Are you sure Belly? Remember, you're trying to be a big girl. A big girl asks to go to the potty when she needs to.." Kelly said, doing her best to encourage Isabelle to seek the bathroom independently. But Isabelle remained steadfast, and shook her head again, before rubbing her eyes. "Okay then sweetie. We'll try after your nap. Someone looks sleepy." Isabelle took Kelly's hand as she was led to the last empty nap mat. Before her head hit the mat, Isabelle was already asleep. **** Isabelle woke up to the sound of laughter around her. As she sat up, Isabelle could feel that her pullup was positively soaked, squishing with every movement. Isabelle looked around her and saw that many of the other kids were already up and playing. Nap time was over, and Isabelle was one of the last few to stir awake. As Isabelle made her way to her feet, Kelly was approaching. Kelly knelt down next to Isabelle with a smile. "Wakey wakey sleepy Belly," Kelly sang to Isabelle, as she reached her hand underneath Isabelle's dress, lifting up the droopy pullup. "Oh sweetie, you're very wet..." Kelly said aloud, before concluding that Isabelle had likely wet her pullup more than once without realizing it. Kelly turned to Miss Denna, who was nearby, giving her the silent signal of what had happened, before turning back to Isabelle. "Why don't you go get cleaned up with Miss Deena sweetie." Isabelle, still getting up, was on auto-pilot, and nodded her head as she sought Miss Deena out. Miss Deena picked Isabelle up and carried her over to the changing table. "Oh, quite the squish one, aren't you?" Miss Denna had said, as Isabelle was rubbing her eyes awake. The remark barely phased Isabelle in her state - she was still a little out of it. "I think it's time for us to give you a fresh pullup. Let's make sure you're comfortable." Isabelle looked up at Miss Deena with innocent eyes as her teacher set her down on the table. Isabelle merely nodded, trusting that Miss Deena would take care of her. With gentle hands, Miss Deena began removing Isabelle's pullup, moving it down and along Isabelle's legs. As she pulled it off, Miss Deena noted the brown stains in the bottom, a result of poor wiping no doubt. 'Not a good sign for potty training," Miss Deena thought, as she spoke softly to Isabelle, offering reassurances as she gently and efficiently started wiping Isabelle's bottom and crotch, being sure to get every nook and cranny. Isabelle was beginning to come to when she became distracted by the mobile overhead. She watched as the horses danced around like a carasol ride, racing for but never catching the one in front. Isabelle was limp as Miss Deena moved and angled her legs to clean her, unphased by the process which had felt so normal, and so right. After gently patting Isabelle dry, Miss Deena swiftly and skillfully fastened a fresh, clean pullup around Isabelle's little waist. Isabelle smiled, feeling fresh and comfortable once again, letting powder escape up her nose as she shifted her weight around on the dry padding underneath her. "There you go, my dear Isabelle. That's the last pullup for you today though. I want you to try really hard to remember to go potty, okay? But for now, you're all clean and ready to continue playing." The kids were allowed to have independent playtime for much of the afternoon. Isabelle returned to Julia and Becky, and the three of them played house in the play kitchen in the room. Isabelle found herself baking a pie with her friends. The three decided that Isabelle would be the baker, Becky the gatherer, and Julia the helper - "I love to be the helper!" Julia had proclaimed. Isabelle donned a tiny apron that was stored in the play kitchen, making her feel like a true pastry chef. Julia helped Isabelle gather all of the pretend baking supplies—a wooden spoon, an imaginary rolling pin, and a colorful mixing bowl. Isabelle and Julia then carefully made an imaginary list of the ingredients their pie needed, sending Becky out to forage for the items. Once Becky returned, Julia lined up all of the "ingredients," which were simply random things Becky had taken from around the room - including Miss Deena's car keys - on the countertop, arranging them as invisible apples, sugar, and spices. Isabelle was now ready to transform them into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Isabelle hummed a happy tune as she pretended to peel the imaginary apples, her tiny hands mimicking the motion. As she did, Julia pre-heated the non-existent oven, and Becky went off foraging for ingredients for the next pie. Next, Isabelle stirred her invisible mixture, her wooden spoon swirling through the air with grace. Julia continued to help by sprinkling imaginary sugar and spices into the mix, creating a fragrant blend that danced in her imagination. Finally, after their pretend pie had finished baking to perfection, Isabelle carefully took it out of the imaginary oven, using her oven mitts to protect her hands. The three marveled at their creation, the vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma making her mouth water. As Becky pretended to slice and serve the pie, Kelly returned to ask if any of the girl's needed to use the potty. All three looked at each other, before only Isabelle admitted that she would try to go. 'I did promise to try like a big girl,' Isabelle reminded herself. Suspicious, Kelly pressed her hand against each of Becky's and Julia's diapers, confirming each to be quite wet. "Tsk tsk," Kelly said playfully, "let's see if Isabelle can at least make the potty." Julia and Becky hardly seemed to care that they had soiled themselves, instead content to eat imaginary pie. Isabelle followed Kelly into the bathroom together. "Save me a slice of pie," Isabelle had called back as the door closed behind her. Isabelle repeated the process she had that morning with Samantha. However, unlike the morning, Isabelle had no success. After 10 minutes, Kelly called it. "It's okay sweetie. I am proud of you for trying." Isabelle made her way back out to partake in pie. As she say playing with her friends, Isabelle noticed that quite a few other classmates were getting picked up. Isabelle said goodbye to Julia, as she left for the day with her mom. Slowly but surely, Isabelle and Becky were the last two in the class. But Isabelle didn't have to wait long. Before she knew it, Isabelle heard a familiar voice behind her. "Belllllllllly. Mommy is here!" Jane sang from the entrance to the class. "MOMMY!" Isabelle cried, surprised by the sound of her mom's voice. Isabelle ran over to her mom, who lifted her up in the air. "There is my sweet angel," Jane replied, lifting her sweet girl into the air. "How was your day? Did you have fun?" Isabelle nodded, and started to tell her mom all about her day; about story time, and the art project, and all about her delicious pie. Isabelle was having so much fun telling her mom about her day, she hadn't even heard as Miss Deena came by. "Hi Jane. We had a lot of fun today," Miss Deena confirmed. "Our sweet girl here had a very successful potty this morning, but we had a few accidents before lunch and during nap time, didn't we?" Miss Deena said aloud. Isabelle hardly cared; she had her mommy back. "We asked her if she needed to go, but she didn't want to. That was likely the first accident. And Kelly took her this afternoon, but no success after sitting on the toilet a while. I'd try again when you get home," Miss Deena suggested. Jane nodded. "Thanks Deena. I'll have to think about this some more. Let's see how this week goes first," Jane proposed, before turning back to the class. "Becky, come with me sweetie. Your mommy asked me to take you home. I've got your seat in the car." Jane called out. "Thanks again Deena. See you tomorrow." Isabelle and Becky were soon in the back of Jane's RAV-4, laughing chatting, and in Isabelle's case, peeing away, as Jane drove the girls home. It had only occurred to Isabelle later that night, as her mom tucked her into bed in a fresh diaper, that Isabelle had apparently been having so much fun at preschool, she had forgotten to work out her new magic theory at all. "There's always tomorrow," Isabelle said through a yawn. As her teeny mouth settled closed, Isabelle closed her eyes and fell back into the wonderful world of dreamland. Your comments, as usual, are far too kind. I am thrilled to hear anyone, but it is very nice to hear from readers that have been following since the start. I hope you enjoy where the story goes from here!

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 43 Isabelle shifted her weight so that she was more comfortable on her pink and white polka dot chair. The chair was not perfectly sized, and the desk was a little hard to reach from her original position sitting on her bum. So Isabelle climbed on to her knees instead, resting her butt down on the back of her shins and ankles. "That's better," Isabelle announced to herself, her tutu riding up and exposing her padded behind. Isabelle had laid her desk out meticulously. It was a rainy day, and Isabelle's mom had suggested that Isabelle have some quiet time upstairs playing in her room while Jane made a plan for the rest of the day. Isabelle had agreed - she was going to use the time to update her investigative journal with some of the clues she had recently discovered. Once she did, Isabelle would work on developing a new theory to test as to what was happening to her. Isabelle reviewed the items she had laid out. In front of her lay her closed investigative journal, eagerly awaiting Isabelle to fill its empty pages. Next to the journal, Isabelle placed her colored pencils, ordered in the only sensible manner; in a perfect rainbow system. Isabelle had looked for her gel pens, wanting to stay consistent in her journal. But for the life of her, she couldn't locate them. 'Colored pencils will have to do!' On the left side of her desk, Isabelle had placed some allies to help bounce ideas off of. Rabbity sat upright, alert and ready to discuss Isabelle's new theories with her as she considered what direction she would go in next for her investigation. 'It always helps to have another perspective,' Isabelle had decided when she placed Rabbity up on the desk. Next to Rabbity was the newly discovered teddy bear Isabelle had discovered near the toy castle in her bedroom. Isabelle asked the teddy - who ironically informed Isabelle he had been named Teddy - if he wanted to help, and Teddy agreed. It had taken some time for Teddy to find someone to take his shift guarding the drawbridge while he helped, but after searching, Teddy and Isabelle were able to locate a long-haired doll that was willing to take the job upon the promise that Isabelle would play with her later that morning. 'It was some shrewd negotiating on her part,' Isabelle decided. Isabelle took a deep breath. She decided it would be helpful to review some of her earlier pages, to ensure that she learned the lessons from her past and moved along in a productive direction. Isabelle was feeling a little absent-minded. As she sat at her desk, she couldn't recall any of the theories she had tested up to that point. 'I need a refreshed.' So Isabelle opened her journal to the very first page, leaned over, and started to read. Except she didn't. Isabelle was confronted with a problem, a familiar problem at that. Much like the night prior when she was reviewing the menu at the restaurant with Lola, Isabelle was confronted with a problem; her journal now appeared to have been translated into a different language. Isabelle's immediate reaction was to close the journal and look at the front of it. Isabelle was convinced she must have picked up the wrong book. Except she didn't It was definitely her investigative journal. "Only someone seems to have gone through it, erased all my work, and translated it." Isabelle was deeply concerned about who might have done this - her deepest secrets resided in the journal. In fact, without context, someone might think Isabelle was crazy if they read her journal. Isabelle quickly flipped through the pages. "Maybe its just the first page.' Except it wasn't. Every page Isabelle flipped through was written in the strange alphabet. It wasn't until she reached some of the most recent pages where she had drawn her solar system. "Of course! The wormhole theory!" Isabelle called aloud. Though she didn't recall why that theory had failed, she knew it was a dead end. As Isabelle flipped back and forth through the book, she took the time to pay closer attention to the letters on the pages. "Wait a second....' Isabelle thought to herself. 'I recognize these...that's the letter "I" like for Isabelle......and that's a "B"! And that one is "L" and that one is "A"' Isabelle slowed down more, noticing that, in fact, this was a normal alphabet. With her tiny fingers, Isabelle continued to carefully traced the shapes of letters, fascinated by the way they came together. The letters all came together to form words. Isabelle could recognize the letters of the alphabet, but when it came to stringing them together into words, Isabelle felt a pang of frustration. The words on the pages seemed to dance and jumble together, refusing to make sense. "Oh god," Isabelle said, sitting further back on her feet, feeling the comfort of the pullup padding her butt against her toes. 'I can't read.....The issue isn't that its another language....the issue is I've gone so far back, I can't read....' It was a shocking realization. Most people can never recall not reading once they know how. But Isabelle was now living a life where she could identify the letters - at least some of them - but was unable to form them together. It was all the more infuriating by the fact that Isabelle KNEW that the letters formed words. 'I just....just can't.' The harder Isabelle tried to read, the further she seemed to get from succeeding. Isabelle closed her eyes, taking deep breaths in and out. She knew that books held the secrets of the universe, stories that would take her on incredible adventures. More importantly, Isabelle was convinced that if there was an answer to her problems, it would be found in books. Had she lost? Was her investigation over, destined to be a failure now? 'Without reading, what hope do I have?' Defeat was creeping its way through Isabelle. She was considering giving up. "No." Isabelle said to herself. "No." She couldn't give up. 'This is just one more obstacle I will have to get through.' Isabelle reflected on her thoughts from earlier in the morning. 'Things are looking up. I got to be with Lola. I got to see Mel. Things are headed in the right direction,' Isabelle said, motivating herself. Taking her time, Isabelle decided to look at this change from another perspective. 'Maybe........maybe, just maybe, reading has been holding me back,' Isabelle considered. 'I've been looking at this problem as one of logic this whole time. There was the wormhole theory,' Isabelle thought, turning back to the pages where she had drawn the solar system. 'But that was a dead end,' Isabelle thought as she admired her solar system drawing. 'And before that.............of course!' Isabelle exclaimed, the idea coming back to her; 'the medical theory or something.' Isabelle remembered thinking maybe a hospital was involved or something. The details were fuzzy. Isabelle perked up as she heard Teddy remind her of something. "Oh! You're right Teddy. It did have to do with comas. I didn't realize you were so knowledgeable about medicine! Thank you." Still the coma idea had also fallen flat, Isabelle recalled. 'Either way, both of the theories I have tested have been ground in logic. In science. In reading. Maybe I need to get away from those....maybe the answer lies in something else.' It was then that it clicked for Isabelle - one of her original theories, one she had abandoned early on as "silly." Right now, it hardly seemed silly. It didn't even seem illogical. In fact, in her regressed mind, it seemed perfect. "Magic," Isabelle said aloud. 'It just has to be magic,' Isabelle thought to herself, feeling rejuvenated. The answer seemed so obvious right now - 'why didn't I pursue this first?!?! This is OBVIOUSLY the answer." Rabbity gave Isabelle a look that she was all too familiar with; "I know you suggested magic already Rabbity. I should have listened. I know..." Isabelle quickly flipped to the first empty page in her journal, picking up her colored pencils. Isabelle ignored a twinge from her bladder, too focused on the task at hand. "Time to explore the theory." Over the proceeding 45 minutes, Isabelle started her new mission with a purpose and energy she had lacked over the prior few days. Isabelle sat at her small desk, armed with her rainbow colored pencils and journal spread out before her. With her tiny hands clutching a vibrant purple pencil, she set out to create a masterpiece that would transport her to a world of enchantment and help explain what was happening to her. As Isabelle began to draw, her pencil glided across the paper, bringing to life a magical princess. The princess had flowing ruby red hair, a shimmering crown atop her head, and a magnificent dress that sparkled with every color of the rainbow. Isabelle used every weapon in her arsenal; pink pencils, orange pencils, red pencils, blue. Green pencils and yellow pencils, black pencils too! With each stroke, Isabelle's imagination soared, infusing her creation with an otherworldly charm. In her picture, Isabelle depicted the magical princess casting spells that made people younger. The princess stood in a lush green meadow, surrounded by delighted villagers in front of their simple homes. As Isabelle colored in the scene, her mind filled with visions of laughter, joy, and the wonders that her magical princess could bring to the world. Isabelle fleshed out the scene in great details, the spells being cast from the princess's star rod striking each villager, before the villager quickly turned into a younger form of themselves. With every swirl of her pencil, Isabelle poured her heart and soul into her artwork. Her passion would expose the truth. She imagined herself as one of the villagers, experiencing the enchantment of the princess's spell. As she did, Isabelle drew another villager, putting her love, dedication ,and drive to solve the mystery into every detail of the character she created for herself. As a final touch, Isabelle drew the most beautiful ballet slippers on her, a reminder that this villager was Isabelle. As she drew Isabelle could feel the warmth of the magic coming off of the page, washing over her, renewing her spirit and filling her heart with youthful energy. As Isabelle finished drawing the last villagers hair, she dropped her yellow pencil and marveled at her creation. Isabelle ignored another signal from her bladder, squirming in her chair and lifting her butt a little, as she set the yellow pencil down in its correct spot in the rainbow assortment. The magical princess seemed to radiate with a vibrant energy, ready to bring happiness and youth to all those she encountered. Isabelle's eyes sparkled with delight as she imagined the possibilities and solutions that her artwork held. Isabelle studied her picture for about 15 minutes. It occurred to her that the princess looked happy. Isabelle envisioned the princess as being benevolent; the princess believed that she was helping the villagers by granting them youth. Isabelle's eyes turned to the effected villagers as well. Without realizing it, Isabelle had drawn smiles on all of their faces; the villagers were happy to have been struck by the princess's spell. Each villager appeared to be smiling more and more than the last. That was until she arrived at the last villager; the villager that was supposed to be her. Unlike the others, the last villager simply had a horizontal line on her face. 'This villager had not yet decided how she felt about the spell,' Isabelle decided. Isabelle looked closer at the villager. There was a sadness in her eyes, a longing, and some pain. But there was also joy - a special kind of joy - and peace in her eyes. 'The villager is struggling with what's happening to her,' Isabelle decided. 'She's not sure if it was what she wanted.' Isabelle turned her eyes back to the princess. Rather than focus on the princess herself, Isabelle was more concerned with what was in her hand. "A wand.....its the star rod......' Isabelle's mind was at its limit, her critical thinking being tested. Isabelle felt her brain pushing against the edges of her head, a migraine developing. 'I need to push harder,' Isabelle thought, as she strained and strained her mind and body. She was almost there, she knew it. She just needed to push harder. 'Al....Almost......' Isabelle thought. But there was one last thing holding her back - one last distraction she had to let go of. And so Isabelle did - her bladder was freed. "Eureka!" Isabelle shouted, clasping both of her tiny hands over her opened mouth as her pullup worked diligently to mop up Isabelle's pee. "That's it......." Isabelle said to herself, lowering her hand back down to the journal and picking it up, naturally lifting her butt ever so slightly to let the flow of pee spread around her. "It's the source....I need to find the source of the magic that was cast on me." Isabelle's eyes laid firmly on the star rod in her picture, as her pee tailed off, her pullup absorbing the last of it. It seemed to obvious to her now. 'All I need to do is find the source of the magic - the magic wand that cast this spell on me - and I can reverse the magic.' 'It's just like the second book of the Emerald Chronicles," Isabelle thought, recalling the section where the Mages of Tinker Town Tower cast the giggle charms on the people of Lockwood Lake. Once the citizens found the the Tinker Town Tower magic staff - and an outcast mage - they were able to reverse the spell. "So all I need is the magic wand that was used on me, and a mage," Isabelle said to herself, brimming with confidence. "That shouldn't be too hard." Isabelle felt a sense of relief consume her, smiling, and sitting down on her squishy pullup. 'Hmmm....comfy,' Isabelle thought, as she settled into her chair. It was as Rabbity and Teddy agreed that Isabelle had indeed come up with an excellent plan that Isabelle heard a voice over her left shoulder. It was her doll, of course, who was reminding Isabelle of her promise to play with her. "Yes, I haven't forgotten" Isabelle called back to her doll, before turning back to Rabbity and Teddy. "Okay, well we make enough progress today," Isabelle said, closing her journal. "Rabbity - you guard the journal. Teddy, time to go back and guard. I am going to play with dolly now." Isabelle stood up, taking Teddy with her as she shifted with her wet pullup and all toward the dollhouse and castle in the corner by her bed. Isabelle crouched down, picking her dolly up before setting Teddy back to guard the castle. Proceeding on to her belly, Belly went about playing a new adventure with her dolly. Isabelle's mind was still buzzing with the magical world she had created, and many aspects of it came about in her adventures with dolly. She pretended that dolly was brave princess, wielding the power to make the other dolls in her dollhouse younger and bring joy to their lives. Isabelle's game was filled with laughter, smiles, and the sweet melody of endless possibilities. Not long after, Jane made her way into Isabelle's bedroom, the sound of her daughter's laughter bursting out of the bedroom and into the hall. Jane couldn't help but smile as she entered the room, and watched as Isabelle continued to play, unaware of her mom's presence. Jane left Isabelle like that for a good 10 minutes, before startling her. "Hey there princess. Looks like someone is having lots of fun," Jane said, making her way over to Isabelle, and sitting on the edge of the bed. 'Come here a minute," Jane instructed. Isabelle fought off a yawn as she stood up, making her way over to her mom. Isabelle climbed up on Jane's lap, and then wrapped her arms around her mom's neck. Jane could feel Isabelle's soggy pullup pressed against her legs, and sighed to herself. "So we are going to go bowling this afternoon with Becky and Jess, isn't that exciting?" Seeing the unrelenting rain, Jane had called Jess that morning to see if there was something they could do to pass the afternoon with the girls. Bowling had been Jess's idea, and Jane thought it was wonderful. "Yah!" Isabelle replied, rubbing her eyes. "Great sweetie. But mommy can see that you're really tired from all your playing this morning. So we're going to have a nap before lunch, and then we'll go meet them there. Let's take your pretty tutu off for your nap," Jane started saying, causing Isabelle to whine. "Don't worry sweetheart, you can put it back on later if you want." Isabelle looked ridiculous in her outfit, but Jane wasn't going to let it stop the girl. Jane helped Isabelle out of her tutu, taking the opportunity to squeeze Isabelle's pullup a few times to assess whether it needed to be changed. She can sleep in this,' Jane decided, 'no need to waste a second one if she's going to have another accident while she naps.' Jane lifted Isabelle up and placed her down on her bed, throwing a spare blanket over her. "Have a good nap sweetie. I'll see you in a bit." Isabelle didn't hear her mom. She was fast asleep before Jane had even turned off the lights. ******* Isabelle sat in the booster seat in the back of Jess's car as she, Becky, and their moms made their way toward the bowling alley. Isabelle's eyes were forward as she watched the rain beat against the windshield of Jess's car. In front of her, her mom sat chatting with Jess about all sorts of things that Isabelle couldn't keep track of. Isabelle rubbed her eye - she was still waking up. Isabelle's afternoon had been a bit of a blur since the time she woke up. After her nap, Jane insisted that Isabelle try to use the potty with her mom there before they had lunch. Isabelle had to sit on the toilet for almost 10 full minutes before she started peeing, much to her mom's delight. After she was done, her mom carried her to her changing table and cleaned her up, giving Isabelle a fresh pullup to wear. Lunch had been quick after that. Isabelle had scoffed down her buttered noodles with some parmesan cheese on them. Isabelle loved buttered noodles, and couldn't recall the last time her mom had made them for her. They were delicious. After that, Jane helped Isabelle back into her tutu at Isabelle's insistence. And though Jane had politely asked Isabelle if Isabelle wanted to match her socks for the afternoon, Isabelle tersely reminded her mom that doing so would "ruin her look." Isabelle peered to her left where she looked at her friend Becky, sitting in her little brother's car seat. Becky was still throwing a tantrum about it when Jess had arrived at their house to pick them up, and Jane had lifted Isabelle into the car. "ITS NOT FAIWR" Becky had cried through tears. She didn't understand why she couldn't sit in her regular chair, and had been relegated to a chair for babies. "Hush Becky," Jess had responded. "Its not a big deal. Its just for a short ride. You better start behaving or you won't get to bowl with your friend." Jess's passive threat had been effective, as Becky had ceased complaining. 'Audibly at least,' Isabelle concluded. She could see her friend was still stewing in the car seat. Isabelle didn't press the issue - anything she said at that point would make it worse. So Isabelle say quietly as they drove. It was not long after when Jane pulled up in front of the bowling alley, and pulled into a spot near the front. "Wait for me sweetie, I'm just going to get my bag" Jane said, as she opened the large umbrella outside her door, stepping under it and shielding herself from the rain. On the other side of the car, Jess had done the same, and the two moms made their way to the back of the car, pulling their respective toddler bags out of the trunk. Each mom then made their way to opposite sides of the car, and Isabelle was soon standing in her rain boots on the ground, holding her mom's hand. Isabelle followed her mom as she guided Isabelle into the bowling alley. Along the way, Isabelle was sure to jump into every puddle, her boots sending the water splashing about. Isabelle could hear as Becky did the same as she and Jess followed them toward, and into the automatic sliding doors. Jane and Jess folded their umbrellas closed, and the four girls entered the alley. Isabelle's eyes widened with excitement as she entered the colorful bowling alley. The sound of rolling balls and crashing pins filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere. the bowling alley was busy that day, it seemed. Isabelle looked to her left and spotted a small arcade, filled to the brim with teenagers fooling around. Down further in the alley was a concession stand, yummy smells from that direction filling the air. Jane led Isabelle in the other direction, toward an area where they would be able to purchase time at a lane. Isabelle continued to look around as her mom pulled her, her tutu bouncing along as Isabelle's eyes darted left and right. As they made their way closer to the desk, Isabelle noticed something fascinating—people wearing funny-looking shoes with colorful designs all around her. Isabelle couldn't recall every seeing shoes like that before. "Mommy, why are they all wearing funny shoes?" Isabelle asked, pointing indiscreetly at a group of people leaving the counter and setting off toward their bowling lane. Isabelle tugged on her mother's hand, as if to show her what she was talking about as she pointed. Her mom smiled and explained, "Those are special bowling shoes, Belly. They help you slide and glide on the bowling lane, allowing you to bowl better and have more fun. You'll see" Jane explained. Isabelle's eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had never heard of such a thing. 'Special shoes for bowling?' It sounded so silly to her. Yet, Isabelle now desperately wanted a pair, and she eagerly asked her mom, "Can I get my own special bowling shoes too, Mommy? And Becky too Mommy? Can Becky have special shoes too?" Isabelle turned, asking Jess permission as well. Jess and Jane shared a warm chuckle and agreed. 'Of course," Jess responded. "You can both have special shoes." The four girls approached the rental counter, where a friendly staff member greeted them. Jess and Jane spoke to the attendant about some things as Isabelle made her way over to Becky, as the two started playing a game to see who could find the funniest looking bowling shoes. Jane tapped both toddlers on the shoulder, gathering their attention as she kindly requested that "these two princesses would like their very own special bowling shoes as well" to the attendant, who returned a smile. Excitement started to build in Isabelle's stomach. The staff member grinned and looked down at Isabelle and Becky, responding to the inquiry, "Well, we have just the perfect little shoes for a little bowling superstars like you...." the boy looked back at the sheet Jess had filled out with their names for the attendant, before continuing "....Becky and Isabelle!" The boy proceeded to swing open the counter door, leading Isabelle and Becky in to the back where he showed the two girls to a colorful display of shoes in all sizes, each pair adorned with vibrant patterns and sparkling decorations. "You two can pick any from this shelf here," the man explained. Isabelle's eyes widened with delight as she examined the array of shoes. She carefully picked up a pair that had bright pink and blue stripes with shimmering stars. They were the most beautiful bowling shoes she had ever seen. "I want these," Isabelle explained, holding them up for the man and Jane to see. "Look mommy! They have stars!" Becky had selected a similar pair, with hearts instead of stars. The staff member knelt down and helped Isabelle and Becky put on their new shoes, keeping their respective rainboots behind the counter. "I'll keep your boots safe for you while you're bowling, and then we'll trade back when you're done. Sound good?" Isabelle nodded, watching as the man slipped her feet into the shoes. Isabelle felt a sense of excitement and empowerment with her bowling shoes on. Isabelle was ready to conquer the bowling lane! Isabelle followed Becky out from behind the counter, where their moms had just finished putting on their own bowling shoes. "Ready girls?" Jane asked, the two toddlers nodding rapidly in response. "Great! Follow me!" With her sparkling new shoes, Isabelle followed her mom and Jess toward their assigned lane. They went all the way past the arcade, and past the concession stand. They Isabelle also passed by another room that had balloons outside of it, as well as a big "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" sign hanging above the door. Isabelle thought it looked really neat, as she slid along the floor after her mom. Near the very end of the bowling alley, Isabelle watched as her mom and Jess made their way down a staircase toward an empty lane. "Here Belly, Becks" her mom called back after them, "We're in lane 5." Becky made her way ahead of Isabelle, stepping down the stairs. Isabelle made her way after Becky more slowly, still getting used to her shoes. When Isabelle reached the top of the stairs however, she froze. To her left, her mom, Jess, and Becky were at lane 5. Jess was punching some information into a computer. The computer was sitting in front of a machine that seemed to have all sorts of small bowling balls on it. In front of the computer a long bowling lane. The pins at the end looked really far to Isabelle, but she was looking forward to the challenge. Unlike most of the lanes they had passed on the way, the lane in front of Isabelle seemed to have some sort of guard rails up, preventing the balls from falling off of the side. "Look, Isabelle!" her mom exclaimed, pointing to the special section. "They have bumpers and small balls just for kids like you and Becky! How special!" But it wasn't Isabelle's lane that had caused her to freeze. Instead, it was the two lanes to the right of the staircases - lanes 6 and 7 - that had startled Isabelle so. The lanes immediately to the right were decorated beautifully with the same balloons Isabelle had seen outside of the room on their way over to their own lane. There was special music playing, some snacks laid out on a table, and another big "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" sign. Unlike her lane, those lanes didn't have any bumpers up, and the balls in their machine were considerably larger than the ones set out for Isabelle. But it also wasn't the décor that struck Isabelle. Nor was it the lack of bumpers or size of the bowling balls. No, it was the kids that were at those lanes that caused butterflies in the pit of Isabelle's stomach. Turning around and skipping back to the group from lane 6 was none other than Charlotte - the birthday girl. Isabelle swallowed as she felt shivers shake through her body. Just two days prior, Isabelle had been in class with Charlotte. In fact, Isabelle had been invited to this very birthday party. Isabelle's eyes scanned the group of kids all applauding Charlotte as she returned from knocking over 6 pins with her shot. The twins Alice and Erica were there, front and center, and Jessica, Harold, and Kevin from her class were also nearby. Isabelle recognized a few other girls that she had sat at the lunch table with, though in that moment couldn't remember their names. Around them were lots of moms who were laughing, cheering, and having a wonderful time at Charlotte's birthday. 'How could I have forgotten,' Isabelle asked herself, remembering how her mom was so excited that Jane was also invited to the party. 'I can't let them see me like this.' Isabelle decided, still frozen in place at the top of the stairs. Isabelle hadn't moved for a full minute by the time her mom had made her way over to her. Jane was concerned, but was pretty certain she knew what was going on. Except Jane was wrong. "Sweetie," Jane started soothingly, "is everything okay? Is all the noise making you nervous?" Isabelle didn't respond. She simply stood still, her eyes never diverting away from her classmates. Jane sensed it might be something else. "Did you have an accident sweetie?" Jane asked, as she pressed her hand against Isabelle's dry pullup. Isabelle still didn't respond, so Jane continued to guess. "Do you have to go potty? Isabelle snapped back to reality as her mom asked her the last question. 'This will work,' Isabelle decided, nodding. 'This will get me out of the situation, if even temporarily.' It was the best she could do. "Yes mommy." Isabelle managed to squeak out. "I hafta go." Jane smiled. "I'm very proud of you for telling me,' before she turned back to Jess, who had Becky on her lap and were waiting for them to return. "She's gotta go to the bathroom Jess, I'm going to take her. I'll be right back," Jane announced, loud enough not only for Jess and Becky to hear, but the whole birthday party as well. Isabelle went crimson red as she ducked her head. "No problem. It seems I was a few minutes too slow on that front," Jess responded back loudly, patting the front of Becky's diaper. A few of the birthday party moms had some giggles as they smiled in Jess's direction, remembering the days they had to deal with the same. Jess smiled back politely, shrugging. Becky, unlike Isabelle, hadn't turned red or ducked her head as the birthday moms continued smiling at her. Becky seemed perfectly content, in fact, as Jane took Isabelle's hand and led her to the nearby bathroom. Isabelle sat quietly on the toilet seat as her mom watched her, Isabelle's tutu pulled up around her chest. Isabelle sat quietly, the color not yet returning to her face completely. 'I can't let them see me in a tutu and pullup,' Isabelle thought in panic. Suddenly, her mature and fashionable outfit didn't lend her the same confidence as it had that morning. 'What am I going to do?' Isabelle was starting to get sad, her eyes welling up a bit. Jane noticed that Isabelle was looking upset, but her conclusion as to why was wrong. "It's okay if it went away sweetie. We can try again later. I am proud that you asked mommy to take you though!" The poor girl had been sitting for almost 10 minutes, looking stressed and deep in thought, but not even a dribble had come out. "Let's go back and do a little bowling, and if you feel like you need to go again you come straight to mommy, okay?" Jane helped Isabelle off of the toilet and re-dressed her. As Jane helped Isabelle wash her hands, Isabelle realized that all she had accomplished by going to the bathroom was delaying the inevitable by 10 minutes or so. 'Or maybe the party will be over sooner and the kids will go back to the party room.' as Jane led Isabelle out of the bathroom and back toward their lane, Isabelle was disappointed to see that she was wrong. "Success?" Jess asked, as Jane pulled Isabelle down the stairs. Isabelle quickly darted to the far side of lane 5, doing her best to hide from the kids who were laughing loudly and having fun at the party. "No, it was a false alarm. But we're very proud that we tried, and we're going to try again later, right baby?" Jane said, asking Isabelle. Isabelle simply nodded, doing her best to continue hiding. "Now who is ready to bowl?" Jane announced! Becky jumped up in excitement, and even Jess started clapping as well to play along. Only Isabelle was quiet. 'Looks like Jess is up first Isabelle. Let's cheer her on!" Isabelle looked up at her mom and smiled. 'I can hide back here,' Isabelle decided, 'But there is not reason to be a sore sport with Jess, mom, and Becky, Isabelle decided. "Okay mommy! Go Jess!" Isabelle called out. Jess smiled back at Isabelle, as she selected one of the tiny bowling balls from the machine and made her way up the lane to shoot her first ball. Isabelle's heart raced with anticipation as she watched Jess pull her arm back by her side, before rapidly moving it forward and releasing the ball. The ball made a thud where it landed, before rolling further down the lane. Isabelle couldn't see the ball anymore from where she was sitting, so jumped up to run toward the front, closer to the lane, with Becky, forgetting entirely of her plan to hide from her classmates in the back. Isabelle watched as the ball made its way down the lane, and then *THWACK*, struck a bunch of pins. Isabelle and Becky couldn't help themselves but jump in the air with their arms raised, applauding Jess. Jess repeated the process with a second ball, and in the end, knocked down 8 pins! Jess then helped Becky pick up a ball for her turn. Isabelle stood in the same place near the front, watching as her friend was resisting Jess's help. Becky then made her way quickly toward the lane, stepping over the black line at the start, causing a buzz to sound off. Impervious to the noise, Becky lifted the small ball over her head with two hands, before throwing it overhead and down their lane. **THWACKKK THWACKKK** The ball made an even louder noise as it bounced down the lane, more slowly and less direct, before bouncing off a bumper and hitting two pins. the noise inevitably drew the attention of the bowlers in the birthday party, who were all staring at Becky. Isabelle didn't notice, and couldn't help but be proud of her friend for knocking over pins. "YAY!" Isabelle chanted, as she jumped up and down. Jess had apparently been less proud. "BECKY! You cannot throw the ball like that," she responded tersely. "Let mommy show you how properly this time. Or else you can't play." Becky seemed upset that her mom didn't like how Becky had decided to bowl. But rather than lose playing privileges, Becky reluctantly allowed Jess to show Becky how to hold the ball with two hands, crouching Becky down slightly, and throwing it from between her legs. Becky, with Jess's help, went through the motions, before releasing the ball once more. *Thwack* Becky still released the ball late enough that it went up in the air, but the bounce was considerably less loud. "If you do it like that Becks you can do it by yourself. But no throwing, okay?" It wasn't clear if Becky had heard her mom. Instead, she went to Isabelle to hug her. "I knocked down 'free pins Belly!" Becky proclaimed. Isabelle hugged her friend back. Isabelle watched her mom go next, who in her two turns, knocked down 7 pins. Isabelle gave her mom a high-five as she made her way back to the group. "Okay Belly," Jane said, "it's your turn. Do you want mommy to help you just the first time?" Isabelle considered the question, as she suddenly became aware of her classmates at the party again. 'I don't want my classmates to think I need my mommy to bowl,' Isabelle thought. None of the party-goers had received any help from their moms, who were all there. And they were using the bigger balls too. 'Then again,' Isabelle considered, recalling how Jess basically stood over Becky to help her, 'maybe if mommy helps, they won't notice me.' Isabelle opted for the latter. All she had left was her tactic of delay, and to hope the party ended before someone saw and recognized her. "Can you help me mommy?" Isabelle asked politely, as her mom smiled and walked up between Isabelle and the party. "Of course sweetie. Mommy will always help you." Isabelle's heart raced as she picked up a small green bowling ball, barely able to contain her excitement. Isabelle's tummy started rumbling, 'probably from excitement,' Isabelle decided. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself down as she approached the front of the lane, stopping before she crossed the black line. Isabelle stood in front of the lane, gripping a small bowling ball that fit perfectly in her tiny hands. "Okay sweetie, now hold the ball with two hands...good. And squat down just like Becky sweetie," Jane instructed, as she put her hands on Isabelle's shoulders, pressing her downward. "Good girl, just like that. Now aim, and just roll the ball toward the pins. Isabelle wound up like Becky did, before releasing the ball. *Thwack* The ball had a small bounce like Becky's before rolling down the middle of the lane, and knocking down 4 pins. Isabelle couldn't help but smile, turning and wrapping her arms around her mom! "Great job sweetie. Now show mommy how you can do it by yourself," Jane said, as she stepped back and pulled her phone out, recording Isabelle as she threw another ball. Isabelle's second shot did not go as well, bouncing off of a bumper before only knocking one pin down. Still, Isabelle was very proud she knocked 5 pins over, and was smiling ear to ear as she made her way back to the others. Before long, Isabelle was having too much fun to even think of the party going on just one lane over. Isabelle had been doing pretty well. She had a few rounds where she only knocked 1 or 2 pins over. But normally she did better. There had even been one where she had knocked down 7. Even here mom had been surprised at that. Isabelle had grown completely ignorant of the party next to her. No one seemed to notice or recognize her at all. In fact, the party had served as a major benefit in the end. One of the mom's came over with two pieces of cake. "It's my daughter's birthday, and we had some extra cake. I thought your girls might enjoy a piece." Isabelle smiled as her tummy grumbled again, licking her lips at the sight of the cake. Isabelle remembered that her mom had asked Isabelle to tell her if she needed to go to the bathroom again, and Isabelle thought she might. 'But I just got cake,' Isabelle decided. 'I can go later.' Isabelle thanked the lady, as her mom and Jess chatted with her for a bit - 'Your girls are PRECIOUS,' the mom had said, as Isabelle scoffed down her piece of cake - it had been delicious. Isabelle had just finished her cake when her mom reminded her that it was her turn to throw. As Isabelle approached the machine to get her ball, her stomach started to ache more than it had before. Isabelle knew what this ache was - she needed to go potty. But Isabelle already had the bowling ball in her hand. 'If I ask mom now, everyone will know why...' Isabelle looked over at the party, which was still going on. She didn't want them to all see her mommy take her to the bathroom. 'I'll finish here and then go when Jess and Becky are bowling." Isabelle made her way to the front of the lane, stopping before the black line once more. Isabelle squatted down low, spreading her legs so that she could have enough space to wind up the ball and get it further down the lane. Isabelle wound back once.....twice........three times...... ...and then released. As the ball made its way out of her hand, Isabelle clenched her tummy, feeling another ache come on, and standing up as quickly as she could. Isabelle hadn't even noticed that her ball knocked down 4 whole pins, normally a feat worthy of at least a fist in the air, or a jump. Isabelle knew she needed to speed up, or else there might be a problem. Isabelle quickly picked up her favorite ball - a purple one with a sort of cosmic design, before making her way back toward the lane. At that point, Isabelle noticed her first shot had been pretty good, and her priorities changed from speed to score. 'I'm gunna try and knock down the most I ever have!' Isabelle took her position, shifting slightly to her right so that she could aim at the pins on that side, where there were more. Isabelle was careful not to go too far over, as she didn't want to intrude on the girl who was currently bowling on lane 6. Content with her spot, Isabelle squatted down deeply, hoping to ensure better aim. Isabelle took aim, and then started to wind up once.....twice........three times...... ...and then released. Except the ball wasn't the only thing that Isabelle released. As the purple ball *thwacked* against the lane, an ache, this time one Isabelle could not stop, hit her stomach. The pain from Isabelle's tummy caused her to shut her eyes, and instinctively Isabelle started to push, losing any semblance of control over her actions. Isabelle felt as the tip of the first log of pooped tickled the edge of her butt. For a moment, it seemed to Isabelle that it might stop, that Isabelle might be able to ask her mommy to take her to the potty in time. But any chance of that went out the window as Isabelle grunted, and actively pushed hte log into the seat of her pullup. Isabelle remained squatted. Her fists had balled up, and her cheeks were flushed and full. Impulse continued to take it's course as Isabelle pushed harder, ash she felt a second log of poop fall into the seat of her pullup, pushing it further out. Gravity was beginning to take effect, the stinky seat of Isabelle's pullup exposing itself from beneath her tutu as she maintained her stance. With one more push, Isabelle released the remaining, mushier poop that was in her, into the remaining space in her pullup, and pressed against her butt. As she did so, Isabelle could hear a voice over her right shoulder - Charlotte's voice - asking the inevitable. "Mom - what's that little girl doing?" The question was sincere, honest, and sweet. Charlotte simply didn't understand why Isabelle was squatting in the bowling alley. Isabelle knew the answer was coming. There was nothing she could do about it. "What's that sweetie? Oh, don't point Charlie," the mom who delivered cake responded, as a few of the other mom whose gazes had made their way toward Isabelle, laughed and snickered playfully, undoubtedly at what Isabelle was doing. "It's rude to point," the mom explained, "that little girl must be having an accident." Isabelle's eyes filled with tears. Having finished, Isabelle stood up, feeling the mess in her pull up swish around and press against her butt. Isabelle turned to see her mom coming up to her, having just knowingly watched - alongside Jess - precisely what Isabelle had done, and coming to help with a sympathetic smile, and her toddler bag over her shoulder. Isabelle's voice quivered as tears started running down her face, as she stood in place. Isabelle hadn't realized how loud she was, but she practically screamed for her mom between her cries; "Mawwwwwawaawwawawmmmmyyyyyyyyyyy" Isabelle cried, as she sobbed loudly "I hadda accidennnnnnnnnnttttttt." Jane, lifting Isabelle up and holding her tight, comforted the poor girl, kissing and holding Isabelle with love and understanding. "I know baby. It's okay. Accidents happen. Shhhh Shhhhhh Shhh," Jane whispered, as she pulled Isabelle tightly against her hip, pressing the mess in her diaper further against the girl. "Wheeeewww," Jane whispered, as the smell from Isabelle's pullup quickly filled the lanes. The birthday guests would surely smell it for some what Isabelle had done for some time. Jane smiled at the other birthday moms who had seen, playfully as moms do - they had once been where Jane was, after all - before addressing her charge. "It's okay baby, let's go get you changed. It's just an accident, shhhhhh shhhhh shhhhh." Though even Jane had to admit, Isabelle's accidents were becoming a little less uncommon of late.

All interesting theories! The ending has been written already, so you'll have to wait and see if you were right! I kind of like hearing everyone's thoughts and ideas about where they think it is going. Maybe you need to re-read the prologue again. 😉 Might not be as far fetched a theory as you think! As always, your support is very much appreciated, and I love hearing your comments. Thanks for being a great supporter for me and Isabelle!

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 43 Isabelle blinked her eyes rapidly, before sitting up with a start. Isabelle inhaled deeply, as though it was the first breath she had taken in days, before releasing it out. Her heart was racing, her blood pumping. 'The last thing I remembered.......it was darkness.' Isabelle was feeling disoriented, her head whipping from one side to the other, trying to gather her surroundings. Isabelle knew she needed to calm down, control her breath, and assess what had happened. Isabelle worked to catch her breath as she took in her environment. Isabelle had woken up in a room with sterile, white walls. The walls were curved into a dome of sorts. Isabelle felt a familiar soft padding underneath her; she was laying on a medical bed of sorts, comfortable, relaxing, and plush. Isabelle recognized where she was, as she lifted her hand up off of the cushion under her, leaving an imprint behind; 'of course - this is my ship's medical bay.' Isabelle laid back down, enjoying the comfort that was offered by the medical table. Her head was pounding. Confusion clouded Isabelle's mind as she tried to recall the events leading to her current predicament. 'I was underwater.....I was looking for a key....maybe? And then........' But no matter how hard Isabelle tried, she couldn't remember the precise events that led her back to the ship's medical bay. She gingerly started to move her legs, feeling that they were incredibly sore. Just wiggling her toes sent a dull ache throughout her body. Around Isabelle, sensors and monitors beeped softly, providing vital signs and data to the medical staff. No staff were present at the moment. Isabelle was not sure what time it was, or even what day it was. "How long have I been here?" Isabelle asked no one in particular. It was a troubling thought. At the same time, it was a relief to hear her voice, raspy as it might have been. Her throat felt sore, and speaking was difficult. Isabelle began to reclaim more of her senses, stretching her fingers out by her side. Isabelle turned her head to the side as much as her strained neck would allow, spotting that she was in her standard issued captain's garb. 'Someone had to have changed me,' she concluded. But there was something else that was throwing her off. Isabelle guided her hand toward her waist, where she identified a new particular piece of clothing. Isabelle's hands traced their way under her shirt and along the waistband of the garment, feeling the soft plastic under her hands. Isabelle slipped her hand down lower, finding s firmer plastic covering her crotch. It was warm, comforting, and safe. Isabelle found her self smiling as she explored her undergarments. 'I wonder why they put me in an investigator-astronaut diaper?' Isabelle found herself asking. As the captain of the most prestigious investigator astronaut ship in the galaxy, Isabelle was of course, familiar with such garments. But they were rare, and extremely valuable. Investigator astronaut diapers were only to be worn in very specific circumstances. 'They were designed only for human officers, of course,' and there was no other known species that needed them. There was no embarrassment in wearing such things. Rather, it was a source of pride - they served as a sign that an officer or captain had ventured to some of the most hazardous and dangerous terrain in their voyages. Isabelle secretly loved wearing them too. The sound of an automatic door opening caused Isabelle to pull her hand up from where she had been rubbing her investigator-astronaut diaper. Isabelle perked her head up, anticipating that whoever had come in might have some answers for her. As her vision continued to clear, Isabelle noticed that it was Dr. Teddy, the ship's chief medical officer. Dr. Teddy was a veteran of the Rainbow Command, and Isabelle was always grateful that he elected to serve on her space investigator ship. Dr. Teddy stepped forward, his calm demeanor offering reassurance amidst Isabelle's confusion. "Captain Isabelle," Dr. Teddy began, his voice soothing. "You're awake. Excellent. Do you remember what happened to you?" There was more concern in Dr. Teddy's voice as he posed the last question. Isabelle simply shook her head no. She felt happy that she was literally on soft cushioning to ease the blow of whatever Dr. Teddy was about to share. "I see. You were injured during an unexpected encounter with a celestial anomaly at the bottom of the deep water access point. It was looking rough there for a minute. But thanks to Senior First Officer Rabbity's quick thinking, and precise use of the landing ship's exacto-claw, he was able to retrieve you in the nick of time. We had to bring you here for medical attention of course." Isabelle nodded, her memory slowly returning. She recalled the intense battle with the great beast at the bottom of the access point, the fear, the water pressure, the water climbing inside her suit to her neck. All of the fear came back to her, and suddenly, Isabelle felt herself wetting her investigator-astronaut diaper a little. 'It seems SENIOR First Officer Rabbity earned his promotion,' Isabelle said to herself. Dr. Teddy placed one of his stuffed paws down on Isabelle's diaper, feeling the warmth. "Good. Very good. Bladder functional, and based on Nurse Koala's report from your last change, bowels functioning well too. Very good," Dr. Teddy repeated, jotting noted down on his clipboard. "Vitals are strong as well." As Dr. Carter performed a thorough examination, he explained that Isabelle had suffered a mild concussion and some minor bruises, but thankfully no serious injuries. He assured her that with rest and proper care, she would make a full recovery. As Dr. Teddy continued to explain the medical impact of her journey on Isabelle's body, the medical ward started to buzz with more activity as the crew busily went about their duties, ensuring the ship continued to function smoothly. Isabelle couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at being temporarily sidelined, knowing her crew relied on her leadership. But she was proud watching her crew work so hard. As the crew members went about their duties, Isabelle realized that this momentary setback offered her a chance to observe her crew from a different perspective. As she lay on her cushioned table, Isabelle observed the seamless teamwork, the dedication, and the unwavering spirit of her crew members as they carried out their respective duties. It was valiant. "You of course noticed that we had to put you into an investigator-astronaut diaper, Captain," Dr. Teddy stated, interrupting Isabelle's thoughts. "It is unrelated to the incident, however. It appears that un an precedented, large, high pressure cosmic zone has penetrated Aquaria and its surrounding atmospheres. Even here in the ship, the high pressure cosmic power can be felt. I know these are rare resources," Dr. Teddy stated, patting the front of Isabelle's diaper, eliciting a smile from the captain "but we have no choice if we are to continue exploring." Isabelle nodded - there was no problem. 'High pressure cosmic power was one of the few reasons to use investigator-astronaut diapers, as being within its pressure system caused humans to lose all sense of needing to go to the potty,' Isabelle reminded herself. "And one other thing," Dr. Teddy said, with a smirk on his chubby face, as he rummaged through a pocket in his white medical coat. "You managed to hang on to this." Dr. Teddy held out his stuffed paw, showing Isabelle the key that she had found at the bottom of the deep access point. "You must be really committed to finding out what's in that chest Captain. Its a miracle you held on to this." Isabelle took the key in her hand, her mood having completely changed. 'I did it. I really did it,' Isabelle said to herself. 'Boy, do I ever owe Rabbity a glass of our finest apple juice in the cantina later.' Isabelle knew that this meant they could finish their journey. It would be amazing, and the treasure was no doubt to be amazing. The relief of having the key in her hand was overwhelming. Between that, her sore body, and her aching head, Isabelle laid back down on her back, sighing a big sigh of relief, and releasing the rest of her bladder into her thirsty investigator-astronaut diaper. And just like that, Isabelle was back to sleep. ****************** Isabelle woke up feeling rested. Isabelle's eyes gently opened, her vision blurry at first, before the world around her started to clear up. Isabelle was laying om her back, holding Rabbity firmly against her chest, taking deep breaths. It had been a long, eventful 36 hours for Isabelle. Isabelle listened as the raindrops beat against her window in metronome, and continued to breath. As she starred up at the canopy of lights that hung over her, Isabelle couldn't help but feel like things were going to turn around for her. 'Today will be a positive day,' Isabelle told herself, a smile appearing on her face. Isabelle shifted herself up on to her butt, immediately feeling a squishy sensation underneath her. "Oh,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle could tell, immediately, that she was quite wet. The only question that remained was, what had she wet? Isabelle pulled her covers up and off of her body, before lifting the hem of her sleeping shirt up toward her beck, exposing her crotch and belly. Her legs were pulled in at forty-five degree angles. The way she was sitting, Isabelle could see precisely what she was wearing - a very soggy diaper. 'Maybe not so good after all,' Isabelle thought to herself, changing her tune about the day already. The rain beating against her window didn't help her mood. Isabelle exhaled a breath of stress, frustrated with her situation. She let go of her sleeping shirt, allowing it to fall down and partially cover her diaper, as she huffed in bed. It was only a few nights ago that she was wearing goodnights, and now suddenly she found herself in diapers two straight mornings. 'Two nights ago...well I get it. I had an accident. And Jess has stinky rules,' Isabelle thought to herself, not seeing the irony in her choice of adjective. Isabelle didn't comprehend, however, why she was wearing one now. Or more accurately, why her mom had changed her into one. Isabelle reflected on the idea as she looked around her room, taking it in. At first, Isabelle didn't really notice much different about her room. Her desk, off to her left, was still neatly arranged with her colored pencils, crayons, and other supplies. Her pink and white polka dot chair sat empty, inviting her in to spend her rainy day away coloring and having fun. Her closet still stood tall, closed now, but brimming with her favorite outfits to wear. 'Surely I could find something in there that's comfy to wear today.' But there were subtle differences as well. Isabelle looked at her immediate surroundings. Her bed looked the same, under a beautiful canopy of lights and pink. Her comforter was still stitched with horses, 'or...are those unicorns now?' Isabelle found herself asking, noticing the prominent horn on top of each stitched horse. Isabelle continued to look around her bed. It seemed the same size, but also, it didn't. Isabelle felt that she was occupying the same space in her bed, but the bed seemed to be occupying a smaller space in her room. To her immediate right, Isabelle noticed that her dollhouse seemed larger. It had seemingly expanded to include a second castle, and a whole lot more toys. Around both the dollhouse and the plastic castle were tons of stuffed animals and dolls that hadn't been there the week prior. Sitting prominently in front of the castle, appearing to guard the drawbridge, was a cute teddy bear that seemed familiar to Isabelle. Isabelle couldn't help herself but stare at her play area - she wanted nothing more than to get up and explore her new castle, and play with all her new dolls. 'Maybe later,' Isabelle told herself. Isabelle's eyes traced their way along the right wall of her room. There was something else standing there that hadn't been there before; a tall white cylindrical pale. Isabelle recognized it immediately - it was a diaper djinn. 'Why would mom leave that in my room? I don't need one of those.' Isabelle said to herself, as she shifted her butt forward and felt the soggy squish underneath her. And then there was her dresser. It seemed similar in shape, but gone were all the photos on top, the fun picture frames, or any of Isabelle's other things that she kept on top of it. Instead, the top of the dresser had been reinforced with some sort of little bed. It looked like padding from Isabelle's angle; thick, plush, and comfortable. 'That isn't a dresser anymore. At least, that's not all it is. That's a changing table,' Isabelle concluded Above the changing table her mom had apparently installed some wooden shelves. The shelves seemed really high up, but even from where she sat, Isabelle could see that they were filled with diapers, with bottles of powder and creams, and all sorts of other lotions. Isabelle knew this was her room, but at the same time, it wasn't. Before Isabelle could consider anything further, her door opened, and her mom burst in with a smile. Isabelle hadn't realized, until that moment, that she had been missing her mom, and so let loose an ecstatic cry - "MOMMY!" - before bouncing up onto her knees and hugging her mom as Jane made her way to the bed. "Good morning my princess," Jane responded, as her hands fell around Isabelle's butt lifting her up. "My oh my, I have a very soggy girl this morning." Jane added, as she bombarded Isabelle with kisses. Isabelle didn't have an opportunity to object to the remark, or the diaper itself. Isabelle was too busy giggling from all of her mom's tickly kisses. "MOOOMMMMMMMYYYY" Isabelle whined between giggles, before her mom released her and carried Isabelle over to the dresser. "Let's get you out of that and into some big girl pants, okay?" Isabelle was not about to object - that sounded great. Jane set Isabelle down on the changing table, bending over to kiss Isabelle's tummy a few more times. Jane then tore the sides of the diaper off of Isabelle, before folding the top underneath her. Jane went about wiping, cleaning, and rubbing lotion all over Isabelle's crotch, legs, and butt, before taking the used diaper over to the diaper djinn, and pushing it through the top. Jane returned, opening one of the drawers underneath Isabelle, pulling something out, before sliding up Isabelle's legs. "Butt up sweets," Jane said, as Isabelle cooperated and Jane pulled the fresh underwear up Isabelle's legs. Isabelle looked down and was disappointed at what she saw. Starring back up at her was Rover-Roo, the pullup she had on. Apparently when her mom had said "big girl pants," she had meant pullups, not underwear. Isabelle was very angry that her mom would play a joke like that on her. "Mommy! I want panties, not pullups!" Jane sighed. They had this conversation almost every morning. But Isabelle simply wasn't ready. Jane was happy that Isabelle wanted to be in panties - it was an encouraging sign for potty training. But Jane was not interested in washing 10 sets of clothes every day that Isabelle decided she was not going to use the potty. "Soon sweetie, I promise. You need to show mommy you can be responsible and use the potty like a big girl. Why don't you go do that now?" Jane suggested, as she helped Isabelle down from the changing table and pumped disinfectant into her hands. "Okay mommy." If that was what it was going to take, Isabelle would do it. Isabelle made her way out of her open door and toward her bathroom. As she placed her hand on the knob, she heard her mom call to her as Jane was descending the stairs. "Come straight down after sweetie. I'll help you get dressed later." Jane said, as she made her way down to get Isabelle's breakfast ready. Isabelle resented the remark. Isabelle would get the last laugh though - she would get dressed herself and show her mommy just how big she was. Isabelle opened the door to her bathroom, at least she thought. The bathroom before her was cool and dark from the rainy day outside, a cold light filtering through the window across from Isabelle, above the towel rack. Isabelle's eyes widened with shock as she took in the sight before her; The walls were not their normal color. Instead, they were painted in soft pastel colors, adorned with adorable sea creatures and playful bubbles. If she was not otherwise so surprised by the change in décor, Isabelle would have smiled at all the pretty animals. To her right, Isabelle saw that there was a perfectly sized toilet. Isabelle couldn't recognize it, but it was a toddler-sized toilet. 'It's about time I walk into a bathroom with a normal sized toilet,' Isabelle said to herself, reflecting on the giant toilet at the restaurant the prior night. Above the toilet was another unfamiliar item; it was a potty chart. Isabelle recognized it from Jess's house, and also from the daycare when Isabelle had gone with Jess to pick Becky up. Isabelle was proud to see so many stickers on her chart. 'Mom was right," Isabelle thought, as she looked up. 'I am only two stickers away from an award. And I am owed at least two more.' Isabelle inhaled, and starred at the soft, cushioned seat and inviting design. As she starred at it, Isabelle was confronted with the realization that she had to use it, and proceeded to pull her pullup down and sit on the toilet. 'Let's make it three more stickers!' As soon as she sat down, Isabelle released her bladder .She was thrilled to finally be in the bathroom alone, for what felt like the first time in a whole day As she peed, Isabelle's eyes made their way to her left, where she examined the sink. Unlike the toilet, the sink still seemed massive, and Isabelle doubted she would be able to reach the countertop. To Isabelle's relief, she noticed a step stool positioned near the sink, inviting her to reach the sparkling tap all on her own. Isabelle was about to pull the roll of toilet paper when she felt a rumble in her stomach. Not wanting to take any risks, Isabelle waited, and soon found herself pooping, pushing out two successive logs into the toilet. It was troubling, to Isabelle, as she tore off a few pieces of toilet paper, that she was only recognizing her need to go to the bathroom moments before she did. "I don't know why I am not realizing it sooner," Isabelle mumbled, as she coordinatingly tried to wipe herself, front and back. Seemingly satisfied with her half complete job, Isabelle dropped the toilet paper into the toilet and flushed, pulling her pullup back up and making her way over to the stool in front of the sink. The stool had two rungs on it. Isabelle was sure she could reach the sink from the first, but though it fun to climb all the way up to the second. With eager anticipation, she climbed up onto the stool, her tiny fingers stretching to turn the faucet, causing a gentle stream of water to flow into the sink. As she did, however, Isabelle looked directly in the mirror, and was stunned at what she saw. The bathroom mirror was decorated with a whimsical border of dancing butterflies and friendly sea creatures, to match the décor of the walls. But it was what was in the mirror that truly caught Isabelle's attention; she hardly recognized the girl staring back at her. First, Isabelle smiled to make sure the refection did the same - it was unclear if she was really looking at herself, or if she was starring through at someone else. As she smiled at her reflection, Isabelle couldn't help but notice her plump. rosy cheeks. 'Is this really me?" Isabelle's eyes widened with surprise as she took in her appearance. From the top rung, she could see her body from head to ankle. Isabelle watched as her lighter blonde hair framed her rounder face in soft waves, gently swaying with each movement. Isabelle playfully tugged on a loose strand of hair, twirling it in her fingers, before releasing it and watching it bounce back into place. Isabelle's attention then turned to her sparkling green eyes, like bright emeralds that seemed to hold a universe within them. Her eyes seemed to take up more of her face, but at the same time, they seemed so small. "It all looks so small,' Isabelle realized. Isabelle leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, as if the mirror would hold the secret and unravel what had happened to her if she did. But the mirror had no answers.. Isabelle leaned back, reaching out her arm to once again confirm that the mirror was indeed, reflecting what she looked like. As she did, Isabelle saw the refection of her tiny fingers, and small palm, turning it back toward her face as though she was really seeing her hand for the first time. Isabelle thought about the water glass the night before, and how large it seemed. She knew now it wasn't the glass - it was her, her hands, her body that was smaller. Not the world around her that was larger. With her small finger, Isabelle traced the curve of her rosy cheeks, marveling at the smoothness and softness of her skin. Isabelle couldn't help but giggle as she watched her reflection mimic her actions, her eyes filled with a sense of joy and self-discovery. Without thinking, Isabelle clapped her hands together in front of her, containing to giggle, dimples appearing on her face from her wide smile. Isabelle's smile and small teeth caught her attention next. Her lips radiated pure innocence and happiness, and her tiny teeth exposed themselves just enough to reveal their slight unevenness. Isabelle looked further up, as she admired her perfectly tiny nose, button-shaped and full of character. She crinkled it playfully, delighting in the silly faces she could make. Isabelle felt a fullness rise from the pit of her stomach As Isabelle continued to explore her reflection, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at how small she was. Isabelle lifted her shirt up, exposing her belly for the mirror to reflect. Her tiny belly-button barely had any depth, as Isabelle experimented and pushed her protruding tummy outward, before bounding her open faced hands on it like the was playing the drums. Isabelle turned her attention downward, where she saw Rover-Roo on the front of her pullup smiling back at her, a constant reminder that of her place. Suddenly the pullups made more sense. Isabelle was starting to worry she wasn't going to be going back to second grade at Higgin on Monday, as her eyes looked down further at her short legs and tiny toes. 'Uh oh.....' It was all Isabelle could think. Isabelle looked back up, starring at herself. Her blonde hair, green eyes, and charming smile were all part of what made Isabelle what she was now. Isabelle continued to connect the dots from the day prior; the giants, the enormous furniture wherever she went, her nap, her activity book - it all started clicking. Isabelle had gone back further. There was no telling how far she would go. 'I am running out of time.' Isabelle wanted the though to strike fear in her, but it hadn't. "I am running out of time." Isabelle repeated, this time out loud, trying to snap herself out of her calmness about her circumstances. But even that didn't do it. For some reason, Isabelle was not panicked at all. It wasn't out of confidence that she was going to resolve this problem. No, it was out of comfort, even if she didn't realize it at the moment. When she had moved back to a high school sophomore, it was infuriating. She was being denied her chance at the showcase, she was frustrated at being separated even for a time from her friends, and most importantly, it was all happening to her for the first time. Isabelle hadn't know how to cope with the problem. When Isabelle had moved back to middle school, at the very least she had been prepared for the change. Sure, she had a tantrum outside the school on the first day. But she had been able to make friends - good friends, which helped. The sad part about fifth grade had been being away from Dani and Lola for most of the day. But even then, she was able to see them from time to time. It was when Isabelle went all the way back to second grade that the problem become intolerable. She had few, if any friends all day. The teachers were nice and all, but she was always feeling lonely. Other than dance, school had been terrible. She was struggling mightily with going to the bathroom on time at school. The classes were hard, and she feared having to have lunch every day. Only Charlotte was there for her ever, but she had other friends. But the worst, the very worst of being in second grade, by far, was not seeing Dani and Lola. She was even without Mel, who she had found herself missing almost as much as Dani and Lola. She didn't see them at school. She didn't see them after. She was never with them Being away from them had been intolerable, and on more than one occasion had been the root cause of Isabelle crying, longing for her friends. A life without them hardly felt like living at all, and Isabelle feared it would only get worse and worse. Isabelle feared she would never see her friends again. But that hadn't happened. Even though Isabelle had seemingly gone back again, Lola, at least, had re-entered her life. And as Isabelle was standing in front of the mirror, looking at the smaller version of herself, it didn't seem to matter as much that she had gone back. She spent the whole evening at dinner with Lola again. And after what she had been through the last week or more in second grade, Isabelle only wanted to be with Lola more. Isabelle was more determined than ever to solve whatever was going on. Now that she had at least one of her friends back in her life, Isabelle felt as though she could accomplish anything. And it wasn't just Lola. Her accident aside, Isabelle had had fun with Mel the other night. All that was missing was Dani, but Isabelle knew that she would find her way back to Dani. She just had to. So, even though she had gone back, it really could not be worse than it was in second grade. 'In fact,' Isabelle thought, 'It might be better now than it even was in fifth grade.' Isabelle needed to make her way back to her original self. But Isabelle felt she had a better chance of doing it like this than she did last week. So Isabelle did what any reasonable person would do in her situation. With all the might she possessed, Isabelle balled her fight hand into a fist, and thrust it in to the air, watching herself in the mirror as she did, and bellowing out a powerful "YAH!" Isabelle was a woman, or more accurately, a toddler on a mission She was a Captain of the Rainbow Command, an investigator-astronaut the world would soon see reach her potential. She was on her way. With a final twinkle in her eye, Isabelle lowered her fist and put both hands under the running water, lathering them with colorful, berry-scented soap. She marveled as the bubbles foaming between her small palms, laughing as she watched them pop when she clapped her hands together. Isabelle rinsed her hands under the flowing water, feeling the cool sensation against her baby-soft skin. Isabelle looked at herself one last time in the mirror - 'those giants were right, I am friggin adorable' - before turning the water off and stepping down carefully, her little feet padding against the bathroom tiles. Isabelle took one last glance around the charming and child-friendly space before stepping out, her heart brimming with anticipation for the day that awaited her. Determined to show her mom what a big girl she was, Isabelle made her way to her room to get dressed. With a renewed energy bubbling inside her, Isabelle walked toward her closet, and opened it up, taking in the assortment of colorful clothes. She surveyed her options with wide eyes, searching for the perfect outfit to showcase her budding fashion sense. "It's not going to be enough to simply get dressed by myself," Isabelle said aloud, as she contemplated how she could show her mom how mature she truly was. Based on how adorable Isabelle looked in the mirror, she knew it would take a lot of convincing. "And then I can get out of these pullups." Isabelle thought about how she might convince her mom, and settled on the idea that she would put together not just an outfit, but an extremely fashionable one. After a moment of contemplation, Isabelle settled on a combination that was, in her mind, the epitome of style in her day and age. Isabell reached upward toward a hanger holding up a bright pink tutu, and pulled it down off of the hanger. Isabelle then made her way over to her dresser, searching for her prize. At last, she found it - a polka-dot t-shirt. Searching further, Isabelle found a pair or purple stripped leggings, before deciding that it would highlight her whole outfit if she wore two different colored socks. Isabelle located the sock drawer, and disassembled two mismatched socks—one blue and one yellow. Isabelle couldn't contain her pride as she visualized the fashionable outfit, imagining how wonderful she would look in her uniquely chosen attire. With newfound determination, Isabelle set about getting dressed. She slipped her tiny legs into the stripped leggings, struggling to pull them up over her pullup. Isabelle proceeded to step into and pull up her fluffy pink tutu, twirling and giggling with joy. Next, she wriggled into her polka-dot t-shirt after two attempts, as she had accidentally tried to put her head through an arm hole. Now came the socks—oh, the socks! Isabelle sat cross-legged on the floor, feeling the soft cushion of her pullup as she say down. Isabelle giggled as she tried to put on her mismatched pair. The blue sock found its way onto her right foot, while the yellow sock danced onto her left. Isabelle marveled at her colorful feet, delighted by the unexpected combination. "This will work - mom will see how grown I am now!" Isabelle announced, looking at the teddy bear seated just to her right. "Don't you think Teddy?" As Isabelle stood up, she looked at herself in the small mirror across from her bed, her blonde hair bouncing with each movement, she burst into fits of laughter and joy as she appreciated her whole outfit, turning and spinning so she could see it from all angles. She realized that her outfit might not be what others with little sense of style of class considered "normal" or "matching," but it didn't matter. Isabelle knew that this was the type of outfit that was on the covers of magazines, that you saw in Milan. Isabelle was sure of it. Her mom would be very impressed. With a skip in her step, Isabelle pranced out of her room, ready to show off her unique fashion choices to her mom. Isabelle made her way down the stairs, doing her best to put one foot in front of the other and not trip or slip on her way down. As soon as she reached the bottom, Isabelle went running into the kitchen, just as her mom turned around and spotted her. As Isabelle paraded her way in, Jane's eyes widened with surprise, followed by an uncontrolled burst of laughter." Isabelle," Jane said, choking back a second laugh. "Why you look absolutely fabulous!" Jane exclaimed, doing her very best to correct for her erroneous laugh. "I can see that you decided to get dressed by yourself this morning. What a big girl you are!" Jane continued, wanting to encourage Isabelle's independence. "And your tutu......I....I love it sweetie. You look wonderful. Just stand there for a minute," Jane said, as she pulled her phone out. "Mommy NEEDS to take your photo." Isabelle thought it was a fantastic idea. "Okay mommy!" Her mom would now be able to document her maturity, god forbid Jane ever forgot about this historic and incredible event. Isabelle decided to help, striking a number of poses for her mom as Jane snapped away picture after picture on her phone, devoting all her energy to not laughing at her daughter's ridiculous outfit. Jane set the phone down before turning back to Isabelle, who was all giggles as they had their photoshoot. "Now lets get some food in your tummy. Come here." Isabelle was beaming with pride as her mom lifted her up and sat her down on one of their regular kitchen stools, but this one with a booster seat in it. Isabelle didn't so much mind the extra seat - it was nice not having to struggle to reach her food again. Jane set a bowl of cereal in front of Isabelle, who immediately picked up the plastic spoon inside, and started digging in. As Isabelle ate, she would periodically look up at her mom, who was now typing away at her phone, smiling, and laughing every so often as the phone set off some noises. The morning had been up and down, but it was like Isabelle thought at the start. 'Today is going to be a great day.'

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 42 Isabelle sat in her booster seat as her mom weaved through the winding roads toward their destination. Isabelle hadn't had much alone time, but her mom appeared content to let Isabelle sit quietly in the back. Isabelle took deep breaths, working to collect her thoughts on the day thus far as they drove. Isabelle had been feeling frustrated earlier in the afternoon, and was only starting to settle down. Her ISpy game had thwarted her at every turn. In the end, Isabelle had only been able to locate three of the ten objects to find in the picture. Her frustration had boiled over to the point that Isabelle had thrown the book down off of the table in a fit of rage, huffing and crossing her arms. It wasn't all bad thought, as Isabelle's mom had come to the rescue. After watching Isabelle's fit, Jane sat up and stroked Isabelle's head, her mom's hand tracing its way down one of Isabelle's pigtails and curling the end, playing with it. "It's okay sweetie. That was a hard one. Why don't you look for a different activity to do instead?" The physical contact helped immensely in cooling Isabelle off. 'Mom's proposal was a reasonable one,' Isabelle concluded, and it helped that Jane went and picked the book up for Isabelle. In the end, Isabelle decided to take her mom's idea up and change activities, spending the remainder of the afternoon doing one of the coloring activities instead. As Isabelle put the finishing touches on coloring her ice castle, her mom had announced that it was time to go to dinner. Isabelle was looking forward to seeing Sam again. She recalled having a lot of fun at the diner roughly a week earlier, having no memory of her accident that night at all. There was something comforting about the man that she couldn't explain. Isabelle was also starting to suspect that her mom and Sam might be dating, but the idea seemed silly. 'Mom has never dated anyone before - its always just been us. The two of us.' Isabelle knew that she knew better, but she just wasn't at the point that she was ready to admit it to herself. 'Mom would tell me if she was dating someone too,' Isabelle figured. 'We're tight like that.' But there was something else that was more bothersome about Sam that preoccupied Isabelle's mind; Isabelle knew that she knew the man. Isabelle simply couldn't, for the life of her, remember how or who he was. Isabelle began straining as Jane once again tied the ribbons of Isabelle's ballet slippers up her ankles to try to remember who Sam was, but it was to no avail. And as soon as Isabelle's ballet slippers were secure on her feet, it didn't seem to matter anymore. In fact, it didn't really matter how she knew Sam in the end, she was excited to see him again. Isabelle remembered that her mom had also told her that Isabelle was also going to meet Sam's daughter tonight. "That will be kind of neat." Isabelle was looking forward to having another friend. The best part - Isabelle recalled that Sam had mentioned that his daughter liked to dance too, and that she liked ballet. It would be fun having another playmate to hang out with who also liked ballet! 'Maybe we can dance together!' Isabelle managed to relax and clam herself as her mom made a sharp right turn around a winding bend. 'It's fun sitting up here. It's like I am the princess of the car!' Isabelle thought to herself. Suddenly, her booster seat didn't seem all that terrible. And her mom had been right, it did give her a better angle out of the window. From her perch, Isabelle could look high and low, far forward and back if she wanted. It was nice It was not too long after that Jane pulled the car into a restaurant parking lot. Isabelle's eyes widened as her mom pulled the car up a ramp and toward the front of the building. Isabelle and her mom hardly ever ate out, unless it was for a special occasion, or if her mom had worked late and there was no more leftovers in the fridge. And, when they did eat out, they normally went to the local diner, picked up fast food or casual take out, or at most, went to a Pepper's, a Tomato Garden, or even a Kindly's. The restaurant they pulled up in front of, however, was noticeably nicer. It was by no means a Michelin star restaurant or anything of the sort. But still, it was no Tomato Garden. Isabelle could tell just by the outside of the restaurant that this was an establishment of a higher caliber than she was used to going to. The building was built with brick, which appeared to have been lightly painted. The bricks were assembled asymmetrically, and were not neat like they might be found on a house, but texturized, lending the restaurant a rustic and homey feel. The roof had recently been redone, and the black shingles were perfectly neat. Every few paces along the brick building were ornate, stunning windows, though even from her perch Isabelle could not see inside. Isabelle's eyes traced to the side of the restaurant, where she saw porch wrapped around the building. It too seemed new, and was set up with tables and full of customers eating, laughing, and drinking under lights which hung delicately overhead. A soft and elegant music filled the air, as another group of customers were crowded around the outside bar, all trying to catch the two overwhelmed bartenders attention, their thirst for a cocktail palpable. But the most elegant part of the restaurant, Isabelle thought, was something else. Her mom didn't pull into a parking spot. No, instead, Jane had pulled up to the front of the restaurant, where an attendant stood by a booth. The restaurant had a valet for the car, something Isabelle had only ever experienced when she had been out a few times with her friend's families. For some reason, the whole scene made Isabelle a little nervous. Isabelle looked down at her outfit - suddenly, her skirtalls, shirt, tights, and ballet slippers didn't seem classy enough to wear. 'Well, maybe the ballet slippers are. Those are perfect,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle's eyes then darted toward her mom, who Isabelle realized had put on a new, elegant looking top on, and felt worse about herself. 'What is Sam going to think of me, dressed like this?!?' Not only was the outfit a little juvenile, but Isabelle was convinced it was not appropriate. Before Isabelle could express her concern, her mom had put the car in park, and was getting out to help unbuckle Isabelle. "Good evening ma'am. Welcome to San Antonio's. We look forward to serving you this evening." The man who took the keys to the car from her mom was a young looking boy with curly black hair. He greeted Jane with a smile and a slight bow as he tore off a blue ticket and handed it to Jane. "Thank you so much," Jane replied. "Just give me a minute to get my daughter out of the car," Jane said, as she adjusted her new top to make sure it was settled against her body correctly. Isabelle couldn't help but think how beautiful her mom looked as Jane finished adjusting her top, which only made Isabelle feel even more silly in her outfit. "Oh we don't mind ma'am. We can keep her here," the boy responded playfully. "We're always looking for great helpers here at the valet. And your daughter looks like a prime candidate!" The boy made the joke with a smile. "He seems pleasant,' Isabelle thought, as she heard her mom let loose a genuine laugh as she made her way around the car. Isabelle wasn't sure what was so funny - "I am a fantastic helper. Of that much at least, he is right." Isabelle simply didn't get the joke. But it was her mom's response explained the joke, and turned Isabelle crimson. "Oh, I think this one has a few steps to master before driving, potty training being the first," Jane replied, as she unbuckled Isabelle, picking her up and placing her on the ground beside her. Jane proceeded to close the car door, but stopped for a moment, considering whether she needed, or wanted to bring Isabelle's toddler bag into the restaurant. 'It's probably smarter to bring in,' Jane thought, recalling the last time she took Isabelle out with Sam. 'But I can trust her. She's been very good today so far.' Opting not to get the bag, Jane indicated to the nice boy that he could take the car. Isabelle was still focused on her mom's decision to share FALSE information, and responded the only way that was appropriate. "MO-MMMMY!" Isabelle was shocked that her mom was sharing such a personal matter with this complete stranger, no matter how kind he was. 'That was entirely uncalled for!' Isabelle concluded, her anger beginning to simmer once again. "Baby steps ma'am. We all start somewhere. She'll be in a car before you know it! Have a pleasant meal." 'Yah, that'll be the day,' Jane thought to herself. And with that, the boy was off in their car, and Jane took Isabelle's hand leading her into the restaurant. If Jane noticed Isabelle's discomfort with her own outfit or Jane's joke, she didn't show it as she strut confidently into the restaurant, Isabelle in tow. Isabelle jogged after her mom, trying to keep up with Jane's long stride. Jane pulled the handle of the heavy door into the restaurant, ushering Isabelle into the restaurant in front of her, and following suite. Isabelle's nerves began to grow exponentially as soon as she stepped in. The first thing Isabelle noticed was the crowd of people congregated in the space immediately inside the restaurant. The space was not only overcrowded, but the people standing and chatting there appeared to be giants! 'What do they FEED these people here? Growth Hormones?!?' Isabelle couldn't recall ever being around people so massive, let alone dozens at once. But it was not just the people. The noise inside the restaurant was considerably louder than it had been outside. Coupled with the music inside, which was also quite a bit higher, the noise and lack of space was disorienting to Isabelle. Isabelle stepped back and clutched her mom' leg tightly. Jane's arm fell to Isabelle's side, stroking her to calm her and let Isabelle know that she was right there. Finally, it was also extremely dark. Isabelle struggled to see through the crowd of people all-together. But even where she could, it was hard to see too far in front of her. After losing her mom in Parget that morning, Isabelle was not about to let her mom step away from her, and held on to Jane tightly. Beyond the space, the darkness, and the noise, there were positive aspects of the restaurant. As Jane held Isabelle close and guided her through the crowd, Isabelle could see that a number of the giants were looking at her and smiling with kind eyes. Several of the giants waved at Isabelle playfully, and some others made remarks about Isabelle such as "so cute," "adorable," and "look at how precious she is.' The comments, while demeaning for a big girl such as herself, made Isabelle at least feel a little better about her outfit. 'If these giants think its appropriate, it must be fine.' Isabelle managed to muster a smile for a few of the friendlier looking giants, but otherwise continued to hold on to her mom tightly. Then of course, there was the smell. The aroma of the restaurant, originating from the kitchen, was salivating. Isabelle could feel her tummy rumble as the scent ensnared her nostrils. Isabelle inhaled deeply, her taste buds bursting as the smell of cooking woods, spices, seasoning, and dripping meat and vegetables filled her whole body. Isabelle hadn't felt particularly hungry when she had walked in, but suddenly she felt like she had an appetite. Isabelle was starting to settle down as her mom managed to wade through the crowd, keeping Isabelle tight against her body, to a little desk at the front where a cute, 20-something girl stood, with a welcoming smile. Isabelle couldn't hear particularly well; the crowd of giants around her here were slightly louder, all vying for the attention of the cute girl. 'they all seem grumpy about something though,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle watched as her mom made her way politely to the front, and caught the employees eye. Isabelle couldn't hear much of their conversation, but caught the very end of what her mom said after greeting the nice looking girl - "-ayes, for 4." Isabell watched as the girl looked down at her digital pad, only to look back up at Jane and smile, nodding, and pointing an outstretched arm to her right, saying something else Jane nodded, and directed Isabelle in the direction the girl had pointed. Another cute girl holding what appeared to be large, ancient textbooks directed Isabelle and Jane to follow her out a set of doors at the side of the restaurant. Isabelle was glad to finally be away from the crowd of giants, and even happier when she saw that this girl was leading Isabelle and her mom out to the patio. As soon as she stepped out onto the beautifully stained patio wood, Isabelle was relieved as she felt a breeze of fresh air brush her right pigtail across her face. "Thank god we are out of there" Isabelle said, a little more loudly than she intended Isabelle composed herself and followed her mom. 'It's more pleasant outside,' Isabelle thought as they continued to follow the girl past the bar, and through some tables toward the back corner. 'There is room to move out here, and I the noise is much better.' Isabelle was starting to orient herself better, now that she was out on the patio. Just as Isabelle was starting to look around, she heard her mom. "Oh I see him there. Come Belly. It's Sam - go say hi!" Isabelle turned her head toward where her mom was pointing. Sure enough, she spotted Sam, getting up from his chair at a four person table at back corner of the patio. Sam was dressed as sharply as the last time Isabelle had seen him, dressed in a perfectly ironed button down shirt, bold greens and blues stripping down Sam's slacks, also perfectly ironed, contrasted beautifully with his outfit. Isabelle's eyes were drawn to Sam's shoes, which were closed to her eyes as he stood. Isabelle couldn't help but notice how shiny they were. It was Sam's smile that stood out though, as Isabelle looked up at the man from the diner, a man that felt familiar, that made her feel safe. His eyes looked more green than brown this evening, but just as hypnotizing as the first time Isabelle locked on to them. Sam's beard seemed a little shorter and neater than it had been earlier in the week. "It's odd,' Isabelle thought, 'that it changes.' Isabelle was simply not used to being around men that had to routinely shave. Sam's kindness had not dissipated in the week since Isabelle had last really paid attention to him. Sure, Isabelle had heard Sam's voice the night prior, but she had not really gotten to look at him. Sam looked back at Isabelle with care and compassion, with an understanding that nearly made all of Isabelle's anxieties about the restaurant disappear. Isabelle was not sure what compelled her to do so. It was as if her slippers were moving for her, one after the other, first slowly, then quicker, then into a jaunt of sorts, taking her toward Sam. Isabelle didn't understand how her arms lifted up from her sides, but they did, as though a puppeteer was playing with invisible strings connected to them. Isabelle couldn't comprehend how it happened, and didn't much recall Sam bending over, but it did. Before she knew it, she was hugging the man that made her feel so safe. And he was hugging her back. "My my," Sam said, his gentle voice causing Isabelle's heart to race further. "To what do I owe such a wonderful hug? Is this a belated birthday hug for me?" Sam asked playfully. Isabelle felt silly as he did - she had forgotten it had been his birthday the day prior But Sam had given her the perfect opportunity. "Uh-huh! Happy birthday," Isabelle responded. 'The fool - he let me off the hook so easily. I forgot to get him a real present!' Isabelle thought to herself, smiling connivingly. Sam let go Isabelle, standing upright. "Well," Sam continued, "a birthday hug from such a beautifully dressed girl is indeed the best present of all." Isabelle's concerns about her outfit immediately went away. She smiled. She felt good. Isabelle felt as he leaned past her to hug her mom, Isabelle almost getting stuck between them. As she stood to the side, Isabelle watched as her mom and Sam held each other. It was different. It reminded her of something else. Of someone else. Or two someones to be more precise. Isabelle simply wasn't ready to admit it yet. Instead, Isabelle made her way around the table and hopped into the chair Sam had been occupying, wanting to be a little silly. Isabelle had to adjust herself, turning and facing the others, before catching the tail end of Sam's response to a question Isabelle didn't hear; "...just in the bathroom. She'll be here in a second." Isabelle watched as Sam guided her mom into a seat next to Isabelle, as Jane scolded Isabelle for taking Sam's spot. Sam laughed and said it was fine, making a joke that he had "kept it warm," for Isabelle, winking at the little girl in his chair. It wasn't that funny of a joke at all, but Isabelle couldn't help but laugh. Sam sat across from Isabelle, and next to Jane, leaving a free chair next between Isabelle and Sam. Isabelle looked around for Sam's daughter, but she was nowhere to be seen. Isabelle even checked under the table, but there was no one there. Isabelle was starting to feel down on herself, when Sam chimed in again. "Well if you're looking for my little girl, I can promise you I didn't stuff her down there!" Sam said, laughing as Isabelle put the table cloth down. Sam turned his body so that his head could more easily look over his right shoulder, before turning back toward Isabelle. "In fact, there she is now." Isabelle diverted her gaze away from Sam and over his shoulder. It was hard to see from where she was seated. Isabelle felt so low to the table, though the chair was exceedingly comfortable. It didn't help that Sam shifted his chair to let Jane stand up from her spot, and get out from the corner. Isabelle tried to stretch her head upward, but it didn't help. But Isabelle didn't need to wait much longer. As the girl that Sam described as his "little girl" approached, Isabelle's breath stopped. Her blood ceased to pump. Her jaw dropped. And then her body froze. It was Lola. Her Lola. Lola. It was LOLA! Lola Hayes. This was Sam Hayes. Her friend Lola Hayes. Best friend. Sam. Lola. Sam. Lola. Sam was Lola's dad. Lola was Sam's daughter. Her mom and Lola's dad were dating. Isabelle was about to have dinner with her mom, Sam, and Lola. And worst of all? Isabelle was going to have to do it in the wet pullup she was currently peeing into. ******* Isabelle watched as her mom and Lola hugged - 'WHY ARE THEY HUGGING?!?!? THIS IS SO WEIRD!!' - as though they were old friends. "Jane, you're looking SOO cute!" Lola said, emphasizing the last word in a way that Lola used to for Isabelle. As Lola let Jane out of the hug, she looked Isabelle's mom up and down. Lola then reached out and started playing with Jane's shirt. "I LOVE this top! Where did you get it?! It fits you -" Lola didn't finish the sentence. She simply brought the tips of her fingers to her mouth and kissed them, before expanding her hand outward and away again. Isabelle could see that her mom was blushing. The compliment had meant a lot to her mom. And how could it not. Isabelle looked up at Lola, and she was drop-dead gorgeous as usual. Lola had put a bit of a curl into her thick, black hair, which cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting against her fair skin. Her lips were ruby red and voluminous, her eyes made up beautifully, and her cheeks having just a dash of rouge in them. 'If there are any beauty techniques that ballerinas master, it was hair and makeup,' Isabelle reminded herself. Isabelle also realized it had been quite some time since she had done either. Lola herself was wearing a stunning designer sundress. The straps on her shoulders were so thin you would barely notice them even if you were paying attention. The dress held firmer at the top, accentuating her friend's large breasts, before loosely falling down her side, the hem ending well above her knee. Isabelle diverted her gaze for just a second to the tables behind and around them - it was no surprise that a number of the guests had watched, and were continuing to stare, at Lola as she made her way across the patio and toward the last table. Lola, much like Dani, could command a room's attention with a flick of a wrist. Much like Isabelle used to be able to do. It was an art - a performance art - that you mastered as a ballerina. You couldn't just turn it off. "Thank you," Jane said, breaking Isabelle's trance. "We all can't look as gorgeous as you though. That dress is amazing!" Jane replied, trying her best to pay Lola a compliment in return. Even in her shell-shocked state, Isabelle could tell that her mom was nervous. "What was amazing was the price tag ON the dress. Now THAT was a work of art," Sam joked playfully, as he brought a glass of water to his lips. Lola playfully slapped her dad's shoulders, causing a little water to bounce out of the glass and on to his lap. Isabelle couldn't help but let a giggle loose. "I kid. I kid," Sam added, putting the water down. "It was a birthday present," Sam offered by way of explanation to Jane. Isabelle's giggle aside, she continued to sit in shock. 'How was I not able to make this connection?!?!' Isabelle couldn't understand. "I know Sam. I have eaten with him and Lola before. I was always at her house. I WAS AT HIS WIFE'S FUNERAL. How did I not see this before?!?' Isabelle's mind was racing. Isabelle was not sure what about, however. Was it that she couldn't understand how it was even possible that this was a man she obviously knew, but couldn't do more than feel he was familiar? Or was it the fact that her mom was not only DATING, but dating her best friends' dad. It was all too much. And Isabelle felt she was going to explode. But Isabelle didn't. Without thinking, Isabelle closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. 'You can handle this,' Isabelle said coaching herself. 'These will all just be more clues to help her solve this insane thing that was happening to her. To help her get back. To get back to normal. Isabelle exhaled. She inhaled again. 'I can do this,' Isabelle repeated. And if she hadn't been confident about it to that point, she was suddenly overcome by a sensation of certainty, a sensation beginning in her feet, and making its way across her body, every which way, confidently telling every fiber and cell of her body that she could, in fact, do this. Isabelle exhaled. And then Isabelle opened her eyes. In the brief moment Isabelle worked to collect herself, Lola had made her way over to Isabelle. "And this must be the famous Isabelle I have heard so much about! I absolutely LOVE your skirtalls! My gosh! Do you think I could borrow them sometime?" Lola asked, as she bent over to get closer to Isabelle. Isabelle laughed out loud. Lola could hardly fit into Isabelle's clothes when she was in the same class. Lola wasn't about to fit into a second grader's skirtalls. It was a good joke. "Hi Lola!" Isabelle responded, before lowering herself off of her chair and wrapping her arms around Lola's waist, pulling her into a hug. Isabelle closed her eyes once again as she pressed the side of her face against her friends midsection, inhaling her scent, feeling her friend in her arms once more. Isabelle was losing track of time and days, but it felt as though it had been weeks without seeing Lola. Whatever may have brought them together for even just one evening, it didn't matter. Isabelle felt at home again as she held on to Lola for dear life. She so desperately missed Lola. And Dani for that matter. She was never going to take time with them for granted ever again. "Oh my! Am I ever lucky to be getting such a...strong hug," Lola responded, as she hugged Isabelle back and made eyes toward Jane and Sam. Jane simply shrugged, suggesting she had no idea what had gotten into Isabelle. Lola didn't mind, turning her attention back to the littel girl. "It's so nice to meet you too sweetie!" Isabelle was thrilled to hear the sound of her friend's voice ring in her ears, even if she was calling Isabelle "sweetie". Isabelle was brought back to focus by Sam's voice. "Hey! I thought I was the only one getting special birthday hugs tonight! That's no fair!" Isabelle felt bad for a moment, releasing her grasp around Lola as a reaction. 'Sam is right - if I give Lola a special hug, now, his birthday present doesn't seem so special. How could I have made such a mistake!?' Isabelle thought, questioning her decision to hug her friend so....well, violently. Lola saved the day, fortunately. "Sorry dad. Girls just get to give special hugs to each other, no birthdays needed. You, on the other hand," Lola said, pointing at her dad but looking at Isabelle in order to keep her involved, 'you only get special hugs ONCE a year. Isn't that right Isabelle?" Isabelle was not about to disagree. Everything Lola said made perfect sense. And it all worked in her favor. So she nodded. Rapidly. Very rapidly. "Okay, okay Belly. Sit down and let Lola breath," Jane said, her eyes doing their best to investigate Isabelle's crotch. Jane suspected that Isabelle may have had an accident based on how Isabelle was moving. Jane was starting to regret not bringing her bag in. 'Though this isn't really the type of place you carry that into.' Jane thought, as she looked around her. Jane figured the best course of action would just need to make sure another accident didn't happen at dinner. Isabelle sat down as she was instructed, as Jane helped shift the chair closer to the table. "Mommy I'm thirsty." Isabelle was looking at her waterglass on the table, but it was too far for her too reach, even when she was at the very edge of her seat. On top of that, the glass seemed massive next to her hands. 'I'm not sure I can even lift that thing.' Jane flagged a waiter down to ask for a straw, which he offered Jane in response. Jane peeled the paper around the straw, and put it into Isabelle's glass, before lifting the glass and straw to Isabelle's mouth for her to drink. Isabelle felt embarrassed drinking from the glass with her mom holding it in front of Lola like that, but Lola was rummaging through her bag at the moment. Isabelle placed her hands on the glass as well, and did her best to slurp as much water as she could before Lola picked her head back up. As Lola did, Isabelle immediately spit the straw out and sat back up, shifting away from her mom. Isabelle sat and watched as Sam, Jane, and Lola were chatting away. Isabelle didn't mind - it was an opportunity for her to gather her thoughts about this whole crazy situation. But at the same time, Isabelle couldn't help but listen to the conversation. Her mom and Lola were chatting about some lunch they had together the week prior, and Sam had brought up an apparently story about a recent traffic ordeal he had had involving a chicken and an egg. Isabelle didn't understand what had been funny though. Lola shared a lot about her rehearsals for her spring ballet performance when Jane had asked though, which Isabelle listened to intently. 'That used to be my life,' Isabelle thought as her head lowered, resigned to her current state. It was all together a pleasant evening, sitting outside and letting the wind playfully bounce her pigtails from side to side. Isabelle had shifted herself as close as she could to Lola, letting her outstretched foot lean against her friend. As she did, Lola turned and offered her a smile, and then more, placing her hand on Isabelle's ankle and holding her. Isabelle was melting - it was perfect. "So Isabelle," Lola started, stopping Isabelle's heart as she anxiously awaited the question. "Your mommy tells me that you are just a wonderful ballerina. Do you love to dance? She even told me that you are going to be going start your ballet school next week. Are you excited?" Isabelle was confused by the question. Isabelle was already at ballet school - she was at Higgins. And she wasn't starting ballet the following week - she had already been doing ballet at school. Isaaelle turned to her mom, wanting to ask why she told Lola the wrong information.. But her mom just used her hands to usher Isabelle to answer the questions herself. Rather than correct Lola, Isabelle simply responded to those parts of the questions that seemed applicable. " I do love dancing, its the best! I only really like doing ballet though. Some of the other dancing is strange. Ballet is the best one. I am even wearing my ballet slippers. Wanna see?" Isabelle didn't wait for Lola to respond. Instead, she simply pulled her left leg in toward her body and away from Lola's hand, lifting her foot in the air so that she could proudly show off her ballet slippers to Lola and Sam. Isabelle was too preoccupied with showing off her shoes, she didn't even notice that her table gymnastics resulted in Isabelle exposing her tights, and her pullup, for the table (and more) to see. Isabelle's faux pas did have one benefit, in that it allowed Jane to confirm that Isabelle was indeed wet. 'Oh bother,' Jane thought, giving Sam a look who returned one in kind, likely having recognized the same. Jane was trying to hard with Isabelle, but she seemed to be taking some steps backward. Sam smiled at Jane, and reached his empty hand out to hers. Jane took it. Parenting was a struggle sometimes, it was nice for Jane to be understood. "Oh wow those are pretty," Lola said, stifling a laugh, before gently placing her hand on Isabelle's ankle and guiding it downward. "But let's not stick our feet in the air like that at the table, or someone might see your panties sweetie." Lola explained, artfully and accurately concluding that panties was probably a word the girl would be happier hearing. "But I love your slippers," Lola emphasized, not wanting to embarrass the girl. Isabelle felt no shame at all, and allowed Lola to lower her foot back under the table, not thinking much of it. She was proud Lola got to see her slippers. Jane was going to correct Lola's use of the word "panties" but managed to restrain herself. Jane wasn't trying to embarrass Isabelle by correcting Lola, it just almost came out naturally. Isabelle continued answering Lola's questions. "I am excited about dancing in school. It's the best part of the day. School is okay too, I guess. Some of the lessons are really hard though. Dance is better. It's a lot more fun! And easier!" Isabelle had returned her foot back to resting on Lola, and Lola returned her hand in kind to Isabelle's ankle, dancing her fingers along Isabelle's little legs. Isabelle loved the attention Lola was giving Isabelle. The conversation continued as Jane, Lola, and Sam all opened one of the ancient textbooks the girl had left on the table. Isabelle realized then that they were just menus, and was a little irritated that no one left her one. "Mommy I want to see," Isabelle whined to her mom, reaching the top half of her body to the other side of her giant chair to see her mom's menu, whilst still keeping her foot resting against Lola. Before her mom could respond, Lola did. "You can share with me sweetie. Come here," Lola said, as she pulled Isabelle's chair closer with one hand, and put the menu in front of Isabelle. The menu was nice looking on the inside, with lots of words and even some pictures of certain foods. The problem was that the menu was clearly written in another language, and Isabelle was getting dizzy just staring at it. No one else seemed to have trouble reading it though, and Isabelle was feeling to embarrassed to point out that she was the only one who didn't read the foreign language. 'I never knew mom read other languages. Or Lola for that matter,' Isabelle thought quietly to herself. Isabelle sat quietly as the others mentioned and discussed things that seemed appealing to them. Isabelle was looking at a new page that Lola flipped to - also written in ancient Babylonian or something - when she heard parts of what her mom was saying to Sam. "...No kids menu.....find something to share with her...." Isabelle wasn't sure what her mom was concerned about, but whatever it was, Sam didn't seem to mind. He just chuckled and responded with a "don't worry about it!" and a big smile. Sam and Jane had resumed holding hands on top of the table, and Sam offered Jane's a reassuring squeeze. Isabelle wasn't sure if she much cared for all the hand holding. 'Even if they are dating, it's a little too early for such advanced forms of physical affection,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'Before you know it they'll even kiss! Yuck!' Isabelle wasn't sure if she had always felt that way about kissing, but right now, kissing seemed gross. Isabelle wasn't able to focus too much on it though, as Lola demanded her attention. Isabelle perked up as Lola started speaking to her - 'Mom is free to do whatever she wants with her hand for all I care. Lola needs me!" "Hmmm I am thinking of getting a flatbread Isabelle. But its too big for me. Do you want to share one with me to start?" Lola asked, as she practically starred into Isabelle's soul. her eyes locked on Isabelle's. Isabelle was silent. She didn't exactly hear what Lola was saying, only that she asked her something about something. Isabelle didn't care. She just nodded. Lola sensed that Isabelle looked a little confused. It's like a little pizza," Lola went on to explain. "You'll like it. I'll get this one," Lola said, pointing to the mysterious text. "It has FOUR different kinds of cheeses, if you can believe it." Lola shut the menu just as the waiter came, and took everyone's order. Four cheeses did sound quite delicious to Isabelle. "I'll order for you sweetie, don't worry." Jane said, looking at Isabelle. Isabelle wasn't thrilled about it. She wanted to show her friend - and her mom - that she could order by herself. But Isabelle hadn't been offered an English menu, and she still didn't want to admit that she couldn't read the ones at the table. Isabelle didn't bother to pay attention as everyone at the table ordered. Instead, her gaze moved across the restaurant. It had grown slightly darker out since they had sat down. It wasn't a problem, and the lights dangling overhead lit the patio up beautifully. Isabelle watched as other families ordered and ate. Most tables were filled with adults, and from the best Isabelle could tell from her low position on her chair, she was by far the youngest (sort of) girl at the restaurant. It made her feel grown up. Isabelle's initial shock had largely dissipated. It was still weird coming to terms with the fact that her mom and Lola's dad might be dating. Dani used to joke about it sometimes, but their parents had never shown the slightest bit of interest in each other. Isabelle was not sure what had changed, but was it the worst thing? Isabelle loved her mom, and Jane deserved to be happy. And most importantly, her mom dating Sam meant that she was with Lola right now - a circumstance that otherwise was completely unlikely. If this is what it took to be with her best friend until she solved whatever was going on, it was well worth it. Isabelle continued to listen as they all chatted away, joining in when she was called to. Isabelle loved that Sam and Lola each took the time to talk to her and get to know her. It made her feel special, and it made the dinner much more enjoyable. When the appetizers came, Lola sliced up the flatbread and put a piece on Isabelle's little plate in front of her. "Be careful - it's hot sweetie. Wait a little before starting," Lola had warned her. Isabelle did her best to be patient, but couldn't wait too long. Moments later, Isabelle was picking her pizza up with her hands, and pushing it toward her mouth. Isabelle barely noticed when some of the sauce dripped on to her skirtalls, or when it smeared on her face. The flatbread was simply too delicious. As Isabelle finished her second piece, she turned to see if Lola was enjoying it as well. Isabelle regretted it instantly. Lola was enjoying her food - but she was eating it with a fork and knife. Isabelle felt silly having picked hers up with her hands, and so tucked her head down. Jane, watching Isabelle, figured Isabelle was thirsty, and so brought her re-filled water glass and straw to her mouth, instructing Isabelle to drink. Isabelle did her best to shield Lola's view of the scene, but it was not very effective. Regardless, Isabelle was thirsty, and so drank another large portion of her water, before releasing the straw from her mouth. Not long later, the waiter came by to clear everyone's finished plates. Isabelle was starting to feel the need to go to the bathroom, and so reached toward her mom's shirt, tugging at it gently. Jane had been in a conversation with Sam, and tapped Isabelle to wait for her to finish. Isabelle was not sure that she could wait however, and so started tugging a little strongly, squirming in her seat. Jane turned at that moment. "What is it sweetie? Do you need to go potty?" Isabelle went beet red at her mom's question, but simply nodded. As Jane was backing her own chair up, however, she was interrupted. By Lola. "Don't worry Jane. I need to go to. I'll take her." Isabelle froze. Lola couldn't take her. It would be.....Lola just couldn't. No. It had to be her mom. Jane seemed to hesitate as well, much to Isabelle's satisfaction. "Oh you don't need to do that, Lola, but that's really kind. I need to help her and it can just be a lot." Isabelle wasn't sure what her mom was on about, but she didn't care. She was saved. At least she thought she was. "Seriously, don't worry. I can do it," Lola insisted, standing up and turning Isabelle's chair so that Isabelle could get out. "It's my pleasure." Isabelle hadn't moved an inch. 'Please no. Please mom. Mom. MOM. Mommmy. Mommmy. MOMMY - look at me Mommy. Mommy, look. Look at me. Look at my eyes. I want you to do this. I want you to take me. You take me to the bathroom Mommy. Please. Please understand this.' Isabelle was starring at her mom desperately now, trying to give her silent cues to take her to the bathroom, and praying Jane understood what Isabelle was asking for. Jane didn't. Instead, Jane thought about how nice Lola was being for Isabelle, and how much Isabelle was enjoying Lola's company. 'It's like Jess said,' Jane reminded herself, 'if they get along, Sam and I can really consider moving forward.' Jane still felt bad. It wasn't pretty work. But if Lola was insisting..... "Okay," Jane responded, seating herself back down. "You'll need to just make sure she doesn't fall in if the seat is too big. She's very small. And she's a little W-E-T from earlier at some point. Its hard to keep track all the time." Isabelle wasn't stupid 'I know what you just spelled MOM,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'Wait.................No I don't......What did she spell.....? Why don't I know what mom just spelled?' Did I miss a letter or something. Something......E.....T.......eat? Did mom spell eat? I'm eat from earlier? What the heck does that mean...Huh....." Isabelle was starring into space, trying to figure out what she missed when Lola took her hand and helped her up off of her chair. "Come sweetie, let's go." Lola called out, as she led Isabelle through the tables and toward the double doors they had walked through earlier. Isabelle couldn't believe this was happening to her. But Isabelle also didn't have much time to complain and ask for her mom. Her need to pee was developing into a rather urgent one. So despite her body screaming otherwise, she allowed herself to be pulled along by Lola, watching her mother fade out of sight behind her, as she and Sam leaned in closer to each other. Once they were through the doors, Lola navigated Isabelle deptly toward the bathrooms, avoiding the crowd of giants at the front that only seemed to have grown. Instead, Lola pulled Isabelle past some booths, toward a pathway in the back of the restaurant, all the way down toward the bathroom. Lola pushed the heavy door in, ushering Isabelle toward the bigger of the four stalls, and going in with her. At this point, Isabelle was bouncing on her feet. "I really gotta go Lola," Isabelle shared. The time for dignity had passed. The only thing worse than sharing, and peeing in front of her friend, would have been Lola knowing that she was peeing in her pants. Or more accurately, her pullup. "Don't worry sweetie," Lola said, quickly locking the door behind them and turning to help lower Isabelle's tights and already wet pullup. Isabelle had gotten so used to sitting in it, it had not even occurred to Isabelle that Lola would learn Isabelle had wet herself anyway. And it didn't occur in that moment either. Lola hiked Isabelle's skirtalls up, lifting her on to the seat. Isabelle's butt had hardly hit the seat before she started peeing. "Ahhhhhhhh......." Isabelle sighed, eyes closed, feeling the pressure of her bladder release into the toilet. As she opened them, she could hardly believe the situation she was in. In front of her, Lola was crouched down, starring at Isabelle and smiling, saying words Isabelle couldn't process, but clearly encouraging Isabelle as she peed. The toilet Isabelle was on was considerably larger than even the one near the kitchen at home. Lola, recognizing the issue after being warned by Jane, had propped Isabelle's feet up on Lola's knees to give Isabelle balance, as well as holding the rest of Isabelle's weight up as the two girls held hands. Isabelle starred back at her friend, inches from her face, and did her best to offer a smile back. Her best friend, former dance partner, and former classmate, had just lowered Isabelle's pullup and tights, and was now counterbalancing Isabelle's weight so that she could help Isabelle pee in a toilet, offering Isabelle positive encouragement for Isabelle's success. And Isabelle was doing just that - peeing right in front of her friend. It was not as though they had never been in a bathroom stall together, but Isabelle was sure she and Lola had never done anything like this. The worst part about the whole situation, though, was not that her friend had undressed her, or was holding her in place, or even was encouraging her. No, the worst part was that Isabelle liked it all. It felt good. Isabelle wasn't sure why. The situation should have been mortifying. But Isabelle was happy to be peeing - in a toilet - and happy that her friend was with her. It didn't matter where, or why. They were together. Even like this. 'And at least Lola knows that I'm potty trained,' Isabelle thought to herself, with more pride than she otherwise probably should have had. With the last dribbles of Isabelle's pee descending into the toilet, Lola stood Isabelle up and helped her wipe. Lola decided there would be no way to wipe Isabelle holding her on the toilet with both hands, and if a little droplet or two fell into her pullup, it was already wet. Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and Lola was able to maneuver Isabelle off the toilet, and help her wipe without incident. "Okay sweetie," Lola said, as she helped Isabelle pull up her pullup and tights, "just wait here while I pee," Lola said, as she lowered her black lacy panties down her legs, before sitting down "and then we can wash our hands and go." Isabelle and Lola returned to the table to find their main courses had been served. Lola gave Jane a thumbs up, which garnered a mouthed "thank you" in response. Isabelle sat down and saw that her plate looked a little different than everyone else's. Her plate just looked, well less full. Meanwhile, Lola had sat down and was sticking her fork into a nice looking piece of fish, while Sam was cutting into a steak of some sort. Her mom had ordered a piece of chicken with a brown, tangy and delicious smelling sauce on it. And in front of Isabelle was the same chicken, except it was all cut up into small pieces for her. On the side, was a flattened portion of a baked potato, still steaming, and some roasted carrots. Isabelle was happy to have gotten a grown up meal - even if it was just a portion of her moms - but she was a little shy about her food being cut up for her. Fortunately, the food smelled so good, Isabelle hardly cared after she took her first bite. The tangy barbeque sauce on the chicken was simply amazing, and Isabelle could barely finish the bite of food in her mouth before sticking her fork into the next piece of chicken. Reaching the chicken on her plate was no easy feat for Isabelle - Isabelle really had to reach for it. And even then, Isabelle rarely got a good puncture, so had to balance the chicken slowly as she brought it to her mouth. Two small saucy pieces had fallen off her fork and rolled down her skirtalls and onto the floor. Isabelle was less concerned about her clothes as it happened, and more upset that she lost some pieces. Her mom kindly replaced them though. By the time Isabelle was done eating her meal, there was sauce all over her face, clothes, and even a bit on her hands, which Isabelle was more than happy to lick up. Isabelle settled into her chair, full from dinner, as Sam and her mom ordered little coffees. Lola tried to teach Isabelle a neat hand game while their parents sipped and chatted away, but Isabelle didn't have the energy too learn. She was feeling quite tired. "I think I need to get this one home," Jane averred, motioning toward Isabelle as she settled her little coffee cup down. "It's going to be well past her bedtime anyway." "No problem," Sam replied. "It's past mine as well tonight!" Sam signaled the waiter and quickly paid. After receiving his credit card back, Isabelle stood up with everyone else, and tried her best to push her chair in under the table. Though she managed it part of the way, Jane mom had to push it the rest of the way, before she took Isabelle's hand and bent down offering to pick her up. Isabelle was not so much in control of her mind, feeling full and tired. Isabelle was also feeling grumpy that her mom didn't let her finish pushing her chair in. So when Jane reached to pick Isabelle up, Isabelle pushed Jane's arms away. "Oh my," Jane had responded. "Is someone feeling a little tired grumpy?!" Jane asked, half playfully, half wanting to know. It didn't matter if her mom's remark was true, Isabelle wasn't confessing. Isabelle thought about how she wanted to answer, but never got the chance. "Nope, that's not it," Lola said, answering for her, before Lola swept her arms underneath Isabelle's armpits from behind, turning Isabelle, and then placing Isabelle on her own hip. "She just wants a ride from her new friend Lola instead, isn't that true?" Lola was trying her best to cheer Isabelle up, having seen her push her mom away. Isabelle was surprised when Lola lifted her so easily. And in truth, Isabelle wasn't ready to say goodbye to Lola just yet. Isabelle wanted to milk every last second with Lola. So rather than object, Isabelle simply let her head and saucy face rest on her friend's shoulder, nodding in agreement. "See Jane?" Lola said, smirking at Isabelle's mom. "I told you we would be fast friends. I'll follow you out." Jane couldn't help but smile back. Her dirty, saucy, and wet little girl was in the arms of her boyfriend's daughter, both of who had been overwhelmingly welcoming not only to Jane, but now Isabelle as well. Even better, Isabelle had seemed to quite like both Sam and Lola so far. This was going to make Jane's life a lot easier, and allow her to pursue the relationship if that was what she decided she wanted. And Jane was starting to really think it was. As Lola carried Isabelle along, sauce smearing on Lola's bare shoulder, Isabelle's eyes slowly started to roll back. Jane watched as Isabelle's eyelids fluttered open and closed as she bounced along in Lola's arms. Isabelle didn't remember much of the night from that point on. She remembered her mom's car being at the front of the restaurant. She remembered waving goodbye to Sam. And she remembered Lola placing her down in her booster seat in the back of the car, kissing Isabelle on the forehead goodbye. But Isabelle remembered nothing else of the rest of the night; not going home, not being carried into her house. Not being carried up the stairs. Not her face being washed, or being changed into a nighttime diaper, or even into her pajamas. And she certainly had no memory of being placed down into bed, or kissed goodnight by her mom. All Isabelle knew was that she had had the most wonderful night.

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 41 Isabelle was laying on her stomach on the basement couch, her eyes completely focused on the television. Isabelle's legs stretched out behind her on the "L" portion of her basement couch, her entire body fitting easily on the sofa. Isabelle was too distracted to notice that it had been years since her body could fit like it was, completely stretched out and extended on the end of the couch. But Isabelle was watching Rover-Roo, and she had no capacity that morning to think any longer about trivial matters like the size of her body. In truth, Isabelle's mind was happy to rest. The morning had been a swirl of complicated complex thinking, and uncontrollable and shifting emotions. Isabelle had just slept a full night, yet her mind was already tired. "Can I go watch TV downstairs mommy?" Isabelle had asked, after greeting her mom at the door that morning Jane smiled at her daughter, holding her up tightly in her arms, Isabelle's feet dangling by Jane's waist. "Of course sweetie. I'll come start the TV for you." Jane had carried Isabelle down the stairs, while Jess let herself in and went to the kitchen. Isabelle was thrilled when she saw her mom that morning. Isabelle was climbing the stairs to her house, one hand holding Jess's, when Jane opened the door and called to her. "My baby!" Jane had shouted, prompting Isbaelle to release Jess's hand, and run as fast as her little legs would let her climb the stairs. Isabelle jumped into her mom's open arms, squeezing Jane with all the might she had, as her mom lifted her into the air. Isabelle had been away from her mom for too long. 'This is better,' Isabelle thought. Isabelle was not so distracted by her mom's presence to not pick up on a few peculiarities that stood out to her. First, her mom's hair looked very much like Jess's - it was a messy, tangled disaster, which was odd for her mom, who was normally so well kempt. Second, her mom seemed utterly relaxed and at ease, her hug firm but fluid, strong, yet relaxed. It was both calming and off putting to Isabelle. But that was not all. As Jane held Isabelle close, Isabelle's face found its way into the crook of her mom's neck. That was when Isabelle noticed it. 'Mom smells...different.' Isabelle could not quite put her finger on the scent. Her mom didn't smell badly. In fact, the scent was captivating. It was citrusy and woody, and for some reason, Isabelle recognized it, but was not sure from where. Isabelle's nose followed the smell up her neck and toward her mom's face, where the smell was even more potent. 'I know that smell from somewhere....' "Oh I just MISSED you so much sweetie," Jane said, as she continued to hold her daughter up in her arms. Isabelle picked her head up off of her mom's chest to better look at Jane. "Did you have fun at your sleepover? I heard you had a bit of an upset tummy baby! Are you feeling better?" Isabelle didn't have a chance to respond. Before she could, Jess responded for her. "She has the BEST time, right Isabelle?" Jess said, making her way up and placing her hand on Isabelle's head, stroking her hair, down one of her pigtails. "She played dancing games, and had yummy dinner, and she was feeling good as new this morning. She even went potty like a big girl this morning in the toilet!" Jess announced, with legitimate and genuine pride. Isabelle blushed just a little. Isabelle's mouth was agape, having intended to respond to her mom's questions by herself. Now that it was unneeded, Isabelle closed her ruby red lips together, curving them into a smile. Isabelle simply nodded to confirm everything Jess said was true, though it was unclear why mentioning her success on the toilet was necessary. Evidently, her mom felt otherwise. "Great job sweetie! That means a sticker for you! Why don't we do that later though? Mommy and Jess are going to have a cup of coffee. Do you want to come with us, or color, or something else?" Isabelle did want to do something else - she wanted to watch TV. Isabelle's mom had left after turning the TV on for her, leaving behind a sippy cup filled with water. "Drink up sweetie, it'll be good for your tummy." With that, Jane went back up the stairs to spend some time with Jess. It was unclear what Jane and Jess were going to do. 'They just spent all night together, what could they possibly have to talk about?' Isabelle wondered. 'Maybe they want to talk about all the new furniture at Jess's..' Isabelle pondered the idea for all of thirty seconds, before getting lost in her TV show. As Rover-Roo progressed, Isabelle settled her head into her propped up hands. Isabelle's legs causally moved from their outstretched position, to bending upwards and swinging back and forth in the air. As she did so, Isabelle continuously shifted her skirtalls upward, unknowingly exposing her colorful and playful pullup through her white tights. After a few minutes, Isabelle grabbed the sippy cup her mom had left. It was pink, covered in designs of Cherry Cheesecake, a cute girl with a cherry shaped hat covering her curly cherry red hair. Cherry Cheesecake was doing all sorts of activities around the plastic cup, such as playing sports, or gardening, or baking a cheesecake! Cherry was adorned in a white and red striped shirt, and a pair of blue pants. Isabelle smiled as she looked at all the activities that Cherry was doing, before bringing the straw to her mouth and sucking in the water. At first, Isabelle was a little irritated her mom hadn't given her a normal glass, but upon reflection, Isabelle was happy to not have to move to drink her water. As the first droplets of water hit her tongue, the cool refreshing liquid soothing her dry mouth and throat, Isabelle realized how thirsty she was. In barely three minutes, Isabelle had finished the entire cup of water, before releasing it with her hand and letting it tumble to the ground to her right, falling in front of the couch. 'Another advantage of not having a glass I suppose,' Isabelle realized, her eyes never diverting from the TV. After the second episode of Rover-Roo had started, Isabelle heard some noise from upstairs. Her mom and Jess had made their way toward the front door, long enough for Isabelle to hear the end of their conversation. It was Jess's voice that Isabelle heard first. "......a really big step.....both of you. I am proud........Let me know how it goes." With that, the sound of the front door opening, and closing echoed from upstairs. within moments, Isabelle heard her mom start to descend the staircase to the basement. Isabelle was not sure what Jess had been talking about, and was pleased to ignore it and watch her show. Isabelle felt her mom sit beside her, Jane's hand, stroking Isabelle's back. Jane bent over to retrieve Isabelle's cup, picking it up and setting it on the table in front of her. 'She must have been really thirsty, I'll have to refill this for her before we head out.' Jane settled herself back on the couch, continuing to stroke her daughter's back. As she did, Jane moved her hand underneath Isabelle's skirtalls, feeling around her daughter's pullup to see if she was wet. Other than a tiny wet spot, Jane was pleased to see Isabelle hadn't had an accident. Isabelle loved feeling her mom's hand glide around her back. It was when her mom's hand slipped under her skirtalls that Isabelle began to fidget a little though. It was an odd feeling, her mom's hand pressing against her pullup. Not a bad one - just an odd one. Her mom didn't seem to mind the squirming as she pressed her hand around her crotch, before pulling it back out. Other than squirming a bit, Isabelle didn't move much. Jane reached for the television remote, and turned the TV off suddenly. "Come sweetie. Let's go potty before we head out for the day. We have some errands to run together," Jane said, standing up. Isabelle was a little irritated her mom didn't even ask her to turn the TV off. Isabelle wanted to finish her episode. "Mommmmmy.... I want to finish watching!" Isabelle whined, looking up at her mom. Isabelle let her legs fall down on the couch behind her, pouting. "No whining Isabelle. Let's go. Come were going to use the bathroom by the kitchen. Mommy will help you." Isabelle knew it was not a time to fight with her mom. Reluctantly, Isabelle rolled over and stood up, accepting her mom's outstretched hand and following her as she led Isabelle up the stairs, and into the bathroom by the kitchen. Isabelle was a little surprised as her mom stepped into the small bathroom with her, closing the door behind the two of them. Jane bent over and hiked Isabelle's skirtalls up, and started to pull Isabelle's tights and pull down together in one fell swoop. "Mom! I can - " Isabelle didn't get a chance to finish her sentence. "Sweetie, I want to get going and this is a big toilet. Mommy is going to help you. No fussing please." Jane was curt in her instruction, and Isabelle didn't talk back. But that didn't mean Isabelle liked what was happening. If her mother's undressing her threw Isabelle off, Isabelle was plainly shocked as her mom lifted Isabelle up, placing her on the toilet seat. But Jane didn't let go - she kept holding Isabelle in place. Isabelle tried to shift her shoulders to get her mom to let go, but Jane wouldn't. "Sweetie, you're going to fall in if mommy doesn't hold you. Stop it. It's time to go potty now, You can earn another, BIG sticker this time! How about it?" Isabelle was not content in her current state. Her mom was bent over, staring at her, having just undressed her, and now steadily holding Isabelle on the toilet. But Isabelle also realized her mom had a point. This was a new toilet seat, and it was fit for a giant. 'Mom and Jess DEFINITELY went shopping for toilets last night,' Isabelle concluded. Even with her mom holding her, Isabelle felt like she might fall in. Isabelle stopped squirming immediately - falling in was a much worse fate than her mom holding her. Isabelle sat staring at her mom. Isabelle didn't feel like she really needed to go. "I don't think I hafta pee mommy," Isabelle informed her mom. "Nonsense sweetie. You had a very big cup of water, and we are going on a little drive. We need to go before we get in the car." Jane's smile and enthusiasm were unwavering. But Isabelle was still not at ease. Who in their right mind could pee while their mom was not only holding them up on a toilet, but enthusiastically smiling at them, inches away from their face. It was strange. "I know what will help," Jane announced, as Isabelle was processing these thoughts. "Let's sing the potty song together, and we'll be done before you know it!" 'What on earth. What the heck is a potty song?!? What is mom on ab-" Isabelle didn't get a chance to finish her though. Her mom had broken out into song, bouncing her head from side to side. Oh, my darling little one, It is time to have some fun. Come on, let's go, don't you worry, Together we will make this journey. Potty time, potty time, Let's make it fun and oh so fine. We'll learn and grow, my sweet dear, Potty time, there's nothing to fear. Isabelle was mortified. Isabelle had been sure the situation could not be worse moments ago. Oh how wrong she was. Her mom was now singing and dancing with her head, chanting a made up song about going to the bathroom at Isabelle. Isabelle regretted her earlier thinking. Falling into the toilet and flushing herself down the pipes now felt like the FAR better option. 'PLEASE GOD FLUSH ME DOWN AND AWAY FROM THIS.' Isabelle would not be so lucky. Her mom continued singing. Sitting on the potty seat, A big girl smile, Izzy's so sweet. You're growing up, it's plain to see, Oh, what a special moment to pee. Potty time, potty time, Let's make it fun and oh so fine. We'll learn and grow, my sweet dear, Potty time, there's nothing to fear. 'Anything to end this, please god. Please stop this.' Isabelle was praying into the universe for any help whatsoever. She was desperate. She would do absolutely anything to make this embarrassment end. And then, just as her mom was about to start a third verse, Isabelle's prayer to any and every deity that has ever existed was interrupted by the sound of a splash. Isabelle stopped what she was doing, and diverted her gaze down into the toilet, where she could see she was peeing. Isabelle hadn't even felt it come on, but here she was, peeing in the toilet. "What a BIG GIRL! See? I told you that you needed to go baby. Potty song prevails again!" Jane boasted joyfully. Isabelle continued peeing for some time. It surprised her how much her bladder had to release. It was a strange sensation. For reasons she couldn't explain, coupled with her mom's enthusiasm. Isabelle was indeed proud that she was peeing in a toilet. 'I better get the biggest dang sticker mommy has for this,' was what Isabelle settled on. Isabelle finished, and her mom quickly wiped her up before helping Isabelle pull her pullup and tights back up. Jane then proceeded to lift Isabelle up so she could reach the sink, and helped her wash her hands. "Don't forget soap sweetie," Jane reminded Isabelle, who had indeed forgotten to pump any soap into her hands. Moments later, Isabelle was cleaned up and ready to go. Jane helped Isabelle back into her ballet slippers at the front door, tying the ribbons around her daughter's ankles. 'If that's what she wants to wear, fine by me,' Jane decided. There were fights you picked with your toddler, and fights you didn't. This was not a hill Jane was going to plant her flag on. Jane grabbed her "toddler bag," and threw it over her shoulder. It was filled with extra changes of clothes, snacks, Isabelle's water cup, and of course, spare pullups and diapers. As the bag rested on her shoulder, Jane felt the weight of it. 'Boy, I can't wait until I don't need to carry this around anymore,' Jane thought to herself. Jane and Isabelle made their way out to the car holding hand. Jane popped the trunk open, where she set the toddler bag down against the collapsed stroller in the back. Jane then closed the trunk before making her way to the passenger side door, and opening it up. When her mom opened the door, Isabelle was a little surprised at what she saw. In front of her was a booster seat like Jess had in her car, like the one she had sat in the day prior. 'But we don't own one of these,' Isabelle thought. It looked similar to the one she had sat in, but was a little more worked in, or used. Before Isabelle could object, Jane lifted Isabelle up, placing her in the seat. "Alright, Belly, it's time to buckle up and get ready for our little journey," Isabelle nodded, and began to shift her body to the free seat without a booster behind the driver. As she was reaching for the seatbelt, her mom called back to her. "And what do you think you're doing goose? Get back here and into your booster seat you silly girl." Isabelle didn't understand. "I don't need a booster seat mommy. I can sit here." Isabelle didn't mean anything by it; it was simply a fact. Boosters were for little kids, and Isabelle was a big girl. Isabelle went back to what she was going to, reaching for the seatbelt. Jane, would have none of it however. "Isabelle, please don't be difficult for mommy this morning. Please come get into the seat now. I want to get going." Jane's tone was serious, and Isabelle didn't want to upset her mom. But Isabelle also didn't want to sit in the seat. She didn't know what to do, and so froze, looking back at her mom silently. Without any further hesitation, Jane reached across the seats, picking Isabelle up with ease, and setting her down in the booster. Keeping one hand firmly on Isabelle to keep her in place, Jane began buckling her daughter into pace with a patient smile. Isabelle stared down at the booster seat with curiosity, unsure of what was expected of her. She felt her mom lift a strap from beneath her legs and around her, clicking it in place. Sensing her Isabelle's apprehension, Jane softly explained, "We've gone over this sweetie. This is your special seat in the car. It's here to keep you safe while we go for a ride. It's for big girls too - not just for little babies. I promise. Plus you can see better out the window now just how you like. Let's do it together." Jane adjusted the straps and buckles, making sure they were snug but not too tight. Jane knew the importance of proper fit for Isabelle's safety - something Jane was never going to risk. "See? A comfy booster seat. Just like you would sit on at the movie theater, except much more comfy." Isabelle was not so much uncomfortable as she was shocked that they had the booster seat. It was no different than what she had sat in the day prior. Yet it wasn't just the booster seat. It was the furniture, it was her emotions, her capacity to develop her thoughts, it was all of it. Everything seemed off this morning. Yet, Isabelle did nothing about it -she simply felt compelled to go along with whatever was happening to her. 'That's really what it is boiling down,' Isabelle thought, as her mom finished with her seat. 'Everything is happening to me. I am not in control of anything right now. What is going on.....' Isabelle would reflect on that thought the whole car ride, only to come up with no answer, and find herself easily distracted by almost anything around her. With Isabelle safely fastened in her booster seat, Jane closed the door and got into the driver's seat. Before starting the engine, she turned to Isabelle with a warm smile. "Are you all set, my brave little detective? We're ready to go on our adventure!" **** Isabelle held her mom's hand as they walked around the Parget together, her other hand holding firmly onto her sippy cup of water. Isabelle didn't recall the store being so massive, but being there today made Isabelle feel really uncomfortable. All of the stacks of shelves soared over her as Isabelle walked along the aisles with her mom. The mannequins towered above her, showing off clothes that her mom looked at carefully. Even the racks of clothes seemed large, causing Isabelle to sink closer and closer into her mom's side for safety. But the worst of it was not the shelves, or the mannequins, or even the racks of the clothes. The worst part was all the people. The Parget was crowded that morning, with moms, dads, and other kids racing in every which direction. Isabelle was certain she was going to be trampled more than once, only to have her mom redirect her out of the way and to safety. Isabelle was grateful for her mom; she wouldn't have survived the wilds of Parget without her! Isabelle found herself constantly sucking at the water from her cup, finding comfort in having her lips sealed around the straw. As Jane made her way toward the kids section, Isabelle felt more at ease. 'At least this section is designed more comfortably,' Isabelle thought. Here, the racks seemed neater, and were all a more normal height. In place of the giant mannequins were normal people sized ones. The racks of clothes were lower, and Isabelle could actually see what was on them. Most importantly, everyone here moved a little slower, and Isabelle felt she was not at as much risk of being run over. The comfort and quiet of the children's section bolstered Isabelle's confidence. For the first time since walking through the parking lot, Isabelle felt comfortable enough to let go of her mom's hand. Isabelle started to explore the various sections, having fun looking at all the clothes, fun t-shirts, dresses, and hats. Isabelle found herself in front of a hat rack with all sorts of hats, and started to try them on one at a time. First a regular ballcap, then a sunhat. Next a bucket hat, and after that, a flat-cap. Isabelle was having so much fun trying on hats and laughing. She finally felt at complete ease in the store, being silly and having fun. 'Dani always loved trying on hats when we would go out,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle's head snapped up, and her smile slowly disappeared. It had been a while since she thought of Dani, Isabelle realized. Suddenly, Isabelle was not having fun anymore. Suddenly, Isabelle started thinking about everything that was wrong. It seemed strange to her, that Isabelle could even forget, even for a second, that everything that was happening to her was wrong. It seemed absurd that, in light of what was going on, Isabelle could stop, laugh, and have fun. 'All of my focus should be on fixing whatever is happening to me,' Isabelle reminded herself. But in truth, she had been having fun. Isabelle was having a hard time denying it. With her focus broken, Isabelle turned around to reach out for her mom's hand, only to find thin air. Isabelle heart sunk, as she glanced from side to side, but her mom was nowhere in sight. 'She's left me here,' Isabelle thought, starting to panic. Isabelle began to call for her mom, frozen in fear. "Mo...mmmmmy?" It was barely a whisper. Isabelle was struggling to find her voice, her heart racing. There was no answer. Isabelle's eyes continued to divert left, right, backward, forward. But her mom was nowhere to be seen. Isabelle felt her throat tightening up, her fear rising, and taking over her whole body. She tried to open her mouth to call for her mom once more, but nothing came out. No words escaped, no call to her mom for help. Isabelle felt paralyzed, her eyes beginning to well up. A shiver ran down Isabelle's spine, the cold fear having exacted its toll on her mind and body. Isabelle's bladder released, the padding of her pullup soaking up the warm urine as it spread from front to back. But even the newfound warmth of her pullup was not enough to overtake the creeping chill that had spread over Isabelle's body. There was no stopping it now. Isabelle began to sob, and soon she was crying. Evidently, the tears seemed to help Isabelle find her voice. As she cried, Isabelle was able to call out louder, finally, to her mom. "Mommy!!! Where *sniffle. sniffle* where...are you!?! Isabelle was not quite shouting yet, but she was loud enough that other shopper began to look in her direction. Isabelle was on the verge of calling out again, when she heard the sweetest of voices from behind her. "Belly! I am right here! Why are you crying? I was just over here in the next aisle. I could see you the whole time sweetie." Jane's words were an immediate comfort to Isabelle, who ceased crying and wiped her tears away. Isabelle ran over to her mom, grasping Jane's leg and hugging her. Jane smiled and gave Isabelle her hand once more. "Stay with mommy now," Jane instructed, as she reconsidered her decision to leave the stroller in the car. Isabelle had no intention of letting go of her mom ever again, and firmly grasped Jane's outstretched hand. Isabelle continued to hold her mom's hand as they checked out of the store, and her mom paid for their things. Jane let go of Isabelle's hands in order to load the bags on to her shoulders before reaching back out and holding Isabelle's hand once more. As they made their way toward the exit, they passed the family restroom. "Do you need to go to the potty sweetie?" Jane asked kindly. Isabelle turned a little red, finally having calmed down enough to remember her accident in the store. Isabelle shook her head silently, before diverting her gaze down to her shoes in shame. "No mommy. I don't hafta." Jane considered offering one more time, but there was no point. She was a mom, Isabelle's mom, and Jane knew what her daughter's body language meant. Jane sighed. There was no reason to make Isabelle dwell on it and feel bad. 'Two steps forward, one back,' Jane reminded herself. That was how potty training worked. "No problem then sweetie, let's get home and have some lunch. It's getting late in the afternoon and you haven't eaten yet. Then naptime baby. We're going to go out for a special dinner tonight, and I know you're tired from last night." **** Jane was content to let Isabelle sleep on the living room couch. The poor girl could barely keep her eyes open as she laid down there after the two had eaten lunch together. Jane was all for a routine for her toddler, but she knew that you had to be flexible sometimes. So rather than disturb Isabelle's sleep, Jane dimmed the lights in the living room and drew the curtains shut, and let her little angel sleep peacefully on the couch. Jane returned to the kitchen to clean up their plates. It was nearly 2:00 when they had arrived at home, by which time Isabelle was normally already having her afternoon nap. Jane had whipped together a quick lunch for Isabelle, who could barely keep her head up through the meal. Isabelle ate quietly, before making her way over to the living room couch where Jane found her already asleep on her side. Jane took the opportunity to check whether Isabelle had wet her pullup again. Content to let her sleep in the one Isabelle had on, Jane threw the nearby blanket over her. Jane went about cleaning the kitchen up, putting dishes away, and wiping the counters down. Jane then made her way quietly past her sleeping daughter, and carried the Parget bags up the stairs, first to Isabelle's bedroom, and then later to her own, unpacking the myriad of purchases she had made. Jane checked her watch as she finished, noting that it was already 3:30. 'Isabelle is still asleep, but I should wake her soon,' Jane thought. Still, there was enough time to shower before dinner, and so Jane darted into her bathroom and started the shower. Jane quickly but efficiently washed her body and hair. She hadn't had time to shower at Sam's that morning, as she needed to be home to welcome Isabelle. Jane had already been delayed that morning at Sam's, by, well, what she was delayed by. So there hadn't even been time to brush her hair out, and barely enough time to change out of her clothes from the evening prior before Jess started climbing the house stairs with Isabelle. 'Is it too soon to ask to leave some clothes over there...' Jane asked herself, as she started to wash the conditioner out of her hair. '...Probably....but maybe not. Let's see how tonight goes first," Jane decided. Jane stepped out of the shower, drying herself off, before tying her towel around her chest. She made her way out of her room and toward the stairs, listening to hear if Isabelle had woken up. Content that Isabelle was still sleeping, Jane went back to her room to put on her undergarments, and to start drying her hair. 'I really hope tonight goes well,' Jane thought, as she continued to blow-dry her hair out until she decided it was acceptably dry. Jane returned to her room to finish getting dressed, pulling a pair of simple jeans on, and a cute top she had gotten at Parget earlier that day. Satisfied with how she looked, Jane left her room, making a pit stop in Isabelle's, before heading down the stairs to go and wake Isabelle, fresh pullup in hand. Isabelle felt her mom's hand rest against her shoulder. It was only then that Isabelle realized that she was not sure where she was. She knew her mom was with her, so she didn't much care. But as she came to reflect upon it, Isabelle had no idea where she was, or what she had been doing at all. It only occurred to Isabelle as she picked her head up that she had fallen asleep. 'When did that happen?' Isabelle remembered her mom mentioning a nap, but Isabelle had thought it a joke at the time. Evidently, Isabelle had taken a nap. Isabelle lifted her body up, sitting upright next to her mom. Isabelle didn't recall climbing on the living room couch, or even falling asleep there. Isabelle was shocked at how tired she had been at lunch. Her legs felt exhausted. 'But I barely did anything,' Isabelle reminded herself. Even though she felt like that, Isabelle recalled feeling strained as she walked around Parget. The store just felt so massive - it was as though it had doubled in size. It was exhausting walking around the whole time. "Hey sweetie. Time to wake up," Jane said in a beautifully soothing voice. Isabelle couldn't help but smile at her mom. "I let you nap a little later since we got home a little later." Jane leaned in and kissed Isabelle on the forehead. Isabelle smiled wider. As Isabelle shifted up, she felt an all-too familiar feeling. Her stomach was informing her that she needed to poop. And based on the signals it was sending, it was a rather urgent need. Isabelle rubbed her eyes, trying to open them up further, as she seemed to finally find her legs underneath her. Isabelle couldn't explain what happened next. She would later blame it on the fact that she had just woken up, and was disoriented. Or, Isabelle would tell you that she was overtaken by a sense of urgency, and did not have any control over her choice of words. Isabelle would invent a host of reasons for saying what she said next, all of them fabrications. The truth was, it was a statement of pure instinct, and one that felt absolutely right as she made it. "Mommy," Isabelle said, allowing a small yawn to escape. "I hafta go poo." Isabelle couldn't believe it as the words escaped her. She instantly regretted saying it. In fact, she had no idea why she shared that information at all instead of simply going to the toilet, and doing her business. Her mom's reaction was even more surprising - Jane simply smiled, and took Isabelle's hand and quickly guided her to the main floor bathroom again. Isabelle was less taken back this time around as her mother repeated the steps she took this morning, hiking up her skirtalls, lowering her tights, and then lowering her pullup. The only difference this time, of course, was her pullup was pretty wet. It occurred to Jane as she lowered it that it was warm as well, indicating that Isabelle had only recently wet it again. 'That was expected,' Jane thought, as she lifted Isabelle on to the toilet seat and held her in place again. It would have been better to let Isabelle use the potty chair in her bathroom, but Jane wasn't risking another accident after what Mel and Jess told her. Isabelle once again found that she had been incorrect. Contrary to her belief moments earlier, Isabelle's wet pullup was not the only difference this time in the bathroom. As soon as Isabelle was placed on the toilet seat, her mom crouched in place and starring at her, Isabelle immediately let her bowels loose, three successive logs of poop falling into the toilet. Isabelle had, at least on this occurrence, lost any semblance of awkwardness as her mom held her in place and she pooped. Indeed, Isabelle thought nothing strange about it all. Rather than shame, Isabelle felt proud showing her mom how responsible she could be. "AMAZING job sweetie! You're doing so great at your potty training. What a BIG girl. I am going to have to tell Jess how good you did, don't you think?" Jane proposed, as she helped Isabelle stand up, bending her daughter over as Jane started to wipe her daughter's butt up. "Don't think I have forgotten about all your stickers you earned. This is number three! I think you might be earning a reward soon," Jane announced, as she finished wiping up her daughter's tiny booty. Isabelle was not sure what stickers had to do with anything, but liked the sound of a reward. She was not about to question it, so simply smiled to reflect the joy that she was feeling. Isabelle reached down to pull up her pullup, only for her mom to stop her. "That pullup is too soggy sweetie. I brought a fresh one down from your room. Let's get you out of that. Jane helped ease Isabelle out of her used pullup, and into her fresh one, taking time to wipe Isabelle's crotch with some wipes Jane left in every bathroom first. Jane then closed the toilet lid, allowing Isabelle to sit down as Jane eased Isabelle's tights back up her legs, and over her clean pullup, before pulling the skirtalls down once more. "All done." Jane said, as they left the bathroom and headed to the living room again. Jane guided Isabelle back toward the coffee table, directing Isabelle to sit on the floor. Jane went over to a chest against the far wall, pulling out a book and setting it, and a box of colored pencils in front of Isabelle, before seating herself on the couch. "Now how about a little activity book before we head out for dinner? You can color, or do mazes, or play the ISpy in there," Jane offered, as Isabelle flipped open the book. Isabelle had wanted to find her investigative journal, and write down all of her clues before she forgot them. Isabelle realized she hadn't been in her room all day, and she wanted to go upstairs. She missed the comfort of her room, her desk, her bed, even her dollhouse. But Isabelle recognized that she was already sitting down with the activity book, and she did find a pretty cool ISpy page that looked like it might be a good challenge. Isabelle examined the page to try and sort out how the game worked. The bottom left corner had pictures of things in a box that Isabelle was supposed to find across the two page image. 'This kind of does look fun,' Isabelle thought, as she pulled out a purple colored pencil and started searching for the first item, which seemed to be a piggybank with dollar signs as eyes. As Isabelle's eyes scanned the pages, she recognized that the activity book had been deceptive. It was a clever deception, in fact, one Isabelle appreciated. 'It seems that concealed within this children's activity book is an ISpy of expert, or even master, difficulty,' Isabelle smirked to herself. "How cunning.' Isabelle appreciated a good bait and switch, as she strained her eyes but continued to struggle to find the piggybank. 'Fortunately, I am an expert spy, and I'll get it in no time.' Jane smiled as she watched Isabelle happily search through her activity book. Jane decided now was a good time to share their plans with Isabelle, that she was focused on something else. "We're going to go eat with Sam again, isn't that exciting?" Jane said, doing her best to emphasize it as a positive thing. Jane's spirit was lifted as Isabelle nodded vigorously. Before Jane turned to reading her own book, Jane added the additional piece of information that she had been a little worried about. "And guess what!" Jane said, with an even higher level of enthusiasm. "This time he is bringing his daughter with him. I bet you're going to love her. I've met her a few times already, and she is the sweetest." Jane waited for Isabelle to react to that, but Isabelle didn't. Her daughter was simply too lost in her activity book, looking for a piggybank that was overtly starring back at her, smack in the middle of the first page. Jane could only laugh to herself. Glad to be back! I don't think anyone missed Isabelle more than I! Hahaha. Thank you for your kind words, support, and comments, they are always appreciated!