FingerToes

Fixed, thanks for point that out!

Finally got around to finishing the next chapter. Enjoy my friends! Again, I appreciate you all. Chapter 32 - The Closet The key turned with a whisper, and Darlene stepped through the threshold of the garage and into the kitchen, her arms laden with nondescript shopping bags. The scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted her. She found Laurisa in the kitchen when she entered through the garage door, her gaze intense and focused on the rhythmic dance of her fingers across the keyboard, documenting every nuance of Avery's session while trying to listen to the taped session of Avery through headphones. Darlene laid the shopping bags on the kitchen counter. “Is Avery still asleep on the sofa"?”. Laurisa looked up for a brief second. She removed her headphones as she understood what Darlene asked and nodded yes, as she wanted to finish her train of thought before talking to Darlene. Laurisa put a finger to her mouth and then pointed to the living room. Darlene carefully peeked out into the living room from the kitchen. Resting on the sofa, Avery was the picture of vulnerability. His chest rose and fell in the easy rhythm of deep slumber, his thumb still lodged innocently between parted lips. Beneath him, towels drank the evidence of a saturated diaper, betraying the stress from the regression that their hypnosis sessions often induced in situations like this. Darlene's heart clenched at the sight, her mind teeming with questions about the past Avery had locked away and why the extreme meltdown from the last night, but her immediate concern pushed the curiosity aside for the moment. "Darlene, you're back," Laurisa noted without diverting her eyes from the screen when she finished her train of thought. It looks like you had a lot of success," she motioned her eyes toward the shopping bags. "Plenty, and do I have lots to tell you about," Darlene replied, though her attention was fixed on to do with Avery. She went back out in the garage and grabbed the remaining bags, setting them down with a soft thud next to the other bags on the kitchen counter. Laurisa finally got up and looked into the bags; her interest was piqued when she first viewed a package of diapers with whimsical design adorning the diapers—a playful cavalcade of puppies frolicking amidst blocks and trains. It was as if each illustrated puppy wagged its tail in silent camaraderie. A tender acknowledgment of the innocence they sought to reclaim for whoever would wear them. "Those are... interesting," Laurisa commented, her voice laced with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "I know what you’re thinking. But hear me out, they didn’t have any regular adult diapers, so I had to improvise, and besides, they are functional and a bit more comfortable for him, I hope," Darlene responded without looking up, her fingers deftly grabbing the packaged of diapers the "I promise I will explain but in short the factory that made the regular adult diapers had supposedly burnt down. The whole town and hospital are struggling to get supplies.." Laurisa looked inquisitively at Darlene. She could tell she was telling the truth, but there was still a lot more missing on this story, she thought to herself. "Did he share anything?" Darlene asked softly, her question hanging in the air, heavy with the weight of unsaid fears. Laurisa continued to pry and pulled several diaper packages out of the bags as she listened to Darlene. All the same style. Then she looked in and pulled out the onesies. Some were solid colors with collars, but then some were more infantile. “And you're going to tell me they were out of basic clothes for him to wear at work?” Darlene blushed. “No, it is a long story, but I honestly did not purchase those. They were given to me as a gift for helping the owner out with a problem.” Laurisa then pulled out a copy of oversized baby bottles and pacifiers, both with infantile designs. “And these?” Again, Darlene blushed…” Again, a gift. She insisted I take them” Silence filled the kitchen for a moment as it was a little ackward before Laurisa spoke again, her voice tinged with compassion. "I know you have his best interests at heart, Darlene. Let's focus on helping him work through his trauma, one step at a time, and not on this stuff right now." Laurisa was unsure how to process what she was seeing. She couldn’t tell if Darlene had intentions of using such items or just putting them aside. She really wanted to know what had happened when she had gone shopping but now wasn’t the right time. "I really need to take care of Avery first," Darlene suggested as Laurisa’s eyes returned to the notes before her. We can talk after. It sounds like we both have a lot to tell each other." Darlene nodded in agreement. She couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay nestled in the depths of Avery's subconscious, what pain had driven him to drive to him to show such anger and fear to trust anyone from last night. Darlene knelt down to Avery, who was breathing softly and slowly. She stroked his back. “Can you wake up?” She softly said to him. Avery's eyelids fluttered open at the soft touch on his back, Darlene's face swimming into focus above him. "Hey there," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm against the pounding in his head. The room felt like it was spinning slightly, and he blinked rapidly, trying to anchor himself to the present. "Darlene?" His own voice sounded foreign, hoarse, and distant. He tried to sit up but slumped back, drained of energy, his mind a murky pool of disjointed emotions. “I don’t know how I did.” "Easy, Avery." Darlene's hands were steady as she assisted him in sitting up on the sofa in his soaked diaper, the towel moist and wet beneath him. "I think you did well, but I heard you've been through quite a session. No wonder you're exhausted." He couldn't remember, couldn't piece together the fragments that floated just beyond his grasp—images and feelings without names. But the exhaustion was bone-deep, and the sadness... it clung to him like a second skin. "Let's get you upstairs," she said softly, guiding him gently to his feet. As he was guided up and standing, Avery felt his diaper heavy and sagging and didn’t realize about towels that were placed underneath him. Darlene then started to guide him towards the upstairs, where each step felt monumental, his legs heavy and unreliable. On the way up the creaking staircase, Darlene's voice cut through the fog in his brain. "I think a bath will do you good." Avery managed a weak nod. He knew he should protest and assert some semblance of independence, but the idea of submerging himself in warm water and letting it cleanse away the residue of whatever had surfaced during the hypnosis was too appealing. "Darlene, I can—" His feeble attempt at self-sufficiency was silenced by her reassuring look, one that told him it was okay not to be strong right now. In the confines of the bathroom, Darlene began to fill the tub, adding liquid soap as bubbles started to form with the rising warm water in the large oval bathtub. Avery watched as he sat on the toilet nearby, too tired to stand on his own. Was he supposed to be this tired from a hypnosis session, and why was he? Avery pondered this in his hazy mind as he watched as the bubbles multiplied and swelled, forming an inviting haven away from all the harsh realities that he wasn't ready to confront. "Let’s get you out of these wet clothes," Darlene softly suggested to Avery. "And out of that soaked diaper." Avery began to protest, "Darlene, I can—" but his words trailed off under her comforting gaze. Her eyes held a message of understanding and empathy that silenced his feeble attempt again at autonomy. The air seemed to thicken as Darlene approached him, her hands gently reaching for the hem of his damp t-shirt. A wave of embarrassment washed over Avery; he was a grown man who shouldn’t be needing assistance with such an intimate task. His cheeks flushed crimson, and he cast his gaze downwards, unable to meet Darlene's eyes. His shirt was lifted over his head in one smooth motion and discarded onto the tiled floor. The cold air hit him like a slap on his bare chest, causing goosebumps to ripple across his skin. Next came the diaper; it clung heavily against him - a physical reminder of both his current vulnerability and loss of control. As if sensing his discomfort, Darlene stood him up and moved swiftly yet delicately. She peeled away the wet diaper with care not to cause any more distress than necessary while maintaining an air of professional detachment. The embarrassment gnawed at him even more now; this was not how things were supposed to be. But there was also exhaustion pulling at him - a bone-deep fatigue born from hours under hypnosis therapy that left little room for pride or dignity. He felt drained physically and emotionally, too weary to put up a fight, too tired to hold onto his embarrassment. Darlene's soothing gaze met his once more, her eyes softening at the sight of his raw vulnerability. Her look was a silent promise - it was okay for him to let go, to not be strong in this moment. And with that unspoken reassurance, Avery surrendered himself to her caring hands. "Step in," she urged as he was naked. He hesitated, vulnerability coursing through him. The shame of needing help was there, yes, but so was a strange, overwhelming sense of being cherished—of mattering enough to warrant such tenderness. It was a feeling that he both desired and was afraid of. "Thank you," he murmured, almost too low to hear over the sound of the water. Stepping into the tub, Avery allowed himself to sink into the heat, the bubbles enveloping him like a comforting embrace. He slowly closed his eyes, letting Darlene's kindness wash over him, along with the water, and for a moment, the world didn't seem like such a harsh place after all, but he knew this wasn’t reality. Avery's limbs felt disconnected, moving through the warmth of the bath as though he were navigating a dream. The water's embrace was a solace he hadn't known he'd craved until now. "I can do this myself," he insisted weakly. His eyes opened for a brief second, his voice almost lost to the steam that filled the room, and he watched Darlene reach for supplies. "Shh," Darlene murmured, a soft command laced with concern. "Remember our agreement. I am in control, Avery. You're too worn out for that." She dipped a washcloth into the soapy water and, with gentle, firm strokes, began to cleanse him. He opened his mouth to protest again but found only a defeated sigh escaping his lips. A pout formed, betraying his inner turmoil, but Darlene's attentive eyes met his, offering silent reassurance. He relented, allowing her to guide his arms above his head, her hands careful as they washed away layers of vulnerability he had not realized clung to his skin. The sponge glided over his body, tracing patterns on his skin that seemed to reach deeper than the surface, soothing the raw edges of his spirit. When she reached his private areas, her touch was clinical yet kind, never lingering, always respectful. It was an intimacy borne of necessity, devoid of anything but the purest intent to care for him. "Lean back," she instructed softly, retrieving the shampoo. Avery complied, tilting his head into her hands as she massaged his scalp, working the lather through his hair. Each movement expelled tension he'd held captive; each rinse a step further from the shadows that danced at the edge of his consciousness. Avery remained leaning back into the tub, taking in the warmth and comfort, his eyes half-closed in reluctant gratitude; Darlene turned her attention to the preparations on the floor. She retrieved the necessary items: shaving cream, razor, and other toiletries—a quiet symphony of sounds marking each step. From the corner of his eye, he saw her lay out a towel, expansive and plush, its full purpose yet unclear to his foggy mind. For a moment, Avery simply watched, the water slightly cooling but still very warm around him, as Darlene organized everything. With every item she placed on the towel, Avery felt an odd mingling of embarrassment and security. He was in the hands of someone who had seen him at his worst and yet remained determined to stay and be with which he did not understand why anyone would want to. Avery's gaze flitted when Darlene helped him out of the bathtub. Toweling him off and drying him with a separate plushy soft towel. Darlene reached for the bag she had brought with the other supplies. When she pulled out the thick diaper adorned with playful puppies, his heart sank. "I don't want to wear one like that," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as a knot in his stomach formed at the thought of wearing something like that. "Sweetheart," Darlene began, her tone gentle yet firm. These will be more comfortable, and they won't leak as easily." Avery stood there, a shiver running through him that had nothing to do with the chill of the air—it was the uncertainty, the vulnerability of not knowing what came next. “But those look like something a baby would wear,” his voice was stronger but still a murmur. To his horror, confusion clouded his eyes when they landed on the shaving cream and razor lying innocently on the towel spread across the floor. "What are those for?" His question hovered between them, laced with trepidation. Darlene cupped his cheek, offering a smile that was meant to reassure him. "We need to take care of your skin, Avery. Removing the hair will help heal the rash. You'll feel so much better afterward," she said, her voice infused with an affectionate patience that reminded him of a nurturing mother addressing her child. He panicked for a moment, his hands instinctively moving to cover himself as he felt very naked and exposed. "Please, I can—I should do it myself," Avery pleaded, the words tumbling out in a rush. But Darlene shook her head, her smile unwavering. "No, my dear. It's too easy to nick yourself, and we can't risk any cuts or infections, especially not there. You already have a rash down there." Her eyes met his, filled with a warmth that sought to dissolve his fears. "Trust me, I'll be very careful." Avery felt so helpless to stop her and didn’t have the energy to fight her as he stood naked and feeling small. Avery swallowed hard, his resistance ebbing away under the weight of her calm assurance. He nodded slowly, the battle within him quieting as he conceded to her care. After all, hadn’t she been his sanctuary since he'd arrived, shattered and seeking something akin to solace? At least, that is what part of his mind was telling me. "Okay," he breathed out, the word scarcely audible as he resigned himself to her ministrations. Avery allowed Darlene to guide him to the awaiting towel, his body yielding to her control. She helped him down and then laid him down face up on the towel. Avery closed his eyes to pretend he wasn’t there. Again, Darlene's hands moved with practiced care, gently spreading the shaving cream over Avery's sensitive skin. His breath hitched at the cold touch of the foam, a sharp contrast to the lingering warmth of the bathwater. She worked methodically, her movements precise as she lathered him up, ensuring every area was covered. Avery fought the urge to shrink away from her touch, embarrassment flushing his cheeks to a deep crimson. Tears slide down his face, both from exhaustion, his emotions just feeling out of control, and the humiliation of having his manhood shaved away. "Almost done," Darlene murmured, her voice a soothing balm on his raw nerves. She wielded the razor with an expert hand, skimming it across his skin with such deftness that not a single nick marred the process as she requested him to turn around to address the remaining areas underneath him. Avery felt his humiliation peak when she spread his butt cheeks to get the hair between them.. The vulnerability of his position, exposed and at her mercy, was almost too much to bear. The floor seemed inviting, a place to burrow into obscurity, but he held still, clenching his fists to anchor himself in the moment. Did this really have to happen? He thought to himself. With the final swipe of the blade, Darlene rinsed him clean on both sides with soft baby wipes and the evidence of his former state tossed into a trash can. He was left bare; a canvas wiped smooth and soft, the feeling of adulthood momentarily erased. "Let's make you more comfortable," she said softly as Avery laid on the soft towel, feeling the cool air hit his smooth skin. "Okay, lift up your hips for me," she instructed her voice a soft melody that lulled him into compliance. Avery did as he was told, feeling a flush of embarrassment as his body lifted off the ground, fully exposing himself to Darlene's view. Darlene carefully positioned the thick diaper, its cutesy pattern a stark contrast to Avery's adult body. Her fingers moved with expertise and tenderness as she applied the soothing creams to his raw skin, then sprinkled baby powder on him, filling the air and wrapping them in a cocoon of calmness. To Avery, it was a scent that evoked dreams of simpler times that could have been before the passing of his parents, and the weight of adulthood and its complexities had set in. Darlene was unphased by Avery’s nudity and didn’t realize how much of a maternal mode she was in. Tears welled up in Avery's eyes, unable to contain the overwhelming mix of emotions inside and embarrassment. The sound of the crinkling diaper echoed throughout the room as Darlene pulled it snugly between his legs, fastening the tapes with careful precision. It felt thicker and more secure than before, like a barrier against any further discomfort, yet also a constant reminder of his current state of regression. The diaper with the playful puppies playing with the blocks, legos, and trains was tightly wrapped around his body, and his legs bowed out a little as it was thicker than the other diapers. "Am I going to be okay?" Avery's voice was small and childlike, laden with a vulnerability that pierced Darlene's composure. In that instant, with those words of his, something maternal ignited within her, a protective fierceness mingling with tender compassion. Leaning down, she pressed a kiss to his forehead, her actions instinctual. "Yes, you will be okay," she promised the words more an oath to herself than reassurance. Avery was shocked at the tender kiss on the forehead as goose bumps slid down his back and side. Avery lay there, a complex mix of emotions coursing through him—fear, comfort, shame, and a feeling of budding trust in the woman who had become his unlikely guardian at this moment. Darlene's affectionate gesture left him startled, yet it quelled the tempest inside just enough for him to cling to the hope that maybe, just maybe, he could find solace in this strange new world of care and dependence. With the final tape of the diaper secured, Darlene rose from her crouched position beside Avery and walked to the bag again, where she retrieved a set of footed pajamas. The soft blue fabric was adorned with playful puppies, shooting stars, and crescent moons—a pattern that suggested dreams filled with whimsy and warmth. "Look what I've got for you," she said, holding the pajamas out for him to see. "I thought these might be comforting, considering how much you cherish your stuffed animal." Avery's gaze lingered on the cartoonish design, his lips parting slightly as if to protest, yet no words came. He wanted to refuse and yet again wanted to assert some semblance of adulthood yet again, but the exhaustion draped over him like a heavy cloak, and he found himself yielding to Darlene's nurturing insistence. Her kindness was more powerful in his current state than his desire to fight her. "Come on, let's get you into this it looks so comfy," Darlene encouraged, her voice gentle but firm. Sitting up at her prompting, Avery felt the fabric slide over his arms, the coolness of the room contrasting with the warmth enveloping him as the onesie was fitted onto his body. As Darlene snapped it up, starting from his legs and working her way to his chest, Avery closed his eyes; the sensation of the soft material against his fresh diaper was oddly pleasant. A reluctant sigh escaped him; these were indeed the most comfy pajamas he had ever worn. He couldn’t remember when someone bought him something like this, and it wasn’t used. "Are you still tired?" Darlene inquired, her hands smoothing the fabric over his stomach. Avery could only muster a silent nod, his eyelids heavy with the weight of the day's emotional excavations. "Let's get you to bed then," she said, guiding him up and supporting his unsteady steps to the guest room. Darlene did her best to resist saying he looked so cute in the PJs, but he did to her. The feeling of him leaning on her as she walked him into the bedroom was nice. Avery could feel the extra thickness of the diaper as he walked towards the bedroom. There was a much more pronounced sound of the diaper crinkling as he walked. He didn’t care at this point. A good sleep is what he really needed. The bed was nicely made and welcomed him with its cool sheets and plush pillows. After guiding him into the bed, Darlene carefully tucked him, pulling the blanket up to his chin, it felt as if he were being swaddled in warmth and security, cocooned away from the harsh realities of his past little sanctuary. But as she started to pull away, fear sliced through the comforting haze brought on by fatigue. "Please don't go," spilled out from his lips before he could stop it. His hand shot out instinctively, latching onto her wrist with desperate strength. "I don’t know why, but I'm scared... I don't want to be alone." Darlene paused, her eyes softening as she regarded him. Without a word, she propped several pillows against the headboard and nestled beside him, providing a presence that seemed to banish shadows from the corners of the room. After several minutes, Darlene sat in the bed next to Avery. Within a few minutes, he curled his back into Darlene's side, his fingers tightening around the familiar red fur of his stuffed dog. The rhythmic strokes of her hand along his hair lulled him closer to sleep, his thumb subconsciously once again finding its way to his mouth—a vestige of comfort he couldn't consciously remember seeking. As slumber claimed him, Darlene remained for a while longer, her own body responding to the closeness with an inexplicable longing. She marveled at the maternal instincts that had awakened within her—a yearning to nurture that she hadn't known was so profound. Her breasts ached faintly and began to leak a little into the padded maternity bra, a reminder of the morning's pumping and the natural duty of a mother's body. Eventually, Darlene eased herself from the bed, her gaze lingering on Avery's peaceful figure. His innocent embrace of the stuffed animal and the quiet suckling of his thumb stirred something deep within her soul. Compelled by a force she didn't fully comprehend, Darlene bent down and brushed her lips against his forehead in a tender kiss for the second time. This kiss lingered for a few seconds before she pulled away. "Sweet dreams, Avery," she whispered, more to herself than to him. Quietly, she exited the room, closing the door softly behind her. Darlene made her way back to her bedroom to change out the pads in her maternity bra because she knew she leaked a little. She found it so old that a young man like him could stir such deep internal instincts. Why was her body responding like this? When she finished sliding the pads between her breast and the maternity bra, she descended the stairs. A mixture of curiosity and concern propelled her toward Laurisa and the unraveling mysteries of Avery's past. She needed to understand, to piece together the puzzle that was this extraordinary young man who had unexpectedly become her charge. Darlene was many things, but one thing is for sure. She was a woman of her word. Darlene found Laurisa entrenched in her work, the soft clattering of keys punctuating the silence of the house. The aroma of fresh coffee still present in the air mingled with the lingering scent of baby powder that seemed to cling to Darlene's own skin. She approached the kitchen table, where Laurisa sat, her gaze fixed on her laptop screen. "Still fueling up on caffeine, I see," Darlene quipped lightly, attempting to ease the tension that had settled over them since Avery's arrival. Laurisa looked up, a wry smile touching her lips as she cradled her mug. "Some of us don't have your endless reserves of energy," she responded, her tone teasing but eyes betraying the weary hours spent analyzing Avery's subconscious revelations. Darlene pulled out a chair and sat opposite Laurisa, shifting to focus on the matter at hand. "So, tell me about the session. How did Avery do?" Laurisa sighed and stopped typing on her laptop. "It's complicated," she began, her voice taking on a somber note. He's got layers of painful memories buried so deep that he's built walls around them. It's like his mind is protecting him from reliving the trauma." I started out with his most recent memory in foster care, which was at 17, and the best I can tell, he arrived around age 14. I wanted to go back more, but he resisted me, and it became very painful, so I then decided to go back to his earliest memories as a child. He could describe his nursery, his parents and amazing detail at age one. I have heard of people retaining memories like this who are often gifted in intelligence, but I have never seen it for myself. I fully believe he really remembers.” Darlene leaned forward, her concern manifesting as a furrow between her brows. "But you were able to get something? Anything that could help us understand?" Nodding, “I got something,” Laurisa reached for her laptop and turned it around so they could both view it. She pressed play on an attached video, and the screen flickered to life, revealing Avery seated on the sofa, his face a portrait of vulnerability. "Let's start when he was about 16 years old, watch," Laurisa instructed, pressing the volume up. Darlene watched intently as Laurisa’s own voice filled the room, gentle and coaxing, guiding Avery through the hypnosis. On-screen, Avery's expressions shifted from being very relaxed into a deep state of hypnosis, and the confusion, fear, and moments of clarity played across his features like shadows dancing in firelight. The video flickered as Avery’s figure slumped further into the embrace of the sofa, his head lolling slightly to one side. Laurisa's voice was a steady thrum in the background, a metronome of calm dictating the rhythm of the room. "Let's go back to when you were 17 years old," she said softly, her tone imbued with the kind of authority that seemed to reach beyond the physical space, delving into the recesses of Avery’s subconscious. "What do you see at 17?" Avery's breathing deepened, a telltale sign of his descent into the cavernous depths of his memory. The air around him seemed to grow denser, weighted with the impending revelation of his hidden past. On the screen, Avery's eyelids fluttered beneath the gentle command of hypnosis, signaling his compliance and vulnerability. Darlene leaned forward, her fingers unconsciously gripping a cloth napkin that was laid neatly on the table as if she could somehow lend her strength through the recorded image before her. "Seventeen..." Avery murmured, his voice a ghostly whisper drifting across the digital divide. It was a voice laden with the echoes of a time long buried, yet vivid enough to claw its way to the surface under Laurisa's guidance. Darlene watched; she had never seen hypnosis at work like this. She was apprehensive, bracing herself for the truths that would soon pour forth from Avery's lips—truths that might begin to unravel the mystery of the young man who now slept upstairs, swaddled in the innocence of thick diapers and footed pajamas, yet haunted by shadows of a life marked by pain and secrecy of his past. Avery's eyelids twitched under the spell of hypnosis, his breath hitching as he ventured into the confines of memory. "My bed," he started, voice barely above a murmur. "I'm sleeping in it." "Can you describe the bed for me?" Laurisa's voice was gentle, coaxing the image from Avery's mind to be shared aloud. There was a pause; the air seemed thick with recollection. "It's... crammed in a closet," Avery said. He shifted slightly on the sofa, discomfort evident even in his trance-induced state. "Clothes hang above like silent sentinels, their sleeves sometimes brushing my face in the dark." "Go on," prompted Laurisa. "Shelves are stacked with little kids' toys, action figures frozen mid-battle... and board games with boxes fraying at the edges." His nose wrinkled as if the musty smell of the cramped space lingered in his nostrils. "The twin mattress is small, squeezed between walls. It has white sheets, but they’re stained... not sure with what. And there’s this pillow," he swallowed hard, "lumpy and barely giving comfort. I wanted another pillow, but.." Avery stopped. "Is there anything else?" Laurisa leaned forward slightly, her pen poised over her notes. "Big Red," Avery whispered with a hint of warmth bleeding through the cold veneer of his past. "He's there with me—my stuffed dog, always by my side." “How long have you had that dog?” Darlene asked as she took a few notes in her chair, sitting upright. “A long time.” I slight smile was on Avery thinking of his red stuffed dog. "Thank you, Avery," said Laurisa with a soft nod, acknowledging the intimacy and vulnerability of the moment. "You're doing very well." In the kitchen, Darlene watched the screen, her heart twining with empathy for the solitary figure of a seventeen-year-old Avery, finding solace in a plush companion amidst an environment far removed from the childlike innocence suggested by the surrounding toys and games. She thought back to how he wanted the stuffed animal and only that when they left the apartment, how we were holding it tight. That stuffed animal meant a lot to him and even now seems to be a part of him. "Did you always sleep there?" Laurisa's voice was gentle, probing the edges of Avery's recollection with practiced care. Avery nodded slowly, his eyelids fluttering as if to ward off the visual assault of memories best left in darkness. "Yes, I did." His voice was a threadbare whisper, taut with the strain of unspoken truths. The past clung to him, a second skin he could never peel away. Even with his eyes closed, his gaze seemed to penetrate the walls of the room, reaching back through years to that closet space that had been both refuge and prison. "It was my bedroom," he admitted, the words heavy with a resignation that belied his youth. The simplicity of the statement starkly contrasted with the complexity of emotions it conjured. "Except for the clothes and toys that were there," he added, a hint of bitterness seeping into his tone. They weren't his clothes; they belonged to someone else, someone whose life was allowed to spill over into his own small corner of existence. Avery's safe haven had been an afterthought, a place deemed suitable for him and him alone. Laurisa noted the subtle shift in Avery's demeanor, the way his shoulders tensed as though bearing the weight of those garments hanging above him once again. She knew each detail was a piece of the puzzle, a fragment of the history that shaped the man before her—his struggles, his pain, his resilience. The silence that followed Avery's previous admission seemed to hang in the room, a tangible presence that Laurisa felt compelled to break. She cleared her throat gently before asking the next question, her voice soft yet insistent. "What room was the closet connected to?" Avery's eyes, which had been distant, refocused as if he were pulling himself back from the past to the present. His lips parted slightly, and for a moment, no sound came out—only a breath, a hesitant exhalation. "It was Jimmy’s bedroom," he finally said, his voice low but clear. The words seemed to carry with them a weight, a silent acknowledgment of the space he had occupied in relation to another. Avery did not need to elaborate; the simple fact that his 'bedroom' had been an appendage to someone else's spoke volumes of his place in that household—a footnote, an annexed entity. Laurisa made a quick note, her fingers tapping against the keys with practiced ease. Jimmy's bedroom. The name itself was a new piece to the puzzle, a lead to follow, a context that might explain the shadows that danced behind Avery's eyes whenever he ventured too far into the recesses of his memory. The cursor on the screen blinked in rhythm with Laurisa's tapping foot, a silent metronome marking the passage of time and the hesitancy in the room. Avery shifted on the couch, his hands clenching and unclenching as he grappled with the question that hung in the air, palpable and pressing. "Who is Jimmy?" Laurisa prompted again, her eyes not leaving the young man's face. Avery drew in a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the effort of summoning an image from the recesses of the past. "Jimmy..." he started, his voice barely more than a whisper, "...he's the family's little boy." "little boy," Laurisa repeated softly, understanding dawning in her eyes. The term carried connotations of privilege and priority—terms likely unfamiliar to Avery's own experience within the family. Avery nodded, his gaze drifting towards the window where daylight waned, casting long shadows across the room. The silence stretched between them once more, dense and expectant, waiting for Avery to weave more of his story into the fading light. "Did you like it there?" Laurisa asked, her tone gentle yet probing. The question seemed to strike a chord, and Avery's eyes snapped back to focus on Laurisa. There was a flicker of something—a cross between defiance and sorrow—that danced across his features before settling into resignation. "Like it?" he echoed, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. "It was my place." "Did you ever feel at home there?" she ventured further, realizing the weight of what 'home' might mean to someone like Avery. "Home..." His lips turned upward in a semblous smile devoid of mirth. "I guess you could say it was a place I existed in and escaped, but it never belonged to me." Avery's voice trailed off, and he looked down with his eyes held shut down as his intertwined fingers, pondering the ghosts of a past that still haunted his present. "Did you hate it there?" Laurisa's words cut through the silence, pulling Avery from his introspective reverie. Avery stiffened, a visible shiver coursing through him despite the warmth of the room. His head lifted slowly, his eyelids closed and a little less tense as if meeting Laurisa's. The memories seemed to claw at him, demanding acknowledgment after being buried for so long. Hate was a strong word—a burning, consuming force that could eat away at the foundations of one's spirit. Avery weighed it in his mind, the corners of his lips quivering as he grappled with the reality of his emotions. "No," he finally breathed out, the word slipping from him like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze. It wasn't hate that filled him; it was something more corrosive, more insidious. "It was... emptiness." Avery's voice was barely audible, a whisper lost in the vastness of unspoken truths. "An absence," he continued haltingly, "of feeling wanted or even acknowledged. Like being invisible in a room full of people." Avery's eyes clouded over, misted by the sting of forgotten tears. He didn't hate them—he simply wished to be seen by them. Avery's hand reached out, fingers grazing the fabric of the sofa as if drawing strength from its tangible reality. The hypnosis session had just barely started to strip away layers of his defenses, leaving him raw and exposed. Laurisa's question still hovered in the air, a specter waiting to be clothed in the fabric of his truth. "Can you describe how you felt about this place?" her voice was gentle, probing the shadows with care. He drew in a slow breath, each inhalation seeming to dredge up the silt of long-buried emotions. "It was..." Avery searched for the right words, the syllables that could encapsulate years of isolation within the confines of that space. "...claustrophobic," he whispered, the admission tight against his chest. "Every waking moment, I was acutely aware of the walls around me." His gaze drifted to the corner of the room, fixating on the juncture where two walls met. "They were close, oppressive... like they could collapse inward at any moment." Avery paused, his throat constricting with the effort of vocalizing memories that had been silent witnesses to his solitude. "The closet was both my refuge and my prison. It shielded me from their indifference, but it also shackled me with the reminder that I didn't belong anywhere beyond its confines." Avery's fingers fumbled with the invisible latch of a door that existed only in his memory. His eyelids fluttered, shadows cast upon his face by recollections that danced just beyond Laurisa's reach. "The closet," he murmured, voice carrying a weight that seemed almost tangible, "was where I vanished from the world." He could see it now, clearer than the room around him—the lackluster gleam of the plastic lantern as he clicked it on, its meager light carving out an island of solace amid the darkness. "It was... solitude in a shell of silence." The corners of his mouth twitched into a bitter semblance of a smile. "No one wanted me—so no one came looking. That space..." His hand, trembling faintly, gestured vaguely, as if trying to encompass the shape of his former refuge, "...became my night-time world." "Tell me, Avery," Laurisa's voice coaxed softly, not wanting to fracture the fragile thread of his narrative, "how long did that world hold you?" " Years," he replied, the single word falling like a stone into the stillness of the room. His gaze had a distant sheen, eyes reflecting the unseen walls that had been both his sanctuary and cage. "It's where I grew up—in the dark, with only my books and the dim glow of that lantern to keep me company." "Years?" Laurisa echoed, encouraging him to give voice to the number, to quantify the time spent in isolation. "Four years," Avery's voice wavered, the admission slipping from him like leaves from a tree long past autumn. "Four years of whispering to the shadows, pretending they whispered back." Avery's fingers clutched at the edge of the sofa cushion, his knuckles whitening as he struggled to anchor himself to the present. The hum of the air conditioner melded with Laurisa's steady breathing, a stark contrast to the erratic thumping of his own heart. "I arrived when I was a little over 13," he murmured, the words catching slightly in his throat. His voice held a tremor that betrayed the effort it took to dredge up the memories from the murky depths where he had long since buried them. "Did you have a room of your own at first?" Laurisa's voice was gentle, her question floating through the hazy space between them. Avery exhaled, a slow release of breath that seemed to deflate his entire body. The image of the house he'd stepped into all those years ago materialized behind his eyelids—its walls promising shelter but offering none. "No," he replied, the word hollow. "I never really had a space that was mine." The shadows in the closet crept closer as Avery recalled the heavy click of the door latch, sealing him in darkness. His eyes searched for a sliver of light. The space was meager, the air stale, and the walls seemed to whisper of his newfound status: unwanted but protected. "Keep quiet," they had instructed, their words laced with the pretense of temporariness. "Don't wake the baby." But the closet became his world—its confines unchanging as seasons passed outside its door. A tiny kingdom where silence reigned but welcomed even as hope dwindled. Avery's heart constricted at the memory of one particularly painful day—a birthday celebration not meant for him. There had been excited chatter beyond the closet, punctuated by the electronic beeps and chimes of a new computer—the kind that Avery had only seen in school libraries, forbidden fruits housed in beige plastic. He'd wanted just a glimpse, a moment to share in the joy. But the jealousy of a child robbed him of even that simple pleasure. "He threatened me," the lie had been so convincing, so immediate. Avery could still hear the betrayal and feel the sting of injustice as if it were fresh. Without warning, his sanctuary was stripped of its final comfort. His lantern, the small beacon that cast away the total abandonment of night, was taken. The darkness swallowed everything, leaving Avery alone with the whispers of clothes hanging overhead and the muffled sounds of revelry beyond the walls that caged him. "Happy Birthday," the voices sang, oblivious to the boy who wasn't there, to the boy locked away in the dark. Laurisa paused the video. She looked at her sister, who looked shocked and in disbelief. “It is hard to watch, I know. But this is only the beginning. There is more I have to show, but there is a lot we still need to know. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this. He is a textbook case of where the foster system has gone horribly wrong. He was lucky that he didn’t fall into drugs or commit suicide. Many would have. For that, he is strong but broken.” Her heart tightened as she witnessed the struggle etched into every line of Avery's body. the young man was wrestling with invisible demons that held him captive within his own mind. Darlene had no idea that this might just be the beginning of a long journey—one they were all bound to by threads of care, curiosity, and an unspoken commitment to healing. "Thank you for doing this, Laurisa," Darlene murmured, her eyes never leaving the image of Avery as the video was paused, lost in the depths of his past. "We're going to help him. We have to." As they sat there, Darlene’s attention returned to the glow of the screen; Darlene felt the weight of responsibility settle upon her shoulders—a promise made not only to Avery but to herself. This was her charge, her purpose, and she would not falter. “Do you want to continue?” Laurisa said in a clinical but caring voice as if she were with a patient at work.

Here is a question I have. I need help in the next chapter. Do I go through the details of Avery's hypnosis so everyone can learn the details of his past? Or do I try to summarize it when Darlene comes home and talks to Laurasia. I am leaning towards going through the hypnosis.

I hope I did the chapter justice. I had to do a little research to kinda of guess how Darlene might actually do this. This in not my field of expertise. I am going back to look for where I typed Margaret different. I know. I was originally planning on having a section in there with Avery's hypnosis session but at the same time I wanted to give everyone something to read. Don't worry there will be a lot of Avery coming your way in the next chapter!

Sorry, the previous week I took vacation with the family and this week I had no power till recently from the hurricane in Houston. I manage to get my parents some where with power early on but stay at our house which had power from our solar roof and batteries but no internet. Plus, I had to entertain my teenagers since they are unable to with out internet, lol. To be honest, I was on edge with out. Oh how we depend on it like it is a life blood to us. Anyways, here is the next chapter. I cut it short because I wanted to give everyone something to read so they know I didn't forget about my friends and readers. Chapter 31 - Acquired Skills Darlene pulled a USB driver out of her purse. “I keep this in case of emergency; it is a portable OS system that I developed so we can boot your computer system up without booting up the infected operating system.” Margaret watched Darlene insert the USB driver and boot up the computer first in the BIOS, making a few changes before rebooting again. What Darlene was doing was beyond her understanding, and it was closer to some strange magic she was working than anything that she could relate to. “This operating system is a modified Linux operating system. It allows me to use virtual environments to explore your operating system and see if it is infected. It also allows me to mask your IP address and re-route it to another server I have that will ensure the individuals that target you have no idea I am working on the malware/virus they install on their system. Margaret kept watching Darlene type away. The screen did not look familiar to her. It was a bunch of text on a black screen with white text, symbols, and numbers. “There, we are set up. Now, let's find out what these bastards have done to your operating system and network.” While Darlene was typing away, she started a side conversation. She was relaxed in this environment. This was her comfort zone, and she found it easier to open up and talk about things when doing things like this. “So how does one get into a business like this with adult infantile and toddler items? What you have here is very extensive and high quality.” There didn’t seem to be much hesitancy to talk about this subject by Margaret; she seemed very comfortable in her voice when she replied. “I was waiting for a question like that and happy to answer it.” As Margaret smiled. “My daughter. You see, my daughter enjoys being dressed in baby clothes diapers, and sleeping in a crib. Ect. She is the sweetest girl you will ever meet. It took me a while to understand her needs and how this made her more functional and happier with the world she lives in.” Marlene continued to watch Darlene type away. “Ok, I found the infection. It is in several locations.” Darlene quickly mentioned and looked over at Margaret. “I am sorry for the disruption; please continue.” Margaret continued her thoughts as she watched Darlene work on her computer system. "I remember how it all unfolded; it was a horrible time in her life," her eyes were distant as she began to recall the past. "It was during her teenage years, you know. A time that's usually filled with rebellion and angst, but for her, it was... different. It was a time of isolation, wanting to be hidden from the world. I didn’t really understand why she didn’t have any friends at that time." “I struggled with her during her adolescent years in high school, which were saturated with profound sadness, punctuated by several chilling episodes as she tried to extinguish her own existence. You could only imagine how a mother would feel watching her child do these things with the feeling of being helpless. My only child was my life; when she hurt, I hurt. I remember nights crying myself to sleep for her. I would wonder where I went wrong or what I didn’t see that I wasn’t doing for my daughter. I felt like a horrible mother.” Margaret face showed a tear that was swelling in her eyes as she continued, “The other students showed little empathy, often using her intelligence as a weapon against her. They would mockingly dub her 'smarty pants' or 'It is the walking little textbook Tilly,’ their laughter echoing through the halls, twisting the joy of learning into something cruel and isolating. She went from loving school to hating it and making every excuse to not go to school and skipping school without me knowing.” “Dam, teenagers can be mean as hell. I don’t miss those years,” Darlene commented. “Being smart seems to be a curse in those years if you don’t have the right friends.” Darlene looked over at Margaret for a second with a sympathetic look, seeing a few tears slide down Margaret’s face. “So, your daughter's name is Tilly?” Margaret took a deep breath. “Yes, it is. Tilly is short for Matilda." Darlene continued to work on installing her software on the computer. The operating system wasn’t like Windows at all. It was a black screen, almost like looking at a DOS screen except she could pull up multiple dos-like screens at once. “Do you have a picture of you daughter?” Margaret swiped through her iPhone, finally stopping at two particular photos that caught her eye. The first image was of her daughter, a snapshot that encapsulated the spirit of her 21-year-old self. Her hair, a lush shade of chestnut brown, was woven into an elaborate ponytail that tumbled over one shoulder. The picture highlighted her petite figure and slender frame, emphasizing the delicate curve of her waist and the gentle slope of her small breasts. She had an air of grace about her, a lightness that seemed to be accentuated by her slim physique. Wore a sundress, but not just any sundress. It was a playful piece with tiny daisies scattered across its pale yellow fabric and delicate lace trimmings on the hem, giving it a youthful charm that belied her age. The second photo was painted quite differently. Here, she sat at their kitchen table draped in an oversized dress that looked like it had been borrowed from the wardrobe of a toddler. Its bubblegum pink fabric adorned with cartoon unicorns and rainbows gave it an undeniably childish aura. A pacifier hung from her mouth as she focused intently on coloring in front of her, crayons strewn all over the table. Peeking out from under the hem of the dress was what appeared to be the frills of a diaper, adding another layer to this infantile tableau. “She looks very beautiful and content in both pictures,” Darelene commented as she paused for a second from her effort to remove the malware. “Tilly is now. You know she works in marketing for a large toy company and she has been an employee of the month. They don’t know about the diapers she wears to work. Tilly keeps it as discrete as possible while at work.. She is where she belongs now.” “That is good. That is what matters. You should be proud of her.” Darlene commented as she returned to the removal of the malware. A proud smile went across Margaret’s face as she looked at the picture lovingly, knowing her daughter was better now. “As you know, it wasn’t always like that. As I mentioned, the high school years were hard.” “It didn’t help that she was very late to puberty, so her voice, naturally pitched higher than most, became another source of torment. They mimicked it in shrill tones, distorting her words in an unkind way that followed her from classroom to classroom. Even during lunch breaks, there was no respite from their relentless taunting. Tilly would quietly nibble on her sandwich and apple; their relentless jeers continued. I remember how she would try to tell me she tried to enjoy the simple pleasure of a peanut butter sandwich; they'd squawk from across the room, "Pass the peeeanut buuuutter," mimicking her request from earlier in home economics class. The cafeteria's laughter was a grim reminder that there was no sanctuary from their constant ridicule.” “Moreover, the simplicity of her attire - plain dresses in muted colors - made her an easy target for those who equated fashion with social standing. Her lack of interest in trends was interpreted as a lack of style or means, further fueling their derision.” “The digital world was far from a refuge but rather an extension of the battleground. Her Instagram account, once a sanctuary filled with snapshots of happier times, transformed into a relentless war zone. Each post she made became an open invitation for their cruel remarks and mocking memes.” “She'd once share a photo of her morning latte art, which she enjoyed drawing into her latte, and they'd swarmed in like vultures, leaving comments like "Is that foam or your self-esteem melting away?" Tilly had created a picture of her cat in the latte, which was quite good, but it was answered with memes comparing her to the feline's aloof expression: "When you realize you're as irrelevant as your owner." Margaret shook her head in memory of this chapter in her daughter’s life. It was etched in her memory as one flooded with relentless torment and hopelessness that seemed to stretch on without any sight of relief. As Darlene focused on her task, she turned to Margaret, paused for a second, and then changed the subject, "So, how did you come across this malware on your system? Did you click on any suspicious links or download anything recently?" Margaret hesitated for a moment before responding, "I'm not entirely sure. I do remember receiving an email from an unknown sender a few days ago, but I didn't think much of it at the time. The email mentioned that there was an error when processing my order. I thought it was an order I placed for my business. I clicked on it and realized it wasn’t anything I ordered, so I immediately closed it. Could that have been how they got in?" Darlene nodded thoughtfully. "It's very likely. Cybercriminals often use phishing emails to trick unsuspecting users into downloading malicious software onto their systems. We'll have to be extra cautious moving forward. “So, how did you find out about her desire to regress and the diapers?” Darlene asked as her focus was back on the computer. Margaret again paused momentarily, gathering my thoughts before continuing. “The day arrived when her spirit had sunk to its nadir, and she confessed a desperate yearning to reclaim the life she once knew, unable to bear the weight of her difference anymore. Her words cut through me like a blade, my tears flowing as I desperately tried to convince her that her perceived oddity was merely an illusion of her own creation.” “Her retort was fierce, laced with a bitterness that suggested she believed I could never truly love the person hidden beneath her facade. My heart pounded in my chest as I assured her that my affection was unwavering, regardless of any revelations she may have.” “Yet dark thoughts kept gnawing at me. Had she committed some unspeakable act? Was there a chance she was concealing her sexuality? Would it be substance abuse? The uncertainty was agonizing; I couldn't comprehend what this monumental secret could be.” “Her voice wavered as she spoke about the taunts from school - being dubbed a crybaby. She echoed their sentiments, believing herself undeserving of life. It felt like my heart would shatter at the raw despair in her voice.” “Then came the admission that left me reeling. As if propelled by an unseen force, she screamed out a confession that took me completely off guard. She harbored this...this yearning to regress back into infancy. It involved donning diapers and embodying the persona of an infant or toddler. Even more shocking were the details about drinking from baby bottles and using pacifiers. She told me she had been doing this behind my back since ever she was seven, got an allowance, and could walk to the grocery store to get supplies. It was easy for her since I was a single mom and worked so much.” “The revelation hit me like an icy wave on a bleak winter's day - sudden, numbingly cold, and disorientating. The realization that all this had been happening right under my nose for years left me feeling betrayed and utterly bewildered. “ “Frustration churned inside of me as I realized I had missed all the warning signs. The scattered diapers in our outside trash bin that I had brushed off as a careless neighbor's mistake now seemed like deliberate acts. But bringing it up with the neighbor meant adding another task to my already overflowing to-do list. I couldn't shake the guilt for not addressing it earlier.” "But you know what? "Margaret asked rhetorically, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. “I attempted to calm myself down, but it was useless. My daughter's unconventional desire to regress back to being a baby had shocked me to my core. How could I possibly support something that went against the idea of her being a fully functional adult? But then, as I took a few deep breaths, another thought entered my mind - what I really wanted most was for my daughter to be happy and safe. If this was her happiness without causing harm to others, how could I really stand against it? The internal battle raged on as I questioned my own beliefs and struggled to understand my daughter's needs. Was it possible for me to accept something so different from what I clearly thought was abnormal and taboo?” Margaret's voice trembled as she took a sip of her coffee, trying to calm the emotions bubbling inside her. "And so," she began again, "I made the choice to support my daughter in her unique journey, no matter how unconventional it seemed." "We started small," Margaret continued, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Sewing has always been my passion, my creative outlet. But now, it had a greater purpose." "Can you even fathom it?" Her laugh was tinged with bitterness. "Me, a middle-aged woman sewing onesies for my teenage daughter. The initial creation was truly a work of affection, meticulously crafted for a teenager with a childlike heart. The fabric was as soft as newborn skin, dyed in the gentlest shade of blush pink. It was adorned with the beloved figures of Disney princesses, each one intricately depicted with an artist's precision. Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, and Belle danced across the material in a playful waltz of nostalgia. Each stitch that held this whimsical garment together had been sewn by hand - a testament to countless hours of careful labor. Every thread woven into the fabric bore silent witness to the love and dedication poured into this unique piece of clothing.” "The moment when I presented it to her is burned into my mind forever," Margaret's voice cracked with emotion. "Her face lit up with joy and gratitude, and I knew that I would do anything for her." Margaret said softly, reminiscing about the past fondly. "The delight in her eyes... it was unforgettable." "And then she hugged me," Margaret added finally, smiling at the memory. "It felt like the tightest embrace she'd ever given me - a silent acceptance and gratitude that transcended words." “I am now one hundred percent committed to helping my daughter be who she is and could be as long as she wants it for herself.” Darlene continued to work on cleaning up the infected system, her fingers swiftly dancing across the keyboard as she navigated through the virtual environments she had set up. “Wow, you're a really great mother, and I am so glad you found a way to support her. Not many parents would or could.” Margaret had a tear slide down her face as she observed Darlene with a mix of fascination and confusion, trying to follow along. Darlene briefly looked up, seeing the tears of love for her daughter. “So, then you just decided to open up a shop with all these adult items based on your daughter?” Margaret had a slight smile, and it looked a little proud as she began to describe how Mama B’s came into business. “Indeed, I had launched the medical supply outlet a few years prior, but this particular venture was a more recent addition. The inspiration stemmed from my daughter Tilly's candid revelations about her unique needs and desires. Her openness stirred something within me; it sparked an interest that extended beyond our personal bond.” “As Tilly gradually peeled back layers of her life, she introduced me to a world where adults sought comfort in assuming different age roles and wearing diapers. It was an unexpected revelation, one that intrigued and moved me simultaneously. I became curious about this phenomenon and set out on my own quest for knowledge.” “Through countless hours spent poring over articles, forums, and research papers online, I discovered a spectrum of desires related to this lifestyle - some were sexual in nature while others bore striking similarities to Tilly’s non-sexual inclination towards age regression for comfort. There were those who embraced this way of life round the clock and others who indulged only sporadically.” “My curiosity soon transformed into empathy as I engaged in heartfelt conversations with other parents and partners. Their stories mirrored mine – they, too, had loved ones who yearned for these unconventional comforts yet struggled to find appropriate resources. It dawned on me then that there existed a gaping void in the market for such supplies.” “The realization struck like lightning – why not expand my existing business? Why not create a safe space where people could shop without judgment or discomfort? So, with determination fueling my actions, I decided to dedicate part of my store to cater specifically to adult baby items - diapers, clothing, furniture, everything they could possibly need.” “Tilly was instrumental throughout this journey. She became my advisor when it came to selecting products that would resonate with our customers. Her first-hand experience lent authenticity and sensitivity to our advertising campaigns as well - making them not just promotional materials but messages of acceptance and understanding.” Just as Margaret finished Darlene piped in. “wow, what a story. I am glad I found this place.” Then, Darlene began to explain what she was doing to her system. Margaret listened intently, feeling a sense of relief knowing that Darlene was there to help her through this ordeal. Despite the technical jargon and complex processes, she found comfort in Darlene's expertise and determination to resolve the issue. Darlene's fingers danced over the keyboard in a rhythm of practiced precision. Her eyes, sharp and focused, skimmed the lines of code that filled up the computer screen. She was deep in the system now, navigating through layers of software and data like an expert diver exploring an underwater cave. Her tools were her knowledge and a suite of advanced cybersecurity programs she'd spent years mastering. She initiated a deep scan, setting it to probe every nook and cranny of Margaret's computer for malicious software. As it worked its way through thousands of files, Darlene herself began manually combing through system logs, looking for any anomalies or suspicious activities. It didn't take long before she found what she was looking for - a series of unauthorized access attempts flagged in the firewall log. The IP addresses linked back to known botnets; clear signs of an infection. Darlene traced these digital footprints back to their source - a trojan hidden deep within the system files. With surgical precision, she isolated the infected files into a virtual quarantine zone to prevent further spread. Then she launched her removal tool - a specialized program designed to safely delete infected files without damaging surrounding data. The tool did its work efficiently; within moments, the infections were eradicated from Margaret's system. But Darlene wasn't done yet. She re-ran her scans twice more to ensure no trace elements remained lurking in unseen corners. Finally satisfied with her thorough cleansing operation, Darlene turned towards Margaret with an accomplished smile on her face. "Sorry for being so quiet. I wasn’t ignoring you, but I've managed to locate and remove all infections," she said confidently. "Your computer should be clean now, but I'll run a few more checks just for good measure." As Darlene completed her final checks on Margaret's computer, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. She had isolated the program that had been used to demand 300,000 dollars in Bitcoin from Margaret, but she wasn't going to let the cybercriminals get away with their actions so quickly. "Now for the fun part," Darlene cracked her fingers and declared with a sly smile. "I'm going to teach these people a lesson they won't forget." Margaret couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of some cyber vigilante justice being served. She watched as Darlene navigated through the code of the malicious program, her fingers typing furiously on the keyboard. "See, I'm crafting a facsimile of a Bitcoin transaction," Darlene began, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. The lines of intricate code cascaded down the screen like a waterfall of digital hieroglyphics. "The first step is to create a false blockchain record. This serves as the backbone of our pseudo-transaction." "Instead of sending them actual Bitcoins, we're going to send them a piece of self-replicating code disguised as a transaction verification." She paused and turned to Margaret, ensuring she was following along. "I'll then generate a fake wallet address that would mirror an actual Bitcoin recipient's address," she continued. Her fingers were now flying over the keyboard like an expert pianist playing a symphony. "The key lies in crafting an illusion so impeccable that their network is duped into acknowledging a transaction equivalent to 300,000 dollars in Bitcoin." As she elucidated her strategy, a series of complex and seemingly random combinations of letters and numbers, symbolizing the fraudulent Bitcoin wallet address, began manifesting on the luminescent screen. "Once their system tries to verify this 'transaction,’ it'll execute our hidden payload instead - effectively turning their own defenses against them." Margaret watched in awe as Darlene concluded her digital masterpiece with a flourish. She couldn't help but feel humbled by Darlene's extraordinary skill and cunning mastery over cybersecurity intricacies. After several minutes of intense coding, Darlene sat back with a satisfied smirk on her face. "There we go," she said triumphantly. "Their system will be infected, and they won't be able to access any of their files until they pay us 300,000 dollars in bitcoin." Margaret couldn't suppress an excited giggle as she imagined the look on the cybercriminals' faces when they realized what had happened. “Finally, someone gets what they deserve.” "Now all we have to do is wait for them to try accessing their ransomware program," Darlene said with a knowing grin. Sure enough, within minutes, alerts started popping up on Darlene's computer, indicating that someone was trying to access the encrypted ransomware program. With one final click of her mouse, Darlene triggered the pseudo-bitcoin transfer. A sense of satisfaction washed over Margaret as she watched the notifications on Margaret breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Darlene's swift action and expertise. "Thank you so much, Darlene. I don't know what I would have done without your help." Darlene smiled warmly at Margaret. "It's all part of the job. I'm just glad I could assist you in resolving this issue. If you ever need help again or have any questions about cybersecurity, don't hesitate to reach out." Margaret couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Darlene's skills and dedication to her craft. She knew that in this digital age, having someone like Darlene on her side was truly invaluable. “What do I owe you?” Margaret looks at Darlene. Darelene smiled back with a friendly smile. “You only owe me lunch with a new friend, you.” She smiled. “I would love to learn more about you and Tilly.” “I would love to have lunch with you also, but I need to pay you for all this work. It would cost me thousands of dollars to have someone with your skill set to fix this mess for me. You save me from having to close my business and losing 300,000 dollars.” Just at that moment, Darlene's phone buzzed with an incoming message from Laurisa. It was a snapshot of Avery, deep asleep on Darlene’s sofa, oddly enough with his thumb lodged in his mouth despite sucking on it while being dressed in a t-shirt and a soggy diaper. The text read, “He's had quite the day. There's so much to fill you in on...and he could use a fresh diaper change., hurry back when you can. Love, sis.” Margaret happened to glance over and caught sight of the picture. “Your little man is adorable,” she commented. Darlene blushed slightly as she had to admit he did look cute and innocent right there. She found herself at a loss for words, but before she could gather her thoughts to reply, Margaret chimed in again. “I feel like I should help you out here," Margaret said with a gentle smile. "I can give you a few essentials.” Darlene looked up at her, surprised but grateful. “Oh no, you really don’t have to...” But before she could finish her sentence, Margaret shot her an authoritative look. “Listen,” Margaret interjected firmly but kindly, “you're clearly fluent in code. But I have some idea of what might be coming your way, and I won't take no for an answer." Before Darlene could voice any further protests or thank-yous, Margaret was already on her feet heading towards the store shelves to gather supplies beyond the diapers and button-up pajamas that Darlene had intended to buy. ————————————————————————— Ashley greeted the morning with a languid pace, draped in her tantalizing sleepwear. Her pajamas were soft silk, whispering against her skin in hues of midnight blue and stardust silver. The top was a loose camisole, its thin straps dipping low to showcase her collarbone, while the shorts flirted with the line of decency, ending just at the curve of her thigh. She reveled in this luxury for the entirety of the morning, a well-deserved indulgence after an evening spent with a client who was unfailingly courteous and gentle. Eventually, Ashley discarded her alluring evening wear. She shed her previous attire, opting instead for an ensemble that was a tantalizing mix of practicality and allure, perfectly designed for daytime pursuits. The outfit hugged her form just right – a sleek pair of high-waisted trousers in charcoal grey that accentuated the curve of her hips and the length of her legs. Paired with it was a crisp white button-down shirt tucked neatly into the waistband. Its sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing toned forearms, adding an air of casual sophistication. A few buttons were left undone at the top, providing a teasing glimpse of collarbone and cleavage, hinting at the soft curves beneath. The ensemble was completed with black ankle boots with just enough heel to give her an assertive stride but not too much to hinder any daylight activities she might find herself engaged in. When the old church bell in the town square chimed the first hour of the afternoon, A sense of purpose flooded her; she was resolute in her decision to peel back the layers of this enigma named John from DNA Pharmica. The logical starting point for her investigation was the company's website. To her good fortune, a comprehensive employee directory was available for public viewing. She keyed in 'John' into the search bar and waited as it sifted through countless names. Three results came back, all Johns - one affiliated with accounting, another with marketing, and lastly, a John who belonged to the engineering and projects department. Instantly, she knew this was her man – John Taylor. "Of course," she muttered under her breath, "he had to have one of the most common surnames." The ubiquity of his name would make tracing him slightly more challenging than she'd hoped. Ashley harbored an unyielding resolve to ensure that John never threatened or intimidated Darlene and Avery again. Men of his ilk infuriated her – they made her blood boil. While she had developed effective strategies to handle such men when they crossed paths with her directly, dealing with them indirectly presented a new kind of challenge. After some diligent digging around on various social platforms, Ashley found a headshot of John Taylor on LinkedIn associated with DNA Pharmacia. Her next task involved locating his digital footprints on Facebook and Instagram - platforms where people often let their guard down. She spent considerable time scrolling through numerous profiles before finally stumbling upon his Facebook account. A triumphant smile spread across Ashley's face as an idea took shape in her mind: catfishing him using a dummy profile. She selected some photos of random people from the internet that had a sexy appeal and created a convincing fake account under an alias. This new account was then linked to several other decoy accounts she had previously crafted for her clandestine operations. After a few well-crafted posts designed to add credibility to the fake profile, she initiated contact. She sent John Taylor a friend request, accompanied by a casual message: "It was good meeting you." Choosing to take a pause from her day for lunch, Ashley sauntered into the heart of her home - the kitchen. She resided in a sleek, modern condominium perched on the edge of a serene lake. The condo was an architectural marvel, a blend of glass and steel that stood out amidst the natural backdrop. It was nestled within one of the most coveted locations in town, boasting an unobstructed view of the tranquil waters. The interior mirrored its exterior charm with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the scenic panorama. Her living room and kitchen were bathed in natural light that filtered through these gigantic panes, casting playful patterns on her polished marble countertops. Ashley had only called this place home for a few years but had already formed a deep affection for it. The breathtaking view from her living space was like an ever-changing painting - sometimes calm and serene, other times wild and tempestuous; it was more than just visually appealing. It served as her sanctuary from the outside world, where she could cocoon herself away from life's chaos. As she prepared herself a simple yet satisfying meal of sandwich and iced tea, she relished in the tranquility surrounding her. Once ready, she sank into her plush dining chair with an engaging novel by her side. She nibbled at her food leisurely while diving into another world through the book's pages. A couple of chapters later, just as Ashley began to lose herself in the plot twists and turns, a notification ping from her phone snapped her back to reality. John Taylor had graciously accepted her invitation, making it all seem almost too effortless. Her laughter echoed in the room as he expressed his interest in getting to know her on a more intimate level. As soon as he had given his consent, she began to delve into the digital history that was his profile. There were pictures aplenty, painting him as a globe-trotting lothario. One such image captured him aboard a luxury cruise liner, the sun setting spectacularly behind him. A bikini-clad girl clung to his arm, their radiant smiles matching the brilliance of their surroundings. Another snapshot showcased him on an exotic beach with yet another stunning woman. The azure sea provided a striking backdrop to their tanned bodies and playful poses. His shirtless torso gleamed under the tropical sun while she flaunted her curves in a skimpy two-piece. Then came a series of photos taken at what appeared to be his local watering hole. He was seen surrounded by an array of attractive women, each one more glamorous than the last. The bar's neon lights reflected in their eyes as they leaned towards him for selfie after selfie, their faces glowing from the fun and alcohol-fueled merriment. As Ashley scrolled further down, she noticed that these photos were all taken at the same establishment - perhaps his regular haunt or favorite pick-up spot. And then there it was - a picture that stood out amongst the rest. This time it wasn't just another pretty face beside him, but rather an unsuspecting bartender caught mid-action in the background. In this photo, John was grinning unabashedly into his phone's camera while laying down a coaster with exaggerated flair - seemingly trying to portray himself as both a ladies' man and someone who knew how to have fun wherever he went. Ashley squinted at the grainy image on her screen, straining to make out the details of the bartender's attire. Her fingers danced over the mousepad, attempting to magnify the image further. However, his shirt remained a blurred enigma in the digital landscape. Defeated, she shifted her focus to a small disc-shaped object lying innocuously on the counter - a coaster. As she zoomed in, pixel by pixel, letters began to form, and words became discernible. “Prost Sports Bar where we are all friends,” it read. A flicker of recognition sparked in Ashley’s mind. She had heard whispers about this place before. Fingers flying over her keyboard, she searched for more information about Prost Sports Bar. Sure enough, nestled amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of the city was its location. What piqued her interest, though, was its proximity to John's office – a mere 20-minute drive away. A quick scan through past dates revealed his frequent patronage on Thursdays and Fridays. The evidence was stacking up like an unsteady Jenga tower ready to topple. A plan began forming in Ashley's mind as she leaned back in her chair thoughtfully, "Perhaps it’s time I pay Prost Sports Bar a visit," she mused aloud, an impish smile playing on her lips as she imagined herself decked out in something alluring yet sophisticated - just enough bait to reel him in.

Thanks, I edited it. I appreciate the feed back I think you nailed it when you said "you always believed was invincible." I always did believe both my brother who has passed with cancer and now my mom who was always my rock in life. Both, I believed were invincible. Sorry for your loss! I know I am not the only one. I will focus on my family but writing is my outlet so both are important.

Finally getting around to posting the next chapter. I am sorry it has taken me so long. We now know the type of cancer my mom has and it a very rare cancer with only about 100 being reported a year globally. The name of the cancer is "Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma." Try saying that really quickly, lol. The irony to all this is that I have been writing about Avery doing all this work with custom genetic made cancer fighting drugs. That is exactly what they are suggestion for my mom because Chemo seem to have little effect on this cancer. I never expected when I would be writing this I would also be experiencing this at the same time. Anyways, you all have been a blessing to me listening to me and providing support. It is greatly appreciated. Chapter 30 - Helping those who need it the most Darlene's heart raced, and she was nervous as she handed Avery over to her sister, knowing it was necessary for them to spend time together alone. Her sister needed this time alone to try to understand Avery so that she could help him and guide Darlene in helping him. Plus, Darlene needed a break from all this. Stress and confusion came with Avery, which seemed to have been consuming her life recently. This commitment to Avery felt like jumping into unknown waters, but she somehow knew it was the right decision. Reluctantly leaving them behind, Darlene set out on her errands for the day. The first stop was at Target, a familiar haven where she picked up the usual supplies last time for Avery. First, she needed diaper-changing supplies. As she made her way to the baby aisle, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. She had visited this aisle many times before the loss of her child. There was this strong desire to go through the baby’s clothes and pick things out as any new mother would. Darlene made herself turn away from the baby clothes and baby furniture. She walked down the aisle where the supplies she needed were with a sense of familiarity mingled with uncertainty as she carefully selected items for Avery's delicate needs. The Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream promised soothing relief. At the same time, the Johnson's Naturally Derived Cornstarch Baby Powder boasted nourishing aloe and vitamin E. And, of course, no proper diaper change would be complete without a pack of Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes, gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. She filled her cart with these essentials, determined to keep Avery comfortable and get rid of that diaper rash. Each of these seemed to hold its own significance in Avery's care routine, a reminder of how much Avery needed and relied on Darlene and how much care and attention she poured into his well-being. The thought of what Laurisa said to her earlier when she challenged her if she was replacing Avery, an adult young man, as her baby came creeping back. Darlene shook that notion away. She just felt bad for the young man, but she couldn’t deny the strange feeling she had for him at times and the need to mother him. Even as she checked off each item from her mental list, she couldn't shake another thought that was a nagging worry lingering in the back of her mind. Would Laurisa truly be able to handle everything on her own? How long would it take before Darlene received the promised text update? With a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts aside and focused on completing her task. Darlene continued pushing her cart along. Her footsteps slightly echoed on the linoleum floor as she made her way to the pharmacy section, passing rows of brightly colored bottles and boxes. The slight smell of antiseptic and medicine lingered in the air, reminding her of the countless times she had come here for various ailments, as this was her primary pharmacy. But this time, it was for someone else's well-being, and that made her heart swell, knowing she was doing something good for someone who seemed incapable, for whatever reason, of taking care of himself. She scanned the shelves until she found what she was looking for - sensitive shaving cream and a pack of razors. The thought of using these products on him in such an intimate area made her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she knew it was the only way to soothe his stubborn diaper rash. She closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath before picking up the items. She then stopped by the clothing department to pick up some clothes for him since they had left his house with basically what he was wearing the previous night, which was really only a diaper and t-shirt. Darlene's eyes flicked from one rack to another, taking in the various styles and colors of men's clothing. The shelves were neatly organized, with items folded neatly on shelves. Darlene's eyes roamed the shelves, scanning each neatly organized row of folded clothes. Her gaze took in a variety of styles, from classic jeans and khakis to more formal button-down shirts. The colors ranged from pale pastels to deep, rich hues, with some pieces featuring eye-catching patterns or stripes. Shelves lined with stacks of perfectly folded t-shirts and sweaters in various sizes caught her attention, along with a section dedicated to athletic wear, socks, and underwear. Darlene's fingers grazed over the soft fabrics as she carefully selected the perfect size and style for him. The air was filled with the crisp scent of new clothing, inviting her to explore further. She picked up a nice polo shirt for work. The shirt featured a sleek, navy blue color with a small embroidered logo on the chest. Its collar was crisp and upright, giving off a polished and professional look. The fabric appeared to be soft and high-quality, with a slight sheen to it. Darlene's fingers ran over the smooth material, appreciating its craftsmanship. She could picture it worn at work or even to mportant meeting or event. She could tell how much nicer Avery would look in this. As she examined the shirt, her mind drifted back to browsing through Mama B's AB and Medical Supplies website. She could vividly recall the array of onesies that resembled these stylish t-shirts and golf shirts, designed for adults to wear with pants or shorts without anyone suspecting they were actually onesies holding a diaper tight to the wearer. Darlene grabbed her iPhone and logged on to look through Mama B’s website. She found the shirts she remembered. The fabric online looked soft and durable, perfect for everyday wear, and the designs were both fashionable and discreet. She couldn't help but smile at all the possibilities these clever garments offered for Avery. She believed the shirts she found would be better suited for him to wear than what was available here. If not, she could always come back here. Her next destination was Mama B’s AB and Medical Supplies, a store that was only 40 minutes away. She had plenty of time before she needed to leave and head home. As she prepared to go, she also grabbed two pairs of sweatpants and four pairs of Dockers in various colors for his work attire since he had nothing, and the docker he did have was worn out and in bad shape. The check-out process went smoothly, with the cashier not commenting on the odd mix of baby items and adult supplies. Darlene quickly loaded what she purchased in the back of her SUV and drove off. When she turned into a large complex of buildings, the building seemed odd for a place she was going to, not all like a shopping center. After parking outside the store, she saw that the outdoor sign read Mama B’s Medical Supplies and wondered why the "AB" part had been left off. The store itself was located in a large complex with other businesses on either side. They appeared more like offices than traditional stores with drive-up access. Looking to her right, she saw S&J Construction Services, and to her left was Jane's Custom Cabinets and More. Darlene felt nervous as she entered through the door and triggered a beep alerting employees of her presence. She immediately noticed the store was filled with medical supplies, but it wasn't quite what she had expected. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with various packages and boxes of medical supplies. There were crutches, canes, and walkers leaning against a nearby counter, and a row of wheelchairs sat neatly in a corner. The store was brightly lit, with fluorescent lights shining down on rows of bandages, ointments, and other medical equipment. A large sign hung from the ceiling, listing the different categories of supplies available. In the center of the room, there was a display of hospital beds and IV stands. Darlene could also see a row of cabinets behind a glass counter where more expensive items were kept. The overall atmosphere of the store was clean and organized, with a faint scent of antiseptic in the air. A woman in her mid-40s appeared from behind a closed door in the back. “Hi, welcome to Mama B’s Medical Supplies. What can I do for you?” The woman had soft, brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. Her face was kind and welcoming, with a warm smile and gentle eyes. She wore glasses and a clean, pressed apron over her professional attire. As she stepped into the room, her polished shoes clicked on the tiled floor. Behind her, the closed door led to a small office or storage area. The woman stood with confidence and grace with a sweet demure, ready to assist customers with their medical supply needs. Darlene smiled as the lady extended a hand for a handshake, which Darlene reciprocated. “My name is Margaret Camilleri, and welcome. What can I do for you?” the owner pleasantly announced. “Well, I need some medium-size adult diapers. I ordered some online last week, and I am out.” Darlene opened her iPhone and thumbed through her Gmail to find them. “Ah, here they are?” Darlene handed the iPhone to her and showed her the past order from her email. “Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I'm all out of medical diapers in all sizes. The hospital down the street lost its supplier, who went out of business without notice. Rumor has it there was a fire at the factory. I'm back ordered by two weeks because the hospital purchased me all out until they could find a new supplier. Or maybe I will get a contract with them since they have already come to me. Regardless, I won’t have any for a couple of weeks till I rebalance my supply and demand.” Darlene looked a little down. She wasn’t sure where else she could find some diapers that were different from the standard ones in a grocery store, which wouldn’t hold up for Avery. But before she could ask Margaret where else she might find some good solid diapers for Avery, Margaret spoke up. "Can I ask you a few questions?" Margaret's voice was at ease when talking to Darlene. "Who did you buy these for? Your parents? Spouse? Or maybe yourself?" The woman's kind eyes seemed to pierce through Darlene's defenses, and she felt an urge to confide in her. "It's none of those," Darlene finally admitted, her words coming out a little forced and awkward. "I am taking care of a young man who has bladder control problems. When he gets nervous or anxious, he loses all control." She anxiously waited for the woman's judgment, but instead, she received compassion. "You must be a wonderful friend," Margaret said softly, placing a hand on Darlene's shoulder. "He is blessed to have you." Darlene's nerves were getting the best of her, and she accidentally dropped her iPhone. When she bent down to pick it up, her tank top slipped down, exposing her maternity bra. Margaret couldn't help but notice, and when Darlene stood back up, she couldn't ignore the woman's curious gaze. "I do have some alternatives that may work better," Margaret said carefully, sensing Darlene's unease. "If you're open-minded, I have adult diapers that are designed specifically for bladder control issues. But they come with cute patterns and designs." Darlene's heart sank at the thought of having no idea how Avery would respond to wearing diapers like patterns and designs and what kind of resistance he may put up, but she forced herself to remain open to any suggestion because she really needed some go quality diapers for the young man in her care. "Thank you," she said softly. "I am willing to consider anything that will make his life easier." A determined glint appeared in her eye as she vowed to do whatever it took to provide the best care for the person under her care now. Darlene couldn't believe she was having this conversation. Her cheeks flushed as she thought about the website she had stumbled upon and how it had led her to this moment. Her heart raced with a mixture of guilt and, strangely, some excitement. “Well, I am sure your little one will enjoy what you pick out for him,” Margret said, trying to gauge Darlene’s response to the statement. "I, uh, I don't have a baby," Darlene quickly replied, trying to keep her composure. "But I am interested in what you have to offer." Margaret's knowing smile only added to Darlene's inner turmoil. She couldn't deny that the idea of having something cute for Avery to wear intrigued her, but at the same time, the societal taboos weighed heavy on her mind, as did the anger Avery may express. As they made their way to the special section of the store and entered through the dual doorways, Darlene's curiosity battled against her shame and curiosity. The room was filled with oversized baby items, reminding her of a nursery she once had. These weren't just props or costumes - they were real products for adults and very well made by the looks of it. Feeling overwhelmed, Darlene couldn't help but scan the shelves, her eyes lingering on brightly colored diapers with cartoon characters. She reminded herself that she was only here for practical reasons. But Margaret's watchful gaze made Darlene feel exposed and vulnerable. She wondered what the older woman thought of her for being here and for considering such unconventional options. "These are our special diapers," Margaret said, breaking through Darlene's thoughts. "They may seem childish, but I assure you they are just as effective as medical ones. And in some cases, even better." Conflicted emotions swirled inside Darlene as she tried to envision Avery wearing one of those diapers. Could she really do it? Would Avery allow her? Doubt crept into her mind as she struggled to make a decision. Darlene's fingers trail over the soft fabric of the disposable diapers, pausing at each design. Her touch was gentle, but she was unsure as if she was afraid to commit to the idea. She hesitated before picking up a thick diaper with colorful ABC blocks and bringing it closer to inspect the design. Her eyebrows furrow in thought as she studied it before ultimately setting it back down. Her hand then moved to a diaper with cute dinosaurs, her touch more loving and longing as she ran her fingers over the images. Her gaze lingers on it for a moment before turning to a diaper with toy cars and trucks, her mind seemingly transported to a different world. Darlene's body language suggests both hesitation and yearning as she imagined what Avery would look like in them. Marlene could see the conflicting emotions in Darlene's expression, not knowing it was the longing for motherhood that lied beneath her besides Avery's current practical diaper needs. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. “You have quite the supply of these kind of diapers.” Darlene knew Avery would not be very happy about having diapers that looked so infantile, but she had little choice. At least, that was what she was telling herself. She found a set of thick diapers that were designed with cheerful and playful illustrations of puppies, each one a different color - blue, red, green, and purple. The background is a crisp and clean white, making the colors pop. The puppies were shown playing with various toys and objects, exuding joy and happiness. Among the designs is a red stuffed dog, which stands out against the other colors. The overall effect is childlike and endearing. She thought to herself, if she were to get him to wear any of these kinds of diapers, they would have to be these since he liked his big red stuffed dog. “I will take three packages of the puppy printed diapers,” as she noticed each package came with 12 diapers. That would be 36 diapers. She figured he would go through maybe 2-3 a day if she were going to keep him in diapers all the time at her house. That should easily get her through the week, plus she should have some to spare. “I really need some clothes for my friend to wear over his diapers while at work.” Margaret picked up the package of diapers and led Darlene to the clothing section of the store, then took the package of diapers to the register back at the front of the store while Darlene continued to look through all the items. The adult clothing section was a vibrant canvas of color and creativity, brimming with an array of infantile clothes for adults. The clothes were an odd assortment of oversized, pastel-colored onesies that were both adorable and whimsical. Each piece was meticulously designed, including rompers. Each piece featuring a variety was meticulously crafted of playful themes ranging from soft, cuddly animals to velvety beloved cartoon characters cotton that was. Some of the onesies were cleverly designed to mimic the infantile comfort of ordinary shirts, their deceptive appearance belying the practical crotch buttons for quick access to diaper changes. Some onesies had frills, creating playful, conventional designs for little girls. They bore boasted a variety of pastel hues of designs - some were adorned with reminiscent of an innocent teddy soft spring morning or a nursery's gentle ambiance bears clutching—shades of baby blue heart-shaped balloons,, and cotton candy while others featured playful kittens chasing pink, mint green, and buttery yellow balls of yarn adorned these pieces. The colors. The patterns ranged from soothing on them were lavender to pow equally endearing blue: smiling clouds, each hue drifting across a sky-blue reminiscent of a child's bedroom background, possibly something with wallpaper. She looked over to the light blue and green onesie. There again were teddy bears clutching heart-shaped balloons and rompers with ducks, no less infantilizing in neat rows against a design. Some had white backdrops—they had intricate patterns of rubber ducks, and the attention to detail was impeccable. There were many other types of rompers. Darlene eyes continued to sprawl across all the clothes, and her eyes widened the more she looked. Her gaze swept to items like short-tails, button-up pajamas with simple stripes or polka dots in soft shades matching footies like baby pink socks, zip-ups, and mint green. The waistlines of the sleepers were made from plush fleece material that seemed elasticated to whisper promises, allowing for a cozy night and a comfortable fit for soft dreams. There was the strange sense that any adult of age or size could be replicated as an infant or toddler in these clothes. even dresses specifically designed for adults who identified as girls— and the garment’s frilly fro's intended demographics in satin and lace with bows were all available. Some even had ribbons and buttons on these, adding to their garments an oversized charm. The sheer volume of mimicking options was staggering, similar to the number found in large children's clothing stores. It felt like stepping into an alternate universe with tiny fingers. adulthood could be little kids or babies in the best of clothes and furniture. Despite their unconventional style of clothing and overwhelming assortment, there stirred within this place a special purpose that Darlene longed for. —-------------------------------------- As she collected several onesies, she couldn’t help but want to purchase a PJ sleeper with puppy astronauts and little rockets. He needed something to sleep in, which was her justification. Darlene made the decision to finally purchase this for Avery. She briefly reminder herself that was in control. Just then, Margaret came back over. “Sorry, that took me so long. Something came up.” Margaret looked like she was about in tears. Darlene couldn’t help herself because Marget was just a happy person five minutes ago something seemt to have broken you spirit. “Are you ok?” Darlene asked as she held several onesies she selected for Avery and the one button up sleeper. “No, I am not. My computer system has been hacked. And it is locked up again. I can’t access any of my accounts, I can’t even check you out. I can’t process credit cards. I can’t even make orders for new supplies. I had already given these bastards 100,000 dollars to unlock me. That was a month ago. Now they locked my system again, took my account info, and are asking for 300,000 dollars. I don’t have that money.” Tears were sliding down Margaret's face. As Darelene listened to Margaret, and it made her blood boil. Most of her job was to keep these assholes from attacking DNA Pharmica, and she was successful. Attacking large corporations and taking their IT systems hostage was one thing, but to do this to a small business owner wasn’t right at all. “I don’t know what I am going to do. This business is all that I have. I hate this new world we live in.” Darlene grabbed Marget's hand as she cried. “Hey, why don’t we teach these bastards a lesson?” Darlene smiled. “I have a unique skill set..” Margret looked up at Darlene, confused about what she could do. “Can I see your computer and network set up?” —--------------------- Avery was nervous. He had agreed to work with Laurisa to maybe help him with the emotions he was dealing with. As Laurisa sat with Avery, she could sense his unease. She gently probed him with questions about his past, trying to piece together the fragmented memories he had shared. Avery squirmed and grew increasingly agitated, a clear indication that discussing his past was not easy for him. Recognizing his discomfort, Laurisa offered him a herbal drink to help relax him. She assured him that it was not a drug like his valium and would not create any dependency. After sipping on the surprisingly tasty tea, Avery began to feel more at ease and opened up to Laurisa's questions. He found her approach to be different from his previous therapists - instead of just going through the motions, Laurisa seemed genuinely interested in understanding him and helping him heal. But as she delved deeper into Avery's past, his memories became harder to grasp. His time in the foster system had left a murky haze over his past years, and he struggled to provide concrete answers. Laurisa gently pressed on, her compassion evident as she asked tough questions. "So you've been in the foster system your entire life, but you can't seem to remember anything before your last foster home?" she probed. "Doesn't that make you curious about your own past?" As Avery struggled to find an answer, he couldn't help but feel grateful for Laurisa's genuine concern and determination to help him uncover his forgotten memories. Avery's voice trembled as she spoke, his words tumbling out in a rush. "My past...it scares me. When I try to think about it, I feel this overwhelming sense of panic and fear. It's like something inside of me is warning me not to go there." Laurisa leaned forward, listening intently. "Can you describe that feeling?" Avery paused, taking a deep breath before trying to put it into words. "It's like when you're watching a really scary or gross movie, and you want to close your eyes and cover your face until it's over. But with this, my hands won't move away from my face, and I just want to look away. It feels so painful that I have to stop thinking about it." Laurisa nodded understandingly. "That's your subconscious protecting you. Something happened that was too much for your mind to handle, so it puts up these walls to keep you functional." Avery let out a sigh, feeling relieved that someone finally understood what he was going through. Laurisa continued, "From what I've learned about you so far, you found solace in education during your time in the foster care system. You took online courses and worked hard to graduate early, even without a support system or friends. And even now, learning seems to be your escape. That's actually a positive outlet compared to other things you could have turned to." Avery felt a small spark of hope ignite within him as he realized that maybe there was a way to heal from his past instead of constantly running from it. “Two, you most likely don’t remember your parents. They passed when you were just a little over one year old,” Laurisa said gently, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness for the loss of Avery's parents. The room fell silent for a moment before she continued, “Normally, this wouldn't be traumatic to someone as young as you, but…. “ Laurisa paused, her eyes searching Avery's face for any hint of recognition or memory. "There are those few recorded instances of people being so highly intelligent that they remember even being in the womb," she said quietly. "Of course, that has never been proven. But what has been proven is some can remember every detail of their room as an infant and even the house." Avery sat still on the couch, his expression unreadable as he processed Laurisa's words. She could sense his mind working overtime, trying to piece together fragments of memories that may or may not exist. “Even though you don’t think you remember this," Laurisa continued, "I suspect you are highly intelligent and wouldn’t push past that you actually do remember your parents' death, and it isn’t just a dream. I think your subconscious has blocked it from you due to the trauma. Your parents meant a lot to you at that age, which is not unusual." Avery's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions - confusion, disbelief, and perhaps a glimmer of hope. "But what I am curious about is the time between your parent's death till now," Laurisa pressed on. "Why can’t you remember that?” There was a long pause as Laurisa continued to watch and observe Avery. His eyes seemed distant, lost in his own thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “But if that is the case...why even look into my past? Why should I even care? I don’t think it does any good to look at one's past. It is the past.” “True, it is the past," Laurisa agreed. "But our past often defines who we are today and how we respond to things today, like our fear of rejection." She watched Avery closely, waiting for his response. Avery shifted on the couch, the sound of his diaper crinkling underneath him barely audible. He pulled the blanket over his lap, as if trying to shield himself from the uncomfortable truth. "I don’t need to be close to people," he said flatly. "I am fine the way I am." Laurisa leaned back in her chair, studying Avery with a knowing gaze. “I see. Then you don’t enjoy Darlene’s company, and you're here because…?” Avery flinched slightly, feeling exposed and vulnerable under Laurisa's scrutiny. He shifted again in his seat, his diaper making a louder crinkle this time. “I...I,” he stuttered, unable to come up with a coherent answer. “It's okay," Laurisa reassured him, her voice kind but firm. "No need to answer. But let me ask you this - if you wanted to, could you leave?" Again, Avery paused, unsure how to answer. He was acutely aware of the fact that he was sitting in a diaper, talking about deep emotions and memories with Darlene's sister in a very peculiar way. But something inside of him kept him rooted in place. “I could...but," he trailed off. “But a deep part of you doesn’t want to," Laurisa finished for him. "But another part of you is terrified and confused." "Last night with Darlene at your apartment..." she continued softly. "You had a mental breakdown and repeatedly shouted that everyone left you and no one loves you. So, to prevent any hurt, you want others far away from you. But what if you could fix that?" “I don’t know, but I think I would,” Avery said softly as he shifted in his seat, trying to push away the memories that threatened to overwhelm him. It was a night he wished he could forget, filled with hurtful words and painful truths that he yelled out. But Lauria's gentle voice brought him back to the present. She leaned in, her warm gaze locking onto his as she spoke. "I need to understand your past in order to help you," she said softly, hoping to avoid causing any more pain. Avery nodded, his eyes downcast. It was difficult for him to remember anything before the age of fourteen. The only thing he could recall was fragments of a foster family he had once lived with - a family who had never truly accepted him. Lauria's soothing tone continued as she gently pieced together the puzzle of his past. "So back when you were about fourteen with your last foster family. You shared a room with the youngest child of their children age four, while their two biological children had their own rooms and access to technology, and you did not. You were often excluded from family events and punished harshly for any disagreements." As she spoke, tears welled up in Avery's eyes. These memories were too painful to bear. But you can’t remember anything past that age, such as what other foster families you had or how many.” Avery's body trembles as silent tears cascade down his face, memories of those dreadful years flooding his mind. "Why can't I remember anything else?" he chokes out, struggling to hold back sobs that threaten to overtake him. "I suspect you may have experienced dissociative amnesia," Lauria explained, her voice full of empathy. "It's a way for your mind to block out traumatic or distressing experiences in order to protect you. And based on your past, I believe it's something you may have gone through." Avery looked confused, not fully understanding the concept of dissociative amnesia. So Lauria patiently elaborated, giving him all the information he needed to start understanding his own mind and its coping mechanisms. "Dissociation is a defense mechanism," she continued, her voice gentle yet firm. "It's a way for your mind to compartmentalize and keep certain memories or emotions separate from the rest. But know that these memories are still there, waiting for when you're ready to face them." Lauria paused, allowing Avery to process the information before continuing. "And I'll be here to help you every step of the way." Avery let out a deep sigh as he shifted on the sofa, trying to find a comfortable position. The disposable diaper underneath him crinkled with each movement, a constant reminder of his vulnerable state. He looked over at Laurisa, who sat next to him, her warm hand placed on the blanket covering his knee. Her voice was a gentle murmur, an echo of empathy and understanding that filled the space between them. "Avery, I know this isn't easy for you," she began, her tone laced with sincerity. "And I value the trust you've placed in me." She paused momentarily, giving him a comforting smile that seemed to lighten the room. "I'd like us to explore a new approach that might help us delve deeper into your memories with the use a Hypnosis. I am a licensed professional." She watched him closely, her eyes softening as she added, "But remember, Avery, your comfort and well-being are paramount here. If at any point this feels too overwhelming, we can stop." A wave of relief washed over Avery as he realized he had control over the situation. "Hypnosis? What kind?" He asked, curiosity replacing his initial apprehension. Laurisa leaned back in her chair and began to outline her plan with precision and patience. "It's called regression hypnosis," she explained. "It's a technique to access past memories or experiences of your childh hood that may be buried deep within your subconscious mind." She continued with detailed explanations of how it worked - from the soothing induction process designed to relax him deeply to the guided journey through his memories under her careful supervision. At every step of the way, Laurisa emphasized that he was in control; he could choose to continue or stop at any time. Avery absorbed her words slowly, considering their implications. The prospect was daunting but also intriguing - could this really offer some insight into his forgotten past? "I'll try it," he finally said in a voice barely above a whisper. Laurisa reached across the small coffee table, separating them, and gently squeezed his hand, offering reassurance. "Thank you, Avery," she responded warmly. "We'll take this one step at a time and only venture as far as you're comfortable with." “ok, finish your tea. It will help you relax,” Laurisa said as she took a few notes and brought out a recorder. “This is necessary so that if you ever want to know what happened during one of these sessions, you can ask. It is for transparency between you and me, just as Avery finished the last bit of his tea. Laurisa was all setup. “Ok, you ready?” Avery took a deep breath and nod yes, his chest rising and falling with the weight of anticipation. Laurisa's voice became a soothing melody in the room, wrapping around him like a warm blanket. She instructed him to focus on his breathing, guiding him to relax each muscle in his body from head to toe. As Avery closed his eyes, he felt a sense of weightlessness wash over him. The sounds of the room faded into the background, replaced by the rhythmic cadence of his own breath. In this state of deep relaxation, he could feel the tension slowly melting away, leaving behind a tranquil stillness. Laurisa's voice pierced through the calm, gentle, and melodic. "Avery, I want you to visualize yourself descending a staircase. With each step you take, you'll go deeper into your subconscious mind, where memories are waiting to be explored." Avery imagined himself standing at the top of a grand staircase, the wood polished to a gleam beneath his feet. As he descended, he felt a sense of curiosity mingled with apprehension. With each step down, Avery felt himself letting go of his conscious thoughts, delving further into the recesses of his memory. Images flickered like old film reels in his mind—fragments of color and sound that seemed familiar yet distant. Laurisa's voice guided him through the corridors of his past, gently nudging him toward moments long forgotten. Avery saw flashes of faces he couldn't quite place, heard echoes of laughter, and felt waves of bad emotions crashing over him like a turbulent sea. In this state, time lost its meaning to Avery.

Sorry, everyone. No, things are not okay. As you know, I am dealing with my mother having cancer and my father with mid-stage dementia. This last week. My wife's father is not doing well. He may have to go to surgery and very likely might not make it. We went up to see him. I am extremely close to my mother, and my wife is extremely close to her father. I have written the next chapter but haven't been able to do my thorough review. Right now, I feel like so much is crashing down around me at once. I try to tell myself this is just part of life, but "shit' why all at once. I am still recovering from the loss of my brother. The only person other than my wife to know about the AB side of me was my brother. I will get the next chapter out as soon as I can. Thanks for being patient with me. As I have said before, writing this story is an escape. Finding time to escape is the problem. Thanks for listening to me vent.

I am sorry it is taking me so long. I should have the next chapter out on Thursday.

So Darlene removed the hypnosis on his phone that day, and they went out to lunch and opened up about why he was wearing diapers. She felt bad about this. This was not in the story on the post but something I went back and added later in my final version. It is a very fair and valid question.

I don't disagree with out analysis. However, I put Darlene in my shoes. I am a horrible morning person. I don't wake up very easily and don't make the most logical decisions when I get up. My wife has pointed out more than once that it takes me a good hour to wake up fully and I don't think straight till thing. I saw Darlene exhausted and tired and not thinking 100 % straight, plus she was confused about what was going on with everything. Things that would seem obvious to you and I when fully awake wouldn't to her. She is stressed and tired.

Thanks for being patient, everyone. We found out what type of cancer my mother had without going into a long story. It wasn't the worst one, but it was also not the best one either. Chapter 29 - Omelets and Coffee Darlene sat at her kitchen table, tired from a long night. Her laptop was open in front of her, and a half-filled coffee mug was steaming beside it. She glanced at the clock, wondering when Avery might wake up. Her stomach churned at the missing work which she did not like doing, knowing that her absence would cause a disruption in their workflow. With a sigh, she opened her work email and quickly typed out a message to her team, informing them that she would not be able to come into the office today. Darlene then wrote separate messages to Byran, Avery’s boss, stating that Avery was sick and needed to rest at her house. She knew that Bryan would question why she was taking care of one of his employees, but she couldn't think of a way to explain it without it sounding odd. As she hit send, she closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, hoping that her team would understand and that Bryan wouldn't press the issue. Just as she was about to take a sip of her coffee, the doorbell rang, causing her to jump in surprise as she almost fell asleep in the chair. Darlene knew it was her sister Laurisa, whom she had called over to help her with Avery late at night. She had pleaded with her on the phone last night, trying to explain everything through her tears. Laurisa had been adamant that this was a mistake, but Darlene stood her ground. She would not take Avery to a hospital, no matter what anyone said. Their bond as sisters was unbreakable, even when they disagreed. They always showed up for each other in times of need. And now, here was Laurisa, standing by her side in the dimly lit living room. The first rays of sunlight were just starting to peek through the windows, casting an ethereal glow on the two women. Darlene looked exhausted and worn down, wearing silk pajamas in a soft blue color with a subtle floral pattern. The robe was slightly wrinkled, and the tie hung loosely, showing signs of a restless night. Her house slippers are worn and comfortable, well-loved from years of use. They have a plush lining, which seemed to hug her feet as she shuffled against the hardwood floor and held onto a half-full mug of hot coffee. When Darelene opened the door, Laurisa stood there in black slacks, on the other hand were tailored to fit her perfectly, accentuating her long legs. The light blue blouse was crisp and professional, tucked in neatly at the waist. Her hair was sleek and shiny, pulled back into a tight bun that showed off her sharp jawline and delicate features. Despite the early hour, she wore stylish black heels that added height to her already tall frame, making her almost as tall as Darlene. In short, we were dressed for a day at the office. "Goodness, Darlene," Laurisa exclaimed in concern. "You look like you haven't slept at all. Have you?" Her voice was gentle yet firm, showing how much she cared for her sister's well-being “No, I didn't get much sleep. It was a long night, but I really appreciate you coming here.” Darlene stepped aside to let Laurisa in. “I know it isn’t convenient for you to stop by this morning, but I really appreciate it. I am at a loss for what to do for him.” Laurisa picked up the guinea concern that Darlene seemed to have for Avery. Laurisa's true intentions for being there went beyond simply helping with Avery. She was also there to carefully observe her sister and her mind was filled with concern for what she might be getting into. After receiving a panicked phone call last night, Laurisa knew that convincing her sister to back out of this decision would not come easily, if at all. “Well, I am always going to be here for you, sis.” As the two sisters embraced, Darlene could feel the warmth of her sister's body against hers, offering comfort and reassurance. Her sister's touch was gentle yet firm, solidifying their bond and reminding Darlene that she was not alone in this overwhelming situation. With one hand, Darlene held onto her sister's back, feeling the strength and support from the embrace. In her other hand, she held onto her coffee cup, the warm liquid providing a sense of familiarity and grounding amidst the chaos in her life. The embrace was everything Darlene needed right now. “I really need that,” Darlene let out a long sigh as they embraced as only two sisters could. As they pulled away from the hug, Darlene felt relief and gratitude for her sister's presence and support. Darlene slowly closed the heavy oak door. As they entered the living room, sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting warm hues on the plush furniture and decor. "So, where is Avery at this moment?" Laurisa inquired, her curious eyes scanning the elegant surroundings, not seeing any signs of his presence. Darlene's voice was soft and tired as she leaned against the back of the sofa, her eyes heavy with worry. "He's in the guest bedroom, finally asleep," she whispered. "But he keeps waking up screaming like he's trapped in a nightmare. I've had to go in and calm him down every couple of hours. It's like he doesn't even recognize me, but at least I'm able to soothe him back to sleep." She rubbed her injured shoulder absentmindedly, the ache serving as a cruel reminder of how broken he had been before she brought him home. “Can I see?” Laurisa asked. "Yes, it might be helpful if you went up and took a look," Darlene said, leading Laurisa quietly up the stairs and into her guest bedroom. She left the door slightly ajar, and at first glance, Avery wasn't visible on the bed; in fact, the sheets and comforter were torn off of it completely. As Laurisa quietly opened the door and approached the side of the bed, she was surprised by what she saw: a nineteen-year-old young man sound asleep, curled up against the wall with a large stuffed red dog clutched tightly in his arms. His head rested on a pillow on the floor, indicating he had fallen asleep there rather than in the bed. The bedspread and sheets covered him haphazardly. One side of his body was covered by the bunched-up sheet and bedspread, with his white diaper peeking out from underneath, adding to the young man’s vulnerability. “I tried to get him back up on the bed a couple of times, but he kept going back there. I just gave up. He likes being between the bed and wall, so I just let him sleep there now.” Darlene whispered quietly to Laurisa to make sure he didn’t wake up. Laruisa's heart raced in her chest, her mind actively absorbing the sight. She was no stranger to incomprehensible and unsettling cases, having dealt with countless individuals referred to her for psychological evaluation and treatment often by the court system. But this...this was beyond anything she could have imagined. A grown man, stripped down to his barest vulnerability, cowering in a corner with only a t-shirt and diaper to cover his shame. He clutched onto the stuffed animal with desperate, tight fingers as if it were the only thing keeping him tethered to reality. Laruisa could sense the weight of trauma, which must be on Avery's shoulders, weighing him down consciously or subconsciously. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together the puzzle of what could have caused such deep wounds in a grown man's psyche. Was it something from his past? Some early life trauma that left him scarred and seeking refuge in a small, enclosed space? She knew it wouldn't be easy to break these answers, but she was determined for both Avery's and Darlene’s sake. Yet her thoughts kept circling back to one question—why would a grown man seek solace in a stuffed animal rather than human contact during times of distress? As Laruisa continued her assessment, Darlene remained silent, watching with her eyes as the scene unfolded before her sister. Finally, Laruisa took Darlene's hand and led her out of the guest bedroom, closing the door slowly behind them as they retreated into silence. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air as they both knew that understanding and helping Avery would not be an easy task. Darlene's hand was trembling as she clutched onto Laurisa's, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and desperation, afraid of what her sister might say. Her mind was reeling with the events of the previous night, unable to shake off the memory of Avery's breakdown. Then the call with her sister, who repeatedly insisted on taking him to a mental hospital. "I can't do that," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she continued, "After last night, I can't just send him away to a hospital. It would only confirm everything he was screaming about - that everyone hates him, everyone abandons him. Can't you imagine the feeling he would have? Please, please help me. I beg you." Laurisa guided Darlene back to the living room, their footsteps echoing in the silence. They both sank onto the worn yet comfortable sofa, exhaustion and distress weighing heavily on Darlene's frame. “What do you know about Avery and maybe his past?” Laurisa asked as Darlene sat there. She began to reflect on what little she knew about Avery. "Honestly, not much," she admitted with a heavy sigh. "He is 19 years old and incredibly intelligent. He's working on his Master's degree while also holding down a full-time job. And despite graduating high school at just 16, he has already accomplished things that others have failed at for years at DNA Pharmica." She paused, trying to recall any valuable information she had learned about Avery since they started dating. "But he scares and stresses easily," she continued slowly. "And when he does, he can't control his bladder. Sometimes, he seems sweet, and other times, he is distant and closed off. There are moments where he looks so innocent and vulnerable that it breaks my heart." Realizing how little she truly knew about Avery's past or inner thoughts, Darlene couldn't help but feel guilty for not fully understanding him. "I know nothing about his past," she confessed quietly. "He doesn't talk about it." She shifted uncomfortably, admitting to Laurisa, "He's also extremely sensitive about having to wear pull-ups or diapers at work. He's socially awkward, and his apartment was a complete mess when I arrived last night." As she spoke, Darlene began to realize just how complex and multilayered Avery indeed was. But despite all the unknowns and secrets he held, she couldn't deny her concern for him something she herself didn’t understand. "But until last night," she concluded, "I never would have thought he could explode like that. It was so bizarre and scary. He wasn’t in control of himself.” There was a long pause as Laurisa churned all this overhead. “Ok, so I got to ask. If you know so little about this. Why do you care so much that you won’t let him go and take him somewhere he can get help?” The question was hard for Darlene to answer. There was silence. Laurisa spoke up since Darlene was going to answer. “OK, sis, let me make my brutal observation about you. You need to hear this.” “Hormone patterns change during pregnancy. The changes affect the tissue near the brain's surface, which contains neuron cell bodies, decreasing certain areas of the brain of women who have recently given birth. These changes can last up to two years after birth or longer if they continue to breastfeed. In short, your body and mind deeply desire to take care of someone who can’t take care of themselves. That is what Avery is to you, and I am concerned about this. You are very vulnerable to this. You can and will get hurt. Avery is not your child.” Darlene listened to this. Even though what her sister said made some sense, she didn’t believe that was what was going on. “I don’t think this is all because of my hormones. It honestly has nothing to do with that.” “Then what does it have to do with?” Laurisa gave Darelene a serious stare at her sister. Darlene thought about it. “I am not sure, but if we take him to the hospital, then all we are doing is confirming his fear that we are leaving him and abandoning him. I can’t do that” Laurisa's eyes flashed with anger as she spoke. "Come on, Darlene, he's lying there in a diaper, cuddling a stuffed toy. Doesn't that scream for help?" Darlene pleaded with her sister, her voice desperate. "Yes, but not the kind of help a hospital can offer. I want to give him the help he really needs." Frustration seethed out of Laurisa. "You knew about his diapers, didn't you? Have you ever changed them before?" There was a pause and a tinge of embarrassment in Darlene's voice. "Yes, I have," she admitted. Laurisa cut her off sharply. "And when you change his diaper, do you see him as a man or a child? Be honest. And do you find it disgusting, or do you feel some strange need fulfilled by taking care of him like this?" Dead eyes stared back at Darlene from her sister. A long moment passed before Darlene answered reluctantly, "I don't know. I see him as someone who can't take care of himself and who needs me to help him. I don't see him as an equal in that way, but I don't find changing his diaper gross. I find it..." She struggled for the right words. "A tender moment...that he trusts me to do this for him..." Another long pause followed as Darlene tried to put her feelings into words. "I don't know how to describe it...you're screwing with my head," she finally said, looking frustrated and vulnerable. Laurisa's tone turned harsh as she spoke. "I'm trying to make you see why this is a bad idea. You're treating him like your own baby when he isn't." "I don't care what you think," Darlene shot back defiantly. "I won't let him go to a hospital. Help me with him, please." This time, Laurisa paused before responding. "I told you I would help. But we need to face the reality of his situation. You have no idea about his past or what he's been through. We need to find out more if we want to truly help him." Darlene's shoulders visibly relaxed, her expression melting into one of gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll call work and let them know I'll be in a bit later, around 2 pm. Hopefully, Avery will be awake by then and we can have a private conversation. But he has to agree to it, I won't force him." Laurisa’s voice was determined and resolute. "Let me wake him up and explain so he might be more receptive. Thank you again for offering this." Darlene's words were rushed, filled with hope and relief. "Can I offer you some breakfast and coffee?" she asked, gesturing towards the kitchen. "I could use both, thanks. I haven't eaten yet," replied Laurisa with a smile. She followed Darlene into the kitchen, taking in the luxurious furnishings and decorations. The mahogany table caught her eye, its surface adorned with intricate symbols. There was the rich, warm scent of freshly brewed coffee. Darlene quickly poured a fresh cup of coffee for Laurisa before starting to cook. She cracked a few eggs and added olives, tomatoes, and ham. Darlene skillfully cooked the eggs, creating a mouth-watering aroma that filled the kitchen. There was one thing Darlene was good at, and that was cooking. She brought over two plate for both of then and sat down as Darlene shared more details about last night at the apartment as they ate - the fighting, screaming, and even the bite on her shoulder. She pulled aside her silk pajama top to reveal the bruise already forming around the scab where Avery had broken skin. Laurisa shook her head in disbelief, wanting to point out that this was evidence of why she couldn't help him anymore. But seeing Darlene's pain and vulnerability, she remained silent. "Does it still hurt?" she asked instead. Darlene winced as she rotated her shoulder experimentally. "Yes, it does when I move it too much. I haven't tried lifting anything heavy yet." "Well, he certainly has a strong bite," mused Laurisa, trying to lighten the mood. "Maybe we should nickname him Jaws." Darlene attempted a small laugh, but the look on Laurisa's face made her realize it wasn't appropriate. They were dealing with a serious situation. Laurisa continued to eat her breakfast in silence for a while, her mind racing with thoughts and concerns about Avery's actions. She knew she had to do something to help him, but she wasn't sure what. “I forgot. I have his medication from his apartment if you are curious about what he is taking,” Darlene said, a hint of concern in her voice. Laurisa's brow furrowed as she processed the information. “Of course, I am curious. Please let me see them.” She followed Darleen back to the counter, where an old plastic shopping bag filled with pill bottles was waiting. They both sat back down at the table when Darleen handed them to Laurisa as she placed a cup of coffee by her egg omelet plate. Laurisa picked up her coffee and took a sip before reaching into the bag to pull out the medications. She carefully examined each bottle, reading the name and dosage on each label—Zoloft for typical depression, Lorazepam for anxiety, Valium for anxiety attacks, and Ambien for sleep. Darlene watched her sister intently as she studied each bottle, her own worries growing with each passing second. “Do you know that he is taking the maximum dosage for each of these drugs?” Laurisa finally spoke up, pointing to the Valium bottle. Laurisa's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the label. “Dr. Race is his psychologist,” she recalled, recognizing the name on the bottle. “I know him. He is well-respected, but we differ in technique. I often feel like he overdoses.” Laurisa continued as she placed the medication bottle down on the table. “You know I am against using prescription medication unless none of my natural remedies work.” “Yes, I know you prefer a more natural approach to medication,” Darlene acknowledged. Laurisa took a deep breath and made a mental note to discuss this with her more later. “After I talk to him, we will discuss what natural remedies or medications I want him to take,” she decided, setting aside the bottles for now. “So let's leave it at that for right now.” Darlene and Laurisa were about halfway through breakfast, enjoying some small talk. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced through the house, causing Laurisa to jump in her seat and spill her coffee across the table. “Don’t worry about it.” Darlene quickly pushed her chair out and ran upstairs. Darlene ran upstairs and towards the source of the scream in the guest room, just as she had several times that night, but this time with Laurisa close behind. As they burst into the guest bedroom, they found Avery curled up against the wall and nightstand, his body shaking uncontrollably. His eyes were wide with fear as he screamed, "Get away from me! I hate you. Don't hurt me!" Darlene approached him slowly, trying to soothe him with gentle words. But as she reached out to touch him, he flinched away and pulled the sheets over his head. Still screaming for someone or something to get away from him. “Shh.. shh... It is me, Darlene.” she again tried to reach for Avery as he jerked away harder, putting himself more into the corner of the wall and nightstand. Laurasia stopped at the door to watch and observe. She wasn’t going to step in unless there was a danger to Darlene. But then Darlene did something that shocked Laurasia. She sat down next to Avery and pulled him into a tight embrace, whispering comforting words in his ear: “Shh... Shh.. I am here. I am not leaving... They won’t hurt you.” She tried her best to rock him. For the first few seconds, Avery fought her, but then, after a few moments, Avery's sobs turned into quiet whimpering as he finally calmed down. Slowly, Darlene uncovered his head and continued to hold him while rubbing his back and doing her best to rock him, repeating the words, “Shh... Shh.. It is okay.” Laurasia was blown back watching this. She did seem to calm him down. She wasn’t sure if Avery really knew who she was. She could see the desperation in Darlene's eyes as she silently pleaded for help for Avery. She walked closer to Darlene, Avery’s eyes still shut tight. Taking a deep breath, Laurasia spoke softly. "Don't let him fall back asleep," she said. "Gently wake him up." Darlene nodded in understanding and kept holding onto Avery tightly as she repeated her soothing words. Gradually, Avery's cries died down, and he began to stir awake. For a moment, he seemed disoriented and confused until his eyes met Darlene's face. "I'm sorry," he whispered hoarsely, realizing who was holding him. "I didn't mean to scream like that." Darlene's eyes filled with tears as she hugged him even tighter. "It's okay, Avery," she said softly. "You're safe now." For the first time, he realized Darlene had him. He wasn’t dreaming of someone holding him in a loving way. He felt it. “I am I am sorry. I didn’t mean to scream like that” “It is ok, I know you had a nightmare again. “ As Darlene gently lifted Avery into a sitting position, "Shall we head downstairs for some breakfast?" she proposed, her voice carrying the softness of morning light. He gave a silent nod of agreement to her suggestion. “Ok, I can cook you a warm nice breakfast” He nodded again as she assisted him in standing up, the bed covers pooling at his feet and revealing his damp diaper. Darlene’s hand swept across the front of his diaper, feeling the warm wetness of the soaked diaper, an action that sent a wave of embarrassment coursing through Avery. "It seems you've thoroughly soaked this one," Darlene observed with an empathetic tone. She held up a fresh diaper she which she pulled of a near by dresser adding, "Let's get you changed before we head down." Laurasia slipped out discreetly before Avery could notice her presence. She didn’t want to add to his discomfort or inadvertently trigger any emotional outbursts. It was indeed a sensitive situation that called for delicate handling. "Could you climb onto the bed for me? It makes it easier for me to change you," Darlene requested softly. Despite his confusion and lingering drowsiness, Avery managed to hoist himself onto the bed with Darlene's assistance. Once he was seated on the mattress, he scooted back slightly in just his t-shirt and wet diaper. As he watched Darlene unfold and prepare the last disposable diaper she had on hand, he asked hesitantly, "Is this really necessary?" Darlene turned back towards him, holding the fresh diaper in her hands. “Do you remember our conversation from last night?” she asked gently but firmly. Avery remained silent, reluctant to answer as memories from the previous night began to surface like hazy apparitions - fragments of how he'd behaved and interacted with Darlene. Her words implying that he wasn't capable of making sound decisions stung deep in his heart, causing tears to well up in his eyes. “Please lie back,” Darlene coaxed with a gentle smile, laying out the clean diaper beside him on the bed. Avery complied, his body sinking back onto the soft mattress as Darlene began to undo the fastenings of his wet diaper. Darlene’s mind flashed back to her sister's question as she started changing him. “What do you see when you look at him? What feelings stir within you?” She looked down at Avery, who was avoiding eye contact, and realized that she didn't see a grown man before her but a lost child in need of care and protection. She shook off her reverie and focused on the task at hand. Gently, she guided Avery's thighs upward while he lifted his hips just enough for her to slide out the wet diaper from under him. Swiftly, she rolled it into a tight ball and secured it with its own adhesive tape before setting it aside. “I apologize for not having my cleaning supplies handy," Darlene murmured apologetically as she positioned the new diaper under Avery. "I'll make sure to get more diapers and supplies later today.” With practiced ease, she pulled up the front of the diaper over his waist, securing each side with firm but gentle pulls on the adhesive tapes. Her fingers traced along the edges of the diaper, ensuring it was snugly fit to prevent any leaks. “There we go, all done," Darlene declared with a comforting smile as she helped. Avery sat up again. His expression held an amalgamation of confusion and vulnerability that tugged at her heartstrings even more than before, last night really had shaken him up. “How about we go downstairs and have breakfast? I make a wonderful egg omelet.” Avery's voice shook as he asked, "C-Can I have my shorts back?" Darlene's eyes narrowed at him, and she looked at him with a look of concern mixed with frustration. He must not remember what happened last night. In one of his several nightmares, Avery had wet his diaper so thoroughly that it leaked onto his shorts and the bed. Darlene had to change everything and clean up the mess. As much as she wanted to give him his clothes back, they were currently in the washer. "You're just going to have to wear the T-shirt and diaper. You had a really back leak last night" Darlene said gently, trying to ease his discomfort. But she could see the shock and embarrassment on Avery's face at the thought of walking around in nothing but a T-shirt and a diaper. "It's okay, I don't mind," Darlene reassured him, even though deep down she knew it was far from ideal. "Let's go downstairs." Avery nodded slowly but then Darlene remembered something else that would made his heart sink even further. "Oh yeah, my sister Laurasia is here. I asked her to come by and talk to us." Avery froze at the thought of facing her sister, dressed only in a T-shirt and a diaper. "I-I can't do this," he stuttered out. Darlene tried to calm him down, reminding him that Laurasia was a psychologist who had seen many things and would understand their situation. But Avery couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of vulnerability and shame he felt if he was to be seen like this. "I can't," he started to cry and pout like a child. "Don't you have anything else I can wear? Anything?" Darlene could sense some defiance creeping into Avery's tone. She took a deep breath before speaking sternly, "Look at me, Avery. Right now, I am making the decisions for both of us." The words came out harsher than she intended, and she immediately regretted them. But it was too late to take them back. Avery's shoulders slumped, feeling small and powerless under Darlene's authority. She was right; she was the adult in this situation and would make the decisions. Darlene took his hand in hers and tried to comfort him while leading him downstairs for breakfast. "It will be okay," she repeated softly, hoping her words would soothe his nerves. Laurasia was sitting at the kitchen table, still sipping her cup of coffee, when she turned around. She was shocked at what she saw. The young man's bare legs peeked out from under his T-shirt cover just below his waist, revealing a plain white diaper. His T-shirt was loose, emphasizing his slender frame. His face was flushed with embarrassment, and his hair was messy. He looked uncomfortable and out of place in just a T-shirt and diaper, giving him the appearance of an oversized toddler. Laurasia also noticed Darlene holding her hand and paying attention as Avery’s hand gripped tightly to her hand, as only a nervous, shy, or scared child would do. She continued to watch Darlene's face and body movements as both of them walked in. “Doesn’t the kitchen smell good? I already made an egg omelet for Laurasia and myself.” Darlene tried to take his mind off of the situation “Why don’t you sit down here by my sister?” Darlene pulled out the chair and coached into it. “Would you like me to fix you a cup of orange juice or coffee with your breakfast?” There was silence for a few seconds. “It's okay, Avery. We are family here. No one is going to make fun of you.” Avery finally slowly sat down, he could feel the disposable diaper bunch up between his legs. The diaper's crinkle was audible as he sat down on the wooden chair, a sound reminiscent of plastic or paper being scrunched up. It made him self-conscious and aware that he was wearing a diaper like a child. “Orange juice,” Avery said, and he wasn’t sure why he said that. He quickly wanted to change to coffee but didn’t want to make a big deal about it, so he kept his mouth shut. “Orange juice it is.” Darlene turned around to pour a glass for him. "One nice tall glass of Orange juice it is.” Darlene's voice floated back to him. Darlene was clueless that an undercurrent of maternal warmth was lacing her words as she busied herself with breakfast preparations. From Laurisa’s point of view, Darlene played the caretaker role very well and naturally. “Good morning, Avery.” Laurasia pauses to see Avery staring blankly away. “You know, Darlene has told me a lot of good things about you. How you are making amazing progress at some calculations on cancer cells or drugs.” He didn’t really want to talk because he felt so insecure about wearing the diaper around Darlene’s sister. “You should be proud of yourself. From what I understand, some of your coworkers have been there for years and haven’t been able to progress. I think that shows how intelligent and valuable you are.” “I guess” Avery looked up a little but didn’t say much. “Can you tell me what you’re working on now? I am quite curious.” The smell of the egg omelet filled the air as Darlene continue to cook behind the two of them. Avery hesitated but then started to tell her about how he was looking into trying to calculate the effect of external pressure on a cell wall for both a normal cancer cell and a cancerous cell. Once he started, he couldn’t stop. Darlene had finished the egg omelet but let Avery continue to talk for a little bit before sliding the plate in front of him with a fork and knife. Avery looked down at the meal. This was better than cereal, yogurt, or instant oatmeal, which he always had. The smell itself made his taste buds water. He stopped mid-sentence, cut into the egg omelet, and began to eat it. As he ate, Darlene sat down on his other side. “Looks like someone is hungry.” She smiled as he took a second and third bite without looking at either of them. Laurasia gave Darlene a nod, and somehow, Darlene knew this was a cue to tell Avery why she was there. Darlene took a second sip of her coffee. “Avery, I was really worried about you last night. You scared me. I never experienced something like that with anyone.” Avery stops chewing mid-way through his late bite of the egg omelet. “Don’t stop eating. Just listen while I talk. This isn’t a bad thing.” Darlene paused. “I could have left, but I didn’t. I won’t leave you. In fact, I would like you to stay with me for a while to figure things out.” Darlene wanted to grab his hand, but she didn’t because he was eating. She looked at her sister, and her sister gave her an approving nod. Darlene took a deep breath. “I care about you and what happens to you. Last night, I made a commitment to both of us. I would not and will not leave it. I hope you can believe me.” Avery's eyes started to water, and he choked a little as Laurasia grabbed the orange juice and handed it to Avery. “Drink that,” and he did. Laurasia spoke up. "I know my sister. When she makes a commitment, she keeps it. But as her sister, I am worried about both of you.” Darlene then spoke up. “Which is why I asked my sister over. There is no one I trust more than her, and I was hoping she might be able to help you deal with what is going on.” Avery turns to look at Darlene. “I know I am not right, but the meds are the only thing that keeps me functional. I have tried many therapists and psychologists. I don’t like them. They only make me feel worse about myself. I just want to keep to my meds and be left alone, please” Both Darlene and Laurasia could see his fear, and something must have happened in his experience with them for him to have this feeling. Laurasia stepped in. “I promise the last thing I will do is make you feel bad about yourself. You have made it this far in life. You graduated high school early and already have your Bachelor of Science. There is nothing to be ashamed of. There is a lot to be proud of.” Avery turned to look at Laurasia, seeing tears sliding down his face. “I. I am wearing a diaper because I can’t control myself!” Laurasia looked straight at him and spoke. “So what? Does that make you dumb? No, look at what you did. Does that make you not likable? I see Darlene over here, and I want you to stay with her. You can sit all day here with me, and we can have great conversations, and I won’t care if you're wearing a diaper.” There was a pause. “But what happened last night isn’t acceptable, and you need to learn what triggered it and why so we can stop it from happening again. We need to find out. If you let me, I will do my best to help you, but this is your choice. Darlene and I are not going to force it. Darlene is putting a lot of faith in you, and in turn, I think you should in her.” Avery looked at Darlene. He didn’t want to admit it, but he didn’t want to hurt her again, either physically or emotionally. She was kind to him and didn’t leave him last night. He was still terrified Darlene would leave him, and deep down, he knew she would, but if he did this for her, maybe there would be a slight chance she might not leave him. “Okay, I will accept the help. But I don’t think it will work.” He turned and looked at Darlene. “I didn’t mean to hurt you last night,” as he began crying. Darleen leaned over to hug Avery as he cried on his shoulder. Laurasia just watched. She knew exactly why Darlene was doing this, and even though she didn’t agree, she was going to help Darlene figure this out. She watched as tears slid down her own face, watching the two embrace. There were a lot of questions that still needed to be answered before she could help them both. After a few moments, Avery slowly pulled away from Darlene's embrace, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. He looked up at Laurasia with a sense of vulnerability and determination. "I'll try," he whispered, his voice barely above a hoarse murmur reaffirming what he had said earlier. Laurasia nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "That's all we can ask for, Avery. Just take it one step at a time." Darlene squeezed Avery's hand reassuringly before standing up to clean the dishes. She turned to Laurasia with gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for being here for us, Laurasia. I don't know what I would do without your support," she said softly. Laurasia smiled softly. "We're in this together, Darlene. We'll figure it out."

I should be getting the next chapter out this Thursday or Friday.

Thanks for pointing this out about the clothes. I am puzzled because I had a whole paragraph of Darlene dressing him, and I was not sure where that went. It somehow got deleted. I am going to add it back in and italicize it so you can find it.

It ended up taking me a little longer than I thought to go through and make the edits. Enjoy the next installment! Again thank you for everyone's support. Chapter 28: No Turning Back Darlene's fingers were shaking as she held onto the doorknob tightly. Her knuckles had turned white from the pressure, and her hands seemed to vibrate with emotion for fear of making a wrong decision. As she stood there for several minutes, her face had become red with frustration, and tears glistened in her eyes. She didn’t like leaving some like this as her heart throbbed against her chest, and her entire body tensed with anger and sadness. Her whole body was tense, and her muscles visibly shook. Darlene took one more deep breath as she prepared to open the door and leave, accepting that there was no helping Avery at this point. This whole situation was messed up. She could hear the faint voice of her sister urging her to walk away. “You’re in overhead. You don’t have the skills to handle this.” In all honesty, she was right. She didn’t. Avery's screams were piercing through the apartment, the sharp edges of his words cutting through Darlene's ears. His voice crackled with anger and resentment, lashing out with each word. But, underneath all that fury was a hint of hurt and fear, like a wounded child left on the streets alone. Darlene could hear the tremors in his voice as he struggled to control his emotions, but they came out in sporadic bursts, making it clear he was not okay. Turning around slowly, she let her hand off the doorknob. She just couldn’t do it. Staying defied common sense and logic. She was ill-equipped and had no idea what to do. Still, something deep inside her made her solemnly promise herself that she would not abandon Avery in this state. Despite his hurtful words and actions, she knew he didn’t really want to be left alone. Memories flood her mind of a past employer who told her how her toddler would fly into uncontrollable tantrums, screaming that he hated her and lashing out with kicks and bites fueled by unbridled rage. That was what this felt like a toddler raging out of control. Darlene approached the bedroom door, listening. The sound of Avery's cries continued to echo through the apartment, not slowing down or calming down. She stood before the door, her hand gripping the knob tightly, validating that the bedroom door was still locked. She leaned in close, "Avery, you have until the count of ten to open this door, or I will break it down!" Her voice was filled with authority as she gave him one last chance to open the door before she took matters into her own hands. Even as her threat hung in the air between them, Darlene could hear Avery's ragged breaths on the other side of the door. “GO AWAY, GO AWAY. NO ONE IS ALLOWED HERE. I HATE EVERYONE!” “One!” Darlene stayed by the door, listening. She could hear no movement towards the door or attempt to unlock it. In fact, she heard something crash to the side of the door and sounded like it broke into pieces, like the clacking and snapping of small plastic pieces, clueless about what it could be. She tried the doorknob again, but it was still locked. Avery refused to let her into his bedroom. “Two!” There was still no movement of the door, only yelling and a thud, which was probably his foot hitting the door. “Three!” Darlene shouted as she started looking around the living room for something to pick up the door lock with. She didn’t find much. Darlene walked over to the makeshift TV stand and saw a PlayStation underneath it with games spread around the floor near it. She read some of the titles: Ratchet in Clank, Sack Boy, Spiro, and Lego Star Wars. Not what she would expect a young man of his age to play. “Four!” Darlene shouted as she walked towards the kitchen, scrunched her nose in disgust as she saw the soggy diaper lying on the kitchen counter. She quickly grabbed it and tossed it into the trash, where gnats swarmed around the overflowing bin when she opened it. “Gross, she thought to herself. How can someone live like this?” “Five!” Darlene approached the kitchen, which was a chaotic scene of neglect. Piles of unwashed dishes teetered precariously in the sink, coated with dried remnants of past meals. The stovetop was a mosaic of splattered sauces and grease, evidence of hurried and careless cooking. A layer of dust cloaked the countertops, where forgotten crumbs mingled with sticky spills that had hardened into a tacky mess. The fridge door emitted a faint, musty odor that permeated the cramped space. The floor, once a pristine white linoleum, now bore the marks of countless muddy footprints and food stains that had become permanent fixtures on the worn surface. “Six!” Darlenec continued her search for something to unlock the door, plunging into the labyrinth of kitchen drawers and cabinets. Each drawer was a chaotic mess of mismatched utensils, old receipts, and forgotten packets of condiments. The silverware was scattered amongst rubber bands and paperclips, while the spatulas and whisks were haphazardly thrown in with a can opener and garlic press. The cabinets weren't any better. Plates were stacked higgledy-piggledy with mugs squeezed in wherever they would fit. The few pots and pans he had been piled on top of each other without any semblance of order, their lids nowhere to be found. Cans of food were mixed up with boxes of cereal, and their labels faded or torn off entirely. It was as if a whirlwind had swept through the kitchen, leaving behind a jumbled mess in its wake. “Seven!” Darlene rolled her eyes as she finally found an ice pick in the random mess of one of the drawers that she might be able to use to unlock the bedroom door. The screaming for her to leave continued, and the occasional loud thud when Avery kicked from behind the door the door. “Eight! I am coming in one way or another, Avery,” Darlene said as she walked over to the bedroom door and looked at the doorknob. In between all the screaming, she could hear him sobbing. She wasn’t sure what she was going to find, but she knew it wasn’t going to be good. Once again, she committed herself to seeing this through. “Nine!” Darlene gripped the icepick firmly in her hand. She positioned the sharp point directly over the tiny aperture in the center of the bedroom doorknob. Her fingers, steady despite her racing heart, guided the slender tool precisely into the lock. She twisted and turned it gently, feeling for the delicate mechanism within, hoping to manipulate it to release the lock. Every slight movement with the ice pick was a gamble in this silent game of lock and key she found herself playing with, hoping to outsmart it. “TEN!” Dalene heard a click as the door unlocked and the doorknob moved. She prepared to open the door. Darlene paused just before trying to enter as Avery kept shouting at her but never looking at her. “GO AWAY. GO AWAY. I DON'T WANT YOU. YOU'RE GOING TO LEAVE ME. YOU ARE GOING TO HATE ME!” he kept repeating. At this point, she wasn’t even sure if he knew who she was because his behavior was so erratic and strange. As the doorknob turned, Darlene opened the door but was quickly met with a loud kick as the door was kicked closed on her. She hadn’t expected him to be so close to the door and was taken off guard as she stumbled a little backward but quickly regained her sense of balance. “GO AWAY, GO AWAY. I DON'T WANT YOU HEAR!” screamed a raging Avery behind the door. Darelene paused yet another time and took a deep breath, trying to get the courage to go in. She needed to stay calm and not let her emotions flare up if she was indeed going to try to help Avery calm down. This time, she leaned into the door with her weight and strength and began to turn the doorknob to push the door open quickly. Again, she was met with a hard kick against the door, but she was ready and didn’t stumble backward; instead, she pushed and forced to push the door open enough to allow her to step inside Avery’s bedroom. When she entered, Avery was sitting on the floor, wet his back against the end of his bed, just a few feet from the door. He was still wet, with some soap in his hair dripping down his face and his towel loosely around his waist. Darlene quickly surveyed the room. His bedroom was small, with only a twin-sized bed, one dresser, and a nightstand. Clothes were all over the place. The only place that was semi-clean was the dresser, which had some really decorative and elaborate Lego sets that he had built. Two of which he looked like he just smashed. She could only guess what she heard earlier when he threw something. Then, on the other end of the dresser were a few white disposable diapers. Darlene’s attention quickly returned to Avery as his legs kicked randomly in the air toward her but never hit her. “GET OUT OF HERE. I WANT YOU OUT OF HERE. I HATE YOU ALL. YOU ALL HATE ME. YOU ALWAYS HAVE.” Avery continued to scream and repeat himself. His eyes were red and distant, looking from crying and screaming. Tears were mixed with the shower water and suds which slid down from his hair. “Avery, calm down. Look at me. It's Darlene. I don’t hate you.” She stepped aside just far enough to ensure she would not get hurt as she tried to observe more of what was going on. She really needed her sister Laurisa to help her with this, but she felt there was no time. Even Darlene’s efforts to snap Avery out of it weren’t enough to stop his screaming and hateful words. Darlene’s mind twirled with thoughts of how to snap him out as she kept trying to talk to him. His words were full of hate and venom, directed towards someone, but she wasn’t sure who, with a force that seemed unstoppable. She reached out to him, her hands trembling as she spoke, trying to break through the haze of anger that consumed him. But each time she raised her voice, it fell on deaf ears, a futile attempt to break him out of it. Ideas raced through her mind in a frantic march: shake him back to reality, slap him awake, hold him down until he looked into her eyes. But he was lost in a blind rage, unreachable and untouchable. Her mind was finally made up, and with a fierce determination, she lunged towards him. He shoved her away with all his might, but she refused to let go, grabbing onto his wrist as he tried to punch her. In a flash of adrenaline-fueled strength, she snatched his other hand and pinned him against the back of the bed, kneeling down in a dominant stance. With control over both of his wrists, she pushed him back harder against the mattress while trying to bear hug him. "It's me, Darlene. I'm here, and I'm not leaving you," she spoke through gritted teeth as she fought to keep him restrained and close to her. His chest rose and fell rapidly, gasping for air between each word as he struggled against her grip. But she held on tight despite the wetness seeping into her clothes from his tears and still being wet from the shower. "No! Let me go! I hate you...I hate all of you!" he screamed, his voice raw with anguish and pain. Ignoring his outburst, Darlene held onto him tightly, trying to soothe him with gentle words that felt inadequate in such an intense moment. She had no idea what she was doing or how to handle this, but she had made a promise to herself to not leave him. He needed someone or something, and she wasn't going anywhere. He may have felt abandoned by everyone else in his life, but Darlene was determined to stay by his side no matter what. Avery kept trying to twist and turn to escape Darlene's caring arms, desperate to break free from her hold. Then Avery did something Darlene would have never suspected as she held him tight in her arms and close to her breast. She heard a wild snarl from Avery as he sank his teeth into her shoulder. Darlene felt a sharp, searing pain shoot through her body. She could feel his teeth piercing her skin, drawing a little blood as she winced in shock and surprise. “OW, fuck, that hurt!” Darlene cried out, letting go of Avery. Avery quickly stood up and backed away into a corner away from her. His towel fell down. Exposing his full, naked, wet body. She could see the pain etched on his face, but she knew that it was not aimed at her personally. It was the product of years of built-up anger and hurt, and she would not give up on him now. The onslaught of screaming continued as Darlene stood up. Darlene's face contorted in pain as she rubbed her injured shoulder. Avery's wild and frantic movements, his hands flailing in the air as if trying to fight off an unseen enemy, his face twisted in a rage that Darlene couldn't fully understand. “Alright, I gave you a chance, Avery.” She shot back, still feeling the teeth in her shoulder. “If you want to act like a toddler, I will treat you like one!” She shouted at him, but still, nothing broke through. Darlene's instincts kicked in, her body moving with lightning speed as she dodged and weaved through Avery's violent punches. In a swift motion, she wrapped her arms around his wrists like a vice grip, pulling him towards the bed with all her might. She forcefully sat down, shouting at him to calm down. But Avery was beyond reason, thrashing and struggling against her hold like a madman. Desperate to subdue him, Darlene flipped him over her lap, his body slamming onto her thighs and knees with a sickening thud. Despite his struggles, she kept a firm hand on his back, pinning him down, his stomach pressed on her knees. As he gasped for air and hyperventilated, Avery continued to scream and thrash against Darlene's hold. But she remained resolute, taking a deep breath before bringing her hand down with all her might on his exposed bottom. The loud crack echoed through the room as the pain seared through Avery's body. The spanking stung, stung hard between force and the wet bare bottom, making it sting even more. “OW!” Avery cried as he continued to scream at her. But Darlene knew this was necessary - possibly the only way to bring him back from the brink of rage-fueled madness. And so she continued to deliver sharp, stinging smacks. Darlene let another spanking flat across his butt. “I will stop when you calm down and behave, and I don’t have to scream at you anymore.” Through gritted teeth, he begged for her to stop as tears streamed down his face. The spanking hurt. They really hurt and stung as Avery tried to escape. It wasn’t until the pain became almost unbearable that Avery started to calm down, but he was still hyperventilating and sobbing. But the cries were different. They were not fit of rage and angry cries but sounded much more sorrowful and quieter. Avery couldn’t stop crying. He wasn’t sure what was going on with him. He felt emotionally exhausted. Avery's body went limp, and he collapsed over her knees and on the bed in exhausted sobs. Only then did Darlene release her hold and sit back, panting heavily as she watched Avery slowly calm down. “Are you done?” Darlene asked, but all she got was a nod, yes, and soft crying and heaving breathing between the cries as he lay across her lap. “All right then, I want you to stand up and go into the bathroom to rinse off your hair.” He didn’t really move as he felt too drained. Darlene finally reached for his hand, helped him stand up, and led him to the bathroom. He was like a lost child right now. There was no adult in him. She couldn't believe she was leading a crying young man, naked, towards the shower. Avery stood awkwardly next to the shower, his body tense, unmoving and exhausted. Darlene reached in and turned on the water, adjusting the temperature to be just slightly warm. She could see him with his head down, tears streaming down his face as he struggled to catch his breath. "Come on," she said softly, gently guiding him into the shower. As the hot water cascaded over his body, he stayed still, allowing himself to be washed away by the soothing heat. With a reassuring touch, Darlene began to wash his hair and rinse out all the soap suds. Despite the embarrassment of being cared for like a child, Avery couldn't deny how calming and comforting it was to have someone else take care of him in this moment of vulnerability. Once finished, she turned off the shower and looked around the bathroom for some clean towels. She finally found one underneath the sink counter. She pulled out and unfolded a light tan old bath towel, which was too thin from overuse. She grabbed one of his hands and pulled him out. He was starting to calm down slowly but was still breathing and hard like ge couldn’t catch his breath. She handed him the towel. “Do you think you can dry yourself now?” Avery just nodded as he grabbed it. “If you are not out in two minutes and in your bedroom, I will come in and dry you myself, understood?” She grabed his chin to make him look her in the eyes. Avery’s mind was a chaotic mess of conflicting emotions. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, from the events that had just transpired. Standing there, naked and vulnerable, as Darlene tried to lead him into the shower, he felt a deep sense of shame and embarrassment. But alongside those emotions were feelings of confusion and loss – why hadn’t Darlene just left him? Why had she chosen to remain by his side? And then there was the pain from her spanking – it stung deeply, both physically and emotionally. He didn’t want to talk, didn’t know what to say or how to express the jumbled mess of emotions inside him. It all felt so overwhelming, like he was on the edge of a cliff, ready to lose control at any moment. His hand moved gently over his skin, the old, worn towel absorbing the droplets of water and leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. As he dried himself, he could feel the soreness from Darlene's spanking, a reminder of her presence and her control. With each slow swipe of the towel, he tried to quell the storm inside him, to push away the conflicting emotions and just focus on this simple task. But even as he dried his body off, his mind was still swirling with questions and doubts. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally, but he knew there was no escaping Darlene's firm command to himself dried in two minutes. So he took his time, allowing himself a moment of respite before facing whatever came next. Darlene stepped out of the bathroom and looked over the room, taking in every detail. Again, I observed the dresser, which had a few diapers stacked and smashed Lego pieces, as evidence of Avery’s destructive outburst. His bed was unmade and damp from where she had recently spanked him for his behavior. Looking down at herself, she noticed that her pants and blouse were also wet, now cold against her skin. Her heart rate was still beating fast for the adrenal rush as she tried to calm herself down, reminding herself that at least he wasn't screaming or yelling anymore. On the other side of the bed sat a large red stuffed dog, its fluffy fur slightly matted from years of being played with. And scattered across the floor were clothes thrown around only to be assumed dirty. While waiting, she walked to the closet to see what she might find. Amazingly, the closet wasn’t a mess. There weren’t many clothes there. He had a few closed boxes on shelves. What was odd about the closet was the colorful, thin mattress that lay down on the floor. It was many an inch thick, which could that could be folded up for transportation. It was blue on one side, green in the middle, and red on the other side. Darlene couldn’t understand what that was for. Unfortunately, she would have to catch up with her sister and explain everything that had transpired to her for her help, so she made a mental note of that. Avery just stepped outside the bathroom as Darlene was closing the door. “I'm looking for something to get you dressed in.” She looked at Avery, who said nothing, and stood there with a towel around his waist. His crying had come down to breathing, heaving, and a sigh or a small cry between them. Darlene guided Avery to the edge of the bed, her steps slow and gentle as she grabbed on of the remaining diapers from the dresser. She could feel him resisting just a tad, his hand limp in hers, as they made their way across the small bedroom to his bed. He seemed oblivious to what was happening, his gaze fixed on the wall with a mix of exhaustion and emotion. Darene's heart ached for him, and she didn’t know what really triggered all this. Carefully, she lowered him onto the bed, her touch gentle and tentative. Darlene's hands were gentle as she unfolded the crisp, clean diaper beside Avery. She could feel his body's weight on the bed, but he did not react to her presence. His stillness only fueled her determination to take care of him. With each touch, she could sense his emotional turmoil, breaking her heart. She knew she needed to bring him home with her, where she could keep a watchful eye on him and make sure he was safe. The thought of leaving him alone in this fragile state was a terrifying one for Darlene. There was no telling what would happen if she left him now. Darlene brushed a strand of hair away from her face as she unfolded the soft, crinkly disposable diaper. He remained still and unresponsive, lost in his own world. She couldn't understand how someone could be in such a state of distress. It was like nothing she had ever witnessed before. But she knew she had to be there for him, no matter what it took. She hoped that her presence and care would provide some comfort to Avery in this difficult time. Darlene didn’t ask him to lift up; she just patted his thighs and then lifted them gently as Avery followed suit, having done this several times with her. Darlene slide the fresh diaper under him. The rash was getting better but still there, and unfortunately, she did not have any of her supplies. They were back in the office. She adjusted it to ensure it sat comfortably around his waist, the elasticated edges fitting snugly but not too tightly. The adhesive tabs on either side were secured with care, a sound akin to ripping paper filling the air as they fastened securely in place. The diaper now sat neatly beneath him, its exterior white and unblemished, ready to serve its purpose with dignity and discretion. Avery felt the diaper being pulled between his legs and fastened tightly around his sides. The material rustled gently against his skin, its inner layer designed for comfort and absorbency. He continues to get his breathing back under control. He lay there looking up, not realizing Darlene left the room for a second or that she brought something back. He wasn’t aware of her till he heard her voice. “Avery, let's sit up,” he felt her gentle hand slide under his back as he lay still on his back, and she lifted him up to a sitting position. I want you to sit in that chair and not move while I clean up a little. You're coming home with me, and there is no arguing about it. She led him over to the chair, where he sat down in just a diaper. Avery still wasn’t processing everything that had happened yet and was still very distant from her. Darlene knelt down, her knees pressed into the soft carpet, and she kneeled down in front of Avery. She reached a gentle hand towards and cupped his chin, tilting his head up to meet her gaze. Her eyes were warm and determined. Two fingers pointed out towards her own eyes as she silently commanded him to look at her. The room was filled with the sound of rustling fabric as Avery shifted in his seat. “Look at me, Avery. What you did was unacceptable. You bite hard, and I am going to have a bruise and a scab on my shoulder. You have tried to kick and hit me, and I haven’t left. I am right here. Right now, you are not in the right frame of mind. I don’t know how else to explain it, but you acted like you were having a tantrum like a toddler. Therefore, I am going to treat you like a toddler for at least the remainder of the night.” There was no response in Avery’s eyes as they just looked at her, and tears continued to slide down his face. “What this means is that I will make all the decisions tonight. I don’t trust what happened here, and honestly, I am very confused right now, but I am not leaving you. You can fight me, and we can repeat what just happened, your choice.” Avery just nodded yes, that he understood. He didn’t have it in him to fight her right now, and he wasn’t sure what he wanted. He was too emotionally exhausted and confused to make any decisions right now or care to. So, Avery sat in the chair quietly, not wanting to move from it. Avery just nodded yes, that he understood. He didn’t have it in him to fight her right now, and he wasn’t sure what he wanted. He was too emotionally exhausted and confused to make any decisions right now or care to. So, Avery sat in the chair quietly, not wanting to move from it. Darlene stood up again. “Ok, let me clean up some; I can’t leave your carpet all wet and let it grow mold and mildew. I don’t want the carpet to mold and mildew. God only knows if you would even clean it yourself from the looks of this place.” Darlene snatched up a bath towel and pressed it into the damp patches on the carpet. The distinctive aroma wafting from the soaked fibers confirmed her suspicions—Avery had urinated there. He stood by, silent and immobile; his mind lost in a tempest of emotions while Darlene labored to clean up. Leaving the soiled spot for a moment, she made her way to the kitchen, where she whipped up a mixture of warm water and soap. She returned to the task at hand, scrubbing away at the stained carpet with renewed vigor. All through this ordeal, Avery remained still as stone. She then decided to take out the trash before she left his apartment. It was a small act but one that would help bring some order back into this chaotic situation. Next, she turned her attention back to Avery. She gently guided him into a fresh gray T-shirt with the university symbol he went to and a pair of shorts. Underneath his clothing was the crinkly sound of a new diaper - an unfortunate necessity given his condition. Once dressed, they prepared to leave for her place, an unspoken agreement hanging in the air between them that he needed more care than he could provide for himself right now. "Before we leave, I want you to grab me all your medications so we don’t miss any. She handed in a small plastic grocery bag that she found in his kitchen pantry. Then, you can grab anything else you want for the night." Darlene said, looking Avery in his eyes in a stern but caring voice. Darlene waited for a while in the living room as Avery returned from the bedroom. Darlene had to take a step back. He was standing there with the bag of medications but clutching something—the big red stuffed dog hugged tightly in his left arm. Still, there were no words as he looked too exhausted. She saw how much he loved that large stuffed dog to have brought it out with him to return to her house in such a vulnerable state. “That dog is cute. Does he have a name?” she asked. Avery mumbled something, but Darlene didn’t get it. She thought she would ask again as she walked up to Avery, grabbed the small plastic bag with his meds, and grabbed his hand as they walked out of the apartment together.

I want to say a heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone for your support. It means so much to me. Sadly, this isn't my first time with cancer. My brother passed away two years ago with brain cancer. He live with me till the end. For me, I haven't recovered from his cancer, and now this. "F-you Cancer" is right. By the way, tonight, I sat down for some time and wrote the next chapter. I will do the corrections in the morning but should have it out late tomorrow. I may not be writing as often, but it is an escape for me, so I need it for my own mental sake. I may not know everyone personally, but seriously, I do appreciate all the support!

My friends. I have not dropped the story. I promise. Life has been throwing me a lot of curve balls. Last week, my 15-year-old daughter got caught doing weed in the bathroom. She got suspended for a week and in school suspension for three weeks. Then we had to go to counseling for parents. Ugh. Also this Monday, I found out my Mom may have cancer. A tumor in her lung and liver. Not looking promising. My anxiety is through the roof right now, and I am having a hard time sitting down and focusing. I never meant to leave a cliffhanger for this long.

Here is the next installment. I hope this leaves you hanging—evil laugh. Chapter 27 - Outburst As Darlene drove Avery home, she could feel the tension between them. She didn’t like it. She knew she had overstepped her bounds twice during dinner, but she thought she should be given some slack for everything she had done for him. What she has done for him has always been to look out for him. She didn’t understand her own emotions and why she felt the need. It wasn’t just about work telling her to look at him but something deeper. She looked over a couple of times as she drove with him with Avery just looking away from her. She tried to have a conversation a few times, asking him how he liked the restaurant, but he never said a word. He could have at least said thank you for paying for both him and Christy. It wasn’t a cheap dinner. But Avery continued to sit in the passenger seat of Darlene's car; he couldn't help but feel a knot of anger and betrayal in his chest. He was angry at her, and he made it clear by ignoring her. Her actions towards him made him feel how incapable he was of taking care of himself. And to make matters worse, Christy, the girl he had been trying so hard to impress, had witnessed it all. He could feel her judgmental gaze on him as Darlene continued to belittle and infantilize him. The thought of her finding out about his diaper and what had happened at Darlene's house filled him with shame and fear. He didn't want her to see him as anything less than a mature and capable young man, but now he knew that chance was gone. Despite his anger towards Darlene for treating him like a helpless child, there was still a part of him that secretly enjoyed the attention and care she showered on him. It made him feel special and loved in a way he hadn't felt before. Avery resented himself for having those feelings. He wondered if Christy had picked up on any of this or if she just saw him as a pathetic boy unable to take care of himself. The SUV came to a stop at the red light, and Darlene glanced over at Avery in the passenger seat. He was still facing away from her, staring out the window with an angry expression on his face. His shirt was untucked once again, with a new stain near his left pant pocket, where he must have rubbed it in while wiping his hands with his napkin. It was a mixture of the cheese sauce and tiramisu that he had for dessert. Darlene shook her head in frustration, realizing that Avery had no idea how to behave in a nice restaurant like the one they had just left. She turned off the radio, which was playing softly in the background. "Avery, I know you're mad, but avoiding me won't solve anything. I'm sorry for what happened," she said, trying to break the tense silence between them. But Avery remained silent as the light turned green, and Darlene drove towards his apartment complex. As they pulled up to his building, Darlene sighed and spoke again. "I'll see you tomorrow. Hopefully, you can get some rest." But Avery didn't respond. He simply got out of the car and slammed the door before storming off into his apartment without looking back. Darlene felt a surge of anger rises within her, but she took deep breaths to calm herself down. She couldn't stoop to Avery's childish level; someone had to be the mature one in this situation. She waited until Avery disappeared inside before starting the SUV and driving off. She couldn't help but feel frustrated with his behavior. It felt like she was dealing with a sulking child rather than an adult who should know better. Darlene's grip on the steering wheel was so tight that her knuckles turned white. As she drove away from the apartment complex, the memories of Avery's visit to her home swirled in her mind like a never-ending storm cloud. The thought of going back to that empty, lonely space made her stomach churn, and bile rose up in her throat. With a defeated sigh, she pulled into the parking lot of her favorite liquor store, hoping to numb the pain and delay facing her loneliness at home for a little while longer. As she pushed a cart through the aisles, running her fingers over the smooth labels of familiar wines and exploring new ones, Darlene's mind was consumed with negative thoughts. This was usually a calming activity for her, but today, it only served to amplify her feelings of emptiness and despair. She couldn't shake off the feeling that even this simple task would be tainted by her ever-present loneliness. Replying to the events of today, Darlene shook her head softly. From getting written up at work to Avery being angry with her for trying to take care of him, it seemed as though nothing was going right in her life right now. She felt like she deserved a break, a moment of respite from the constant barrage of problems and failures that seemed to follow her wherever she went today. But as she reached for yet another bottle of wine, she knew deep down that this temporary distraction would only lead to more regret and self-loathing later on as she committed herself not to drink herself to sleep tonight. As she picked up a new bottle and read the label, her iPhone rang. She pulled it out of her purse and saw that it was her sister Laurisa calling. "Hey, sis," Darlene answered as she put on her headset. "I wasn't expecting you to call tonight," Darlene continued. "Yeah, I know. But I'm worried about you and Avery. What's going on?" Laurisa asked, sounding concerned. "I'm fine, really. You don't need to worry," Darlene replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Don't give me that, Darlene. I'm your older sister. I know there's something more going on with this guy from work. You've never been this protective over someone like that before," Laurisa prodded. "I'm just looking out for him like I was instructed to at work," Darlene insisted. "But you called him a boy earlier. He's a young man, Darlene," Laurisa pointed out. "I meant young man. It just slipped out," Darlene clarified defensively. "You may have said 'young man,' but your subconscious definitely said 'boy'. What's really going on? Did something happen when he came over last Thursday?" Laurisa pressed. Darlene hesitated before finally admitting: "No, nothing happened. We just watched a movie." Laurisa could tell there was something more to this than Darlene was leading on. "Hmm, sure, it doesn't seem like anything happened based on how you were acting at dinner tonight. You were practically jumping out of your seat every time he breathed," Laurisa observed. Darlene sighed. "Okay, fine. Maybe I was a little overly concerned for him. It won’t happen anymore. I'm done looking out for him just because work has asked me to." Laurisa could pick up on the emotions that Darlene was feeling. "Just be careful, sis. Your hormones are still all over the place from pumping so much breast milk. You haven't been yourself since the miscarriage," Laurisa warned. "I know, I know. But I'll be fine. Thanks for checking in, Sis," Darlene reassured her. "Alright, just promise me you'll talk to me about it and be careful. I worry about you," Laurisa said with concern. "I will, I promise. Love you, sis," Darlene replied sincerely. "Love you too," Laurisa echoed before they hung up. Darlene made her way to the checkout stand, her mind reeling from the conversation with her sister. She knew she was getting too involved with Avery, and that's why her emotions were all over the place. As she approached the counter with a cart full of wine, she paused and looked at the liquor aisle. It was a cool night, and she couldn't help but think of the times when she and her sisters would sit by the fire and take shots of Goldschlager while talking about their problems with boys or girls, in Laurisa's case. She grabbed a bottle and a shot glass, not sure what she was going to do with it yet. But one thing was for sure: she needed to find a way to clear her head and sort out her feelings before things got too complicated. As Darlene stood at the checkout counter with her cart full of wine, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that her emotions were getting the best of her. She knew her sister was right - she had been getting too close to Avery's situation, and it was starting to affect her own mental state. The cashier scanned each bottle of wine with a polite smile, breaking the silence that surrounded Darlene. "Stocking up for a party?" he asked cheerfully. Darlene forced a smile and replied, "Oh, just stocking up for myself. It's been one of those days, you know?" The cashier nodded sympathetically as he continued scanning the bottles. "I hear you. Wine always helps take the edge off." Darlene chuckled softly, grateful for the small moment of understanding from a stranger. "Yeah, that's the plan." As the last bottle was scanned, Darlene reached into her purse, pulled out her wallet, and paid the cashier. With a heavy heart, Darlene left the liquor store, her arms full of wine bottles and a bottle of Goldschlager. While she drove home, she passed by one of her favorite parks - a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The park was known for its friendly ducks and geese, as well as the occasional sighting of rabbits and chipmunks. Despite the tempting prospect of a tranquil afternoon at the park, Darlene couldn't shake off the events that had transpired earlier in the day. She quickly decided to pull into the parking lot with a heavy sigh and made her way to a bench by the small man-made lake. The sun was beginning to set, casting a beautiful orange glow over the water. Darlene set down her purchases on the bench and took out a shot glass she had picked up at the store. She poured herself a shot of Goldschlager, relishing in the familiar warmth that spread through her body with each sip. "To the end of a shitty day," she muttered before downing the shot. As she sat there, watching the sunset and sipping on her drink, Darlene couldn't help but reflect on her relationship with Avery. They had gotten into this thing that was going on between them right now over what she did, and now he wasn't speaking to her. It infuriated her not to have control over the situation, especially since she was convinced she could make him see things her way. She could just let it go. She absentmindedly ran her fingers along the rim of the shot glass as she thought about their last encounter - when he had voluntarily breastfed from her. It had been a deeply intimate moment, but now she wondered if it had caused some sort of underlying tension between them. With a heavy heart and another shot finished, Darlene decided to call it a day and headed back home. The sun had disappeared behind the horizon, leaving behind a peaceful stillness in the park's atmosphere - a stark contrast to the turmoil within Darlene's mind. She knew she was in for a long, restless night of no sleep as she got up and headed back to her SUV. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avery burst through the front door, slamming it shut behind him, not caring about any of the neighboring apartments about the loud noise. Huffing, he kicked off his shoes and tossed his pants onto the floor. As he headed to the bedroom, Avery's hands reached down and pulled apart the Velcro tabs of his crinkled-soaked diaper. The diaper was cold and wet in Avery's grasp, squishing under his fingers as he wadded it up. The tapes were sticky and tough to pull apart, causing him to let out a quiet growl of frustration. As he wadded the diaper up, he sat it down on the kitchen counter, where it lay wet and squishy. Once the diaper was removed, it left a cool, damp spot where the fabric had been pressed against his skin. His face contorted into a grimace as he mumbled to himself, eventually turning away from the counter with a look of disgust. Avery walked over to his dresser, a sense of frustration and anger bubbling within him. He forcefully pulled out a pair of boxer shorts. "I am not a fucking baby," he shouted in his empty apartment, feeling the need to assert himself. He slid on his boxers without wiping himself down, glad to be rid of the diaper and Darlene. He stormed over to the sofa and turned on his PlayStation, loading up one of his favorite games, Ratchet and Clank. He was going to play till his anger went away. With every move of the controller, he felt some of his pent-up emotions release as he took out his aggression on the virtual bad guys. But even amidst the chaos of the game, Avery couldn't ignore the touch of Darlene's hand as she smoothed out his shirt and brushed against his diaper in front of Christy. The image played over and over in his head. Normally, he would have enjoyed this attention alone with her, but right now, he was too worked up to appreciate it. "Fucking take that!" he yelled at the screen as he continued to shoot down enemies in the game, trying to distract himself from the uncomfortable situation in his real life. An hour dragged by, the game's difficulty increasing with each level. Avery's frustration mounted, and his palms grew slick with sweat as he furiously pressed buttons on his controller. But no matter how skilled he was, it seemed like the game was against him. In a burst of anger, he flung the controller across the room, its plastic body colliding with the wall on the other side. "Fucking game cheats," Avery cursed under his breath, his heart racing with adrenaline. Avery's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, each one pulling him in a different direction. He needed to calm down, but he felt like he couldn’t, so he stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the shower. In the midst of his turmoil, he had totally forgotten about his valium which he could have taken when he got home. He dropped his boxers on the bathroom floor and stepped in the shower, letting the hot water cascade over his body. But it wasn't enough to soothe his frustration, and with a helpless cry, he lashed out and punched the shower wall. The heat only seemed to intensify his confusion and anger. Tears streamed down Avery's red and blotchy cheeks, his shoulders shaking with each sob. The once calm bathroom was now a disheveled mess, bits of shampoo and soap bottles scattered on the floor, which he knocked down as he through his fit of rage. Tears continued to well up in Avery's eyes and spilled over as sobs racked his body. He wasn't even sure what he was crying about anymore; his emotions were just too much to handle. For what felt like an eternity, he alternated between crying and hitting the shower wall until exhaustion finally overtook him, and he rested his head against the tile. The shower water felt both hot and cold against his skin, adding to the intensity of his emotions. His knuckles were raw from hitting the hard tile, and his body ached from the physical and emotional strain. Avery's soapy fingers ran through his hair as he tried to relax under the hot water. But then, a loud pounding on his front door shattered his peace. He froze, water still running over his closed eyes and down his chest. He strained to hear the muffled voice outside, but all he could make out was, "Open up!" Panic rising in his chest, Avery shut off the shower and quickly wrapped a towel around his waist. Racing towards the door, he couldn't shake the thought that something terrible must have happened for someone to be banging on his door like this. Was the apartment complex on fire? "Hold on... Let me get dressed," Avery shouted back at the person, hoping they would give him a moment to collect himself before confronting them. But they continued to yell insistently from the other side of the door. "Avery Sage! Open this door now! I know you're in there ignoring me. Open up!" His heart dropped as he recognized the voice to be Darlene's. What was she doing back? He checked the clock and saw that it was only 7:22 p.m., still early in the evening. With a sense of dread, Avery realized he had no choice but to face her before she caused a scene outside of the apartment complex. Hurriedly, he wrapped a tan towel around his waist and went to open the front door. “Finally,” Darlene said as she pushed past him as soapy water was dripping down his face and body with his half-wet towel wrapped around his waist. “I have been knocking for over 10 minutes.” “I couldn’t hear you,” Avery said, closing the door. This was the first time Darlene had set foot in his small one-bedroom apartment. “Obviously, I was in the shower.” Avery’s tone was sarcastic and not at all inviting. “I am sorry for getting you out of the shower. I didn’t know. I guess I am going to be apologizing a lot this evening.” Darlene said in a remorseful tone. Darlene's eyes swept over the small living room, taking in its sparse and humble furnishings. The sofa was faded and sagging, with worn spots on the armrests where people had rested their arms for years with mismatched pillows on it and a blanket draped halfway on it. The coffee table was scratched and marked with various rings from cups and plates. The old TV stand looked precarious, almost comical in its attempt to support the flat-screen TV as it was on two cinder blocks with a board across them. It was clear that this was not a well-furnished apartment. A controller by the wall near the door is lying upside down. “I came by because I don’t want to end the night like this. I wanted to talk about everything that has happened between us.” Darlene’s voice was concerned as she could tell Avery didn’t look right. His body was shaking, and it wasn’t just from getting out of the shower. “Nothing has happened; I don’t know what you're talking about.” Avery started to turn around and walk away. “Just forget everything and leave me be.” “See, you are doing it again. You’re trying to ignore me when I try to talk to you.” Darlene’s voice rose. “I am concerned about you, and I am trying to talk to you like grown-ups.” Avery just continued to walk towards his bedroom, and Darlene took a few more steps into the apartment, between the living room and kitchen. She could see the top of the kitchen counter had a wadded-up dirty diaper lying disgustingly on it. She rolled her eyes and then shouted. “STOP RIGHT THERE AND TURN AROUND. WE ARE GOING TO TALK!” Avery’s emotions kicked back in, and he turned around and stopped his feet on the ground a few times like a toddler would when they were having a tantrum. “I DON'T HAVE TO TALK TO YOU. I AM NOT GOING TO TALK TO YOU. I DON’T WANT TO TALK TO YOU. I WANT YOU TO GO AWAY FOREVER! YOU ARE NOT MY MOM!” He said the words so quickly and didn’t even realize what he said. His attitude took Darlene aback. She wasn’t sure what she should do. He was being unreasonable. There was a half-empty Sprite can on the coffee table, which Avery was standing next to in a towel. In anger at Darlene, Avery reached down, picked it up, and threw it at her. The soda can hit Darlene square in the chest, and some spilled down her blouse. As she was in total shock at what happened, Avery immediately turned and ran and slammed the bedroom door shut. She could hear him locking it and crying loudly. “GET OUT OF HERE. I DON'T WANT YOU HERE. YOU WILL JUST END UP LEAVING ME LIKE THEY ALL DO. I HATE YOU FOR IT!” Through sobs and shaking, his voice echoed through the closed door. "Everyone hates me! Everyone leaves me!" And Darlene knew then that his outburst wasn't just directed at her but at everyone who had ever abandoned him. She could hear him crying loudly, feeling helpless and alone on the other side of that locked door. “Everyone hates me. Everyone leaves me!” Avery screamed as his whole body was shaking, and he fell to the floor, pulling his knees up close to his chest and rocking back and forth. Darlene walked over to the bedroom door and tried to open it, but it confirmed what she already knew: It was locked. “Come on, Avery, let me in. I am not here to fight,” she said in a soft voice, but it was met with a loud thud against the door as he threw something at it. “GO AWAY. I HATE YOU! I HATE ALL OF YOU!” Avery screamed at her. “Fine, I am leaving, Avery.” She sighed and started to walk away, but just before she got to the front door to leave, she stopped and looked back at the locked door as she rested her hand on the doorknob to leave the apartment.

As promised. There is a lot going on in this chapter. I'm curious what everyone wants to think. Also, do you like the dotted lines? I am trying something new to see if it helps. Enjoy, my friends. Chapter 26 - The Kiddy Table Avery wasn’t sure where Darlene was taking him. His feet shuffled behind Darlene's determined stride, his mind racing with curiosity and anticipation. The only thing he knew about this place was that it was a restaurant with a name he couldn't quite grasp. "Aegean Palette?" he silently attempted to pronounce, stumbling over the unfamiliar combination of letters. Who would name a restaurant something so complicated? As they passed out from the alleyway of the tall building, his thoughts were interrupted by the sight of tall evergreen trees lining a narrow lane, creating a barrier between them and their destination. As they continued down the path, Avery couldn't help but wonder if this obscure location meant the restaurant wasn't doing well. But as they emerged from behind the final cluster of trees, the scent of fresh herbs and spices filled his nose, instantly washing away any doubts or reservations. "Can you smell it, Avery?" Darlene's voice rang out joyfully as she gestured toward the quaint building before them, hidden behind tall skyscrapers and trees. "That's the best Greek and Italian cuisine you'll ever find." Avery inhaled deeply, savoring the tantalizing aroma that seemed out of place in the bustling downtown city. The restaurant itself looked as though it had been plucked from the idyllic Greek countryside and placed next to a peaceful river hidden from view. With its brick walls and vibrant geranium posts adorning the entrance, it was a stark contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. Despite his initial skepticism about its location, Avery couldn't deny that there was something alluring and charming about this hidden gem of a restaurant. And as he followed Darlene inside, he knew that this would be an experience unlike any other. “Let's go in and make sure he has our seats. The restaurant was only expecting four, but I added Christy at the last second. Normally, a restaurant like this won’t do favors for customers if they don’t make reservations in advance, but let's say my sisters and I are regulars. We're almost like family here.” As Avery followed Darlene inside the restaurant, he first noticed the smells and how a tall, gangly, and well-dressed man with an infectious smile was standing next to a hostess stand's wooden podium. “Welcome, Ms. Malatesta. I don’t think we have seen you here on a Monday. What happened to your regular Wednesday meet-up with your sisters.” He stared at Avery, realizing this was the fourth person she had called for reservations. “Let’s just say I had a real shitty day at work, and I need to unwind with my sisters,” Darlene replied. To Dimitris, Avery looked very nervous, and Avery didn’t realize he was up close to Darlene like an anxious child. Dimitris looked over at Avery in his messy hair and untucked shirt. From the looks, he wasn’t their normal clientele. “And who is the young man that is accompanying you this fine evening?” Dimitris smiled at him and gave him a warm half-bow as if inviting him in. Avery felt like he was talking to him as a child, but in fact, he wasn’t used to this type of atmosphere in a restaurant. “Oh, this is Avery, a coworker of mine.” Darlene paused as she thought about how to best explain this without seeming odd. “He is joining us today because we both had a bad day at work, and I thought he needed to unwind a little. When I learned he never heard of this restaurant. I told him about it and how I come here once a week to unwind and sometimes on the weekend for special occasions. I thought maybe I could get you another customer addicted to this place, just as my sisters and I are.” “That is really nice of you, Ms. Malatesta.” Dimitris turned to face Avery, who felt incredibly out of place in such a fancy establishment. “Nice to meet you, Avery. Do you have a last name?” He looked confused about why he would ask such a question. Darlene looked down at Avery and nudged him in the side. “It is ok; calling people by their last name here is customary. I have tried for years to get him to call me Darlene, but he refuses.” Dimitris had a comical and infectious smile when she said this. “Well, Ms. Malatesta, you know that isn’t proper, and I am all about proper.” Even though he didn’t laugh, you can tell from his eyes that he was laughing. “Sage, Avery Sage is my full name,” Avery said as his eyes kept darting around, feeling out of place. Before this, the most upscale dining experience he had ever had was at Olive Garden, and that was only a handful of times when his foster families treated him on special occasions that were in celebration of someone else and not for him. “Welcome, Mr. Sage. It is my pleasure and the pleasure of Aegean Palettee to have you dine with us tonight. I hope you have a divine experience. Anything less would be an insult to us.” Dimitris did a half-bow once again. Darlene's voice trembled a little as she spoke, "I know this isn't ideal, and I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have a fifth guest I invited. With everything that has happened, I really needed her to come with us." She couldn't help but feel guilty for bringing an unexpected guest and knew this wasn’t proper, but at the same time, she felt like she had no other choice. "Can you please find a way to accommodate us? I would be so appreciative," she pleaded, hoping Dimitris would understand her predicament. Dimitris's eyes widened in concern as he scanned the reservation log, seeing that the restaurant was on track to be completely packed that night. He groaned inwardly, knowing they had already made a notable exception for Darlene and brought her in on a Monday with such short notice. Dimitri looked up and saw a look of disappointment on Darlene's face as she realized it was full, and it was like a stab to his heart, making it clear that he had failed to meet her, one of the restaurant’s best customers. “Dimitris, I understand if you can’t, but if you can do anything.” He thought for a second. “I have an idea that is a little unprofessional. I have a small cardboard table in the back. I can place a nice tablecloth that matches the decor of this play and lay it out nicely for two people to sit together. I am sorry there is no way I can fit all of you together. All I have for you is a round table that barely fits four people. If I squeeze more, it won’t look right, and the owner will be upset. Presentation is everything here.” Darlene was actually relieved that there was a solution. “That would be perfect. I would really appreciate it.” She smiled. Dimitris gave his little half-bow. “Let me set it up; give me 10 minutes to make it look like it fits into this place.” Darlene smiled and started to walk out for a second. “Oh, Ms. Malatesta, can I talk too quickly for a second.” Darelene looked at Avery. “It is ok. Can you go outside and wait for Christy? I will only be a second.” Avery nodded and walked outside, not thinking anything of it, but Darlene was confused. As Darlene approached Dimitris, Dimitris grabbed Darelene’s hand gently and patted it. “This restaurant prides itself on being unique, quaint, and professional. We have a dress code here, which I know you are familiar with. Although Avery technically fits the dress code, he is still a little unpresentable. Could you please ask him to tuck his shirt in, pull the pant leg out of his sock, and brush his hair? I don’t mean to be rude, and I didn’t want to offend him in front of you.” Darlene giggled a little. “Oh, Dimitri, I should have known. With everything that happened today, It didn’t register in my mind. On any other day, I would have him be more presentable. It is also a reflection of me. So, I appreciate the honesty.” Darlene patted Dimitris's hand back. “I will take care of it.” As Avery stepped outside, the warm sun and cool air hit his face. Even tucked so far inside between the buildings, the bustling sounds of the city filled his ears. He looked up and saw Christi walking towards him; a look of confusion was on her face as she scanned her surroundings. Suddenly, her gaze landed on Avery, and her face lit up with recognition. "Oh, good. I am in the right spot!" she exclaims, her voice carrying over the surrounding noise. Avery smiled and waved back at her. "I know, a strange spot for a restaurant," he replied, gesturing to the alleyway from which they both had come from. Christ walked casually up, putting her iPhone away, which she was using to help find the place. “Wow, Darlene likes the nice and secluded restaurants I see. You can tell from the outside that this place is something of a unique spot. It has been a few months since I have eaten at such a place like this.” Avery laughed a little as he heard Christy say this. “Yeah, I know. I was expecting something like Chilies, and then here we are.” He paused and looked at Christy. She seemed more comfortable and relaxed about a place like this than he was, but he did his best not to show it. “I agree it has been a long time. I sure hope it isn’t expensive.” As soon as he said this, he realized he had shown his ignorance. Christy giggled a little. “Avery, this place is far from reasonable. Just look at the outside. It speaks of either Italian, German, or Greek food. The location has to be so expensive that it is tucked away between tall office buildings as if it is a place of its own.” Avery's face went flush as she told him this. He tried to think of something that wouldn’t make him look stupid in front of Christy. “I know, but I wish it was. I do like good food, though.” He smiled, looking up at Christy, knowing he never had any real authentic cultural food. Just then, Darlene came out of the restaurant. “Oh, hi, Christy. Did you have any problems finding this place?” She asked. “No, Ms. Malatesta, I did not,” Christy replied. “ Oh, come on, Christy. You can call me Darlene. I don’t like formal approaches to names. It is so. How do I say impersonal?” Christy smiled. “That is good. I would like it better to call you by your first name.” In mid-conversation, Christy's gaze was drawn to something unusual, causing Avery to visibly startle and blush. Darlene had reached over to straighten out the disheveled appearance of his clothing, carefully smoothing his shirt between his pants and onesie. Tucking his shirt into his pants with a practiced ease. Darlene’s hand slipped between the waistband of his pants and the soft fabric of his onesie, making contact with the diaper he wore underneath. She then leaned down to untuck his pant leg from his bunched-up socks. As she completed this task, a realization dawned on her, and she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I am so sorry for that, Avery," Darlene stammered, glancing toward Christy. "There is a strict dress code at this establishment." Darlene's actions took Christy aback, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she tried to make sense of it all. She could feel Avery's cheeks burning with embarrassment, and it made her uncomfortable. She stumbled over her words, desperately trying to ease the tension and make Avery feel at ease. "Avery, what kind of cuisine do you think they serve here? The pungent aroma of garlic wafted through the air every time the door opened." The restaurant was bustling with chatter and the clinking of silverware, giving off a warm and inviting atmosphere. Avery's heart raced as Christy's eyes watched the scene unfold, frozen in humiliation. How could he deny what Darlene had just done right in front of Christy? He didn't want to act out his feelings as anger built inside of him for the humiliating act. "I don't know..." Avery stammered, his face still red with shame and guilt. Even Darlene, usually so confident, couldn't meet anyone's gaze as she, too, blushed with regret. Silence filled the air as they all struggled with the incident. The alley was quiet for a few moments until two figures emerged, walking side by side. Darlene's sisters, Larisa and Ashley, were chatting animatedly as they made their way to her. Larisa's long dark brown hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, the ends brushing against her back with each step she took. It was her usual go-to hairstyle, effortlessly chic yet practical. As soon as they reached Darlene, she pulled Larisa into a tight hug with a broad smile on her face. "Well, well, well, look who decided to ditch the jeans and dress up for work," Darlene playfully teased. Larisa pushed back with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I had a formal presentation today, thank you very much. And then someone called an urgent meeting without giving me time to change into my comfortable clothes." Darlene turned to Ashley, who was sexy and flaunting as always, and hugged her. Ashley had her flame-red hair down to her shoulders, and the sides of her hair were braided to the back of her head today. Avery couldn’t take his eyes off of Ashley. Her dress clung to her curves in a way that was both comfortable and revealing. It looked to be made of luxurious emerald green velvet that shimmered with a subtle sheen under the autumnal light. The fabric was thick enough to provide warmth on a crisp fall night but light enough to move fluidly with her walk. The dress had a deep v-neck that plunged down to just below her collarbone, teasing the site of her cleavage. The neckline was framed by a delicate band of emerald green lace that added a touch of femininity. The waist was cinched with a thin, gold belt that accentuated the hourglass shape of the dress. The skirt flowed down to her knees in a cascade of soft folds, hugging her hips gently before flaring out slightly at the hem. The rich green color of the dress was offset by a pair of peep-toe heels in a deep burgundy shade. The heels added height and drama to the outfit, and their color echoed the fallen leaves that swirled around her ankles. Darlene hugged and talked to her sister for a few minutes outside the restaurant. Avery felt a jab at his side when Christy noticed Avery looking over Ashley. “Your tongue is hanging out.” She giggled as it snapped Avery back. “Oh huh, oh, I was just lost in thought,” Avery blushed. “I am sure you were,” Christy smiled. “No, it wasn’t like.” Avery started to say when Darlene said. “Shall we go have dinner?” Breaking the awkward conversation up. Upon entering, Dimitris stood tall and elegant by the waiter's podium, his face adorned with a gentle smile as always. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen," he greeted with a slight nod towards Avery. His voice was smooth and rich, betraying hints of a Greek accent. "Follow me, please. Your tables are ready and awaiting your presence." He gestured gracefully for them to follow as he led the way through the bustling restaurant, his steps light and confident. The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, mingling with the subtle scent of aromatic herbs and spices. The warm lighting cast a cozy glow over the space, making it feel like a home away from home. Soft music played in the background as the sound of chatter and clinking glasses filled their ears as they were ushered to their seats, ready to indulge in a delicious dining experience. Avery stood back from Darlene as he followed everyone, still embarrassed and upset about what Darlene had done a few minutes ago. He walked quietly between Darlene, her sisters, and Christy. “Well, Malatesta Lady’s, I got a nice table right here in the back of the restaurant, along with a small table for two.” He looked at Christy and Avery. “My lady, what would your name be?” Dimitris asked. “Christy Evans.” She smiled as she took her hand out to shake his. Dimitris shook her hand and replied. “Welcome, Ms Evans. I hope you find this dining experience to be memorable.” Darlene and her sisters stood by the table, eagerly anticipating Dimitris' arrival. As expected, the charming restaurant host pulled out each chair with effortless grace, neatly placing a napkin on each of their laps. However, Avery seemed preoccupied and carelessly took his seat without acknowledging the beautiful display. Christy, always attentive, noticed his distraction and quickly followed suit, gracefully settling in next to him to ensure he felt included. Dimitris, ever the professional, smoothly turned to see them both seated and discreetly rolled his eyes before making his way to the smaller table for two. Dimitris approached the small table. He delicately unfolded Avery's napkin and started to place it on his lap. Avery instinctively jumped back, confused by the gesture. "I didn't spill anything?" he blurted out, feeling embarrassed. Christy leaned over quickly, sensing Dimitris’ surprise at Avery's reaction. "It's alright, Avery. In restaurants like this, it is customary for the waiter to place the napkin in your lap," she explained with a smile. Avery blushed but accepted Dimitris's gesture, allowing him to place the napkin on his lap. Christy tried her best to hide her amusement, pretending to understand Avery's confusion. She had grown up in a wealthy family and was accustomed to these customs, having experienced them numerous times with her family and dates. However, she found it odd that Avery was so unfamiliar with them. He wasn't like the other men she had been around – they were all self-confident and sure of themselves, while he seemed innocent and unsure. She couldn't help but wonder about his past and what had shaped him into the person he was now. Most men would be trying their hardest to charm her or impress her, but Avery was different. He seemed oblivious to women's advances, or perhaps he was simply not interested in them at all. She couldn't quite figure him out yet. Either way, he was different, and she liked that. As Dimitris left, the room seemed to shrink in on itself, the silence becoming almost suffocating. Desperate to fill the void, Christy spoke up with a tremble in her voice. "You know, John scares the shit out of me too. Maybe that's why we were both sent to the IT department." She let out a slightly nervous laugh, trying to break the tension. "I'm so grateful for that." Avery shifted in his seat, feeling uneasy at the mention of John. "Yeah, it's a relief that they installed the badges," he replied cautiously. But then he hesitated, his mind replaying all the events that led up to this security measure. "But...I wish it didn't have to come to this," he admitted with a heavy sigh. "I wish I could have handled things better." Christy gave him a sympathetic look, knowing how much Avery blamed himself for what happened with John. "Don't beat yourself up over it, Avery. John is just an asshole no matter what anyone does or says." She tried to lighten the mood with a smile, but she could see the weight still lingered on Avery's shoulders. Realizing she had touched upon a sensitive topic, Christy quickly changed the subject. “So why don’t we just change the subject and figure out what we are going to order.” Christy and Avery observed their surroundings while Darlene watched. A nagging instinct urged her to make sure Avery was okay. She couldn't explain why, but she would have felt more comfortable if they were all sitting together. Across the room, Larisa caught Darlene's gaze on Avery and spoke up. "He'll be fine. Now, can you tell us what's happening?" This question snapped Darlene back to reality, reminding her of the day's events. As Darlene attention was refocused, her voice began to tremble with barely contained anger as she unloaded. "Can you believe it? They're blaming me for everything that went down on Thursday. They said I was the one who instigated the aggression. And John? He's getting off scot-free without any warning or consequences. But that's not all - they're taking 'special precautions' now to prevent this from happening again. They even had the nerve to install security badges over the weekend." Darlene's jaw clenched, and her eyes burned with fury as she recounted the injustice done to her by those in charge. As Laurisa and Ashley listened intently to Darlene's dilemma, Dimitris glided over to Avery and Christy’s small table. "Would you like to hear the specials?" he asked, his voice laced with charm. Avery, feeling out of place in such a fancy restaurant, looked at the menu in confusion as the waiter handed it to him. The pages were filled with unfamiliar dishes that he couldn't even begin to pronounce. Some had ingredients he had never heard of before, and others seemed too fancy for his simple taste buds. Looking over at Christy for guidance, Avery saw her smiling warmly at Demetri. "Yes, please," she responded graciously, relieving Avery from the pressure of having to reply. He felt grateful for her quick thinking as he continued to feel nervous and out of place in this extravagant setting. Dimitris recited a long list of intricate dishes, each with a complicated name and a list of ingredients that Avery could barely comprehend. “And finally, we have Ossobuco con risotto, Branzino al sale, & Moussaka with lamb," Demetri Paused as he looked over to Avery and Christy. He tried to look interested and knowledgeable, but his mind was spinning. Avery looked at Darlene, and she was busy chatting with her sisters. He then looked over to Christy. Christy could tell Avery was overwhelmed as she looked up to Dimitris. “I would like some more time to go over the menu. Everything you said sounds delicious.” Feeling out of place and unsure of what to order, Avery anxiously scanned the menu once more. From "Parmigiana di Melanzane" to "Spaghetti alla Carbonara," every dish had a carefully crafted name that sounded like a work of art. He looked up at Dimitris again, hoping for some help. Christy chimed in, "But before you leave, maybe you can suggest a reasonably priced Cabernet?" Dimitris nodded confidently, "I have just the one - Silver Oak from Alexander Valley. It's exquisite." A smile spread across Christy's face as she replied, "That sounds perfect, thank you." With a slight bow, Dimitris walked over to attend to Darlene and her sisters' table who were still chatting away. He could hear them talking. “You can’t be serious; they blamed you for helping Avery!” Ashley almost shouted, and Dimitris gave her a look with a finger to his lips, silently asking her to quiet down. Just before he was about to tell them about today's special, he noticed that Darlene had a few tears going down her face. She quickly whipped them away. “You ok, Ms Maltese?” Dimitris said with a concerned look. “Yes, I am just a rough day.” She tried her best to put on a smile but couldn’t. “Well, I hope we can make your day better.” He smiled as he recited the menu. Each of the girls listened and quickly made their selection. After they each made their selection, Larisa quickly placed an order of drinks before he could ask. “We will all take one of your rosemary gin and tonics. And make it a double for her. They are on my tab.” Demetri smiled. “No, mam, it will be one the house. You all are like family here.” He smiled as he memorized their order. Just before he left, he quickly said to the three. “Avery, the young man looks like he may need help with the menu. He looked bewildered. I didn’t want to embarrass him.” He then nodded and walked off to get the drinks. Laurasia spoke up. “He is right. I was watching him fidget a good bit while Demetri was telling him the menu.” Laurisa carefully watched as Darlene was about to get up to help. She grabbed her hand. “Darlene, let's just see what happens.” Darlene looked puzzled. “But he needs help.” Lauris was quick to reply. “He is with a Christy, so let's just see what happens.” Laurasia was paying attention not only to Avery but also to Darlene. She knew there was something going on in Darlene’s mind. She could read the concern on Darlene’s face. “You don’t normally take this much interest in an employee at your work; why him?” “What, oh. Ah, I don’t have any interest in him. I am just trying to protect him from John.” She fidgeted with her napkin as Laurasia watched. “You sure that is it?” “Yes, I am sure,” Darleen snapped back as Laurasia dropped the subject. Ashley watched the tension rise for a second as she blurted in. “What are we going to do about this John character?” Both Darlene and Laurasia refocused their attention on Ashley as they contemplated their next move. Dimitris returned with the bottle of wine Christy had ordered. The wine bottle was clearly meant to impress Avery and Christy. His hands delicately poured a small sample for Christy, who swirled it in her glass and nodded in approval. "This is an exquisite; good recommendation, thank you," she purred, feeling refreshed after tasting the flavors of the wine. Just as Dimitris was about to pour some for Avery, the young man spoke up nervously. "I-I'm not old enough to drink," his face turning pink with embarrassment. Dimitris quickly pulled back the bottle, his expression shifting from friendly to stern in an instant. "My apologies, sir. I just figured..." Avery hung his head in shame, realizing that he had once again felt like he was being treated like a child. After all, he still was wearing diapers like a toddler. But he couldn't blame Dimitris for not assuming he was underage with the company he was with, all of them easily old enough to drink. Christy quickly spoke up and gave Dimitris her dinner order to break the mood. Dimitris again turned his attention to Avery as he fumbled through the menu, struggling to pronounce any of the fancy dishes listed. "Um, I'll have the...spaghetti meal?" he asked tentatively, feeling even more out of place in this posh restaurant. Dimitris couldn't contain his amusement and let out a laugh. "Do you mean the Spaghetti alla Carbonara?" he said with a condescending smirk. Avery's face flushed red with mortification as he mumbled a yes, wanting nothing more than to disappear underneath the table. As the tension went to him, he could feel the warm sensation spreading between his legs and prayed that no one else could smell the evidence of his humiliation. “no, not in front of Christy,” He thought to himself as the diaper swelled and contained it quite well. Avery continued to fidget in his seat, feeling embarrassed and foolish for not knowing what he had ordered. The warmth from the wet diaper only added to his discomfort. “You, ok? You know what you ordered, right?”. Christy asked, seeing the sad look on Avery’s face. "It's just spaghetti," he stammered, trying to cover up his mistake. Christy chuckled at his nervousness. "Don't worry, you can't really go wrong with anything here." But Avery couldn't shake off the embarrassment. When Christy asked if he knew what Carbonara was, he felt even more ashamed for not having a clue. He couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze as she explained the dish. “Avery, you should just have asked. There is no shame in not knowing. Carbonara is wonderful. It is made with guanciale (cured pork), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, spaghetti pasta, and lots of black pepper.” As he listened, he felt small and inadequate in her presence. "I...I didn't know," he mumbled, wishing he had just asked instead of trying to appear knowledgeable. "It sounds delicious," he added meekly, hoping to salvage some dignity in front of Christy. There was some silence afterward, and then Christy broke the silence. “Can I ask you a personal question?” There was a pause as Avery felt so out of place in this restaurant, hiding a wet diaper underneath. What was going to happen if he needed to pee. What would he do? Could his diaper still contain it? These were his thoughts just before Christy asked the question and broke the moment. “Ah, sure, ask?” Avery shifts in the chair nervously. “Is it me? Do I make you nervous? Did I do something wrong?” Christy watched to see the behavior. “It is just today. You have really been off, and I felt like you were avoiding me some today?” Christy took a few good sips of her wine as she talked. “No, No, it isn’t you. It is me.” In addition to feeling that everything was his fault. Avery didn’t want to say that he had never been on a real date, and this was the closest thing to a date. He had never been in a fancy restaurant like this and had no idea how to act. On top of all that, he had to wear a diaper in hiding so that he wouldn’t wet his pants, which was now wet. Avery paused as he tried to think of his next words carefully without looking up at Christy. “I feel like I am the problem, not John. I caused all this. I should have approached everything differently. John and his co-workers wouldn’t taunt you. You were doing fine before I arrived. Now, I got Darlene written up and trouble at work when she was just trying to protect me.” Tears slide down Avery. The day finally broke him. “I am the problem, not you.” —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darlene's heart clenched as she watched Avery's tears fall; her instinct to comfort him was strong. Laurisa observed and could tell what Darlene was about to do. She placed her hand on hers and stopped her once again. "Let's watch for a little longer, see if he stops crying," Laurisa whispered. Darlene couldn't help but feel strange, almost like she was in the middle of a play and didn't know her lines. She longed to go over and soothe Avery, but something held her back. Did Christy say something cruel to him? Or did he wet himself? A million thoughts raced through her mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. But then Laurisa spoke again, breaking Darlene from her reverie. "Tell me more about this John character," she said in a low voice. Darlene's eyes flashed with determination. Ashley then interjected. "I want to come up with a plan to make him pay for what he's done to my sister. We sisters stick together," she declared a hint of deviousness and excitement in her tone. —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christy's heart constricted as she watched tears flow down Avery's face. She felt helpless, unsure of how to comfort him. This wasn't the reaction she was used to from men, especially not the confident and callous ones like John. Growing up, she had been taught that men were supposed to be tough and emotionless. But now, faced with Avery's vulnerable and raw emotion, she realized how wrong those teachings were. Feeling lost for words, Christy reached for a glass of wine and handed it to Avery. "Take a sip," she urged, "you need it more than I do." Despite the fact that he was underage, Christy didn't care. All she wanted was to ease his pain in any way she could. Avery took several gulps of wine as Christy nervously looked around to make sure Dimitris wasn’t in sight. She knew her actions were improper, but she couldn't bring herself to care. "Avery," she began hesitantly, "I've had my own troubles with John long before you came along. And while they may not have been as bad as this, Bryan always did his best to intervene and help me. John has such little regard for women...Sometimes, I start to believe that I am inferior, too." She paused for a moment before adding bitterly, "I'm the only woman in his department who has lasted this long, and that's largely thanks to Bryan's support. And just so you know, he's also trying his best to help you now. He sees so much potential in you." Tears continued to stream down Avery's face as he grabbed a napkin to wipe them away. "Thank you, Christy," his voice breaking with emotion. "It means a lot to hear that." Dimitris came back with the main course meals, placing one in front of Christy and the other in front of Avery. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara that Avery ordered was served in a shallow bowl. Spaghetti noodles were lightly coated in a creamy, golden sauce, which was speckled with flecks of black pepper and small bits of crispy bacon. Shreds of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley garnished the dish. The dish was rich and savory, with notes of garlic, pancetta, and butter. “Looks good, Avery.” Christy held up her fork with a bite of her own dish on it. “Bonniette”.As she tasted her dish, Avery just smiled and took a bite of his dish for the first time. The first bite was a burst of creamy, cheesy sauce that coated the palate. The salty, savory flavor of pancetta was balanced by the sharp bite of garlic and the warmth of black pepper. He had to admit he never tasted anything so tasty. As he took his second bite, some of the creamy cheese sauce fell onto the top of his shirt, and he didn’t even notice as he was enjoying his food thoroughly. The food was heavenly. Christy stifled her laughter as she observed him devour his food in a frenzy. Either he was starving or had never tasted such deliciousness before! Meanwhile, Christy savored each bite, taking her time to truly appreciate the flavors. "Slow down and enjoy your food," she teased, taking a leisurely sip of wine. "We're not at McDonald's, and there's no rush here." They both chuckled at the thought of being kicked out of a fancy restaurant for eating too quickly. Avery tried his best to slow down and eat a more reasonable pace. Dimitris approached Darlene and her sister's table, his steps light and graceful as he carried a large platter filled with mouth-watering dishes. Darlene couldn't help but notice Avery devouring his food with haste, lacking the refinement that was expected in their social circle. She found herself growing more curious about his background with each passing moment. Dimitris carefully placed the main course meal in front of Darlene, followed by Ashley and then Laurisa, creating a beautiful presentation for their dinner. The aroma of authentic Greek cuisine wafted through the air, teasing their senses and making their mouths water. Each dish was a work of art, with vibrant colors and intricate details that showcased the chef's skill. "Let ‘s enjoy!" Ashley exclaimed eagerly as she began to dig into her own food. With one bite, the rich and savory flavors exploded on their taste buds, filling them with delight. As they both joyed the pleasure of the food, Ashley couldn't help but bring up the topic of John again as she wanted to know more. She leaned in, her eyes sparking with curiosity. "So, what do you know about John? Can you give me any more details?" Darlene's face soured at the mention of his name. "Not much. Just that he works for DNA Pharmica and is a total jerk." Laurasia, always one to remain neutral, chimed in. "Do you know if he has any hobbies?" Darlene stabbed at her food with her fork, hatred evident in her tone. "Besides being an ass and working out, not really." Ashley took another bite of her meal before continuing. "And he's straight, right?" "As straight as he can be," Darlene replied sarcastically. Ashley's eyes lit up mischievously as she asked another question. "Could you possibly access his iPhone data from work?" Both Darlene and Laurasia stopped eating, their attention fully on Ashley now. "Why would I want to do that?" Darlene questioned, suspicion coloring her voice. "Maybe your little sister wants to pay him a visit," Ashley said with a devilish grin, knowing exactly how to push Darlene's buttons. “No, you're not getting involved,” Darlene exclaimed, her voice rising in agitation. “John is a ticking time bomb, and I won't let you be the next victim of his rage.” Ashley's expression hardened as she retorted, “Don't underestimate me, Darlene. I've dealt with men like him before. And I have ways of making them talk.” Laurasia interjected with concern, “But what if he figures out who you are?” “I'm a master at disguise, being men’s desire, and getting them to open up,” Ashley replied confidently. I've been in the escort business for over seven years, and no one has ever discovered my true identity.” “But what about the risk?” Darlene pressed, her eyes flashing with worry. “I am sure I can find a way to get close to him,” Ashley declared. “And once I do, I'll make sure he confesses his hatred for Avery or finds something that will ruin him.” The three women continued to debate Darlene’s dilemma, their voices growing more intense as they discussed Ashley’s dangerous plan. Darlene and Laurasia tried to convince Ashley that her idea was reckless, put them all at risk, and not to do it. but she remained stubborn to drop the topic Avery had finished his dinner for some time while Christy slowly worked on completing her dinner. “So, have you seen any good movies this weekend?” Avery perched up a little. “Yes, I saw Free Guy.“ As he said this, he realized he had seen that with Darlene, which he wasn’t about to admit to. Avery wanted to impress Christy, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say. “I have been thinking about it with all my spare time lately; I would like to a read book. Do you have any suggestions? I remember you said you liked reading.” Christy smiled. She loved reading. She thought for a second as she remembered Avery mostly liked fantasy and sci-fi movies. “Have you tried the Harry Potter series? I know it has been around for a while, and it is fun and easy to read.” Avery blushed a little as he had only seen the Harry Potter movies, which he loved. He really didn’t want to admit that he hadn’t read that. “I have,” Avery lied as he felt a pit in his stomach. “I wanted to read something more recent and maybe outside of my normal taste. What are you reading right now?” Avery wanted so badly to show interest in her things. Just as Christy was about to answer the question, Dimitri showed up with a large dessert plate, two smaller plates, and two spoons. Darlene had ordered you both a dessert to share. Avery looked over to Darlene’s table and saw that they were already sharing what looked like the same dessert. Ashley and Laurisa were in heavy conversation as Darlene looked over at Avery and tried to give me a smile, but Avery turned away, still upset with the whole tucking his pants in. As Dimitris left, Christy finished the sentence: “Right now, I am reading a book called The Passengers by John Marrs. In a way, it reminds me a lot of The Hunger Games.” Christy motioned for Avery to take the first bite of the Tiramisu. He dug his spoon in and got a little too large of a portion of cake as he tried to fit some of the Tiramisu in his mouth, and some dropped on his shirt and napkin on his lap. He quickly tried to remove what was on his shirt with his napkin as it smudged a little. Christy pretended not to notice and took a bite of the Tiramisu as she explained the gist of the book. “The book centers around the widespread adoption of self-driving cars as the new, safer standard. However, eight individuals from diverse backgrounds are caught in a perilous situation when disaster strikes. Their distress is captured by cameras hidden in their vehicles; it is broadcast to millions of people worldwide. Ultimately, the public will have to decide: Who deserves to be saved? And who should be sacrificed first?” “Sounds interesting. Maybe I will read that.” Avery talked, his mouth full of another bite from the desert. This wasn’t the first time he spoke with his mouth full. Several times during dinner, Christy wanted to tell him to chew with his mouth closed but stopped herself. It didn’t bother her, but she found it rather comical. All in all, she was enjoying herself with Avery in between awkward moments. She had never really eaten with someone who was so clueless about a restaurant like this. It was like taking a kid out to a fancy restaurant for the first time. Except he wasn’t a kid. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the conversation finally dropped over John and what to do with him, Darlene paid the bill for everyone, including Avery and Christy, even as Laurasia and Ashley protested. “It was my turn to pay anyway, and I appreciate you all coming to let me vent my frustrations. It has helped.” Ashley looked over at Avery and Christy. They were laughing about something. “Looks like the two kiddos are getting along.” Darlene turned and noticed this. She had to admit she was jealous a little. Laurasia was very observant of Darlene and watched her several times through the night look over at Avery. There was more to Avery being a coworker than she could put her finger on. She didn’t want to bring it up in front of Ashley, so she thought she would talk to Darlene privately in person or on the phone later. Ashley was a little intoxicated, as she had no appointments tonight and was enjoying herself. She looked at Darlene. “Shall we go over to the kiddy table and tell them we are leaving, or leave them be.” She giggled. Laurasia elbowed her sister. “Be nice.” She knew her sister could get sarcastic and sometimes say things that shouldn’t be said. “Just saying it got to be the kiddy table since one is in diapers.” She laughed to herself. “But ok, I will behave.” Darlene folded her napkin, placed it on the table, and stood up. Darlene's voice was laced with a sense of disappointment as the dinner was coming to an end. She stood up, grabbed her purse, and hugged each of her sisters good night. Christy couldn't help but notice as everyone else started to stand up and hug one another. She thought to herself, how nice it must be to be so close to your siblings. “I think they are leaving, which means we should be going,” she quietly said to Avery, who simply nodded and smiled. Avery wanted to tell her how much he enjoyed spending time with her, but fear kept his words locked inside. As Christy stood up, folding her napkin neatly and placing it on the table, she spoke in a soft, sweet voice, "We should do this again sometime. Maybe somewhere less expensive." Avery's smile faltered for a moment before he replied, "Yes, I would like that." Avery's stomach dropped with dismay as he shifted his weight, feeling the unmistakable squish of a soaked diaper beneath him. The slick, plastic material pressed against his skin, and the warm wetness made him feel like a toddler again. He could even see the bulging outline of the saturated diaper through his pants, a constant reminder of his embarrassing situation. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he slowly stood up, hoping no one had noticed his predicament. His face burned with shame as he wadded up his napkin and tossed it onto the table. Darlene had just joined them, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "I hope you both enjoyed your evening," she said with a forced smile, her eyes falling upon the food smudges on Avery's shirt. Without thinking, she reached over to grab the wadded-up napkin and began to dip it into Avery’s ice water to clean him off. Darlene's expression changed instantly as she remembered the previous incident with Avery outside the restaurant. She could feel Christy's eyes burning into him with a mix of confusion and disgust at what she was about to do. Avery was standing there, blushing and obviously unhappy. Darlene quickly dropped the napkin and tried to pretend nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Before things could get any more awkward, Darlene spoke up again. "Well, Christy, it was lovely of you to join us tonight. I'll be taking Avery back home now." The tension between them was palpable as they all walked out of the restaurant in uncomfortable silence. As they said their goodbyes outside, Avery felt a mix of anger and shame towards Darlene and himself. He knew Darlene was just trying to help, but he couldn't shake off the humiliation he felt at that moment. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with his own emotions.

The next chapter will be out tomorrow. It is another long chapter, almost 8,000 words. I just finished it and will need to do the final review tomorrow.

I'm sorry it has taken so long to get this out. I may make a few corrections still, but I wanted everyone to know I have not given up the story. I will not give it up until I finish it. 03-20-24 Update: I fixed a lot of errors and improved the flow. Chapter 25 - Unexpected Addition Darlene's fingers drummed on the cold surface of her desk, her eyes staring blankly at the wall cluttered with sticky notes and IT reports. She still couldn't stop thinking about the meeting with Julian, which made her feel she was being trapped like an animal, desperately clawing for an escape. She wanted a way to vent this out of her system. Anger at Julian, Bryan, and Corporate about how they justified John’s response and pinned John's reckless behavior on her. She was only doing her job, trying to keep Avery safe just as she was asked to do. Their inability to keep their own employee safe from an ill-behaved employee who seems to have a record of issues with other employees somehow is now her fault, and there was nothing they could do but install dam security badges on each floor and entrance/exit. "Ugh," she muttered under her breath, grabbing her personal iPhone phone and swiping through her contacts. She needed someone to vent to, someone who would understand the pressure she was under and the injustice that was served to her. Laurisa and Ashley, her sisters, were always there for her in times like these. Her thumb hovered over their names before she pressed the call. The ringtone kept going on and on. "Come on, pick up," Darlene whispered, willing either of them to answer. But one by one, both calls went straight to voicemail. The weight of frustration settled heavily on her chest. "Damn it," she hissed, quickly typing out a text to both of them: 'I need to talk ASAP. Call me when you can. Really need my sisters right now.' She then proceeded to text her sisters again in desperation. “I really need one of you. I am about to lose it at work.” She sighed, locking her phone and placing it facedown on the desk. Alone with her thoughts, Darlene's mind raced back to the conversation with Julian. They just didn't understand that John was about to hurt Avery. If she let it go on, that is precisely what would have happened. He came up here in a fit of rage and was uncontrollable, yet somehow, she was expected to reign him in with calm and delicate talking. Avery had already finished his second cup of coffee and wanted to check on Darlene. He glanced down at his favorite coffee mug adorned with colorful Legos. Despite its sentimental value, it was covered in dark, crusty stains. Avery knew Darlene would see the mess and tease him. From the thought of this, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment. So, he made his way to the communal kitchen, trying to ignore the uncomfortable bulkiness of his diaper underneath his sweatpants. In that moment, he longed for the simplicity of pull-ups, which were much easier to hide and more comfortable beneath clothing. It was a thought he never imagined he would have in his adult life. When Avery entered the kitchen area, a couple of employees were talking. Avery put his head down as he passed them by and went to the sink to wash his coffee mug. He could hear them discussing the new security measures. "Nice outfit," a voice jibed, breaking Avery's concentration. He looked down only to realize his shit was only half buttoned and showed his white shirt underneath, which was really his onesie; half his shirt was tucked into his pants, and the other half hanging out the sides of his pants. His face flushed as he looked up to see two of Darlene’s employees smirking at him. Avery turned away from them and faced the kitchen sink as he buttoned up his shirt as panic surged. Avery forced himself to remain calm. Surely, they didn't know about the diaper. Surely, Darlene hadn’t said anything to them, but Avery still felt exposed, as if they knew his secret. It didn’t matter; Avery couldn't help but feel self-conscious as the comment was made, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He hated that he had to wear bulky diapers, and the onesie Darlene had bought for him only made him feel more exposed. Yet, it was necessary to keep his secret hidden. Their comments didn’t help him shake off the constant reminder of his vulnerability. The internal struggle between wanting to hide and needing to accept his new reality waged within him. After buttoning up and tucking in his shirt, Avery turned around to face his coworkers. “Thanks," Avery replied tersely. He tried his best to ignore the comment. Then he put the coffee mug in the sink and placed some soap in it. He began washing the outside and inside of the mug, making sure to remove any lingering stains or residue. While he rinsed his mug, he could hear the coworkers’ mumbling words, but he couldn’t make them out. His heart panicked, and he wanted out of the kitchen as fast as possible. Avery was paranoid because he just knew the coworkers were talking about him. When he finished cleaning his coffee mug, Avery walked over and knocked on the office door before entering. "Is everything okay, Darlene?" Avery asked cautiously, opening the door slowly and peering into the office. His eyes were filled with concern, but he kept a respectful distance, sensing her need for space. "Fine, Avery," she lied, forcing herself to smile. "Just dealing with some... management issues." She didn't want to burden him with her problems, especially considering the struggles he was already facing in the current environment. She knew all too well about his fragile state and the anxiety that plagued him. "Alright," he said hesitantly. “Do you mind if I grab another cup of coffee?” Avery held out his Lego coffee mug. Darlene just nodded and said, “Sure.” Her voice was dry and monotone—not the normal Darlene, and certainly not the one he met prior to this weekend at her house. Avery walked over to the Keurig and placed a K-cup in there labeled morning brew. He then went to the small office fridge and found his normal bottle of creamer labeled “Avery’s Creamer”. He turned to see if Darlene was watching, but she wasn’t. She was focused on either her email or her iPhone. He could feel her anxiety even though she was trying to hide it. Afterward, he poured his creamer into the coffee mug, set it on the Keurig, and pressed brew. Avery watched Darlene from behind. He wasn’t sure what to say. He knew this was all his fault, and she was hiding the real reason for her frustration. For some strange reason, he wanted to sit on her lap and hug her, but he refrained from doing it. She probably didn’t need a hug and would push him away right now. He was bad at reading people, and this wasn’t a time to try. Once the coffee was complete, Avery began to retreat back to his work. "If you need anything, though, I'm here." "Thank you, Avery," she whispered, grateful for his unwavering support. But right now, what she really needed was her sisters' advice. As Darlene tried to refocus on her work, she couldn't help but feel helpless, trapped within the confines of her own thoughts, the expectations of others, and the injustice she felt. Avery returned to his office to start working again, aware that he had changed the whole office atmosphere with the incident last Thursday. He couldn’t get over the feeling that everyone was looking at him, but he didn’t dare look up to see if he was right. As he sat down and sipped his coffee. Avery took a deep breath and tried to block out the distractions around him. It wasn’t long till Avery's fingers danced over the keyboard, the rhythmic tapping a soothing counterpoint to the chaos that had been swirling around him all morning. He finally had let go of the thoughts that the security cards were his fault, even though he could hear the whispers down the hallways and across the cubicles. He was able to immerse himself in his research on cell walls, seeking to understand better their structure and function for the drug interaction project he'd been assigned. The screen before him was filled with diagrams and molecular schematics, each more complex than the last. His heart pounded in his chest in excitement as he attempted to refocus on the task at hand, which he loved. He read that the cell wall lies outside the plasma membrane, which defines the boundaries of the cell itself. The wall is freely permeable to most molecules, but the membrane exhibits selective permeability, tending to concentrate specific dissolved molecules and ions inside the cell. This complicated the matter of how he could calculate the external and internal pressure effects on the cell wall, which he knew he needed to figure out to make these custom drugs effective. As he delved deeper into his research, Avery's thoughts wandered to Darlene, her own struggles weighing heavily on his mind. He wished there was more he could do to support her, but for now, all he could do was focus on his work and prove himself to be a valuable asset in their ongoing battle against cancer – and against the challenges they faced both within and beyond the walls of their workplace. A few hours passed as Avery's eyes darted between the lines of text on his computer screen, furiously absorbing every last bit of information about cell walls. The pressure of the onesie and diaper beneath his clothing weighed heavily on him today, a constant reminder of his vulnerability, but at this moment, this wasn’t what he was focused on. He clenched his jaw, determined not to let it hold him back. This whole day had not been what he had hoped to come back to. "Guess what, Avery?" A familiar voice cut through the tense silence, and he looked up to see Christy standing behind him in a pretty light blue work dress, the delicate light hugging her slender frame. Her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement as always. A hint of perfume lingered in the air, a subtle but alluring scent that added to her charm. She radiated energy and vitality as the always positive girl he had come to know. "Hey, Christy," Avery said, confused about why she was here since they didn’t have any time set up to work on anything together today. "What's going on? What are you doing here?" "Looks like we're about to be full-time work neighbors," she announced eagerly, gesturing to Bryan approaching with two boxes of office supplies in his arms. She grinned at Avery, her dimples deepening as she giggled in anticipation. "Really? That's great!" Avery forced a slight smile, though his mind raced with uncertainty. How would having a new coworker impact his already delicate situation? He didn’t want Christy to know about his diapers or, worse, about Darlene inspecting his diaper. Avery was also sure this had something to do with John, and once again, this was his fault in his mind. "Good morning, Avery," Bryan said. "I hope you don't mind us invading your space a little." "Of course not," Avery replied, trying to sound genuine but not so sure about this. "It'll be nice to have some company." Christy's enthusiasm seemed to be authentic as she started to grab one of the boxes from Bryan. "Is it okay if we put these boxes down on your desk for the moment until we know where I'm going to sit?" Christy asked, gesturing to the second box she held. "Sure," Avery managed to say, forcing a semi-fake smile onto his face. His thoughts churned like storm-tossed waves, threatening to pull him under. He really liked Christy but as an office mate. He wasn’t sure. "Here, let me help you with that," Avery offered, rising from his seat to take the box from Bryan’s hands before Christy could get to it. The box’s weight surprised him, and he nearly staggered under its bulk. “What in the world did she bring with her?” he thought to himself. He knew he should be grateful for the distraction her arrival provided—a brief respite from the relentless nagging feeling that all this was his fault—but in fact, it was just another reminder that it was his fault and another chance to be found out. "Thanks, Avery!" Christy beamed at him, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I can't wait to get settled in." There again was her enthusiastic voice. In fact, she was glad to be getting away from John and his two cohorts. It would be much better to be close to Avery and help him program his mathematical solutions in the software. Avery couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at her carefree attitude—something he had lost touch with long ago. "Let's go see where Darlene wants to put you," Bryan said, leading the way toward the office door. Avery placed the box on his desk, still feeling the shock of Christy's unexpected move.” Want to come with us, Avery?” Bryan clapped Avery on the shoulder. Avery just nodded yes, stood up, and followed behind Bryan and Christy. He prayed that neither of them could see the bulk or hear the slight crinkly sounds of the diaper he was wearing. As they approached Darelene’s office, Avery thought to himself that he was honestly a little shocked that Darlene would have agreed to this. But then it dawned on him as they approached: Darlene probably didn’t know. She would have told him. Bryan's knuckles rapped against the closed door, and Avery couldn't help but hold his breath. He could envision the conversation that was about to take place - the confusion, frustration, and possibly even anger that would follow. A wave of guilt washed over him, knowing he was adding to Darlene's already stressful day. The door opened, revealing a puzzled Darlene, who took in the sight of Bryan and Chisty standing together and Avery standing behind them. Bryan smiled. “Good morning, Darlene. I am so grateful you agreed to this. I need to know where you plan to let Christy sit," Bryan smiled. "What? No one told me about Christy coming up here," Darlene replied, both surprised and upset. Her gaze flicked to Avery, who felt he'd been caught red-handed, even though he'd had no part in the decision and no clue about it ahead of time. Avery quickly interjected, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him. "I apologize, Darlene. This caught me off guard as well. I had no idea Christy would be joining us until just now." "Didn't Julian tell you?" Bryan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "We're moving Christy up here for her protection away from John." Bryan watched as he read Darlene’s puzzled and upset facial expressions. “I thought Julian had already discussed this with you. He told me he was going to talk to you this morning." Bryan said hastily, trying to defuse the tension. "It's just a temporary arrangement." “Temporary by what means?! Till you get, John fired?!” Darlene quickly responded in anger. As the conversation continued, Avery became increasingly distracted by the warmth of his body and the confines of the onesie he wore beneath his clothes. He tried to focus on keeping his breathing steady, but his heart raced, fueled by anxiety and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability, as he stood there feeling helpless to control this situation. Avery's heart clenched as a stepped back up against the back wall of Darlene’s office. He listened to the heated exchange between Darlene and Bryan just beyond his cubicle. He could feel the tension thicken in the air, and a knot formed in his stomach. It was apparent that Darlene wasn't happy about this unexpected change, especially since she had yet to be consulted first. He hated tense situations and never did good with them. "An IT department isn't the place for Christy," Darlene argued, her voice rising with frustration. "This isn’t a research center dedicated to some magical DNA cancer treatments and a hideout for employees who are afraid of your troublemakers." He couldn't help but empathize with Darlene's plight – she'd taken him under her wing when no one else would, and now it seemed her generosity was being taken advantage of. "Look, I understand your concerns," Bryan attempted to soothe her, his tone measured and calm. Avery's heart raced as he heard Bryan acknowledge Darlene's concerns. His anxiety increased, and he felt a sudden need to pee. "We know it's not ideal," Bryan said, "but we're worried about Christy's safety with John and his friends harassing her. With the new security badge system causing tensions, we need to take precautions." The mention of John made Avery's bladder twinge even more, but he tried to ignore the urge to use the bathroom. He wanted to be present for this conversation in case his name came up, though his body protested against his will. Plus, he was trapped inside Darlene’s Office with Bryan and Christy blocking the way. "Christy is the last person I'm taking in from your department," Darlene snapped, her voice raised so that anyone nearby could hear it. "You can't expect me to house your whole R&D center just because you can't control John and his fucking behavior." It took all of Darlene’s emotion and resolve not to slam the door on them. Avery winced at the outburst, clenching his thighs together instinctively. He could no longer deny the pressure building in his bladder, but he couldn't bring himself to leave the room. It felt like a choice between preserving his dignity, staying informed, and not looking like he didn’t care about what happened with Christy, and he didn't know which option was more terrifying. "Darlene, we would appreciate your help and understanding in this matter," Bryan replied, his voice tense but controlled. "We'll find a solution to the John issue as soon as possible." Darlene couldn't help but roll her eyes at the ridiculousness of the situation. She knew that the solution was to ignore it and pretend like it would never happen again. Plus, they wanted to make an example out of her for office violence. Avery's mind raced, trying to formulate a plan. Should he try to slip away now or risk embarrassment by waiting too long? The sudden silence in the room interrupted his thoughts, signaling that the discussion had temporarily ended. Panic gripped him as he realized he'd missed his chance to escape unnoticed. "Get it together, Avery," he thought, forcing himself to focus on his work. "You've faced worse situations before." "Please, just let me make it through this," he silently prayed. "I can't afford another slip-up." The air in the office seemed to thicken as the silence continued. Then Darlene's voice reverberated off the walls again, her anger palpable. Avery, already on edge from desperately needing to use the restroom, felt his heart rate spike at the sudden outburst. His grip on his own self-control wavered, and in that moment of terror, he lost the battle. Warmth spread through the diaper between his legs, rapidly soaking up the unexpected release. Avery's cheeks burned with humiliation, and he tried to shift his body to the side of the door frame, trying to hide any evidence of his accident. The bulky padding now felt even more intrusive, a constant reminder of his failure to keep control. Christy, oblivious to the situation unfolding just a few feet away, had been observing the heated exchange with wide eyes. When she finally glanced over at Avery, she noticed him standing uncomfortably and shifting his posture, a pained expression etched across his face. Concern filled her, and she hurried over to check on him. "Hey, are you okay?" Christy whispered close to Avery, genuine worry in her voice. Avery forced a tight-lipped smile and nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He didn't want to draw any more attention to himself, especially with everyone on edge and arguing. It took all of his willpower to keep his gaze focused on Bryan and Darlene. "Alright, if you need anything, just let me know," Christy whispered close to him, puzzled by Avery's behavior. Darlene finally let out a long sigh, her frustration dissipating slightly. "Fine," she relented, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "But this is the last time, Bryan. I can't keep taking in people from other departments just because management can't control their employees." "Thank you, Darlene," Bryan said gratefully. "I promise we'll work on finding a more permanent solution." As the conversation drew close, Avery wanted to waddle back to his office and sit in his chair, defeated yet again, but he was wet and needed a change into a fresh diaper before he accidentally leaked. It wasn't that he had anything against Christy - quite the opposite, in fact. But the prospect of having someone so close to him, someone who could potentially discover his secret, filled him with dread. He felt a tear start to swell up around his eyes. "Get a grip, Avery, don’t start to cry now," he muttered under his breath as he felt the warmth of his diaper as it swelled up around his crotch. "Alright," Darlene relented, sighing. Christy, you'll be two desks down from Avery." "Thanks, Darlene," Christy said nodding gratefully, walking back to her new spot to begin unpacking her belongings. Avery watched from the corner of Darlene’s door, not moving till everyone left. Avery then slipped towards Darlene's desk, heart pounding in his chest. The shame hung heavy in the air around him, making it difficult to breathe. "Darlene, I..." he choked out, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had another accident” as a tear slide down his face and his head hung low. "Did you bring a spare diaper in your backpack?" Darlene asked gently; concern etched across her face as she realized the argument was stressful for the boy. "Y-yes," Avery stammered, avoiding her gaze. "Alright, go get it, then." Avery wiped his tears before he left the room. Darlene got up and started closing the blinds to her office and waited for him to return. Avery quickly picked up his backpack, not paying attention to Christy, who was watching him walk back to Darelen’s office with it. When he came back with his backpack, she locked the door behind them. "Sit down," Darlene instructed, gesturing to the chair by her desk. Avery did as he was told, trying to keep his composure while his mind raced. Darlene's gentle yet firm voice offered advice, "Next time, try to remain calm. Perhaps you could practice some breathing exercises and visualize a happy place. There are some helpful apps for that." She reminded him that he couldn't let these incidents occur frequently, or others might start to question them. "I know," Avery mumbled, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He tried to focus on the patterns in the carpet beneath his feet, but his thoughts kept intruding, taunting him with images of his coworkers' reactions if they ever found out. "Okay, let's get you changed," Darlene perked up but kept her tone professional as she opened a drawer and the supplies she brought with her this morning. "And when we're done, we both need to get back to work." "Right," Avery agreed, his voice barely audible. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself for yet another diaper change. He opened his backpack, pulled out his only spare diaper, and handed it to Darlene. It felt odd to be offering this exchange. Darlene spread out a large towel on the office floor, careful to smooth out any wrinkles. She then carefully arranged a few essential items: a package of baby wipes and a bottle of sweet-smelling baby powder. As he watched her, he couldn't help but feel his cheeks flush with embarrassment at the thought of using such items for their intended purpose. But Darlene didn't seem fazed at all, simply going about her business with a calm and confident demeanor. He couldn't help but be grateful for her as he didn’t realize this was her maternal instinct at play here. "Alright, lay down on the soft towel so I can change you into a fresh, clean diaper," Darlene instructed gently as she patted the towel. He couldn't help but feel a tingling sense of awareness and fear creeping over him, not because of Darlene but because Christy was just outside, within earshot. He could imagine her giggling if she knew his predicament. As he got up off the chair, he began to unzip his pants and step out of them, revealing the bottom of his onesie. “Do I take this off?” he asked confused. Darlene looked up at him, as she was already on her knee. “No need; the snaps are made for easy access just as I did before. Now, come on and lay down.” She patted the towel. The humiliation of these diaper changes had become all too familiar, yet a small part of him craved the comfort they provided and the attention he got from Darlene. Avery placed his pants on the chair and laid on the large towel. As Darlene leaned over to him, Avery closed his eyes and focused on the slow rise and fall of his chest. The shame still clung to him like a second skin, but he resolved to push past it and told himself to return and concentrate on his work when this was done praying Christy wouldn’t find out. He felt Darlene unbuttoned the onesie as he opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling, focusing on the patterns within the acoustic tiles. "Do I have to have the baby powder again?" he asked, hoping for the answer ‘no’ as he continued to stare up. Darlene looked down at him and replied, her tone firm but gentle. "As I said before, it's necessary to prevent diaper rash, so just trust me." He sighed, knowing she was right. But it didn't make the process any less mortifying. He heard the tapes unfasten from his diaper as she pulled the front end of the soaked diaper off, exposing him. He then lifted his hips as she slid the wet diaper from underneath him and then slid a new, fresh, disposable diaper into its place. He gritted his teeth as she applied the cold otion and baby powder, feeling exposed and vulnerable beneath her touch. He tried to connect the dots on the ceiling, hoping he wouldn’t get erect from her gentle touch on his sensitive parts. He could smell the heavy scent of baby powder in the air as it was applied to him. "Almost done," Darlene murmured, fastening the fresh diaper and then pulling the onesie in place, snapping the crotch back together. She helped him sit up, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. “You're doing great, Avery. Just remember to breathe and stay calm when you get nervous. Maybe you can prevent this future." After Darlene finished helping him, he quietly said a grateful "thank you." As Avery stood up, Darlene's hand almost reached out to pat his bottom, but she stopped herself, realizing what she was about to do. He then pulled his pants back on, feeling the added bulk of a new, fresh diaper underneath his onesie and trousers. "Of course," she replied, reassuringly squeezing his shoulder. "Now, let's get back out there and show them what you’re made of." It was almost as if she was giving encouragement to a boy not a young man. The embarrassment weighed heavily, but he couldn't afford to wallow in it. Suppressing a shudder, he picked up his backpack like he was about to head home and brought it back to his office. "Focus, Avery," he silently urged himself, knowing Christy was just outside Darlene’s office setting up her new desk. You can't change what happened, but you can keep it from happening again. You are smarter than this, stronger than this." He told himself as he did his best to hold back a tear. With that, he exited the office, determined to put the incident behind them and move forward with their day. A cacophony of thoughts raced through Avery's mind as he tried to drown out the sounds of Christy unpacking her belongings nearby. Christy glanced up from her unpacking, her gaze lingering on the closed blinds of Darlene's office. Curiosity piqued, she watched Avery return with his backpack, his body language tense and uneasy. The door clicked shut behind him, and Christy couldn't help but wonder if he was in trouble for something. "Is everything okay?" Christy asked genuine concern in her voice. "Everything's fine," Avery replied, trying to sound casual. "Just a minor issue." "Alright then," Christy said, nodding slowly as she returned to setting up her desk. Avery settled back at his desk, praying that the walls of the office had been thick enough to keep their secret safe. He focused on his research, determined not to let his anxiety get the better of him. Avery's heart raced as he returned to his desk again and slowly started to settle down, the scent of baby powder clinging to him like a cloak. Sitting down and looking at the computer, he did his best, trying not to draw attention to himself. Christy glanced at him from her new workstation; curiosity continued to be etched on her face. She didn’t feel like Avery was being straight with her and something was wrong. "Hey, Avery, can I pick your brain about this problem I'm working on that has your formulas?" she asked, strolling over with a notepad in hand. "I could use a fresh perspective." "Sure, let me take a look," Avery replied, attempting to calm his nerves. He was starting to focus on the equations before him, finding solace in their complexity. Avery began to explain the purpose and reasoning behind the equations. As they delved deeper into the project, Christy leaned in closer, her nose wrinkling delicately at a familiar scent. Soft notes of baby powder wafted toward her, causing her to pause and comment, "You smell like... baby powder?" Avery's muscles tensed when he heard the words. He struggled to maintain his composure. Sweat prickled at the back of his neck as he hastily responded, "Oh, uh, it's just a new laundry detergent." He prayed that she would accept his flimsy excuse. "It's supposed to be good for sensitive skin." "Ah, I see," Christy mused, raising her eyebrows with a hint of skepticism. She didn't press the matter further, but Avery could tell she was still puzzled by his choice of scent. The faint aroma of baby powder lingered in the air around them, mixing with the heady scent of coffee from their nearby cups. Avery quickly explained why he did what he did with the calculations that Christy was asking about. Christy finally agreed to his method. “it will be tricky to program, but I think I can figure something out.” She smiled. A wave of relief washed over Avery as Christy walked back with the notes she had taken and sat back down at her desk. They both separately drove back to their work. His mind whirred with calculations and possible solutions, grateful for the distraction from his earlier ordeal. Meanwhile, Darlene finally connected with her sister, Laurisa, on the phone when she called her back. She was eager to vent about the day's events and seek their advice. “Finally, you call me back. What took you so long?” Darlene exclaimed in a panicked and upset voice, feeling slightly neglected by her sister's delayed response. "Sorry, I was at the police department for new clients. They needed me to review their cases and complete all the necessary paperwork." Laurisa replied, her tone a bit strained as she became defensive of her own important work. Darlene could hear the exhaustion and frustration in her sister's voice and immediately regretted her initial outburst. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to imply that your work isn't important, too." She apologized sincerely, understanding the demands of her sister's job. “Darlene paused, trying not to cry from the stressful day. “I just really need my sisters, and I can’t talk about it here. I know it is short notice, but can we all meet up for dinner tonight? I really need to talk to you girls about what's been happening at work. I am about to lose it." Darlene said, her voice strained with frustration. "Of course," Laurisa agreed, concern evident in her tone. "We'll be there for you, sis. Just tell us where and when." "Great. Let's meet at that Greek place we love around four pm if that isn’t too early. It is the only way I think we will get any reservations this late in the week." Darlene suggested, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “No problem, I can get out of work early, and I am sure Ashley can too. Her work hours are generally not till late in the day.” Laurisa and Darlene both laughed. “I will make reservations for the three of us,” Laurisa replied. Darlene thought for a second. If they were going to leave work early, she needed to take Avery with her to ensure his protection. “No, make it four.” She paused. “I am going to bring Avery, the one I talked about previously.” “Oh really? It will be interesting to meet him,” Laurisa said. “First, you can’t Psychoanalyze the boy. The poor boy is confused enough as it is.” “Okay, I won’t. At least I won’t out loud. My job is to psychoanalyze people, and I can’t just turn it off,” Laurisa giggled. With that, Darlene hung up the phone, grateful for her sisters' unwavering support. As Avery and Christy continued work separately with only one empty desk between them, he found himself growing more comfortable in her presence, forgetting about the scent of baby powder. The earlier tension seemed to dissipate, replaced by the shared language of numbers and logic. For now, at least, his secret remained safe. About an hour later, Darlene came out of her office to talk to Avery. Christy looked up. Darlene was quick to the point. “Avery, I am going to leave work early at 3:30 pm today to have an early dinner with my sisters. With everything that has happened today and last week, I want you to leave with me and come to dinner. I just want to make sure your safe when I am not around. I don’t yet trust the badge system.” Avery looked up to see that in her expression, “No” wasn’t an answer Darlene would accept; however, it would be nice to leave before Christy so he would not have to worry about being caught in the elevator with his diaper on. Plus, lunch with Darlene last week was a wonderful break from fast food. “Sure, just give me five minutes heads up to wrap everything up.” Darlene nodded as she walked over to Christy and began talking to her. Darlene wanted to apologize for her previous behavior, saying she was taken off guard and that it wasn’t her fault she was so upset. Christy's face lit up with a radiant smile as she looked up at Darlene and they began to talk, her hazel eyes sparkling with warmth and excitement as they always seem to do. Avery couldn't help but steal a glance at her, his heart clenching as he watched her chat animatedly with Darlene, possibly about her new workspace. He couldn’t help but wonder if they were talking about him, and the thought made his stomach churn with nervousness. Despite his desire to join in on their conversation, Avery stayed rooted in his seat, feeling left out and unsure of what they were discussing. He couldn't take his eyes off Christy, who seemed genuinely thrilled about something. As Darlene and Christy shook hands, Avery pretended to be focused on his work, trying not to eavesdrop. When Darlene approached him with a smile and an air of excitement, Avery couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety. "Guess what, Avery," she said, practically bouncing with anticipation. He looked up at her, trying to act surprised by her sudden appearance. "What?" he asked eagerly. "Christy will be joining us for dinner!" Darlene announced gleefully. Avery tried to hide his nerves, but it was clear from the way his hands shook that he was taken aback. "I-I mean, that's great," he stuttered, attempting to sound enthusiastic. "I just wasn't expecting it." Darlene looked confused by his reaction. "I thought you would enjoy her company," she said innocently. Avery nodded quickly, trying to play it cool. "I do, I do. It's just...surprising." Inside, he was brimming with questions about what had just transpired between them and whether or not Christy knew about him wearing diapers. But outwardly, he put on a mask of composure and simply replied, "Christy is a wonderful person." "Perfect, Christy will join us at the restaurant around 4 pm," Darlene said with a hint of hesitation. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she had made a mistake by inviting her. However, with John lurking around and keeping a watchful eye on her was her duty. It seemed necessary to have invited her for safety. With a sigh, Darlene headed back to her office to wrap up the day's work. The anticipation of meeting her sisters and sharing all the events of the day filled her with some comfort. As she finished her work and shut down her computer, she could already picture herself sitting at the restaurant table, laughing and exchanging stories with her sisters, who were her best friends.

Sorry, I have been traveling a lot. In two weeks I have visited four countries for work. I will get the next chapter out this weekend. Thank you for being patient.

I think you are correct on both accounts. 1st, the sentence should have read, "She proceeded to tell Avery about everything she'd learned - the new security measures, the CEO's insistence on keeping John employed, and even the accusations against herself that she'd chosen not to leave out." The reason I wrote it this way but missed the "not" was that it was a little selfish of her when she knew that Avery was under a lot of stress. If she wants to take care of and guard Avery, she needs to learn to withhold things like this (at least in my view). You don't always tell a toddler what is going on in your mind. You tell them what they need to know and need to hear. Second, I will go back and take it out, slamming the door twice. Good catch. I had trouble writing this chapter and the one that is to follow because I tried to write in pieces and not a chapter at a time. This did not go well for me. Lesson learned on my part. My normal is to write a chapter free-handed, go back and read it, and correct it. Then, re-read it, add to it, and repeat. Finally, I want to scold all of you for not telling me about the bold and how hard it was to read. Bad readers. Bad. LOL. I want to make this a good story that everyone can enjoy and a good reading environment. I tried to get ride of the bold but couldn't, but thanks to Baby Sophia, I might have a solution. I will try it next time.

Thanks for the tip. I will try to do this next time. I use good docs, but it seems the problem is the same.

Chapter 24 - Security Badges The sun's rays peeked through the tall skyscrapers, casting a muted glow on the sleek and modern DNA Pharmacia building. The concrete jungle was quiet as it was still in the early morning, with only a few people scattered about. Darlene stood out in her polished business attire, in a light green blouse with a suit and pants, and her hair pulled back in a neat bun. The fluorescent lights of the garage illuminated her path, her footsteps echoing off the walls. The air was heavy with the familiar scent of gasoline and exhaust fumes, a constant reminder of the bustling city outside. As she walked towards the elevator, Darlene couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. As she approached the elevator, she noticed something different. A new badge reader was mounted on the wall next to it, along with a sign that read: "All employees must go to level 1 security to get their new badges." Darlene furrowed her brow, puzzled by this sudden change. "New badges, why?" she thought, her mind racing through possible explanations for the unannounced implementation. Upon reaching the security desk on level 1, Darlene's eyes scanned the room, noting the fresh coat of paint on one of the walls with the shiny new equipment mounted on it. The security guard, a stocky man with a stern expression, handed her a clipboard to fill out the necessary information for her new badge. "Excuse me," Darlene said, trying to mask her annoyance with a polite tone, "Why are we getting new badges all of a sudden?" "Over the weekend, we've been working on installing badge readers at all access points to every level," the guard replied, standing tall and stocky, his face set in a stern expression. He wore a standard security uniform, complete with a badge and walkie-talkie clipped to his belt. His arms were crossed over his chest, adding to his imposing presence. He had a buzzed haircut, and his eyes darted around the room as he spoke in a monotone voice. He looked tired, his voice was monotone, and he was clearly tired of answering the same question over and over. "Only specific individuals will be allowed on certain levels without a proper and approved escort. It's the new corporate policy. We need to beef up security to take precautions. But that is all I know. Everyone is asking me why. I have no idea." As the security guard talked, Darlene could tell there was no point in pushing the conversation. Darlene couldn't help but feel skeptical. "But why now? And what kind of precautions?" she wondered. These changes seemed more than coincidental, especially considering the recent events involving John and Avery. "Alright then," Darlene said, handing back the clipboard once she had finished. "Thank you for the information." "Have a good day, ma'am," the guard replied, handing Darlene her new badge with an almost robotic efficiency. As she clipped the badge onto her blouse, her mind continued to churn. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. The only way to find out, she decided, was to get up to her office and start making some calls. With a determined stride, Darlene headed back to the elevator; her thoughts focused on uncovering the truth behind these sudden changes. Upon reaching the 5th floor, Darlene swiped her new badge at the access point, its electronic beep mocking her. She clenched her teeth and rolled her eyes as she walked through the opening doors, her mind racing with questions. "Morning, Darlene," said an employee as she strode past with purpose. "Morning," she replied tersely, barely acknowledging their presence which was unusual for her as her thoughts remained fixated on the recent events involving John and Avery. Normally, she would have engaged in conversation with her employees to find out how their weekend went but not today. Darlene continued to think that the attack on Avery should have been more than enough to terminate John, but what if it wasn't? What if he was still here, lurking in the background? The moment she entered her office, Darlene shut the door behind her, forgoing her usual routine of brewing coffee and reviewing the week's agenda. Her fingers trembled as she dialed Julian's extension, only to be met with his voicemail. Frustration bubbled within her as she wanted answers now, and she wasn't known to be a patient woman. She sighed in exasperation as she hung up and dialed Bryan instead. "Hello?" Bryan answered distractedly, clearly not expecting her call. "Byran, it's Darlene. We need to talk about these new security measures." Her voice was sharp, demanding answers. "Uh, sure, give me a second," Bryan said, his tone shifting from surprise to concern as he excused himself from another conversation and asked his employee who he was engaged in conversation with to leave and close the door behind him. Darlene impatiently tapped her foot, trying to control her suspicion as she waited for Bryan to return his attention to her call. When he finally did, she launched into her questions, her words tumbling out almost faster than she could think of them. "Is this because of John? Did they not get rid of him after what happened to Avery?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger. "Darlene, I understand your concerns, but I can't discuss personnel matters over the phone," Bryan responded cautiously. "However, you should know that the new security measures are meant to ensure everyone's safety, including Avery's." "Everyone's safety?" Darlene scoffed. "Or just Avery's? And what about John? Will he still be allowed on our floor?" "Darlene, I really think you should speak with Julian about this. He's better equipped to address your concerns," Bryan said, trying to defuse the situation. "And, yes, John is still here working. You know I would have let him go if I could have" Bryan said in a nervous tone. He could not only hear but feel Darlene's anger over the phone. Darlene couldn’t believe it. Despite everything John had done, he was still working for the company. The man had practically assaulted Avery and humiliated him completely, but he was still employed. Darlene wondered how strong John’s connections were that he could get away with so much. Her thoughts turned to Avery, and she felt a pang of worry. She felt the need to protect the delicate man. She dreaded the poor guy finding out that John was still lurking in the building. "Fine!" she snapped, hanging up before he could say anything else. Her mind raced as she tried to process the conversation, her heart pounding in her chest. If they didn't get rid of John, what lengths would they go to in order to protect Avery? And more importantly, why were they still entertaining the idea of keeping John employed here? As she paced her office, her thoughts whirled like a tornado, tearing through every possibility and leaving her with nothing but uncertainty and anxiety. Darlene glanced at the clock on her wall. Avery wouldn’t be in for another thirty minutes, at least. She needed to get to Julian first. She chewed on her thumbnail, her thoughts racing faster than her heartbeat. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. How could they prioritize John's value to the company over the safety and well-being of their employees? Especially Avery, who had already suffered so much from John. She began to formulate a plan in her head, her determination hardening her resolve. She would confront Julian, demand answers, and make sure Avery was protected – no matter what it took. Her hands trembled with barely contained fury as she dialed Julian's number for what felt like the hundredth time. Finally, Julian answered the phone calmly. "Good morning, Darlene" were the only words able to escape him before Darlene butted in the conversation. Darlene's voice was like ice on the other end of the line, cold and unyielding. "I am coming to see you about all this new security shit and not getting rid of John," she said curtly before hanging up. With a huff, she grabbed her new security badge and stormed out of her office, her heels clicking against the linoleum in a rapid staccato. Each step fueled her anger – it was an injustice that she couldn't ignore, not when Avery's safety was on the line. The employees who saw her could feel the anger as they all stood back or stayed seated at their desks and watched her head for the elevator. The fluorescent lights overhead hummed quietly, the only sound in the otherwise empty hallway. As she reached the elevator, Darlene swiped her badge and stabbed at the button. The doors opened with a soft ding. She stepped inside her reflection in the polished metal doors distorted by the dim light. As the elevator descended, Darlene's thoughts raced, each one more agitated than the last. What could Julian possibly say that would justify keeping John employed after what he'd done? And why hadn't Bryan fought harder for what was right? When the elevator finally came to a stop on the second floor, Darlene took a steadying breath, trying in vain to calm herself. She stepped out into the hallway, relieved to find she had access to this level. If they had denied her entry, she would have raised hell. Her eyes scanned the space, searching for any sign of Julian's presence. "Time to get answers," she muttered under her breath, determination settling over her like armor. Darlene's pulse throbbed in her temples as she stormed out of the elevator and into Julian’s office, slamming the door behind her with a force that made the framed diplomas on his wall quiver. Her face was flushed, eyes blazing with righteous fury. "Tell me, why are you keeping John? He attacked Avery!” She barely gave Julian time to look up from the papers on his desk, his expression a mixture of surprise and unease. Julian's hand raised, and the gesture was sharp, a forceful push towards the door. As Darlene slammed it shut, the sound reverberated through the office like a booming thunder, causing the diplomas on the wall to shake and rattle. The sound of anger could be heard in every step Darlene took towards Julian's desk, her heels clicking against the polished floor. "Darlene," he began cautiously, "I know that, but that isn’t the whole story the CEO got.” Darlene clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. “The CEO got that you attacked John first, from John himself, and sprayed him with mace.” “That is bullshit!” Darlene screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. Julian sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as if warding off an impending headache. "I agree, but he spun it that you attacked him. I know he was screaming at the top of his lungs at Avery and throwing things at him, yes, but did he ever lay a hand on Avery?" Julian paused, studying Darlene's expression. "No, but he was going to. He was inches away from Avery’s face! And he wouldn’t back away,” Darlene shot back, her heart pounding in her chest. Julian attempted to remain calm and poised, though she could see the strain in his eyes. "Would you rather I stand idly by and let him get hurt? Didn't you say I was to protect the poor boy when you brought him to me?" “I understand, but according to John, you initiated physical contact with him first.” Julian's words stung like salt in a wound, and Darlene nearly choked on her own disbelief. “In interviewing your employees, no one saw any actual physical contact between Avery and John." “He was verbally abusing him!” Darlene yelled, feeling her eyes well up with frustrated tears. “He pissed himself again out of fear! Don’t you have any concern for the poor boy? Besides, John wasn’t allowed on the 5th floor, and he broke the corporate restraint order." "Which is why we are making sure that will never happen again with the new security system," Julian countered, his tone still infuriatingly calm. “You're lucky we're not writing you up for physical and violent contact. The CEO agreed just to give you a verbal warning.” "A verbal warning? What the fuck! Did John get a verbal warning also? This is so unfair! You know John's character, and you know my character!" Darlene screamed as she couldn't believe how this was now about her behavior and not John's. The room seemed to shrink around Darlene as she struggled to control her mounting fury. She couldn't believe they were turning this on her – all she had wanted was to protect Avery. He was the real victim in all this. A delicate man who needed to be protected from men like John. "Look," Julian began, his voice wavering, "I understand your frustrations, but there's more to this than you know. There's a process we have to go through." "Process?" Darlene scoffed, her gaze piercing through him like shards of glass. "What about Avery's safety? What about the toxic environment this company is nurturing? Are we just supposed to let that slide because John is 'valuable'?" "Darlene, please," Julian pleaded, trying to keep his composure. "I understand how you feel, but we have to trust in the system. We're implementing tighter security measures to ensure everyone's safety." "Right," she thought bitterly, "because a badge system will magically make John a better person." "Julian, I know you're just doing your job, but this is unacceptable and total bullshit. Something has to change, or someone else is going to get hurt." Darlene said. She wasn’t sure if she meant that John was going to hurt Avery or that she was going to hurt John. Maybe both. With that, Darlene spun on her heel and stormed out of the office, leaving Julian to contemplate the weight of her words as he heard the door slamming shut once again behind her like a gunshot. Little did she know, Julian didn’t even get to tell her about the other change they were going to make: putting Christy with Avery upstairs in her department. As she stalked back towards the elevator, her mind raced with thoughts of injustice and betrayal. What kind of world was this, where the victim was treated like the perpetrator? And how could she continue to work under such conditions? For a minute, she considered going right back to Julian and quitting. She stopped herself, though. She couldn’t do something like that, not just because she wanted to keep her job but because she needed to protect Avery. If no one else was going to, then she needed to be there. She had known Avery needed protection from the moment she had seen him, but after sharing that intimate evening, it was no longer a case of needing to protect a weak man. Now she needed and wanted to keep him safe. He had become her responsibility. Perhaps it was stupid, perhaps it didn’t make sense, but her maternal instincts and passions flared whenever she thought of Avery. With a heavy heart, Darlene decided that she would do anything necessary to ensure Avery's safety, even if it meant fighting against the very company she had dedicated her career to. Avery walked into the office, his hair still a mess and wearing baggy brown pants and a light red docker shirt underneath; he wore the white onesie snapped under his crotch, holding one of his disposable diapers in place. He felt a little more confident that no one would discover his diaper with the new clothing helping to hide it. He couldn’t deny that he felt a little embarrassed, though. Onesies were supposed to help toddlers, not fully grown men. The atmosphere on the fifth floor felt unusually tense and quiet. He could feel the weight of unspoken concerns hanging in the air like a heavy fog. As he set down his backpack at his desk, he glanced around, noticing Darlene's office door wide open – an odd sight, considering her habit of spending the first hour of the day secluded there. "Hey, Avery," whispered one of his coworkers, Sarah, from her cubicle, giving him a sympathetic smile. "How are you holding up?" "Uh, I'm okay, I guess," Avery replied with a weak smile, trying to sound more confident than he felt. He couldn't shake the feeling that the entire office was scrutinizing him after Friday's incident. He headed to Darlene's office, hoping to find some comfort in their usual morning routine. The absence of her familiar presence left him feeling strangely adrift. He got a K-cup and started the Keurig to brew a cup of coffee. When he went to open the small fridge to get his creamer, he paused and frowned. It had his name on it. "Avery's creamer." He noticed the date on it showing it had been made that very weekend. He looked around to make sure no one else was around as he opened the top and took a sip. It was sweet, and just as he suspected, he recognized the taste. It was Darlene's breast milk. He blushed almost immediately. All this time, he has been using her creamer, he was using her breast milk. Part of him was very embarrassed, and the other part of him was happy. He had something that would remind him of the night. He poured a little more than normal into his coffee when the Keurig finished brewing. He returned to his desk, taking a sip of the coffee, his fingers nervously tapping against the ceramic mug. He had been a little tempted to forego the coffee altogether and simply take Darlene's milk on its own. Booting up his computer, Avery found an email waiting for him regarding a new corporate policy change. His heart sank as he read the details; it clearly had to do with John and the confrontation between them. A knot formed in his stomach, guilt gnawing at him as he realized the entire fifth floor would be affected by this change – all because of him. "Damn it, John," Avery muttered under his breath, clenching his fists tightly. Why did things have to escalate like this? And what would happen next? He tried to refocus on his work, pulling up the calculations he needed to review, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the incident and its repercussions. He knew he couldn't let John's actions control his life or his work, but fear still clawed at the edges of his mind. "Focus, Avery," he told himself, attempting to shake off his anxiety and concentrate on the numbers in front of him. "You can't let this affect you." A sudden gust of wind blew through the office as Darlene stormed past Avery, her eyes blazing with fury. She appeared to be so tunnel-visioned that she hadn’t seen that Avery was at his desk. The door to her office slammed shut with a resounding thud, causing a few employees to jump in their seats. Muffled shouts and angry words could be heard from behind the closed door. Avery sat at his desk, gripping his pen tightly and trying to make sense of Darlene's outburst. She rarely lost her composure like this; it was unnerving to witness. He stared at the calculations on his screen, but the numbers blurred together as he tried to understand what had upset her so much. Was it his fault? Was she mad at him, or "Did someone say something to her?" Avery wondered aloud, glancing around the office. A couple of his coworkers shook their heads, looking just as bewildered as he felt. "It has to be something to do with me and John and the new security measures," he mused, although he couldn't think of any specific reason that would cause such a reaction besides the new readers. "Hey," one of his coworkers whispered, leaning over the cubicle wall. "You don't think she found out about John, do you?" "Found out... what?" Avery asked, his heart skipping a beat. "Never mind," the coworker muttered, retreating back to their own desk. Avery bit his lip as he tried to refocus on the task at hand - the cell wall calculations. He knew he couldn't afford to let his thoughts drift to John or Darlene right now. With a deep breath, he attempted to focus on the numbers and equations before him, willing himself to concentrate. "Come on, Avery. You've got this," he whispered, forcing himself to push the other distractions aside. Despite his best efforts, however, the tension in the room seemed to weigh heavily on him, and he found himself constantly glancing over at Darlene's door, waiting for any sign of her emerging. He couldn't help but worry about what was going on behind that door and how it might affect their working relationship - and their friendship. "Darlene, whatever it is, I hope you're okay," Avery thought, his concern for her overshadowing the fear that had gripped him since John's attack. The clock seemed to tick louder than usual as Avery sat at his desk, the tension in the air palpable. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his neck and resisted the urge to fidget again. The soft hum of computers filled the room, punctuated by occasional hushed whispers among his coworkers. It was very hard to concentrate with everything going on. Every voice and sound he heard was enough to distract him. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Darlene's office door swung open with a soft creak. Her eyes were red-rimmed, but her expression was resolute as she surveyed the room before settling on Avery. "Can I see you for a minute?" she asked bluntly, her voice strained. "Of course," Avery replied, his heart racing as he followed her back into her office, the door clicking shut behind them. "Listen, I just had a long conversation with Julian and Bryan about this whole situation," she began, her hands wringing together nervously. She proceeded to tell Avery about everything she'd learned - the new security measures, the CEO's insistence on keeping John employed, and even the accusations against herself that she'd chosen to leave out. Avery's shock was evident on his face, his brows furrowed in confusion and concern. "Darlene, I can't believe they're putting you through all of this. It wasn't your fault," he insisted, his voice shaking slightly. "It's my fault John and I don't get along." As Darlene calmed down, she sank into her desk chair with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, Avery. I'm so sorry John is still here. If there were anything I could have done, he would be gone," she said, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. Tears welled in her eyes, though she fought to hold them back. "Darlene," Avery said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You've done more than enough for me. You've stood by my side and fought for me when no one else would. I'm grateful, more than you know." He paused, his own emotions threatening to spill over as he looked into her tear-filled eyes. "We'll get through this together. I am sorry I caused so much trouble for you," he promised, squeezing her shoulder gently. Darlene's hand reached up to Avery's hand as she looked up at him. "Avery, this isn't your fault at all, don't blame yourself. This goes far beyond you. I feel so bad for you.” She held back her tears, and the two shared a moment of understanding that spoke louder than words ever could. Avery forced a small, reassuring smile onto his face, trying to calm Darlene down. "Thank you, but I still can't help but feel guilty," he said, not knowing the words to say to help the situation. "The new security badges will keep John away." But deep inside, a cold knot of fear persisted; John was unpredictable and dangerous, and Avery couldn't shake that off. "Thanks for everything, Darlene," he added again, hoping to alleviate some of her guilt. It didn't seem to help much, but at least she offered a wan smile in return. As Avery turned to leave, Darlene's voice stopped him. "Wait, Avery," she said, her tone shifting abruptly. "I think I need to check your diaper to make sure it's on correctly." He blushed furiously at the unexpected mention of his diaper, stammering, "I-I think I got it on right..." Darlene shook her head firmly. "No, we can't trust that." With practiced efficiency, she retrieved the supplies from the other night - baby wipes and lotion - and placed them on her desk. "I'm not in the mood to argue about this, Avery. Please lie down." Darlene said as she laid down a large beach towel she brought from home. Feeling his cheeks heat up further, Avery reluctantly complied, lying down on the towel she had spread out on the floor. The cool office air made him shiver as she gently removed his pants, revealing the diaper beneath. His heart raced, both from embarrassment and vulnerability, but he knew that Darlene only wanted to help him. Darlene's delicate fingers carefully inspected the diaper, her eyes focused and determined. Avery tried to distract himself by staring at the ceiling, but he couldn't escape the reality of the situation. The crinkling sound of the diaper material filled the room as Darlene expertly adjusted the fit, her movements precise and efficient. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, it was clear that Darlene was doing her best to be gentle and considerate. "It looks like you didn't put it on correctly, but don't worry, I'll fix it and apply some lotion to prevent any rash," she said in a soft, soothing voice, like a mother caring for her child. With deft fingers, she undid the diaper tapes and gently lifted it off of Avery's skin. He felt exposed and vulnerable lying there on the floor, but he trusted Darlene to take care of him. She applied cool lotion to his skin with gentle, circular motions, bringing both relief and humiliation. After a few minutes, Darlene announced that she was finished. Her voice carried a hint of relief as she snapped the onesie in place, slid his pants back on, and helped Avery sit up. They shared a brief moment of eye contact - a silent acknowledgment of the trust they had just shared. Darlene gathered her supplies and put them away with practiced efficiency. "I think you're good to go back to work now," she said with a smile, her voice filled with reassurance. And for a moment, Avery allowed himself to forget about John and everything else that weighed on his mind. "Thank you," Avery murmured, his gratitude genuine despite the lingering embarrassment. In this strange, difficult situation, he knew he could rely on Darlene to stand by him - and in turn, he would do everything in his power to support her as well. He just had nothing to really offer her in terms of support. As Avery made his way through the bustling office, he couldn't help but think about the creamer he had used in his coffee that morning. The rich, sweet, creamy flavor still lingered in his taste buds. He decided to save his question about it for later and focused on making his way to his cubicle. The door to the office creaked open. He walked out to his own small office space and settled down at his desk. He had his notes in hand as he began to try to get back focused on solving the cell wall problem.