Lionsheart

Hi everyone! I am back from my writing slumbers and have a story that I had a dream about the other day that had somehow turned into 100+ pages. Please forgive me for not writing actively on my other stories... I have a bad habit of writing for stories and then pausing as I actively write for another. Hopefully this story doesn't put me in the writer's time out corner🪑😇 This is definitely a 'slow burn' story that sets the stage for the rest of the book and the payout may just be worth it, you'll just have to find out for yourself. *cue the evil laughter behind computer monitor* I hope you enjoy my story of warlocks, creatures and diapers as much as I have writing it and I love hearing theories and comments along the way in posting. Enjoy!💖 The Synopsis No One Asked For[but I wrote it anyways]: Wren Smith gets accepted into a 4 year international college exchange program that she had always dreamed of her whole human existence called Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures located in the country of Centaurus. In her journey to a completely different world of warlocks, werewolves and vampires, she meets Nate Seastone who has unusual relationship goals, a psychopathic ex and a dark past. Things take a sinister twist as she navigates being a human in a mostly all creature and warlock school as she unlocks secrets to sinister things she didn't ask to discover between the school's history and her kind. Warnings: Dark nature content[not sure how to word that], bullying and detailed sexual scenes[smut] Does contain in later chapters: Diapers, CGL relationship, ABDL, BDSM, spanking Book of Warlocks, Creatures & Diapers : Vol I PRELUDE It’s incredulous to think that for a good few centuries, the rest of the world didn’t know the United Lands existed. The continent of Centureon, comprised of the countries of Centaurus and Rune, were stumbled upon in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, yet never spoken about in human history books because a historical warlock known as Theadore Stonewall II found him, erased his memory and sent him, his crew and his boat to North America instead. It wasn’t until the next century when people began migrating from Europe to America that Centureon lost its anonymity the warlocks and creatures wanted to keep as long as possible, yet it was inevitable that a country with millions of creatures and beautiful lands would be found eventually. From the dawn of time, warlocks, witches and creatures had always been mistreated, murdered and misunderstood that the old warlocks and creatures knew if word got out to the human race, their existence may be compromised. Little did they know, it was bound to happen that the human race would find them and try to make them close to extinct. Warlocks and creatures already lived amongst the human race all over the world, but the countries of Centureon knew about the horror stories and spread of misinformation about their kind that made the human race fear them. It was better, to the Centaurus and Rune countries, to hide for as long as they could and keep the peace within their own lands. As time went on and the United Nations and other countries found out about Rune and Centaurus, both countries were kept top secret in all countries. The United Nations wanted to hide the creatures that inhabited the lands as they thought revealing them would create mass panic and threaten the human race as it was. Warlocks and creatures didn’t want to fight, they asked for peace multiple times and the United Nations was ignorant to the possibility of creatures, witches and warlocks living peacefully among humans. Yet… these creatures already lived among them, much to the human race’s fears of inability to cohabitate that had little to no evidence to support. As the humans found out creatures were living amongst them, many altered, misinformed and over dramatized stories in newspapers released about witches, werewolves, vampire killings and abductions. These fictionally based stories spread like wildfire around the United States of America in the 1600’s and the United Nations came together and agreed that if these newfound ‘creatures’ survived any further they could threaten the human race’s very existence. Widespread panic circulated around to other countries and the whole world began fearing creatures that supposedly could be humans next door neighbors one day. The decisions were based on ignorance, fears and prejudice as the United Nations decided to invade Centaurus and Rune in 1702, historically termed in Centureon the Human Invasions of 1702, without warning, terrorizing the continent with ships docking and pillaging of its lands. At this time, the human race was much larger than all the warlocks and creatures combined. The only thing that made sense for most creatures was too either migrate or protect the land from the sudden killing, raping and torment of its innocent civilians. Many of Centaurus and Rune’s inhabitants decided to flee the country. This caused the Great Migration of Creatures in 1702 where millions of witches, warlocks and creatures as they fled the countries to live in hiding all over the world as Rune was put close to extinction within a few years. Although they had warlocks, witches and creatures, Centaurus and Rune were both peaceful lands that practiced magic to protect and help others, not to hurt as they were attempting to show the human race they should not be feared. There were always dark blood warlocks and witches who were of the evil kind, but few and far between that when armies of human troops came in with muskets, rifles, canons and unknown weapons to Centaurus and Rune, the native creatures to the lands had never seen such weapons, let alone know what they did until they were wounded or killed. Due to Centaurus’s large warlock and witch demographics, they were able to protect most of Centaurus in the 1700’s. Centaurus lost a tenth of their population and lands but quickly reclaimed their lands. Rune, however, could not protect itself as the population of warlocks was low, the magical creatures who were there were a majority of peacemakers or healers. When they attempted to ask for peace, it was quickly denied to their dismay as whole towns and villages were shocked by the merciless invaders. Villages and towns across Rune were pillaged, raped and burned down over a stretch of a few weeks time. Innocent civilians and their children were burned on stakes or hanged and those spared from the mass murdering of Rune’s population were kidnapped and put into labor camps. The rest of it’s demographics were harmless creatures without magical abilities that were slaughtered without reason. A good two-thirds of Rune’s creatures were killed from the invasion that silently spread across the country. More troops of the British and United States came over to Rune and terrorized the creatures on it’s soil along with the few witches and warlocks that remained after many years of fighting. Parts of Rune were colonized in the 1710’s by the British until the United Lands armies grew in the larger country of Centaurus and reclaimed the land with their most powerful warlocks, witches and creatures protecting Rune. After years of hearing of the pillaging, terrorizing and mass murders of Rune with two-thirds of the population either migrating or being slain, Centaurus decided to stop protecting without harming the invaders and go on the defensive to push the invaders out of their Lands. The first World War, that was unknown to most of the human race, started and ended in 1713 when the United Lands decide to fight back from Rune reclaiming what was left of its lands. In Centaurus history books, there was a distinct shift in the war and who was winning when the most powerful Centaurus and Rune warlocks and witches came together to create the Magistrate’s Army. They fought back in large numbers and reclaimed what was theirs within months of combat with the human race. Rumors got out about a group of witches and warlocks comprised of both white and dark blood magic descent that were stronger than any other type of magical beings coming together to end the suffering of the United Lands. It was unheard of for white and dark blood witches and warlocks to work together, yet this special circumstance created an alliance that warlocks and witches all over the continent talked about for centuries. The UN troops began retreating as they realized quickly that Magistrate Army was much stronger than any weapon possessed in the 1700’s. The armies couldn’t even kill a witch or warlock without putting them on the stake and burning them. News got back to the United Nations as the Magistrate Army became tremendously powerful and the US army along with the British armies were sent back home in small quantities of survivors with gruesome stories of watching warlocks, witches and creatures mercilessly terrorizing soldiers, bending swords and stopping bullets, pikes and cannon balls mid-air. The horror stories of witches and warlocks performing full moon rituals on soldiers were spread rampant along with other horrors following the war with the warlocks and creatures. The human race learning that although small in numbers, the United Lands showed they were a force to not be meddled with ever again. In 1730’s, years after the war ended, Magistrate Gildroy III the Great made a peace treaty with the United Nations and the United Lands. The United Lands agreed that migration to or from Centaurus or Rune was forbidden. Both groups agreed to keep Centaurus and Rune separated from the human race. Gildroy was able to keep sailors and migrators away from the country with his fleet of mermen and army of warlocks who protected the United Lands. The United Nations and surrounding countries were able to hide creatures for a few years from the human race, stating that newspapers of werewolf, vampires and witches were made-up stories. Although both the United Lands and United Nations tried to hide Centaurus and Rune, it was not possible anymore to keep hidden a whole country that spanned half the Atlantic ocean as a secret to the human race. After many sightings of ‘aliens’, lost ships in the Bermuda Triangle, witch trials, books written about witches and wizards, newspaper articles, police cases, tales of vampires or werewolves and other incidences in the early 1800’s the countries of Rune and Centaurus were rediscovered by the human race in newspapers around the world. The world became a huge panic where allover people were afraid from the misinformation about vampires, witches, mermen, werewolves and other creatures. The general population did not want anything to do with these creatures or to even visit Centureon in the 1800’s. The creatures that had migrated to the US and other countries who did decide to reveal themselves were segregated, taken into slavery, locked up in prisons, hung, experimented on, abducted or murdered. The whole response to any creature or warlock was of pure anger and hatred that caused a huge rift between the human race and creatures from Rune and Centaurus. Up until 1853, immigration to and from Centureon was banned for creatures and humans. During this time, millions of creatures and warlocks that had already migrated found home to many parts of North America, Asia, South America and Europe as they lived in hiding. From those in hiding, it was discovered in the mid-1800’s that so many creatures and warlocks had carried children with humans. Half-humans were at high risk as not only did the human race fear or hate them, but so did creatures. Migration was finally allowed after so many hate crimes were made against creatures or half-humans and the United States and other countries found there weren’t only a few, but millions of creatures already living amongst them that wanted to visit back home or move back to Centaurus or Rune. Little did these countries know, these creatures inhabited the world for thousands of years amongst the human race. This movement of human race acceptance was called the Creature Awakening where humans finally acknowledged the creature race and began to start accepting creatures into their cultures. Although there was still a long road ahead in progression of views and stifling racism, this was a huge push forward in peace between races. By the early 1900’s after migration to and from the United Lands was allowed in most countries, World War 1 happened and the United Nations grew a relationship with the United Lands, enlisting the Magistrate’s Army into the war. In every war following, the United Nations and United Lands worked together and slowly built trust between the two once opposing forces. Many years passed and from millions of mixings of creatures, warlocks and humans, hatred between the human race and creatures or warlocks had calmed down quite a bit, yet the racism never went away fully as it was still taught in most continents. By the end of the 1900s and early 2000’s, many programs were instated to mix the cultures of humans, creatures and warlocks. Although things have calmed down between the races, there is still a large mountain to climb in racism between creatures and humans. As time has gone on, the pendulum of hatred has swung more for the hatred of the human race, as they had almost made Rune extinct of it’s creatures and endangered trolls, pegasai, dwarfs and it’s rare magical creatures with one invasion in the 1700’s that had almost wiped out the creatures of Rune’s existence entirely. Chapter 1: Warlocks, Creatures and Humans, Oh My! Wren’s moss green eyes looked out the airplane window to the beautiful hills, valleys and mountains of Loch Valley, Centaurus of the United Lands. Her curious eyes grazed over the distant hills and valleys where she could see a flight of witches and warlocks gliding above the trees together in a pack. Wren smiled in awe and wonder, always wishing since a little girl that she could fly like a witch. She always, admittedly, envied her neighbor down the street who was half witch and had flying lessons with her dad. She ended up in a tree her first flight but Wren would have paid anyone in the world to be just like her neighbor, even if she’d ended up in a tree or with a broken arm. She frowned and looked back down to her history book of Centaurus, knowing that would never be her fate. All she ever wished growing up was to be some sort of creature, whether that had been a mermaid, witch, dwarf, gollum, fairy, vampire or even a troll. Wren just wanted to be something that wasn’t a human. Gross. That was probably the worst race to be in this day and age. As she read her history book, she couldn’t imagine how it was like as a creature to feel such fear of being kidnapped or killed for being something that’s not human. There are hundred of documented real life horror stories in America, where Wren was born, about witch trials, murders of full werewolf or vampire families, abductions and experiments on creatures. That’s only one country and the stories across the world are equally as volatile and despicable. Luckily, those things didn’t happen anymore, at least not often. There’s always some Ted Bundy who has a weird thing for creatures or witches unfortunately. Also, creatures aren’t victims, they’ve killed humans too. However, the millions of creatures and warlocks slaughtered for pure racism of creatures will always supersede the current day issues. Millions were killed at the hands of the human race in 1702 in genocide by the US and British army human invasions. Millions. Wren was disgusted by that thought alone and that her ancestors could do such things to innocent creatures. To say she hated her ancestors was an understatement at this point after traveling 10 hours on the plane and rereading the dark history of Centaurus and Rune inflicted by the human race. Wren could see why creatures and warlock have been known to be rude to humans. Lucky for Wren Smith, she decided to do an international exchange program for 4 years at Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures. Maybe not so lucky... yet Wren’s deep desires to be close to warlocks and creatures ran so strong she’d put aside everything to be where she felt she belonged. Ever since Wren was a young girl, she knew that Idaho, United States was not where she belonged. It was true as everyone presumed of Idaho: all we have is cornfields and potatoes out there! Wren thought. She absolutely despised everything there and found herself bored 9 times out of 10. The one fun thing was having a neighborhood friend who was part witch. Her name was Jade who Wren went to school with. They eventually blossomed into best friends throughout the years until their friendship abruptly ended when Jade and her parents moved to Glades, Rune when the girls turned 12. Wren remembers crying for almost a month straight when Jade moved and as dramatic as that sounded, losing your best friend was a big deal as a kid. It felt like the end of the world to Wren and she had close to no friends after Jade left. Wren was always the ‘weird girl’ who had a ‘witch friend’ and Wren knew the small-minded classmates would never understand her the way Jade did. The day she moved, Wren remembered writing in her diary, “When I turn 18, I’m moving the HELL out of Idaho and going to Centaurus! Idaho can kiss my ass!!” If you’re wondering, yes Wren did, in fact, write those curse words when she was 12 and luckily her parents never read her diary… or at least she thought they didn’t. “Flight attendants, prepare for landing.” The pilot stated to the passengers and attendants. Wren sighed as she closed her book, stowing it away in her backpack. She looked to her right where a pair of eyes were glancing at Wren and she met them. A part werewolf part human woman's dark brown eyes were looking at her. Wren smiled politely to her as the woman looked forward with a small huff in annoyance. Creatures really hate humans still, huh? She was half human, where does she feel the right to judge! Wren thought to herself and frowned, looking back out the window. It was weird leaving home, the United States. Wren had never left the US, let alone to a country that hates the human race, even more so Americans. Wren didn’t think most countries liked Americans to begin with, let alone human Americans to further complicate things for her. In Centaurus, it’s a known fact humans are more susceptible to hate crimes and harassment. Creatures don’t like humans and humans don’t like creatures. That’s been a known conflict since the beginning of time. Wren knew that just maybe she was the weird human that liked creatures and wanted to be one. The best person Wren ever knew was a witch, after all. She saved Wren’s life once and Wren would never forget that day. When Wren was 11 about to turn 12, the girls were playing on the bridge in the forest near their houses. Wren jumped on the railing of the bridge and stuck her arms out, yelling, “Maybe I can fly like you Jade!” Jade’s dark brown eyes looked concerned as she tugged on the hem of Wren’s blue jeans, “Don’t be stupid, get down from there!” “I just want to be a witch like you one day, Jade. Maybe I can if I try! Don’t you remember that book we read about the girl who didn’t know she was a witch and found out by falling? Maybe that’s me!” Wren said, walking one foot in front of the other on the railing as she swayed, almost falling to the side with the river below. “Wren! Stop it! You’re scaring me and I want to have an ALIVE best friend, not a DEAD best friend!!”Jade said frantically on the bridge below Wren. “I’m going to tell on you if you don’t come down!” She stomped her foot bossily while crossing her arms. Wren smiled, knowing she was the brave, bold but stupid friend in that moment. She stood there, looking behind her one last time before deciding to get down. As she began lowering her foot, Wren’s heel somehow caught the nail of the bridges railing and it caused her balance to falter. She felt myself quickly lose gravity as her whole body fell backwards and Jade screamed, “WREN!!!” Her stomach tickled as she fell through the air. She closed her eyes as she awaited the cold water, yet time stood still and she felt nothing. Did I die? She thought as she opened her eyes and was levitating up and over to where the trees and grass was near the side of the river. She toppled onto the ground and rolled a few times. Wren got up, dusting off the dirt from her sweatshirt as Jade ran over and hugged her. “You dummy!! You almost died!” Jade said as she hugged Wren hard. “Thanks for saving me Jade, I’m so sorry!” Wren said, feeling a few tears go down her face from the stupid thing she almost did. Jade blinked at Wren as she pulled back and shook her head, “I, uh, didn’t do anything Wren.” She said, looking humbly down. Wren winked at her, “It’s okay, I won’t tell anyone.” Jade was quiet about her magic abilities. Her parents didn’t want anyone in their school or neighborhood to know she was a witch. Most creatures kids from Centureon were bullied and that was the main reason her family kept it hidden. It was a secret Wren only knew about because Jade flew into her tree one evening with a yelp and that was the first time Wren and Jade met when her dad ran over to our house and apologized for Jade climbing on Wren’s backyard tree to Wren’s parents. Little did her dad know that Wren was on the second floor bedroom and was looking outside when Jade struck the tree near her bedroom. It looked like it hurt, that was for sure. Wren still didn’t know to this day who hurt worse that day, Jade or the tree. The airplane glided down as Wren gasped in awe at the city below of Aeradon, Dragonstone in Centaurus. She had only read in books about how beautiful the city was with it’s ancient skyscraper castles on hills that overlooked hundreds of villages, rivers and the water to the side of the city. Wren was sad to not see dragons circling the castles like in the childhood books she read as a kid but the beauty was enough to take her breath away. The plane passed over Dragonstone’s other outskirt villages further to the edge of where the cliffs met the sea. She felt the plane hit the ground as Wren smiled, getting giddy with excitement of the new life she had just began. Wren had been waiting for her entire human life to be in Dragonstone, Centaurus, let alone to be accepted to a school in Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures for a 4 year international exchange program. She frowned, remembering how sad her mom got when Wren told her. Her mom didn’t look at her and just went into her parent’s bedroom as Wren’s dad looked at her in the eyes and said, “I thought you were going to Harvard, you got accepted and the chance that people would die to have! I can’t believe you’re throwing away your life like this.” He said in disappointment, shaking his head and sighing. “Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures is a much more prestigious acceptance dad. Only 4 foreign exchange students are accepted per year and they hardly ever accept a full-blood human exchange student!” Wren grumbled, crossing her arms and shaking her head, annoyed with her parents and they’re obvious disappointment. Can’t they let her have one happy moment?! “Dragonstone is a dangerous place for humans, Guinevere. You never listen to me or your mother.” Wren knew it was serious disappointment when her dad said her real name that she hated hearing. Guinevere Smith. Ugh, she hated that name, reasons why she went by Wren. Her classmates growing up couldn’t say her full name so they called her Gwen, which Wren hated even more. That’s when she read a kids book in elementary school with a witch named Wren. That’s when she told her classmates and teachers that she went by Wren. Ever since then, Guinevere had been Wren, although her parents didn’t jump on board with the name change until a few years later. Now they only used her full name when she was in trouble. Her dad stood, not having any more of this conversation. Wren’s parents and her never saw eye to eye on things like this. They always warned her of creatures and magical beings, stating that they were malicious and hated humans. They never knew Wren’s best friend growing up was a witch, and she didn’t think she’d ever tell them. The more they warned me growing up about Centaurus and Rune, the more Wren knew she had to visit it to see herself. For 18 years Wren grew more and more curious, just wanting to prove her parents wrong about creatures and warlocks. Her best friend and her dad were creatures and she would not allow a stigma decide her own opinions. Wren finally was able to stand after ten minutes of waiting for the passengers to file out of the plane. She began to gather her items from the overhead compartment. Unfortunately, Wren was short and small framed that it didn’t help when she reached for her suitcase, struggling to grasp it. She stood on her tippy toes and grunted as she grabbed her suitcase handle and pulled, the momentum of her pull swinging Wren to the left a bit as she accidentally nudged the person directly behind her. The person muttered, “Fucking rude humans.” “Um, sorry.” Wren looked back at the middle aged warlock man behind her who had a satin black cloak and a dark brown disheveled pointed hat on. She blinked back her awe of being near a warlock and walked forward to out of the plane through customs and baggage claim as she tried to shake off the odd exchange. “Guinevere Marie Smith, what’s your purpose here and how long is your stay?” The merman customs officer asked as his light sea blue eyes shifted to Wren’s eyes, studying in curiosity. Wren pulled out her file from her backpack that her international counselor told her to show to customs, “I’m an international exchange student for Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures and will be here for 4 years.” She said a touch boastfully, handing him her files. He looked them over with an annoyed glance and handed them back to her with her passport, waiving Wren away, “Next.” Wren shoved her file back into her backpack and grabbed her luggage, shaking off his rudeness as she walked between throngs of people. She tried not to glance at the different creatures of mermen, trolls, gollums, warlocks, witches, vampires, dwarves, fairies and werewolves that threaded through the area or gawk too long. A lot of people looked like humans or half-humans that walked past as she went to the outside to find the shuttle to the train. A hour passed filled with wrong turns and Wren finally found a train car that directly took her to Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures. She stowed her items away and sat as someone poked their head into the car, “Do you mind if I share a car with you? It’s kind of full everywhere else.” Wren nodded with a smile, meeting a set of light blue eyes that looked human. She was a bit relieved that she was human, given that all Wren’s other encounters were rude with anyone who wasn’t also human. That was becoming more apparent the more minutes she spent in Centaurus. As the girl was putting away her items overhead, another knock sounded and a large guy who had to duck into the car peaked in, “Can we join you? If there’s room, uh, of course.” His eyes were a light yellow and his skin was a slight tint of green with bumps over his arms. He was part troll from what Wren could tell but very polite with a thick Scottish accent. “Of course.” Wren tried to give a friendly nod to the seats in front of her as he ducked to get inside and helped the other human girl with her items overhead. A smaller fairy girl, about Wren’s height, with light glowing skin came inside behind him. She had light pink almost white, long wavy hair and quietly trotted behind the half troll guy as he helped her with her luggage storage too. He sat down on the farthest corner from Wren and the fairy girl sat next to Wren. A floral scent reached Wren’s nostrils and she smiled in nostalgia of going through gardening shops as a kid with her mother. There's an awkward silence in the train car until the half troll spoke, “My names Frederick Ploffploof. Half-troll if anyone’s wondering, first year and from Luss, Scotland. Nice to meet everyone.” He says with a deep voice and heavy accent, awkwardly looking between the three girls who are silent. He has a humor about him when he talks that Wren almost wants to giggle at but decided not to as she didn’t want to come across as a ‘fucking rude human’ again. The human girl across from Wren went next, “Hi, I’m Olivia Appleton, from Virginia, the States. First year, human.” The fairy girl spoke with a bubbly voice, “Hai hai! I’m Pixie Lightwood and I’m a fairy from Glowfield, Centaurus and second year.” A lot of fairies came from Glowfield or suburbs surrounding, Wren was going to guess that but didn’t want to say it or presume anything. Wren smiled, trying to be friendly and hopefully not weird by how giddy she was to meet others, especially who were creatures, “Wren Smith. First year, human unfortunately as well.” The group laughs as Wren spoke and she continued, “From Idaho, the States.” “Against most judgements cast against humans, I quite prefer them over witches any day.” Pixie said as she touched Wren’s arm in a friendly nudge and Wren looked down at the gentle touch that glistened after her hand left Wren’s skin. “Oops! I haven’t had that happen before besides in my community, I’m so sorry!” Pixie said, trying to wipe off the glisten and light glitter that was on Wren’s skin from her touch, yet, when she tried to wipe it off it caused even more glitter. Frederick rumbled in a laugh with Olivia as Wren tried dusting off the literal fairy dust, “It’s fine I got it! No worries.” Wren giggled with Pixie as she met her light pink and slightly yellow-green flecked eyes that glowed to Wren. She paused, “You said that doesn’t happen often?” “No, I mean, only to other fairies or pure people. If you're full human, that means I can trust you is all.” Pure? What did that mean? Wren thought. “I wouldn’t say I’m pure, maybe just dumb. Also, I’m for sure full human.” Wren says with a last giggle as she dusts off the glitter that doesn’t seem to go away. If she wasn’t human, she’d know for certain by this point in her life. She could not even count how many spells and potions she’s tried to cast in her life. Also, not to mention how many times she’s ran and jumped with a broomstick, only to face plant completely. If she were a fairy and could fly, Wren would have by now. She’s 100% human, which was unfortunate to Wren to say the least. Wren chalked it up to maybe that she was ‘pure’… whatever that meant. Olivia squeals from across from Wren, “Touch me next! I want to know!” “Me too!” Frederick rumbles as he sticks out his arm with Olivia and the group all laughs in the train car together. Pixie touches Olivia and Frederick and nothing happens. “Isn’t ‘purity’ like a virginity thing?” Frederick asks in his thick accent to Pixie. The train finally begins moving as it seems the train filled fully and students are walking in the hallways trying to find seats still. Wren blushes for a moment, hoping no one can see as she felt called out. Luckily, Pixie’s answer comes to her rescue. Pixie begins laughing loudly and shaking her head as her eyes are watery from laughing when she calms down, “No, purity is by-“ Someone open the car door and cuts Pixie off, “Excuse me, sorry to bother but-“ A very tall, handsome human-looking man with medium to long copper brown hair pushed back but falling carelessly to the side of his head enters the car. His sea blue eyes meet Wren’s and she almost drops her jaw and drools by how gorgeous he is. He was one of the most attractive men Wren had ever laid eyes on from his strong jawline down to his biceps and muscles carved through his black long sleeve shirt he war wearing. Why was Wren so suddenly flustered as he locked eyes with her? She had never felt so off-put by a simple question. Wren already assumed he was so far out of her league that she kept her mouth closed as his eyes left Wren’s and looked around the car, seeing it was full. Frederick took two seats easily and the other 3 seats were taken by the girls. Wren wished it was a six seat car to invite this mysterious man inside. Wren gulped, knowing that a beautiful fairy was next to her and another attractive girl sat across her way. Wren looked with a fleck of jealousy to Olivia who had light brown, long hair and beautiful blue eyes. In comparison, Wren had long dark brown, almost black hair and moss green eyes that she always felt she looked so plain and never anything special. She couldn’t help feeling like she was but a speck in the sea of women in that moment. She never even had a love interest before, yet for some reason this random beautiful man shows up and she was instantly into him. Never had she ever gotten so flustered by 6 words. God help her. “It looks like this car’s full, maybe next one.” He murmured to the person behind him in his slight Centaurus accent. He looked back over to the group and somehow his beautiful sea blue eyes fell to Wren instead of anyone else in the car, as if she were the only one inside it, “Sorry again.” He nodded to the rest of the group with a charming smile and closed the door. Wren blushed down at her hands, feeling dumb that she just stared at him without responding once, how could she be so stupid! That’s how Wren successfully doesn’t get a boyfriend. It wasn’t like she was looking to have one these next four years but she wouldn’t have been against having one if it were with someone as attractive as him. “Who was that fine piece of man?” Olivia blurted after he left and they all burst out laughing. “Looks can be deceiving, trolls are much better specimens of men just so you ladies know.” Frederick spoke and paused for a moment as he sighed, “Gentle giants as some would say.” He straightened out his shirts as they all laughed at his gentle giant comment. Pixie stopped laughing, the only second year among them, and said, “That’s Nate Seastone. I’m not sure if he’s single though, last year he was with one of the Sinister Twins which is, honestly, a huge red flag.” Olivia crossed her arms, “Bummer, he was hot.” Wren gulped, not saying anything as she now knew she wasn’t the only one who had a thing for him. “Who’s the ‘Sinister Twins’?” Wren asked, looking to Pixie. Pixie shook her head, blinking back a serious flicker in her eyes that Wren caught, looking down, “Sorry, I just don’t want to spread anything about them or gossip. They are just not good witches and I suggest steering clear of them. That’s all I’ll say.” An awkward silence took over the car as she said not good witches. Wasn’t it illegal to us magic to harm others? Wren thought to herself, hearing that Dragonstone kicked out people for that. She thought she was going to a safe school, not a we’ll-sweep-things-under-the-table type of school. Wren gulped, looking out the window as the train went over the edge of the cliffs that looked out to the sea. Her mind couldn’t help but wonder if she made the right decision going to Dragonstone School of Warlocks & Creatures considering she was not, in fact, a warlock nor creature and was getting the impression humans really didn’t belong there.

Chapter 6: Spagrooted Marnie woke up the next morning with a wet stain in her bed and slobber on her pillow. This was becoming a normal morning routine within two days to quickly hop in her shower, throw her items into her cauldron for two minute washes and clean her bed. As she was hanging her items to dry on her indoor clothes pin line, she heard a knock on her door. “Give me a second!” The young witch sprinkled her mattress cleaning powder over her bed which absorbed and cleaned the urine soaked sheets. Marnie straightened her satin black dress and cloak, gathering herself before letting her friend in. “Marnie!” Wendy rushed in for a hug, almost toppling the smaller witch as she squeezed and looked at her friends distraught green eyes, “Are you okay?” Marnie frowned, “No, not at all.” Wendy looked at her friend, she grew up with Marnie in grade school and high school and has never seen her friend so…shaken. Marnie was always the bravest in her class, she stood up to bullies for Wendy growing up and impressed many professors across the years. Every time she saw Marnie after graduation, Marnie seemed excited about her new career path as a witch bounty hunter. This was a stark contrast to the current state of her good friend. Her friend looked embarrassed and sullen, thinner than she had ever seen her not to mention. Wendy was perplexed by the sudden intense awkwardness she felt. Marnie stuttered, “I-Wendy it’s not good.” She sauntered to her small oak dining table, sitting down sullenly, “I’m…”Her eyes watered, suddenly feeling more emotional than she’s felt in a long time, “I’m galoosed.” Marnie tried saying ‘cursed’ but the words wouldn’t work as she tried explaining to her good friend Wendy. She put a finger up, “I am candles.” She put her hands on her face in frustration. Why was nothing in her body listening to her!? “What? Are you okay, Marnie?” Wendy asked, her bright red eyebrows furrowing from her friends sudden weirdness. “No, no I’m not. I need help. I’m spagrooted!” Marnie stomped her foot in frustration that she couldn’t say the word ‘cursed’. Wendy looked at her friend in confusion for a moment and then uttered, “Holy shit, you’re cursed aren’t you?!” Marnie nodded excitedly that her friend understood, “Wow, I didn’t know it was true that cursed people couldn’t say their cursed! How cool…” Wendy shook her head, “I mean... that SUCKS but like, kind of cool that the stories we read in grade school were based on real stories.” There was a moment of silence until Wendy spoke again, “How? Who did this?” Her friend didn’t speak, staring at the ground, “I’m sure you could go back to that person and find out how to reverse it, right?” “I went back, Wendy, and the location was transfigured.” Marnie shook her head, “I have no magic anyways, it’s gone. I’ve tried and it’s gone. I’m out of options.” Wendy frowned, knowing her friend was losing magic for a long time now. “Do you know the name of who did this?” Marnie tried to speak to say the name, but only nonsense came out, “Gabagrish-“ She grunted, shaking her head. Marnie tried again, uttering a few gibberish words, “Aba ooola do do.” She frowned, “Fuck me.” She sat back, feeling defeated. There was a silence as Marnie gathered herself and fought back the tears, deciding to reveal her dark secrets to her friend, “Heck, I can’t even go through the portal to the Knight Realm by myself to even be a mortal for the rest of my life if I even wanted! I need a traveling permit and that takes weeks, let alone they’ll see my warrants out for arrest.” A tear began to fall that Marnie quickly flicked away, wanting to appear strong. “You have warrants out for your arrest?!” Wendy exclaimed in surprise. “I have a warrant out in the Mortal Realm for exposing a human or two to magic, it was by accident Wen.” She shook her head, for the first time in a long time, not knowing how to go about her situation. “Well, how do you think you can get out of this?” Marnie sat for a few moments, thinking quietly until her eyes lit up, “The restricted section at Moore’s Crossing Library. If I can get a book from there, it may have the answers on how to reverse the…” Marnie didn’t say the word but Wendy understood. “Then I can figure out the rest.” Wendy walked over, sitting across from Marnie, knowing she needed to help her distraught friend, “I’ll take you tomorrow, don’t you still have a few drops of that potion you use left?” Marnie frowned, ruffling through her bag until she found her potion, swirling the remnants, “About two and a half drops at most which I have to take all at once or nothing will happen.” “I’ll give you a strand of my hair, I have a student permit to access the Moore’s Crossing Library.” Marnie nodded, looking sadly into her glass triangular vial that held what was left of her magic knowing what she had to do. The last time she could harness her powers was in the liquid she stared at gloomily, knowing her days of magic were coming to an end. Marnie might as well consider living in the Mortal Realm, but there were many things she’d have to face… like the law. Chapter 7: Mar-gah-nie Blairwitch Marnie had became a great potion master, the best in her graduating year in fact. She studied potions to no end and learned the secrets of the cauldron through trial and error brews, mostly on herself. Once, she had accidentally grown a beard with an androgyny potion she was gifting to a fellow classmate. It was all fun and games until she realized she had to shave every morning before class, at lunch and through the week until the potion wore off. “Marn, I like what you’ve done with the place, quite artistic, especially the ceiling.” Wendy said, watching her dark, medium length haired and pale friend plop her strand of bright red hair into the cauldron, simmering and bubbling a dark red. Marnie looked up to where her friend was pointing to, at the rips in her tent’s ceiling that had been stitched earlier that morning. Marnie scrunched her face, trying to suppress the memory of the birdman who had seen her in her mortifying state. She had hoped that she would never come across him again, considering her last circumstances. “Is that what cursed you?” Wendy asked, staring up. “No, birds keep coming near my tent.” She wasn’t ready to revisit her curse and tell her friend what happened… especially anywhere near the embarrassing details. Nor did Marnie think her curse would even let her explain what had happened that dark night. Wendy placed her hands on her hips, her satin red kimono, fluttering, “That doesn’t look like a bird, Marn. That’s some type of dark Avian marking from...” Wendy squinted at it, going off in a tangent as she usually did, “Don’t you remember that really boring history class with Professor Grigore? He told us about the hybrid human and bird people who lived centuries ago… something about that Great Avian Migration and the whole group was murdered by the Obscure?” Wendy said, her remembrance of Realm History was much more vivid that Marnie’s. To be quite honest, Marnie slept through many of her history classes, due to they were so boring. Marnie shook her head, “I really don’t remember. My magic is receding as is my memory. My life story I guess.” She sighed gloomily, stirring the contents of the cauldron, waiting for a puff of red steam to signify that the brew was done. “That’s not just a bird, Marnie. Whatever scratched your tent was something very dark. I mean, look at the black blood on the edges!” She exclaimed, eyes wide from the large marks going through the whole middle of Marnie’s tent. Marnie shook her head, “It’s not of dark magic nor sort. I can guarantee that.” “How can you be so sure?” Wendy looked over to her friend in awe, wondering if she had really lost it! Any sign of dark forces presented themselves in signs. Black blood was only of the wicked, every good witch knew that! Marnie didn’t want to say, “I just know. The end.” She said, a puff of red steam going in her face as she looked down with a smile at her perfected brew. If someone possessed dark magic, then they wouldn’t have helped someone so vulnerable, hurt. The birdman, Avian, person had protected Marnie, at a cost to himself. That was no dark force. Marnie knew that darkness and evil were deceptive, but no form of evil would sacrifice themselves for good, right? Although her best friend had a point, Marnie’s heart said otherwise to trust that fellow. Much worse could have conspired that night and she was thankful she wasn’t ate by the creature. After a period of silence, Wendy asked, “May I ask what the curse is, Marnie?” Marnie shook her head, “Even if I could tell you, I wouldn’t.” Wendy shrugged, understanding the dilemma and not poking any further although she wanted to so badly. Marnie sighed in relief, happy that her friend gave her some privacy given the circumstances. A few hours transpired as the girls reminisced about school trips to Moore’s Crossing as they walked the storefronts, eyes scanning the crowds for the witch that had cursed Marnie. They approached the large pillars surrounding Moore’s Crossing Library and large steps to it’s entrance. The goliath library stood high, between the Guilded Goblin’s Bank and famous Moore’s Crossing statue. It held with in the most expanse book collection among the 7 realms. All lost, misplaced or vanished books were sent to the sorting dungeons where it was said that trolls guarded to protect the secrets of the realms. “You ready?” Wendy asked, holding her potion in her hand in the bathroom stall as Marnie took out hers. “I’ve been ready for the longest time.” Marnie took in a breathe, tilting her head back as she chugged the last droplets of her magic boosting potion. “Cheers.” Wendy said, clinking her transmutation potion to Marnie’s underneath the confines of the adjacent bathroom stall frames. The Moore’s Crossing Library was impeccably enchanted, and, although Marnie had a potion, the spell binding the doors would catch if there was multiple forms of a soul entering. If Wendy was still in the form of Wendy, Marnie couldn’t be Wendy. Marnie drank the bitter potion, tasting of sour candy. Her and Wendy coughed in the bathroom of Starbrew, across from the library. Marnie felt herself begin slowly growing taller, hair twisting into dark brown or black waves, changing color into a ginger red. “Finally, I look like a real woman!” Marnie exclaimed in her own voice, behind an unfamiliar sight as she left the bathroom stall. Her eyes turned a bright blue in the reflection and she smiled as it looked like she got an instant lip plumper. “And I’m finally cute and small. Ah, it feels great not having to worry about hiding in small places.” Wendy said as she walked out with a wink, nudging Marnie who glared back, seeing her natural dark brown and mixed black hair looked unevenly cut under her droopy vintage witch’s hat. “Hey! You’re supposed to be a good friend and tell me when my hair is uneven!” The girls giggled to themselves, finally leaving the restroom. “I thought that was your style: edgy, cute and careless. Sorry!” She smiled playfully, “Goodluck, Marnie!” Wendy whispered in a hush as she parted ways from Marnie, in Wendy’s form. Marnie held Wendy’s white purse on her arm awkwardly as she walked through the doors that enchantedly opened themselves for her. She nodded to the half-troll, half-human receptionist as she approached, “Wendy Mortical with request to enter restricted section.” She smiled, showing teeth awkwardly and giving her student badge to the gargantuan receptionist that had arms the size of Marnie’s legs. Her heart pounding that she may be denied. “You are permitted to enter with restricted section access, sixth floor to the left, next.” She looked past Marnie in annoyance from another young witch wanting to go to the restricted section, as if she were entitled, as she handed the badge back. Marnie sighed in relief as she walked forward into the great library. She wiggled her fingers, not even feeling a tickle of magic from her potion. She knew the potion should hold up, but, if she loses her magic, the potion protection enchantment her and Wendy performed earlier can fade due to the library’s protection spells. Marnie had a feeling her magic was gone that no potion could protect her from, meaning, she had to find what she was searching for quickly. Marnie looked to the hundreds of shifting staircases leading up to different floors of the library. It was like a tangled maze to find the restricted section. Sixth floor to the left, Marnie repeated in her mind, looking for a staircase that would lead her there as she could look up to all 7 floors. She read signs from a far, her eyes falling on the ‘Restricted Section’ sign on the sixth floor. Marnie began walking ahead to the stair case, walking up it to the second floor before the staircase shifted to the wrong direction. As her foot hit the floor, the stone stairs rumbled beneath her, shifting as another stone staircase connected near where she was. “Strange.” Marnie said under her breath, the new staircase almost leading her to the sixth floor where the restricted section’s entrance was. As she climbed up to the sixth floor out of seven floors, breathless from the climb, she looked around for anyone nearby as she felt a shift on her leg. She looked down, seeing her foot had shrank in Wendy’s shoe. “Shit.” She cursed, walking forward and reading the sign at the empty circular desk that laid before the wooden ‘restricted section’ sign hanging above: “Beware: if you are not permitted past this area, trespassing or with malicious intent, you will be dealt with accordingly.” Marnie hesitated before pushing past the enchanted field into the section. Dim golden lights hung at the high ceilings where long ladders stretched fifteen feet high. Where would she even begin with her time restraints? Hundreds to thousands of book laid ahead on the high ranging shelving! She should have had a better plan of attack. Marnie had done a bit of research prior too, but sorting through all of the books would be another story! She was looking for a book by Artemis Locksmith about curses, blasphemy in specific. If she could figure out the hex that was cast, she could figure out how to break it. Her eyes scanned the books, quickly walking as she saw hundreds of large volumes of books, smelling like ancient enchanted paper. She wobbled, feeling imbalanced suddenly. Her eyes widened, looking down to her leg that shrank to regular size. This was not good! She thought, panicking. If the potion wore off, she could be visiting the King and Queen for a testimony in a few hours! She pulled the satin hood of Wendy’s red cloak over her head, walking briskly with intent to find the damn book! As she was in the middle of the third aisle, she began climbing a ladder, seeing a curse section. She hung onto the ladder with her arm strength as a foot gave out under her, one shoe slipping off. Marnie cursed under her breath, eyes reading the authors, going to the ‘L’ section on the 8th shelf that would be a stretch for her to reach. If she had magic, she would have moved the ladder herself; however, she didn’t so she had to put her best human foot forward and make her body stretch far enough as a mortal would. Marnie struggled, feeling the curls of her hair straighten into her dark hair as she reached with what she had left of Wendy’s form: her long arms. Her fingertips shortened as she wiggled them to the book, not noticing someone studying her, approaching. Hal was watching from a far, for quite some time, at a strange girl with a red hood. She looked disformed as she walked with a limp, then, suddenly not. He knew she was under a potion and enchantment at that point, following from a far. Hal had been in the restricted section for a long while, about to leave until he had seen the girl. Her red hair turned a dark brown as she climbed a high ladder, dropping one of her shoes. Familiarity struck him as her cheeks flushed with color and her eyes turned to green. The girl! It was her, the strange girl from a few days before! Where had she gone and what was she doing here? Didn’t she have someone looking after her? Hal looked around, seeing no one in sight. He almost dropped his ancient, fragile seemed book as the girl reached towards a book Hal could have easily reached for her. Marnie stretched a little farther as her arm went back to normal, hand grasping the binding of the disheveled blue book with a smile. Her eyes widened as her other hand went back to normal in the same moment, leaving her without a grasp on the side of the ladder. She yelped, tumbling off the ladder as a tall figure swept under her, grasping her in a cradle as she looked up in panic. She was caught! The book underneath her arms, held tight. Her green eyes met dark brown ones, as she was breathless, confused by how she hadn’t noticed he seemingly came out of nowhere to her rescue. She couldn’t utter a word as she looked up, face flushed. A weary smile formed on the corner of Hal’s mouth, a rare sighting for anyone who knew the dark, mysterious and kept-to-himself warlock. Hal placed the girl on the ground who clutched the book in one hand as she tried to speak, but couldn’t, “Where are your parents?” She was an adult, not a child! Her free hand’s thumb went to her mouth, sucking on it nervously. And, just her luck, every time she saw this tall, dark and handsome man she proved him otherwise. How frustrating! And it wasn’t even sunset! Marnie’s mind went immediately to her bladder, praying it wouldn’t give out because she didn’t have padding. Why was she acting like this? Marnie thought, frustrated that she couldn’t even speak to this mysterious guy who seemed… familiar? She looked up to his contemplative face, looking down to her from his almost twice her size structure. He had to be 7 or 8 feet tall and she was only 5 foot 2 on a good day! “Excuse me, uh…” A gentlemen behind Hal halted, about to take another transmuted witch to Moore’s castle for questioning as he realized who was before him… a member of the Circle, the protector of the Knight’s realm: Hal Grimsbane III. “Sorry I didn’t, um, do you have this issue handled then?” The newly recruited protector of the Moore’s Crossing library, Paul, said, feeling the intensity of Hal’s gaze. Hal’s eyebrows furrowed back to the girl and sighed, “Yes, she’s with me.” He knew if he didn’t state that she was, the girl would be taken into the Knight’s of the 7 Realm’s custody, which wasn’t right considering her disposition. There was something wrong with this girl that Hal was determined to figure out. This couldn’t be mere coincidence but rather something of importance to cross this strange girls path twice. “Oh, uh, okay, then. I guess I’ll just act like this didn’t happen, but, uh, she has to leave.” He pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose awkwardly. “I understand. Thank you.” Hal said politely, grabbing the young girl’s hand and shoe on the ground. He pulled, but she stood, still with her thumb in her mouth as Paul gave her a weird look. Marnie took her hand down, realizing Hal was pulling so she trotted with him. Her legs wobbled as she walked, as if she were drunk on too much brew. Hal sighed, realizing that walking with her was not going to work at his long strides and her tiny wobble. He reached down, picking her up and cradling her as he walked down the stairs, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone who would see him. He was not one to show physical affection, even in a private setting, nor had he for many decades, yet here the warlock was striding out the library doors with a young girl in his arms. He had hoped this wouldn’t get into the Realm Chronicles because he dreaded the teasing of his fellow Circle members for such an act of compassion. As he got out of the doors he took a sharp turn to a back alleyway that was empty, walking briskly to a wooden portal door to his moving home. He entered, switching the door’s portal to a new location quickly after setting the girl down. Marnie was screaming on the inside, not knowing full-well how to contain her embarrassment for acting like such a child. Who was this man who kept reappearing? She had heard his name before… Hal, was it? It was still daylight out, yet her curse hit her after she fell from the ladder. Maybe it was the potion and spell wearing off, magic completely gone? Fuck, she couldn’t be a toddler forever! Especially in the presence of this mysterious warlock who had better things to do than care for her. “Well, well, looks like you brought Miss Tinkles back.” Calvin trotted silently down the hall, looking at a scene of Hal with the mysterious young girl once more. Marnie wanted to growl at the cat for making fun of her. “Don’t say that, Calvin, it’s rude to our guest.” He snapped, hearing a light tapping as he looked down, realizing what Calvin was referring too. Marnie began crying, mortified that she wasn’t just acting like a child, but wetting herself like a baby who didn’t know how to control herself. She wanted to hide from the embarrassment! As those thoughts entered her mind, her body moved forward, head nestling into Hal who was frozen, looking to Calvin. “I’m not cleaning it, I don’t have opposable thumbs. Your problem, Hal.” Calvin turned around, “I’m going to file my nails, good riddens.” Hal sighed, his heart warming from it’s icy slumbers as he rubbed the little girl’s back, cooing her, “Shhhh, shhhhh. We’ll get you cleaned up.” He picked her up from the under pits, pee still trickling down her leg as he held her a stretch away from him as she dangled in the air. He went down his dark hallway to his bathroom. He began warm water as he placed her bottom on the toilet, walking to his closet for any bubbles to throw in. He found a piece of lavender softening potion that he placed drops into the cast iron claw-footed tub. Marnie was sniffling, watching the tall man in a large black cloak and medium length, straight hair was pacing in thought as the bathtub filled and a beautiful lavender scent enveloped the room. He took off his cloak, placing it on his door hook. He unbuttoned his white dress shirt, not chancing ruining his attire while bathing a, well… child. As he turned away, Marnie’s blurred eyes saw scars across the back of his right arm, with a feather’s edge poking out. He was still hurt, wasn’t he? She thought, looking at him in an awe. His body was pale, with swirls of dark, ancient ink across his side and scars across his strong chest. He kneeled, hesitating before taking off her red cloak and having her stand, removing her dress above her head. He wiggled her yellow-stained paisley undies to the floor before plopping her into the bubble filled tub with Wendy’s larger breasted bra still on that looked ridiculous on Marnie’s small chested frame. After she was in the water, he slipped off her bra, saving her the privacy. As Hal took a sponge and washed the girl, he couldn’t help but wonder if this was some type of curse. Either, the young girl was a baby in an young adults body or, an adult stuck in an adolescents actions. Maybe, she was transmuted from a baby to an adult, or, a possible curse. A transmutation potion wouldn’t last this long and a curse would have to be circumstantial. Such as a time or a place. If she were cursed, it would present itself in time. Hal had seen many things in his time, but this was… different. Although he’d come across curses and spells of this sort, he’d never witnessed it himself nor had to deal with it firsthand. Hal gently washed her, noticing her calmness as he washed her hair. Marnie closed her eyes, as humiliated as she was by her actions, there was a certain enjoyment in being cared for by someone else. To be completely vulnerable to someone. She enjoyed the feeling of someone else’s touch, although platonic, she enjoyed the gentle nature of this man. Marnie hadn’t ever been stark naked in front of a man before, let alone a stranger! It seemed that whoever this Hal was, was a warlock of some sort, and a powerful one at that, and was giving her as much privacy as the circumstances could let on. Something awakened in Hal since he met this girl almost week ago now. It was a muddled, foggy feeling that was slowly rising. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was, or why it was with her, but it was concerning to him. The thing that concerned him was… Hal didn’t have any attachments, knowing that was the dangerous nature of being a warlock of the Circle. It was the sacrifice he learned the hard way. Sure, he had Calvin, but he was kept safe and was invisible to the naked eye. No one could talk to Calvin besides Hal, so it made a perfect hidden friend. Hal dried her off, placing her on the ground with the towel covering her as he walked out of the room. Marnie squirmed on the ground, scared she may wet again. She tried to calm herself, not thinking about her circumstances of her sudden babyfied state. She looked around the Victorian style room, knowing the warlock must be wealthy from his beautifully designed bathroom with crown molding in the ceiling and 19th century black wallpaper on the walls with a white wood trim. Hal and Marnie’s eyes met as he walked back in with a few items in his hand. Talcum powder, terry cloth and pins with diaper cream. Although Marnie didn’t have much say over what her body did, her cheeks flushed bright red as she looked up to the ceiling, her thumb going in her mouth. A corner of Hal’s mouth went up as he looked at this baby-no-young girl acting like a toddler, nostalgia hitting him like a brick of the very very ancient time when he had a child of his own. It was dark times, so dark, Hal could not even reminisce of what was taken from him. It made his heart, or what was left of it, twinge in pain, one he had not felt in so very long. All these emotions, deep feelings, he hadn’t had for what felt like an eternity. He’d like to keep it that way, yet, this girl, young, innocent and… cute, had quite rapidly changed his detached, depressed path he was on, losing sight of why he had joined the Circle and stayed within during his journey through sacrifices. What had happened to this seemingly cold warlock? It was as if someone had kicked him in the chest and his heart had a beat, synchronously with a girl who was the equivalent of a stranger. Hal was confused as strong emotions were hitting him so roughly as he folded the terry cloth, hands moving with muscle memory from his past. He wasn’t surprised that he knew how to do it. It was like riding a horse or building a paper airplane to Hal, programmed into his memory, a skill he wouldn’t forget. He raised the girl’s soft legs, sliding his make-shift diaper under her bottom, spreading diaper cream on her and sprinkling the talcom powder down quickly, patting it in as if she were a real baby. He let her squirming legs down, bringing the front over her and pinning the sides in snuggly. He sighed, knowing maybe the disposable diapers were a better bet and required less cleanup, but he liked the old-fashioned way. Maybe he’d consider other padding if he decided to further her care himself, which, logically, Hal shouldn’t, but, on the emotional level, his sight was getting hazy with this odd girl falling, quite literally, into his arms. What was he supposed to do? Feed her to the wolves? He couldn’t, no, wouldn’t allow that. He helped her into a white sundress from one of his… ex-flings from some time ago. It was clean and Hal had nothing else that would fit her. Marnie sat up, beginning to crawl to her old clothes as Hal picked her up, one arm under her bottom as she was close to his strong jawline. Her arms, came up slightly, one hand touching a scar she saw over his pectoral muscle. Her hand, tracing it’s cold surface. Hal looked down in confusion, wondering why she was touching his scar. He sat on the couch, not knowing what to do as she sat in his lap, mesmerized by his scars. “So, what’s your name?” He asked, under his long black eyelashes. To Marnie’s surprise, she mumbled behind her thumb as she looked up, “Mar-gah-nie.” A light chuckle emanated from the warlock, almost in a croak. Hal hadn’t laughed in many years, yet, this was the second time since being in the presence of this girl. How strange! He thought, with a shake of his head. “Margahnie, is that it?” Marnie smiled with a giggle, taking her thumb out with her thumb brushing Hal’s bare chest as he closed his eyes, trying to not resonate being repulsed from the feeling of baby slime touching his skin. Repulsion… odd, another feeling Hal hadn’t felt in so long! He placed Marnie on the couch, going over to the kitchen for a towel to wipe him and her off. It was becoming apparent he would have to buy some baby items and resize them with magic for this girl while he was with her. He couldn’t take care of a baby without the right supplies. Marnie felt disgusted that she had just done that. Yuck! She wanted the drool off her hand, let alone wiping it on someone else. Hal cleaned off her hand after cleaning himself, “So, Marnie it is?” Marnie bobbed her head up and down, the only way she could communicate fully. His dark eyes met hers as he kneeled in front of her, cleaning off her hand, “I like that name.” He smiled down, cleaning each finger with the warm rag. “I see you’ve adapted to the new daddy role well, Hal.” Calvin said, trotting into the room. Hal’s eyes narrowed, trying to ignore Calvin as he went to the kitchen, cleaning the rag before starting a kettle of tea. “You can sleep outside tonight.” Hal said quickly back in response. “Ah, there’s the heartless man I once knew! I thought you were gone.” Calvin said, jumping on the couch’s arm near Marnie as she giggled at what Calvin said. Calvin’s bright eyes flicked to the girl, surprised at her sudden reaction to his statement. Could she understand him? No one besides Hal could! “Calvin, please spare me your-” “Wait! Did she just giggle at what I said?” Calvin sat on his hind legs, staring at the bright-eyed girl who stared back. She reached for his tail as Calvin trotted a few steps back and sat on his hind legs in curiosity. Hal was grabbing his dress shirt from the restroom, pulling it on and buttoning as he walked over to the living area near his grand fireplace where his dark brown leather couch sat. “Highly unlikely, Calvin.” He said, contemplating if placing his dress shirt on was the best idea. “Haaaal! The toddler has my tail!” Hal turned the corner in the hallway as Marnie was pulling Calvin’s tail to play with Calvin. “Marnie no!” Hal said in a loud, domineering tone. He glided over to the couch as Marnie let go and began crying. Marnie tried to stop crying but she couldn’t. To be quite honest, a part of her was nervous by Hal’s suddenly loud tone. He was commanding and suddenly intimidating. She was not expecting it so quickly. Calvin trotted away to a safe distance. “Aren’t you supposed to give her a time out or spanking for this?” Calvin jumped up to the counter where the girl couldn’t reach him easily. Hal stood in silence, feeling bad that his tone went so loud as she sat there, crying. He wanted to coo her but she also had to learn a lesson to not do that again. God forbid Hal wasn’t there and the girl yanked at Calvin’s tail! Hal couldn’t have that. As much as Calvin annoyed the warlock, he wouldn’t be so evil to throw Calvin to the toddler. Hal sighed, walking over to Marnie as her crying turned to sniffles as he approached, “Time out for pulling Calvin’s tail, 10 minutes in the corner.” He said, pulling her up by the armpits as she began crying again. The warlock new if he didn’t give a punishment she may do it again. Marnie couldn’t stop crying as Hal plopped her on her feet in the corner to stare at the wall. Even worse, she was so humiliated she began wailing in the corner. She tried calming herself but it wouldn’t stop. Her body failed her as her nose produced snot and her mouth wailed. She cursed in her head repeatedly as she was embarrassed on that she couldn’t stop. Even worse, she was tasting snot that dripped from her nose to her mouth… Disgusting! She thought. Hal went back to his tea kettle silently. His ears hearing the piercing noise of his new baby wailing in the corner but trying to ignore it. He closed his eyes for a moment as he stood there, trying to gather his strength to not go back over and coddle her. I’ll coddle after the lesson. He thought to himself. “Can’t you see this is already a BIG problem Hal?” Calvin murmured to Hal as he jumped from the island to the counter top near the stove, sitting on his hindlegs. Hal opened his eyes, “And what is it that you suggest doing Calvin? Take her to an orphanage?” Hal said with a low and irritated voice. Calvin purred, “Turn her into the officials. They’ll figure it out. This isn’t a part of your job description may I remind you.” Hal didn’t respond, ignoring his companion, “She’s only been here not even an hour and this is a full-time job. How do you protect the Realm and an adult baby?” Hal growled coldly, “Funny that you think I take your input seriously. Do me a favor and go lick your paws in the other room.” Calvin growled back, “That was low, even for you Hal.” He jumped off the counter, leaving the room, “Have fun with your new responsibilities, I’m not helping you.” Marnie’s wailing calmed down as she stared at the corner. Marnie realized that if she just accepts the crying and embarrassment it stopped. Her body stopped trembling and the crying ceased to only sniffles for the remainder of the time-out. Hal came over and took her hand, guiding her over to the couch quietly. He sat down as Marnie was at his height when he sat. “Marnie, what do you say after that?” Hal asked, speaking more to this girl as a small child than earlier that day. “I-I’m sowwy!” Marnie chopped with a funny fluctuation in her voice that made her sound very young. Hal smirked by her cute nature, grabbing a few tissues from his side table and wiping her face from the snot, “Good girl, from now on know that Calvin is our friend, not a toy. You are not allowed to pull his tail ever again, nor hurt him, understand?” Marnie nodded, “Yeth.” “Good, I think it’s naptime for someone, hm?” Hal said, picking Marnie up. Marnie wanted to growl that she wasn’t tired yet, she didn’t want a worse punishment from Hal. Calvin mentioned a spanking and that was the last thing Marnie wanted to experience. Hal was a very strong and intimidating person when angry, she didn’t want to see him when she was about to be spanked. He placed Marnie in the guest room’s bed as he tucked her in. She snuggled the sheets as his eyes glimmered. Marnie caught a strange look in the warlock’s eyes… it was a moment of happiness or enjoyment of the moment. She didn’t understand this look. It was confusing to the girl because she didn’t know this man at all. Marnie wasn’t sleepy and the next things that happened didn’t help. Marnie watched as the warlock began transfiguring the items in the room. The posts of the bed began growing into rails as the bed narrowed into a twin sized bed, rumbling under the small witch. Marnie’s jaw dropped as the warlock began shifting the wood of the dresser that creaked and rumbled as it expanded and shifted. Marnie was perplexed as she laid, wondering what the newer, wider tall dresser was supposed to be. The warlock pulled open a drawer and placed a towel down on top. Marnie blushed, realizing it was a changing table. Marnie watched as the corner dresser moved forward and to the other side of the room. Marnie giggled in awe as she got up on her knees and placed her hands on the rails of the new crib. “No, it’s nap time Marnie.” The warlock sighed, knowing he probably should have transfigured with her in the other room. He gravitated the crib to the corner of the room where the dresser was and gently set it on the ground as Marnie giggled from being lifted by magic. She clapped her hands in a fascination. As annoying of the baby actions were, Marnie was very intrigued. She had never seen so effortless magic before her eyes. Marnie had dreamed of holding that type of magic, yet those were dreams she was letting go of. There were many laws that went into transfiguring that a witch or warlock needed a permit for but that was something Marnie had always wanted to go to college for. Marnie watched as Hal levitated the other dresser to the wall opposite of the crib. She was still in awe of how powerful this warlock was that she didn’t realize until the end that the room looked very different, now very fitting for a toddler. She blushed, realizing that toddler was her.

I am notorious for mislabeling chapter numbers or skipping numbers on accident... I meant Chapter 5 I do apologize haha!

Also, just to preface these next few chapters are short but I have longer ones to come in the next postings(i should be posting every few days here). Thanks for the Sarah! ❤️ Chapter 5: BWF (Best Witch Friends) Marnie walked around Moore’s Crossing, circling the area she had been to the night before where she met Miss Myra or… Madam Myriam? Whoever that witch was, Marnie had to find her. She passed multiple shops and bakeries, yet every alleyway she went through no mysterious hut-like shop appeared like the one she saw. She avidly smelled the air in search of that enchanting chicken pot pie smell but to no avail, there was nothing that could lead her down the alleyway she originally found two days prior. Marnie cursed under her breath, this witch who cursed Marnie must have used a transfiguration spell on the alleyway for her hut! Marnie shook her head, knowing full well that a witch able to use transfiguration spells on themselves was a skill any witch or wizard could do with careful study… however, transfiguration on an alleyway in Moore’s Crossing was an indicator of a gift only of the most powerful of witches and wizards. Moore’s Crossing was protected by the Circle and the Knight’s of Moore’s Crossing, to be able to ‘hack’ it’s grounds without being found with illegal magical use was a feat in itself. Whoever or whatever Marnie was up against was not just the average ‘witch’ Marnie had dealt with in the past. Marnie sighed, slumping against the wall of an alleyway and feeling defeated. Part of Marnie wished she had went to university to learn more skills… but then again, Marnie’s powers had been dwindling for a while, what was the point? She was a pathetic, incapable witch that only captured black magic witches through simple potions and ‘tricks’. As she slumped and wallowed, she watched the sun began to go lower in the sky and a red, orange and purple hues took over the horizon… and then suddenly an idea clicked in the young witches brain as she ran to her tent in a hurry. Minutes later, Marnie’s cauldron bubbled as the an enchanted three large bubbles popped went off in her cauldron in a pattern, “Hello?” Wendy, her good friend from grade school who was studying abroad in the Mortal Realm, answered in confusion over the bubbles. “Hey Wendy… um, are you free to visit tomorrow by any chance? Major issue and I can’t explain over ya know…” “Are you calling me from your cauldron Marnie? You sound murky and why don’t you just get a cellphone like the rest of the Realms? How old of a witch are you, that’s what phones are for!” Her friend teased her, “But, like, how serious is this because I have a lecture on Friday and I can only be away for two days.” Marnie rolled her eyes, “Look, I’ve told you there are reasons why I can’t own any electronics right now. I-“ Marnie looked at her watch face ticking closer to 7:30 PM when the sun would set, “I don’t have time to explain but this is a major thing I need help with. Just please come by my place tomorrow at 8 AM KRT(Knight’s Realm Time).” “That’s in 6 hours here Marnie, UGH, you’re lucky I enjoy you as a best witch friend enough to do this.” She heard her friend sigh with a pause, “I’ll be there in 6 hours MRT(Mortal Realm Time) then.” Marnie began drinking her concocted potion as the small sliver of light from the outside of her tent began dwindling darker, “Thanks Wendy, I owe you big time for this!” Marnie sprinkled her magic dust over the cauldron, stopping the bubbles and hanging up the call. Marnie quickly hopped in her bed, knowing the sleeping potion would put the witch into a deep slumber for a good 11 hours, enough time that she would surpass the hours her curse would begin.

Hi guys! I haven't posted in a while from a busy past year but now I have decided to get back into writing and found a lot of inspiration for this story specifically. I had a few chapters I didn't post and am actively writing for this story in perfect time for Halloween. I'm looking to post more than a few chapters before Halloween so I hope everyone enjoys these few chapters and let me know what you all think! Your feedback helps to encourage me to keep posting here. Chapter 4: The Sleeping Warlock Marnie awoke in a jolt, sitting up straight. Was it all a dream? That answer was quickly shown as she felt wetness between her legs. She looked around, seeing a Victorian style room with an antique dresser, black wooden framed bed and deep red wallpaper. Marnie looked around for the talking cat, where was that cat? She shook her head, pulling down her skirt and deciding it’d be best to leave as soon as possible. She looked out the window and saw a gigantic drop, was she on a cliff?! How’d she get here? Oh, right, the bird man dropped her off…? Marnie slipped out of the room, quietly going to the door. She tilted her head at the three locks on the door. She quickly took off each one, hearing a voice behind her as she was about to slip out. “Hey, don’t leave! You’re not-“ The talking cat trotted quickly, knowing his tiny body wasn’t going to stop her and his cat meows that only translated to Hal would do no good. Knowing Hal, he’d sleep through her leaving and, not to mention, probably sleep for a whole day or two after a battle like that. Only Calvin could halt this girl but he had a feeling he wouldn’t be very persuasive. Marnie closed the door quickly as she was relieved the other side of the house was on land. She ran down the steps and jumped down the rocks to the grass that stretched far up a hill with nothing seeable beyond. She ran up the hill and at the top, seeing a stretch of forest and Moore’s Crossing far beyond. It may take a half a day for her to get back to her tent and, hopefully, her satchel, but it’d be worth it. She couldn’t go back to that bird being or person or whatever he was and his cat, especially since acting like a complete infant last night! It was mortifying that she had no intention of going back to. - - - Hal arose from his deep slumbers, looking at his watch to see he overslept, once again. He had slept for two days and he thought Calvin would know to wake him, especially if he had a guest sleeping over! Calvin got up quickly, his tall, slender and muscular body awakening as he ran down his stairs, scared that the mysterious girl may have been dead. He opened the guest room’s door to a messy bed, and no girl. His warm dark brown eyes, usually serious and knowing, perplexed. “She ran out the door once she woke up, Hal. I tried stopping her, I did!” Calvin said, suddenly beneath him. “What if she’s dead Calvin? What direction did she go?” Hal began walking to the door, opening it as he looked out to the distant hill, about to extend his wings. “That was a day and a half ago and she is long gone. Also, you’re hurt and need to heal.” Calvin sighed on the couch behind him, “Just take a bath and forget about it.” “I had a premonition about her. Something, confusing. Really muddled.” Howl went to his kitchen, starting his morning brew to regenerate his body for his next battle, “I can barely remember it now. Which is peculiar because… its normal for my premonitions to be clear, vivid, yet…” He trailed off shaking his head. “It was probably just a normal dream, Hal. Warlocks can have those too you know.” Calvin said as he cleaned his paws. “I don’t dream.” Hal said, darkly as he went through his empty fridge. Calvin rolled his bright yellow eyes, “Oh, please. You’re dark and mysterious but that doesn’t fool me, Hal!” “That girl is just… pulling at me, so strongly. I can’t pinpoint it. It’s frustrating, like something is at the tip of my tongue and I can’t think of it.” Hal said, sitting down as his tea kettle heated, pensive, “I couldn’t even read her mind, no thoughts, nothing. How strange.” He mused, thoughtfully looking at nothing. “You seem to have compassion for someone else besides yourself… this is highly unlike you, Hal. It’s worrying me.” Hal shook his head, ignoring Calvin in deep thought, “She was just crying in the middle of that forest, innocently. I didn’t see her until I crashed through a tent into a tree. It was as if she needed help. Whoever was taking care of her must have left or something.” “When did you start growing a heart? Did it just stomp you in the chest? I’m kind of missing my dark-natured emotionless friend here.” A corner of Hal’s mouth rose slightly, “Forget it.” He mumbled, going back to his regeneration potion.

Chapter 8 “You’re sure you don’t want me to take you? I know it’s going to be a rough day.” Daniel said, eyeing me with his laptop satchel over his shoulder. He stood at the door for a moment, contemplating quietly as his brown eyes studied me. “Positive. Really, I’ll be fine.” I gave him a weak, plastic smile with my teeth. Little did Daniel know, I wasn't going to work today. He blinked, shaking his head, “Okay, but if you need anyone to talk to don’t hesitate to call me, got it?” I nodded, “Loud and clear, thanks.” I said, nodding as I ate my eggs and toast he had cooked for me before leaving. Daniel nodded, seeing I was eating voluntarily for once, “Have a good day at work, Blake.” As the door closed and I heard his truck pull away, I tossed my breakfast in the trash. There were a three things I had come to the realization of in a few days and over the course of my sleepless night before: 1. Daniel was a good person, one of the best people I’ve ever met. 2. I am an awful human being that does not deserve him. 3. I need to remove myself from him and distance myself to save his life, the same way he saved mine. I ran upstairs, grabbing my backpack and satchel, throwing in all my necessities. I went under my bed and grabbed my pills, god knows I needed it. Before I left, I grabbed a piece of paper and notebook, writing a note to Daniel. I felt like a child writing a runaway note, but I guess it was the equivalence. Daniel, I’m sorry but you deserve better. A life without me in it. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me. My eyes were watery as I wrote, shaking my head at how horrible of a person I was. I dropped the pen on the counter, wiping my eyes as I slung my backpack over my shoulder and took Daniel’s key off of my keyring, placing it on the note. I left the house, getting in my piece-of-crap car and pulling out of the beautiful home. I drove out of the gaited neighborhood, wishing it a final good-bye. I wiped a tear away, driving and looking to my backpack, “Fuck it.” I said, digging my hand into the pill bag and picking unidentifiable pills up, placing three in my mouth and swallowing them back with water. “I’m disgusting.” I said, looking in the rearview mirror to myself staring back. I wiped a tear away, shaking my head at what I just did. I began merging onto the expressway, wondering where I was going, what was I even doing? Did I want to die? Was I trying to kill myself? I might as well for how low I’ve gone to go back to pill popping, but there was something inside me that made it feel wrong. I felt guilty about it, about who I would hurt in the process. What about Daniel? I didnn’t know him extensively, but I knew he would be affected if I died. Not like my family would give a flying fuck… but Daniel. It’d hurt him. “Fuck, what am I doing?” I said, deciding to pull to the side as I switched lanes to the left, hearing a squealing noise to my tire. “What in the fuck-“ I heard a ‘pop’ my foot abruptly hitting the break to slow down whatever was happening. Everything slowed, and, no, it was not the pills I took as much as I wish it had been in that moment. My car took a 90 degree spin as a truck veered out of my way, but the SUV behind it did not in time, sidelining my Honda Civic in the driver’s seat. The air bags inflated as I closed my eyes, fear and adrenaline shooting through my body as glass ricocheted through my skin, through the air bags. As it all hit, hard, something had switched inside me: I did not want to die. I did not want to leave life behind like this. I had so much in life I wanted. So many things I hadn’t done. I wanted to fix my broken relationships with my family, find love in myself, find love in someone else and, most importantly, fix hurting Daniel. I simply couldn’t do that dead. I couldn’t. I heard loud screeching, felt sharp pains in my left arm and side. Then, nothing. I blacked out, floating in the abyss between life and death.

I'm going to be completely honest, I hit a writer's block with this story and then, as I was watching a movie, the spark was reignited for the return and ending of it. I titled this 'Short Story' in my files and, alas, it's not turning out like that. 60 pages and 20k + words later, I failed myself yet again. Anywho, it might be a mid-short to novel story, but here we go again. ? Chapter 7 I stared at the GoodNites pull-up that had butterfly print across it for minutes as I patted myself dry from my shower. Could I be any more embarrassing at work? I already had cheek acne and look prepubescent, the added pull-up could only make things worse! It was way too early in the morning for my brain to be thinking this hard. What if I just don’t put it on? He wouldn’t know, right? I bit my lip, feeling the soft outer material and inner absorbent layer. It did look comfy and cute, but that’s the opposite of my tough exterior. I wasn’t cute. Far from it. I glanced at my face, puffy under eyes and a new zit appearing on my cheek. Disgusting. To think, once my skin was flawless. Maybe all of the pop, alcohol and ramen wasn’t a good diet for my acne after all. I gulped, threading my legs through the soft, crinkly material and up to my hips. It snugly sat, yet something felt like it was missing and it wasn’t as comfortable as the diaper. Daniel’s words echoed in my head when he handed me the GoodNite and baby powder: Don’t forget the powder. I shook my head, deciding to not use it. I didn’t want to smell like a baby at work; it was too risky enough to wear a night-time pull-up. I pulled my jeans over it, turning and looking at my behind in the mirror with a frown. It didn’t show to the degree I imagined it would in my head. A knock sounded on the door, “Almost done in there? We’re running late.” Daniel’s voice said behind the door. I opened the door, with a shy nod and my dirty clothes in my hands. I began walking past him to throw my clothes in the hamper in my room, until he stopped me with a hand on my stomach as I felt his other hand pulling the back of my jeans as he peaked at my Goodnite. “Good girl, but I think you forgot something, didn’t you?” He stood straight as he folded his arms like a disappointed parent. I blushed as I walked forward to my room and placed my clothes in the hamper. Daniel walked away as I quickly brushed my hair, looking into the square mirror in my room. Daniel came back with the baby powder bottle in his hand and immediately began unbuttoning my jeans, yanking them down. “I don’t know why I had this idea that a toddler could diaper themselves.” He said, as if to someone else and not to me. I stood there awkwardly with my jeans around my thighs as he opened the back of my GoodNite and a waft of powder sprinkled on my bottom and he shook a generous amount on my front section, pulling down my pull-up and quickly patting it in and then pulling it back up. The smell of powder drifting to my nose and I scrunched it as I felt the soft padding enclosed on me. The padding was cool and super soft from the powder and it made a world of a difference on my bottom as Daniel pulled my pants up, helping to button and zip them. “Much better, hm?” He asked, looking down to me. My nose was still scrunched as I nodded, knowing I now smelled like a baby. Great. He nodded, a crooked smile on his face as he looked at mine, taking my hand to leave. “So… you used to be one of the managers here?” The new hire, Nick, asked behind his square wire glasses. He had orange hair and light blue eyes with freckle and acne scattered around his face. To think, I looked his age of 16 yet I was much much older. “Yeah.” I said as I cleaned the glass prize counter with Windex. Was he going to do work, or just ask me questions? “So, uh, what happened?” He pushed his glasses up on his face. “I needed less hours.” I said, biting my lip as my back was turned from him. “Oh. That’s not what I heard.” I squinted at a speck I tried rubbing off as I put my forehead on my sleeve, blotting off my sweart beading on my forehead. Of course it was hot out, and the pull-up was making my privates a damn hot box. “What did you hear?” I asked, hair sticking to my face as I turned around. “Nevermind. I probably shouldn’t have said that, sorry.” He awkwardly looked away. “You brought it up so tell me.” I said, eyes glaring a hole through him as he stood near the mini fan on the counter. Nick stuttered, “I, uh-“ He blinked, “Someone said you were into drugs or something and were demoted.” I squinted in a glare and shook my head. How could anyone know? How would he know? It’s his third fucking day for Christ sakes! “By the way, did you know any marijuana dealers? Me and my friends want to try it.” I rolled my eyes and walked away, annoyed. Who would even know? I’ve never told anyone here about what I do besides… Veronica who used to work here and is Kellie’s best friends daughter. It had to be her! How could I be so stupid?! I froze, fingers tapping the Windex bottle, irritated that this newcomer knew. Why was it Kellie’s information to spread? If she were my boss, then why in the hell was she sharing gossip? I felt my blood beginning to boil as I clenched my jaw. “How’s it going, Blake?” Speak of the fucking devil. I turned my head in her direction and nodded, walking past Kellie to the arcade room. I could hear Kellie behind me huff and walk away, feeling my instant cold shoulder. An hour later, the glass windows of all the claw machines were spotless. I walked back over to the prize counter, a small line growing as Nick looked flustered. I rolled my eyes, why was he flustered? There was four fucking people in line! I’d like to see how he’d work on a Saturday night at Jenkin’s Fun Land. He wouldn’t last ten minutes on a night like that! I walked up to the counter, helping the line. “I want that one mama!” A five year old pointed to the highest shelf where the stuffed green giraffe was. “700 tickets.” I said, with a plastic smile. The mom’s mouth gaped, “Excuse me? How much?!” My eyebrows shot up at the sudden reaction. “700 tickets for the green giraffe, m’am.” I said with a steady voice. This fucking job was not worth the stress of arguing with a customer. “I spent 50 dollars here and you tell me that I only won 450 tickets to get a small prize? This is a rip-off!” She said, flabbergasted. I didn’t care for her sudden attitude and word vomit came out, “You brought your daughter to a children’s casino and, unfortunately, that’s the price of gambling that your daughter will have to learn one day. The games are all probability and not in your favor. Sorry.” I shrugged. She blinked rapidly at me with her fake eyelashes and dark brown eyes, “Excuse me!? Let me talk to the manager!” I smiled, tilting my head, “I am one.” “Oh, this is ridiculous! You people here are rude and I demand a refund for the poor service!” “I’m sorry but we have a strict no-refund policy.” My face was hot from the line of customers behind her watching. She scoffed, “Who’s your general manager? I need a phone number to call.” “I mean, she’s in the back if you want her?” Nick said, awkwardly behind me. I blinked to him in a ‘shut-the-fuck-up’ look as he shrugged. “Yes, please!” My eyes shifted to the perturbed customer, “Please step aside and she’ll be right with you.” I placed my best plastic smile on and nodded to the counter’s corner at the opposite end. I glanced at the next people in line, my eyes meeting a familiar set of brown ones at the end who was watching me. My face got hotter as I realized he was watching me argue with a customer. Sure, I had a bit of an attitude, but it’s not like I was in the wrong, right? I blinked to the next set of customers who seemed annoyed to be waiting so long. “SHE,” The woman’s finger pointed to me, “was INCREDIBLY rude and she’s a manager here? What type of establishment are you running?” The woman spoke loudly as my ears picked up the whole conversation between the customer and my manager. “Blake, can you cash out fifty dollars for me?” Kellie said in a serious tone after I helped two sets of customers. I bit my tongue, nodding, “Sure.” I rustled my keys as Nick went over to Daniel who waited patiently. “How can I help you sir?” Nick asked. “I’m her ride when she’s done.” Daniel said politely to Nick. “Oh, sorry.” Nick said, awkwardly retreating to the back. I handed Kellie the money and she stared at it, not touching it as she nodded to the customer. I swallowed back my pride and said, “Here you are, m’am, two 20s and a 10 which is 50 dollars refunded. I’m sorry about the inconvenience.” I nodded, not meeting her eyes as I walked away as if I had a tail between my legs, “I have to clock out Kellie.” I said, glancing at her and then turning away. “Before you do, I want you to apologize for your attitude to the customer.” As my back was turned, I rolled my eyes, placing my hand over my mouth in annoyance. Why was she talking to me in a condescending way? It was belittling, especially in front of the customer. I recomposed as I turned around with a fake smile on my face, “I’m very sorry for the attitude earlier. I was just having a bad day.” I said, nodding and turning back around as I went to the computer at the front desk, clocking out with a sigh. Was I sorry? Nope, the bitch deserved my attitude. “Fuck this job.” I said to myself. “I’m going to need your keys before you leave.” Kellie said as I began walking to the prize counter to meet Daniel. “I- what?” I asked, confused. “You’re being demoted to a part-time team member.” She said, without a trace of empathy. “What? You only have one other manager and Randall doesn’t even do anything when he’s here! I clean, everything!” I had to throw Randall under the bus; he was lazy and everyone knew that much. “How many times are you going to use excuses to chalk up bad customer service, Blake? I can’t have my managers acting like children.” I blinked, that one burned. “Now give me the keys before I promote you to customer.” I got the message loud and clear. I shut my mouth, taking my keys off my own key chain and handing her them, walking past her. After ten minutes of silence in the truck, Daniel spoke, “So, what happened?” “I’m a team member now. Yippee.” I said, dejectedly as I looked at the trees we passed outside. “And why do you think that is?” Daniel asked, in a therapy-thought-provoking type of way. I sighed, annoyed he was interviewing me still like I was still his patient. “Because I’m a failure.” I said, with a pinch of sass. I was annoyed, irritable, one could say. I didn’t want to talk about it. “You’re not. You just don’t feel valued where you work and could use a different change of scenery.” Daniel said, looking over at me then back to the road as I stared ahead with my mouth in a line, acting like I was frozen in time because I didn’t want to think about it. Daniel sighed, “Well, at least you can talk about it with Dr. Hayward, hm?” He glanced back at me as I was still staring ahead, unblinkingly. I didn’t move, I just sat until I had to get up to walk inside to Dr. Hayward’s office. I didn’t talk much during the session and Dr. Hayward was on to me. My answers were short, to the point and he seemed to be understanding that I didn’t want to be there. “We can just cut the crap and you can just hang out as I do some work? I won’t tell Daniel if you don’t.” Dr. Hayward winked at me as he picked up his laptop. The first emotion since I was demoted slowly spread into a small smile on my face. I definitely liked Dr. Haywards approach to counseling better than Daniel’s. He was laid back and didn’t constantly prod and try to pry information from me. “You can go on your phone, whatever. Any book you want to read on my shelves, have at it.” He said as he began typing as I sat there awkwardly, realizing I didn’t even have my phone to mindlessly pass the time. I shrugged, standing and walking over to his shelf, my eyes scanning the spines of the books. I smiled, nothing was as enjoyable as opening up a new book I had never read. That was the one thing I loved the most as a kid: bookstores. The smell of new leaf paper and coffee always would have a special place in my heart, no matter how much eBooks took the world by storm. For the next hour, I looked over an anatomy book, eyes tracing the structures of the body. “Alright Blake, I’m booting you out.” Dr. Hayward said with a smug smile. “Good, I can finally leave this painful therapy session.” I said with a dash of dry humor as I set the book on the shelf and straightened my clothes as Dr. Hayward grunted in a chuckle, leading me out to the waiting area. Daniel speaking to the front desk administration, leaning against the counter. I walked up slowly with Dr. Hayward who set my file on the counter and made small talk with Daniel. I tuned them out, looking outside and awkwardly clutching my elbows. “See you tomorrow at group therapy, Blake.” Dr. Hayward nodded, walking over to his next patient. On the ride home, Daniel began prodding, “How are you feeling on the scale?” I sucked on my bottom lip, shoulders tensing, “I rather not talk about anything with you.” The words coming off with an edge I hadn’t intended. How rude could I be? This doctor was letting me live with him, offered to pay for groceries and my sessions, and I couldn’t even be polite? What disgusting human was I? Daniel’s head turned to me then back to the road as I turned my head to the window, looking out in hatred for myself. “That’s okay, Blake. You don’t need to.” He said, a bit of hurt emanating from him as I closed my eyes. Was I acting like an angsty teenager? Yep, exactly lie one. As we walked in, I began ascending the stairs to my door less room. I halted as Daniel followed, taking my hand gently, “Ah, ah, ah, Blake, I want you to come with me.” I sighed, closing my eyes and opening them, biting my tongue as he led me to his couch, pushing me on my back, “Stay.” He said softly, walking away as I laid there, wanting to cry and be alone. He came back with diaper supplies and I wanted to kick myself. Not only had I lost my title at work, but now I was going back to diapers once more in life. It’s like every aspect of life was regressing. How could life get any worse? I closed my eyes, trying not to be a big baby and cry. Daniel tugged my jeans off as I helped my raising my bottom and then he pulled off the Goodnite. Moments later I had a thick white diaper between my legs and smelled like a powder puff. “Okay, now you’re allowed to go back upstairs. You have an hour and then dinnertime.” Daniel said, eyeing me as I wiggled my body as he patted my leg, not giving me pants. I stood, feeling the infantile garment weighing down my self-esteem as I waddled up the stairs, feeling Daniel’s eyes watching me. I crawled into bed, having a self-pity party, crying as I crawled under my covers, wishing everything were different. Wishing I wasn’t such a appalling person. Wishing I was still in college. Wishing I had never done drugs. Wishing I wasn’t such a failure. Wishing I had never been born. After my self-pity, I stared out the window of the room, thinking about my drowning sorrows. It was hard not to hate myself. It was difficult to think that I deserved someone to care for me. If not, I would have been under the ground by now, yet, it was still feasible. The world didn’t need someone as insufferable as me, nor did Daniel. Nice people deserved nice things. The poor guy didn’t need a college dropout turned druggie in his house. I closed my eyes, feeling the pain, the unshakeable feeling of depression that left me close to emotionless, barren inside. “Dinnertime, little Blake.” I heard, as I stared out the window, realizing my self-pity turned self-hatred party drowned on for longer than anticipated. I didn’t move a muscle, not hungry. I didn’t deserve food. I didn’t deserve Daniel, for that matter. I didn’t want to eat. I wanted to envelope in my emotionless state and not move the rest of the night. Maybe sleep through life if possible. I felt a weight on the bed, near where I lay. His hand touched my shoulder, “C’mon, Blake. There’s a plate of grilled chicken with veggies calling your name.” He rubbed my shoulder and I wanted to die from the extent of embarrassment and shame. “Please. Leave. I’m. Not. Hungry.” I said, gritting my teeth with attitude coming out of my mouth. I could hear a sigh, as if Daniel were weary of me, “Excuse me? Would you like to repeat that young lady?” I turned my chin in his direction, “You’re a sick fuck and I don’t need your help, Daniel. Leave me alone.” I turned my head back, feeling so much pain as I said the words. I didn’t mean them, but I wanted nothing more than self-sabotage. I wanted to hurt and be hurt. If Daniel wasn’t getting the message that I was a toxic person, then I’d spell it out for him. I felt the weight of him on the bed leave as I assumed he was leaving the room. Thank god, I thought, closing my eyes, placing my hand on my face. I heard him in front of me as he kneeled, eyes at my level as I opened mine. “You don’t mean that and I think someone needs some cuddle time tonight, hm?” Daniel said with a smile, not taking what I said a few seconds ago seriously. I grumbled, turning away from him, “No, I’m good.” My blanket going up slightly as I hid my face into a pillow, almost smiling at how delusional Daniel was. Didn’t he understand I was an awful person? What was this man not understanding!? “That’s it, if you want me to treat you like a baby then I’m going to have to. C’mere.” He said, scooping me up as I didn’t even try to fight, I just let him. Treat me like a baby? What did that mean? He held me in a cradle as he walked, taking me down the stairs and setting me on his kitchen chair. Daniel’s warm brown eyes studied my blank ones as I looked the opposite direction of him, not wanting his attention in the slightest. He sighed, going to the kitchen and grabbing a few things. He came back as in the corner of my eye I could see something that was a light pink floating towards me, going around my neck and being snapped. I frowned looking down and feeling the cloth material that had a little pink bear on it. “Are you serious?” I asked, voice croaking in defiance. Daniel began cutting my chicken and broccoli on my plate, ignoring my comment. He stabbed a few pieces, bringing it up to my mouth and saying, “Open up, baby Blake.” My cheeks were red as I timidly complied, opening my mouth as he stuck in piece after piece. Between bites he’d cheer me, tucking hair behind my ear and telling me what a ‘good girl’ I was. “Look at you Blake! What a good girl eating all your chicken and veggies!” He said, smiling like a proud father. I frowned slightly, looking sadly at the sippy cup he scooted towards me. “Drink your sippy and then you can color or play with toys.” He said, going to his food that became cold. “Don’t I get phone time tonight?” I asked, first words since he began feeding me. I looked at the sippy cup full of water then to him. “You’ve already lost that privilege today.” Daniel said strictly, without remorse as he met my eyes. I huffed, “This is all stupid.” Daniel stabbed a piece of broccoli, “How so? Expand.” My eyes glared at him as he had a small smirk forming on his face, “I’m not a baby, Daniel! I’m a-“ I stuttered, eyes shifting, “A-adult.” “Mhm, and give me an example of when you demonstrated that today?” He smiled, finishing his plate and taking our dishes to the sink. I sputtered, “I-um-“ I felt attacked, eyes watering as I blinked, suddenly emotional. Why was I becoming so emotional? Daniel set the plates in the sink, coming back over to me and picking me up. I didn’t finish my sentence as I began crying, like a baby, in Daniel’s arms and he rubbed my back, taking off the bib. He sat us down on the couch as I cried into his chest, sniffling. “Shhhh, shhh. No need to think adult thoughts, hm? Just relax, enjoy the little things.” He rubbed my back, cooing in my ear softly. After I was done crying, he nudged the sippy cup between my lips and I grabbed it with both of my hands, drinking it quickly as if I was stranded on the Sahara desert and needed it. I hadn’t drank much after all and the crying really dried my throat out. Daniel typed away on his laptop as I colored away, basking in the scent of Crayola crayons and swaddled in the fuzzy white blanket to keep warm on the ground. “Coloring time is over, how about we watch a movie, huh?” Daniel said as I placed my crayons back in their box and nodded. I felt bad for acting like a brat earlier, a cry did help steady my emotions. I didn’t want to be rude when Daniel was nothing but nice afterall. Daniel picked me up, placing me on the couch as he unbuttoned his dress shirt, throwing it across the other side of the couch as he laid down, flipping though movies in his digital collection on the television. I sat near his knees, not knowing if I should lay next to him or sit back. That would be awkward if I sat back right? My sudden shyness hitting me like a brick, not knowing what to do in situations like these. I wasn’t so great at these things, especially if we had a platonic relationship. We shouldn’t be ‘cuddling’ right? I sat, eyes cast to the television with my mind battling on what to do, yet I was too socially awkward to do anything, quite honestly. “How does Toy Story 4 sound?” Daniel looked over to me with a crooked smile. I shrugged, biting my lip. Daniel took it as a yes and clicked on the movie, “Get your little diapered butt over here and comfy.” Daniel said, opening his arms with a smile. I was taken aback by his sudden affection and warmness. He seemed a bit disconnected, quiet, yet, here he was, wanting to cuddle and watch a movie. Although we were in this game of house, I felt there was a bit more to it than that. I slowly crawled, resting my head on his chest as I felt tense, awkwardly laying on him. He tucked the blanket around us, shifting until I was comfier. His arm laid on my hip, that was diapered, as he lay, slightly chuckling from the movie every now and then. I tried paying attention to the screen but I couldn’t help but feel like we were a couple watching this movie. The way his arm wrapped around me and his hand touched my back kept me feeling loved, cuddled. It felt like we were on a date, almost. My mind imagined an alternate universe in which I actually went to college, got my degrees I set out for, and may have met this man along my journey, yet, I felt myself tugged out of that false reality. For a moment, I convinced myself this handsome doctor behind me actually was interested. Actually was attracted to me. As my memory recalled him saying… This is something platonic to me. I was almost disgusted with myself, to even give myself a fleeting sense of pride for who I’ve become. I wasn’t attractive, not in the slightest. My back became rigid as I knew I was the equivalent to nothing. Not a god damn thing. I watched the screen in my depressed state, knowing I was nothing more to him than a person who needed help. A person who was an experiment. I bit my lip until it bled, watching the screen, yet brain not capturing what was happening. Halfway through the movie, I relaxed enough until I fell asleep. I woke up an hour later to a diaper change, coming in and out of sleep as I felt the cold wipe on my bottom. Next waking moment I felt a new diaper being taped around me and being carried up to my room. I was tucked in in my half-awake state. A few hours later, I awoke at 2 AM. I tried falling back asleep, but racing thoughts cycled my brain. I grumbled as I tossed and turned, staying awake and looking at my ceiling until 6 AM hit, Daniel coming into my room. I acted like I was asleep as he came in, gently nudging me as I turned. I stretched, as if I hadn’t been up all night. “Good morning Blake, how about you take a shower and we’ll get breakfast?” I nodded, squinting at the hallway light as I slowly got up. We sat in Starbucks as I drank my tall iced latte, the biggest size Daniel would allow me to have. I sipped it like a shot before we pulled up to the outpatient center’s entrance. He said, “Have a good day, Blake, oh and don’t forget your backpack.” Daniel pulled it from the backseat. Handing it to me as I squinted at it in confusion. “There’s an extra training pant in there, wipes and powder. Also, your book.” I blushed, stepping out of the car, “Thanks.” I said, shaking my head and walking in. I sat down in the waiting area with annoyance. I opened the backpack, wondering if it was true, eyes widening as I quickly closed it, sitting back. I almost wanted to roll my eyes. How bad could this get? Ugh! A familiar strawberry blonde plopped down next to me with a sigh, almost as annoyed as me. She looked around the empty waiting area then to me, shuffling through her large purse. “Want one? I can’t do these sessions without it.” Bianca opened her Altoids and a pill was in the container. It was Valium, one of my favorites besides Xanax. My finger tapped on my jeans as I looked at the pill. The Daniel on my shoulder was saying no, but my insides wanted to take it. “No, thank you, though.” Bianca scoffed, “Gosh, everyone is so boring here.” She rolled her eyes. I bit my lip, as her container was still extended. I grabbed the pill, popping it into my mouth and swallowing. She smiled, almost mischievously, “I had a feeling you were real somewhere in there.” Bianca gave me a wink. I looked down at my palms, feeling sweaty. I did have coffee and, to be quite honest, ever since my blackout I had an accelerated amount of anxiety. Maybe a bit of Valium was what I needed. It was weird though, I knew I’d feel calm soon, yet a panic attack began to hit me. It was as if the act of taking a pill gave me anxiety that Daniel would find out, yet I knew he wouldn’t since he wasn’t there. My heart fluttered as I felt a wave of dizziness hit me. “You okay?” Bianca asked, looking over to me with big brown eyes. I took slow, deep breaths, “Yep, just peachy.” I said, shaking out of it as I looked at my hands. Maybe it was the coffee or maybe it was the fact that I took a pill but I was a bit nervous. Twenty minutes later, group therapy had began and the pill was beginning to work. I felt relaxed, at ease with the world once more. Life seemed happier, more simple, less complicated. The coffee I had kept me awake instead of sleepy as I sat, listening to the group. I spoke freely for once in the group, talking about my family. “So, have you tried reaching out to your family?” Billy, from the group, asked. I smiled and laughed to myself in my Valium induced state, “I wish things were that simple.” I said, sad eyes cast to the ground as the room went silent. I tried to not say anymore, scared that maybe Dr. Hayward may catch onto my great mood. Dr. Hayward could sense the awkward tension relating to my family as he moved to the next person, “Dalia, you’re up next.” The day was an incredible one for the books. Of course the Valium wore off after lunchtime but, for the first time, the nagging feeling of anxiety finally was at bay and I was peaceful. There were no lingering thoughts of depression and I felt happy about my situation. Reality hit me like a brick as the high wore off. I began feeling pain again, depression and, my good old friend, anxiety. I sat at my individual therapy session with Dr. Hayward in quiet. “Did something happen between lunchtime? You seem like a different person from the morning.” Dr. Hayward said, looking up from his laptop, “I was hoping to hear that we were making progress.” I gulped with a shrug, “Just am tired now.” I said, being partially the truth. Dr. Hayward nodded, setting aside the laptop to the desk and crossing his legs, “What’s going on Blake? I try not to prod but you’re up and down moods are a bit concerning to me and Dr. Calvin.” I shook my head with a frown, “I’m just tired.” Dr. Hayward blinked, eyes not believing me. To be quite honest, I wasn’t tired. My drug-induced depression and anxiety had gotten the best of me and, although I had a small support system, I didn’t know how far it’d go.

So here's where a new character comes in that was inspired off of the movie Howl's Moving Castle. The plot is of course not the same and nor is the character exact at all but it is similar. I thought I should preface this because anyone who's seen the movie may be wondering 'hey this seems a lot like that one movie...'(great, incredible movie to watch by the way I may add!). Anywho, here's chapter 3! Chapter 3: The Sunset Marnie wanted to rip the diaper off but couldn’t until she got into her tent. She walked through the Moore’s Crossing as the sun began to set, the red and orange horizons slowly becoming a purple and dark blue. She got to the gates and walked to the forest where she found a tree covered area near the riverbank to set up camp. Marnie was tired, exhausted, from her day with the weird witch who had diapered her and nostalgia hitting her like a brick. She tried to forget about what had happened since she left unscathed, but, alas, that was a difficult feat considering her circumstances. As she pulled out her tent and used her wand to lift the poles with magic, the sun had set completely. A moment later, she felt her body slump, her chin hitting a rock as she rolled a few feet, almost knocking her unconscious. Marnie tried to speak, but nonsense coming out and slob. Marnie felt herself drool, her hand going up to feel her face but her thumb immediately going in her mouth like a baby. She suckled on her thumb as she felt herself wet her diaper in the middle of the forest. Thankfully, she was wearing the diaper that swelled as her body went on it’s back, not listening to her mind screaming, “GET OFF THE GROUND AND GO INTO THE TENT!” It wasn’t safe to be out in the middle of the forest! Let alone in the night where ghouls, dark souls, black witches, vampires, and predators came to find the living to feast upon. She already escaped being eaten by a witch she didn’t need anyone else preying on her soft flesh! Through her internal battles in the woods for thirty minutes, she began crying, snot flying from her nose as she kicked and squirmed alone in the forest. After attempting to regain any type of muscle control of her body, she had given up. Her body nor actions wouldn’t listen as much as she tried. When she tried to touch her face to wipe away snot, her thumb immediately went into her mouth. When she tried to crawl or walk to the tent, she’d roll. When she became upset, she began wailing which didn’t help her situation in the slightest! It was like her body was making a joke out of her! Marnie sniffled in the dark, hearing snapping and the noise of a magic duel in the distance. She could hear thumps and loud crashing sounds as she began whining more. Ugh, I’m definitely going to die tonight! Marnie thought as her sounds were almost a cry for help. A large dark figure crashed into her tent, taking the tent down and into the tree near her. Marnie looked at the figure crushed into her tent on the tree, softening it’s landing. A dark, ginormous figure was hurt, it’s wing scathed as it stretched, dark, black filled almost-human-like eyes looking past Marnie to figures in the distance. It’s head, part human with black feathers as hair, noticing Marnie crying and sucking her thumb on the ground, quickly enclosing it’s wing over her protectively as a bright green light hit the figure. A charred, burnt flesh smell, mixed with cologne enveloped Marnie’s nostrils as the figure bared down, it’s inner wings scooping her in it’s claws as the green light ceased. She felt gravity leave her as they glided up to the sky, a feeling of panic going through Marnie being taken by this strange creature. Marnie held her thumb in her mouth as her cries ceased and she peaked out of the wings, looking down to the ground that was far far away. She felt her diaper become warmer from her sudden fear of being dropped by this creature. Well, if the witch didn’t eat her, then this half-human half-bird person would, right? In light of her panic, she was in awe of the beauty of the calm skies as she giggled, a cute sound erupting from her chest that she was immediately embarrassed of. They began descending as she felt a tickle in her tummy, causing another giggle. She could hear a rumble of what sounded like a deep chuckle on the wings of the massive black bird creature she was with. Could he understand human? Marnie didn’t know. She couldn’t tell if this was a creature or a man to be quite honest. It halted on the metal roof, gigantic claws scraping the top as it gently lowered, wings flapping as wind surrounded them from the great wing span. One wing almost mechanically flapped in pain as the creature slowly climbed off the roof and onto the cabin of the home, slowly becoming smaller, more human-like. His large black feathered wings tucked behind him as he still held Marnie with his feather coated arms, not knowing if he should set her down. Marnie could see human structures appearing on the creatures body, black feathers slowly retracting into it's human skin on his face, yet his body stayed feathered. His wings were still behind him, but his pale human man face was beginning to appear, eyes dark brown, almost black and face handsome, chiseled. Marnie was becoming sleepy as she looked up at him and he looked down to her, beginning to cradle her as he noticed something seemed wrong with the girl. He entered his moving home, the rusted metal door swinging open as he entered with this lost, confused girl. “You brought a girl back again, Hal?!” Calvin, Hal’s Siamese black and white cat asked, trotting angrily beside Hal as he walked in. Marnie’s eyes lit up looking at the talking, fluffy cat. “Not by choice.” Hal said, breathlessly, still trying to be strong whilst his injuries suffered in the duel. “Mhm, I bet! Well, she seems, uh-“ “She’s not well, I found her near the battleground crying.” Hal said, setting her on the guest bed as Marnie rolled, dirt speckled diapered bottom showing in plain sight. Marnie wanted to die on the inside as she acted unlike herself in front of these strangers “Oh.” Calvin said, standing on the desk. “Can you watch her for me tonight? I need to regenerate before there’s nothing left of me to deal with…” Hal trailed off, looking over the girl, curling up with her thumb stuck in her mouth, nursing it as she closed her eyes. He pulled the covers from under her, laying them on top and tucking her in. “Sure, but we don’t know if this girl is a serial killer! I’m not getting stuck with another black witch again!” Calvin said, sitting at the end of the bed as Hal looked wearily to the girl and Calvin, feeling what was left of his light draining from his body. “She’s not. I can’t get a read on her, but I can guarantee she’s not.” “Hal! Wait, that’s not a good enough answer for me that you can’t even read her!” Calvin said with a huff underneath his white whiskers as the door slowly closed, “And who’s going to change her?! I don’t like this idea!” Hal smiled weakly at his furry companion’s concerns as he slumped up the steep stairs to his layer. He was almost slime as he inched into his room, a wounded warlock that needed to regenerate what was almost permanently damaged.

Thanks, it's great to be back! I'm glad you mentioned this because there's a reason behind why but it will make sense later on??

Chapter 2: Cursed Marnie was sat in the chair once more, her satchel and sheer black cloak being taken from her and placed in the kitchen. The witch strapped a harness around the girl’s legs and waist to the chair before she stood back, “Contrarium.” To Marnie’s surprise, she regained her feeling slowly, wiggling her toes and extremities as she was harnessed to the chair, “Uh, thanks.” She nodded to her captor, knowing that being polite may be her best bet out of this one. This Madam Myriam could have kept the paralysis spell on the poor girl for an eternity, yet she was forgiving to spare the girl from the dread of being paralyzed for more than five minutes. “Eat, then I’ll do your reading.” Madam Myriam nodded to the pot pie in front of Marnie. “What do you want from me?” Marnie blurted, confused why this psychic wanted her to eat and do a reading. Madam Myriam, tapped her crystal ball as it began swirling in a smoke, “A couple of things from you, my child.” “I’m not your child.” Marnie said in a burst of anger, hating being called pet names. Madam gave a twisted smile, “Honey, you really don’t know your future, do you? Maybe this reading will help.” She paused, moving the table forward as she reached across and pushed the pot pie closer to Marnie, “Eat. Now!” Marnie’s jaw tightened, grabbing the fork and stabbing into the delectable pot pie. Marnie would be lying if she said she wasn’t famished from not eating much that day. In fact, she hadn’t aten since a egg that morning! She hovered the piece in front of her mouth hesitating and scared what it might do to her. Was it poisoned? Did it have a fat-inducing potion in it to plump her so the witch could eat her later? Anything could be in it! “It’s not poisoned, just eat the damn pie and drink your tea, girl. Do as Madam tells you like a good girl!” Marnie looked up, seeing the witch watching, waiting. Why would she be so adamant for Marnie to eat it if it weren’t poisoned? Marnie closed her eyes, eating the first bite. She swallowed, surprisingly in delight by the perfect mix of a chicken gravy and meat, “It’s… good. Thanks, I was hungry.” Marnie said, taking more bites, satisfying hunger. “Good girl, now don’t forget the tea! Drink it all to the bottom.” Madam Myriam said, grunting as she got up, walking over to the kitchen to grab a rag, wetting it. Marnie complied, eating the small potpie and drinking the warm tea, setting it down. Maybe this witch would let her go if she was good? Hopeful thinking was all Marnie could have at this point in the game, after all. The old woman thumped back, smiling as she squatted, almost falling backwards to get to Marnie’s height. She came close to Marnie’s face, dabbing the rag on the corners of Marnie’s mouth as she frowned. Marnie could see the unibrow forming on the witch’s forehead and the huge, pus-filled pimple on her cheek with a hair sticking out. “Good girl. I knew you’d be!” She gave a wet kiss on Marnie’s face who cringed with the contact of the woman’s gigantic sweaty face touching hers and the residue of thick saliva on her cheek. Marnie wiped it off as Madam Myriam cleaned her dishes, holding and looking into the tea cup thoughfully. Marnie sat there awkwardly, not knowing what to do as Madam Myriam sat for a few minutes, seriously looking in the cup, turning it in her hand ever so slightly in awe. Madam Myriam’s serious expression slowly heightened to Marnie’s anxious one, “You are the one. Aren’t you?” Marnie frowned, “Uh, sure?” She pulled at the dark brown leather buckle strap tightly secured over her leg, “Hey, if I need the restroom, can you release me from here?” “We will take care of that soon. However, we have business to get to. I had a feeling our time was coming close, but how close I did not see coming!” Madam Myriam clapped to herself in excitement, setting down the tea with a clatter as the lights dimmed and the glass ball glowed, smoke swirling faster within. “Your magic is dissipating, isn’t it?” Marnie squinted, shrugging, “I mean-“ “It is. Tsk, tsk. Poor girl.” Madam Myriam shook her head, looking into her ball, “Unfortunately, it will get worse before it gets better. Much, much worse. Of course, I do not want to inflict this on you, but, without me, you will not become you. You see?” She smiled, sad eyes cast down with the glowing ball reflecting in her eyes. Marnie looking at her as if she was fucking crazy and beyond. Her words not making any sense to the young witch. “You will help me, and, in return, I will help you. You see, young Marnie?” Marnie shook her head, “Look, if you need money, anonymity, me to forget this all, I’ll do it. Just please don’t eat me!” Marnie winced, turning her head slightly away. Madam looked at her for a moment with humor as the room went silent. A moment later she burst out laughing at the insult, “Girl, do you think I’d actually eat you?!” Her arm landed on the table from the boisterous laughing with a bounce of the crystal swirling ball as Marnie jumped. She stopped laughing and became serious, “I do not want any of that. I would like only a few things from you, at an expense to you; however, you’ll thank me later.” Thank her later? For what?! Cursing poor Marnie? “Then… what do you want?” “My body back. Youth. A child. My…” She trailed off, not finishing as she looked to Marnie’s young face. “Okay, I’ll pass but thanks for the offer, lady or Madam who-“ “That’s not your choice!” Madam Myriam barked back, spit flying from her mouth as Marnie winced, trying to not be hit from the spew. Marnie tried to regain her breathing, knowing she was in grave danger. If this old witch wanted ‘youth’ she’d have to drain it from someone, which had to be Marnie, right? Or she had to eat her or perform some ritual to take the youth? Marnie didn’t know the means of doing this but she didn’t want to find out! Madam Myriam stood as the lights came back on, going to her kitchen and beginning a pot. As she turned her back, Marnie wiggled in the straps, trying to get out, pulling at their seams and the back. There had to be a way out! She was not going to be eaten or turned into an old woman today. Nope, not today! After sweating and trying to get out for a few minutes, she was left with a loss of hope. Madam Myriam’s feet thumped close as she brushed Marnie’s hair with a fat finger, plucking a long black strand from her head. No, not a potion! Marnie thought, knowing where this was heading. Marnie watched from a far as the witch concocted a brew on her stove top, plopping other ingredients in and stirring with a happy hum to herself. As Marnie listened, she heard a almost lullaby song in the hum, confusing her. A few minutes later, Madam Myriam clattered and clanked in the kitchen, coming back to Marnie with something in her hand. Marnie scrunched her face, seeing Madam with a baby bottle in her hand! Who is that for? Marnie wondered, soon realizing it would be her as she approached. Marnie squirmed her body away, the chair almost tilting to the ground before Madam Myriam caught it. “Aw, don’t be shy baby! Look, num-nums!” Madam said as if Marnie was a child she was trying to coax. She tilted her body away as Madam Myriam took hold of the girls chin, tilting it up as she lodged the teet of the bottle in the girl’s clenched mouth. A stream of milk filled her mouth as it began overfilling and she had no choice but to swallow so she wouldn't choke. She kept drinking as the sweet milky fluid went down her throat, tears going down her cheeks from the uncertainty of the curse being bestowed upon her. She finished the bottle, an unfamiliar burp coming out of her as Madam Myriam patted her back. “What a good, good, girl!” She clapped, smiling ear to ear as she set the bottle down on the table, walking away to her staircase, “One last thing for the baby and then you get to leave, how does that sound?” Her voice became a higher pitch as she spoke. Marnie didn’t speak, disgusted at the bottle potion she just drank, hitting it away from her. “Oh my! A grumpy one, aren’t we?” The witch said, her voice changing to a rhyme-like honey voice. Marnie squinted, confused as she looked to the plump woman who looked to be suddenly… shrinking? One leg became thinner than the other as she turned, walking up the steps, “Be right back!” Marnie looked down to her hands, trying to notice any sudden changes like she had seen on the old hag of a witch. If her appearance had been changing within moments of Marnie drinking the potion, then Marnie must have been changing at the same rate! She felt her face, feeling for any changes. It felt… normal! Maybe she didn’t do anything to Marnie? Right? Marnie could only hope at this point! Marnie heard light footsteps come down the stairs and what she saw confused her senses. She tilted her head, mouth agape at the beautiful woman who appeared, looking nothing like the witch she just saw. Dark, sultry red hair and beautiful voluptuous curves were upon her figure. Her skin was glowing, and she had a warm presence, almost maternal. Marnie was in so much awe, she hadn’t even seen what was in the woman’s hands. “Now, love, we need to get padding on so you don’t have an accident, huh?” She approached Marnie who stared up, mouth still agape by her beauty. Was this the same person she had just seen? There was no blemishes, no pimple, or trace of ugliness the eyes could see. She looked friendly, loving. Marnie wasn’t even paying attention to her words as Madam Myriam undid the leather buckle straps and took Marnie’s hand, steering her to the coffee table where she pushed her down on the table. “Uh, um, what are you doing?” Marnie asked, realizing that this mysterious woman was sliding off her skirt, exposing her. “Shhhh. Lay back and relax, diaper times are your favorite.” Madam Myriam said, brushing her hand on the girl’s pale thigh. Marnie relaxed back, getting comfortable but confused why she suddenly felt happy, like she was excited for a… diaper change? Her eyebrows furrowed, perplexed with her conflicting emotions. The logical part of her brain was telling her to run, yet, her feelings and emotions wanted her to stay and be pampered by this wicked witch. Was she under a spell? No, it had to be that damn potion! Marnie stared up at the ceiling, awkward and face flushed from her satin black panties being slipped off. “Looks like someone was about to have an oopsie already!” Madam Myriam exclaimed melodically with a warm smile. Marnie looked at her satin white panties that were thrown to the side, with a dark patch in the middle as she felt a sticky wetness near her crotch, as if she wet herself. Had she? She hadn’t wet herself like a toddler since… well, she couldn’t remember! Marnie squirmed as she felt a cool wetness touch her, looking down in surprise to see Madam Myriam wiping her. She watched as powder was soon sprinkled onto her pale skin. “Lift your bottom.” Madam said as Marnie obeyed, embarrassingly. A fluffy diaper was plopped underneath, “What a good girl! Down now.” Her legs almost automatically lowered, as if she was a well-conditioned robot. The front of the fluffy diaper was spread across her front section, being taped snugly over. “Stand and Myra will help you into your cute little skirt.” She said as Marnie followed her instructions. “I thought your name was…” “It’s Myra now. Miss Myra to you.” She smiled wide, kissing the little witch’s forehead before helping the poor girl into her skirt and giving her back her satchel, cloak and wand, “Now be careful with this, young lady.” She said sternly. “Um, so why the…” Marnie trailed off, looking down to her lower section and up, “diaper?” Miss Myra smiled, “You’ll know soon, little miss. Now off you go, shoo shoo. Go to home immediately, the clock is tick, tick, ticking!” She said in a melodic fashion. “What do you-“ Marnie tilted her head in confusion as Miss Myra took her hand and lead her to the bead curtain, pushing her to leave, “Okay, uh, bye!” Marnie went through the thick bead layers and through the curtain to the outside as the sun was setting. She scrunched her eyes and shook her head in confusion to what all happened. Madam Myriam turned into Miss Myra and, for some reason, Marnie liked Miss Myra? What had shifted in a matter of minutes? Marnie clearly didn’t know and really didn’t understand why she had a thick diaper on. She wasn’t a baby! Why did Miss Myra put her in it and why did Marnie like it? Marnie didn’t know, but she would find out later that night.

*sigh* Here I go again, beginning another story when my last ones are unfinished... however, I had to post this considering it's October! I've always wanted to post my own spooky story and it's finally my chance. Among the many years I've been anonymously reading Halloween stories when October hits, it's my pleasure to finally post my own. This is *supposedly* a short story, one I plan to finish at the end of the month. If there is a continuation, as in second book, expect it the following October to be posted. Anywho, enjoy! ?‍♀️?? Chapter 1: Beware of the Witch Marnie felt the crisp fall air flow through her black sheer cloak as she heard leaves crunch under her feet, stopping at the edge of the forest, “It’s witching season, witches.” She smiled to herself with her bright red lipstick and moss green eyes, anticipating another rewarding hunt. She walked towards the familiar Moore’s Crossing in the Knight Realm. A cold, mythical land with many powerful witches and warlocks between it’s interweaving castles and far-stretching woodsy forests. A few days before she had received a cauldron glow and placed the vapor into her cauldron wand that usually lit up bright white. The smokey swirls slowly turned dark purple in the bulb as her eyes cast in the new call for help. Her signs of urgently needed help were never called upon by a specific person, but a collection of souls in great danger from dark forces. Marnie immediately went to her crystal ball, searching for where the call resonated from. Her eyes narrowed in confusion, eye brows knitting together, “Moore's Crossing?” She asked herself, confused. Her memory serving her that Moore’s Crossings had many witch hunters and warlock protectors of all kinds. It was home of the 7 realms, the true protector of the Realm of Magic. Moore's Crossing didn’t need an independently contracted witch hunter! If Marnie had received the call, then they must have been in desperate need. She was a rookie witch hunter, but one of the best streak records around the 7 realms. She halted a lot of dark magic witches, alone at that. Many witchhunters fought the dark forces in groups, yet here Marnie was, on calls alone and the best among. Many people knew of her quickly, although she was new to the game, and many were easily annoyed by her cocky attitude and seemingly naïve ways. Marnie was a witch herself and a good one at that. The Realm of Magic had many good witches and warlocks, a rare sort, around. Among these, left many dark and, ugly -may Marnie add- witches who stole upon the young to regain beauty, elasticity and material gains at the expense of the innocent. The last witch Marnie had turned in to the Ghouls Oubliette was disheveled to a saggy bone-bag of a woman. Yuck! Marnie had her own nightmares of that one when she removed the hex off of the teenage girl she kept in her tower. She hadn’t been to Moore’s Crossing in ages. In fact, it had been almost five years since she’d been in the realm when she acquired her Magistry license, graduating early from GildWick’s School for Witches and Warlocks . She didn’t go to university, deciding that a magical gap year was what she truly needed. Little to say, she ditched the witch school entirely and explored the Realms, eventually starting her own craft of witch hunting. Her favorite subject had always been the dark arts. Although she didn’t want to practice, she was intrigued on the aftermath. Despicable, unforgivable things that they only had in the forbidden section of the library. After a few nights of stealing enchanted books from the restricted section of GildWick's, Marnie had read enough to set her into the path to become her own witch hunter, to help the vulnerable and weak. She knew, firsthand, how the Dark Forces of the Realms could spread and takeover, just like they had in her home Realm. Orne was once a beautiful realm, luscious with dark green foliage and mystical animals of every sort trotting around. It was abundant with fruits and creatures. Within a few months, the realm was swept with ravaging flames, dark clouds, and witches. The Dark Forces had hexed and swarmed the realm with poisonous smoke, debris and bugs. The sickening smog grew and choked those who breathed it. The ash of innocents flaked down on the soil of Orne, forever changing the land. As the White Witches of Orne protected the realm, it was not enough. The Dark Forces invaded so rapidly that the White Witches split up, some being poisoned by darkness, some murdered, and others taken by the Obscure. The Obscure were part of the Dark Forces, an ancient group of dark beings that stole witches for their own use. Legend has it, they used the White Witches as thralls, mesmerizing them into Dark Force numbers. Marnie was 13 when she awoke from her spell-induced coma. She was told her parents were lost in the flames and smoke that engulfed Orne. Marniee didn’t have any recollection of them, her family or life before. She had many dreams of this land, maybe past memories infused of what once was the land, yet she couldn’t remember any solid memories. Her memory was completely gone, as if lost in the smoke that encompassed the land. The Orne realm was now a forbidden place, inhabited by the Dark Forces. After graduating from GildWick, Marnie applied to join the Circle, which was missing a White Witch who burned on a stake in Orne during when the Dark took over. The Circle protected all 7 realms, with 7 warlocks and witches covering each Realm. Many of the Circle were immortal, ancient, wise and skilled warlocks. Together, their forces of good and power can halt any evil that can attack the Realm of Magic. With a missing link, the Circle was incomplete and that could cause imbalance among the Realms. Ever since Orne’s Circle member was murdered, the Realm has been vulnerable as the Dark Forces grow ever more powerful, quietly growing like a tumor from within. Marnie had a chip on her shoulder when she wasn’t even accepted into the trials for the Circle. They didn’t even consider her or see what she could do! The only thing she really lacked was… well, her ability to levitate or fly on a broomstick. As many times as she would try to raise off the ground, her magic wouldn’t allow her. She would stands for hours and hours holding her hand to her broomstick, chanting, “With love, light and magic I condemn you to rise.” Over and over, yet all she would get is a slight twitch of the wooden stick. She even bought multiple broomsticks, thinking that maybe one broomstick was cursed, yet, no luck. Indeed, it was naive for Marnie to even consider the thought of joining or even trialing for the Circle. To even trial for the Circle, you have to be able to check ‘yes’ for all seven wonders. Only the highest status witches and warlocks could even be considered for the trials. The trials were deadly, especially if you didn’t have the gift of life, but Marnie wanted purpose, a way to prove herself. She wanted to join the fight against the dark forces and joining the Circle was all that she wanted ever since awakening from her coma. Her other abilities were, well, average, but the girl had heart! She knew she lacked the power, but her witt made up for her lack of intensity of her spells. She was intelligent, reading many dark arts books, and practiced defensive magic for many years before she took up her witch hunting craft. It was a somewhat scary, yet thrilling job that she wouldn’t trade for anything. Although she wasn’t a part of the Circle, she was protecting the Realm of Magic in her own ways, even if the realms wouldn’t let her do it the legal way. She could have joined the Protectors, but that was a lost cause. Too many mindless tasks like writing reports and ticketing people for broom violations was not her cup of tea. She had greater plans for her magic and wanted to prove to the Circle that they messed up. Marnie walked through the gates of Moore’s Crossing, looking at the high brick walls that surrounded the far boundaries of the guarded town. As she walked through, freshly baked bread hit her nose with nostalgia. She remembered when her and her friends from GildWick would sneak out of their dorms to Moore’s Crossing for sight-seeing, shopping and witches brew. She could never forget seeing for the first time the high towers of the Realm of Magic’s castle that encompassed King and Queen of the 7 realms. King Peter and his Queen Belinda lived in the tower, ruling the realms. As Marnie looked across the many towers she couldn’t even begin to imagine how many stairs they’d have to climb a day! Marnie always wanted to fly around the castle on her broomstick, which was strictly prohibited and could end in arrest, yet, she saw protectors and even rebellious young witches and warlocks do it. She could only imagine how beautiful the view was from way up high. She had only heard rumors of dragons and mythical invisible creatures protecting the doors of the castle, but she had never stepped foot or flew above to see for herself. The castle’s doors and perimeter was heavily guarded with magic, witches and warlocks. Anyone of evil intention is said to be instantly paralyzed from entering until the spell is lifted and they are imprisoned for acts of malicious intent. However, Marnie heard the stories of dark forces casting spells to enter without a trace or using vehicles such as dogs, creatures or other people to enter. Marnie, herself, had a few spells that would allow her in, but she had no evil in her blood to even have an issue with entering. Marnie walked past the young kids ooohing at Beezle & Beetris Tricks Shop from the outside. She smiled, remembering that was the coolest young witches and warlock store to be in, even for the non-magic folk of the realm. That’s where her and her friends would spend most of their time, as Marnie tended to slip away to the Moore's Crossing Library which contained archives of lost books, nonsense books from the Mortal Realm, and, most intriguingly to Marnie, restricted, forbidden books. Marnie had attempted to get into the restricted section before, yet, all her attempts failed. To access, you had to have a form of identification and status in the Realms. Marnie was an ‘illegal’ witch hunter and, supposedly, she didn’t have access. She did have a wanted poster in the Halcyon Realm but, alas, it wasn’t important. Only the protectors, knights, high-status officials, the Circle members and select few around the Realms had access. It wasn’t fair, but Marnie had been working around ways to get in. Ever since Marnie knew her next call to her witch hunts led to the Knight Realm, she knew she had a alternative mission to get into the restricted section. It had been 5 years since she last tried and this time she was a much more experienced witch. Marnie’s eyes searched the store fronts, businesses and homes as she walked along the brick paths, beginning to go to the outskirts of Moore’s Crossing far from the castle. She was scoping the territory, eyeing the crowds to look for signs of dark forces, eerie or evil sightings. The nostalgia of the town hit her so deeply that she forgot that she was there on a task, not a vacation. The thick crowds of people she had walked through earlier cleared and some teen warlocks stood at the edge of a bridge, about to take flight. Oh, how she envied the flying! She had never been able too, and it was the one shame she had as a witch. She sauntered for a moment, watching the boys jumping to a takeoff and zooming circles in the air as they went far in the distance. Marnie smiled, feeling lonely for the first time in a long while. It was tough being a wanderer witch, with no home realm. She had a small tent she packed with her but it wasn’t a home, nor company for that matter. It was a lonely time, one she chose, but sometimes it reminded her of how alone she truly was. As Marnie stood in an alleyway, mesmerized by the sight and slightly jealous, she could smell chicken pot pie in the distance. Her nose wiggled as she began walking towards it, feeling hungry for dinner. She walked down a dimly lit path, towards light at the end of the narrow alleyway towards the scent. There were a few abandoned shops at the end of the path and, at the corner facing the tower, lay a hut-like shop, with a wooden sign, “Free Readings, taking anyone!” Marnie laughed quietly to herself, knowing that was a classic tell-tale sign of a black witch. This job will be easy, Marnie thought to herself. The potpie smell was even coming directly from the hut! How blatantly obvious could a wicked witch be? Marnie used a 3-edged rule for the wicked and downright ugly: First, they were usually deceitfully beautiful in some way but truly ugly and scary, second, they promised lies, and, third, they attracted people to them through smell, sight, and touch. She brought her black, disheveled and ripped satchel to her front hip, clamoring through it for her wand. Marnie shook her head, staring at her almost empty magic boost potion. She had needed it more and more as the months went by. It was as if her magic was gradually dwindling. Marnie tried to not think of it because her magic was something that made her, well, her. Without magic, Marnie would be nothing. It was something that ate at her core and she didn’t want to be equivalent to a non-magical commoner or human. It was a gift she could use to live and, without it, she’d be forced to get a 9 to 5 job at an office or store. If anything, she may consider becoming a brewista for Starbrew if her magic career ever vanished. Marnie pulled out the vial, swirling the silver glowing liquid that only had a few drops left. “Fuck.” She whispered, knowing she’d have to find ingredients soon for another brew. Marnie took out the dropper and stuck her tongue out, licking the icy sweet drop as it hit her taste buds. She took in a slow breath, feeling a tickle of magic in her fingertips underneath her wand, “Alright, let’s do this witch.” Marnie walked closer, seeing a warm orange glow from the webb covered windows. There was a sheer dark purple curtain that split in the middle as Marnie walked through, placing her wand in her black jean pencil skirt’s imperceptible wand pocket. As she entered, she went through a few layers of colorful beads and gem curtains. Already fucking hate this entrance, Marnie thought. “I’ve been expecting you, child.” A croaking voice spoke as Marnie finally was through the collection of beads, the noise sounding of rain as she entered, heart rate pulsing. Marnie almost wanted to roll her eyes, wow, haven’t heard that one before! Every ‘psychic witch’ that Marnie had came across has said the same line or two. If they really were psychic, then they wouldn’t have been so easily caught by Marnie. “Oh, wow! So you must be the real deal then.” Marnie smiled innocently, hopefully as if she were an actual customer. Her eyes met the witch’s cloudy cataract-forming ones. She was much uglier than the others Marnie had came across, that’s for sure! She was plump, morbidly obese with thick, puffy lips, a squat face, and bulging big eyes. The old, sagging woman had beads intertwined around her grey and red hair that came across her forehead, one bead stuck on the middle of her eyebrows like a gigantic red pimple. This witch looked like she was ready for another feasting of young naïve flesh, but not today or ever again. Marnie would make sure of it! The woman immediately smiled, “Have a seat, sweetie.” The chair in directly in front of Marnie scooted out with magic, awaiting her as the old witch stood, “You’re hungry, let me fix you something!” Without Marnie responding, the woman walked away, in large, loud thumps to her tiny kitchen nestled in the corner that smelled incredible. Marnie’s mouth watered as she sat, knowing she would not be taking a bite. She looked around the dark red painted room with glowing lanterns hanging around the walls. A crystal glass ball sat in the center and another beaded curtain lie behind where the psychic was sitting, which Marnie assumed was her room upstairs. The woman sauntered back in, steps heavy on the ground with a thump, thump, thump that drew close as she set down a pot pie and tea in front of Marnie, “Eat, it’s not poisoned, that’s a promise.” She smiled down, a thick bead of sweat running down her forehead. Marnie was surprised by the suddenly direct comment. She declined, “No thank you, I’m not hungry.” “Sure you aren’t!” The woman plopped down on her big bottom with a laugh as her dark purple fur cloak fanned in the air. She went quiet, studying Marnie, “I’m Madam Myriam. And you are…” Her eyes lit up, “Marnie Blairwitch?” Marnie was caught off guard, a ‘psychic’ witch had never been able to guess her real name! Marnie cast a pseudo spell to confuse any telepaths or mediums which meant only two things… it was wearing off or this witch may be very powerful? The spell last a month and she had just enchanted herself a week before… She felt a rush of blood and a magical itch in her hands. Maybe she was dealing with a more powerful witch than she presumed. Marnie nodded once, eyeing the witch’s cataract green eyes that bulged back at her, “How did you know that?” Madam Myrium’s eyes lit up as she smiled, “I thought you came into my hut for a reading? Is that not true?” She cocked her head at Marnie who felt a bad, dark feeling as the lights flickered, “Ah, I sense it’s not the reason you came in, hm?” Marnie shifted, hand on the back of her wand, ready to draw. Marnie smiled, eyebrows furrowing, “No- I mean, yes I came for the reading. I just wanted to make sure you were real.” Madam Myrium slammed her hands on the table, causing the pot pie to jump with Marnie, “Then take your hand off of the wand!” Madam Myrium yelled as Marnie’s eyes flashed, surprised she even knew that much. Marnie immediately stood, the chair toppling behind her as she drew her wand, pointing it to the ugly, despicable witch. “You are being arrested for dark magic of the malicious degree. Surrender to good now or I have do this the hard way, witch.” Silence filled the room as the witch’s eyes shifted to the tiny girl, amused. The witch began laughing loudly as Marnie stood there, annoyance appearing on the young girl’s face. “Take a seat, doll. You are not powerful enough for that, we both know that.” Madam Myrium said, gesturing for Marnie to sit. Her tone was degrading, as if Marnie wasn't even a witch at all. “Parasius.” Marnie said, her wand’s tip not lighting. She looked towards the witch, seeing she was smiling as if watching a cute sight. Marnie’s hand dropped the wand, her fingers going numb as the numbness crept up her arm, like a rapidly spreading viral infection. Marnie cursed, “Fuck, no, no.” She felt her legs becoming weak as the witch stood, watching Marnie crumble to the floor, frozen in loss of feeling. How did her spell rebound?! This was an act of dark magic! There was no other explanation. Marnie was paralyzed, from her own spell, as she looked at the ceiling of the wood-boarded hut's ceiling, anxiety immediately flooding through her thoughts. She couldn’t move and was entrapped by this disgusting old hag of a witch! How was she going to get out of this one? She couldn’t even gulp as she stared straight up, the witch leaning over and looking down at her, “Oh, my! We have some things to talk about, don’t we?” She kneeled, pinching the spell-paralyzed Marnie’s cheek who wanted to scream, but, due to her unfortunate circumstances, couldn't even twitch a muscle.

This is one of THEE best adaptations of Harry Potter I have read thus far. I have always been bored with the last Harry potter book within this specific scene and you cast a new light on a boring area of my memory. I love this so much, honestly such a treasure to read. The writing is spectacular and takes me back to the books. Keep up the good work and welcome to the DD writing community! ??

AwwwwWwwww!!! ? such a cute ending to a phenomenal story. I was off and on reading this story and catching up and I was surprised when I logged in today and saw it was finished! I've always been a huge fan of stories with vampire characters and this mix of ABDL with it was very delightfully crafted. Thank you for another incredible story, Sofie!

I feel like I confused a lot of people but I couldn't leave you guys with so many questions still unanswered, haha! Yes, she does and this is going to be a fun story to write. I'm excited for your guys feedback on future chapters? Yes, yes! The end is still a far ways away so that's good news! Thank you for your feedback and I am looking forward to writing for this new edition to share with you all? Chapter 3: Intergalactic Mind Control is Real I realized I had been standing for longer than a second and began running up the stairway to the spacecraft air sealed bridge door closing as Zane was standing with his hands running through his hair like an irritated parent as he talked to the flight attendant. Ugh, yet still so damn handsome. “I’m here, I’m here!” I yelled behind him as the flight attendant was gathering her rolling suitcase to get on for the trip back home. “Sorry but it’s too-“ “Well, I also need on and I’m a V.I.P. so you’re going to have to make an exception for the three of us.” A man with a rich enchanting voice behind me said as I looked back, smelling an expensive scent. I peed a bit in my padding, looking behind my shoulder to see Gregarious Confounduum behind me as my mouth dropped. Shouldn’t he be in prison for attempted murder? And now he’s a few feet away from who he tried to kill? Jessica’s mouth opened and closed as she frowned, “Fine, but I need to see your I.D.’s.” Confounduum walked silently behind us as we walked down the bridge. I eyed him and he was looking forward awkwardly until his eyes shifted towards me in confusion. “Aren’t you supposed to be in prison?” I asked, as the flight attendants closed the air sealed doors as we entered the spacecraft. “Rayne.” Zane said as he grabbed my wrist, pulling me near him as we walked. “What do you mean?” Confounduum asked politely. I felt poison filling in my mouth as we stood in the first class section and Zane was placing our items in the above compartments. “You almost ki-“ Zane pulled me roughly into my chair as I squeaked and a few people turned in their seats, looking back at us. “We will be taking off shortly. The captain has requested everyone to remain seated on take off.” Confounduum sat in the row across from the walkway between our first class seats. He placed his items away as he sat in his chair, looking confused. Zane sat closest to Confounduum as my hand was charging with energy just in case Confounduum would try anything in the next few seconds. My sweats looked like they were struck by wind as I sat there from my anger I couldn’t stifle. Zane said to Confounduum, “Gregarious, I apologize about her. She doesn’t understand.” Gregarious? I thought he went by Confounduum? I had heard that Confounduum was drugged and mind controlled by Sid for a good period of time. It was hard for me to disconnect the sudden uneasiness I felt considering he was part of Zane’s murder… well almost-murder. Technically he was murdered by Confounduum... But, I brought Zane back to life. So, would that still be considered murder? In my eyes, yes. “It’s quite alright. I understand and have apologized but, again, I don’t remember what happened within the past few years and I am truly sorry.” He looked apologetically to me; a side I had never seen of his. My eyebrows furrowed, confused that his features were the same, yet he looked like a different person. His beard had grown out and he had sudden charismatics of a cowardly lion. He wasn't his usual egotistical self... which was off-putting to me. Zane took my wrist that my energy was pulsating from and I immediately stopped. His hand was an iron grasp that I couldn’t twist out of… I must have pissed him off enough for one day which seemed so easy for me to do. Zane’s mint breathe was warm in my ear as he whispered in a calm yet firm tone, “Once we get home we’re going to have a talk, understand?” I knew damn well it was not just a ‘talk’. However, I was not going to this ‘home’ because, from what I just found out, it wasn’t safe. I could feel the spacecraft beginning to roll and realized I hadn’t even strapped in, I was so focused on Confounduum or… Gregarious? He wasn’t Confounduum, not the one I once knew at least. Zane reached across me, grabbing my belt, connecting the straps in the holder and tightening it across my stomach as a reminder I was his as he met my eyes with a serious expression. He sighed with annoyance as he put on his own seat belt, looking forward to the attendants giving an informative speech about actions to take in case of an emergency. I looked to my side, trying to take my mind off of my sudden anger. I huffed as I pushed my window blind up, watching as the spacecraft accelerated and charged down the Intergalactic Space Stations launch pad and out of the bay. My stomach tickled as we took off and I smiled, relishing in the feeling. It was nice of Zane to at least give me the side seat. He knew I loved to look out over the galaxies, especially during light speed! I found myself looking sadly out the window to the beautiful island in space called the Intergalactic Space Station as the distance between us increased. Who knew if I’d ever be back there? I looked over a few seats, past Gregarious, to Eli who had a sweat bead going down his forehead. I didn’t know what he went through, but I can only assume it was a lot, mentally and emotionally. I don’t know if he’ll ever go back to the UGNF after everything that happened. He was the one most affected and I felt terrible for him. He hadn’t even talked once about how he was trapped in a pod in space, suspended to a floating Valorion Supremacy space craft in the middle of nowhere for a week. He was medically paralyzed, with an IV to keep him alive for until his heart couldn’t beat any longer. It disgusted me to think about, yet I didn’t want to ask him. I knew Eli deserved a life on Hanna, to stay on land for a long while. My stomach tickled as the spacecraft went into light speed and I felt my padded bottom lifting from the seat. I closed my eyes, thinking of my dad… who wasn’t my real dad? David Griff, not my dad, weird. Where was he now? I bit my tongue as I unlatched my seat belt, feeling myself lifting into the air as I smiled to myself and giggled softly. Zane looked over to me in confusion, with a small smirk forming, even though he was obviously irritated. I smiled at him as I held myself in place on the seats arm’s but my legs floated and I was floating in indian position above my seat. I wanted to do a flip or climb across the spaceship, but I resisted the urge. “What are you doing, Rayne?” Zane asked, eyeing me as if he were contemplating spanking me. “Me and my dad-“ I trailed off, the words confusing me as they left my mouth, “used to do this on every trip to Earth when I was a kid. It’s fun, you should try it.” I shrugged as I lifted one hand and felt my body tilting and Zane’s hand protectively reached out over my thigh before I began floating higher. “No thank you.” He said with a light chuckle as he was holding me from floating. His hands grabbed my waist and pushed me softly into my chair, bringing my belt back over me. I grumbled and rolled my eyes. “Careful now before I bring you into the family restroom once we get into Hannan atmosphere.” He said in my ear. “You always have to squash my fun.” I crossed my arms, looking out the window. “Your version of fun isn’t most people’s.” Zane said, looking forward with a sigh. I blinked, the warning Calvin gave me hitting me like a brick as the gravity came back and I felt heavy again as we hit Hannan’s atmosphere. My palms became sweaty as I bit my lip, wondering how I could tell Zane without people listening. Calvin was trying to tell me they were watching. Whoever ‘they’ were, were part of the UGN and UGNF, meaning that every form of electronics was tapped still. Sure, we didn’t have our helixes but the UGNF supplied us with a ‘safe’ house that I’m sure had microscopic cameras and mics everywhere. Did Zane have a clue? I sure didn’t. My eyes looked over to Zane’s arms, one with a smart watch on. His phone was in his pocket. He had wireless earbuds in one ear and he was listening to some intergalactic sports channel. Everything was being monitored of us and we still didn’t know it. Zane caught my eyes and winked at me with a smile. He seemed so content, relieved to be done with everything we went through. Not to mention, we were leaving the Intergalactic Space Station, somewhere he never wanted to go to in the first place but was forced too since I was going there. Little did he know, we weren’t done. We weren’t safe. Calvin was warning me that our lives were more in danger in this false safety than ever before. I looked across the way to where Eli and Daryx sat, seeing Eli’s pale face. I gulped, pained that nothing was over. Eli would be going back to his hometown, unlike Zane and I who were being sent to a safe house, yet, Daryx was going to live with their mom? The light turned on in my head, realizing that me and Zane must have been the targets. But, why? Why us? I squinted my eyes, looking out the window in confusion. “Take care of yourself, Eli.” Zane gave Eli a bro hug before stepping away. Eli looked to me and smiled under his beard with his arms open, I slammed into him in a hug, “I’ll miss you, you damn tall tree.” I said with a large smile, eyes tearing up. “Well, still have no idea whatever-the-fuck you are but good luck Rayne, stay out of trouble.” Eli smiled, eyes watering as he pulled away. Zane chuckled behind me, “That’s an impossible feat for Rayne but thanks for the wishful thinking.” I rolled my eyes as Eli and Daryx went their separate ways. “I can carry something you know.” I said, almost jogging behind Zane as he quickly walked ahead towards the exit of the United Interspace Launch Station in Forestor, Hanna. Zane turned unexpectedly and cocked his head towards the restroom signs, “Let’s make a pitstop in the family restroom, hm?” My face became red, knowing what that meant. “Buh-but, I don’t need to use-“ He grabbed my wrist and guiding -no- pulling me to the family restroom. He placed our suitcases and backpacks on the floor after closing the door, pulling my sweats down without giving me a second to think. “Zane!” I growled as he undid my diaper tapes as he crouched on the ground, then taking off my semi-wet diaper. “Place your hands on the sink and stick out your bottom, little one.” I grumbled and felt a sting on my bottom in an instant, yelping quietly in the public restroom. I shuffled forward with my pants around my ankles to the sink, doing what he instructed. Many painful spanks later, I was on towel on the ground being changed into a new diaper, sniffling to myself. I raised my legs without him asking and he smiled, “What a good girl.” Zane took cool wipes to my bottom, slipping a fluffy white diaper underneath me. After taping the diaper onto me snugly, he helped me up and slid my sweats back up. Zane cleaned up the room, giving me my backpack and rolling suitcase back. “So, uh, where are we going?” I asked, quietly near him as he looked on his phone for instructions on where to meet our driver to get to the safe house. “Down the escalators of the west entrance and there should be a sign for us.” I blinked, feeling sweaty from what I knew. I was torn on what to do. “Zane, Rayne!” We both turned our backs, seeing a set of green Amphibian eyes trying to wave us down. He was weaving through the throngs of people, “This way!” Zane shook his head, confused as Nethander was walking briskly up to us. Toss his phone, earbuds and watch Rayne. I do apologize, I loathe talking in people’s heads but this is the only way. Nethander thought to me as I stood. I grabbed Zane’s phone as he side-eyed me as I slid it on the glass floor through the launch station, it hitting people’s shoes like a hockey puck. “Do you want a round two, Rayne?” He said calmly, trying not to show his fuming anger as he eyes flashed at me like I was in big trouble. “Their watching us. Where’s my electronics Zane?” Zane’s eyes squinted in pure confusion as he shook his head, still crossed about chastising me or listening to what I had to say. Nethander slowly walked up to us, looking around as if he were paranoid. Zane hesitated before bringing around his backpack and took out my phone, tablet and watch. I took it and put out my palm for his watch as he shook his head, still confused but slowly trusting. I blinked, realizing he still had the earbuds in his pocket. I reached into his pocket, grabbing them. “Hey, careful.” He eyed me, as if it were a no-no to reach into his pocket. Zane sighed, shaking his head as he gave me his watch too. Nethander walked up as I turned around, throwing our electronics in the trash can. “That’s a lot of money your throwing out kid!” Some guy said as I walked away, not looking and ignoring the comment as I walked back to Neth and Zane. “We have to get out of here, now.” Nethander’s eyes constricted as he began walking at a fast pace and we followed in strides. “What is this about?” Zane asked as he looked to me and Neth. “I’ll explain when we’re on the road, but we have to leave the station before that happens.” Nethander said as he walked onto the glass escalator. I looked across the west entrance, seeing a sign with ‘Mr. Vandore’ on it and a few Galactic Forces and Hannan officers near the man holding it. I tilted my head, confused. They looked at us. “Oh perfect, that’s what I was scared would happen.” Nethander said in front of us, “Rayne, I’m afraid we may need you to clear our path.” Zane’s arms had veins across them as he took a steel grip on our luggage, sighing, “I don’t approve of that idea Neth.” “We have no choice, unfortunately.” Nethander said as he began pushing past people to the west entrance. The officers began walking towards us and I could see two of them placing their hands on their stun-guns and laser guns. Energy began rippling underneath my palms. I didn’t want to do what I was about to do, but something was wrong and I needed Zane, Neth and I to get to somewhere safe so we could figure out what was going on. They stopped us at the entrance and one of them walked up to us, “I’m Galactic Forces officer Rodney and I need to pull you all aside for a few quest-“ We were close to the door, but they weren’t going to budge. I just had to. I cut officer Rodney off, “I respect that, but I’m going to have to ask you to step aside or else I’ll have to do something I really don’t want to.” I pulled up my sleeves as I walked in front of Zane and Neth, bringing my palms up. Two officers quickly got out their stun guns, pointing them to us, “Put your hands down!” Civilians near us ducked to the ground, some screaming from the sudden scene unfolding. I didn’t budge as time slowed and I could see one officer who pulled the trigger, a claw of shockwaves zooming quietly through the air to me. I sighed in annoyance, the air going still as energy left my hands and a rush of invisible force knocked the officers into the glass windows. I spared them from being unconscious, just enough energy to leave them a bit bewildered and give us enough time to make it out. Zane, Nethander and I began running past the doors before the officers could get back up. As we made it through the doors the Lockdown alert blared throughout the Launch Station and the doors clicked behind us to lock. A bit too late, don’t you think? We literally made it through by a nanosecond! “My hovercar is over here, its unlocked.” Nethander said, running towards his black, dark-tinted windowed hovercar humming silently. Zane helped throwing our luggage and backpacks into the back as I climbed into the back seats, watching the officers finally get through the locked doors, running out of the United Interspace Launch station. “C’mon Zane!” Nethander yelled, revving the engine as Zane ran around to the passenger’s seat, jumping in as Neth began taking off, out of the parking lot as police hovercars sirens followed behind us. Zane looked as confused as I felt earlier as he looked between us, “So, one of you are going to explain to me what is happening that our own are chasing us right now?” “Once I lose them I’ll explain in detail, just hold onto your seatbelts and Rayne, strap in, for the galaxies sake.” Neth eyed me in the rearview mirror as he sped into the expressway. I rolled my eyes, putting on my seat belt. Nethander sped into the overpassing expressways that was underneath another overpass. Forestor, Hanna was home to one of the largest cities that was neighbors to Kirkland so it was an incredibly populated area. The overpasses went over the Goron Sea that stretched to a far island. “This is probably going to scare the shit out of you Zane but please forgive me.” Nethander said as he looked in the rearview mirror to our followers. Zane looked to Nethander, “What do you-“ He looked forward as Nethander stepped on the acceleration, the car zooming at a curve in the overpass that was the edge looking out to the sea. Neth didn’t turn with the curve and I gulped as I saw Nethander pulling the steering wheel out and down as he pressed a button. The hovercar began flying above the overpasses edge and then it began falling. I've never seen or heard Zane lose his shit, but for the first time ever, Zane began screaming, “ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US NETH?!” Nethander began laughing as the hovercar began angling vertical as I felt the underneath of the hovercar rumble and the windows made a suctioning noise as if preparing for the water. I laughed with Neth as Zane looked back to me, bracing for impact of the water as it inched closer to us in rapid timing. Zane looked forward as the hovercar dove into the water like it was an Olympic diver. There was a small vibration of the hovercar as it silently dipped into the water and the hovercar extended its propellers, hovering silently through the water. Neth sat back, turning on autopilot for his driving, still laughing as Zane was gliding his hands through his hair, calming down from our plummet into the sea. I giggled some more in the back at Zane. “You two think this is funny?! I’m not laughing.” Zane said, sighing as he looked around to the calm water we were surrounded by. I looked out the window, seeing the fish we buzzed by and I looked up as Nethander’s hovercar roof became a dark transparent piece. Sharks swam above us and my jaw opened at where we were. It was breath-taking. “I don’t laugh much anymore, but pushing you out of your control freak boundaries always gives me a good one.” Nethander said smoothly as he crossed his feet and reclined his chair back. “Hey, I’m not a control freak anymore. I’ve changed my ways.” Zane responded. “Yeah right.” I said, with a giggle in the back. “Hey now, I trusted you when you threw my phone and watch away, didn’t I? And I have everything on those. Now my identity is probably stolen.” Zane said, eyeing me in the back. “The element of privacy and identity are no more. You cannot keep what you never truly had.” Nethander said in a rhyme-like tone. “What do you mean, Neth?” Zane took his eyes off me to Neth. “They know everything about you two. They could have stole your identity a million times over by now but haven’t. That’s not what they want.” Nethander said vaguely. “Who is they? The S.S.?” I asked from behind Nethander. I needed a second source to confirm that I could trust Calvin. “Bingo.” Nethander said, as if I won a prize. “The S.S.?” Zane looked between Neth and I, searching for what we were alluding too. “The Sequoia Society, from the history books.” Nethander said, waiting for Zane to process what he meant. “They’re all long gone… I thought?” Zane shook his head, “That’s impossible.” Nethander said through his teeth, “With a good source of Nefareon blood, anything is possible.” I felt fire race through my blood as a light bulb went off in my brain. How did I not make the connection sooner? The Valorion Supremacy was not the enemy. It never made sense to me to begin with… The S.S. had been controlling the Valorion Supremacy the whole time! The Supremacy was the subterfuge for hiding the S.S. It was the source for the Valorion Supremacy. Without the source, the Valorion Supremacy could change for the better. Who were the S.S.? It’s members? Who controlled it? It was the darkness that polluted the beautiful planet of Valorion. “And they’re part of the UGN?” Zane asked slowly, confused. “Yes. They have been for a very long time.” Zane and I locked eyes in confusion. “I’m not completely sure who, but they’re controlling this from the inside out. There are many more forces at play here, but that's certainly one of them.” “It’s Winona, isn’t it?” I asked, my blood boiling. How could I be so stupid? I should’ve stayed at the Intergalactic Space Station! I knew it wasn't my time to leave! “As far as I know, Winona sent you here to protect you two, she just was ignorant to the fact that the S.S. has a target. The safe house was bugged for the S.S. because they’ve been following you.” Zane shook his head, “Yeah but the whole portion of the Galactic Forces officers trying to stop us for security tells me it’d have to be Winona. That makes no sense.” “That’s because of mind control, they were entranced.” I squinted my eyes to the expanse of the sea as we quietly glided. “Like… Sid mind control? Another Amphibian just as powerful?” Please don’t tell me Sid somehow survived. “No, I’m talking mind control through music. Through imagery.” Nethander said as if this were a known fact. “Zing is a S.S. member, isn’t he?” Zane asked, quietly thinking to himself. “Indeed. After of hundreds of surgeries he doesn’t even look a hair Sequoian.” “So they control anything connected to the intergalactic web and radio I presume?” I said, almost to myself in the back. Nethander said dryly, “Yes and a lot more than that I’m afraid.”

Hey guys! I apologize for my hiatus but I know some of you follow this story and are expecting an update/notification. Just so you all know - I didn't fully hint at it- I, Rayne Griff is ended. However, the third book in the series: I, Grelda Orion has just begun. If that hyperlink doesn't work you can access it here: I will be posting on there from now on if anyone wants to keep up with the story! Thank you all for the continuous support and feedback of the story☺️

I'm going to finish this book series, I swore to myself I would. If anyone stuck with me on the first two, here's the beginning of the third. So, let me explain... I, Rayne Griff I kept dragging on for the cute ABDL scenes although the plot was done, but to be quite honest, I hadn't fully decided if it was the complete end or not. After my hiatus, I decided to put one beast of a story to bed and begin writing the last one(Will it be the last? Who really knows, haha! Let's be honest here: are my story lines ever really over?). Anywho, any new people to the trilogy, catch up with the story down below! If you're looking for a futuristic, sci-fy story about diapers, a DD/LG love story, supernatural powers, robots etc. you came to the right place. I can promise it's more than what just meets the eye... ____ For those of you who are new to this story and looking for a good ABDL binge read, I encourage you to read I, Bot 404 {Book 1}. This is a sci-fy story with an ABDL twist. Bot 404 awakes in the Sequoia Airspace, the heart of intergalactic slave trade, and things seem off. Bot 404 learns slowly from other bots mistakes how to escape from being terminated. This bot finds that she isn't a bot, and something much more than that, a human. Through a train of memories, Bot 404, otherwise known as Rayne Griff, learns her past, and, eventually, learns how serious the present is. What the future must hold? Only she can decide that. Then, check out the second book: I, Rayne Griff {Book 2}. So you heard the story, huh? Think you know it all? Well, guess again. Rayne and Zane test their love through time in this second edition of I, Bot 404 where Rayne learn where her trust truly lies. More action? Yep. More diapers? Of course. More spankings? Unfortunately so for Rayne. Can she stay out of trouble this time around? You'll have to find out. ____ I, Grelda Orion Book 3 Chapter 1: Supposedly, Royally Pissed Off Equals PTSD “How do you feel today, Miss Griff?” Dr. Silvia looked up from behind her square glasses, her eyes constricting as they looked at me. We were on a first name basis, and, supposedly, this was a mental and emotional exam to decide if I was cleared or not to stay with the UGNF before being discharged. Winona said she’d grant me a psychological clearance before I officially left the Intergalactic Space Station. “Great.” I said, with a convincing smile. Dr. Silvia was mainly a human; however, her eyes gave away that she was part Amphibian which gave her special powers to be an empath and hear thoughts. She was one of the nicest Amphibians I had ever met but I was forced to do one full session with her before her diagnosis or lack thereof. I was fine, really, just a bit mad at Zane and trying my hardest to stay on the Intergalactic Space Station. I wasn't going to accept being discharged until all of my resources were exhausted. She scrolled through my chart on her dark glass tablet, “What issues or symptoms have you had since the event?” I blinked, “Uh, what event?” Dr. Silvia took a long look at me, her dark brown eyes fully dilating and she looked down, writing with her stylus quickly over here iGlass that had a privacy screen darkener inlayed on the tablet. “When Sid killed Zane and you revived Zane with your gift.” She said, setting down her stylus and clasping her hands on her light beige colored pants. I gulped, “I mean, no symptoms that I know of.” I shrugged, I didn’t feel much different. I wanted to keep going, to keep fighting a war that wasn’t over until all bots were freed and Nefareons weren’t in tanks underground. Dr. Silvia gave a warm smile with her small lips, “You can be open with me, Rayne. Anything you say stays between me and you. You don’t have to lie, because, as you know, I can tell.” Her eyes watched me carefully as I nodded. “I just don’t know why Zane would say I’m not emotionally stable. It’s an unfair statement because the Galactic Forces is my passion and without it, I’m nothing.” I said in a matter-of-fact way. Dr. Silvia cleared her throat, “Well, from what I’ve gathered, you haven’t been eating, sleeping, showering or taking care of yourself. Although, I know your relationship with Zane is a bit skewed from the norm, that disregards the fact that you haven’t been behaving as usual.” She spoke, with a platter of things that hurt to hear. I blinked, “I’ve been sleeping and eating, I just haven’t had an appetite is all.” I said, in defense. “Have you had any bouts of incontinence?” I gulped, looking down as I felt tears gathering, “You already know the answer. What’s the point of this?” She took a tissue box and angled it towards me. I shook my head at it and looked to her bookcase, trying not to think. Dr. Silvia spoke, “You requested a psychological clearance. Have you had any memory lapses?” She asked genuinely. I squinted my eyes, confused at such a silly question, “No, why?” “Some people dealing with trauma can have memory issues.” “I didn’t deal with trauma; if anything, Zane did.” I said, becoming agitated that she was acting like I was emotionally disturbed. I wasn’t, really. “And that’s why he’s deciding to take a voluntary leave from the UGNF for some time with you.” Dr. Silvia said with an encouraging smile, as if I should be happy about it. I shook my head, “This is ridiculous. What’s the point of trying anymore?” I said, crossing my arms and realizing I was getting nowhere with convincing her I was fine. “Rayne, what do you want from life?” To free all of the bots and Nefareons. “For yourself, not for anyone else?” I squinted, shaking my head, “That doesn’t matter.” “And that’s the reason why I can’t clear you. Even if you lied to me, I can’t because I feel that you’re not taking care of yourself and have destructive behaviors.” She stood, taking out her stylus again on her tablet, “I’m going to set you up with a trusted therapist on Hanna and we will meet again when your mentally stable and ready to come back, okay?” I rolled my eyes, “This is so fucking stupid. I don’t even care anymore.” I said, sullenly as Dr. Silvia opened the door and Zane was outside, sitting on the waiting chair. Zane stood and spoke with the doctor outside the room. I sunk down in the chair, not wanting to move. I was pissed. Pissed at Dr. Silvia. Pissed at Winona. Most of all, I was pissed at Zane. I could hear Zane in a low voice apologizing for my behavior. I rolled my eyes; he always acted as if I were the problem yet he was the reason why I was in this therapist's office in the first place. “Oh no, it’s fine. Agitation is a normal symptom of PTSD. She’s going to be going through a wide range of emotions and that’s completely okay. It’s interesting, your relationship dynamic, because it has been clinically proven to improve depression, anxiety and symptoms of PTSD even so I would encourage it when you two go back.” I squinted my eyes at her talking to Zane about our CGL dynamic and encouraging him. Ugh, I didn’t need that right now, not one bit. Zane peaked behind the door, “Come on Rayne, how about we get going, hm?” His dominating and coaxing tone hinting the sentence. I almost rolled my eyes. I gave him a long stare with a blank expression before standing and quietly trailing behind him out of the hospital floor. I was packed to leave, but I didn’t want to. Gemma hugged me when we got back and Zane told Gemma it was official that we were leaving, “Awe! I’m going to miss you so much!” She gave me a warm, long hug and I didn’t even hug back, I was still fuming. “I’ll visit, okay? You, Zane, Daryx and Eli are all leaving so I may just have to visit Hanna to see you all.” Eli and Daryx were going back to? I bet they were discharged for the same damn reason: Zane Vandore. Chapter 2: Safety is an Imaginary Blanket As we waited at the Intergalactic Space ships loading dock later that night, I had my hood over my head as I crossed my arms, foot tapping on the ground. Was I mad about the situation? Yes. Was I upset with Zane? Correct. Did I look like a child throwing a tantrum? Absolutely. Zane’s eyes kept floating over to me as he conversed with Daryx and Eli about some intergalactic anti-gravity ball game that was premiering over the weekend. I completely drowned them out, reflecting on all of my time at the Intergalactic Space Station, the place I envisioned myself at since a young girl. It was where I felt most at home, yet that was being taken from me. Walking amongst the best of the best in the UGNF on one of the highest floors of the massive Intergalactic Space Station was a dream come true, one I wish my mom could have seen. At least my dad, Red, saw it, although the whole calling him 'dad' thing may never stick... yeah, I think I'll just keep calling him Red. As I was, admittedly, grumpily looking across the food court down below where we waited, someone familiar caught my eyes. A pair of awkward green eyes behind glasses were looking at me, as if awaiting my eyes to find his. I looked at the hologram clock on the wall. Our spacecraft would be boarding in a few minutes… what did I care if I didn’t make it? It wasn't my choice to leave anyways. I got up, hesitating for a moment as I looked over to Zane engrossed in his conversation and shook my head, knowing this may be my last chance to see Calvin. As I began walking towards the escalators, I heard one of the flight attendants announcing my spacecraft boarding. “Group A, for Flight 828 United Intergalactic, please board in a single file line. Thank you.” Of course we were Group A and riding first class, which was stupid because the UGNF was just trying to kiss my diapered ass at this point for sending me home. “Rayne? C’mon, this is us.” Zane said as he stood, gathering our bags and suit cases as his eyes followed me walking away. “I have to do something, I’ll be there in a sec.” I grumbled, not even turning to see his face under my hoodie. “Rayne.” Zane said behind me in a calm tone… which only I knew meant I’d be in trouble if I didn’t listen to him. He already placed me in a diaper for the day from after my failed psychological evaluation for having an ‘attitude’. What else could he do? Spank me? Wow, so scary. I ignored him as I weaved through people towards the escalators to the food court below. I began walking quickly down the long escalator, squeezing past people to hurry. I met Calvin’s eyes as I met him near the stairway by the escalators. He took my wrist, pulling me underneath the bridge of the stairway near a self-service recycled water fountain. I blinked, realizing there was something going through his mind that was of a serious nature. I had never seen him hold such a serious gaze before. “Do you have your phone on you? Watch?” Calvin said, eyes searching mine. I frowned, Zane confiscated them so… “No.” I shook my head, confused at his odd questions. “They are watching you, Rayne. I know we don’t have much time and me just telling you this puts my life on the line but I felt the moral obligation to tell you: You and Zane need to get to somewhere safe when you go back, okay?” He said quickly, urgently. They? Did I hear that right? I shook my head, almost smiling, “Who is ‘they’ Calvin? And the UGNF is completely safe now, we caught most, if not all, of the Valorion Supremacy members in the UGN and sent them to intergalactic prison. And we’re going to one of their safe houses so we’ll be fine.” I said, shaking my head and brushing off the silly thought that we were still in danger. Maybe he hadn’t heard the news? A lot had changed since, after all. “The safe house is not safe. Nor is the UGN or the UGNF. Don’t go there, say you two are going on vacation. Leave, immediately, don’t tell anyone where you’re going. You provided them with something they’ve been waiting and searching for and now many people are in danger.” Calvin said, slowly, as if thinking carefully what to say and when to say it. I shook my head, “But who is ‘they’? I don’t get it.” “The S.S. Rayne, the fucking S.S.” He stared at me as I blinked back, confused. He said in a urgent hush, “The ancient Sequoian Society.” I frowned, blinking rapidly as if he were pulling my leg. I had heard of the Sequoian Society, one that had been alive hundreds of years ago in Valorion history books. The S.S. had paved the current laws and regulations of Valorion. They were what gave Valorion strict rules and regulations and were the greatest source of merciless reign, vindication and uncivilized power over hundreds and thousands of years. After the intergalactic slave trade got to all-time highs and began emanating to far places such as Earth and Orion’s Belt, the United Galactic Forces united to regain power over the galaxies. Many intergalactic wars later, the S.S. disappeared completely, and what was left was a new government in Valorion that had to change many statutes to still keep their intergalactic trades from embargo. However, as far as I knew and had heard from Zane, the Valorion Supremacy was the only black market, underground secret in the shadows of Valorion. I had never even heard of the ancient S.S. besides textbooks. The S.S. was something that was taught in every history class around the galaxies because of the enslavery of Zanthor and Saiph, ending in total annihilation of one ancient planet: Zanthor. The annihilation led to planets realizing it was time to set differences aside and create a force greater the the S.S. to deplete Valorion’s power and cease it’s immoral and cruel acts. Humanitarianism had no place with the S.S. and that meant they had to be overthrown. So after Valorion’s defeat, the United Galactic Nations swore to step in whenever necessary to protect the galaxies, hence creating the United Galactic Nations Forces. This was the sole reason why I admired the UGN so fondly because the Forces were the true protectors of the galaxies. Without the UGN, the galaxies would be in complete chaos. These thoughts ran through my brain and so many questions surfaced as I could hear the final boarding group being called above. I gritted my teeth, wanting to know so much more, yet I didn't have enough time. For the first time, Calvin hugged me, whispering quickly in my ear, “Your coordinates are real, don’t search them anymore. Anywhere. Meet me at the stroke of midnight at the training base, August 8th. I can take you there, trust me.” He pulled away, walking briskly past me and not looking back. I blinked, in a daze as I processed what he said… the coordinates were real? And, August 8th… that was in a month! How were we supposed to hide for that long knowing what I know?! Was this a joke? Or real? It must be, but nothing made quite enough sense. The only thing that did make sense: my mom didn’t write nonsense on a piece of paper. She wanted me to find her and Calvin was going to be the one to help me. I would go to the ends of the galaxies to find her, no matter what dangers may lie ahead.

I'm not a caregiver by any means but I thought I'd comment because I enjoy your comments and stories and you actually live in my area!! I don't know why but I was curious to see what ABDLs live over here in the NWI/Chicago radius and was happily surprised to see that a member on here that I am familiar with lives out here, haha. It's always nice to know that I am not the only Chicagoland DD frequenter.? Anywho, I wish you luck in finding a CG!?

Why hello everyone! I had a chapter I wrote and hadn't posted so here's another. I appreciate all of your comments and wouldn't have posted this last one for another month if not for seeing your guy's feedback and enjoyment of the story, haha. I'm almost graduated and am close to having the summer off which means more content from me very soon! Thanks for everyone's patience with my stories ? Chapter 6 After drinking my cranberry juice, Daniel let me go to my room. What would I do if I could only use the TV or my phone for thirty minutes? I didn’t have really anything. When I walked in my room, I saw a box of crayons and a coloring book on my bed that had my recently washed comforter on it and the bed was made. I stood there, looking at the 64 pack of crayons and flipping through the dinosaur coloring book. “I know it’s not much,” I jumped, realizing Daniel was behind me, “but I thought it’d give you something to do. Maybe tomorrow I’ll take you to the bookstore and we can get some books?” He tilted his head as he leaned against my doorless frame. His eyes looked weary, with bags under them. I guess that’s how I’d look without my long nap. Maybe I wasn’t the only one who didn’t sleep last night? He reminded me almost of a tired dad. I blinked, thinking about that word and what the idea of a father once meant. I didn’t have any contact with him anymore, which was a sad thought. I had always been a tomboy growing up, always closest to my dad no matter how much my youngest sister competed for his love. I was always the hardest worker between them, one that looked the closest to my father. I had his green eyes, dull brown hair and a stupid, small bump on my nose that looked like I accidentally ran into a door and never got it fixed. My sisters Zoey and Gretchen, however, inherited my mother’s beautifully ski-slope nose, blonde hair and brown eyes. Zoey, my middle sister, had the prettiest qualities and was already getting attraction from guys in only middle school. I had to act like she already had a boyfriend once to ward off a weird kid trying to date her that she didn’t like. I missed my sisters. They always did stupid things with me and we always pranked each other and our mom. Of course, mother was never a fan of our scheming nature. Her and I always had butt heads, ever since I was very young. She always said I was the mistake that turned out to be a happy accident. That I was the coal that turned into a diamond when I was accepted into Harvard. My mother always had reminded me that she didn’t go to college because she had me. That she married my father because shehadto. That she raised us and I was the most difficult child. That I was still and forever would be, the most difficult child. No matter how hard I worked, it wouldn’t matter, because I was still a lost cause, a disappointment to the family. The list was a hard pill to swallow, but I always knew I was a burden to the family. Still was, yet I don’t even see them anymore. I gulped, my eyes casting down as I realized Daniel was walking over to me as I spaced out, his long hand easily finding the edge of my diaper, poking inside. “I can just tell you when I’m wet.” I said, looking up and quickly changing my word choice because ‘wet’ sounded like I was sexually excited, “Or you know, used the restroom…” I trailed off, overthinking it. God, leave it to me to take something out of context. It sounded normal when he said it, but when I say it, everything goes downhill. Daniel ignored my sudden awkwardness, his face not showing any indication that he actually was listening, “Do babies tell their parents when they need a change?” He tilted his head, crossing his arms over his chest. Warmth spread across my face, “I mean, they would if they could.” I said quickly, my eyes shifting at his sudden intensity. Daniel chuckled lightly, “I think you’ll understand that I have expectations of you and an attitude is not one of them.” I blinked, shaking my head, “I-I didn’t mean to have an attitude.” I felt my face getting hot and my lip tremble. Was I really going to cry over this? Daniel placed his hand on my back, “It’s okay. I just want you to think before you speak. After a few days you’ll understand the rules more, okay?” He rubbed my upper back and I nodded, the feeling of touch making me feel warm and fuzzy. Daniel’s hand went away and I felt the ghost of his touch as he began walking out of my room, “Bedtime is at 9 PM. You have an hour and a half, I’ll be in my room.” He looked at me wearily for a moment before walking down the hallway to his room. I stared at my leg, in a trance of my own thoughts as I squinted, wondering where my phone was and realizing he said I could only have a half an hour on electronics at a time. The last time I saw it was… yesterday night on my bed stand? How could I be so forgetful!? I looked at my nightstand and my phone was… gone. Daniel confiscated it! Fuck. Me. I tapped my fingers on my bare thigh, feeling the separation anxiety of being away from my phone. I sighed, crawling to the middle of the bed and laying on my tummy, feeling the soft diaper crinkle underneath me. The feeling of my bladder on my stomach was becoming apparent so I decided to sit, Indian positon, although it wasn’t an optimal coloring position. After a few moments of anxiety of sitting and thinking of my own demise, I decided to do something to get my mind off of everything. I opened the 64 pack of crayons, inhaling the magical scent of a new pack of crayons. Memories of being in summer camp as a child coloring went through my mind. Memories of coloring with my sisters when they were younger when I babysat them. Memories that gave me less stress, when times were much simpler. After 20 minutes of coloring, my urge to go to the restroom was becoming too strong. I shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position and ending up standing, doing a potty dance. I finally stopped and stood near my dresser, clutching the dark wood and trying to breathe slow, allowing myself to pee. I was becoming frustrated after a few minutes, still not going. You’d think it’d be easy, right? Yet I couldn’t will myself. It was becoming apparent I was a failure of all trades, even trying to pee in a diaper. Who knew? Surely, not I. On my last attempt, I felt a tickle as I tinkled slowly until a strong stream hit, making me want to stop in the case that the diaper couldn’t hold, yet I couldn’t stop. I could hear the silent hiss of urine and winced, hoping and praying that it wouldn’t leak. After a minute, I was left surprised that it hadn’t. I was scared to move as I shifted, feeling the weight of the diaper hang. Now I was beginning to understand of the importance of taping the diaper snug and how it truly kept the diaper in place. I waddled back to my bed, the pull of the diaper making it harder to walk. As I sat down, I felt the warm squish as I cringed internally. There was some odd satisfaction in the warmth and squishy cushion that I didn’t want to admit to. Some vulnerability and ego stripping that made it almost enjoyable in some twisted way. A half an hour passed and I heard Daniel walking down the hall. My back tensed in anticipation for him to find out. I heard the door close to the bathroom and the shower start and I grumbled in annoyance that I still was wearing a wet diaper that wasn’t pleasant anymore. Couldn’t I get a diaper rash? Could adults even get those? I didn’t want to find the answer out myself but I had a feeling that wasn’t healthy for women’s reproductive organs. I sat on my back for about five minutes, still irritated that I was waiting to be changed. Not only that, but I was tremendously bored. The coloring only kept me engaged for as little as twenty minutes. The lack of my phone and social media was making me wonder what my old friends and people I knew were doing. Had anyone messaged me? Had my manager texted me about next weeks schedule? Daniel said I could quit, but I decided it was healthy enough to work there once a week at the least. I sighed, getting up and wincing as the cold diaper moved with me and I waddled out of the room, creeping quietly like a mouse down the hallway. I tiptoed passed the bathroom towards Daniels room as it was ajar, with the light on. I pushed it open, slivering in and widening my eyes at the large room with a walk-in closet. There was a huge California king size bed in the center, one warm grey-almost-brown wall that the bed rested upon and white walls surrounding. There were soft white lamps that illuminated the room with dark brown dressers and artwork hung up. I nudged myself out of my moment, awing his invitingly decorated room and looking to his dresser and nightstand tops for my phone. I waddled over to his dresser, opening the top door slowly and seeing it was his underwear drawer. Neatly folded. Hanes briefs to be exact. Definitely not my phone. I grumbled, hand moving to the next drawer. “What are you doing in my room?” I yelped, my heart suddenly pounding as I met Daniel’s deadpanned face, staring at me unblinkingly. He seemed irritated, quietly walking in and setting his clothes into a hamper, resting his hands on his hips as he looked at me. He was waiting for a response as I still looked like I got caught trying to steal cookies out of a cookie jar. I didn’t want to speak, just crawl in a hole because I was caught. He took fast showers! The silence drove me to stutter, “I-I just was…” I looked behind me to his opened underwear drawer, “looking for my phone.” I held my elbow and bit my lip as my eyes cast to the ground in embarrassment. “Do you think you’re going to get it now from your recent actions?” He tilted his head, his question thought provoking and making me feel guilty. I felt my eyes water as I shook my head, “No.” I said in a whisper. Daniel sighed, shaking his head in disappointment, “Go to your room.” I walked out slowly, a few tears falling down my face as I waddled down the hallway in disgrace. I was humiliated to be in a diaper, but now guilty for being caught trying to uncover Daniel’s secret hiding place for my phone. Why was I such an awful, despicable person? I was disgusted with myself. I laid on my bed, clasping my hands over my stomach as I waited. A few minutes later, Daniel came in, going to my dresser and pulling out diaper supplies from the top drawer. So that’s where he was keeping them? I blushed, looking to the ceiling. He came over to me, untaping the heavy wet diaper and taking out wipes. Daniel was quiet and when I glanced at his face, he looked to be quietly fuming. He focused on the diaper change and didn’t look up to me as he went. After the change, he finally spoke, “I was going to let you wear underwear for most of tomorrow but you have earned yourself a full day in pull-ups.” Daniel stood, throwing the rolled up dirty diaper in the waste basket. Daniel looked at me for the first time since he came in the room with a serious look in his brown eyes, “Also, you are not allowed any electronic time tomorrow and I’m cutting your bedtime to 8:30 tonight.” He crossed his arms, giving me a stern look to let me know I was in trouble. I shifted sadly on my bottom and frowned, knowing I messed up. Why was I so stupid? “I’ll be back, little miss.” If the wordslittle missdidn’t mean Daniel was mad at me, I don’t know what else would have been a better indication. Daniel walked out, heading down the stairs. I threw my face into the pillow and grumbled into it. This sucked! I worked a half-day tomorrow, had a doctor’s appointment AND now had to wear a pull-up all day? Not to mention, I wasn’t even tired! How was I supposed to go to sleep? These were kind of steep punishments for going into his room while he was taking a shower! He came back with a cup, no… bottle in his hands that I stared at for a moment in confusion. It had milk in it and a nipple on it like a baby’s bottle. The next part that surprised me was he sat on my papasan chair, patting his lap with my purple blanket in his arms. I hesitated, wondering if he were serious. A moment later I got up, walking over in obedience as I laid on his lap, surprised he even wanted to be close to me after I broke his trust. I was tense as he pulled me into a cradle and cuddled the purple blanket over me. I felt swaddled, and cuddly, almost instantly as the nipple of the bottle fell between my lips before I had a moment to fully immerse myself into what was happening. A warm, honey-like, milk spilled between the teat of the bottle as I sucked slowly. It was calming, although I knew Daniel was mad, being in his arms and feeling so cared for. I met Daniel’s eyes watching me with a slight smile on his face, as if he was actually enjoying watching me drink from the bottle. I found a rhythm and the slow rhythm was becoming soothing. Within minutes I finished the bottle, surprising myself. He took it away and I thought he would place me in my bed right after, yet he didn’t. He began playing with my hair, brushing it with his fingertips. The touch of his gentle fingers brought me to a state of love. Not that I had it for him, but it made me feel loved. My eyes began closing in peace and enjoyment of the sensation. I was actually becoming sleepy, which was odd because I never got tired at this time. He stood with me in his arms, placing me on my bed and tucking me in. He flicked off my light and came over to my bedside, kissing my head. In the dark, I looked up to him with sad puppy eyes, wondering why he was being so nice to such a disappointment of a person like myself. Within minutes, I fell asleep against my usual bedtime pattern.

As always, I work on certain stories at different times and decided to finally post this chapter as it has been written for a while now but I didn't know the exact direction I was steering this. Here's a long chapter for the awaited return of this story. Thanks for your patience with me ❤️ Chapter 22 Hayden pivoted, turning quickly as she walked back to Saul’s room that she had been playing in.“Hayden! That’s rude to not say hi to our guests.” Saul said behind Hayden, beginning to walk towards the little who was instantly reacting. Hayden closed the door, locking it as she began panicking. No, no, no. They’re not here, it’s all a nightmare, Hayden thought to herself as she pressed her hand on her forehead. Saul pounded on the door, “I’ll give you three seconds to open this door, young girl.” He said in a calm anger behind the door, becoming inpatient from the sudden different behavior Hayden had taken on it a few seconds. Hayden took off her frilly socks, throwing them across the room in frustration as she spit out her pacifier. What should she do? Open the door and accept her fate or… run? Where the hell would she run? It was apparent that she was going back to the Boarding Lodge. Where else would she go? Carey and Chase were supposed to be here to pick her up at 3 and the Grandmothers showed up. This couldn’t be, it just couldn’t! Hayden thought. Saul began, slowly, “One.” He fished through his pocket for his key to the door. Hayden paced, scared as she looked at the door, hands sweaty. “Two.” He placed his key in the doorknob’s keyhole. Grandmother Anne Marie clasped her hands, smiling at Saul’s very mature manner in dealing with a naughty little. Hayden gulped, walking up to the doorknob and placing her hand on it. Saul began, becoming irritated that she was making such a scene, “Thr-“ His eyes widened in surprise, the doorknob dropping in temperature. It felt like ice as he pulled back his hand back, the key stuck in the keyhole. Frost grew in a lattice around the doorknob and around the door. Hayden breathed out, confused why Saul stopped counting. Her hand pulled back, as she looked at the doorknob, seeing ice around the knob. She squinted, confused as she looked at her hand. Hayden hadn’t felt anything. Why was the knob suddenly frozen? Odd. “You may want to break through the door.” Grandmother Anne Marie said calmly behind Saul as she fixed her cardigan as if she didn’t notice that Hayden had frosted the door. She had a feeling Hayden would find out her magical abilities soon; however, she was hoping it wouldn’t have been this soon. It was time for the Grandmothers to step in once more, that was apparent. Saul sighed, “I had a feeling I’d have to do that.” He grunted as he put his kicked the door. Hayden jumped, her heart racing as she heard a large boom and the door cracking. Another kick and the door swung open as she felt herself wet her diaper in fear. “Come here, now.” Saul said, anger hinting his voice as he stormed in. Hayden had never seen him this angry, which was very alarming to her small self seeing this tall, intimidating man walking towards her with an irritated look on his face. Grandmother Anne Marie said behind him, “Tsk, tsk, tsk. You haven’t changed a bit, have you little one?” She smiled under her rosy red cheeks, delighted to see little Hayden already flustered. Hayden’s face was flushed already as she said, “You can try to change me again, but I have a feeling you won’t be successful.” The Grandmother’s lips puckered, surprised by the sudden mature voice from the little, “Silly girl… we aren’t here to change who you are, just the way you behave.” Her head cocked to the side, studying the girl’s face, as Saul let go of Hayden’s wrist, sighing as he saw her socks flung across his dresser. It was a bummer to him that he had to get a new door, but Hayden throwing a tantrum and throwing her socks on his dresser was going to get him to a new level of anger that he didn’t want to embark on just yet. “Let’s go to the kitchen, shall we?” Saul asked, grabbing the socks off of his dresser. The Grandmother came over to Hayden, picking the girl up in a quick swoop, “Of course.” Hayden squirmed in the Grandmother’s arms, not wanting to be anywhere near her, let alone in her arms. The Grandmother smiled down to Hayden as she patted the girls squishy diaper. Hayden’s body was tense and she felt on edge already in the older woman’s arms. It only made it worse that the Grandmother was pressing a wet diaper into her to remind her that she was in control, not Hayden. Hayden was placed on the chair at the head of the table where Grandmother Whitney sat, awaiting the others patiently. She smiled at Hayden who looked down at the table, wondering how much the Grandmothers knew or if Saul set up Hayden for some type of revenge. It seemed too good to be true how nice and loving he was being to her, after all. Maybe, just maybe, Chase and Carey were coming later and this was just a visit. Hayden could only hope at this point. Hayden was frozen, petrified. She knew this was eventually going to come back to bite her in the butt; she didn’t know it’d be this soon and unexpected. There was a silence as Saul studied Hayden’s quite sudden behavioral change. She was acting mature, like an adult, which was frowned upon, especially in front of these three people. He was hoping that she would be acting innocent and this would go much smoother than it had already… yet here he was, needing to replace a door and she was already acting out of sorts. “Would you like to explain yourself?” Grandmother Anne Marie sat, folding her hands in her lap as she studied Hayden. Hayden shifted, feeling her warm diaper between her legs, “Huh?” She cocked her head, playing dumb. Saul blinked, surprised at how Hayden was acting. This was nothing like what he had seen the past two days. She was cuddly, a bit on the timid side and, surprising to Saul, quite playful. She had a lot of energy and Saul had to tickle her and play games to keep her busy. It was a job Saul enjoyed because she never bored him. There was so much he had wanted to do with her, like going to the zoo or to the museum. He didn’t know if he would have that opportunity if she kept behaving as such. Grandmother Anne Marie stared at the red cheeked girl who looked confused, “Don’t make this harder than it should be, Hayden.” Hayden gulped, looking at the table, “What would you like to know?” Hayden met Grandmother Anne Marie and then Saul’s eyes. Saul was taken aback by her sudden adult-like voice from only hearing her talk behind a pacifier for so long or in a toddler’s voice. Grandmother Anne Marie blinked away,trying to keep a pleasant composure as she felt her patience wearing thin, very very thin. She directed her gaze to Saul who sat back, crossing his arms as he cleared his throat, “I want to know about the Rebels.” Hayden smiled, crossing her arms and sitting back like Saul as she cleared her throat in a mocking way, “I would like to know about the Hunters.” Saul rose his eyebrows at Hayden, her sudden smart attitude throwing him off. “Does someone need a spanking first?” Saul said, leaning forward as Grandmother Anne Marie smiled. Hayden frowned, a silence filling the room as her green eyes looked thoughtfully at the table. Saul said, “Hm?” As they all waited for a response from the little. Hayden spoke, “First of all, we go by Little Thieves, not Rebels.” Her voice steady, as she met Saul’s light grey ones and he smiled, his fingers grazing his beard as he heard her speak, “Second off, I’m the leader. Thirdly, I’m not saying anything further.” Her mouth fell into a line, looking from Grandmother Whitney, to Anne Marie and Saul with a serious expression. A moment of silence passed as they all looked at her little flushed red cheeks and bright green eyes staring back with a grumpy look. After a moment, the four Elders burst out laughing at her cute attempt to act like she had the upper hand in this discussion. She was brave, that was certain, but little Hayden didn’t know what they knew. Grandmother Whitney stood up, walking over to her diaper bag on the counter and fishing through it. The Grandmother had enough of Anne Marie’s mental game with a girl who was not going to play nice and she didn’t want the baby to have a worse punishment than what the other Grandmother had been already drafting in her head . She found what she wanted as she walked over to the table, kneeling near Hayden with a jar. She opened the jar of applesauce and dipped a baby spoon into it, “Say ‘Ah!’.” Grandmother Whitney smiled at Hayden in encouragement and Hayden held her lips tightly together. Saul stood, kneeling on the other side of Hayden, “Be a good girl and do what Grandma tells you, babygirl.” Grandmother Whitney tried again, bringing the spoon up to Hayden’s mouth. Hayden was silently fuming as she hated the treatment. She swatted the baby spoon away, it clattering on the ground, but a bit of the goop flinging back at Grandmother Whitney’s chin. Grandmother Whitney went to reach for the spoon but Saul grabbed it, “Please, sit. I’ll take care of her.” Hayden gulped, nervously shifting in her diaper that was turning cold. She felt herself raised in the air as her feet dangled and her heart began pounding again. Saul sat in her chair, turning her over in his lap as air left her lungs as her stomach was over his lap. She felt swats on the back of her thighs, below her diaper. He spanked her on the back of her wet diaper a few times as she squirmed, accepting her fate. A few minutes later, he pulled her up and turned Hayden to face him, “Should I continue or are you going to apologize to Grandmother Whitney?” He cocked his head, studying her flushed face. Hayden looked like she was about to cry as her bottom lip trembled. “I’m sorry I wasn’t hungry, Grandmother Whitney.” She looked innocently back at the sweetest Grandmother of the trio and felt herself being roughly pulled back over Saul’s lap in a grunt. Saul kept going for a while longer as Hayden felt so much pain on the back of her upper thighs and she even wetted herself as he kept going. “He definitely gives a better hand spanking than two of us combined.” Grandmother Anne Marie commented between the noise of crinkles and loud swats echoing the room. Saul stopped after a few minutes, pulling her up again. Hayden had a few tears staining her face, “Now, I’ll give you two options: You can cooperate with us, or I can take off your diaper, give you another spanking on your bare bottom, and then you can have a sleepover at the Grandmothers.” Hayden’s eyebrows furrowed, confused. Did he say sleepover there? As if she had an option to stay at Sauls? Hayden was beyond confused on what he implied, but she decided to take the better option. “I’m sorry, Grandma Whitney.” She wiped away her tears streaming down her face. Grandmother Whitney reopened her jar as Grandmother Anne Marie quietly fumed, watching Hayden closely. Grandmother Anne Marie knew that if Hayden had smacked the spoon away from her, she’d be in for a rude awakening. Her fingers tapped her leg as she watched Hayden carefully, as if waiting to step in at any moment. Saul brought Hayden to sit on his lap as Grandmother Whitney slowly brought the spoon up to Hayden’s mouth, waiting for the girl to open her mouth. Hayden hesitated, staring at the seemingly innocent applesauce. She didn’t know exactly what the applesauce had in it, but it had to be something bad. Maybe a laxative or maybe it was some type of poison. Hayden didn’t want to find out but she was forced to either way. Hayden opened her mouth, licking the spoon and swishing it in her mouth slowly before swallowing it. It tasted like harmless applesauce, nothing hinting at some malicious plot to Hayden. Maybe it was only apple sauce? Hayden thought to herself, looking at the jar and wanting some more from the taste. “That’s a good girl.” Saul said, squeezing Hayden’s side. Hayden felt the roof of her mouth with her tongue, her mouth beginning to tingle. She squinted, confused as Saul stood, placing Hayden in the chair. Hayden felt her mouth drool and tingle, as if she was thinking of some type of savory food. “Now, back to business.” Saul said, taking out his notepad and pencil, “Where are the safe houses?” Hayden opened her mouth, “Petr-“ She stopped herself, almost finishing the first word, as if her mouth had a mind of it’s own speaking words she did not intend to say. She shook her head, beginning again, “I-I’m not-“ Her voice cracked, “Petridge- mnmmph.” She covered her mouth with both hands as she had already given a clue involuntarily to Carey and Chase’s safe house. It’s not like it was an active safe house considering all the littles should be gone by now if Carey and Chase were successful over the weekend. “Petridge Peak? Hm.” Saul wrote in his notebook quickly as Hayden shifted, feeling lost for words as she took her hands away. “Give me another.” Saul said, finishing writing as he looked up to meet Hayden’s gaze. “Amber-mmhpgph“ She covered her mouth again with her hands, muffling the words. Whatever applesauce they gave her was some type of magic that was making Hayden be far too honest. Hayden couldn’t tell all of the Thieves secrets to the Hunters. It would ruin them forever… however, Hayden didn’t know where Violet and the others were taken too, so maybe they were the only safe littles if Hayden was forced to tell them everything. Grandmother Anne Marie stood, going to the diaper bag and pulling out her mitten restraints. She yanked Hayden’s hand away from her mouth as a mitten was brought over her hand. “No!” Hayden squeaked as the other hand was mittened and both were clipped to the back the chair. Hayden squirmed, feeling completely defeated. “There, there. Nothing you aren’t used to, hm?” Grandmother Anne Marie said, patting Hayden’s head before sitting back down. Hayden wanted to hiss at the Grandmother but she bit her tongue, trying to blink away the glare she almost cast towards the Grandmother. Little did Hayden know, Grandmother Anne Marie caught the half-second of the glare, taking mental note of it. “Amber…?” Saul asked, eyes studying Hayden’s watery green ones. “Pines. 9109 North Lane.” Hayden said, eyes closing as tears fell and she sniffled softly. Saul wrote quickly. “Just tell me them all and maybe you’ll get a treat later. I bet someone would like that, hm?” Saul said, encouraging Hayden to keep going. He wanted her to be good and work with them, more than anything. As much as he knew she needed a good bare-bottom spanking, he didn’t want to see her in any more pain. She needed a good coddling after the most recent one, after all. Hayden blinked, “I don’t want anything, anymore.” She said, hope leaving her completely. Grandmother Whitney squeezed Hayden’s cheek, “Oh my, I bet a little baby would love some cooking and milk later! How does that sound?” Her blue eyes looking happily at the once beloved little. Hayden blinked away from the Grandmother, looking down at her lap. Her diaper was puffy between her legs and soaked. A change in diaper and cookies and milk did sound good… but it wasn’t worth endangering her friends. Hayden gulped. There had to be some other way to not tell Saul all of her secrets, right? She sat there thinking quickly. Why could she say ‘no’ or other things, yet when asked, she could only reply honestly? Maybe, distracting herself was the only way to avoid this all. Saul studied Hayden’s despondent face, sighing, “Be a good girl and give me another safe house location.” He was hoping a sentiment of encouragement would nudge her in the right direction. Hayden tried ignoring the question, thinking about something, anything else, “When I was 14 I stole earrings with my so called new ‘friends’. I never had really anything growing up. No solid home. No money. No friends. No real family.” She paused, eyes searching the wood as if she were being honest with herself, “Yet, I thought stealing earrings would give my life something… different, valuable.” She smiled, shaking her head as Saul gave Grandmother Anne Marie a look, questioning if the applesauce was working anymore. “Looking back, it wasn’t the earrings that were important; it was the act itself that created a bond between me and my newfound friends that made my life valuable, important.” Hayden said, smiling to herself, “Those friends became my new family, my solid home.” Saul interrupted her, “Hayden.” He said with a stern, inpatient tone, “Be a good girl now.” He cocked his head at her, awaiting a better response. She continued, ignoring him, “Nothing else mattered, besides my friends. They would do anything for me, and I would do the same. I will always and continue to do the same.” Hayden looked up, meeting Saul’s eyes with a steady gaze. One of the Grandmother’s scoffed, “That’s it! I’ve had enough of this.” Grandmother Anne Marie stood, her chair screeching backwards. Hayden blinked at the sudden noise, seeing the Grandmother obviously perturbed. Hayden gulped, looking towards the table with a nervous tickle in her stomach. The Grandmother rummaged through her bag, pulling out a few items and walking over to Hayden, unlatching her mittens from the chair and pulling Hayden to stand. She pushed Hayden down as she moved the chair away, placing the little on her stomach on the table, unsnapping the onesie’s crotch, and taking off the tapes of the little’s diaper, letting it drop to the ground. She began paddling Hayden’s bottom with her wooden switch. Saul flinched as he heard the first swat, not expecting it to land so hard on his little’s bottom. Saul was strong and well-built, but even a swat like that would send him into excruciating pain. “I want to hear you count.” Grandmother Anne Marie said. Hayden closed her eyes, biting back her venom, not saying a word. Another hard swat hit Hayden’s bottom, turning red quickly. The table screeched forward as the third hit landed on her bottom. “I don’t hear any numbers. Have you forgotten your numbers already?” Grandmother Anne Marie paused, awaiting a response as she changed hands with the paddle. This little was not budging, hm?The Grandmother thought. “47.” Hayden said, clenching her jaw. The Grandmother gave an inquisitive look to the other Elders at the table. Saul sighed, shaking his head and crossing his arms, “She’s being smart.” Grandmother Anne Marie, “Can you please explain, Saul?” “47 lives I’ve saved.” Hayden spoke, her jaw tight as her eyes traced the wood carvings on the table. Grandmother Anne Marie stared at the girl’s red bottom, wondering how many spanks she could give the girl before breaking her… yet that still may not do it. “Why don’t we just speed this process up and send me to the Happy Baby Hospital? We all know where this is going to end.” Hayden said dejectedly as her finger traced the wood. Saul blinked, his mind beginning to worry that the Grandmother’s would consider this option. He didn’t want that for his baby. Smart girl,Grandmother Anne Marie thought to herself. The little was correct, if the Grandmothers couldn’t fix her, the only solution was a permanent one, yet, Hayden, no matter how traumatized, wouldn’t change. It was who the little was, Grandmother Anne Marie knew that. Would anything truly break the girl into a good little ever again? The Grandmother eyed one of her favorite hunter’s for a moment, knowing he was a good man. He showed very high interest in Hayden and was interfering with the Grandmother’s usual approach to handling relapsed little’s after all. Could he be the answer? After a moment of pause, she stuck out the handle of the wooden holed paddle to Saul. Saul looked at the switch for a moment, thoughtful. He never considered himself cruel, by any means, but if he needed to prove that he’d be an effective caretaker for Hayden to the Grandmother’s then he’d have to step up to the plate. Hayden fidgeted, shifting a bit uncomfortably as she could see Saul stand behind her. The paddle’s holes brushed her bare, tender bottom as she gulped. Grandmother Anne Marie noticed the sudden change of attitude… Interesting, she thought. Did little Hayden like Saul? The Grandmother sat, watching them as if it were an enjoyable show. The only thing missing was popcorn! A surprisingly hard spank hit Hayden as she whimpered, feeling the immediate sting spreading. “Ten spanks, but that won’t be in effect until you start counting, little one.” Saul said sternly, holding down a foot. Grandmother Anne Marie smiled at Saul’s sudden command and dominance. Hayden felt tears beginning to form once more. Saul gave painful spankings with only his hand and the wooden paddle nearly tripled the pain. Hayden didn’t know if she could take ten more of those; it was far too painful and Grandmother Anne Marie had already warmed her bottom up. Grandmother Anne Marie snickered to herself, already thoroughly enjoying how demanding and controlling Saul was; she knew he’d be a good daddy, but she didn’t know how good he was at taking control of bad littles until now. Another loud smack resonated in the room and Hayden squeaked, “One!” She quickly said, giving up the fight as she felt a tear at the corner of her eye. A corner of Saul’s mouth went up in relief that she finally broke her sudden tough girl persona and caved into listening to her Elders. Maybe a spanking would soften her a bit. A few spanks later, Hayden’s legs were trembling, “Seven.” Her stomach pressed into the table, using her abdominal muscles to keep her on the table. She wanted to crash to the floor but Hayden knew that they’d make her get back up, or worse, repeat all ten spanks. Hayden was not going to do that. Tears were flowing down her face and she whimpered when another swat stung her, “Eight.” She wanted to cup her bottom in pure agony. She’d be bruised for days after this. She jumped on the ninth, feeling her bladder release from the numbness radiating through her behind, “N-nine.” She felt the warm wetness rolling down her inner thigh. Saul paused on the last one, seeing a tinkle of pee going down her leg. He felt some guilt, feeling weary that her bottom was tender and would have stopped, if not for the Grandmother’s watching him. Hayden whimpered loudly at the last swat, surprisingly much less menacing then the last nine swats, hit her, “Ten.” She began standing as she was pushed back down on her stomach. “Ah, ah, who said you can move yet, little sweetie?” Grandmother Anne Marie said with a twisted smile. Hayden was breathing hoarsely and still whimpering, uncomfortably shifting. Couldn’t this torment be over? Was this not enough for them? Saul placed down the paddle and stood back, wanting to cuddle his poor, hurt baby. He didn’t want her to go too long without some form of affection after that. Saul wanted to reassure her and make sure she felt loved and not neglected. Hayden flinched as she felt a cool gel on her butthole. Grandmother Anne Marie quickly slipped into suppositories, holding her finger in Hayden. Hayden gasped in pain and surprise as she could feel the unwanted capsules melting within her. After a good few minutes, the Grandmother withdrew her hand with a snicker. “Since you want to be a big girl, we won’t put you in a diaper… If you can prove it to us, that is.” Grandmother Anne Marie was beyond cruel. What was she trying to do? Hayden wondered, slowly standing. What twisted reverse psychology was this? Hayden thought, still on the table, sniffling. “You can stand now, since you’re a big girl, hm?” The Grandmother said with a smile placed on her face. Hayden slowly rose, covering her front section with her onesie in confusion. Hayden shook her head, “Buh-but…” Grandmother Eleanor took Hayden’s hands roughly sitting her down and attaching them to the cuffs once more on the chair. Saul leaned against his counter, hoping that this wouldn’t be too messy but… then again, two suppositories upped the mess and could end in diarrhea for the little. He knew what the Grandmothers were doing and he hoped, deep down, that Hayden would ask for a diaper in time, but that was highly unlikely at this point. Hayden winced as her bottom hit the chair as she was pushed down onto it, lost in what to do. She didn’t want to poop on a chair she was restricted to, in front of four people! That would embarrass her, past the point of her ego’s return… which is what the Grandmother’s wanted, wasn’t it? Hayden shifted, closing her eyes in defeat. “Just because you need diapers doesn’t mean that you’re a baby, if you all aren’t properly open to the concept or, for that matter, informed.” Hayden opened one eye, eyeing Grandmother Anne Marie, “May I please have a diaper, Grandmother?” She said, switching to a polite tone. Saul internally sighed in relief, hoping he wouldn’t have a stinky room that he’d have to air out. Even with a diaper it’d be stinky, but at least it wouldn’t be on his dining area. The Grandmother laughed, almost hysterically, from this sudden retort, “Excuse me, young miss?” Hayden felt a pang of pain in her stomach, clearing her throat, “May I please have a diaper?” She blinked innocently across the table. “Oh my! I thought you were a big girl! Big girls don’t need diapers from what I’ve heard.” Grandmother said. “Again, you must not have heard me the first time but big girls can wear them too.” Hayden said in a matter-of-fact way as she shifted, feeling herself getting hot from a sudden wave of stomach cramps. Grandmother Anne Marie had a smile cemented on her face as she watched the little girl shift in discomfort, “Hm, is that so? Well, I only give diapers to my babies and if you aren’t one then I can’t do that.” A huge cramp hit Hayden and a loud toot hit the room, one none of them thought was possible from such a tiny girl. “Okay-okay, I’m a baby. I lied, now please, please Grandmother Anne Marie, may I?” She clenched her numb, sore bottom as a bead of sweat appeared on her forehead. “Are you sure? You sure haven’t been acting like one these past ten minutes!” The Grandmother stood, going to her diaper bag. Hayden said between breaths, “Y-yes.” Another wet fart hit as she felt a sludge almost leave her bottom. She felt chills from trying to resist letting go. “Okay, I think I need a bit more of persuading. You really convinced me you were a big girl earlier!” She snickered to herself quietly as she grabbed a diaper from her bag, turning towards Hayden. Hayden was sweating as she felt her bottom turn on her inner will and she began wailing as mushiness ensued underneath her as she lifted her bottom, trying not to feel it. The Grandmother walked over to Hayden, pushing her down, onto her own mess once she was done. “Oh my! So stinky! Woooweee.” Grandmother Whitney swatted the air and scrunched her face. Hayden had lost all of her ego, all of her self-confidence as she was still going, her bowels cleansing themselves as she felt the mush sliding down between her legs and swearing across the seat of the chair and her bottom. She winced, cringing internally and closing her eyes in complete shame. Saul began going over to the kitchen for towels as Grandmother Whitney followed him, “Saul, don’t worry about it. Let me clean up because we feel bad enough soiling your dining area like this with the baby!” She paused, scrunching her nose from the smell, “How about you start a bath and once we destinkify her you can give her a nice bath?” “No, if she weren’t so stubborn this wouldn’t have happened so it’s okay. But I’ll start the bath.” He said, trying not to breath in the smelly air. Saul turned to see Hayden wailing in a mess and he wanted to clean her and hold her so badly. She needed special attention and love after that cruel treatment. He knew it was necessary to teach her a lesson, but he wanted to step in and coddle her. The three Grandmothers went to cleaning Hayden and the room. After they cleaned her enough, Grandmother Anne Marie picked up Hayden, taking her to the bath that Saul had started. “I apologize about the dining room’s smell.” Grandmother Anne Marie said, before briskly leaving Hayden naked and standing at the foot of the tub. Saul lead the little lost Hayden into the warm bath water. He had a honey bath soak in the water that she lowered into. Hayden began crying again as the thought of her pooping on Saul’s dining room chair reverberated in her head. She was beyond embarrassed and had hit a firm breaking point. Saul leaned over, kissing her head and gently caressing her hair behind her ear, “Shhhh, shhhh. Just relax, Hayden. Daddy is going to make it all better, okay?” Hayden blinked through her tears, hearing him say ‘Daddy’ and feeling foreign to that word. He was reassuring and made her feel a little calmer, feeling more comfortable with Saul than any of the Grandmothers. She tried to relax back on the towel neck rest that he laid, smelling the honey scented bathwater and feeling the soothing warmth. Saul took his time roaming a bath squeegee over her body, being meticulous to get every crack and corner. He shampooed her hair and conditioned it as Hayden sat in the tub, lack of all feelings she once had. She felt stripped of the self-confidence she once had and felt reverted back to feeling small, babyish. Hayden didn’t want to think of adult things as of the moment, she felt raw, hurt in forms she didn’t know were possible. Hayden was helped out of the water and patted down with a towel. Saul took her hand, leading his lost baby out of the bathroom stark naked, her private parts being invaded with cold. Saul led her to the couch where clothes and a fresh diaper were laid by the Grandmothers. Hayden was placed in a thick diaper that could easily be compared to a pillow between her legs and a babydoll nightie that had a ‘Beware I’m a brat’ font on it in cute letters and pink sparkle. A light purple pacifier was placed between her lips and clipped onto her nightie. Saul scooped her up, grabbing his fuzzy brown blanket and laying on the couch as he cradled her. “Here’s something to calm the baby.” Grandmother Whitney said, handing a bottle to Saul. “Thank you.” Saul said, taking out Hayden’s paci and placing the nip of the bottle between her lips. Hayden, at first, wanted to spit it out, but decided to drink. She suckled slowly, nursing it quietly as she listened to the Elders speak. “What a stinky girl and such a big mess! My, my.” Grandmother Anne Marie said, sitting on the couch near Saul and Hayden, looking at Hayden’s flushed face as she nursed the bottle. “It doesn’t smell anymore, so that air freshener definitely did the trick!” Grandmother Eleanor said. Hayden began feeling, almost instantly, calm as she drank the warm milk. There must have been some magic in the milk too! It felt like she took anti-depressant medicine after she finished the bottle. Saul took the bottle away, playing with Hayden’s wet hair as he felt her body relax, her muscles calming. He smiled, happy that she would be feeling much better soon. Hayden nuzzled her head into Saul’s chest, feeling his fingers brush her hair as she looked into his eyes like a lost puppy. She didn’t know her future, what the Grandmothers had planned for her nor what else would happen to her; however, Hayden knew that she liked the feeling of being in Saul’s arms. Sure, Saul had his moments, but Hayden felt this odd sincerity of trust with Saul that made her feel safe and secure in his arms. Although she had the looming Grandmother’s there, Hayden felt protected by him. Grandmother Anne Marie eyed the sleepy baby girl underneath her glasses. Hayden was truly spent, the punishments obviously taking their tolls on her little body. She sighed, crossing her legs as she sat back. The Grandmother knew Hayden was a different little, unlike many. Admittedly, the Grandmother never hadn’t been this excited about a challenge of a rebellious little in many, many years. However, maybe this little wasn’t hers to fix. This was the first time the Grandmother had ever considered the idea of stepping down from the plate to give her little’s to someone else. She looked from Saul’s contently glimmering eyes cast down to Hayden’s half open ones and found herself smiling at the pleasant sight. He loved the little, that was obvious, and the Grandmother couldn’t tear that away from him. She sighed to herself, deciding her new course of plans that she would have to initiate to see that this little doesn’t harm anymore Elders. After all, this wasn’t Grandmother Anne Marie’s first rodeo and she knew, if this panned out like last time, more Elder’s could be affected, even her own life could be at stake.

I'm really enjoying this story and saddened that I hadn't jumped on the band wagon earlier to read this! Tim is a true douchebag and reminds me of many of the men my own mother has dated so I sympathize highly with Rebecca... however, Rebecca seems like a super angsty teen who needs to be checked as well. It's kind of fun watching them both take hits to each other because, in my opinion, they both aren't in the right and both should be put in their places. Elizabeth seems to have one baby on her hands and may end up with two, haha. Great story, keep up the phenomenal work!

Chapter 5 The smell of soup reached my nose as I awoke slowly from wonderful nap, one that made me stretch from my sheets when I awoke, slowly stirring. It was one of those naps where you forgot who you were, what year it was; the nap was so refreshing. “Someone was a sleepy one, hm?” Daniel said, his voice warm as his brown eyes were watching me. I cracked open an eye, thinking that earlier was just an embarrassing dream. That this morning didn’t happen. That I hadn’t wet myself… twice. I felt a cold breeze between the hem of my burgundy baseball-style shirt and… diaper. I sat up quickly, looking down and blinking at the diapers edge exposed underneath the white blanket. I rubbed my eyes, covering my midsection to have some type of modesty. I looked up to Daniel who was walking over to me, an oven mitten in his hand. Daniel leaned down to me. He gently pushed the blanket away, finger going under the leak guard of the diaper quickly. I immediately tensed up, realizing he was checking my diaper like I was a toddler. My face felt red and I couldn’t move because I was wet. How did I not even notice until he checked me? “Looks like someone needs a change.” Daniel said to himself, standing straight and looking down to me. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to-“ I shook my head in worry. He cut me off, “No, Blake.” Daniel placed his hands on his hips, “You can’t change yourself. That’s a rule.” Can’t? I’m not allowed? My eyebrows knitted together as I shook my head, “But-“ My mouth was open, ready to talk this through. “Do you want to argue about this, young girl?” He said, in a stern voice and a serious stare. I shook my head, honestly confused why I suddenly felt like I did something wrong, “I- uh, no.” I closed my mouth, looking shyly up to Daniel who was still serious, as if I did something bad. I shifted, feeling the warm squish of the diaper. I cringed at the thought that I wet myself… again. What was wrong with me? Daniel walked up the stairs as I sat, wanting to go to the restroom to relieve my bladder some more because I apparently didn’t get enough out during my sleep. Could I even use the restroom? I didn’t know. Daniel reappeared down the stairs with a few items in his hands. I shifted in discomfort as he flicked on his living areas lamp, lighting the room as the sun that once lit the room was going down. It must have been close to 6 ot 7 PM! I slept for a long while. He set down the items near my legs crossed in an indian style. “Lay back down, sweetie.” He said ‘sweetie’ and my heart melted a little. The word made me cringe, but also gave me a feeling of comfort. I nodded, as I laid back, “Um-“ Daniel sat at the edge of the couch, hand falling on the tape as he looked up to me, undoing one tape, “I-uh, still have to pee.” I said, softly, almost in a whisper. Daniel removed the second tape, acting as if he didn’t hear me, “Well then I’ll make the diaper change quick so you don’t peepee on the couch.” I felt embarrassment hit me like a semi-truck as he said the words 'peepee'. I got the message loud and clear: he was in control of when I got the diaper change and that I wouldn’t be using the restroom. I went quiet as he opened a new package of Huggies wipes, taking out a few. I squirmed as I felt the cold wipes tickle my inner thighs and travel down. The cold wet material caressed my bottom as he pushed my legs up, “Bring your hips up.” He commanded and I realized he was waiting for me as I snapped out of my embarrassed thoughts. I lifted my hips as he slid the diaper out from under me, “Good girl.” Hearing a positive affirmation made a small part of me happy, that I did one thing good today, even though I was being belittled. My legs were almost over my head and I never thought I’d be in this position with Daniel when I agreed to live with him. He rolled the dirty diaper, taping it closed and unfolded the new one, sliding it under me with one of his hands on the back of my thigh to let me know I had to keep my hips up. He shook a waft of powder on my bottom, rubbing it gently. He let go of my leg as I lowered my bottom, he adjusted the diapers position under me and rubbed the powder on my front section. The front of the diaper was pressed down over me as he secured it on with tapes, cleaning up his supplies after. He went to the kitchen, washing his hands in the sink and checking on the soup as I sat up, looking at the television that quietly hummed with reruns of Game of Thrones on. I turned to it, realizing that I wasn’t caught up with the newest seasons because I hadn’t had a television in my own apartment. The television beeped and went black. I blinked, turning my head in annoyance to Daniel who was standing, watching me carefully. “You’re allowed 30 minutes of electronics a day, understand?” I gulped, nodding. It was better than having no TV, right? “Good. Dinner’s ready.” Why was he so strict? It was odd, alarming. He was a young guy, you’d think he’d be lax in that department and understand that the normal millennial population watches much more than a half an hour of TV a day and is on their phones or devices waaaaay more than one hour. This was going to be an adjustment, that was for sure. I hesitated before getting up, wondering if I should take the blanket with me to the table. I had this feeling that Daniel would make me put it back, considering how strict he was being. Daniel was placing the silverware on the table as I slowly walked, no, waddled, awkwardly clutching the hem of my shirt and pulling it down in front of my midsection, although it didn’t cover the white diaper between my thighs. As I walked, it was stiffly pushing my thighs apart, causing me to walk awkwardly to the table. I sat, with the pillow of the diaper under me, making sitting much more comfortable. I glanced up to Daniel who was watching me the whole time, with a warm smile on his face as if it were a cute sight. I blushed as he turned back to preparing the food. A dark green ceramic bowl was placed in front of me, steaming with chicken and dumplings in it. It smelled wonderful and looked to be homemade. I glanced to the counter and saw a bag of flour and chicken broth, which reconfirmed my suspicions that is was homemade. Daniel caught my glance as he walked back over and my eyes fell on a pink sippy cup in his hands that he set in front of me. It had some sort of red juice in it. I stared at it am he got himself water. “Cranberry juice. It’s a good source of antioxidants.” And it goes great with vodka, but terrible to vomit out. I nodded, “Proanthocyanodin.” Daniels eyes flashed in surprise, “Yes, good girl.” He smiled, sitting down in front of me, “The more we talk it becomes more impressive to me how intelligent you are.” A twinge of surprise hit me from his sudden complement. It made me feel appreciated, special. I couldn’t make out the difference between flirting or him just being genuinely nice. I didn’t know but Daniel was a different breed of a person, willing to be a caretaker and take in someone hurt, lost. He was a puzzle I didn’t understand. “Uh, thanks.” I said, grabbing my spoon and dipping into the hot soup, letting it cool, “Too bad it didn’t get me anywhere.” I added, my self-sabotage reappearing without me stopping it. Daniel shook his head, “You’re still young and you have your whole life ahead of you. Just because you were dealt some bad cards and took a few wrong turns doesn’t mean you can’t bounce back.” Easy to say, hard to do. If you don’t care or have no value, then what’s the purpose of all of that? I sipped the soup, not responding. I changed the subject, “So…” I took a dumpling, “What made you decide to take a special interest in me? I still don’t understand why you decided to help me, out of anyone else?” I ate the dumpling too soon, burning my tongue in anticipation of his answer. Daniel set down his spoon, looking to me for a long moment. His eyes traced my face, “Do you remember how we met?” “At the hospital?” I asked, not understanding. “We met a long time before that.” He said slowly, thoughtfully. I shook my head, “You look familiar but I just can’t remember.” I said, my eyes trailing from his tanned skin, his warm brown eyes, to his strong jaw line. He took a moment, waiting for some type of spark of memory to turn on in my eyes. Daniel sighed, “We met at a party in college. I saw you with your friends and I don’t know why but there was something about you that made me want to introduce myself. You passed me and looked at me while you were walking inside. I decided to follow you in to say hi a few minutes later.” Daniel closed his eyes, as if he were in pain, “By the time I got to the kitchen to be alone with you, you were on the ground, seizing. You were choking and needed immediate help before you went into cardiac arrest.” He opened his eyes, fixated on me. He was the one who saved my life? How did he know I was the same person that he met years ago? “It was too late though, you had already lost oxygen and you had no pulse. You passed out and I began performing CPR and my friend came in. I told her to call an ambulance. My friend was an emergency room resident and that CPR wasn’t enough to revive you. I didn’t listen, I couldn’t.” He shook his head, “I followed you inside because I wanted to talk to you and maybe get your number.” He laughed lightly to himself in thought, “The last thing I was expecting was that.” I stopped eating and put my spoon down, covering my face. So that’s what I was? A damn charity case. Great. He just felt bad for me. This whole time I thought he was being kind and now it made sense. “Are you okay?” Daniel asked, concern in his voice. I shook my head, “Nothing. I’m just stupid.” I added quickly, “You don’t have to do this all for me. I get it, I’m a piece of crap, but don’t do it because you feel bad.” I looked down at my food, sadly. Daniel said, “No. I’m doing this because you were the one that got away. I wanted to be there in the hospital when you woke up, but they didn’t let me. I only knew your name because of your friends. Ever since, I’ve wanted to see you again.” That was almost four years ago! How could he still even care? He paused, eyes tracing my face, “I haven’t not thought about you since and, by luck, you showed up at the hospital where I am a PRN clinical psychologist during the week that I was on-call. It was, admittedly, unprofessional to take you under my wing, but I couldn’t let you go away again, especially under your circumstances.” I was confused, was I a possible love interest of his or just a previous patient who needed help to him? I laughed, “This is crazy. I’m literally a stranger to you. It still doesn’t make any sense why you’d even consider helping me.” I was just some girl that passed him and he considered asking for my number… not that important. He could get any girl, any one! Especially someone else who didn’t wet themselves. Daniel looked at me thoughtfully, “Because you’re the reason I changed my career path. I went into psychology to help people like you. If I can’t help the person who is the only reason I changed my perspective of life and the importance of mental health, then I’m a failure to myself and to you. Simple.” Daniel said, going back to his food. There was an awkward silence as I looked down to my food, “Bullshit.” His head snapped up, a calm expression masking his face, “Excuse me? Would you like to repeat that?” Daniels voice was smooth, but something told me I did something wrong the way he spoke low and slow. I shook my head with a frown and he said, “You’re not allowed to curse, understand?” I nodded timidly. “You’re a good person. I don’t see why me seizing in front of you would change your perspective on life? Isn’t that a bit much to say?” I said, questioning him. He looked taken a back by the sudden skepticism to his vulnerable and honest moment. He cleared his throat, “I was, excuse my language, a real cocky douchebag before that day. I didn’t care about people’s emotional state, although I was going to become a cardiologist. I thought that depression and anxiety were excuses, that addiction to drugs and alcohol were myths until I saw you.” I gave him an unbelieving look, squinting at him. Well, I still think it's all a myth and that I don't need counseling, but, apparently, no one believes me. Daniel paused, looking at me carefully, “You caught my eye. I wanted to try dating you; I even told my friend with me that I bet I’d get your number that night. Obviously, that didn’t pan out, but I thought you had a seizure disorder when I found you on the floor. Then, when the EMT declared it was a drug overdose, I couldn’t believe it. You were so innocent looking, so seemingly normal. It interested me why you decided to do drugs in the first place. It made no sense in my head, to be quite honest. So I decided to take a few psychology classes and changed my specialty entirely. A few drug and alcohol addiction classes later, I found myself writing a dissertation on addiction. I began understanding what drove people to harm themselves and it changed me, as sappy as you may think it sounds, to be a more sympathetic and understanding person.” I took a moment before speaking, deciding to steer away from this subject, “Well, thank you, for letting me stay here. I don’t know how I can repay you, but I’m going to try.” I said, trying to act like the possibility of me getting a new job would be soon enough. Daniel smiled, shaking his head as his dark straight brown hair moved, “I don’t expect that from you. Having someone here with me is nice as it is. Being alone most nights in a large home like this becomes lonely after a while.” He said, drinking his water. I nodded, looking up timidly, “Was this whole regression thing something you wanted to do? Or just an idea you really think will help?” I asked, curious. I glanced down to my diaper, realizing I felt my bladder still building and an urgency growing to pee. Daniel looked caught off guard by my sudden question, thoughtfully looking at me, “Both. But only with you, no one else.” He said, slowly thinking. I squinted, confused as I set down my spoon, “So what makes me special?” I asked, my head tilting like his during our old therapy sessions. Daniel sighed, looking down at my bowl, “You have to eat that all before you leave the table, Blake.” I frowned, looking at my half eaten food. He got up, cleaning the dishes at the island counter. I went back to my soup, eating the chicken and dumplings. They were very good and I loved the fact that it was homemade. I thought he was going to ignore my question until he began speaking, “You need structure in your life. Someone to depend on. A stable home to grow in. Just because you're legally an 'adult' doesn't mean you're not still impressionable.” He dried a plate, looking at me, his eyes going down, then back up. I blushed, noticing he was looking at my diaper and bare legs underneath the table, “I tried contacting your parents and it became apparent your having issues with parental alienation which can cause severe depression, especially when you value their opinion.” He tried contacting my parents? He went that far? Why didn’t he tell me earlier? I interjected, “I don’t-“ Daniel gave me a look, “You do, no matter how much you say you don’t. Your parents shouldn’t be so harsh and I think it’s counterproductive to helping you, but that doesn’t mean that it’s set in stone.” Daniel paused, placing his hands on the sink, “As far as the regression therapy…” I gulped, waiting to hear his reasoning, “It’s something I had heard about once or twice, but with the wrong caregiver or technique, it can go downhill quickly. I wouldn’t have actually considered it if you weren’t living with me; however, for the fact that you are going to be living with me, I thought this therapy was specially designed for someone like you. You need structure, as I said before, and if I restrict certain things, you’ll begin to appreciate them when it becomes a reward.” He said, as if giving a lecture. Ugh, it was like I was living with a professor. I looked at my soup, moving around a carrot at the bottom of the bowl, “So, uh, why the diapers then?” I asked, glancing at him as I ate the carrot. The word 'diaper' made me internally cringe but my curious mind wanted to know. “You wet yourself three times today.” He said, giving me a serious look like I should know why. I internally winced; he was right, but it hurt my ego to hear aloud. I responded quickly, trying to wipe away the humiliation creeping up to my face, “Agreed. But will I have to wear them every day?” “That’s dependent on circumstances and your behavior.” He said, firmly. I frowned, I was hoping that maybe he’d say he was into some type of kinky shit that involved diapers… not the fact that it would be a form of punishment or because I wet myself. My interest was lost as I ate the rest, “I finished it, may I be excused?” I looked up to him with innocent eyes. He threw his head back with a laugh, “Not so fast, little one. You have to finish your drink too.” Little one. The words made me feel cute, in some weird way. Ugh. I have to stop melting every time he uses a new combination of words to call me. I frowned, sighing as I took a sip, knowing I’d be wetting myself soon, “So why aren’t you disgusted with the diapers and all? Or are you and your just being nice? Like, I don’t get it.” My thoughts spilling out quickly. Daniel sat at the table with me, watching me drink with a small smile on his face, “Because I think you’re cute.” I somehow fumbled my sippy cup and sat it on the table, blinking in surprise about how blunt he was. I wasn’t expecting that. “… but it’s gross.” I tilted my head at him, now judging him when he could have judged me this whole day for wetting myself three times. Here I go again, attempting to ruin a good thing. He was being nice and I was turning the tides on him. He cracked a smile with a chuckle, “It’s not to me. I see you as no different than an actual baby and you’re just one in adult form in my eyes. I’m not grossed out as much as you may be and, being in the medical field, trust me, I’ve seen many things and smelled many things worse.” I blushed, feeling the embarrassment of him comparing me to an actual baby. He paused, as if deciding to continue or not, “You just are precious in my eyes. It’s hard for me to not look at you in a diaper and not smile.” It’s like… I wanted the answer and he gave it to me and it just placed me lower on the embarrassment spectrum. I sighed, “I was hoping you were just into super kinky stuff or something taboo but apparently you’re just strangely really nice and it’s disappointing.” He rose his eyebrows at me, cocking his head as he looked thoughtful, “I was not expecting you to say that but I’m sorry to disappoint you, Blake. This is something platonic to me and I don’t want to cross that line with you. I want you to feel safe and secure with me, nothing else.” Daniel smiled warmly. I felted a ping of sadness, almost forgetting who I was for a moment. What was I thinking? That he actually may like me in a way more than friends? That he may find me sexually appealing? Why did my brain go there? I was disgusting and not appetizing, he would never see me in that way. Sure, he had wanted my number to pursue me when he first saw me, but ever since I seized in front of him, he probably sees me as a little sister or friend. Although I may think he’s handsome and dreamy in some weird way, he wouldn’t go for someone like me, ever. He was a doctor and I was a college dropout and Daniel deserved better. Much, much better.

Thanks for the feedback on the story! It's a bit out of my usual stories but, for once, I wanted to indulge in writing a ABDL trope story. However, any of my usual readers, y'all know I wouldn't write anything without a twist, haha.? Chapter 4 “Set those on the floor and go up to the restroom.” He said in quietly as his eyes were weary with concern. “I-I’m sorry, I di-didn’t mean to.” I said, setting the bedsheets and blankets down as tears fell freely down my face and a loud whimper escaped my mouth. I covered my face as I turned to go back up the stairs. “Shhhh. It’s okay. Just get yourself clean and I’ll take care of this.” Daniel cooed me as he came close to me and touched my back in reassurance. I nodded, wiping snot from my nose as I walked up the steps as if I were a sad puppy who knew they peed in the wrong place. I let the hot beads of water hit my back as I closed my eyes and tears rolled down my face as I stood in the shower. I was beyond embarrassed. What did Daniel think of me now? Would he make me leave his house? After all, who would want someone who wets the bed to live with them? It was disgusting and I was ashamed of it. I put on my clean pajama shorts and a grey t-shirt. I splashed cold water on my face. I frowned as I stared back at my sleepy and puffy green eyes from crying. My face didn’t help my situation. I still looked way younger that 22 and my red cheeks made me look even younger. As hard as I tried to look like I was a competent, mature adult around anyone, especially Daniel, I somehow always pushed myself a few years back. For example, I just wet my bed so Daniel probably doesn’t even consider me an equal at this point. He probably didn’t know what project he was taking on by letting me live with him. I was an embarrassment and that’s hard to hide. I hesitated as my hand touched the cold silver doorknob before I walked outside. I yelped when I saw Daniel right outside the bathroom, patiently waiting for me. “Sorry to scare you. I was just making sure you were okay. You were taking a shower for a long while.” His eyes look tired, yet worried as he stood there, looking down to me. I instantly felt bad for procrastinating leaving the bathroom. I didn’t think Daniel would be waiting for me. God, I was selfish. I shook my head, eyes darting to the ground, “No, you’re fine. I shouldn’t have taken so long.” I walked towards my room, “Goodnight.” I said quickly, sneaking into my room. I looked at my bed. There was a new sheet and a fuzzy blanket from the living room on it. I climbed into my bed as I noticed Daniel followed me, standing at my door frame, watching carefully. “Do you…” Daniel hesitated, “need me to get you something from the store nearby before you go back to sleep?” He leaned on my door frame, crossing his arms. My face flushed red with embarrassment as I shook my head, hiding further into my blanket, “No, that’s the first time that’s ever happened.” Lies, per usual because I’m a piece of shit. It was most likely the seventh or eight time it had happened. “I’m s-sorry.” My voice faltered at the end as I felt my eyes getting watery. I blinked them away. He came in and sat on the edge of my bed, his hand an inch away from my foot, “Don’t be.” He gave a reassuring warm smile, “It’s a new home for you. You’re most likely anxious, nervous and adjusting so it’s common to have certain things like this happen.” The brown fuzzy blanket was up to my chin as I wanted to cocoon myself in to hide myself from him. He was being nice: this wasn’t normal. I knew that. So did he. He was only telling me that to make me feel better. A twinge of comfort resonated in me, even though I knew he was just trying to make me feel better about the situation. He looked at his watch, scratching his chin scruff, “I think I’ll be going back to bed; we have an early day tomorrow.” His weary brown eyes looked at my face, “Are you feeling tired enough to go back to sleep?” I nodded, underneath my cocoon, “Goodnight.” I said. I wasn’t tired, more like nervous and sad. I just wanted him to go to sleep. He needed it more than me and his work was more important. All I had was my first day at the outpatient center tomorrow, nothing special. “How’d you sleep?” Daniel asked as he set coffee down for me and scrambled eggs with turkey bacon. “Thank you.” I said timidly as grabbed my fork, “I slept okay.” I said, stabbing my food. “Did you fall asleep after…?”. Daniel didn’t say anything ‘after’ in attempt to lessen my embarrassment. That was considerate of him. I nodded in response, although it was a lie. I stayed up until 6 AM, my mind not shutting off. When I woke up at 7 AM to my phone alarm it felt like I took a nap. In group therapy, I was staring at my raggedy light grey hoodies sleeve, “So, Blake,” I blinked up, surprised I was being called upon, “What’s your story? What brings you here?” I looked around, seeing the eyes of the other recovering addicts staring at me, the new girl in the group. I cleared my throat, “I, uh,” It felt like something was stuck in my throat, “I was kicked out of Harvard for being caught with,” My mouth felt dry and I croaked, “paraphernalia. And… ever since it’s been a steady downhill slope with my drinking and,” I paused, not wanting to say the words and admit to it, “pill popping.” I shifted, feeling embarrassed to admitting my special interests in pharmaceuticals. I wasn’t addicted… just safely recreationally using when necessary. There was a difference and I didn’t need counseling for that. I was only doing counseling to appease Daniel at this point. He was doingso much for me as it was and if this is what he wanted me to do then I'd do it. Dr. Hayward nodded, his tattooed bald head catching the fluorescent lights in the room, “Well, welcome to the road to recovery.” He said, as the people around the circle nodded. God, these fucking things were so damn awkward and cheesy. The doctor turner to his next subject, “Bianca, how are you doing?” Bianca, a strawberry blonde girl with a natural beautiful body and face structure began speaking, “Same as always. Dad hasn’t lended me any money and I’ve began working at the gas station on 87th.” She sighed with a roll of her brown eyes, “Besides that I’m still sober but, not sure how that will last with this stupid job.” She sounded snotty, stuck up. She didn’t look like she belonged with this pack of addicts and drug users. She looked annoyed to be here but it became apparent her dad stopped funding her and she wasn’t ‘daddy’s little girl’ anymore. A few minutes later, a guy named Gerard spoke, “I’ve been clean for 69 days.” He winked and stuck his tongue out at Dr. Hayward and the group laughed and clapped. After a moment, Dr. Hayward joined in laughing and clapping. Although I just met him, he was very easygoing and not at all what I thought a doctor could look like. He wore jeans and a band t-shirt and had sleeves of tattoos on both of his arms. Dr. Hayward was incredibly laid back and everyone seemed to curse effortlessly around him without care. It was refreshing that this counseling wasn't a total waste and we could speak to someone who wasn't trying to act like they were above us, but rather, an equal. A few hours passed as I sat, my eyes getting tired as I stared at the clock in the waiting area of the outpatient center. It was close to lunchtime and my stomach grumbled, but I didn't want to eat. The girl from my group session, Bianca, planted herself down next to me, “So what type of drugs did you do?” She chewed gum excessively near me and it triggered my annoyance quickly. “Marijuana.” I said, not wanting to strike up a conversation with another person. She laughed, “What else? Come on, that’s nothing and you wouldn’t be here for that.” “Adderall, Xanax, oxy, Valium, ecstasy…” I trailed off, not wanting to give anymore. She rose her eyebrows, “Pill-popped, huh?” She said to herself, “Ever try coke?” “Nope, and no desire.” “Glass?” She asked, as if offering. “No desire.” I said, looking away annoyed. “Well, if you ever want to try, I can hook you up.” She said quickly, adding, “Or your other vices, I have connections.” “I do too and I don’t trust anyone else. But thanks.” I had friends in the field who could sneak me the real potent, unexpired drugs, unlike the street ones Bianca was offering. I didn’t need that. It was so backwards that we were at a rehab facility talking about drugs. Who would’ve guessed? “How was your first day?” Daniel asked, after I jumped into his truck, buckling myself in. “Great.” I said, a reassuring smile forming on my face. I was attempting to come off as normal as I could be, considering I was a bit loopy from lack of sleep. Daniel nodded, eyes studying me as he began driving, “How does a burger, shake and fries sound for lunch?” “Great.” I just said the same word twice; what disinterested and asshole-like of a response could I come up with next? Daniel went silent as I took mental note to not come off like such an idiot for the rest of the day. If I was trying to prove my competency and that I was not, in fact, a child then I’d have to work a little better. I was staring at the menu, my hunger not really there as I realized that I did not want this food, nor any food, for that matter. Nothing looked appetizing to me and I couldn’t help but stare at the menu instead of reading it. I felt Daniels brown eyes watching me, carefully, as I stared at the menu. He still hadn’t talked since the ride to the diner. “What can I get you two?” An older woman with a honey-suckle sweet country accent and short ginger hair asked as she took out her notebook. “I’ll have the hamburger, an order of fries for the both of us and a chocolate shake.” They both looked at me and I felt my face get red and hot from the sudden attention, realizing it was my turn to speak and I didn't even know what I wanted. I opened my mouth and it was as if the heat traveled from my face to my bladder as I felt a strong stream release. I froze, wondering why I felt so suddenly overwhelmed and anxious. It was unlike me. I had wet myself at night, but not during the day. “She’ll have the junior cheeseburger and a chocolate shake.” Daniel ordered for me as another second passed and the waitress blue eyes were looking confused, as if I were special and she hadn’t noticed earlier. “Coming right up.” She said, eyes glancing at me quickly as I bit hard on my lip, about to cry. “Are you okay, Blake?” Daniel asked, clasping his hands together as his eyes looked worried. I looked down at my lap, shifting and feeling a wetness between my thighs and seeing a dark stain. The pee looked only to be there and not spreading which was good news and crossing my legs hid it well enough. I nodded, “Mhm.” My eyes darted to his concerned ones and then down to the bottle of Heinz ketchup on the white sparkled dining table. “How long have you had the nighttime incontinence?” Daniel asked, breaking the whole ‘lets ignore that ever happened’ unspoken agreement we had going on. I shifted, as if the word almost made me pee myself again. My face reddened as I glanced at Daniel who was stone serious, waiting for a response. I shook my head, “Th-that was my first night.” I nodded, trying to be convincing as I looked him in the eyes. Daniel frowned, looking disappointed, “I want you to be honest with me, Blake.” He said, head tilting the way he did when I went to therapy sessions with him. Future self: take note to not agree with living with a psychologist because it's almost impossible to lie. My lip began trembling and the pain of everything was beginning to hit me. Why was I acting like such a child? I was embarrassed of myself completely and I should be. I was an embarrassment after all. To my family. To myself. Now to this person who invited me to his home. Tears blurred my vision and I felt them run down my face as I blotted them with my sweatshirt, trying to not be more of a mess in this diner. Daniel saw the waterworks starting and moved over to my side of the table, coming to sit with me in the booth. He looked down to me, waiting for me to move over so his longer legs could climb in but I couldn’t move my legs or else he’d see the dark spot underneath me. I was frozen, completely and utterly still. Daniel kneeled, touching my shoulder as I uncrossed my legs and finally moved over. “Oh.” Daniel said, eyes catching the wetness between my legs. He paused, blinking in thought as he fished into his pocket, “Here’s my keys, just wrap your sweatshirt around your waist and I’ll get our food to go.” He said calmly, nudging me up. I stopped crying like a freaking baby and listened to him, wrapping my grey sweatshirt around to cover my mess. After ten minutes of crying and self-pity in Daniels car, he came in with the food, handing me the drink carrier with our shakes, “We’ll go straight home, okay?” He said, eyeing me as I nodded, quiet. When we arrived home I immediately went to the restroom, taking a long shower. I was still in this state of panic and depression that I couldn’t shake and this whole wetting myself twice in a day things was really taking its toll on my confidence and ego I once held. After my shower, I walked down the stairs, to where Daniel was on his laptop, typing quickly. I quietly sauntered to the kitchen where our food was and he had already ate his portion. I took a small bite out of mine, knowing I wasn't even the slightest bit hungry from what had happened but I knew it was important to eat a little to appease Daniel. I had a few fries and was about to throw it all away as I opened the trash can and Daniel was behind me, “Hey now-“ I jumped, my plate missing the trash can and hitting the floor as the ketchup and fries scattered to the ground. I kneeled, “I-I’m s-so sorry.” I shook my head and Daniel kneeled with me, smacking my hands away lightly as I went to clean the ground, “Go to the table and sit, now.” Daniel said, sterner than I’d ever heard him as his eyes met mine. I nodded, retreating to the table and sitting down like I had my tail between my legs and I did something bad. I sat, reminiscing in my self-loath as I watched Daniel clean the floor with a rag. How many times could I mess up and embarrass myself in one day? I didn't even want to be with myself and Daniel was going to become real sick and tired of my shit by tomorrow. He might even decide to kick me out tomorrow. Heck, I would've kicked myself out this morning when I wet the bed. I was despicable, disgusting and didn't deserve such a nice person. I honestly didn't know what Daniel was getting out of this. It still made little sense to me. I waited about five minutes as Daniel cleaned up the kitchen and grabbed a file folder he had near his laptop case he took to work. He sighed, sitting down in front of me and fishing through the folder, “I was going to wait a week, but I think it’s imperative that I just start today.” Daniel said, placing a stapled packet down in front of me. I squinted at it, noticing it was some type of contract. I glanced at it, not wanting to even read it as Daniel spoke, “Have you ever heard of regression therapy, Blake?” He asked, tilting his head slightly. I shook my head, quiet. “It’s… a treatment that’s a bit out of the normal range, but I want to try it out with you…” He paused, “If you’re willing, that is.” He placed a pen in front of me. “Sure.” I said, nodding and he gave me a surprised look. “Do you want an explanation of it before you sign?” I clicked the pen, flipping to the last page as my pen hit it, “No, I’ve lost care, but if it makes you feel like it will help, then I’ll do it.” I said as I pushed the signed packet to him. Daniel covered his mouth, studying me with a thoughtful expression as he slowly spoke, “I will be your caretaker… are you okay with that?” He asked, eyeing me. I felt my breathing halt, confusion reaching my fuzzy mind. Caretaker? What was that? I shrugged, “Sure.” He smiled warmly, brushing his chin with his fingertips, “And there will be rules…” He trailed off, waiting for a reaction. I nodded, feeling a little sleepy from expending all of my energy to crying and wetting myself in one day. “No more lying.” He said, watching me. I froze, was I that obviously a bad liar? “A bedtime.” What time? 9 PM or something? “You will have to eat full meals.” But what if I wasn’t hungry? “Punishments if you misbehave that can be between soap in your mouth to a spanking.” Daniel said, still watching me carefully as I blinked, hearing the word ‘spanking’. He was joking, right? I shifted, wondering if this was the end of his rule list. “Training pants, pull-ups and diapers dependent on what I feel is appropriate for you on a specific day.” Diapers? Pull-ups? Was I a baby? Was that the point of this? I was 22 not 2 years old… what did I just sign? I mean, at this point, I was up for anything. I had lost a lot of my dignity through the process of today so it couldn’t get much worse, right? “Of course, there’s other rules that I’ll remember when we cross certain bridges.” Daniel said, placing the packet in his files, “Do you understand what you signed, Blake?” I shrugged and nodded, “Sure.” Daniel’s brown eyes were sad as he met mine. It looked like he saw a hurt dog and wanted to save it. I just had lost interest in life, in living and being a human. Whatever this kind Dr. Daniel Calvin wanted, I’d be willing to give because he helped me and I owe him that much for not living on the street. “How about we get you comfy? How does that sound?” Daniel said with a warm, inviting smile. I shrugged and followed him up to my room, “Lay down and don’t move, okay?” I laid on my new bed, my eyes closing as I stared at the ceiling, feeling sleepy. Daniel came back and I looked at him, holding a white puffy square that was an adult diaper. I blinked, becoming aware of how serious he was. I felt myself shriveling up inside as he placed it down on my bed and his hands went to the waist band of my sweats. “May I?” His toned arms were waiting for me to say yes and I nodded timidly. The last time I had a man take off my pants was… almost a year ago! And he was so much hotter than any guy I had ever dated. Whatever he wanted or was into, I’d be okay with that. He slid the diaper quickly under me after removing my pants and underwear leaving me stripped bare. I was caught off guard when he sprinkled powder on my bottom and front, patting it in generously. The soft padding of the diaper was brought over my front section and securely taped on. Shockingly…snug and giving this immediate feeling of... content? Was that weird? “How does that feel?” Daniel smiled with his teeth as he looked at me, as if I were something cute. I blushed, sitting up as I felt the crinkle of the soft diaper and the sudden thickness between my legs. It was, surprisingly… comfy. I shifted, feeling the soft padding and smelling the light powder that was beginning to make me feel like an actual baby. It was embarrassing enough to have this handsome doctor staring down at me and I felt even ashamed for the idea of liking it. “Comfy.” I said, a small yawn escaping my lips. He smiled, warmly at my response, “I think it’s naptime for someone.” Daniel said, still smiling down at me. I felt a twinge of happiness in the hollow of my heart when he said those words. The attention I was receiving from him all of the sudden made me feel… capable of being loved once more. In a split second, I felt myself picked up from under my armpits and placed snugly on his hip, one of his hands holding my bottom as he walked down the stairs with me in his arms. I was starkly aware that he didn't give me my sweats back. Was this the regression aspect? It was, however, impressive how much he made me feel like I was light. He placed me on the end of the couch and wrapped me in a fuzzy white blanket before going back to his work on his laptop. My body felt tense as I laid there, mind analyzing what just had happened and how I felt. There was some element of comfort that I suddenly felt. I felt... loved? I glanced over to Daniel who was typing on his Microsoft Surface laptop, looking down to his notebook near him as he typed. I glanced back down to my white blanket, shifting as I felt the soft diaper over my torso that went up, almost to my bellybutton. Being swaddled in the fuzzy blanket and smothered by this sudden attention from Daniel was... endearing? The feeling of embarrassment and raw vulnerability almost transgressed into an enjoyable feeling. A teaspoon of thrill into a cup of humiliation. I didn't truly know how I should feel, but who would? This was such a taboo situation my brain was muddled trying to overanalyze. I closed my eyes, nuzzling my nose into the throw pillow that had a fresh cotton scent. My brain ruminated for a few minutes until I fell into a long nap.

Chapter 3 Weeks passed as I packed all of my items and cleaned the apartment. Veronica left a week ago and it was just me left in the apartment. I grabbed my pills, underneath my floorboard, hesitantly feeling the pills slide between my fingertips, and then placed them in the pocket of one of my suitcases as I waited for Daniel to meet me to help me move out. Rain drops fell onto my window. The sound of tapping calmed my nerves about moving in with, basically, a stranger. I sat on my bed and awaited Daniel’s text or call when he was going to arrive. I wondered how it was going to be to live with him. He was either serious or laid back in sessions so maybe he’d be the same living with him. Hopefully I’d see the more laid back version. I felt like I already owe Daniel a lot for all that he’s doing for me. My phone buzzed and I picked it up in a jump, “Hello.” “Hey, Blake, I’m right outside your door if you want to open it.” “Eh, I think I’ll just keep it locked.” I said sarcastically. He chuckled, “Open it, Blake.” He said my name with a serious tone. It was almost as if he were talking to a small child. It was strikingly odd to hear someone who was just my doctor switching to a light-hearted tone and then a serious one. I ran down the steps to the first floor and opened the door, “Thank you.” I peeked my head out the door behind him to find an old, beaten up silver Dodge Ram truck. It’s strange seeing doctors outside of the hospital or office, but it’s even stranger seeing them in trucks. He walked up the stairs, as if it were house, and made himself comfortable finding my room before I even showed him. He picked up two pieces of luggage and briskly began walking down the stairs. Most of my other luggage and items were already jammed into my car. The misfit pieces that didn’t fit were still in my room. I looked in my empty room, sadly. When one door closes, another one opens. I told myself. I stared blankly into my room as I heard footsteps climbing the stairs again. Daniel’s eyes caught mine as I closed my door. “How are you feeling today?” He asked, as if he were still my therapist. “Just peachy as usual.” I said, looking down at Google Maps on my phone, “This is where I’m driving, right?” I placed my key on the dining room table for the landlord to pick up. Daniel nodded, “Yes.” He paused, eyes studying me thoughtfully, “Are you okay to drive?” He asked as if I didn’t even know how to drive. “Yeah. I’ll race yuh there!” I said, with a mock excited voice. “Now that just makes me more concerned. No more racing for you, Blake. We don’t need another speeding ticket.” It sounded like he was talking to a child. I almost rolled my eyes but I stopped myself as I looked at him. “Fine.” I said in a snap back, “I’ll see you there.” A little bit of an attitude leaving my voice as I trailed down the stairs. Daniel got in his truck and started the engine. I put my keys in my ignition and looked at my apartment complex for the last time. The dilapidated white siding looking like it was about to fall off any moment. The musty wooden stairs that needed to be updated before breaking with one step. The rude old neighbor who yelled at us when I played a video game with guns in it because he thought it sounded “too real”. I wouldn’t miss this place. It was an apartment building for people who were looking for trouble and I didn’t want to be part of that group anymore. After twenty minutes of following Daniel in his truck, we came to a gated residential neighborhood. There was a man at the booth that Daniel was talking to and the man pressed a button that opened the gate and he motioned for me to come through. I waved at him with a smile as I passed. The man looked at my car, almost suspiciously, as I passed. My car was old and resembled a piece of junk, so I didn’t blame him. As I followed Daniel into the neighborhood, my jaw dropped in awe as I looked at the beautiful homes we passed. Green grass and colorful flowers sprinkled every lawn. Houses lined the streets in different colors and builds. Some houses looked like mansions. Other houses had nice white picket fenced two story homes. So this is where doctors lived? Daniel pulled into a red bricked house with dark trim that looked like it could encompass a big family. Does he have a family I’ll be staying with? I’d assume Daniel was about 30 and probably had kids and a wife. I parked in the two car drive way in awe as I looked at his beautiful home. I got out and began getting out some of the mess I shoved into my car. “Here, I’ll take that.” Daniel said as his hand touched my back. His fingertips making my back tingle. He reached in front of me and grabbed a suitcase and a box. “Thanks.” I said as I followed him inside his house. Once we stepped inside, my jaw dropped. Dark mahogany floors stretched out into a kitchen and up the stairs. The stairs led to the bedrooms where I followed Daniel. He walked to the first bedroom on the right down the hallway and placed my items in the room. I walked in and felt the soft padding of the light carpet under my shoes. The room had light tan walls besides one darker beige wall where a queen sized bed was in front of. A queen sized bed of my own? Nice. It was definitely an upgrade from my twin sized bed in my apartment. My hands glided over the dark wood dresser near the windows and then traced the dark wood closet doors. There was an empty glass desk on the wall opposite from my bed with a desktop chair. In the corner of the room there was a large comfy coffee colored papasan chair with a purple fuzzy blanket and white fluffy pillows on it. I smiled as I touched the soft blanket. This was possibly the nicest bedroom I’d ever had. “Do you like it?” Daniel was standing at the door frame, watching me for who knows how long. I jumped and turned around, clasping my hands behind my back as if I did something wrong, “Yeah. It’s nice.” I said, looking around the room. “Good. Let’s get you moved in and then I’ll make some dinner. How does that sound?” He warmly asked. Why was he so nice to me? I couldn’t understand why someone would go out of their way like this for me. I was just a college dropout who was just a ‘druggie’. It didn’t make sense but I had a strong desire for human affection and he was giving me that. As uncomfortable as I was with living with a stranger, this was the best person I could live with. An hour or two later I was on my new comfy floor, sorting out my toiletries and clothes into my dresser. A waft of oregano and tomato sauce filled my nostrils and the smell of a home-cooked meal entranced me to times of when I was younger. I smiled fondly as I closed my drawer and opened another, shoving more clothes in. I could hear footsteps going up the stairs and approaching my room. I looked at my door frame, realizing that I was so overwhelmed by the beautiful house that I didn’t notice that there was no door to close in my room. The door must have been purposefully unhinged. Well, great. “Dinner is ready.” Daniel said, peeking into my room with a towel thrown over his shoulder and one strand of hair on his forehead. I met his glance and he smiled. “Okay, I’ll be down in a second.” I said in response. I was just about done with three bags and suitcases and only had two more boxes to sort out. After all, I didn’t really have much stuff to begin with. The two boxes I’d just save for later, they could wait. Daniel went back downstairs and I inspected my door frame for a second. I squinted and touched the bronze hinge on the side and realized that it must have been done in the past week. Warmth traveled up to my cheeks. Maybe it was done for me because he doesn’t trust me. I walked down the hallway leading to a few bedrooms and glance in them quickly. The last room on the left must be Daniel’s room. One room looked to be his study, another looked to be completely empty. There was a bathroom in Daniels room but no other restrooms on the second floor. Obviously, there was no one else living in the house besides himself. Maybe he didn’t have kids and a wife like I expected. I walked downstairs and peaked into the high ceiling room next to the kitchen which was his living room. There was a long comfy looking grey sectional sofa with light coffee colored blankets folded on it that led to an ottoman with white and grey pillows. A 70 inch television was hung on the wall in front of the couch and there was plants in the corners of the rooms. The living room had a very warm and inviting feeling as I looked into it. “What would you like to drink? I have water, milk, tea.” Daniel said, looking into his refrigerator. I blinked, nostalgia hitting me from my childhood when I drank chocolate milk on the nights my mom would make me spaghetti. “Chocolate milk?” I asked, glancing away from the living room. “I can make that. Have a seat.” He said with a smile as he motioned to his table. I sat down in front of a plate and let the steam of the noodles and meat sauce rise into my nose. I hadn’t had spaghetti in years; this was truly a treat. I could hear Daniel mixing syrup and milk together as the spoon hit the sides of the glass cup. He set the chocolate milk in front of me. A burst of a feeling hit me as I sat there, staring at my chocolate milk, that I hadn’t felt in years: comfort. Without my parents, friends and family, I hadn’t felt that in a while. I had been the only one to take care of myself for the past two years. I was responsible for myself. I made my own food, my own money. The only person who had my back was me, no one else. Someone making me chocolate milk and giving an act of kindness towards me was so unfamiliar that I was taken aback. “Thank you. You’ve been really kind.” I said, timidly. I still didn’t understand why he’d take me in like he has. Daniel sat down, “Your welcome, Blake.” He said, not saying any more like I’d hope. He was friendly but distant. I didn’t understand it. I took a bite of my spaghetti once he began eating. It was silent, awkward. I had something on my mind that I wanted to know. “Why though?” I asked abruptly after swallowing a forkful of spaghetti. Daniel’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, “Why what?” He asked, eyebrows knitting together. “Why are you being so nice?” I paused, “Like, I’m not asking in a rude way. I just am curious because I’d assume you don’t do that with all your patients.” I added in a quick squeak, “Unless you do then I’m totally not judging.” God, I said too much. This nice guy is doing me a favor and here I am questioning it. There was an awkward silence that followed and Daniel had a pensive look on his face as he ate. I ate quietly as I looked down at my red noodles in embarrassment. “You’d have to ask me a different type of question and maybe you’d find your answer.” He said. I squinted at him in a glare, “Well then, now I’m really confused.” I shook my head, stabbing more noodles with meat sauce and shoving them into my mouth. “Do you do this with all of your patients?” I asked, looking up innocently. Daniel’s face changed to annoyed, “No, absolutely not.” He said firmly, as if he were insulted. I think I hit a nerve, woops. A few minutes passed as Daniel read an article on his phone and I still sat wondering why he was so offended. I thought of a different question to ask, “Did you know you wanted to go into psychology when you originally began college?” I asked, trying to make conversation. Daniel locked his phone and wiped his mouth with a napkin, placing it on his plate and studying my face, “No. I wanted to become a cardiologist when I began.” His fingertips grazed the stubble on his chin. “Then what made you change your mind?” I asked, curious as I ate slowly. Daniel stared at me for a long moment, “I had a change of heart.” He switched the subject quickly, “Are you done eating?” I nodded and pushed my plate away from me, “Here, let me clean you up.” I looked up at him, confused why his tone changed like he was speaking to a toddler. He grabbed my napkin and dabbed it in his mouth and then on my chin. My face flushed red as I sat there and couldn’t move in embarrassment. That night I dozed off asleep quickly, swimming through dreamland. I woke up, confused, around 3 AM as I sat up quickly in my new queen sized bed, something feeling uncomfortable. A familiar uncomfortable. “No, no, no.” I said in a whisper to myself. Panicking as I shifted in my bed, feeling my pajama bottoms drenched in wetness. My heart was pounding as I rolled off of my bed, gathering up my sheets and bedspread. I quietly tiptoed out of my room, down the stairs. I tried turning the knob to the hallway that connected the laundry room to the garage. It was locked. Why would it be locked? I closed my eyes in panic as I shifted in my wet pajama bottoms, feeling them becoming cold. I heard a light switch turn on behind me and Daniel was behind me in the kitchen, squinting at me in a sleepy state. My face flushed deep red and my vision became watery as I stood there in embarrassment. “Blake?” Daniel said as his head cocked to the side and his eyes fell on my soaked pajama bottoms.

*sigh* Here I go again... starting a new story when I haven't finished a few. I actually wrote this story before the Little Hunters but I decided to finally begin posting it This is... probably the most ABDL trope thing I've written, but it does involve darker material than I have wrote so I have included a warning. TRIGGER WARNING: This story deals with suicidal tendencies, drug and alcohol abuse. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or drug/alcohol abuse, please seek medical help or talk to someone. As always, I'm here as well, although I'm not as reliable because I only frequent here once or twice a week... but you all matter to me and you aren't alone, as much as it may seem.❤️ Chapter 1 “Another day, another dollar.” I mumbled under my breath as I braided my long light brown hair back in a ponytail. I splashed water on my pale face and pulled on my light kaki work pants and black polo shirt on. I blinked, squinting at the acne blooming on my chin. Great. I’m 22 and I still look like a prepubescence teenager. I sighed, splashing more water on my face and wiping it off with a rag. I grabbed my keys, rustling in the wind as I ran out to my piece of junk car, a 1998 Honda civic. Traces of rust coated the silver car and the wheels squeaked when I made sharp turns. You’d think I’d have my shit together at this age. Yep, I thought the same too. I’m 22, and still have the same damn job I had in high school at Jenkin’s Fun Land. I see Facebook posts of my high school friends who almost have their master’s degrees and others with multiple kids or married. You may be wondering: why am I still struggling? Well… where do I begin? I was valedictorian of my graduating class that encompassed 436 other students. President of the Student Council. Vice president of Debate club. Volunteer for the local humane society on my off time between work and school. I had a full ride scholarship to Harvard. I planned on getting my doctorate in pharmaceuticals. I had my whole life mapped out. By the age of 25 or 26 I’d have my doctorate. By 27 I’d have found the love of my life, be married even. I’d travel of the world for a few years. By 32 I’d have kids and buy the house of my dreams. The perfect student. The perfect daughter. The perfect role-model. It all started spiraling when I started partying my first semester in college. I was part of the Kappa Delta sorority and we were invited to every single party. I had hardly a glimpse of a life in high school. Sure, I had the grades, the ambition, yet one thing I always severly lacked any type of life outside of my afterschool activities. Hardly any friends. An absence of a social life. I never did drugs, never drank. I was good, well, up until college. In college, I came alive. I was a new person and floated into a group of people who were going to school for the same thing as myself. The future doctors of pharmaceuticals. Little do most people know, we all had an interest in trying the exact medications we would fill one day. How else would we know the side effects if not trying it out for ourselves? Before I knew it, I was into all types of drugs. I smoked pot. I took benzos when I wanted. I popped Xanax recreationally. I took Adderall before every exam. I even tried acid. I looked quote unquote “normal”, but no one knew what was really going on inside my head. Not even me. When I wasn’t on drugs, I was drinking. I drank and drank until the world blurred and my brain stopped writing memories down and began forgetting. My new found friend’s would make sure I made it back to my dorm. Make sure I went in my bed. Make sure I didn’t pass out on my back before choking on vomit. It was quite interesting. My friend’s introduced me to these recreational drugs and alcohol, yet I was doing ten times more than them. I didn’t think much about it until one day I couldn’t think at all. I remember the day crystal clear, even though things seemed extremely confusing. I started my day with taking Adderall before class. I had an exam in Biochemistry and hadn’t slept the night before so I definitely needed a hook up. The day drowned on and there was a party that night. I drank a red bull to wake myself up and one of my friends, Oddie, offered me a Xanax. I shrugged and took it out of his hand, chasing it down with a red bull. Why, Xanax? I wanted to relax after a long day of classes; however, caffeine and Xanax, looking back, probably were not the best combination. You’d think, being a pharmaceutical student, I’d be smarter than that. However, my philosophy was to try as many drugs as humanly possible. Explore the different side effects hands on. I love pharmaceuticals, a lot, actually. Little did I know how strong that love was. I didn’t feel anything for a good while. To be quite honest, I almost forgot I took it. When we arrived at the party, I began drinking. Within an hour a did I few shots of fireball. Surprisingly, I couldn’t feel the shots, nor the Xanax. I thought, maybe, just maybe, something else cancelled the Xanax in my system and my liver didn’t absorb it. Maybe it was expired Xanax. I decided to chug a few cans of beer with my guy friends because I didn’t feel a buzz, still. I couldn’t feel a thing. It was as if I was invincible, unable to feel any alcohol or drugs. A few minutes later, it all hit me. Quite suddenly, quite erratically. I was in the kitchen of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s house going to grab a water and suddenly fell to the ground. Waves of seizures racked my body. I didn’t think my body could move like that. I felt tremors but couldn’t control my movements. Vomit choked my throat and I was gurgling noises I had never thought I could make. My brain was screaming to regain control of my own body, yet my body wouldn’t listen. It was a horror movie slowly panning out and I soon realized I was the main character. Someone found me on the ground, but it was almost too late. He moved me onto my side and the vomit came out. Everything was blurry as my eyes watered. I wanted to cry, wail even. I couldn’t, it was almost as if I were paralyzed. Confusion blurs the lines of where I am, who I am. Before I know it, I’m slipping into darkness and can’t wake up. I’m in another world, but still here on Earth. I’m floating through a dark abyss. It feels so real, so deep. Haunting even. I was a ghost traveling through the sea of lost souls, yet I was just another one of them. I struggled to get out of the sea, but it was thick waters that kept hitting me with waves. The undercurrent, continuously pulling me down as I struggled to reach the surface. The next moment I’m feeling conscious again is when I felt pressure on my chest. Someone pressing down repeatedly. Someone’s cold fingers touching my neck, “No pulse. She’s a goner.” A woman’s voice says. My eyes were half open and I could see glimpses of a handsome face, warm brown eyes, and dark brown hair. “I’m not giving up.” A man says. “She hasn’t had a pulse for four minutes. The druggie is dead. Let go already.” No, don’t let me go. I’m still alive. I felt someone’s warm breath fill my lungs twice. Then pressure began on my chest. “Move out of the way, we’ll take over.” A stern voice says to whoever is pressing on my chest. I can hear his breath is ragged and the man who was attempting to revive me was sweating and tired. Giving CPR was a lot of work, especially on someone who should be pronounced dead. “Pulse has been gone for 5 minutes, good luck.” If I were able to get up, I’d strangle her. I’m alive for god sakes! I’m NOT dead yet. The guy who was doing chest compressions got off of me and I felt monitors being attached to me, other fingers touching my neck. Another man spoke, “I feel a pulse.” I was drifting in and out of consciousness as I was strapped to a cart and I could see flashing red lights underneath my half opened eye lids. A man’s voice, “Can I come with to the hospital?” “Are you related to her?” “No.” “Do you know who this girl is?” He coughed, “No, but I’ve been watching her the past twenty minutes. I just want to make sure she is okay.” Who was this guy? It wasn’t Oddie. It wasn’t any of my friends, actually. Where were my friends? I just had woken up, did they even know I was like this? “Thank you for your time, but we can’t bring strangers with on an ambulance.” “I understand.” The man said despondently. “Come on, Daniel. Let’s go home. She’ll be fine.” The rude girl, that kept telling him I was dead, said. After that, I drifted off into sleep again. I went to the hospital for a supposed ‘drug overdose’. They found Xanax, alcohol, and small traces of Adderall in my system and I stayed in the hospital for a week after. And that was the notorious day I was kicked out of Harvard because word got out and they searched my dorm whilst my week stay in the hospital. Campus police found my benzos and marijuana easily underneath my mattress. I lost my scholarship and had to pay back my tuition for the semester I attended the school. When I got home, my parents sent me to a rehab facility when I had absolutely no reason to go there. I wasn’t using anymore when I came back home and went clean, my blood tests even proved it. I went back to my old life and worked back at janky Jenkin’s Fun Land. Ever since then, my parents never could look at me the same. I wasn’t the favorite child. The star student. The role-model to my younger siblings and cousins. The perfect daughter. All of that was gone. All of what made me who my parents were once proud of, taken away in a blink of an eye. Chapter 2 “Hey, Blake! How’s it been?” I squinted my eyes, annoyed, as my back was turned away from the prize counter. I wiped the look off my face as I turned around to see my old classmate, Jessica, from high school, with her 1 year old child in my arms, “Oh, hey. How have you been?” I said with a fake smile plastered on my face, as if I had my life together. I loathed seeing people from high school. I didn’t want to talk about what was going on in my life. What was there to talk about? I got kicked out of my house when I told my parents I got promoted to be a manager at Jenkin’s and now live paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet. Not to mention, I also got kicked out of Harvard before getting kicked out of my parent’s home. I try to avoid the subject at all costs, to be quite honest. Instead, should I mention I eat ramen noodles every day and haven’t had time to even go back to college between work? I live with a roommate but she works at a grocery store and I’ve been taking out of loans to pay her half because she can’t pay the rent. “I’ve been good, I’m pregnant with child number 2 and we just found out it’s a girl! We’re so excited.” She smiled ear to ear as her eyes scanned my face. I blinked, still fake smiling and nodding. She was having children really young but, from a little stalking on Facebook, her boyfriend was a nurse practitioner and made a good living that she didn’t have to work. Jessica wanted children when she was in high school so it’s no surprise that she already was on her second. “So, how have you been?” An awkward pause, “Weren’t you going to Harvard?” I winced internally. Everyone wanted to know what happened, even though I had a feeling that word slipped out and people I didn’t even know heard about my drug overdose. I smiled at her bright blue eyed child and waved and then met her eyes, “I decided it wasn’t for me.” I said promptly, without detail. “Oh.” Jessica didn’t say anything further. Maybe she already knew what happened and just wanted to hear my side of the story. She was a genuine person like that. It was something to appreciate, but it was too touchy of a subject for me still, even though it had been a few years. My fingernails digged into the palm of my hand, sweating. I had a bit of social anxiety, admittedly. I blinked, changing the subject, “What prize would you guys like?” Her boyfriend walked up behind her and touched the small of her back. The thought of a boyfriend of my own flitted across my mind. I had a few within the past years, all failing miserably. I hadn’t dated for about two years but I wasn’t honestly looking either. Seeing Jessica with a guy did make me a little jealous. I wanted that in a way, but I could never find the right guy. I had a lot of abusive, almost stalker-like relationships in the past; however, it didn’t mean I had given up all hope. “We’ll do the purple monkey.” Jessica said, in a tone almost as if I were suddenly a stranger. Ouch, another stinge of pain. I couldn’t say it wasn’t the first time that someone from high school treated me like they didn’t know me, nor would it be the last. “That will be 150 tickets.” I said with a smile that didn’t meet my eyes. She handed me the tickets and I slipped them in the ticket counter. My face felt sticky from the hot weather and the miniature fan on the counter was not doing diddly-squat to circulate the air. It was 90 degrees in Robins, Iowa and the air-conditioning was still not fixed after placing several work orders within the past month. At this rate, by the time the repair men come, the summer months will be far gone and we might as well wait until next year. “Thanks, Blake. You take care, okay?” Jessica said, eyeing me weirdly. Was it that obvious how much I hated my life? Maybe I should just get it tattooed to my face. I drove home after working an open to close shift, for the third day in a row, and would be doing the same tomorrow. I could not sugar coat my life, even if someone held a gun up to my head. I’d tell them to pull the trigger. Hell, I’d take the gun from them and pull it on myself. Did I consider myself suicidal? I wasn’t honest enough with myself to answer that question. I did have self-loathe. Afterall, my parents were ashamed of me; they haven’t even reached out to talk to me in two years. Was it my fault? Quite possibly. If my parents were ashamed of me, then I should be just as ashamed of myself, right? I had been in and out of rehab. I still used drugs recreationally well after college. I still smoked pot to this day, anything to take off the edge. To be quite honest, I was depressed. My parents were proud of me my whole life. I was the first born in the family, the supposed role model. I had two younger sisters who had looked up to me and once I dropped out of college, they stopped looking up to me. Hell, mom and dad wouldn’t even let them text me. They were afraid to associate me with them. I was a failure in their eyes, and they still haven’t forgiven me. I haven’t even forgiven myself. I sped down the expressway, breaking out of my deep thoughts as I saw red and blue lights turn on behind me. I cursed under my breath, “What the fuck.” I pulled off to the shoulder of the expressway. An officer walked up to my beaten up car, flashing a light on my face, “Hello, I’m Officer Earl. Do you know why you were pulled over?” I grinded my teeth and nodded, “I’m sorry I was speeding.” I said looking down. Earl smiled underneath his mustache when I looked back up, “At least you know what you did. Let me see your I.D.” I felt a quick breath of relief leave my body, maybe he’d let me go? I gave him my I.D. He looked at my ID, “Wow, 22? Is this a fake I.D.?” I blinked, why does everyone think I’m so young? I blinked, biting my tongue and attempting not to spew some rebuttal back. He wrote me a ticket for 200 dollars or court. Little to say, I drove to the nearest liquor store on the way home and bought a lot of liquor on my credit card. I opened a bottle of vodka and chugged it on my drive home. Stupid? Absolutely. When you hate yourself, sometimes you punish yourself. This was my punishment. I drove home, surprisingly safely. I got home and went into my wooden night stand, fumbling through pill bottles in my narcotics drawer. I didn’t look at what I was opening, just shaking the pills out and popping them into my mouth. The alcohol making me fearless as I swallowed a few pills down. I laid on my bed, pills scattered beside me as I closed my eyes, waiting for death to seep in. I didn’t deserve to live. I wasn’t made for this life. I fucked up too many times and it was time for me to let go, to pass on into the dark abyss. I blacked out that night, completely unconscious, waking up in a hospital room, dazed and confused. There was a dark skinned middle-aged woman sitting down with black dress pants and a bright pink shirt on in the corner of my room. I asked, “Who are you?” “I’m Leona, your sitter for the night. How are you feeling?” She closed her magazine she was reading. Fuck, of course I have a psychiatric sitter. I hate them because I can’t be alone. Ugh. I shifted, trying to move my arms, “I’m doing great, I just don’t know why I’m here.” I scrunched my face, looking down at my arms that had light blue restraints tied to them, “Why do I have these?” She said, “You were attempting to hurt yourself yesterday so the nurses had to restrain your arms, honey.” I shook my head. What the hell happened? My right side and arm was tender to the touch. I remember just laying on my bed, what else could have happened? “What day is it?” I asked, politely, feeling my dry mouth. “It’s Friday, July 20th.” Holy shit. 3 days passed already? It was Monday when I drank and swallowed the pills. Why can’t I remember the past few days? I sank down in my bed, “Fuck.” I said while shaking my head, my lip trembling. “Oh, look who’s finally awake.” A nurse came in my room, checking my vital signs, “You were in and out of an unconscious state for the past few days from the sleeping pills you took and I think it must have finally ran through your system. Maybe you might be going home tomorrow.” The nurse said as she typed something on her portable computer. “Can you remove the arm restraints?” I asked, feeling the need to itch my nose. “I have to call the on call clinical psychologist to clear your mental status per our hospital protocol before we do that, hun.” I sighed, rolling my eyes. Of course they do. Fuck everything. She walked out, dialing a number on her phone. I could hear her outside the room talking to another nurse, “Dr. Calvin is going to be really pissed that I’m calling him this late.” I looked at the clock; it was 2 AM in the morning. The other nurse said, “Oh isn’t that the dreamy doctor? That doctor Daniel that visits once in a blue moon?” “Yeah, it’s him but he’s a real asshole to nurses.” Great, that’s the type of doctor I want to see. I looked over to Leona as her eyes were closing slowly as she read her magazine, “Psssst.” I said in a whisper as she looked up, “Can you remove the left one so I can itch my nose?” Leona laughed, “Just tell me where your nose itches and I’ll scratch it.” I sighed, shaking my head, “Don’t worry about it.” I scrunched my nose, wiggling it. I slowly dozed off into a nap while waiting for the psychologist. I heard quiet talking within an hour and a calm man’s voice, “How is she doing so far?” “I mean, she’s awake and aware, she’s just irritable since being awake and asked about her restraints.” The nurse said, “As much as I’d like to talk I have another patient I have to check in and hook up so I’ll be back.” I heard the man say to Leona, “I’ll have you step out for a moment so I can speak with her in private.” I opened my eyes and nuzzled my nose into my pillow, looking up to somewhat of a familiar face, “Do I know you?” I couldn’t place my finger on the face. I couldn’t for the life of me, but he looked so damn familiar. His eyes flashed, “You might, but, per patient privacy, I can’t release as to why unless you would like to talk about it.” What does that mean? I was so confused. I scrunched my face in confusion, “Well, I can’t really remember why you look familiar, so I was hoping you could refresh me?” He had black dress pants on and a deep navy blue button up with rolled up sleeves. He didn’t have a white coat on like most doctors but had a name tag badge hooked to his pants, which was humorous to me because it looked like he was trying to sport a new style or fashion. I suppressed a small smile and realized I was looking below his waist for more than a few seconds and that probably was not a good place to be staring. My eyes darted away quickly. He was about 6 feet tall with a muscular frame and looked incredibly handsome. I don’t know if it was the fact that he was a doctor that was attractive but maybe the fact that his face was so warm and friendly, besides the fact that he wasn’t making much sense. He pulled up a chair, taking out his stethoscope, “How are you feeling?” He ignored my question. Now I was really confused. “Okay. I just want to go home.” His hands were gentle as he lifted me forward and touched my back with his stethoscope. I caught a whiff of his cologne and it was enticing. I also caught a whiff of myself and I smelled like urine. I was, to say the least, disgusted with myself. “How are you feeling mentally, Blake?” His warm brown eyes met mine, concerned. I looked in awe at him, he was even more attractive close up. I ignored his question like he did mine, “What’s your name again?” His eyes searched mine, studying me. “Dr. Calvin.” He was emotionless when he said his name, as he pulled away from me. “What’s your first name?” I asked, watching him as he rolled his chair slightly away from me. “Daniel. Do you know your first name?” He asked, almost in a voice like I we’re a toddler. I blinked, noticing his change in tone. “Blake.” I said, dryly, “And the square root of Pi is 1.77245385091 and so on.” My voice sprinkled with sass. His face went thoughtful for a moment and then he smiled, “Good.” He paused, looking annoyed, “Now, I’m going to ask you one more time, and if you don’t answer then I’ll come back after I sleep: how are you feeling mentally, Blake?” Dr. Calvin said, looking at his keyboard on his Microsoft surface tablet. “I’m fine. I just want to go home.” I said, looking down at my bag of urine that was connected to my catheter. I froze, that made sense why it felt uncomfortable in my nether regions. “Drinking alcohol and overdosing on sleeping pills doesn’t sound like everything is fine to me, Miss Hunter.” I winced at my last name. For some reason hearing my last name reminded me of my parents and they probably didn’t even know that I was in the hospital again. If they did, they wouldn’t care anyways. I didn’t want to talk about my issues, especially to someone who’s so handsome and not too much older than myself. He’s most likely married and well off and would never date someone like myself… but that didn’t mean I couldn’t still dream about him later. I smiled and I felt my eyes get watery. I shook my head, “What does it even matter?” I said, realizing I wasn’t even able to wipe away the water collecting near my eyes. “Do you have suicidal thoughts?” He asked, looking up from his tablet. His eyes traced my face and then looked back down quickly. I looked at the ceiling, “Not until recently.” I said as a tear fell down my face. Did I just really admit that? Great, I most likely just sentenced myself to a few more days in this hospital. “Did you lose a job or a loved one recently?” Dr. Calvin studied my face, “You can talk about it with me, that’s why I’m here, Blake.” Snot was slowly running down my nose, “Nope. I’m just one fucking failure after a next.” I said with a laugh at my own misery, in attempt to act somewhat normal as I knew I was falling apart. A few more tears escaped down my cheeks and I sniffed so my snot wouldn’t fall. I had no chance of making myself look like I’m an equal to this man at this point. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?” He asked, curiously. I shook my head, “It’s not important.” Dr. Calvin shook his head, “Of course it is. Your life is important.” I frowned, my fingernails digging into my palm, “I got into Harvard and got kicked out and my life’s been a steep slope downhill ever since.” The reminder of it made more tears fall down my face. “Harvard, huh?” His eyes looked concerned, “You have to give yourself more credit, getting into that school is an accomplishment in itself and I’m sure your parents are proud of you still.” I shook my head, “Nope. They cut off ties with me completely. Once I got promoted at my job and began making 14 dollars an hour they gave me a month to find an apartment because they didn’t want me ‘influencing’ my little sisters.” I cried harder, remembering painful memories, a whimper escaping my lips, “But it’s all my fault. I was getting better when I lived with them, going to community college even, and then once they kicked me out I went straight back to drugs and drinking, dropped out of community college completely.” I turned away from him and nuzzled my head into the pillow. He came around my side with a tissue and knelt down near me. He dabbed my nose with the tissue and touched my shoulder, “Do you still feel the need to harm yourself?” I shook my head, “No.” Daniel began removing my restraints, “Then I’ll take these off; however, if you show any signs of self-harm they will go back on.” “Okay. When can I go home?” I said, giving him puppy dog eyes. After all, I’d assume he’d be the one signing my release papers. “It depends on what rehabilitation site you choose.” I wiped my eyes with my free hand. “I have to go back to my job. I can’t lose it, or else I won’t even have a home to go back to.” His eyes looked weary as he looked down at me, “We can discuss other options tomorrow then. You should sleep and I’ll write up a prescription for you to begin taking tonight.” I shook my head, “I don’t do medication.” I said in a statement. “You had Xanax and other recreational drugs your roommate told the ambulatory team so that statement doesn’t make sense to me, Blake.” Ouch, that one hurt. I can’t believe Veronica would snitch on me when she smokes pot. He looked at his tablet, scrolling down, “Do you have anxiety?” I shrugged, “Sometimes. But doesn’t everyone?” I said, sleepily. I was ready to go back to sleep already. You’d think sleeping three days would make you awake but all I wanted to do was sleep. “Panic attacks?” He asked, ignoring my comment again. “Every now and then.” I was feeling more anxious than usual currently but I wasn’t going to tell him that. He got up, “We’ll talk again tomorrow and hopefully get you discharged from the hospital tomorrow evening if everything goes smoothly.” Dr. Calvin said as he peeked outside of my room. I snuggled into my sheets. He talked to the nurse as I slowly lulled into sleep and then was woken to take a pill. I took it and dozed into a deep slumber after the doctor left. I napped on and off the next day. Leona left around 7 in the morning and a new sitter came in to watch me. I was woken up by Dr. Calvin in the late afternoon. “Good morning, Blake.” Dr. Calvin said. I opened one eye and squinted at the time, “It’s 4 PM, Daniel. Good afternoon.” Daniel had the sitter leave the room, “My name is Dr. Calvin to you, Blake.” He said with a bit of annoyance hinting at his voice. “You have two first names in your full name. It’s weird.” I said, rolling over in a grumble. He sat down on the rolling chair and opened his tablet, “Are you feeling irritable still?” “I wasn’t irritable to begin with, it’s just me.” I said, sitting up. I felt like a different person than last night. I showered, with the door open since I’m ‘suicidal’, had my catheter and IV removed, and now I smelled like a normal human again. My hair wasn’t a matted mess and fell down in waves on my shoulder. “Okay then. How would you rate your depression as of now on a scale of 1 to 10? 1 being happy and 10 being of suicidal thoughts.” He asked. “Like a -5.” I said with a fake smile. My eyes not matching my smile so I most likely looked crazy. “Seriously, Blake.” He wasn’t smiling; in fact, his face was blank, like a statue. I had a feeling he didn’t understand my humor. I frowned, fixing my gown, “3.” I played it down a lot, honestly. I’d realistically rate it at a 7 because I just wanted to go home and drink. I couldn’t tell him that though. “If you feel worse, you can tell me.” He paused, his brown eyes studying me, “You don’t have to lie. I’m focused on making you feel better before you leave.” He’s emotionless one moment and the next he’s caring. Sometimes I just don’t understand doctors. I looked out the window, shrugging, “Maybe a 4.” He nodded, typing, “So, we have to go over options for what course of action were going to take to get you on the right track.” Daniel closed his tablet and searched through his bag, pulling out pamphlets, “Realistically, I’d want you to go through the eight-week inpatient program in Marion.” He sighed, “But, because of your living situation, I think your best option would be going through the 16-week outpatient program which is close to where you live in Jasper.” “16 weeks?! I have a really busy schedule and I work just about every single day to barely pay my bills.” I said. “You need to make time for yourself, Blake. I had to pull a lot of strings to make sure that you get help instead of the law intercepting for attempted suicide and paraphernalia.” I shook my head, “I never said I attempted suicide.” “You told us in a half conscious state two days ago and yesterday you mentioned suicidal thoughts.” Daniel said. Well, I guess that might be substantial evidence. There was an awkward silence that followed and he spoke up as he was handing me a pamphlet, “You’ll be going to a therapy appointment two to three times a week. You’ll have a daily journal to write in and goals each week on how to overcome obstacles. There’s a lot more that goes into the outpatient program but we’ll discuss that later.” Without reading, I signed my papers for the outpatient program quickly and was discharged from the hospital that evening. Veronica picked me up from the hospital and didn’t say a word the whole ride home. Hell, she didn’t even say a simple ‘hi’. Veronica was probably tired of my shit. I’ve been making a lot of mistakes the past few weeks and it’s became more frequent as the months have progressed. From drunken nights where she picked me up from bars to finding me passed out in our bathroom with vomit on me, Veronica has seen it all. I felt bad to put her through all of that, but I just needed help. Someone to care for me. I didn’t have that, and I don’t think I ever will again. I got home to my phone and it was completely dead. When I charged it, my phone had about twenty missed calls and voicemails from my boss, Kellie. I called her right away, panicked. “What happened that you ended up in the hospital?” “I had a severe reaction to this new night time medication and was in an unconscious state for a few days.” I said, biting my nails. Kellie paused, “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” She said, almost as if she didn’t believe me. “I need to discuss hours with you these next few weeks when I come back tomorrow. I have a doctor’s appointment every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 PM and I’ll need to probably close on those days.” I said, bracing myself for what she’ll say next. “What are these appointments for, Blake?” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Is she even allowed to ask that? I said quickly, “I have to let you go, Kellie, sorry my doctor’s calling.” “Blake-“ I hung up. Nice save. I fell asleep that night and woke up around 3 AM, tossing and turning from my dreams. I felt a cold, wetness underneath my pajama bottoms in a half conscious state. I slowly got up and looked down, feeling the wetness and the stench of urine invading my nostrils. I couldn’t only see the fluorescent green of my alarm clock glowing in my dark room but I already knew what happened. I scrunched my face: did I really pee myself in my sleep? Fuck. I rolled up my sheets and tossed them in my closet, deciding I’d clean them in the morning when Veronica went to work. I looked at my phone and I felt my heart race when I began reading a text from Kellie that she sent late last night. She left me a text stating that we’d have to talk one on one but this week she’d give me Monday off, and I’ll come into work at 4 PM on Wednesday and Friday. I sighed in relief and fell back into a slumber on my semi-wet stripped mattress with one sheet keeping me warm. Monday came and I was dreading driving to the outpatient rehabilitation appointment. I had a half an hour with group therapy and an hour with a psychologist one on one. I didn’t talk much during group therapy and afterwards I sat in the waiting room for my therapist. A man with tattoos all over his arms walked out and then a minute later Daniel walked out with a folder and looked at me, “Blake.” He smiled. For some reason, I didn’t expect in the slightest for him to be my therapist. I thought he was just a ‘clinical psychologist’ not a full-fledged therapist. We walked into a room with dim lights, a book shelf lining a whole wall around a fire pit, a brown soft couch and a chair. He motioned for me to sit on the couch and I shyly sat down near the edge farthest from him, fixing my outfit. I had ripped light colored jeans on and a light purple tie-dye shirt on for Jenkin’s Fun Land. I probably was dressed like a 13-year-old girl but it was still better than the last time he saw me. He sat down, “How are you feeling this week?” I shrugged, “Okay. Everything’s just peachy.” Everything was the same as before I tried putting myself into an irreversible coma. I still worked at a shitty job. I wasn’t happy with my life. I disliked the person I lived with. I didn’t speak to my parents. “Hm.” He said as he thoughtfully looked at me with a pen and paper in front of him, “How’s the medicine working?” I stopped taking it. It’s not like I’d feel anything until six to eight weeks out anyways. There were a few things I retained in my memory from my studies at Harvard. “It’s great, I feel a bit better, just feeling numb but I think that’s just a common side effect.” I shrugged. I knew all of the side effects of course, just another plus of failing medical school. “Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary since you got home? Mood swings? Hallucinations? Incontinence? Anything out of sorts?” Daniel studied my facial expressions. I blinked away a sudden rush of embarrassment. Yes. I somehow wet myself and I haven’t done that in a year or two since my last relapse, “No.” I couldn’t tell him that. It was embarrassing. He nodded, his fingertips touching the 6 o’clock shadow on his chin, “Tell me a little about yourself.” That’s randomly off subject. I stared at the fake fire pit and wondered what I should say. “Like, what do you wanna know? There’s not much about me.” I asked, confused. “What do you like to do?” Daniel asked, interested. It was a question that caught me off guard. I didn’t really have anything I liked to do outside of work besides drinking or taking a Xanax and watching videos on the internet. I used to like playing video games, but I stopped. “I mean, I don’t really have a lot of stuff I like doing.” Daniel asked, “Do you like sports?” I’m an adult and no one hardly plays sports around my age. I shrugged, “Sometimes.” I lied, I didn’t like anything anymore. I enjoyed track, volleyball and tennis in middle school and high school, but those were only things I did for fun with my little sisters once. “That’s your assignment for the week then. I want you to give me a list of five things that you like to do as hobbies.” He said with a warm smile. Five things?! That’s quite a lot. A week passed and on Sunday I came into work and Kellie was waiting for me in the concession area. She was sitting at one of our dining tables and had me sit with her. “You have multiple call-offs this summer and I’m going to have to drop you down to part-time status as a manager. Sorry, Blake.” Kellie said without a trace of emotion, brown eyes disinterested. I felt air leave my lungs, “But-“ I paused, confused, “I need the money. I can’t live where I’m at without forty hours a week and pay for my insurance. Kellie-“ “Look, Blake, I need a manager who’s serious about their job and shows up every day and I know you have needs but so do other people. I'm not demoting you to a team member because I'm giving you another chance to prove it to me but I can't afford anymore call-offs.” She was stone cold as she walked away. That night I wanted something to take the edge off. I needed some alcohol or a pill to help me. I refrained from drinking and going into my secret stash of pills that I hid underneath the floor boards. I couldn’t sleep that night because I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I couldn’t tell Veronica, because then she’d freak out. I didn’t have any friends in this area. I got two hours of sleep, even though I could sleep in before my appointment. I would have to find a new job to work when I’m not at Jenkin’s. I couldn’t handle the stress as it is and I don’t know how I would handle this too. I came to therapy with Dr. Calvin as a complete mess. “How are you feeling today?” It seems like he asks that every day. My lip began trembling, “Not good.” A tear falling down my face. I wiped away with my sleeve of my light grey sweatshirt. “What happened, Blake?” Daniel asked, eyes suddenly concerned. “I-“ I shook my head, “I’m getting demoted at work to part-time for missing so many days.” I began crying and I couldn’t look up. Daniel knelt near me and brought tissues over. He hugged me, “It’s going to be okay, Blake.” My back stiffened. Did doctors usually hug their patients? This never happened in rehab. I shook off the thought as I whimpered, “How? I’m going to be homeless next month. I can’t even afford groceries let alone gas.” “We’ll figure something out.” Daniel said pulling away, his hand still rubbing my back. The feeling of someone else’s touch was so foreign to me. As his fingertips grazed my back, tingles went up to my brain, making me feel fuzzy, warm. I felt momentarily dazed as I sat there. I sniffled, “My mom won’t even talk to me. I tried calling her yesterday night and she wouldn’t pick up.” I whimpered because it hurts that my mom won’t even talk to me. She won’t even acknowledge my existence anymore. I could be dead, and that wouldn’t have mattered to her. “I’m sure she’ll let you live with her.” Daniel continued, “Let me know what happens in a week, okay?” A week passed of me calling my mom and dad every day. No one answered. I began to think that they blocked me. I sent a few texts and no replies. I told Veronica about my situation and she said she was moving into her boyfriend’s house in a month. Somehow, in a week’s time, everything around me was falling apart, and, by default, so was I. “So, any news from your mother or father?” Daniel asked, his face hopeful. Little did he know that my mom was alienating me from the family. It’s as if it were a cult and since I was an outsider, I was being excommunicated by anyone associated. I sank in my chair and didn’t say anything, staring at the tan carpet. “Blake?” He said, concerned, “How are you feeling?” “A 10.” I said, beyond sad. I didn’t want to be here anymore and I didn’t care about life. Everyone was leaving me. I wasn’t worth anything. I was worthless, quite honestly. “Do you want to harm yourself?” Daniel asked, sitting up straight. My fingernails were already making my palms bleed. I closed my eyes and my body was completely tense. I didn’t want to talk anymore. This was all a waste of time. I was going to pull the plug tonight. “Blake, do I need to take you to the hospital?” He was studying me when I opened my eyes. My jaw was tight, “No.” Daniels fingers were tapping his legs, “This is completely out of the scope of my profession, but…” He hesitated, “in the case you don’t have a home, you can stay with me. I have plenty of space and an extra guest room for you there.” I looked at him, not wanting to hear his words, “Really?” He nodded, “I’ve been thinking about it for a bit now and it’s the best option for you. You wouldn’t have me as a therapist anymore though. I would have to switch you to a different outpatient program.” It seemed weird being that he was my therapist but I needed a home and I couldn’t be picky. It was either that, or living in my car. I nodded, “That would really help.” I said, looking down shyly. “There would be rules, of course. Knowing your condition, I may be having you leave your job but I can take you to an outpatient center while I’m at work.” I’d get to leave my job?! That would be a dream. “I’d only stay for a month or so until I find a better job.” I said. I probably wouldn’t find a job in that time but I could at least try my hardest. Daniel shook his head, “No need. You can leave your job for a little while and figure things out.” Was he planning on having me stay there for a while? I was taken aback on how nice he was being. It was quite unusual for a doctor to be this caring.

I didn't know inboxes could be filled on this site but thank you for the notice! I'll delete emails to fix the issue and I fixed the numbering. Update: I checked my mailbox and it's not even close to full so I'm not sure why you couldn't send an email? Huh, odd.