FloridaKid Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 This might be my favorite chapter so far, not so much because Isabelle is finally in diapers, but because I feel like this is approaching a tipping point. Isabelle is just about in balance with Becky and I feel like that’s going to be a pivotal moment, whether Becky is somehow tied to the whole regression process or not. I don’t know how far she’ll end up regressing, but since she’ll at least need to have some level of control to continue dancing, I’m going to bet it’s not younger than four but with some serious potty issues. 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted June 8, 2023 Author Share Posted June 8, 2023 All, Apologies for the delay in updates. Life has gotten very busy for me. I do hope to continue again shortly, and provide updates. Thank you all for your patience! 2 3 Link to comment
AwD_95 Posted June 18, 2023 Share Posted June 18, 2023 I keep checking this story every day like 4 times a day, hoping for the next few parts to finally show up. No need to rush to get them out, I understand life can be a pain sometimes, but I will be here patiently waiting (kinda) for when you return. 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted June 19, 2023 Author Share Posted June 19, 2023 On 6/18/2023 at 7:42 AM, AwD_95 said: I keep checking this story every day like 4 times a day, hoping for the next few parts to finally show up. No need to rush to get them out, I understand life can be a pain sometimes, but I will be here patiently waiting (kinda) for when you return. Hi All! I have started writing the next chapter again but I’m moving this week/weekend. I imagine I’ll have a new post by the weekend after the move! Trust me, I want to be writing this more than anyone wants to read it. Apologies in advance! 4 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 3, 2023 Author Share Posted July 3, 2023 Awaited and overdue. A lot of life events happening that have paused my writing. Thank you for your patience. I hope folks are still interested in reading, as there is plenty more story to come. The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 40 Isabelle's eyes fluttered as the sunlight hit her eyes. There was something different that morning, though it was not immediately apparent to Isabelle what it was, as she turned her head to the other side, shielding her eyes from the light. Isabelle felt her little mouth open just enough to let a yawn escape, before shutting again, puckering a few times against the feel of dry saliva on her small rounded chin. As she laid down, half-asleep, Isabelle began to notice some differences. The first and most obvious one was that Isabelle's body felt....'heavy I 'spose is the word,' Isabelle thought to herself. Her arms and legs felt like they were weighted down, though Isabelle could tell her body barely made a dent in the soft mattress. It was not just her extremities though; Isabelle's head, her beck, her body, and even her thighs felt heavy. 'Growing pains....maybe?' Isabelle wondered in her half-asleep state. Isabelle took a deep breath in through her nose, before releasing it out of her mouth once more. Her eyes began fluttering more, unable to escape the sunlight any longer. Isabelle knew she would not be able to fight the sun much longer, but was not quite ready to get up. There was more that seemed off. It was like a nagging thought that she couldn't quite explain, but was driving her mad. Isabelle pulled Rabbited in closer, one of its ears hovering around her soft lips. The next thing Isabelle noticed was an overwhelming longing for her mommy. It was emerging from the pit of her stomach, and it was insatiable. Isabelle knew she was safe here at Jess's, knew she would be greeted with smiles and welcome. Yet, Isabelle desired her mommy. More than she could ever recall. It was not a simple desire; it was requisite. Isabelle wanted her mommy so much that a part of her wanted to cry for her. 'How could she not be here with me?' Isabelle found herself asking. The question only made her want to cry more. Isabelle shifted her body on to her side, fighting aside her tears. The room was quiet, eerily silent in fact. Isabelle's own breath echoed off of the walls in the disorienting silence of the morning. Not even the bird's chirps were present to break the tranquil peace. At least it was silent, until Isabelle shifted to her side. As Isabelle shifted, the silence of room was pierced by a loud rustling, both familiar and foreign to Isabelle's round and curious ears. The noise shattered the morning peace, serving as a reminder of....'something..' Isabelle pondered. Isabelle shifted once more, adjusting herself, the noise louder this time. As she shifted this time, Isabelle noticed something she hadn't before. Something comforting, something warm, 'something....right.' Isabelle smiled, as the comfort emanating from below pushed away her feelings of despair about her mommy, and instead reminded her that she was safe, protected. Isabelle took a deep breath, relaxing her body, and closing her eyes once more, an adorable smile and dimples emerging on her face. The source of the noise, of course, was her diaper. Her night diaper, to be precise. And in that moment, Isabelle didn't question it. She didn't doubt that she was exactly where she was supposed to be, wearing exactly what she was supposed to have on. 'It's only my night diaper,' Isabelle reminded herself, allowing her smile to expand further outward. 'It's just my night diaper,' she told herself once more, exhaling a deep breath of stress away and out of her small body. Isabelle raised her arms over her head, slipping once more on to her back. As she did so, Isabelle pushed her short legs out toward the edges of the bed, hoping and failing to reach the end. Isabelle didn't even realize as her bladder released once more into her sodden diaper, instead focused on the warmth of the sun against her rosy cheeks. "Time to get up," Isabelle said aloud, lifting herself up, and standing up on her bed. Isabelle turned and began to waddle out of the room in her t-shirt, feeling the weight of her diaper pulling her down. Even in her long shirt, and onlooker could see the diaper drooping below the hemline. Isabelle wasn't concerned at all in her sleepy state. This was normal. It was just like any other morning. Only it wasn't. And part of Isabelle knew something was wrong. It was just the part of her that was not in control that morning. Isabelle made her way to the staircase, preparing to descend. Isabelle could hear noises from the top of the stairs; the sound of the TV on, with what seemed like a baby show; noises from the kitchen, where Jane was surely preparing breakfast; and the giggles of her best friend Becky laughing at something. Isabelle smiled - it was going to be a great day. Isabelle was so distracted by the noises downstairs, that she didn't even hear the footsteps behind her. Isabelle reached to put her hand on the railing, about to take her first step down, when she felt the world fall away from beneath her. Isabelle was soaring in the air, and had no idea why. Her stomach had butterflies, and in the excitement, Isabelle released a little more pee into what little capacity remained in her diaper. And just as she did, she felt herself begin to be lowered, and settled underneath a person's arm. A man's arm. John's arm, to be exact. "Woah!" John exclaimed playfully, as he lifted Isabelle up, and threw her head over his shoulder, resting her stomach against John with her butt in the air for all to see. Isabelle did the only appropriate thing as she was lifted: Isabelle shrieked! "You scared me John!" Isabelle responded as her heart raced. Isabelle wasn't sure why, but she started smiling as John carried her down the stairs over his shoulder, Isabelle's legs pressed firmly against John's chest. Isabelle was laughing the whole way down. "Oh did I now?" John responded playfully. "I seemed to have scared you so much you peed in your diaper Ellie Belly!" John joked, as he pressed a finger with his free hand against Isabelle's diapered butt. "Hmmmmmmm or maybe you had a little accident last night?" John moved his fingers under Isabelle's feet, proceeding to tickle her toes as he continued to tease her. Isabelle wanted to be bothered by the joke. But she simply wasn't. She simply didn't care at all. She was too busy trying to escape tickles. John carried Isabelle into the kitchen, where Isabelle spotted Jess and Becky. Becky immediately greeted her friend with a big smile and wave, milk dripping down her chin and back into Becky's cereal bowl. Isabelle waved back, as John sat Isabelle down on the adjacent chair with a squish, before going over to his wife and kissing her. Isabelle pulled her shirt out from under her butt, not liking sitting on it. Isabelle immediately noticed that things felt different from the night prior. She was sitting in the same chair as she had for dinner with Mel, but it wasn't quite the same. The chair was, an initial matter, considerably lower to the floor than it was the night prior. Isabelle couldn't see Becky as well on the other side, and it was a more laborious task to reach her arm up on the table. For another matter, the chair was considerably wider. Isabelle could have fit two of herself on the chair comfortably without touching the other, without issue. Isabelle had always been petite, able to share chairs with almost any of her friends and still fit. But this was another matter altogether. Isabelle wanted to amend her prior thought - you could probably fit three Isabelle's on this chair. 'Why would Jess and John buy new kitchen chairs after they went out for dinner with mommy?' Isabelle was left asking herself. 'It seems an odd thing to do at night, not that I buy lots of furniture.' Isabelle's train of thought was broken by John greeting his wife. Isabelle figured it was not a thought worth revisiting anyway. "Morning dear," John said, as he made his way over to the coffee pot, pouring himself a mug. "You look dashing as ever," John added, before throwing in a meaningful wink. Jess smiled back, blushing just a little bit. Jess's hair was quite messy, but she looked to be in a particularly good mood that morning. Isabelle noticed Jess's strange but not uncommon demeanor almost immediately, but couldn't figure out what it was. In the end, Isabelle chalked it up to love. Isabelle had always admired Jess and John - they truly were in love and loved being with one another. They were perfect partners, each helping the other grow and be the best version of themselves. It was admirable, a lofty goal to strive for. Jess composed herself as she responded, "Morning to you too lazy bum," Jess teased, as she seemed to become more aware of her messy hair, making a tacit effort to sort it out with her hands after receiving John's wink. "And good morning to you sleepy little girl," Jess said, setting a bowl of cereal down and a big plastic spoon for Isabelle to eat with. "Cereal for you this morning." Isabelle expected Jess to turn around and leave her to her food, But she was wrong. Instead, Jess had crouched down besides Isabelle, kissing her on the cheek. "How are you feeling this morning Belly?" Jess asked, with more intention in her voice than normal. Isabelle could hear the care and love in the question too, but it seemed Jess was asking for more. Isabelle simply wasn't sure what Jess was fishing for, or what Jess had meant by the question. And, as soon as Jess had placed the bowl in front of her, Isabelle was already scooping cereal into her mouth. Isabelle had more important things to worry about than simple morning conversation - there was cereal in front of her for Pete's sake! "GhFinge" Isabelle responded, a mouth full of flakes. Jess stifled a laugh. It was still amusing when Becky or Isabelle insisted on speaking with their mouths full of food, no matter how many times they were told it was rude and to swallow first. "Okay sweetie. Mel said you had a bit of an upset stomach last night. Is it feeling better this morning?" Jess followed up, Isabelle having missed the purpose of the original inquiry. Isabelle was happily scooping more cereal into her mouth when Jess asked the question. But the cereal never made it, instead dropping down her mouth and on to her shirt. Isabelle had completely forgotten about the night prior. She had forgotten about Mel. And most importantly, she had forgotten about her accident. Her very messy poopy accident. Suddenly, all of Isabelle's confidence, all of her comfort from that morning, it all went away. 'I......I..........pooped.....my pants last night.....' Isabelle though to herself, her hand holding her spoon falling to her side and going limp. Isabelle's face went pale, and her mouth began curving downward. She was feeling empty once more. Empty and horrible sad. Jess could see what was happening and did her best to nip it in the bud. "It's okay Belly! Don't be sad, we all get sick sometimes. But you look like you're feeling better this morning. Let's see how you diaper fared last night, but I bet you didn't have any more number two accidents!" Jess announced, as though that was something Isabelle should have been proud of. Isabelle turned immediately to Becky, terrified of the shame her best friend must have had for her in that moment. Only Becky didn't react - she just kept eating her cereal. While Isabelle was focused on her friend, Jess reached her hand to Isabelle exposed diaper, pressing her hand against it, before gently lifting Isabelle's shirt up, and pulling out the back of Isabelle's diaper. Jess knew Isabelle hadn't pooped - her nostrils told her as much - but thought doing a check would help build the girl's confidence after a rough night. "See! Just wet sweetie, though pretty soaking wet. Good girl! We'll try to go to the potty after you finish eating." With that Jess stood up and began to walk away to get a napkin for Isabelle Whatever part of Isabelle had escaped her that morning was no longer gone, however. It was back. And Isabelle knew what was wrong. A lot was wrong. 'I don't belong in diapers!,' Isabelle screamed to herself. 'What the duck is going on!....AND WHY DID I SAY DUCK?! DU..Duck! DUCK DAMNIT!" Isabelle was feeling entirely out of control. "I am a big girl. I. Am. A. Big. Girl.....I AM A BIG GIRL!!! I do NOT wear diapers!...I wear pullups!" But even that was wrong, and Isabelle knew it. She just didn't know why. "I wear....I wear.....I don't wear diapers!" Isabelle repeated, settling on the one statement she was sure about, rather than what she could not figure out. Isabelle's mind was racing. But beyond the simple notion of knowing she was a big girl, she couldn't develop her thoughts any further. It was as though something was blocking her mind, preventing her from figuring out the truth, the truth of what was happening to her, the truth of where she belonged, her truth. Though what that truth was anymore was anyone's guess. Isabelle was left with no choice. Her body felt like it was about to explode. Isabelle couldn't express what she was thinking, and it was making her horribly upset. So just as Jane made her way back to the counter to her coffee, it happened. Isabelle started wailing. Not just a normal cry, but an earth shattering, heartfelt, loud, and terribly sad cry. Isabelle's mind, body, feelings, and soul, went back to the most basic place of safety, as she cried out. "WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.. *sniff sniff* WAHHHAHAH I WANT MY MOMMMMMMMMMY" Isabelle called out, repeating the words over and over as the tears streamed down her face. Only her mom could make her feel better now. Isabelle was not sure what came over her. But one thing was for certain - Isabelle wanted her mommy. She wanted Jane. "Ohhhhhh shhh shhhhhh shhhh" Jess called out, grabbing a napkin and going back to Isabelle, hoisting the little girl on to her hip and holding her close. Jess took the napkin she had collected, and began cleaning Isabelle's mouth from where she missed with the cereal, before wiping the toddler's tears away, and cleaning the snot drooping from her nose. "It's okay sweetie. It's okay! We all have rough nights.....You'll be with your mommy soon. I'll take you over after breakfast sweetie. Its oooooakkkkkkaay......" Jess continued to soothe Isabelle, bouncing her on her hip, and holding Isabelle close. For Isabelle's part, she had wrapped her arms around Jess's neck, even though she had no recollection of doing so. 'I just want to get home," Isabelle thought. "I need to figure out what is happening to me....and what is supposed to be happening.' Isabelle heard what Jess said, but for some reason, 'after breakfast' felt like it would never come. Eventually, Isabelle did settle down, and Jess returned the girl to her chair. Isabelle looked back at her friend, wiping away one last tear. Isabelle was shocked to see that Becky seemed utterly unaffected by everything that was going on with Isabelle that morning. 'Becky doesn't seem....bothered at all,' Isabelle pondered, as she instinctively reached her hand out for her plastic spoon once more, and started scooping cereal into her mouth. 'In fact...she's just smiling at me.' It gave Isabelle a little comfort that her friend was being so sweet. Isabelle spent the morning gently scooping her cereal into her mouth with more intention. Isabelle knew that finishing this bowl of flakes was her only path to seeing her mom, so she worked at it the best she could. Even then, however, Isabelle found herself unable to hold the spoon very steadily, only dripping milk on to her chin, and even having some fall on to her shirt. Isabelle even managed to lose one flake that fell right on her squishy diaper. Speaking of which, Isabelle was suddenly keenly aware that she was wearing a diaper. Jess was not kidding when she had described it as soaked, and Isabelle felt the warm padding ballooning underneath her. It was humiliating, and Isabelle wanted to be rid of the diaper immediately. 'You have one accident and THIS is what they do to you?!' Isabelle began asking herself angrily. 'This is absurd. These "RULES" that Jess has are so UNFAIR!" Isabelle, once sad, was now feeling like she was on the verge of a tantrum. Her emotions were entirely out of control, and Isabelle was finding it hard to stop and think before reacting. The humiliation of wearing the diaper was not aided by the fact that, well, the diaper was really comfortable. Even in its weighty state locked around her hips, Isabelle was having a heard time denying enjoying the squish, enjoying the padding, enjoying the safety of it all. Even the scent, sodden as it was, felt....comforting to her nostrils. All of this made Isabelle's shame that much worse. Isabelle managed to scoop the last of the flaked into her mouth and down her throat. Isabelle let loose a massive belch, before slipping down into the chair, Isabelle's settling resulted in her shirt riding all the way up, exposing her bulging little belly and diaper for the whole world to see. Realizing what she had done, Isabelle quickly pulled her shirt down as John and Jess each approached. "I'll take this one, you take Becks." Jess instructed John. "Belly's diaper is practically going to fall free from her," Jess explained, as she lifted Isabelle up on to her hip once more. Turning to Isabelle now, Jess began walking toward the stairs and talking "Let's get you out of that wet diapee sweetie." Isabelle didn't particularly care for when Jess spoke to John about her as though Isabelle wasn't there. 'I can see you are taking me - you don't need to announce it like that,' Isabelle thought. Jess's choice to ignore Isabelle's presence only made her feel angrier in that moment. Still, Isabelle was able to settle the raging beast upon the promise that she would be changed out of her silly diaper - 'whatever it takes to get out of this thing and back into my normal clothes!' Jess carried Isabelle upstairs, bouncing her as she did. Isabelle wasn't sure why, but the bouncing was nice. At least it was at first. About three quarters of the way up the stairs, Isabelle quickly felt the flakes and milk bouncing around her tummy, causing her to release another belch for the whole house to hear. Isabelle could hear Becky giggling behind her. Isabelle giggled too. "My, my. A very gassy girl this morning." Jess responded, embarrassing Isabelle further. As they reached the top of the stairs, Jess stopped, pondering for a moment. Jess's eyes diverted between the bathroom and Eric's room. For 15 seconds or so, Jess didn't move, struggling with what to do. In the end, Jess carried Isabelle to Eric's room, deciding to give Isabelle the benefit of the doubt. 'It's really up to Jane anyway, how she wants to deal with this,' Jess decided. Without so much as offering Isabelle the chance to change herself, Jess sat Isabelle up on Eric's changing table. "Arms up sweetie," Jess commanded, and Isabelle obeyed. Jess quickly removed Isabelle's shirt, before placing an arm on Isabelle's bare chest and laying her down. The embarrassment of the situation was offset by the comfort of the changing table. While Isabelle hardly sunk into the guest mattress under Becky's bed, Isabelle did sink into the pad underneath her, which Isabelle had to admit was incredible comfortable. Instinctively, Isabelle shut her eyes and began to relax, almost oblivious to her surroundings. In a moment, Isabelle had almost completely forgotten where she was, settling back as though what was happening was normal once more. Jess smiled as she saw Isabelle shut her eyes. 'The poor girl had quite the night, from what Mel said at least." Jess thought back to the night prior when she had arrived home. The girls had both been very good, Mel said, but apparently Isabelle had woken up with an upset tummy, and then had a major poopy accident in her pullup. Jess was proud that Mel had abided by her rules, even if it was not for her own children. It made Jess believe she could trust Mel in the future to babysit. Jess tore at the sides of Isabelle's diaper, before lifting her legs and slipping the wet diaper away. 'I don't remember EVER holding a diaper this heavy,' Jess smiled to herself with amazement. 'I suppose the bigger diapers can hold more,' Jess reminded herself. Isabelle and Becky were both in some of the larger pampers, having each fallen behind their classmates in the potty training realm. 'Though Isabelle was doing so well for so long,' Jess reminded herself, as she began wiping Isabelle down with baby wipes. 'This was her first poopy accident in a long time...probably in months.' Jess sighed as she collected more wipes, lifting Isabelle's legs once more to wipe her bum and her privates. Jess had hoped Isabelle's excellent track record would inspire Becky to improve, but Isabelle's soaked diaper suggested otherwise. 'It probably was just because of her upset stomach. I am being too hard on her. Isabelle has been amazing, this is just a one off.' Jess pumped some lotion into her hands and began rubbing it on Isabelle, much to the delight of the sweet little girl. "Okay Belly," Jess said, finishing with cleaning Isabelle up. "Now, normally my house rules are that you would need to go back into a diaper after an accident. But Mel told me it was because you were sick." Jess was going to try and use this as an opportunity to inspire Isabelle. "So exceptions are appropriate! Why don't we put you back in your normal day pullups. But you have to promise you're going to do your very best to go potty like a big girl, okay?" Jess said, as she pulled a pullup from underneath the table and began slipping it on to Isabelle's legs. Before pulling it all the way up, Jess gave Isabelle a splash of baby powder on her crotch and bum, before easing the pullup the rest of the way up. Isabelle couldn't help but smile. When Jess mentioned the rules again, Isabelle was really worried she was getting another diaper. Isabelle was going to explode if Jess had tried that, so it was probably better for the two of them that she didn't. In the end however, Jess had elected to trust Isabelle. 'Just like Jess should,' Isabelle reminded herself. 'I am, in fact, a big girl.' Isabelle had a lot of proving to do if she was going to convince anyone that was true. Jess helped Isabelle down, walking with her out of the room as John and Becky walked in. Isabelle made her way toward Becky's room, intending to get dressed, when Jess took her hand and pulled her into the bathroom. "Isabelle - we just discussed being a big girl. Let's try and go potty first, okay?" Isabelle wanted to say no - she didn't need to go. But It turned out that Jess was not really asking, as she maneuvered Isabelle into the bathroom. As Isabelle entered the bathroom, something felt off. The curtain to the tub looked the same, decorated with little yellow ducks holding umbrellas. To her left, the sink stood tall, but taller than usual. Isabelle hadn't noticed it at first, but her head barely came up to the countertop. In front of the sink was a stool that normally was only there for Becky. Isabelle doubted, however, that she would ever be able to reach the sink without it. Even then, Isabelle would probably need help turning on the faucet. In fact, everything in the room felt...bigger, further away, and out of reach. The bathtub walls looked taller, an odd home improvement to make overnight for anyone. The sink not only looked taller, but longer. The bathroom window, once easy to lift open, seemed so far away to Isabelle. And most stunningly, the toilet seemed MASSIVE. Not only was it taller and wider, but it was incredibly intimidating. Having recently been flushed, it was noisy, loud, and quite honestly - 'its a little scary,' Isabelle thought. There was something else that was off about the toilet. In front of the toilet was a second stool that was never there before. Isabelle was thankful it was, because she was fairly certain that without it, Isabelle wouldn't be able to climb up on the seat. And then there was the seat itself. Sitting atop the regular toilet seat was a second smaller pink seat. It looked as if it was meant to accommodate a smaller butt, but there was no way Isabelle was going to fit on it. 'This is so strange. They bought new kitchen furniture AND new bathroom furniture? When did they even have time to install a new giant toilet...and WHY would they?" Isabelle was perplexed. There was simply no reasonable answer as to what was going on with the furniture in Jess's house. 'These people are nuts!' was the only thought Isabelle felt was logical. Before Isabelle could react, Jess decided to help her out. "Up we go. Time to potty sweetie." Jess bent down to pull Isabelle's pull up down, before setting her down on the toilet, Isabelle's feet resting on the stool in front of it. Isabelle went beat red at the idea that Jess was going to watch her go to the bathroom. But Isabelle also went red because, contrary to her thinking, her tiny little butt fit snuggly and comfortably on the seat. The major problem now, however, was Isabelle did not need to go potty. "Jess...I don't hafta go potty." Isabelle whispered quietly. 'I mean to the bathroom. I don't need to use the toilet' Isabelle corrected herself. At least in her mind. And it was true. Isabelle didn't feel the need to go. She had only just peed in her diaper before breakfast, though she was not about to announce that to Jess. Jess had just called her a 'big girl' and Isabelle was not going to let that go without a fight. "Nonsense sweetie. You need to try." Jess said, settling herself down against the sink, and watching Isabelle intently and patiently. This of course only made it worse for Isabelle, who not only now had Jess in the bathroom with her, but completely focused on whether Isabelle was peeing or not. Isabelle needed privacy. 'She's going to stay here and WATCH me pee? This is so strange.....' Isabelle was at least willing to entertain Jess by sitting on the toilet, but it was going to be on Isabelle's terms, not this crazy pants terms! 'Not on the terms of people who by giant toilets and have them installed overnight!' Isabelle told herself. "Fine...I'll try. But I want to try by myself," Isabelle whined quietly, nodding her head toward the door as if to usher Jess out of the bathroom. Jess laughed to herself. 'It's funny watching them grow up and want independence,' Jess thought as she smiled. "Okay sweetums. You can go by yourself. I am going to go brush my teeth. When I get back, I hope you'll have had at least a pee-pee in the potty, okay?" Jess had once again phrased her sentence as a request, but Isabelle knew better. Jess wasn't asking - she was really instructing. Isabelle also turned even redder at Jess's choice of vocabulary, but before Isabelle had the opportunity to correct Jess, her friend's mom, and mom's friend, was already out of the bathroom. Isabelle sat on the toilet, able to collect her thoughts for the first time that morning. In truth, the morning had not started off so badly. And that was a major concern. It occurred to Isabelle that she had not been phased at all about waking up in a very wet diaper, wearing nothing but a t-shirt. Nor had she been bothered as John easily picked her up and hoisted her over his shoulder, poking at her diaper. She had been unbothered, for a time, sitting in her soaking diaper as well. Isabelle had only seemed to snap back to reality when Jess reminded her of what had happened. Isabelle continued to sit and ponder. She was wasting her time on the toilet. She needed to get home. 'I need to get to my journal and sort out what is going on, and where I go from here. I need to.....solve...' Isabelle was almost there. She knew it. It was on the tip of her tongue. Her forgotten purpose. It was....It was to......to solve......' '........ to solve this conundrum!' Isabelle perked up at her recollection of her goal - to sort out what was happening to her. It felt as though it was almost lost, but that she had brought it back, had saved it. Isabelle was so pleased with herself, she didn't even realize that she had started peeing in the toilet. 'That's it. I'll get home soon, and I can spend the night sorting out what has happened to me.' Isabelle was relieved to feel as though she was in control once more. Just then, the door to the bathroom opened with purpose. Isabelle nearly jumped off of the booster seat on the toilet, but managed to keep herself in place. It was just Jess, returning from.....'oh crud! I was supposed to go to the potty. Jess is going to be so disappointed' Isabelle was growing worried. Would Jess put her back in diapers? Jess made her way in, having brushed her teeth, and over to Isabelle. "Let's see how we did Isabelle. Up up." Jess said, as she stood Isabelle up on the stool and peered into the toilet. It was a humiliating endeavor - Jess could have just asked Isabelle. But what happened next surprised Isabelle. "Great job sweetie! I knew you could use the potty like a big girl. I'll make sure to tell your mommy about it too!" Isabelle was shocked. She hadn't recalled going, but it seemed she must have. 'I was just distracted with my thoughts is all,' Isabelle told herself. Jess continued. "Hmmm but it seems we didn't wipe. Come on Belly, you can do that too. Show me how you wipe." If it had been humiliating to Isabelle when Jess checked the toilet, this was devastating. And so it was, Isabelle sat back down and took the toilet paper Jess had collected for her, and wiped as her best friends mom watched her to do. Isabelle deposited to the used toilet paper into the toilet, and flushed the toilet. "Great job! Now pull that pullup up and let's get dressed." Isabelle made her way back to Becky's room to find her friend already dressed. Based on the bulge underneath Becky's leggings, Isabelle could see that John had changed Becky into a diaper. Isabelle felt very grown up walking into the room, flaunting her dry pullup. 'Told Jess I don't need diapers. Not like Becky..." It felt cruel to think it, especially after Becky had been so nice to her. But Isabelle felt proud in that moment. Jess had gone over to Isabelle's bag and pulled out the girl's clothes for the day. Jane had packed Isabelle a set of denim skirtalls, a blue and yellow stripped shirt, and plain, white tights with little flowers embroidered on them. Jess pulled helped Isabelle into the tights, letting Isabelle sit on the bed as Jess eased them on to her feet. Jess then pulled Isabelle to her feet, letting Isabelle pull the tights up the rest of the way over her pullup. "Arms up!" Jess called out, as she pulled Isabelle's shirt over her head. Though not as prominent as Becky's diaper, it was obvious in just her tights and shirt that Isabelle was wearing protection. Jess worked out the few kinks in the tights, straightening them so they were neat, before helping Isabelle step into her skirtalls. Jess looped the straps around Isabelle's shoulders, hooking them into the copper button on the front side. Isabelle tugged at the skirtalls, pulling them down so they would adequately conceal any possible view of her pullup. Jess then turned Isabelle around, brushing her hair out, before tying her hair into two cute pigtails, with a red bow adorning each tail. "Okay sweetie. All ready. Let's get your ballet slippers on - I don't see any other shoes - and get you home to your mommy." Jess said. Jess pulled Isabelle's ballet slippers out of seemingly nowhere, and eased them on to Isabelle's feet as Isabelle sat back down on her bed. Isabelle's morning changed once the slippers were on. It was hard.....no, it was impossible to explain. Isabelle knew she was about to go home to her mom. Had you asked her minutes prior, she would have told you there was nothing she wanted to do more. Isabelle was also about to go home, where she would have a chance to review her journal, and work out whatever was going on. Isabelle had a few clues to add. But all of that seemed irrelevant as Jess eased Isabelle's cute little feet into her perfectly fitting ballet slippers. Isabelle was suddenly overcome with a sense of calm, with a sense of control, a power that flowed through her tiny figure. It was a sense of control, a sense of rightness in the world. Everything felt like it was in its place, in the proper order, as her feet settled into the sole of the slipper. Isabelle's eyes traced their way to her pristine slippers. Isabelle moved her tiny hands slowly to the slippers, grasping the heel of her left foot with her hand. Excitement filled the air in her lungs, begging to be released into the world. Isabelle exhaled it out, wishing only that her friend could feel one ounce of the joy that Isabelle released into the room. 'If only it was contagious.' Isabelle could only hope for as much. With a gentle touch, the Isabelle's fingers explored the slipper's material, finding it irresistibly soft and plush. Isabelle had owned these slippers for a while now, but each time she touched them, it was as if they were brand new, and she was experiencing them for the first time. The slippers were crafted from a supple, breathable leather and fabric that felt like a gentle caress against her soft and delicate skin. As Isabelle's finder traced its way from back to front, a gasp of excitement escaped her lips. Isabelle lowered her feet to the ground, and an immediate sensation of pure bliss washed over her. It was as if her foot had found it sanctuary in the world, embraced by a cushioned haven; her realm, which spread out from the sole of her foot to the tipity top of her head. The slippers felt alive, as if it was molding itself to the contours of Isabelle's foot once more, cradling her with gentle support, unbridled power, and unparalleled comfort. Isabelle stood up, taking a few steps around Becky's room. Every step Isabelle took felt as though she was skating along the clouds. There was no pain, no effort exerted against her feet or her toes. Instead, the slipper's insoles felt like a miniature mattresses, cushioning her every movement and absorbing the impact with each joyful skip or playful hop Isabelle took. No...not a mattress.....they felt better than that. The slippers felt like...like... 'Like the padding on the changing table,' Isabelle confessed to herself. But it didn't matter at that moment to Isabelle that she had loved the padding. It didn't matter that the padding was related to a changing table, or accidents, or diapers. Isabelle cared only for comfort. The padding was not just underneath her; it was all around her. It was the greatest feeling of all. As Isabelle continued to walk, her face lit up with a radiant smile, reflecting the sheer pleasure and joy she derived from wearing the slippers once more. Isabelle felt empowered to be wearing the slippers again, free to explore the world with confidence and agility, with grace and fluidity, knowing that the slippers gave her control over her destiny. With each step, Isabelle's body language transformed. Jess noticed it, though couldn't attribute it to anything in particular. Even Becky seemed to pick up on...well something. The slippers simply allowed Isabelle to exude a newfound lightness, her burdens having evaporated into thin air. Suddenly, it did not matter that she woke up in a diaper. It did not matter that she had had an accident the night prior. And it certainly didn't matter that she was in a pullup at that very moment. Isabelle was floating through the air - that mattered. Isabelle was snapped out of her trance by Jess's voice once more. "Say goodbye to Isabelle Becky, you're staying here with Daddy and Eric while mommy walks Belly home." Isabelle couldn't have been happier. Isabelle was headed home. And she was in her slippers. Becky ran over to Isabelle, dropping the doll she had been playing with on the way, and squeezed Isabelle into a big hug. The hug started Isabelle at first. But a warm sensation originating in her slippers told her exactly what she needed to do. It was obvious. Isabelle reached her arms back around her friend, returning the affectionate hug, as she watched Jess pack up her clothes and Rabbity into her overnight bag. This was Isabelle's best friend - Isabelle had never been more confident about anything - and so Isabelle gave the hug the love it was due. Jess smiled as she threw Isabelle's overnight bag over her shoulder. Isabelle was wrong. Now, in her friend's embrace, she was truly happy. So happy in fact, Isabelle didn't notice when she let out a squirt of pee straight into her pullup. 9 1 Link to comment
diaper24/7 Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 This just keep getting better each chapter you posted. 1 Link to comment
FloridaKid Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 So glad you’re posting to this story again! Another big regression event and Isabelle is closer than ever to Becky…physically and emotionally. You’ve done such a nice job with this! I look forward to reading more and I hope your real world challenges remain in check. 😀 1 Link to comment
Kahlez Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 Glad to read more and hopefully everything worked out for you. I am curious if Isabelle´s room has changed as well as she has. It also sounds like if she is not remembered to do she will forget to use the toilet. There is the other question will she even be able to read her notes anymore or do they maybe change as well. 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 12 hours ago, diaper24/7 said: This just keep getting better each chapter you posted. So glad you think so! 9 hours ago, FloridaKid said: So glad you’re posting to this story again! Another big regression event and Isabelle is closer than ever to Becky…physically and emotionally. You’ve done such a nice job with this! I look forward to reading more and I hope your real world challenges remain in check. 😀 Me too! I appreciate the feedback. I'm looking forward to writing more as well! Everything in the world is okay right now. Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier to be in Izzy's world though! haha. 3 hours ago, Kahlez said: Glad to read more and hopefully everything worked out for you. I am curious if Isabelle´s room has changed as well as she has. It also sounds like if she is not remembered to do she will forget to use the toilet. There is the other question will she even be able to read her notes anymore or do they maybe change as well. Thanks, I appreciate it. Hmmm those are all interesting ideas. I guess you'll have to see which come to fruition! Link to comment
pandylewdy Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!! This is probably one of the top stories I've read so far. Keep up the great work! 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 41 Isabelle was laying on her stomach on the basement couch, her eyes completely focused on the television. Isabelle's legs stretched out behind her on the "L" portion of her basement couch, her entire body fitting easily on the sofa. Isabelle was too distracted to notice that it had been years since her body could fit like it was, completely stretched out and extended on the end of the couch. But Isabelle was watching Rover-Roo, and she had no capacity that morning to think any longer about trivial matters like the size of her body. In truth, Isabelle's mind was happy to rest. The morning had been a swirl of complicated complex thinking, and uncontrollable and shifting emotions. Isabelle had just slept a full night, yet her mind was already tired. "Can I go watch TV downstairs mommy?" Isabelle had asked, after greeting her mom at the door that morning Jane smiled at her daughter, holding her up tightly in her arms, Isabelle's feet dangling by Jane's waist. "Of course sweetie. I'll come start the TV for you." Jane had carried Isabelle down the stairs, while Jess let herself in and went to the kitchen. Isabelle was thrilled when she saw her mom that morning. Isabelle was climbing the stairs to her house, one hand holding Jess's, when Jane opened the door and called to her. "My baby!" Jane had shouted, prompting Isbaelle to release Jess's hand, and run as fast as her little legs would let her climb the stairs. Isabelle jumped into her mom's open arms, squeezing Jane with all the might she had, as her mom lifted her into the air. Isabelle had been away from her mom for too long. 'This is better,' Isabelle thought. Isabelle was not so distracted by her mom's presence to not pick up on a few peculiarities that stood out to her. First, her mom's hair looked very much like Jess's - it was a messy, tangled disaster, which was odd for her mom, who was normally so well kempt. Second, her mom seemed utterly relaxed and at ease, her hug firm but fluid, strong, yet relaxed. It was both calming and off putting to Isabelle. But that was not all. As Jane held Isabelle close, Isabelle's face found its way into the crook of her mom's neck. That was when Isabelle noticed it. 'Mom smells...different.' Isabelle could not quite put her finger on the scent. Her mom didn't smell badly. In fact, the scent was captivating. It was citrusy and woody, and for some reason, Isabelle recognized it, but was not sure from where. Isabelle's nose followed the smell up her neck and toward her mom's face, where the smell was even more potent. 'I know that smell from somewhere....' "Oh I just MISSED you so much sweetie," Jane said, as she continued to hold her daughter up in her arms. Isabelle picked her head up off of her mom's chest to better look at Jane. "Did you have fun at your sleepover? I heard you had a bit of an upset tummy baby! Are you feeling better?" Isabelle didn't have a chance to respond. Before she could, Jess responded for her. "She has the BEST time, right Isabelle?" Jess said, making her way up and placing her hand on Isabelle's head, stroking her hair, down one of her pigtails. "She played dancing games, and had yummy dinner, and she was feeling good as new this morning. She even went potty like a big girl this morning in the toilet!" Jess announced, with legitimate and genuine pride. Isabelle blushed just a little. Isabelle's mouth was agape, having intended to respond to her mom's questions by herself. Now that it was unneeded, Isabelle closed her ruby red lips together, curving them into a smile. Isabelle simply nodded to confirm everything Jess said was true, though it was unclear why mentioning her success on the toilet was necessary. Evidently, her mom felt otherwise. "Great job sweetie! That means a sticker for you! Why don't we do that later though? Mommy and Jess are going to have a cup of coffee. Do you want to come with us, or color, or something else?" Isabelle did want to do something else - she wanted to watch TV. Isabelle's mom had left after turning the TV on for her, leaving behind a sippy cup filled with water. "Drink up sweetie, it'll be good for your tummy." With that, Jane went back up the stairs to spend some time with Jess. It was unclear what Jane and Jess were going to do. 'They just spent all night together, what could they possibly have to talk about?' Isabelle wondered. 'Maybe they want to talk about all the new furniture at Jess's..' Isabelle pondered the idea for all of thirty seconds, before getting lost in her TV show. As Rover-Roo progressed, Isabelle settled her head into her propped up hands. Isabelle's legs causally moved from their outstretched position, to bending upwards and swinging back and forth in the air. As she did so, Isabelle continuously shifted her skirtalls upward, unknowingly exposing her colorful and playful pullup through her white tights. After a few minutes, Isabelle grabbed the sippy cup her mom had left. It was pink, covered in designs of Cherry Cheesecake, a cute girl with a cherry shaped hat covering her curly cherry red hair. Cherry Cheesecake was doing all sorts of activities around the plastic cup, such as playing sports, or gardening, or baking a cheesecake! Cherry was adorned in a white and red striped shirt, and a pair of blue pants. Isabelle smiled as she looked at all the activities that Cherry was doing, before bringing the straw to her mouth and sucking in the water. At first, Isabelle was a little irritated her mom hadn't given her a normal glass, but upon reflection, Isabelle was happy to not have to move to drink her water. As the first droplets of water hit her tongue, the cool refreshing liquid soothing her dry mouth and throat, Isabelle realized how thirsty she was. In barely three minutes, Isabelle had finished the entire cup of water, before releasing it with her hand and letting it tumble to the ground to her right, falling in front of the couch. 'Another advantage of not having a glass I suppose,' Isabelle realized, her eyes never diverting from the TV. After the second episode of Rover-Roo had started, Isabelle heard some noise from upstairs. Her mom and Jess had made their way toward the front door, long enough for Isabelle to hear the end of their conversation. It was Jess's voice that Isabelle heard first. "......a really big step.....both of you. I am proud........Let me know how it goes." With that, the sound of the front door opening, and closing echoed from upstairs. within moments, Isabelle heard her mom start to descend the staircase to the basement. Isabelle was not sure what Jess had been talking about, and was pleased to ignore it and watch her show. Isabelle felt her mom sit beside her, Jane's hand, stroking Isabelle's back. Jane bent over to retrieve Isabelle's cup, picking it up and setting it on the table in front of her. 'She must have been really thirsty, I'll have to refill this for her before we head out.' Jane settled herself back on the couch, continuing to stroke her daughter's back. As she did, Jane moved her hand underneath Isabelle's skirtalls, feeling around her daughter's pullup to see if she was wet. Other than a tiny wet spot, Jane was pleased to see Isabelle hadn't had an accident. Isabelle loved feeling her mom's hand glide around her back. It was when her mom's hand slipped under her skirtalls that Isabelle began to fidget a little though. It was an odd feeling, her mom's hand pressing against her pullup. Not a bad one - just an odd one. Her mom didn't seem to mind the squirming as she pressed her hand around her crotch, before pulling it back out. Other than squirming a bit, Isabelle didn't move much. Jane reached for the television remote, and turned the TV off suddenly. "Come sweetie. Let's go potty before we head out for the day. We have some errands to run together," Jane said, standing up. Isabelle was a little irritated her mom didn't even ask her to turn the TV off. Isabelle wanted to finish her episode. "Mommmmmy.... I want to finish watching!" Isabelle whined, looking up at her mom. Isabelle let her legs fall down on the couch behind her, pouting. "No whining Isabelle. Let's go. Come were going to use the bathroom by the kitchen. Mommy will help you." Isabelle knew it was not a time to fight with her mom. Reluctantly, Isabelle rolled over and stood up, accepting her mom's outstretched hand and following her as she led Isabelle up the stairs, and into the bathroom by the kitchen. Isabelle was a little surprised as her mom stepped into the small bathroom with her, closing the door behind the two of them. Jane bent over and hiked Isabelle's skirtalls up, and started to pull Isabelle's tights and pull down together in one fell swoop. "Mom! I can - " Isabelle didn't get a chance to finish her sentence. "Sweetie, I want to get going and this is a big toilet. Mommy is going to help you. No fussing please." Jane was curt in her instruction, and Isabelle didn't talk back. But that didn't mean Isabelle liked what was happening. If her mother's undressing her threw Isabelle off, Isabelle was plainly shocked as her mom lifted Isabelle up, placing her on the toilet seat. But Jane didn't let go - she kept holding Isabelle in place. Isabelle tried to shift her shoulders to get her mom to let go, but Jane wouldn't. "Sweetie, you're going to fall in if mommy doesn't hold you. Stop it. It's time to go potty now, You can earn another, BIG sticker this time! How about it?" Isabelle was not content in her current state. Her mom was bent over, staring at her, having just undressed her, and now steadily holding Isabelle on the toilet. But Isabelle also realized her mom had a point. This was a new toilet seat, and it was fit for a giant. 'Mom and Jess DEFINITELY went shopping for toilets last night,' Isabelle concluded. Even with her mom holding her, Isabelle felt like she might fall in. Isabelle stopped squirming immediately - falling in was a much worse fate than her mom holding her. Isabelle sat staring at her mom. Isabelle didn't feel like she really needed to go. "I don't think I hafta pee mommy," Isabelle informed her mom. "Nonsense sweetie. You had a very big cup of water, and we are going on a little drive. We need to go before we get in the car." Jane's smile and enthusiasm were unwavering. But Isabelle was still not at ease. Who in their right mind could pee while their mom was not only holding them up on a toilet, but enthusiastically smiling at them, inches away from their face. It was strange. "I know what will help," Jane announced, as Isabelle was processing these thoughts. "Let's sing the potty song together, and we'll be done before you know it!" 'What on earth. What the heck is a potty song?!? What is mom on ab-" Isabelle didn't get a chance to finish her though. Her mom had broken out into song, bouncing her head from side to side. Oh, my darling little one, It is time to have some fun. Come on, let's go, don't you worry, Together we will make this journey. Potty time, potty time, Let's make it fun and oh so fine. We'll learn and grow, my sweet dear, Potty time, there's nothing to fear. Isabelle was mortified. Isabelle had been sure the situation could not be worse moments ago. Oh how wrong she was. Her mom was now singing and dancing with her head, chanting a made up song about going to the bathroom at Isabelle. Isabelle regretted her earlier thinking. Falling into the toilet and flushing herself down the pipes now felt like the FAR better option. 'PLEASE GOD FLUSH ME DOWN AND AWAY FROM THIS.' Isabelle would not be so lucky. Her mom continued singing. Sitting on the potty seat, A big girl smile, Izzy's so sweet. You're growing up, it's plain to see, Oh, what a special moment to pee. Potty time, potty time, Let's make it fun and oh so fine. We'll learn and grow, my sweet dear, Potty time, there's nothing to fear. 'Anything to end this, please god. Please stop this.' Isabelle was praying into the universe for any help whatsoever. She was desperate. She would do absolutely anything to make this embarrassment end. And then, just as her mom was about to start a third verse, Isabelle's prayer to any and every deity that has ever existed was interrupted by the sound of a splash. Isabelle stopped what she was doing, and diverted her gaze down into the toilet, where she could see she was peeing. Isabelle hadn't even felt it come on, but here she was, peeing in the toilet. "What a BIG GIRL! See? I told you that you needed to go baby. Potty song prevails again!" Jane boasted joyfully. Isabelle continued peeing for some time. It surprised her how much her bladder had to release. It was a strange sensation. For reasons she couldn't explain, coupled with her mom's enthusiasm. Isabelle was indeed proud that she was peeing in a toilet. 'I better get the biggest dang sticker mommy has for this,' was what Isabelle settled on. Isabelle finished, and her mom quickly wiped her up before helping Isabelle pull her pullup and tights back up. Jane then proceeded to lift Isabelle up so she could reach the sink, and helped her wash her hands. "Don't forget soap sweetie," Jane reminded Isabelle, who had indeed forgotten to pump any soap into her hands. Moments later, Isabelle was cleaned up and ready to go. Jane helped Isabelle back into her ballet slippers at the front door, tying the ribbons around her daughter's ankles. 'If that's what she wants to wear, fine by me,' Jane decided. There were fights you picked with your toddler, and fights you didn't. This was not a hill Jane was going to plant her flag on. Jane grabbed her "toddler bag," and threw it over her shoulder. It was filled with extra changes of clothes, snacks, Isabelle's water cup, and of course, spare pullups and diapers. As the bag rested on her shoulder, Jane felt the weight of it. 'Boy, I can't wait until I don't need to carry this around anymore,' Jane thought to herself. Jane and Isabelle made their way out to the car holding hand. Jane popped the trunk open, where she set the toddler bag down against the collapsed stroller in the back. Jane then closed the trunk before making her way to the passenger side door, and opening it up. When her mom opened the door, Isabelle was a little surprised at what she saw. In front of her was a booster seat like Jess had in her car, like the one she had sat in the day prior. 'But we don't own one of these,' Isabelle thought. It looked similar to the one she had sat in, but was a little more worked in, or used. Before Isabelle could object, Jane lifted Isabelle up, placing her in the seat. "Alright, Belly, it's time to buckle up and get ready for our little journey," Isabelle nodded, and began to shift her body to the free seat without a booster behind the driver. As she was reaching for the seatbelt, her mom called back to her. "And what do you think you're doing goose? Get back here and into your booster seat you silly girl." Isabelle didn't understand. "I don't need a booster seat mommy. I can sit here." Isabelle didn't mean anything by it; it was simply a fact. Boosters were for little kids, and Isabelle was a big girl. Isabelle went back to what she was going to, reaching for the seatbelt. Jane, would have none of it however. "Isabelle, please don't be difficult for mommy this morning. Please come get into the seat now. I want to get going." Jane's tone was serious, and Isabelle didn't want to upset her mom. But Isabelle also didn't want to sit in the seat. She didn't know what to do, and so froze, looking back at her mom silently. Without any further hesitation, Jane reached across the seats, picking Isabelle up with ease, and setting her down in the booster. Keeping one hand firmly on Isabelle to keep her in place, Jane began buckling her daughter into pace with a patient smile. Isabelle stared down at the booster seat with curiosity, unsure of what was expected of her. She felt her mom lift a strap from beneath her legs and around her, clicking it in place. Sensing her Isabelle's apprehension, Jane softly explained, "We've gone over this sweetie. This is your special seat in the car. It's here to keep you safe while we go for a ride. It's for big girls too - not just for little babies. I promise. Plus you can see better out the window now just how you like. Let's do it together." Jane adjusted the straps and buckles, making sure they were snug but not too tight. Jane knew the importance of proper fit for Isabelle's safety - something Jane was never going to risk. "See? A comfy booster seat. Just like you would sit on at the movie theater, except much more comfy." Isabelle was not so much uncomfortable as she was shocked that they had the booster seat. It was no different than what she had sat in the day prior. Yet it wasn't just the booster seat. It was the furniture, it was her emotions, her capacity to develop her thoughts, it was all of it. Everything seemed off this morning. Yet, Isabelle did nothing about it -she simply felt compelled to go along with whatever was happening to her. 'That's really what it is boiling down,' Isabelle thought, as her mom finished with her seat. 'Everything is happening to me. I am not in control of anything right now. What is going on.....' Isabelle would reflect on that thought the whole car ride, only to come up with no answer, and find herself easily distracted by almost anything around her. With Isabelle safely fastened in her booster seat, Jane closed the door and got into the driver's seat. Before starting the engine, she turned to Isabelle with a warm smile. "Are you all set, my brave little detective? We're ready to go on our adventure!" **** Isabelle held her mom's hand as they walked around the Parget together, her other hand holding firmly onto her sippy cup of water. Isabelle didn't recall the store being so massive, but being there today made Isabelle feel really uncomfortable. All of the stacks of shelves soared over her as Isabelle walked along the aisles with her mom. The mannequins towered above her, showing off clothes that her mom looked at carefully. Even the racks of clothes seemed large, causing Isabelle to sink closer and closer into her mom's side for safety. But the worst of it was not the shelves, or the mannequins, or even the racks of the clothes. The worst part was all the people. The Parget was crowded that morning, with moms, dads, and other kids racing in every which direction. Isabelle was certain she was going to be trampled more than once, only to have her mom redirect her out of the way and to safety. Isabelle was grateful for her mom; she wouldn't have survived the wilds of Parget without her! Isabelle found herself constantly sucking at the water from her cup, finding comfort in having her lips sealed around the straw. As Jane made her way toward the kids section, Isabelle felt more at ease. 'At least this section is designed more comfortably,' Isabelle thought. Here, the racks seemed neater, and were all a more normal height. In place of the giant mannequins were normal people sized ones. The racks of clothes were lower, and Isabelle could actually see what was on them. Most importantly, everyone here moved a little slower, and Isabelle felt she was not at as much risk of being run over. The comfort and quiet of the children's section bolstered Isabelle's confidence. For the first time since walking through the parking lot, Isabelle felt comfortable enough to let go of her mom's hand. Isabelle started to explore the various sections, having fun looking at all the clothes, fun t-shirts, dresses, and hats. Isabelle found herself in front of a hat rack with all sorts of hats, and started to try them on one at a time. First a regular ballcap, then a sunhat. Next a bucket hat, and after that, a flat-cap. Isabelle was having so much fun trying on hats and laughing. She finally felt at complete ease in the store, being silly and having fun. 'Dani always loved trying on hats when we would go out,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle's head snapped up, and her smile slowly disappeared. It had been a while since she thought of Dani, Isabelle realized. Suddenly, Isabelle was not having fun anymore. Suddenly, Isabelle started thinking about everything that was wrong. It seemed strange to her, that Isabelle could even forget, even for a second, that everything that was happening to her was wrong. It seemed absurd that, in light of what was going on, Isabelle could stop, laugh, and have fun. 'All of my focus should be on fixing whatever is happening to me,' Isabelle reminded herself. But in truth, she had been having fun. Isabelle was having a hard time denying it. With her focus broken, Isabelle turned around to reach out for her mom's hand, only to find thin air. Isabelle heart sunk, as she glanced from side to side, but her mom was nowhere in sight. 'She's left me here,' Isabelle thought, starting to panic. Isabelle began to call for her mom, frozen in fear. "Mo...mmmmmy?" It was barely a whisper. Isabelle was struggling to find her voice, her heart racing. There was no answer. Isabelle's eyes continued to divert left, right, backward, forward. But her mom was nowhere to be seen. Isabelle felt her throat tightening up, her fear rising, and taking over her whole body. She tried to open her mouth to call for her mom once more, but nothing came out. No words escaped, no call to her mom for help. Isabelle felt paralyzed, her eyes beginning to well up. A shiver ran down Isabelle's spine, the cold fear having exacted its toll on her mind and body. Isabelle's bladder released, the padding of her pullup soaking up the warm urine as it spread from front to back. But even the newfound warmth of her pullup was not enough to overtake the creeping chill that had spread over Isabelle's body. There was no stopping it now. Isabelle began to sob, and soon she was crying. Evidently, the tears seemed to help Isabelle find her voice. As she cried, Isabelle was able to call out louder, finally, to her mom. "Mommy!!! Where *sniffle. sniffle* where...are you!?! Isabelle was not quite shouting yet, but she was loud enough that other shopper began to look in her direction. Isabelle was on the verge of calling out again, when she heard the sweetest of voices from behind her. "Belly! I am right here! Why are you crying? I was just over here in the next aisle. I could see you the whole time sweetie." Jane's words were an immediate comfort to Isabelle, who ceased crying and wiped her tears away. Isabelle ran over to her mom, grasping Jane's leg and hugging her. Jane smiled and gave Isabelle her hand once more. "Stay with mommy now," Jane instructed, as she reconsidered her decision to leave the stroller in the car. Isabelle had no intention of letting go of her mom ever again, and firmly grasped Jane's outstretched hand. Isabelle continued to hold her mom's hand as they checked out of the store, and her mom paid for their things. Jane let go of Isabelle's hands in order to load the bags on to her shoulders before reaching back out and holding Isabelle's hand once more. As they made their way toward the exit, they passed the family restroom. "Do you need to go to the potty sweetie?" Jane asked kindly. Isabelle turned a little red, finally having calmed down enough to remember her accident in the store. Isabelle shook her head silently, before diverting her gaze down to her shoes in shame. "No mommy. I don't hafta." Jane considered offering one more time, but there was no point. She was a mom, Isabelle's mom, and Jane knew what her daughter's body language meant. Jane sighed. There was no reason to make Isabelle dwell on it and feel bad. 'Two steps forward, one back,' Jane reminded herself. That was how potty training worked. "No problem then sweetie, let's get home and have some lunch. It's getting late in the afternoon and you haven't eaten yet. Then naptime baby. We're going to go out for a special dinner tonight, and I know you're tired from last night." **** Jane was content to let Isabelle sleep on the living room couch. The poor girl could barely keep her eyes open as she laid down there after the two had eaten lunch together. Jane was all for a routine for her toddler, but she knew that you had to be flexible sometimes. So rather than disturb Isabelle's sleep, Jane dimmed the lights in the living room and drew the curtains shut, and let her little angel sleep peacefully on the couch. Jane returned to the kitchen to clean up their plates. It was nearly 2:00 when they had arrived at home, by which time Isabelle was normally already having her afternoon nap. Jane had whipped together a quick lunch for Isabelle, who could barely keep her head up through the meal. Isabelle ate quietly, before making her way over to the living room couch where Jane found her already asleep on her side. Jane took the opportunity to check whether Isabelle had wet her pullup again. Content to let her sleep in the one Isabelle had on, Jane threw the nearby blanket over her. Jane went about cleaning the kitchen up, putting dishes away, and wiping the counters down. Jane then made her way quietly past her sleeping daughter, and carried the Parget bags up the stairs, first to Isabelle's bedroom, and then later to her own, unpacking the myriad of purchases she had made. Jane checked her watch as she finished, noting that it was already 3:30. 'Isabelle is still asleep, but I should wake her soon,' Jane thought. Still, there was enough time to shower before dinner, and so Jane darted into her bathroom and started the shower. Jane quickly but efficiently washed her body and hair. She hadn't had time to shower at Sam's that morning, as she needed to be home to welcome Isabelle. Jane had already been delayed that morning at Sam's, by, well, what she was delayed by. So there hadn't even been time to brush her hair out, and barely enough time to change out of her clothes from the evening prior before Jess started climbing the house stairs with Isabelle. 'Is it too soon to ask to leave some clothes over there...' Jane asked herself, as she started to wash the conditioner out of her hair. '...Probably....but maybe not. Let's see how tonight goes first," Jane decided. Jane stepped out of the shower, drying herself off, before tying her towel around her chest. She made her way out of her room and toward the stairs, listening to hear if Isabelle had woken up. Content that Isabelle was still sleeping, Jane went back to her room to put on her undergarments, and to start drying her hair. 'I really hope tonight goes well,' Jane thought, as she continued to blow-dry her hair out until she decided it was acceptably dry. Jane returned to her room to finish getting dressed, pulling a pair of simple jeans on, and a cute top she had gotten at Parget earlier that day. Satisfied with how she looked, Jane left her room, making a pit stop in Isabelle's, before heading down the stairs to go and wake Isabelle, fresh pullup in hand. Isabelle felt her mom's hand rest against her shoulder. It was only then that Isabelle realized that she was not sure where she was. She knew her mom was with her, so she didn't much care. But as she came to reflect upon it, Isabelle had no idea where she was, or what she had been doing at all. It only occurred to Isabelle as she picked her head up that she had fallen asleep. 'When did that happen?' Isabelle remembered her mom mentioning a nap, but Isabelle had thought it a joke at the time. Evidently, Isabelle had taken a nap. Isabelle lifted her body up, sitting upright next to her mom. Isabelle didn't recall climbing on the living room couch, or even falling asleep there. Isabelle was shocked at how tired she had been at lunch. Her legs felt exhausted. 'But I barely did anything,' Isabelle reminded herself. Even though she felt like that, Isabelle recalled feeling strained as she walked around Parget. The store just felt so massive - it was as though it had doubled in size. It was exhausting walking around the whole time. "Hey sweetie. Time to wake up," Jane said in a beautifully soothing voice. Isabelle couldn't help but smile at her mom. "I let you nap a little later since we got home a little later." Jane leaned in and kissed Isabelle on the forehead. Isabelle smiled wider. As Isabelle shifted up, she felt an all-too familiar feeling. Her stomach was informing her that she needed to poop. And based on the signals it was sending, it was a rather urgent need. Isabelle rubbed her eyes, trying to open them up further, as she seemed to finally find her legs underneath her. Isabelle couldn't explain what happened next. She would later blame it on the fact that she had just woken up, and was disoriented. Or, Isabelle would tell you that she was overtaken by a sense of urgency, and did not have any control over her choice of words. Isabelle would invent a host of reasons for saying what she said next, all of them fabrications. The truth was, it was a statement of pure instinct, and one that felt absolutely right as she made it. "Mommy," Isabelle said, allowing a small yawn to escape. "I hafta go poo." Isabelle couldn't believe it as the words escaped her. She instantly regretted saying it. In fact, she had no idea why she shared that information at all instead of simply going to the toilet, and doing her business. Her mom's reaction was even more surprising - Jane simply smiled, and took Isabelle's hand and quickly guided her to the main floor bathroom again. Isabelle was less taken back this time around as her mother repeated the steps she took this morning, hiking up her skirtalls, lowering her tights, and then lowering her pullup. The only difference this time, of course, was her pullup was pretty wet. It occurred to Jane as she lowered it that it was warm as well, indicating that Isabelle had only recently wet it again. 'That was expected,' Jane thought, as she lifted Isabelle on to the toilet seat and held her in place again. It would have been better to let Isabelle use the potty chair in her bathroom, but Jane wasn't risking another accident after what Mel and Jess told her. Isabelle once again found that she had been incorrect. Contrary to her belief moments earlier, Isabelle's wet pullup was not the only difference this time in the bathroom. As soon as Isabelle was placed on the toilet seat, her mom crouched in place and starring at her, Isabelle immediately let her bowels loose, three successive logs of poop falling into the toilet. Isabelle had, at least on this occurrence, lost any semblance of awkwardness as her mom held her in place and she pooped. Indeed, Isabelle thought nothing strange about it all. Rather than shame, Isabelle felt proud showing her mom how responsible she could be. "AMAZING job sweetie! You're doing so great at your potty training. What a BIG girl. I am going to have to tell Jess how good you did, don't you think?" Jane proposed, as she helped Isabelle stand up, bending her daughter over as Jane started to wipe her daughter's butt up. "Don't think I have forgotten about all your stickers you earned. This is number three! I think you might be earning a reward soon," Jane announced, as she finished wiping up her daughter's tiny booty. Isabelle was not sure what stickers had to do with anything, but liked the sound of a reward. She was not about to question it, so simply smiled to reflect the joy that she was feeling. Isabelle reached down to pull up her pullup, only for her mom to stop her. "That pullup is too soggy sweetie. I brought a fresh one down from your room. Let's get you out of that. Jane helped ease Isabelle out of her used pullup, and into her fresh one, taking time to wipe Isabelle's crotch with some wipes Jane left in every bathroom first. Jane then closed the toilet lid, allowing Isabelle to sit down as Jane eased Isabelle's tights back up her legs, and over her clean pullup, before pulling the skirtalls down once more. "All done." Jane said, as they left the bathroom and headed to the living room again. Jane guided Isabelle back toward the coffee table, directing Isabelle to sit on the floor. Jane went over to a chest against the far wall, pulling out a book and setting it, and a box of colored pencils in front of Isabelle, before seating herself on the couch. "Now how about a little activity book before we head out for dinner? You can color, or do mazes, or play the ISpy in there," Jane offered, as Isabelle flipped open the book. Isabelle had wanted to find her investigative journal, and write down all of her clues before she forgot them. Isabelle realized she hadn't been in her room all day, and she wanted to go upstairs. She missed the comfort of her room, her desk, her bed, even her dollhouse. But Isabelle recognized that she was already sitting down with the activity book, and she did find a pretty cool ISpy page that looked like it might be a good challenge. Isabelle examined the page to try and sort out how the game worked. The bottom left corner had pictures of things in a box that Isabelle was supposed to find across the two page image. 'This kind of does look fun,' Isabelle thought, as she pulled out a purple colored pencil and started searching for the first item, which seemed to be a piggybank with dollar signs as eyes. As Isabelle's eyes scanned the pages, she recognized that the activity book had been deceptive. It was a clever deception, in fact, one Isabelle appreciated. 'It seems that concealed within this children's activity book is an ISpy of expert, or even master, difficulty,' Isabelle smirked to herself. "How cunning.' Isabelle appreciated a good bait and switch, as she strained her eyes but continued to struggle to find the piggybank. 'Fortunately, I am an expert spy, and I'll get it in no time.' Jane smiled as she watched Isabelle happily search through her activity book. Jane decided now was a good time to share their plans with Isabelle, that she was focused on something else. "We're going to go eat with Sam again, isn't that exciting?" Jane said, doing her best to emphasize it as a positive thing. Jane's spirit was lifted as Isabelle nodded vigorously. Before Jane turned to reading her own book, Jane added the additional piece of information that she had been a little worried about. "And guess what!" Jane said, with an even higher level of enthusiasm. "This time he is bringing his daughter with him. I bet you're going to love her. I've met her a few times already, and she is the sweetest." Jane waited for Isabelle to react to that, but Isabelle didn't. Her daughter was simply too lost in her activity book, looking for a piggybank that was overtly starring back at her, smack in the middle of the first page. Jane could only laugh to herself. 4 hours ago, pandylewdy said: SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!! This is probably one of the top stories I've read so far. Keep up the great work! Glad to be back! I don't think anyone missed Isabelle more than I! Hahaha. Thank you for your kind words, support, and comments, they are always appreciated! 7 Link to comment
Kahlez Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 4 hours ago, Olympiczero said: against the collapsed stroller in the back I bet Isabelle will love when she can sit in it Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 5, 2023 Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 42 Isabelle sat in her booster seat as her mom weaved through the winding roads toward their destination. Isabelle hadn't had much alone time, but her mom appeared content to let Isabelle sit quietly in the back. Isabelle took deep breaths, working to collect her thoughts on the day thus far as they drove. Isabelle had been feeling frustrated earlier in the afternoon, and was only starting to settle down. Her ISpy game had thwarted her at every turn. In the end, Isabelle had only been able to locate three of the ten objects to find in the picture. Her frustration had boiled over to the point that Isabelle had thrown the book down off of the table in a fit of rage, huffing and crossing her arms. It wasn't all bad thought, as Isabelle's mom had come to the rescue. After watching Isabelle's fit, Jane sat up and stroked Isabelle's head, her mom's hand tracing its way down one of Isabelle's pigtails and curling the end, playing with it. "It's okay sweetie. That was a hard one. Why don't you look for a different activity to do instead?" The physical contact helped immensely in cooling Isabelle off. 'Mom's proposal was a reasonable one,' Isabelle concluded, and it helped that Jane went and picked the book up for Isabelle. In the end, Isabelle decided to take her mom's idea up and change activities, spending the remainder of the afternoon doing one of the coloring activities instead. As Isabelle put the finishing touches on coloring her ice castle, her mom had announced that it was time to go to dinner. Isabelle was looking forward to seeing Sam again. She recalled having a lot of fun at the diner roughly a week earlier, having no memory of her accident that night at all. There was something comforting about the man that she couldn't explain. Isabelle was also starting to suspect that her mom and Sam might be dating, but the idea seemed silly. 'Mom has never dated anyone before - its always just been us. The two of us.' Isabelle knew that she knew better, but she just wasn't at the point that she was ready to admit it to herself. 'Mom would tell me if she was dating someone too,' Isabelle figured. 'We're tight like that.' But there was something else that was more bothersome about Sam that preoccupied Isabelle's mind; Isabelle knew that she knew the man. Isabelle simply couldn't, for the life of her, remember how or who he was. Isabelle began straining as Jane once again tied the ribbons of Isabelle's ballet slippers up her ankles to try to remember who Sam was, but it was to no avail. And as soon as Isabelle's ballet slippers were secure on her feet, it didn't seem to matter anymore. In fact, it didn't really matter how she knew Sam in the end, she was excited to see him again. Isabelle remembered that her mom had also told her that Isabelle was also going to meet Sam's daughter tonight. "That will be kind of neat." Isabelle was looking forward to having another friend. The best part - Isabelle recalled that Sam had mentioned that his daughter liked to dance too, and that she liked ballet. It would be fun having another playmate to hang out with who also liked ballet! 'Maybe we can dance together!' Isabelle managed to relax and clam herself as her mom made a sharp right turn around a winding bend. 'It's fun sitting up here. It's like I am the princess of the car!' Isabelle thought to herself. Suddenly, her booster seat didn't seem all that terrible. And her mom had been right, it did give her a better angle out of the window. From her perch, Isabelle could look high and low, far forward and back if she wanted. It was nice It was not too long after that Jane pulled the car into a restaurant parking lot. Isabelle's eyes widened as her mom pulled the car up a ramp and toward the front of the building. Isabelle and her mom hardly ever ate out, unless it was for a special occasion, or if her mom had worked late and there was no more leftovers in the fridge. And, when they did eat out, they normally went to the local diner, picked up fast food or casual take out, or at most, went to a Pepper's, a Tomato Garden, or even a Kindly's. The restaurant they pulled up in front of, however, was noticeably nicer. It was by no means a Michelin star restaurant or anything of the sort. But still, it was no Tomato Garden. Isabelle could tell just by the outside of the restaurant that this was an establishment of a higher caliber than she was used to going to. The building was built with brick, which appeared to have been lightly painted. The bricks were assembled asymmetrically, and were not neat like they might be found on a house, but texturized, lending the restaurant a rustic and homey feel. The roof had recently been redone, and the black shingles were perfectly neat. Every few paces along the brick building were ornate, stunning windows, though even from her perch Isabelle could not see inside. Isabelle's eyes traced to the side of the restaurant, where she saw porch wrapped around the building. It too seemed new, and was set up with tables and full of customers eating, laughing, and drinking under lights which hung delicately overhead. A soft and elegant music filled the air, as another group of customers were crowded around the outside bar, all trying to catch the two overwhelmed bartenders attention, their thirst for a cocktail palpable. But the most elegant part of the restaurant, Isabelle thought, was something else. Her mom didn't pull into a parking spot. No, instead, Jane had pulled up to the front of the restaurant, where an attendant stood by a booth. The restaurant had a valet for the car, something Isabelle had only ever experienced when she had been out a few times with her friend's families. For some reason, the whole scene made Isabelle a little nervous. Isabelle looked down at her outfit - suddenly, her skirtalls, shirt, tights, and ballet slippers didn't seem classy enough to wear. 'Well, maybe the ballet slippers are. Those are perfect,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle's eyes then darted toward her mom, who Isabelle realized had put on a new, elegant looking top on, and felt worse about herself. 'What is Sam going to think of me, dressed like this?!?' Not only was the outfit a little juvenile, but Isabelle was convinced it was not appropriate. Before Isabelle could express her concern, her mom had put the car in park, and was getting out to help unbuckle Isabelle. "Good evening ma'am. Welcome to San Antonio's. We look forward to serving you this evening." The man who took the keys to the car from her mom was a young looking boy with curly black hair. He greeted Jane with a smile and a slight bow as he tore off a blue ticket and handed it to Jane. "Thank you so much," Jane replied. "Just give me a minute to get my daughter out of the car," Jane said, as she adjusted her new top to make sure it was settled against her body correctly. Isabelle couldn't help but think how beautiful her mom looked as Jane finished adjusting her top, which only made Isabelle feel even more silly in her outfit. "Oh we don't mind ma'am. We can keep her here," the boy responded playfully. "We're always looking for great helpers here at the valet. And your daughter looks like a prime candidate!" The boy made the joke with a smile. "He seems pleasant,' Isabelle thought, as she heard her mom let loose a genuine laugh as she made her way around the car. Isabelle wasn't sure what was so funny - "I am a fantastic helper. Of that much at least, he is right." Isabelle simply didn't get the joke. But it was her mom's response explained the joke, and turned Isabelle crimson. "Oh, I think this one has a few steps to master before driving, potty training being the first," Jane replied, as she unbuckled Isabelle, picking her up and placing her on the ground beside her. Jane proceeded to close the car door, but stopped for a moment, considering whether she needed, or wanted to bring Isabelle's toddler bag into the restaurant. 'It's probably smarter to bring in,' Jane thought, recalling the last time she took Isabelle out with Sam. 'But I can trust her. She's been very good today so far.' Opting not to get the bag, Jane indicated to the nice boy that he could take the car. Isabelle was still focused on her mom's decision to share FALSE information, and responded the only way that was appropriate. "MO-MMMMY!" Isabelle was shocked that her mom was sharing such a personal matter with this complete stranger, no matter how kind he was. 'That was entirely uncalled for!' Isabelle concluded, her anger beginning to simmer once again. "Baby steps ma'am. We all start somewhere. She'll be in a car before you know it! Have a pleasant meal." 'Yah, that'll be the day,' Jane thought to herself. And with that, the boy was off in their car, and Jane took Isabelle's hand leading her into the restaurant. If Jane noticed Isabelle's discomfort with her own outfit or Jane's joke, she didn't show it as she strut confidently into the restaurant, Isabelle in tow. Isabelle jogged after her mom, trying to keep up with Jane's long stride. Jane pulled the handle of the heavy door into the restaurant, ushering Isabelle into the restaurant in front of her, and following suite. Isabelle's nerves began to grow exponentially as soon as she stepped in. The first thing Isabelle noticed was the crowd of people congregated in the space immediately inside the restaurant. The space was not only overcrowded, but the people standing and chatting there appeared to be giants! 'What do they FEED these people here? Growth Hormones?!?' Isabelle couldn't recall ever being around people so massive, let alone dozens at once. But it was not just the people. The noise inside the restaurant was considerably louder than it had been outside. Coupled with the music inside, which was also quite a bit higher, the noise and lack of space was disorienting to Isabelle. Isabelle stepped back and clutched her mom' leg tightly. Jane's arm fell to Isabelle's side, stroking her to calm her and let Isabelle know that she was right there. Finally, it was also extremely dark. Isabelle struggled to see through the crowd of people all-together. But even where she could, it was hard to see too far in front of her. After losing her mom in Parget that morning, Isabelle was not about to let her mom step away from her, and held on to Jane tightly. Beyond the space, the darkness, and the noise, there were positive aspects of the restaurant. As Jane held Isabelle close and guided her through the crowd, Isabelle could see that a number of the giants were looking at her and smiling with kind eyes. Several of the giants waved at Isabelle playfully, and some others made remarks about Isabelle such as "so cute," "adorable," and "look at how precious she is.' The comments, while demeaning for a big girl such as herself, made Isabelle at least feel a little better about her outfit. 'If these giants think its appropriate, it must be fine.' Isabelle managed to muster a smile for a few of the friendlier looking giants, but otherwise continued to hold on to her mom tightly. Then of course, there was the smell. The aroma of the restaurant, originating from the kitchen, was salivating. Isabelle could feel her tummy rumble as the scent ensnared her nostrils. Isabelle inhaled deeply, her taste buds bursting as the smell of cooking woods, spices, seasoning, and dripping meat and vegetables filled her whole body. Isabelle hadn't felt particularly hungry when she had walked in, but suddenly she felt like she had an appetite. Isabelle was starting to settle down as her mom managed to wade through the crowd, keeping Isabelle tight against her body, to a little desk at the front where a cute, 20-something girl stood, with a welcoming smile. Isabelle couldn't hear particularly well; the crowd of giants around her here were slightly louder, all vying for the attention of the cute girl. 'they all seem grumpy about something though,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle watched as her mom made her way politely to the front, and caught the employees eye. Isabelle couldn't hear much of their conversation, but caught the very end of what her mom said after greeting the nice looking girl - "-ayes, for 4." Isabell watched as the girl looked down at her digital pad, only to look back up at Jane and smile, nodding, and pointing an outstretched arm to her right, saying something else Jane nodded, and directed Isabelle in the direction the girl had pointed. Another cute girl holding what appeared to be large, ancient textbooks directed Isabelle and Jane to follow her out a set of doors at the side of the restaurant. Isabelle was glad to finally be away from the crowd of giants, and even happier when she saw that this girl was leading Isabelle and her mom out to the patio. As soon as she stepped out onto the beautifully stained patio wood, Isabelle was relieved as she felt a breeze of fresh air brush her right pigtail across her face. "Thank god we are out of there" Isabelle said, a little more loudly than she intended Isabelle composed herself and followed her mom. 'It's more pleasant outside,' Isabelle thought as they continued to follow the girl past the bar, and through some tables toward the back corner. 'There is room to move out here, and I the noise is much better.' Isabelle was starting to orient herself better, now that she was out on the patio. Just as Isabelle was starting to look around, she heard her mom. "Oh I see him there. Come Belly. It's Sam - go say hi!" Isabelle turned her head toward where her mom was pointing. Sure enough, she spotted Sam, getting up from his chair at a four person table at back corner of the patio. Sam was dressed as sharply as the last time Isabelle had seen him, dressed in a perfectly ironed button down shirt, bold greens and blues stripping down Sam's slacks, also perfectly ironed, contrasted beautifully with his outfit. Isabelle's eyes were drawn to Sam's shoes, which were closed to her eyes as he stood. Isabelle couldn't help but notice how shiny they were. It was Sam's smile that stood out though, as Isabelle looked up at the man from the diner, a man that felt familiar, that made her feel safe. His eyes looked more green than brown this evening, but just as hypnotizing as the first time Isabelle locked on to them. Sam's beard seemed a little shorter and neater than it had been earlier in the week. "It's odd,' Isabelle thought, 'that it changes.' Isabelle was simply not used to being around men that had to routinely shave. Sam's kindness had not dissipated in the week since Isabelle had last really paid attention to him. Sure, Isabelle had heard Sam's voice the night prior, but she had not really gotten to look at him. Sam looked back at Isabelle with care and compassion, with an understanding that nearly made all of Isabelle's anxieties about the restaurant disappear. Isabelle was not sure what compelled her to do so. It was as if her slippers were moving for her, one after the other, first slowly, then quicker, then into a jaunt of sorts, taking her toward Sam. Isabelle didn't understand how her arms lifted up from her sides, but they did, as though a puppeteer was playing with invisible strings connected to them. Isabelle couldn't comprehend how it happened, and didn't much recall Sam bending over, but it did. Before she knew it, she was hugging the man that made her feel so safe. And he was hugging her back. "My my," Sam said, his gentle voice causing Isabelle's heart to race further. "To what do I owe such a wonderful hug? Is this a belated birthday hug for me?" Sam asked playfully. Isabelle felt silly as he did - she had forgotten it had been his birthday the day prior But Sam had given her the perfect opportunity. "Uh-huh! Happy birthday," Isabelle responded. 'The fool - he let me off the hook so easily. I forgot to get him a real present!' Isabelle thought to herself, smiling connivingly. Sam let go Isabelle, standing upright. "Well," Sam continued, "a birthday hug from such a beautifully dressed girl is indeed the best present of all." Isabelle's concerns about her outfit immediately went away. She smiled. She felt good. Isabelle felt as he leaned past her to hug her mom, Isabelle almost getting stuck between them. As she stood to the side, Isabelle watched as her mom and Sam held each other. It was different. It reminded her of something else. Of someone else. Or two someones to be more precise. Isabelle simply wasn't ready to admit it yet. Instead, Isabelle made her way around the table and hopped into the chair Sam had been occupying, wanting to be a little silly. Isabelle had to adjust herself, turning and facing the others, before catching the tail end of Sam's response to a question Isabelle didn't hear; "...just in the bathroom. She'll be here in a second." Isabelle watched as Sam guided her mom into a seat next to Isabelle, as Jane scolded Isabelle for taking Sam's spot. Sam laughed and said it was fine, making a joke that he had "kept it warm," for Isabelle, winking at the little girl in his chair. It wasn't that funny of a joke at all, but Isabelle couldn't help but laugh. Sam sat across from Isabelle, and next to Jane, leaving a free chair next between Isabelle and Sam. Isabelle looked around for Sam's daughter, but she was nowhere to be seen. Isabelle even checked under the table, but there was no one there. Isabelle was starting to feel down on herself, when Sam chimed in again. "Well if you're looking for my little girl, I can promise you I didn't stuff her down there!" Sam said, laughing as Isabelle put the table cloth down. Sam turned his body so that his head could more easily look over his right shoulder, before turning back toward Isabelle. "In fact, there she is now." Isabelle diverted her gaze away from Sam and over his shoulder. It was hard to see from where she was seated. Isabelle felt so low to the table, though the chair was exceedingly comfortable. It didn't help that Sam shifted his chair to let Jane stand up from her spot, and get out from the corner. Isabelle tried to stretch her head upward, but it didn't help. But Isabelle didn't need to wait much longer. As the girl that Sam described as his "little girl" approached, Isabelle's breath stopped. Her blood ceased to pump. Her jaw dropped. And then her body froze. It was Lola. Her Lola. Lola. It was LOLA! Lola Hayes. This was Sam Hayes. Her friend Lola Hayes. Best friend. Sam. Lola. Sam. Lola. Sam was Lola's dad. Lola was Sam's daughter. Her mom and Lola's dad were dating. Isabelle was about to have dinner with her mom, Sam, and Lola. And worst of all? Isabelle was going to have to do it in the wet pullup she was currently peeing into. ******* Isabelle watched as her mom and Lola hugged - 'WHY ARE THEY HUGGING?!?!? THIS IS SO WEIRD!!' - as though they were old friends. "Jane, you're looking SOO cute!" Lola said, emphasizing the last word in a way that Lola used to for Isabelle. As Lola let Jane out of the hug, she looked Isabelle's mom up and down. Lola then reached out and started playing with Jane's shirt. "I LOVE this top! Where did you get it?! It fits you -" Lola didn't finish the sentence. She simply brought the tips of her fingers to her mouth and kissed them, before expanding her hand outward and away again. Isabelle could see that her mom was blushing. The compliment had meant a lot to her mom. And how could it not. Isabelle looked up at Lola, and she was drop-dead gorgeous as usual. Lola had put a bit of a curl into her thick, black hair, which cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting against her fair skin. Her lips were ruby red and voluminous, her eyes made up beautifully, and her cheeks having just a dash of rouge in them. 'If there are any beauty techniques that ballerinas master, it was hair and makeup,' Isabelle reminded herself. Isabelle also realized it had been quite some time since she had done either. Lola herself was wearing a stunning designer sundress. The straps on her shoulders were so thin you would barely notice them even if you were paying attention. The dress held firmer at the top, accentuating her friend's large breasts, before loosely falling down her side, the hem ending well above her knee. Isabelle diverted her gaze for just a second to the tables behind and around them - it was no surprise that a number of the guests had watched, and were continuing to stare, at Lola as she made her way across the patio and toward the last table. Lola, much like Dani, could command a room's attention with a flick of a wrist. Much like Isabelle used to be able to do. It was an art - a performance art - that you mastered as a ballerina. You couldn't just turn it off. "Thank you," Jane said, breaking Isabelle's trance. "We all can't look as gorgeous as you though. That dress is amazing!" Jane replied, trying her best to pay Lola a compliment in return. Even in her shell-shocked state, Isabelle could tell that her mom was nervous. "What was amazing was the price tag ON the dress. Now THAT was a work of art," Sam joked playfully, as he brought a glass of water to his lips. Lola playfully slapped her dad's shoulders, causing a little water to bounce out of the glass and on to his lap. Isabelle couldn't help but let a giggle loose. "I kid. I kid," Sam added, putting the water down. "It was a birthday present," Sam offered by way of explanation to Jane. Isabelle's giggle aside, she continued to sit in shock. 'How was I not able to make this connection?!?!' Isabelle couldn't understand. "I know Sam. I have eaten with him and Lola before. I was always at her house. I WAS AT HIS WIFE'S FUNERAL. How did I not see this before?!?' Isabelle's mind was racing. Isabelle was not sure what about, however. Was it that she couldn't understand how it was even possible that this was a man she obviously knew, but couldn't do more than feel he was familiar? Or was it the fact that her mom was not only DATING, but dating her best friends' dad. It was all too much. And Isabelle felt she was going to explode. But Isabelle didn't. Without thinking, Isabelle closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. 'You can handle this,' Isabelle said coaching herself. 'These will all just be more clues to help her solve this insane thing that was happening to her. To help her get back. To get back to normal. Isabelle exhaled. She inhaled again. 'I can do this,' Isabelle repeated. And if she hadn't been confident about it to that point, she was suddenly overcome by a sensation of certainty, a sensation beginning in her feet, and making its way across her body, every which way, confidently telling every fiber and cell of her body that she could, in fact, do this. Isabelle exhaled. And then Isabelle opened her eyes. In the brief moment Isabelle worked to collect herself, Lola had made her way over to Isabelle. "And this must be the famous Isabelle I have heard so much about! I absolutely LOVE your skirtalls! My gosh! Do you think I could borrow them sometime?" Lola asked, as she bent over to get closer to Isabelle. Isabelle laughed out loud. Lola could hardly fit into Isabelle's clothes when she was in the same class. Lola wasn't about to fit into a second grader's skirtalls. It was a good joke. "Hi Lola!" Isabelle responded, before lowering herself off of her chair and wrapping her arms around Lola's waist, pulling her into a hug. Isabelle closed her eyes once again as she pressed the side of her face against her friends midsection, inhaling her scent, feeling her friend in her arms once more. Isabelle was losing track of time and days, but it felt as though it had been weeks without seeing Lola. Whatever may have brought them together for even just one evening, it didn't matter. Isabelle felt at home again as she held on to Lola for dear life. She so desperately missed Lola. And Dani for that matter. She was never going to take time with them for granted ever again. "Oh my! Am I ever lucky to be getting such a...strong hug," Lola responded, as she hugged Isabelle back and made eyes toward Jane and Sam. Jane simply shrugged, suggesting she had no idea what had gotten into Isabelle. Lola didn't mind, turning her attention back to the littel girl. "It's so nice to meet you too sweetie!" Isabelle was thrilled to hear the sound of her friend's voice ring in her ears, even if she was calling Isabelle "sweetie". Isabelle was brought back to focus by Sam's voice. "Hey! I thought I was the only one getting special birthday hugs tonight! That's no fair!" Isabelle felt bad for a moment, releasing her grasp around Lola as a reaction. 'Sam is right - if I give Lola a special hug, now, his birthday present doesn't seem so special. How could I have made such a mistake!?' Isabelle thought, questioning her decision to hug her friend so....well, violently. Lola saved the day, fortunately. "Sorry dad. Girls just get to give special hugs to each other, no birthdays needed. You, on the other hand," Lola said, pointing at her dad but looking at Isabelle in order to keep her involved, 'you only get special hugs ONCE a year. Isn't that right Isabelle?" Isabelle was not about to disagree. Everything Lola said made perfect sense. And it all worked in her favor. So she nodded. Rapidly. Very rapidly. "Okay, okay Belly. Sit down and let Lola breath," Jane said, her eyes doing their best to investigate Isabelle's crotch. Jane suspected that Isabelle may have had an accident based on how Isabelle was moving. Jane was starting to regret not bringing her bag in. 'Though this isn't really the type of place you carry that into.' Jane thought, as she looked around her. Jane figured the best course of action would just need to make sure another accident didn't happen at dinner. Isabelle sat down as she was instructed, as Jane helped shift the chair closer to the table. "Mommy I'm thirsty." Isabelle was looking at her waterglass on the table, but it was too far for her too reach, even when she was at the very edge of her seat. On top of that, the glass seemed massive next to her hands. 'I'm not sure I can even lift that thing.' Jane flagged a waiter down to ask for a straw, which he offered Jane in response. Jane peeled the paper around the straw, and put it into Isabelle's glass, before lifting the glass and straw to Isabelle's mouth for her to drink. Isabelle felt embarrassed drinking from the glass with her mom holding it in front of Lola like that, but Lola was rummaging through her bag at the moment. Isabelle placed her hands on the glass as well, and did her best to slurp as much water as she could before Lola picked her head back up. As Lola did, Isabelle immediately spit the straw out and sat back up, shifting away from her mom. Isabelle sat and watched as Sam, Jane, and Lola were chatting away. Isabelle didn't mind - it was an opportunity for her to gather her thoughts about this whole crazy situation. But at the same time, Isabelle couldn't help but listen to the conversation. Her mom and Lola were chatting about some lunch they had together the week prior, and Sam had brought up an apparently story about a recent traffic ordeal he had had involving a chicken and an egg. Isabelle didn't understand what had been funny though. Lola shared a lot about her rehearsals for her spring ballet performance when Jane had asked though, which Isabelle listened to intently. 'That used to be my life,' Isabelle thought as her head lowered, resigned to her current state. It was all together a pleasant evening, sitting outside and letting the wind playfully bounce her pigtails from side to side. Isabelle had shifted herself as close as she could to Lola, letting her outstretched foot lean against her friend. As she did, Lola turned and offered her a smile, and then more, placing her hand on Isabelle's ankle and holding her. Isabelle was melting - it was perfect. "So Isabelle," Lola started, stopping Isabelle's heart as she anxiously awaited the question. "Your mommy tells me that you are just a wonderful ballerina. Do you love to dance? She even told me that you are going to be going start your ballet school next week. Are you excited?" Isabelle was confused by the question. Isabelle was already at ballet school - she was at Higgins. And she wasn't starting ballet the following week - she had already been doing ballet at school. Isaaelle turned to her mom, wanting to ask why she told Lola the wrong information.. But her mom just used her hands to usher Isabelle to answer the questions herself. Rather than correct Lola, Isabelle simply responded to those parts of the questions that seemed applicable. " I do love dancing, its the best! I only really like doing ballet though. Some of the other dancing is strange. Ballet is the best one. I am even wearing my ballet slippers. Wanna see?" Isabelle didn't wait for Lola to respond. Instead, she simply pulled her left leg in toward her body and away from Lola's hand, lifting her foot in the air so that she could proudly show off her ballet slippers to Lola and Sam. Isabelle was too preoccupied with showing off her shoes, she didn't even notice that her table gymnastics resulted in Isabelle exposing her tights, and her pullup, for the table (and more) to see. Isabelle's faux pas did have one benefit, in that it allowed Jane to confirm that Isabelle was indeed wet. 'Oh bother,' Jane thought, giving Sam a look who returned one in kind, likely having recognized the same. Jane was trying to hard with Isabelle, but she seemed to be taking some steps backward. Sam smiled at Jane, and reached his empty hand out to hers. Jane took it. Parenting was a struggle sometimes, it was nice for Jane to be understood. "Oh wow those are pretty," Lola said, stifling a laugh, before gently placing her hand on Isabelle's ankle and guiding it downward. "But let's not stick our feet in the air like that at the table, or someone might see your panties sweetie." Lola explained, artfully and accurately concluding that panties was probably a word the girl would be happier hearing. "But I love your slippers," Lola emphasized, not wanting to embarrass the girl. Isabelle felt no shame at all, and allowed Lola to lower her foot back under the table, not thinking much of it. She was proud Lola got to see her slippers. Jane was going to correct Lola's use of the word "panties" but managed to restrain herself. Jane wasn't trying to embarrass Isabelle by correcting Lola, it just almost came out naturally. Isabelle continued answering Lola's questions. "I am excited about dancing in school. It's the best part of the day. School is okay too, I guess. Some of the lessons are really hard though. Dance is better. It's a lot more fun! And easier!" Isabelle had returned her foot back to resting on Lola, and Lola returned her hand in kind to Isabelle's ankle, dancing her fingers along Isabelle's little legs. Isabelle loved the attention Lola was giving Isabelle. The conversation continued as Jane, Lola, and Sam all opened one of the ancient textbooks the girl had left on the table. Isabelle realized then that they were just menus, and was a little irritated that no one left her one. "Mommy I want to see," Isabelle whined to her mom, reaching the top half of her body to the other side of her giant chair to see her mom's menu, whilst still keeping her foot resting against Lola. Before her mom could respond, Lola did. "You can share with me sweetie. Come here," Lola said, as she pulled Isabelle's chair closer with one hand, and put the menu in front of Isabelle. The menu was nice looking on the inside, with lots of words and even some pictures of certain foods. The problem was that the menu was clearly written in another language, and Isabelle was getting dizzy just staring at it. No one else seemed to have trouble reading it though, and Isabelle was feeling to embarrassed to point out that she was the only one who didn't read the foreign language. 'I never knew mom read other languages. Or Lola for that matter,' Isabelle thought quietly to herself. Isabelle sat quietly as the others mentioned and discussed things that seemed appealing to them. Isabelle was looking at a new page that Lola flipped to - also written in ancient Babylonian or something - when she heard parts of what her mom was saying to Sam. "...No kids menu.....find something to share with her...." Isabelle wasn't sure what her mom was concerned about, but whatever it was, Sam didn't seem to mind. He just chuckled and responded with a "don't worry about it!" and a big smile. Sam and Jane had resumed holding hands on top of the table, and Sam offered Jane's a reassuring squeeze. Isabelle wasn't sure if she much cared for all the hand holding. 'Even if they are dating, it's a little too early for such advanced forms of physical affection,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'Before you know it they'll even kiss! Yuck!' Isabelle wasn't sure if she had always felt that way about kissing, but right now, kissing seemed gross. Isabelle wasn't able to focus too much on it though, as Lola demanded her attention. Isabelle perked up as Lola started speaking to her - 'Mom is free to do whatever she wants with her hand for all I care. Lola needs me!" "Hmmm I am thinking of getting a flatbread Isabelle. But its too big for me. Do you want to share one with me to start?" Lola asked, as she practically starred into Isabelle's soul. her eyes locked on Isabelle's. Isabelle was silent. She didn't exactly hear what Lola was saying, only that she asked her something about something. Isabelle didn't care. She just nodded. Lola sensed that Isabelle looked a little confused. It's like a little pizza," Lola went on to explain. "You'll like it. I'll get this one," Lola said, pointing to the mysterious text. "It has FOUR different kinds of cheeses, if you can believe it." Lola shut the menu just as the waiter came, and took everyone's order. Four cheeses did sound quite delicious to Isabelle. "I'll order for you sweetie, don't worry." Jane said, looking at Isabelle. Isabelle wasn't thrilled about it. She wanted to show her friend - and her mom - that she could order by herself. But Isabelle hadn't been offered an English menu, and she still didn't want to admit that she couldn't read the ones at the table. Isabelle didn't bother to pay attention as everyone at the table ordered. Instead, her gaze moved across the restaurant. It had grown slightly darker out since they had sat down. It wasn't a problem, and the lights dangling overhead lit the patio up beautifully. Isabelle watched as other families ordered and ate. Most tables were filled with adults, and from the best Isabelle could tell from her low position on her chair, she was by far the youngest (sort of) girl at the restaurant. It made her feel grown up. Isabelle's initial shock had largely dissipated. It was still weird coming to terms with the fact that her mom and Lola's dad might be dating. Dani used to joke about it sometimes, but their parents had never shown the slightest bit of interest in each other. Isabelle was not sure what had changed, but was it the worst thing? Isabelle loved her mom, and Jane deserved to be happy. And most importantly, her mom dating Sam meant that she was with Lola right now - a circumstance that otherwise was completely unlikely. If this is what it took to be with her best friend until she solved whatever was going on, it was well worth it. Isabelle continued to listen as they all chatted away, joining in when she was called to. Isabelle loved that Sam and Lola each took the time to talk to her and get to know her. It made her feel special, and it made the dinner much more enjoyable. When the appetizers came, Lola sliced up the flatbread and put a piece on Isabelle's little plate in front of her. "Be careful - it's hot sweetie. Wait a little before starting," Lola had warned her. Isabelle did her best to be patient, but couldn't wait too long. Moments later, Isabelle was picking her pizza up with her hands, and pushing it toward her mouth. Isabelle barely noticed when some of the sauce dripped on to her skirtalls, or when it smeared on her face. The flatbread was simply too delicious. As Isabelle finished her second piece, she turned to see if Lola was enjoying it as well. Isabelle regretted it instantly. Lola was enjoying her food - but she was eating it with a fork and knife. Isabelle felt silly having picked hers up with her hands, and so tucked her head down. Jane, watching Isabelle, figured Isabelle was thirsty, and so brought her re-filled water glass and straw to her mouth, instructing Isabelle to drink. Isabelle did her best to shield Lola's view of the scene, but it was not very effective. Regardless, Isabelle was thirsty, and so drank another large portion of her water, before releasing the straw from her mouth. Not long later, the waiter came by to clear everyone's finished plates. Isabelle was starting to feel the need to go to the bathroom, and so reached toward her mom's shirt, tugging at it gently. Jane had been in a conversation with Sam, and tapped Isabelle to wait for her to finish. Isabelle was not sure that she could wait however, and so started tugging a little strongly, squirming in her seat. Jane turned at that moment. "What is it sweetie? Do you need to go potty?" Isabelle went beet red at her mom's question, but simply nodded. As Jane was backing her own chair up, however, she was interrupted. By Lola. "Don't worry Jane. I need to go to. I'll take her." Isabelle froze. Lola couldn't take her. It would be.....Lola just couldn't. No. It had to be her mom. Jane seemed to hesitate as well, much to Isabelle's satisfaction. "Oh you don't need to do that, Lola, but that's really kind. I need to help her and it can just be a lot." Isabelle wasn't sure what her mom was on about, but she didn't care. She was saved. At least she thought she was. "Seriously, don't worry. I can do it," Lola insisted, standing up and turning Isabelle's chair so that Isabelle could get out. "It's my pleasure." Isabelle hadn't moved an inch. 'Please no. Please mom. Mom. MOM. Mommmy. Mommmy. MOMMY - look at me Mommy. Mommy, look. Look at me. Look at my eyes. I want you to do this. I want you to take me. You take me to the bathroom Mommy. Please. Please understand this.' Isabelle was starring at her mom desperately now, trying to give her silent cues to take her to the bathroom, and praying Jane understood what Isabelle was asking for. Jane didn't. Instead, Jane thought about how nice Lola was being for Isabelle, and how much Isabelle was enjoying Lola's company. 'It's like Jess said,' Jane reminded herself, 'if they get along, Sam and I can really consider moving forward.' Jane still felt bad. It wasn't pretty work. But if Lola was insisting..... "Okay," Jane responded, seating herself back down. "You'll need to just make sure she doesn't fall in if the seat is too big. She's very small. And she's a little W-E-T from earlier at some point. Its hard to keep track all the time." Isabelle wasn't stupid 'I know what you just spelled MOM,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'Wait.................No I don't......What did she spell.....? Why don't I know what mom just spelled?' Did I miss a letter or something. Something......E.....T.......eat? Did mom spell eat? I'm eat from earlier? What the heck does that mean...Huh....." Isabelle was starring into space, trying to figure out what she missed when Lola took her hand and helped her up off of her chair. "Come sweetie, let's go." Lola called out, as she led Isabelle through the tables and toward the double doors they had walked through earlier. Isabelle couldn't believe this was happening to her. But Isabelle also didn't have much time to complain and ask for her mom. Her need to pee was developing into a rather urgent one. So despite her body screaming otherwise, she allowed herself to be pulled along by Lola, watching her mother fade out of sight behind her, as she and Sam leaned in closer to each other. Once they were through the doors, Lola navigated Isabelle deptly toward the bathrooms, avoiding the crowd of giants at the front that only seemed to have grown. Instead, Lola pulled Isabelle past some booths, toward a pathway in the back of the restaurant, all the way down toward the bathroom. Lola pushed the heavy door in, ushering Isabelle toward the bigger of the four stalls, and going in with her. At this point, Isabelle was bouncing on her feet. "I really gotta go Lola," Isabelle shared. The time for dignity had passed. The only thing worse than sharing, and peeing in front of her friend, would have been Lola knowing that she was peeing in her pants. Or more accurately, her pullup. "Don't worry sweetie," Lola said, quickly locking the door behind them and turning to help lower Isabelle's tights and already wet pullup. Isabelle had gotten so used to sitting in it, it had not even occurred to Isabelle that Lola would learn Isabelle had wet herself anyway. And it didn't occur in that moment either. Lola hiked Isabelle's skirtalls up, lifting her on to the seat. Isabelle's butt had hardly hit the seat before she started peeing. "Ahhhhhhhh......." Isabelle sighed, eyes closed, feeling the pressure of her bladder release into the toilet. As she opened them, she could hardly believe the situation she was in. In front of her, Lola was crouched down, starring at Isabelle and smiling, saying words Isabelle couldn't process, but clearly encouraging Isabelle as she peed. The toilet Isabelle was on was considerably larger than even the one near the kitchen at home. Lola, recognizing the issue after being warned by Jane, had propped Isabelle's feet up on Lola's knees to give Isabelle balance, as well as holding the rest of Isabelle's weight up as the two girls held hands. Isabelle starred back at her friend, inches from her face, and did her best to offer a smile back. Her best friend, former dance partner, and former classmate, had just lowered Isabelle's pullup and tights, and was now counterbalancing Isabelle's weight so that she could help Isabelle pee in a toilet, offering Isabelle positive encouragement for Isabelle's success. And Isabelle was doing just that - peeing right in front of her friend. It was not as though they had never been in a bathroom stall together, but Isabelle was sure she and Lola had never done anything like this. The worst part about the whole situation, though, was not that her friend had undressed her, or was holding her in place, or even was encouraging her. No, the worst part was that Isabelle liked it all. It felt good. Isabelle wasn't sure why. The situation should have been mortifying. But Isabelle was happy to be peeing - in a toilet - and happy that her friend was with her. It didn't matter where, or why. They were together. Even like this. 'And at least Lola knows that I'm potty trained,' Isabelle thought to herself, with more pride than she otherwise probably should have had. With the last dribbles of Isabelle's pee descending into the toilet, Lola stood Isabelle up and helped her wipe. Lola decided there would be no way to wipe Isabelle holding her on the toilet with both hands, and if a little droplet or two fell into her pullup, it was already wet. Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and Lola was able to maneuver Isabelle off the toilet, and help her wipe without incident. "Okay sweetie," Lola said, as she helped Isabelle pull up her pullup and tights, "just wait here while I pee," Lola said, as she lowered her black lacy panties down her legs, before sitting down "and then we can wash our hands and go." Isabelle and Lola returned to the table to find their main courses had been served. Lola gave Jane a thumbs up, which garnered a mouthed "thank you" in response. Isabelle sat down and saw that her plate looked a little different than everyone else's. Her plate just looked, well less full. Meanwhile, Lola had sat down and was sticking her fork into a nice looking piece of fish, while Sam was cutting into a steak of some sort. Her mom had ordered a piece of chicken with a brown, tangy and delicious smelling sauce on it. And in front of Isabelle was the same chicken, except it was all cut up into small pieces for her. On the side, was a flattened portion of a baked potato, still steaming, and some roasted carrots. Isabelle was happy to have gotten a grown up meal - even if it was just a portion of her moms - but she was a little shy about her food being cut up for her. Fortunately, the food smelled so good, Isabelle hardly cared after she took her first bite. The tangy barbeque sauce on the chicken was simply amazing, and Isabelle could barely finish the bite of food in her mouth before sticking her fork into the next piece of chicken. Reaching the chicken on her plate was no easy feat for Isabelle - Isabelle really had to reach for it. And even then, Isabelle rarely got a good puncture, so had to balance the chicken slowly as she brought it to her mouth. Two small saucy pieces had fallen off her fork and rolled down her skirtalls and onto the floor. Isabelle was less concerned about her clothes as it happened, and more upset that she lost some pieces. Her mom kindly replaced them though. By the time Isabelle was done eating her meal, there was sauce all over her face, clothes, and even a bit on her hands, which Isabelle was more than happy to lick up. Isabelle settled into her chair, full from dinner, as Sam and her mom ordered little coffees. Lola tried to teach Isabelle a neat hand game while their parents sipped and chatted away, but Isabelle didn't have the energy too learn. She was feeling quite tired. "I think I need to get this one home," Jane averred, motioning toward Isabelle as she settled her little coffee cup down. "It's going to be well past her bedtime anyway." "No problem," Sam replied. "It's past mine as well tonight!" Sam signaled the waiter and quickly paid. After receiving his credit card back, Isabelle stood up with everyone else, and tried her best to push her chair in under the table. Though she managed it part of the way, Jane mom had to push it the rest of the way, before she took Isabelle's hand and bent down offering to pick her up. Isabelle was not so much in control of her mind, feeling full and tired. Isabelle was also feeling grumpy that her mom didn't let her finish pushing her chair in. So when Jane reached to pick Isabelle up, Isabelle pushed Jane's arms away. "Oh my," Jane had responded. "Is someone feeling a little tired grumpy?!" Jane asked, half playfully, half wanting to know. It didn't matter if her mom's remark was true, Isabelle wasn't confessing. Isabelle thought about how she wanted to answer, but never got the chance. "Nope, that's not it," Lola said, answering for her, before Lola swept her arms underneath Isabelle's armpits from behind, turning Isabelle, and then placing Isabelle on her own hip. "She just wants a ride from her new friend Lola instead, isn't that true?" Lola was trying her best to cheer Isabelle up, having seen her push her mom away. Isabelle was surprised when Lola lifted her so easily. And in truth, Isabelle wasn't ready to say goodbye to Lola just yet. Isabelle wanted to milk every last second with Lola. So rather than object, Isabelle simply let her head and saucy face rest on her friend's shoulder, nodding in agreement. "See Jane?" Lola said, smirking at Isabelle's mom. "I told you we would be fast friends. I'll follow you out." Jane couldn't help but smile back. Her dirty, saucy, and wet little girl was in the arms of her boyfriend's daughter, both of who had been overwhelmingly welcoming not only to Jane, but now Isabelle as well. Even better, Isabelle had seemed to quite like both Sam and Lola so far. This was going to make Jane's life a lot easier, and allow her to pursue the relationship if that was what she decided she wanted. And Jane was starting to really think it was. As Lola carried Isabelle along, sauce smearing on Lola's bare shoulder, Isabelle's eyes slowly started to roll back. Jane watched as Isabelle's eyelids fluttered open and closed as she bounced along in Lola's arms. Isabelle didn't remember much of the night from that point on. She remembered her mom's car being at the front of the restaurant. She remembered waving goodbye to Sam. And she remembered Lola placing her down in her booster seat in the back of the car, kissing Isabelle on the forehead goodbye. But Isabelle remembered nothing else of the rest of the night; not going home, not being carried into her house. Not being carried up the stairs. Not her face being washed, or being changed into a nighttime diaper, or even into her pajamas. And she certainly had no memory of being placed down into bed, or kissed goodnight by her mom. All Isabelle knew was that she had had the most wonderful night. 12 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 6, 2023 Author Share Posted July 6, 2023 The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 43 Isabelle blinked her eyes rapidly, before sitting up with a start. Isabelle inhaled deeply, as though it was the first breath she had taken in days, before releasing it out. Her heart was racing, her blood pumping. 'The last thing I remembered.......it was darkness.' Isabelle was feeling disoriented, her head whipping from one side to the other, trying to gather her surroundings. Isabelle knew she needed to calm down, control her breath, and assess what had happened. Isabelle worked to catch her breath as she took in her environment. Isabelle had woken up in a room with sterile, white walls. The walls were curved into a dome of sorts. Isabelle felt a familiar soft padding underneath her; she was laying on a medical bed of sorts, comfortable, relaxing, and plush. Isabelle recognized where she was, as she lifted her hand up off of the cushion under her, leaving an imprint behind; 'of course - this is my ship's medical bay.' Isabelle laid back down, enjoying the comfort that was offered by the medical table. Her head was pounding. Confusion clouded Isabelle's mind as she tried to recall the events leading to her current predicament. 'I was underwater.....I was looking for a key....maybe? And then........' But no matter how hard Isabelle tried, she couldn't remember the precise events that led her back to the ship's medical bay. She gingerly started to move her legs, feeling that they were incredibly sore. Just wiggling her toes sent a dull ache throughout her body. Around Isabelle, sensors and monitors beeped softly, providing vital signs and data to the medical staff. No staff were present at the moment. Isabelle was not sure what time it was, or even what day it was. "How long have I been here?" Isabelle asked no one in particular. It was a troubling thought. At the same time, it was a relief to hear her voice, raspy as it might have been. Her throat felt sore, and speaking was difficult. Isabelle began to reclaim more of her senses, stretching her fingers out by her side. Isabelle turned her head to the side as much as her strained neck would allow, spotting that she was in her standard issued captain's garb. 'Someone had to have changed me,' she concluded. But there was something else that was throwing her off. Isabelle guided her hand toward her waist, where she identified a new particular piece of clothing. Isabelle's hands traced their way under her shirt and along the waistband of the garment, feeling the soft plastic under her hands. Isabelle slipped her hand down lower, finding s firmer plastic covering her crotch. It was warm, comforting, and safe. Isabelle found her self smiling as she explored her undergarments. 'I wonder why they put me in an investigator-astronaut diaper?' Isabelle found herself asking. As the captain of the most prestigious investigator astronaut ship in the galaxy, Isabelle was of course, familiar with such garments. But they were rare, and extremely valuable. Investigator astronaut diapers were only to be worn in very specific circumstances. 'They were designed only for human officers, of course,' and there was no other known species that needed them. There was no embarrassment in wearing such things. Rather, it was a source of pride - they served as a sign that an officer or captain had ventured to some of the most hazardous and dangerous terrain in their voyages. Isabelle secretly loved wearing them too. The sound of an automatic door opening caused Isabelle to pull her hand up from where she had been rubbing her investigator-astronaut diaper. Isabelle perked her head up, anticipating that whoever had come in might have some answers for her. As her vision continued to clear, Isabelle noticed that it was Dr. Teddy, the ship's chief medical officer. Dr. Teddy was a veteran of the Rainbow Command, and Isabelle was always grateful that he elected to serve on her space investigator ship. Dr. Teddy stepped forward, his calm demeanor offering reassurance amidst Isabelle's confusion. "Captain Isabelle," Dr. Teddy began, his voice soothing. "You're awake. Excellent. Do you remember what happened to you?" There was more concern in Dr. Teddy's voice as he posed the last question. Isabelle simply shook her head no. She felt happy that she was literally on soft cushioning to ease the blow of whatever Dr. Teddy was about to share. "I see. You were injured during an unexpected encounter with a celestial anomaly at the bottom of the deep water access point. It was looking rough there for a minute. But thanks to Senior First Officer Rabbity's quick thinking, and precise use of the landing ship's exacto-claw, he was able to retrieve you in the nick of time. We had to bring you here for medical attention of course." Isabelle nodded, her memory slowly returning. She recalled the intense battle with the great beast at the bottom of the access point, the fear, the water pressure, the water climbing inside her suit to her neck. All of the fear came back to her, and suddenly, Isabelle felt herself wetting her investigator-astronaut diaper a little. 'It seems SENIOR First Officer Rabbity earned his promotion,' Isabelle said to herself. Dr. Teddy placed one of his stuffed paws down on Isabelle's diaper, feeling the warmth. "Good. Very good. Bladder functional, and based on Nurse Koala's report from your last change, bowels functioning well too. Very good," Dr. Teddy repeated, jotting noted down on his clipboard. "Vitals are strong as well." As Dr. Carter performed a thorough examination, he explained that Isabelle had suffered a mild concussion and some minor bruises, but thankfully no serious injuries. He assured her that with rest and proper care, she would make a full recovery. As Dr. Teddy continued to explain the medical impact of her journey on Isabelle's body, the medical ward started to buzz with more activity as the crew busily went about their duties, ensuring the ship continued to function smoothly. Isabelle couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at being temporarily sidelined, knowing her crew relied on her leadership. But she was proud watching her crew work so hard. As the crew members went about their duties, Isabelle realized that this momentary setback offered her a chance to observe her crew from a different perspective. As she lay on her cushioned table, Isabelle observed the seamless teamwork, the dedication, and the unwavering spirit of her crew members as they carried out their respective duties. It was valiant. "You of course noticed that we had to put you into an investigator-astronaut diaper, Captain," Dr. Teddy stated, interrupting Isabelle's thoughts. "It is unrelated to the incident, however. It appears that un an precedented, large, high pressure cosmic zone has penetrated Aquaria and its surrounding atmospheres. Even here in the ship, the high pressure cosmic power can be felt. I know these are rare resources," Dr. Teddy stated, patting the front of Isabelle's diaper, eliciting a smile from the captain "but we have no choice if we are to continue exploring." Isabelle nodded - there was no problem. 'High pressure cosmic power was one of the few reasons to use investigator-astronaut diapers, as being within its pressure system caused humans to lose all sense of needing to go to the potty,' Isabelle reminded herself. "And one other thing," Dr. Teddy said, with a smirk on his chubby face, as he rummaged through a pocket in his white medical coat. "You managed to hang on to this." Dr. Teddy held out his stuffed paw, showing Isabelle the key that she had found at the bottom of the deep access point. "You must be really committed to finding out what's in that chest Captain. Its a miracle you held on to this." Isabelle took the key in her hand, her mood having completely changed. 'I did it. I really did it,' Isabelle said to herself. 'Boy, do I ever owe Rabbity a glass of our finest apple juice in the cantina later.' Isabelle knew that this meant they could finish their journey. It would be amazing, and the treasure was no doubt to be amazing. The relief of having the key in her hand was overwhelming. Between that, her sore body, and her aching head, Isabelle laid back down on her back, sighing a big sigh of relief, and releasing the rest of her bladder into her thirsty investigator-astronaut diaper. And just like that, Isabelle was back to sleep. ****************** Isabelle woke up feeling rested. Isabelle's eyes gently opened, her vision blurry at first, before the world around her started to clear up. Isabelle was laying om her back, holding Rabbity firmly against her chest, taking deep breaths. It had been a long, eventful 36 hours for Isabelle. Isabelle listened as the raindrops beat against her window in metronome, and continued to breath. As she starred up at the canopy of lights that hung over her, Isabelle couldn't help but feel like things were going to turn around for her. 'Today will be a positive day,' Isabelle told herself, a smile appearing on her face. Isabelle shifted herself up on to her butt, immediately feeling a squishy sensation underneath her. "Oh,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle could tell, immediately, that she was quite wet. The only question that remained was, what had she wet? Isabelle pulled her covers up and off of her body, before lifting the hem of her sleeping shirt up toward her beck, exposing her crotch and belly. Her legs were pulled in at forty-five degree angles. The way she was sitting, Isabelle could see precisely what she was wearing - a very soggy diaper. 'Maybe not so good after all,' Isabelle thought to herself, changing her tune about the day already. The rain beating against her window didn't help her mood. Isabelle exhaled a breath of stress, frustrated with her situation. She let go of her sleeping shirt, allowing it to fall down and partially cover her diaper, as she huffed in bed. It was only a few nights ago that she was wearing goodnights, and now suddenly she found herself in diapers two straight mornings. 'Two nights ago...well I get it. I had an accident. And Jess has stinky rules,' Isabelle thought to herself, not seeing the irony in her choice of adjective. Isabelle didn't comprehend, however, why she was wearing one now. Or more accurately, why her mom had changed her into one. Isabelle reflected on the idea as she looked around her room, taking it in. At first, Isabelle didn't really notice much different about her room. Her desk, off to her left, was still neatly arranged with her colored pencils, crayons, and other supplies. Her pink and white polka dot chair sat empty, inviting her in to spend her rainy day away coloring and having fun. Her closet still stood tall, closed now, but brimming with her favorite outfits to wear. 'Surely I could find something in there that's comfy to wear today.' But there were subtle differences as well. Isabelle looked at her immediate surroundings. Her bed looked the same, under a beautiful canopy of lights and pink. Her comforter was still stitched with horses, 'or...are those unicorns now?' Isabelle found herself asking, noticing the prominent horn on top of each stitched horse. Isabelle continued to look around her bed. It seemed the same size, but also, it didn't. Isabelle felt that she was occupying the same space in her bed, but the bed seemed to be occupying a smaller space in her room. To her immediate right, Isabelle noticed that her dollhouse seemed larger. It had seemingly expanded to include a second castle, and a whole lot more toys. Around both the dollhouse and the plastic castle were tons of stuffed animals and dolls that hadn't been there the week prior. Sitting prominently in front of the castle, appearing to guard the drawbridge, was a cute teddy bear that seemed familiar to Isabelle. Isabelle couldn't help herself but stare at her play area - she wanted nothing more than to get up and explore her new castle, and play with all her new dolls. 'Maybe later,' Isabelle told herself. Isabelle's eyes traced their way along the right wall of her room. There was something else standing there that hadn't been there before; a tall white cylindrical pale. Isabelle recognized it immediately - it was a diaper djinn. 'Why would mom leave that in my room? I don't need one of those.' Isabelle said to herself, as she shifted her butt forward and felt the soggy squish underneath her. And then there was her dresser. It seemed similar in shape, but gone were all the photos on top, the fun picture frames, or any of Isabelle's other things that she kept on top of it. Instead, the top of the dresser had been reinforced with some sort of little bed. It looked like padding from Isabelle's angle; thick, plush, and comfortable. 'That isn't a dresser anymore. At least, that's not all it is. That's a changing table,' Isabelle concluded Above the changing table her mom had apparently installed some wooden shelves. The shelves seemed really high up, but even from where she sat, Isabelle could see that they were filled with diapers, with bottles of powder and creams, and all sorts of other lotions. Isabelle knew this was her room, but at the same time, it wasn't. Before Isabelle could consider anything further, her door opened, and her mom burst in with a smile. Isabelle hadn't realized, until that moment, that she had been missing her mom, and so let loose an ecstatic cry - "MOMMY!" - before bouncing up onto her knees and hugging her mom as Jane made her way to the bed. "Good morning my princess," Jane responded, as her hands fell around Isabelle's butt lifting her up. "My oh my, I have a very soggy girl this morning." Jane added, as she bombarded Isabelle with kisses. Isabelle didn't have an opportunity to object to the remark, or the diaper itself. Isabelle was too busy giggling from all of her mom's tickly kisses. "MOOOMMMMMMMYYYY" Isabelle whined between giggles, before her mom released her and carried Isabelle over to the dresser. "Let's get you out of that and into some big girl pants, okay?" Isabelle was not about to object - that sounded great. Jane set Isabelle down on the changing table, bending over to kiss Isabelle's tummy a few more times. Jane then tore the sides of the diaper off of Isabelle, before folding the top underneath her. Jane went about wiping, cleaning, and rubbing lotion all over Isabelle's crotch, legs, and butt, before taking the used diaper over to the diaper djinn, and pushing it through the top. Jane returned, opening one of the drawers underneath Isabelle, pulling something out, before sliding up Isabelle's legs. "Butt up sweets," Jane said, as Isabelle cooperated and Jane pulled the fresh underwear up Isabelle's legs. Isabelle looked down and was disappointed at what she saw. Starring back up at her was Rover-Roo, the pullup she had on. Apparently when her mom had said "big girl pants," she had meant pullups, not underwear. Isabelle was very angry that her mom would play a joke like that on her. "Mommy! I want panties, not pullups!" Jane sighed. They had this conversation almost every morning. But Isabelle simply wasn't ready. Jane was happy that Isabelle wanted to be in panties - it was an encouraging sign for potty training. But Jane was not interested in washing 10 sets of clothes every day that Isabelle decided she was not going to use the potty. "Soon sweetie, I promise. You need to show mommy you can be responsible and use the potty like a big girl. Why don't you go do that now?" Jane suggested, as she helped Isabelle down from the changing table and pumped disinfectant into her hands. "Okay mommy." If that was what it was going to take, Isabelle would do it. Isabelle made her way out of her open door and toward her bathroom. As she placed her hand on the knob, she heard her mom call to her as Jane was descending the stairs. "Come straight down after sweetie. I'll help you get dressed later." Jane said, as she made her way down to get Isabelle's breakfast ready. Isabelle resented the remark. Isabelle would get the last laugh though - she would get dressed herself and show her mommy just how big she was. Isabelle opened the door to her bathroom, at least she thought. The bathroom before her was cool and dark from the rainy day outside, a cold light filtering through the window across from Isabelle, above the towel rack. Isabelle's eyes widened with shock as she took in the sight before her; The walls were not their normal color. Instead, they were painted in soft pastel colors, adorned with adorable sea creatures and playful bubbles. If she was not otherwise so surprised by the change in décor, Isabelle would have smiled at all the pretty animals. To her right, Isabelle saw that there was a perfectly sized toilet. Isabelle couldn't recognize it, but it was a toddler-sized toilet. 'It's about time I walk into a bathroom with a normal sized toilet,' Isabelle said to herself, reflecting on the giant toilet at the restaurant the prior night. Above the toilet was another unfamiliar item; it was a potty chart. Isabelle recognized it from Jess's house, and also from the daycare when Isabelle had gone with Jess to pick Becky up. Isabelle was proud to see so many stickers on her chart. 'Mom was right," Isabelle thought, as she looked up. 'I am only two stickers away from an award. And I am owed at least two more.' Isabelle inhaled, and starred at the soft, cushioned seat and inviting design. As she starred at it, Isabelle was confronted with the realization that she had to use it, and proceeded to pull her pullup down and sit on the toilet. 'Let's make it three more stickers!' As soon as she sat down, Isabelle released her bladder .She was thrilled to finally be in the bathroom alone, for what felt like the first time in a whole day As she peed, Isabelle's eyes made their way to her left, where she examined the sink. Unlike the toilet, the sink still seemed massive, and Isabelle doubted she would be able to reach the countertop. To Isabelle's relief, she noticed a step stool positioned near the sink, inviting her to reach the sparkling tap all on her own. Isabelle was about to pull the roll of toilet paper when she felt a rumble in her stomach. Not wanting to take any risks, Isabelle waited, and soon found herself pooping, pushing out two successive logs into the toilet. It was troubling, to Isabelle, as she tore off a few pieces of toilet paper, that she was only recognizing her need to go to the bathroom moments before she did. "I don't know why I am not realizing it sooner," Isabelle mumbled, as she coordinatingly tried to wipe herself, front and back. Seemingly satisfied with her half complete job, Isabelle dropped the toilet paper into the toilet and flushed, pulling her pullup back up and making her way over to the stool in front of the sink. The stool had two rungs on it. Isabelle was sure she could reach the sink from the first, but though it fun to climb all the way up to the second. With eager anticipation, she climbed up onto the stool, her tiny fingers stretching to turn the faucet, causing a gentle stream of water to flow into the sink. As she did, however, Isabelle looked directly in the mirror, and was stunned at what she saw. The bathroom mirror was decorated with a whimsical border of dancing butterflies and friendly sea creatures, to match the décor of the walls. But it was what was in the mirror that truly caught Isabelle's attention; she hardly recognized the girl staring back at her. First, Isabelle smiled to make sure the refection did the same - it was unclear if she was really looking at herself, or if she was starring through at someone else. As she smiled at her reflection, Isabelle couldn't help but notice her plump. rosy cheeks. 'Is this really me?" Isabelle's eyes widened with surprise as she took in her appearance. From the top rung, she could see her body from head to ankle. Isabelle watched as her lighter blonde hair framed her rounder face in soft waves, gently swaying with each movement. Isabelle playfully tugged on a loose strand of hair, twirling it in her fingers, before releasing it and watching it bounce back into place. Isabelle's attention then turned to her sparkling green eyes, like bright emeralds that seemed to hold a universe within them. Her eyes seemed to take up more of her face, but at the same time, they seemed so small. "It all looks so small,' Isabelle realized. Isabelle leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, as if the mirror would hold the secret and unravel what had happened to her if she did. But the mirror had no answers.. Isabelle leaned back, reaching out her arm to once again confirm that the mirror was indeed, reflecting what she looked like. As she did, Isabelle saw the refection of her tiny fingers, and small palm, turning it back toward her face as though she was really seeing her hand for the first time. Isabelle thought about the water glass the night before, and how large it seemed. She knew now it wasn't the glass - it was her, her hands, her body that was smaller. Not the world around her that was larger. With her small finger, Isabelle traced the curve of her rosy cheeks, marveling at the smoothness and softness of her skin. Isabelle couldn't help but giggle as she watched her reflection mimic her actions, her eyes filled with a sense of joy and self-discovery. Without thinking, Isabelle clapped her hands together in front of her, containing to giggle, dimples appearing on her face from her wide smile. Isabelle's smile and small teeth caught her attention next. Her lips radiated pure innocence and happiness, and her tiny teeth exposed themselves just enough to reveal their slight unevenness. Isabelle looked further up, as she admired her perfectly tiny nose, button-shaped and full of character. She crinkled it playfully, delighting in the silly faces she could make. Isabelle felt a fullness rise from the pit of her stomach As Isabelle continued to explore her reflection, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at how small she was. Isabelle lifted her shirt up, exposing her belly for the mirror to reflect. Her tiny belly-button barely had any depth, as Isabelle experimented and pushed her protruding tummy outward, before bounding her open faced hands on it like the was playing the drums. Isabelle turned her attention downward, where she saw Rover-Roo on the front of her pullup smiling back at her, a constant reminder that of her place. Suddenly the pullups made more sense. Isabelle was starting to worry she wasn't going to be going back to second grade at Higgin on Monday, as her eyes looked down further at her short legs and tiny toes. 'Uh oh.....' It was all Isabelle could think. Isabelle looked back up, starring at herself. Her blonde hair, green eyes, and charming smile were all part of what made Isabelle what she was now. Isabelle continued to connect the dots from the day prior; the giants, the enormous furniture wherever she went, her nap, her activity book - it all started clicking. Isabelle had gone back further. There was no telling how far she would go. 'I am running out of time.' Isabelle wanted the though to strike fear in her, but it hadn't. "I am running out of time." Isabelle repeated, this time out loud, trying to snap herself out of her calmness about her circumstances. But even that didn't do it. For some reason, Isabelle was not panicked at all. It wasn't out of confidence that she was going to resolve this problem. No, it was out of comfort, even if she didn't realize it at the moment. When she had moved back to a high school sophomore, it was infuriating. She was being denied her chance at the showcase, she was frustrated at being separated even for a time from her friends, and most importantly, it was all happening to her for the first time. Isabelle hadn't know how to cope with the problem. When Isabelle had moved back to middle school, at the very least she had been prepared for the change. Sure, she had a tantrum outside the school on the first day. But she had been able to make friends - good friends, which helped. The sad part about fifth grade had been being away from Dani and Lola for most of the day. But even then, she was able to see them from time to time. It was when Isabelle went all the way back to second grade that the problem become intolerable. She had few, if any friends all day. The teachers were nice and all, but she was always feeling lonely. Other than dance, school had been terrible. She was struggling mightily with going to the bathroom on time at school. The classes were hard, and she feared having to have lunch every day. Only Charlotte was there for her ever, but she had other friends. But the worst, the very worst of being in second grade, by far, was not seeing Dani and Lola. She was even without Mel, who she had found herself missing almost as much as Dani and Lola. She didn't see them at school. She didn't see them after. She was never with them Being away from them had been intolerable, and on more than one occasion had been the root cause of Isabelle crying, longing for her friends. A life without them hardly felt like living at all, and Isabelle feared it would only get worse and worse. Isabelle feared she would never see her friends again. But that hadn't happened. Even though Isabelle had seemingly gone back again, Lola, at least, had re-entered her life. And as Isabelle was standing in front of the mirror, looking at the smaller version of herself, it didn't seem to matter as much that she had gone back. She spent the whole evening at dinner with Lola again. And after what she had been through the last week or more in second grade, Isabelle only wanted to be with Lola more. Isabelle was more determined than ever to solve whatever was going on. Now that she had at least one of her friends back in her life, Isabelle felt as though she could accomplish anything. And it wasn't just Lola. Her accident aside, Isabelle had had fun with Mel the other night. All that was missing was Dani, but Isabelle knew that she would find her way back to Dani. She just had to. So, even though she had gone back, it really could not be worse than it was in second grade. 'In fact,' Isabelle thought, 'It might be better now than it even was in fifth grade.' Isabelle needed to make her way back to her original self. But Isabelle felt she had a better chance of doing it like this than she did last week. So Isabelle did what any reasonable person would do in her situation. With all the might she possessed, Isabelle balled her fight hand into a fist, and thrust it in to the air, watching herself in the mirror as she did, and bellowing out a powerful "YAH!" Isabelle was a woman, or more accurately, a toddler on a mission She was a Captain of the Rainbow Command, an investigator-astronaut the world would soon see reach her potential. She was on her way. With a final twinkle in her eye, Isabelle lowered her fist and put both hands under the running water, lathering them with colorful, berry-scented soap. She marveled as the bubbles foaming between her small palms, laughing as she watched them pop when she clapped her hands together. Isabelle rinsed her hands under the flowing water, feeling the cool sensation against her baby-soft skin. Isabelle looked at herself one last time in the mirror - 'those giants were right, I am friggin adorable' - before turning the water off and stepping down carefully, her little feet padding against the bathroom tiles. Isabelle took one last glance around the charming and child-friendly space before stepping out, her heart brimming with anticipation for the day that awaited her. Determined to show her mom what a big girl she was, Isabelle made her way to her room to get dressed. With a renewed energy bubbling inside her, Isabelle walked toward her closet, and opened it up, taking in the assortment of colorful clothes. She surveyed her options with wide eyes, searching for the perfect outfit to showcase her budding fashion sense. "It's not going to be enough to simply get dressed by myself," Isabelle said aloud, as she contemplated how she could show her mom how mature she truly was. Based on how adorable Isabelle looked in the mirror, she knew it would take a lot of convincing. "And then I can get out of these pullups." Isabelle thought about how she might convince her mom, and settled on the idea that she would put together not just an outfit, but an extremely fashionable one. After a moment of contemplation, Isabelle settled on a combination that was, in her mind, the epitome of style in her day and age. Isabell reached upward toward a hanger holding up a bright pink tutu, and pulled it down off of the hanger. Isabelle then made her way over to her dresser, searching for her prize. At last, she found it - a polka-dot t-shirt. Searching further, Isabelle found a pair or purple stripped leggings, before deciding that it would highlight her whole outfit if she wore two different colored socks. Isabelle located the sock drawer, and disassembled two mismatched socks—one blue and one yellow. Isabelle couldn't contain her pride as she visualized the fashionable outfit, imagining how wonderful she would look in her uniquely chosen attire. With newfound determination, Isabelle set about getting dressed. She slipped her tiny legs into the stripped leggings, struggling to pull them up over her pullup. Isabelle proceeded to step into and pull up her fluffy pink tutu, twirling and giggling with joy. Next, she wriggled into her polka-dot t-shirt after two attempts, as she had accidentally tried to put her head through an arm hole. Now came the socks—oh, the socks! Isabelle sat cross-legged on the floor, feeling the soft cushion of her pullup as she say down. Isabelle giggled as she tried to put on her mismatched pair. The blue sock found its way onto her right foot, while the yellow sock danced onto her left. Isabelle marveled at her colorful feet, delighted by the unexpected combination. "This will work - mom will see how grown I am now!" Isabelle announced, looking at the teddy bear seated just to her right. "Don't you think Teddy?" As Isabelle stood up, she looked at herself in the small mirror across from her bed, her blonde hair bouncing with each movement, she burst into fits of laughter and joy as she appreciated her whole outfit, turning and spinning so she could see it from all angles. She realized that her outfit might not be what others with little sense of style of class considered "normal" or "matching," but it didn't matter. Isabelle knew that this was the type of outfit that was on the covers of magazines, that you saw in Milan. Isabelle was sure of it. Her mom would be very impressed. With a skip in her step, Isabelle pranced out of her room, ready to show off her unique fashion choices to her mom. Isabelle made her way down the stairs, doing her best to put one foot in front of the other and not trip or slip on her way down. As soon as she reached the bottom, Isabelle went running into the kitchen, just as her mom turned around and spotted her. As Isabelle paraded her way in, Jane's eyes widened with surprise, followed by an uncontrolled burst of laughter." Isabelle," Jane said, choking back a second laugh. "Why you look absolutely fabulous!" Jane exclaimed, doing her very best to correct for her erroneous laugh. "I can see that you decided to get dressed by yourself this morning. What a big girl you are!" Jane continued, wanting to encourage Isabelle's independence. "And your tutu......I....I love it sweetie. You look wonderful. Just stand there for a minute," Jane said, as she pulled her phone out. "Mommy NEEDS to take your photo." Isabelle thought it was a fantastic idea. "Okay mommy!" Her mom would now be able to document her maturity, god forbid Jane ever forgot about this historic and incredible event. Isabelle decided to help, striking a number of poses for her mom as Jane snapped away picture after picture on her phone, devoting all her energy to not laughing at her daughter's ridiculous outfit. Jane set the phone down before turning back to Isabelle, who was all giggles as they had their photoshoot. "Now lets get some food in your tummy. Come here." Isabelle was beaming with pride as her mom lifted her up and sat her down on one of their regular kitchen stools, but this one with a booster seat in it. Isabelle didn't so much mind the extra seat - it was nice not having to struggle to reach her food again. Jane set a bowl of cereal in front of Isabelle, who immediately picked up the plastic spoon inside, and started digging in. As Isabelle ate, she would periodically look up at her mom, who was now typing away at her phone, smiling, and laughing every so often as the phone set off some noises. The morning had been up and down, but it was like Isabelle thought at the start. 'Today is going to be a great day.' 11 Link to comment
Kahlez Posted July 6, 2023 Share Posted July 6, 2023 Nice I feared we would never learn what is hidden on that planet but it seems we will sooner or later. That diapers made it into her dream doesnt sound good for her potty training progress. I am curious how that story will progress because at this point I think there are a good amount of options. Isabelle could stop regressing any further and you can focus to connect her new life with her old in a way that she accept and just forget about what was before. It sound like she and Lola actually could become sisters and I am sure adding Dani back is not too difficult. Letting her grow up again like any normal kid. She also could regress like one more time or depending on why those changes happens she maybe find a way to reverse it. The why question is probably the biggest mysteries so far and hopefully you have a good answer to that. At this moment I dont really have theory that would make sense...unless those slippers being connected to a ghost of a former dancer make sense to you 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 7, 2023 Author Share Posted July 7, 2023 16 hours ago, Kahlez said: Nice I feared we would never learn what is hidden on that planet but it seems we will sooner or later. That diapers made it into her dream doesnt sound good for her potty training progress. I am curious how that story will progress because at this point I think there are a good amount of options. Isabelle could stop regressing any further and you can focus to connect her new life with her old in a way that she accept and just forget about what was before. It sound like she and Lola actually could become sisters and I am sure adding Dani back is not too difficult. Letting her grow up again like any normal kid. She also could regress like one more time or depending on why those changes happens she maybe find a way to reverse it. All interesting theories! The ending has been written already, so you'll have to wait and see if you were right! I kind of like hearing everyone's thoughts and ideas about where they think it is going. 16 hours ago, Kahlez said: At this moment I dont really have theory that would make sense...unless those slippers being connected to a ghost of a former dancer make sense to you Maybe you need to re-read the prologue again. 😉 Might not be as far fetched a theory as you think! As always, your support is very much appreciated, and I love hearing your comments. Thanks for being a great supporter for me and Isabelle! Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 7, 2023 Author Share Posted July 7, 2023 The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 43 Isabelle shifted her weight so that she was more comfortable on her pink and white polka dot chair. The chair was not perfectly sized, and the desk was a little hard to reach from her original position sitting on her bum. So Isabelle climbed on to her knees instead, resting her butt down on the back of her shins and ankles. "That's better," Isabelle announced to herself, her tutu riding up and exposing her padded behind. Isabelle had laid her desk out meticulously. It was a rainy day, and Isabelle's mom had suggested that Isabelle have some quiet time upstairs playing in her room while Jane made a plan for the rest of the day. Isabelle had agreed - she was going to use the time to update her investigative journal with some of the clues she had recently discovered. Once she did, Isabelle would work on developing a new theory to test as to what was happening to her. Isabelle reviewed the items she had laid out. In front of her lay her closed investigative journal, eagerly awaiting Isabelle to fill its empty pages. Next to the journal, Isabelle placed her colored pencils, ordered in the only sensible manner; in a perfect rainbow system. Isabelle had looked for her gel pens, wanting to stay consistent in her journal. But for the life of her, she couldn't locate them. 'Colored pencils will have to do!' On the left side of her desk, Isabelle had placed some allies to help bounce ideas off of. Rabbity sat upright, alert and ready to discuss Isabelle's new theories with her as she considered what direction she would go in next for her investigation. 'It always helps to have another perspective,' Isabelle had decided when she placed Rabbity up on the desk. Next to Rabbity was the newly discovered teddy bear Isabelle had discovered near the toy castle in her bedroom. Isabelle asked the teddy - who ironically informed Isabelle he had been named Teddy - if he wanted to help, and Teddy agreed. It had taken some time for Teddy to find someone to take his shift guarding the drawbridge while he helped, but after searching, Teddy and Isabelle were able to locate a long-haired doll that was willing to take the job upon the promise that Isabelle would play with her later that morning. 'It was some shrewd negotiating on her part,' Isabelle decided. Isabelle took a deep breath. She decided it would be helpful to review some of her earlier pages, to ensure that she learned the lessons from her past and moved along in a productive direction. Isabelle was feeling a little absent-minded. As she sat at her desk, she couldn't recall any of the theories she had tested up to that point. 'I need a refreshed.' So Isabelle opened her journal to the very first page, leaned over, and started to read. Except she didn't. Isabelle was confronted with a problem, a familiar problem at that. Much like the night prior when she was reviewing the menu at the restaurant with Lola, Isabelle was confronted with a problem; her journal now appeared to have been translated into a different language. Isabelle's immediate reaction was to close the journal and look at the front of it. Isabelle was convinced she must have picked up the wrong book. Except she didn't It was definitely her investigative journal. "Only someone seems to have gone through it, erased all my work, and translated it." Isabelle was deeply concerned about who might have done this - her deepest secrets resided in the journal. In fact, without context, someone might think Isabelle was crazy if they read her journal. Isabelle quickly flipped through the pages. "Maybe its just the first page.' Except it wasn't. Every page Isabelle flipped through was written in the strange alphabet. It wasn't until she reached some of the most recent pages where she had drawn her solar system. "Of course! The wormhole theory!" Isabelle called aloud. Though she didn't recall why that theory had failed, she knew it was a dead end. As Isabelle flipped back and forth through the book, she took the time to pay closer attention to the letters on the pages. "Wait a second....' Isabelle thought to herself. 'I recognize these...that's the letter "I" like for Isabelle......and that's a "B"! And that one is "L" and that one is "A"' Isabelle slowed down more, noticing that, in fact, this was a normal alphabet. With her tiny fingers, Isabelle continued to carefully traced the shapes of letters, fascinated by the way they came together. The letters all came together to form words. Isabelle could recognize the letters of the alphabet, but when it came to stringing them together into words, Isabelle felt a pang of frustration. The words on the pages seemed to dance and jumble together, refusing to make sense. "Oh god," Isabelle said, sitting further back on her feet, feeling the comfort of the pullup padding her butt against her toes. 'I can't read.....The issue isn't that its another language....the issue is I've gone so far back, I can't read....' It was a shocking realization. Most people can never recall not reading once they know how. But Isabelle was now living a life where she could identify the letters - at least some of them - but was unable to form them together. It was all the more infuriating by the fact that Isabelle KNEW that the letters formed words. 'I just....just can't.' The harder Isabelle tried to read, the further she seemed to get from succeeding. Isabelle closed her eyes, taking deep breaths in and out. She knew that books held the secrets of the universe, stories that would take her on incredible adventures. More importantly, Isabelle was convinced that if there was an answer to her problems, it would be found in books. Had she lost? Was her investigation over, destined to be a failure now? 'Without reading, what hope do I have?' Defeat was creeping its way through Isabelle. She was considering giving up. "No." Isabelle said to herself. "No." She couldn't give up. 'This is just one more obstacle I will have to get through.' Isabelle reflected on her thoughts from earlier in the morning. 'Things are looking up. I got to be with Lola. I got to see Mel. Things are headed in the right direction,' Isabelle said, motivating herself. Taking her time, Isabelle decided to look at this change from another perspective. 'Maybe........maybe, just maybe, reading has been holding me back,' Isabelle considered. 'I've been looking at this problem as one of logic this whole time. There was the wormhole theory,' Isabelle thought, turning back to the pages where she had drawn the solar system. 'But that was a dead end,' Isabelle thought as she admired her solar system drawing. 'And before that.............of course!' Isabelle exclaimed, the idea coming back to her; 'the medical theory or something.' Isabelle remembered thinking maybe a hospital was involved or something. The details were fuzzy. Isabelle perked up as she heard Teddy remind her of something. "Oh! You're right Teddy. It did have to do with comas. I didn't realize you were so knowledgeable about medicine! Thank you." Still the coma idea had also fallen flat, Isabelle recalled. 'Either way, both of the theories I have tested have been ground in logic. In science. In reading. Maybe I need to get away from those....maybe the answer lies in something else.' It was then that it clicked for Isabelle - one of her original theories, one she had abandoned early on as "silly." Right now, it hardly seemed silly. It didn't even seem illogical. In fact, in her regressed mind, it seemed perfect. "Magic," Isabelle said aloud. 'It just has to be magic,' Isabelle thought to herself, feeling rejuvenated. The answer seemed so obvious right now - 'why didn't I pursue this first?!?! This is OBVIOUSLY the answer." Rabbity gave Isabelle a look that she was all too familiar with; "I know you suggested magic already Rabbity. I should have listened. I know..." Isabelle quickly flipped to the first empty page in her journal, picking up her colored pencils. Isabelle ignored a twinge from her bladder, too focused on the task at hand. "Time to explore the theory." Over the proceeding 45 minutes, Isabelle started her new mission with a purpose and energy she had lacked over the prior few days. Isabelle sat at her small desk, armed with her rainbow colored pencils and journal spread out before her. With her tiny hands clutching a vibrant purple pencil, she set out to create a masterpiece that would transport her to a world of enchantment and help explain what was happening to her. As Isabelle began to draw, her pencil glided across the paper, bringing to life a magical princess. The princess had flowing ruby red hair, a shimmering crown atop her head, and a magnificent dress that sparkled with every color of the rainbow. Isabelle used every weapon in her arsenal; pink pencils, orange pencils, red pencils, blue. Green pencils and yellow pencils, black pencils too! With each stroke, Isabelle's imagination soared, infusing her creation with an otherworldly charm. In her picture, Isabelle depicted the magical princess casting spells that made people younger. The princess stood in a lush green meadow, surrounded by delighted villagers in front of their simple homes. As Isabelle colored in the scene, her mind filled with visions of laughter, joy, and the wonders that her magical princess could bring to the world. Isabelle fleshed out the scene in great details, the spells being cast from the princess's star rod striking each villager, before the villager quickly turned into a younger form of themselves. With every swirl of her pencil, Isabelle poured her heart and soul into her artwork. Her passion would expose the truth. She imagined herself as one of the villagers, experiencing the enchantment of the princess's spell. As she did, Isabelle drew another villager, putting her love, dedication ,and drive to solve the mystery into every detail of the character she created for herself. As a final touch, Isabelle drew the most beautiful ballet slippers on her, a reminder that this villager was Isabelle. As she drew Isabelle could feel the warmth of the magic coming off of the page, washing over her, renewing her spirit and filling her heart with youthful energy. As Isabelle finished drawing the last villagers hair, she dropped her yellow pencil and marveled at her creation. Isabelle ignored another signal from her bladder, squirming in her chair and lifting her butt a little, as she set the yellow pencil down in its correct spot in the rainbow assortment. The magical princess seemed to radiate with a vibrant energy, ready to bring happiness and youth to all those she encountered. Isabelle's eyes sparkled with delight as she imagined the possibilities and solutions that her artwork held. Isabelle studied her picture for about 15 minutes. It occurred to her that the princess looked happy. Isabelle envisioned the princess as being benevolent; the princess believed that she was helping the villagers by granting them youth. Isabelle's eyes turned to the effected villagers as well. Without realizing it, Isabelle had drawn smiles on all of their faces; the villagers were happy to have been struck by the princess's spell. Each villager appeared to be smiling more and more than the last. That was until she arrived at the last villager; the villager that was supposed to be her. Unlike the others, the last villager simply had a horizontal line on her face. 'This villager had not yet decided how she felt about the spell,' Isabelle decided. Isabelle looked closer at the villager. There was a sadness in her eyes, a longing, and some pain. But there was also joy - a special kind of joy - and peace in her eyes. 'The villager is struggling with what's happening to her,' Isabelle decided. 'She's not sure if it was what she wanted.' Isabelle turned her eyes back to the princess. Rather than focus on the princess herself, Isabelle was more concerned with what was in her hand. "A wand.....its the star rod......' Isabelle's mind was at its limit, her critical thinking being tested. Isabelle felt her brain pushing against the edges of her head, a migraine developing. 'I need to push harder,' Isabelle thought, as she strained and strained her mind and body. She was almost there, she knew it. She just needed to push harder. 'Al....Almost......' Isabelle thought. But there was one last thing holding her back - one last distraction she had to let go of. And so Isabelle did - her bladder was freed. "Eureka!" Isabelle shouted, clasping both of her tiny hands over her opened mouth as her pullup worked diligently to mop up Isabelle's pee. "That's it......." Isabelle said to herself, lowering her hand back down to the journal and picking it up, naturally lifting her butt ever so slightly to let the flow of pee spread around her. "It's the source....I need to find the source of the magic that was cast on me." Isabelle's eyes laid firmly on the star rod in her picture, as her pee tailed off, her pullup absorbing the last of it. It seemed to obvious to her now. 'All I need to do is find the source of the magic - the magic wand that cast this spell on me - and I can reverse the magic.' 'It's just like the second book of the Emerald Chronicles," Isabelle thought, recalling the section where the Mages of Tinker Town Tower cast the giggle charms on the people of Lockwood Lake. Once the citizens found the the Tinker Town Tower magic staff - and an outcast mage - they were able to reverse the spell. "So all I need is the magic wand that was used on me, and a mage," Isabelle said to herself, brimming with confidence. "That shouldn't be too hard." Isabelle felt a sense of relief consume her, smiling, and sitting down on her squishy pullup. 'Hmmm....comfy,' Isabelle thought, as she settled into her chair. It was as Rabbity and Teddy agreed that Isabelle had indeed come up with an excellent plan that Isabelle heard a voice over her left shoulder. It was her doll, of course, who was reminding Isabelle of her promise to play with her. "Yes, I haven't forgotten" Isabelle called back to her doll, before turning back to Rabbity and Teddy. "Okay, well we make enough progress today," Isabelle said, closing her journal. "Rabbity - you guard the journal. Teddy, time to go back and guard. I am going to play with dolly now." Isabelle stood up, taking Teddy with her as she shifted with her wet pullup and all toward the dollhouse and castle in the corner by her bed. Isabelle crouched down, picking her dolly up before setting Teddy back to guard the castle. Proceeding on to her belly, Belly went about playing a new adventure with her dolly. Isabelle's mind was still buzzing with the magical world she had created, and many aspects of it came about in her adventures with dolly. She pretended that dolly was brave princess, wielding the power to make the other dolls in her dollhouse younger and bring joy to their lives. Isabelle's game was filled with laughter, smiles, and the sweet melody of endless possibilities. Not long after, Jane made her way into Isabelle's bedroom, the sound of her daughter's laughter bursting out of the bedroom and into the hall. Jane couldn't help but smile as she entered the room, and watched as Isabelle continued to play, unaware of her mom's presence. Jane left Isabelle like that for a good 10 minutes, before startling her. "Hey there princess. Looks like someone is having lots of fun," Jane said, making her way over to Isabelle, and sitting on the edge of the bed. 'Come here a minute," Jane instructed. Isabelle fought off a yawn as she stood up, making her way over to her mom. Isabelle climbed up on Jane's lap, and then wrapped her arms around her mom's neck. Jane could feel Isabelle's soggy pullup pressed against her legs, and sighed to herself. "So we are going to go bowling this afternoon with Becky and Jess, isn't that exciting?" Seeing the unrelenting rain, Jane had called Jess that morning to see if there was something they could do to pass the afternoon with the girls. Bowling had been Jess's idea, and Jane thought it was wonderful. "Yah!" Isabelle replied, rubbing her eyes. "Great sweetie. But mommy can see that you're really tired from all your playing this morning. So we're going to have a nap before lunch, and then we'll go meet them there. Let's take your pretty tutu off for your nap," Jane started saying, causing Isabelle to whine. "Don't worry sweetheart, you can put it back on later if you want." Isabelle looked ridiculous in her outfit, but Jane wasn't going to let it stop the girl. Jane helped Isabelle out of her tutu, taking the opportunity to squeeze Isabelle's pullup a few times to assess whether it needed to be changed. She can sleep in this,' Jane decided, 'no need to waste a second one if she's going to have another accident while she naps.' Jane lifted Isabelle up and placed her down on her bed, throwing a spare blanket over her. "Have a good nap sweetie. I'll see you in a bit." Isabelle didn't hear her mom. She was fast asleep before Jane had even turned off the lights. ******* Isabelle sat in the booster seat in the back of Jess's car as she, Becky, and their moms made their way toward the bowling alley. Isabelle's eyes were forward as she watched the rain beat against the windshield of Jess's car. In front of her, her mom sat chatting with Jess about all sorts of things that Isabelle couldn't keep track of. Isabelle rubbed her eye - she was still waking up. Isabelle's afternoon had been a bit of a blur since the time she woke up. After her nap, Jane insisted that Isabelle try to use the potty with her mom there before they had lunch. Isabelle had to sit on the toilet for almost 10 full minutes before she started peeing, much to her mom's delight. After she was done, her mom carried her to her changing table and cleaned her up, giving Isabelle a fresh pullup to wear. Lunch had been quick after that. Isabelle had scoffed down her buttered noodles with some parmesan cheese on them. Isabelle loved buttered noodles, and couldn't recall the last time her mom had made them for her. They were delicious. After that, Jane helped Isabelle back into her tutu at Isabelle's insistence. And though Jane had politely asked Isabelle if Isabelle wanted to match her socks for the afternoon, Isabelle tersely reminded her mom that doing so would "ruin her look." Isabelle peered to her left where she looked at her friend Becky, sitting in her little brother's car seat. Becky was still throwing a tantrum about it when Jess had arrived at their house to pick them up, and Jane had lifted Isabelle into the car. "ITS NOT FAIWR" Becky had cried through tears. She didn't understand why she couldn't sit in her regular chair, and had been relegated to a chair for babies. "Hush Becky," Jess had responded. "Its not a big deal. Its just for a short ride. You better start behaving or you won't get to bowl with your friend." Jess's passive threat had been effective, as Becky had ceased complaining. 'Audibly at least,' Isabelle concluded. She could see her friend was still stewing in the car seat. Isabelle didn't press the issue - anything she said at that point would make it worse. So Isabelle say quietly as they drove. It was not long after when Jane pulled up in front of the bowling alley, and pulled into a spot near the front. "Wait for me sweetie, I'm just going to get my bag" Jane said, as she opened the large umbrella outside her door, stepping under it and shielding herself from the rain. On the other side of the car, Jess had done the same, and the two moms made their way to the back of the car, pulling their respective toddler bags out of the trunk. Each mom then made their way to opposite sides of the car, and Isabelle was soon standing in her rain boots on the ground, holding her mom's hand. Isabelle followed her mom as she guided Isabelle into the bowling alley. Along the way, Isabelle was sure to jump into every puddle, her boots sending the water splashing about. Isabelle could hear as Becky did the same as she and Jess followed them toward, and into the automatic sliding doors. Jane and Jess folded their umbrellas closed, and the four girls entered the alley. Isabelle's eyes widened with excitement as she entered the colorful bowling alley. The sound of rolling balls and crashing pins filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere. the bowling alley was busy that day, it seemed. Isabelle looked to her left and spotted a small arcade, filled to the brim with teenagers fooling around. Down further in the alley was a concession stand, yummy smells from that direction filling the air. Jane led Isabelle in the other direction, toward an area where they would be able to purchase time at a lane. Isabelle continued to look around as her mom pulled her, her tutu bouncing along as Isabelle's eyes darted left and right. As they made their way closer to the desk, Isabelle noticed something fascinating—people wearing funny-looking shoes with colorful designs all around her. Isabelle couldn't recall every seeing shoes like that before. "Mommy, why are they all wearing funny shoes?" Isabelle asked, pointing indiscreetly at a group of people leaving the counter and setting off toward their bowling lane. Isabelle tugged on her mother's hand, as if to show her what she was talking about as she pointed. Her mom smiled and explained, "Those are special bowling shoes, Belly. They help you slide and glide on the bowling lane, allowing you to bowl better and have more fun. You'll see" Jane explained. Isabelle's eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had never heard of such a thing. 'Special shoes for bowling?' It sounded so silly to her. Yet, Isabelle now desperately wanted a pair, and she eagerly asked her mom, "Can I get my own special bowling shoes too, Mommy? And Becky too Mommy? Can Becky have special shoes too?" Isabelle turned, asking Jess permission as well. Jess and Jane shared a warm chuckle and agreed. 'Of course," Jess responded. "You can both have special shoes." The four girls approached the rental counter, where a friendly staff member greeted them. Jess and Jane spoke to the attendant about some things as Isabelle made her way over to Becky, as the two started playing a game to see who could find the funniest looking bowling shoes. Jane tapped both toddlers on the shoulder, gathering their attention as she kindly requested that "these two princesses would like their very own special bowling shoes as well" to the attendant, who returned a smile. Excitement started to build in Isabelle's stomach. The staff member grinned and looked down at Isabelle and Becky, responding to the inquiry, "Well, we have just the perfect little shoes for a little bowling superstars like you...." the boy looked back at the sheet Jess had filled out with their names for the attendant, before continuing "....Becky and Isabelle!" The boy proceeded to swing open the counter door, leading Isabelle and Becky in to the back where he showed the two girls to a colorful display of shoes in all sizes, each pair adorned with vibrant patterns and sparkling decorations. "You two can pick any from this shelf here," the man explained. Isabelle's eyes widened with delight as she examined the array of shoes. She carefully picked up a pair that had bright pink and blue stripes with shimmering stars. They were the most beautiful bowling shoes she had ever seen. "I want these," Isabelle explained, holding them up for the man and Jane to see. "Look mommy! They have stars!" Becky had selected a similar pair, with hearts instead of stars. The staff member knelt down and helped Isabelle and Becky put on their new shoes, keeping their respective rainboots behind the counter. "I'll keep your boots safe for you while you're bowling, and then we'll trade back when you're done. Sound good?" Isabelle nodded, watching as the man slipped her feet into the shoes. Isabelle felt a sense of excitement and empowerment with her bowling shoes on. Isabelle was ready to conquer the bowling lane! Isabelle followed Becky out from behind the counter, where their moms had just finished putting on their own bowling shoes. "Ready girls?" Jane asked, the two toddlers nodding rapidly in response. "Great! Follow me!" With her sparkling new shoes, Isabelle followed her mom and Jess toward their assigned lane. They went all the way past the arcade, and past the concession stand. They Isabelle also passed by another room that had balloons outside of it, as well as a big "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" sign hanging above the door. Isabelle thought it looked really neat, as she slid along the floor after her mom. Near the very end of the bowling alley, Isabelle watched as her mom and Jess made their way down a staircase toward an empty lane. "Here Belly, Becks" her mom called back after them, "We're in lane 5." Becky made her way ahead of Isabelle, stepping down the stairs. Isabelle made her way after Becky more slowly, still getting used to her shoes. When Isabelle reached the top of the stairs however, she froze. To her left, her mom, Jess, and Becky were at lane 5. Jess was punching some information into a computer. The computer was sitting in front of a machine that seemed to have all sorts of small bowling balls on it. In front of the computer a long bowling lane. The pins at the end looked really far to Isabelle, but she was looking forward to the challenge. Unlike most of the lanes they had passed on the way, the lane in front of Isabelle seemed to have some sort of guard rails up, preventing the balls from falling off of the side. "Look, Isabelle!" her mom exclaimed, pointing to the special section. "They have bumpers and small balls just for kids like you and Becky! How special!" But it wasn't Isabelle's lane that had caused her to freeze. Instead, it was the two lanes to the right of the staircases - lanes 6 and 7 - that had startled Isabelle so. The lanes immediately to the right were decorated beautifully with the same balloons Isabelle had seen outside of the room on their way over to their own lane. There was special music playing, some snacks laid out on a table, and another big "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" sign. Unlike her lane, those lanes didn't have any bumpers up, and the balls in their machine were considerably larger than the ones set out for Isabelle. But it also wasn't the décor that struck Isabelle. Nor was it the lack of bumpers or size of the bowling balls. No, it was the kids that were at those lanes that caused butterflies in the pit of Isabelle's stomach. Turning around and skipping back to the group from lane 6 was none other than Charlotte - the birthday girl. Isabelle swallowed as she felt shivers shake through her body. Just two days prior, Isabelle had been in class with Charlotte. In fact, Isabelle had been invited to this very birthday party. Isabelle's eyes scanned the group of kids all applauding Charlotte as she returned from knocking over 6 pins with her shot. The twins Alice and Erica were there, front and center, and Jessica, Harold, and Kevin from her class were also nearby. Isabelle recognized a few other girls that she had sat at the lunch table with, though in that moment couldn't remember their names. Around them were lots of moms who were laughing, cheering, and having a wonderful time at Charlotte's birthday. 'How could I have forgotten,' Isabelle asked herself, remembering how her mom was so excited that Jane was also invited to the party. 'I can't let them see me like this.' Isabelle decided, still frozen in place at the top of the stairs. Isabelle hadn't moved for a full minute by the time her mom had made her way over to her. Jane was concerned, but was pretty certain she knew what was going on. Except Jane was wrong. "Sweetie," Jane started soothingly, "is everything okay? Is all the noise making you nervous?" Isabelle didn't respond. She simply stood still, her eyes never diverting away from her classmates. Jane sensed it might be something else. "Did you have an accident sweetie?" Jane asked, as she pressed her hand against Isabelle's dry pullup. Isabelle still didn't respond, so Jane continued to guess. "Do you have to go potty? Isabelle snapped back to reality as her mom asked her the last question. 'This will work,' Isabelle decided, nodding. 'This will get me out of the situation, if even temporarily.' It was the best she could do. "Yes mommy." Isabelle managed to squeak out. "I hafta go." Jane smiled. "I'm very proud of you for telling me,' before she turned back to Jess, who had Becky on her lap and were waiting for them to return. "She's gotta go to the bathroom Jess, I'm going to take her. I'll be right back," Jane announced, loud enough not only for Jess and Becky to hear, but the whole birthday party as well. Isabelle went crimson red as she ducked her head. "No problem. It seems I was a few minutes too slow on that front," Jess responded back loudly, patting the front of Becky's diaper. A few of the birthday party moms had some giggles as they smiled in Jess's direction, remembering the days they had to deal with the same. Jess smiled back politely, shrugging. Becky, unlike Isabelle, hadn't turned red or ducked her head as the birthday moms continued smiling at her. Becky seemed perfectly content, in fact, as Jane took Isabelle's hand and led her to the nearby bathroom. Isabelle sat quietly on the toilet seat as her mom watched her, Isabelle's tutu pulled up around her chest. Isabelle sat quietly, the color not yet returning to her face completely. 'I can't let them see me in a tutu and pullup,' Isabelle thought in panic. Suddenly, her mature and fashionable outfit didn't lend her the same confidence as it had that morning. 'What am I going to do?' Isabelle was starting to get sad, her eyes welling up a bit. Jane noticed that Isabelle was looking upset, but her conclusion as to why was wrong. "It's okay if it went away sweetie. We can try again later. I am proud that you asked mommy to take you though!" The poor girl had been sitting for almost 10 minutes, looking stressed and deep in thought, but not even a dribble had come out. "Let's go back and do a little bowling, and if you feel like you need to go again you come straight to mommy, okay?" Jane helped Isabelle off of the toilet and re-dressed her. As Jane helped Isabelle wash her hands, Isabelle realized that all she had accomplished by going to the bathroom was delaying the inevitable by 10 minutes or so. 'Or maybe the party will be over sooner and the kids will go back to the party room.' as Jane led Isabelle out of the bathroom and back toward their lane, Isabelle was disappointed to see that she was wrong. "Success?" Jess asked, as Jane pulled Isabelle down the stairs. Isabelle quickly darted to the far side of lane 5, doing her best to hide from the kids who were laughing loudly and having fun at the party. "No, it was a false alarm. But we're very proud that we tried, and we're going to try again later, right baby?" Jane said, asking Isabelle. Isabelle simply nodded, doing her best to continue hiding. "Now who is ready to bowl?" Jane announced! Becky jumped up in excitement, and even Jess started clapping as well to play along. Only Isabelle was quiet. 'Looks like Jess is up first Isabelle. Let's cheer her on!" Isabelle looked up at her mom and smiled. 'I can hide back here,' Isabelle decided, 'But there is not reason to be a sore sport with Jess, mom, and Becky, Isabelle decided. "Okay mommy! Go Jess!" Isabelle called out. Jess smiled back at Isabelle, as she selected one of the tiny bowling balls from the machine and made her way up the lane to shoot her first ball. Isabelle's heart raced with anticipation as she watched Jess pull her arm back by her side, before rapidly moving it forward and releasing the ball. The ball made a thud where it landed, before rolling further down the lane. Isabelle couldn't see the ball anymore from where she was sitting, so jumped up to run toward the front, closer to the lane, with Becky, forgetting entirely of her plan to hide from her classmates in the back. Isabelle watched as the ball made its way down the lane, and then *THWACK*, struck a bunch of pins. Isabelle and Becky couldn't help themselves but jump in the air with their arms raised, applauding Jess. Jess repeated the process with a second ball, and in the end, knocked down 8 pins! Jess then helped Becky pick up a ball for her turn. Isabelle stood in the same place near the front, watching as her friend was resisting Jess's help. Becky then made her way quickly toward the lane, stepping over the black line at the start, causing a buzz to sound off. Impervious to the noise, Becky lifted the small ball over her head with two hands, before throwing it overhead and down their lane. **THWACKKK THWACKKK** The ball made an even louder noise as it bounced down the lane, more slowly and less direct, before bouncing off a bumper and hitting two pins. the noise inevitably drew the attention of the bowlers in the birthday party, who were all staring at Becky. Isabelle didn't notice, and couldn't help but be proud of her friend for knocking over pins. "YAY!" Isabelle chanted, as she jumped up and down. Jess had apparently been less proud. "BECKY! You cannot throw the ball like that," she responded tersely. "Let mommy show you how properly this time. Or else you can't play." Becky seemed upset that her mom didn't like how Becky had decided to bowl. But rather than lose playing privileges, Becky reluctantly allowed Jess to show Becky how to hold the ball with two hands, crouching Becky down slightly, and throwing it from between her legs. Becky, with Jess's help, went through the motions, before releasing the ball once more. *Thwack* Becky still released the ball late enough that it went up in the air, but the bounce was considerably less loud. "If you do it like that Becks you can do it by yourself. But no throwing, okay?" It wasn't clear if Becky had heard her mom. Instead, she went to Isabelle to hug her. "I knocked down 'free pins Belly!" Becky proclaimed. Isabelle hugged her friend back. Isabelle watched her mom go next, who in her two turns, knocked down 7 pins. Isabelle gave her mom a high-five as she made her way back to the group. "Okay Belly," Jane said, "it's your turn. Do you want mommy to help you just the first time?" Isabelle considered the question, as she suddenly became aware of her classmates at the party again. 'I don't want my classmates to think I need my mommy to bowl,' Isabelle thought. None of the party-goers had received any help from their moms, who were all there. And they were using the bigger balls too. 'Then again,' Isabelle considered, recalling how Jess basically stood over Becky to help her, 'maybe if mommy helps, they won't notice me.' Isabelle opted for the latter. All she had left was her tactic of delay, and to hope the party ended before someone saw and recognized her. "Can you help me mommy?" Isabelle asked politely, as her mom smiled and walked up between Isabelle and the party. "Of course sweetie. Mommy will always help you." Isabelle's heart raced as she picked up a small green bowling ball, barely able to contain her excitement. Isabelle's tummy started rumbling, 'probably from excitement,' Isabelle decided. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself down as she approached the front of the lane, stopping before she crossed the black line. Isabelle stood in front of the lane, gripping a small bowling ball that fit perfectly in her tiny hands. "Okay sweetie, now hold the ball with two hands...good. And squat down just like Becky sweetie," Jane instructed, as she put her hands on Isabelle's shoulders, pressing her downward. "Good girl, just like that. Now aim, and just roll the ball toward the pins. Isabelle wound up like Becky did, before releasing the ball. *Thwack* The ball had a small bounce like Becky's before rolling down the middle of the lane, and knocking down 4 pins. Isabelle couldn't help but smile, turning and wrapping her arms around her mom! "Great job sweetie. Now show mommy how you can do it by yourself," Jane said, as she stepped back and pulled her phone out, recording Isabelle as she threw another ball. Isabelle's second shot did not go as well, bouncing off of a bumper before only knocking one pin down. Still, Isabelle was very proud she knocked 5 pins over, and was smiling ear to ear as she made her way back to the others. Before long, Isabelle was having too much fun to even think of the party going on just one lane over. Isabelle had been doing pretty well. She had a few rounds where she only knocked 1 or 2 pins over. But normally she did better. There had even been one where she had knocked down 7. Even here mom had been surprised at that. Isabelle had grown completely ignorant of the party next to her. No one seemed to notice or recognize her at all. In fact, the party had served as a major benefit in the end. One of the mom's came over with two pieces of cake. "It's my daughter's birthday, and we had some extra cake. I thought your girls might enjoy a piece." Isabelle smiled as her tummy grumbled again, licking her lips at the sight of the cake. Isabelle remembered that her mom had asked Isabelle to tell her if she needed to go to the bathroom again, and Isabelle thought she might. 'But I just got cake,' Isabelle decided. 'I can go later.' Isabelle thanked the lady, as her mom and Jess chatted with her for a bit - 'Your girls are PRECIOUS,' the mom had said, as Isabelle scoffed down her piece of cake - it had been delicious. Isabelle had just finished her cake when her mom reminded her that it was her turn to throw. As Isabelle approached the machine to get her ball, her stomach started to ache more than it had before. Isabelle knew what this ache was - she needed to go potty. But Isabelle already had the bowling ball in her hand. 'If I ask mom now, everyone will know why...' Isabelle looked over at the party, which was still going on. She didn't want them to all see her mommy take her to the bathroom. 'I'll finish here and then go when Jess and Becky are bowling." Isabelle made her way to the front of the lane, stopping before the black line once more. Isabelle squatted down low, spreading her legs so that she could have enough space to wind up the ball and get it further down the lane. Isabelle wound back once.....twice........three times...... ...and then released. As the ball made its way out of her hand, Isabelle clenched her tummy, feeling another ache come on, and standing up as quickly as she could. Isabelle hadn't even noticed that her ball knocked down 4 whole pins, normally a feat worthy of at least a fist in the air, or a jump. Isabelle knew she needed to speed up, or else there might be a problem. Isabelle quickly picked up her favorite ball - a purple one with a sort of cosmic design, before making her way back toward the lane. At that point, Isabelle noticed her first shot had been pretty good, and her priorities changed from speed to score. 'I'm gunna try and knock down the most I ever have!' Isabelle took her position, shifting slightly to her right so that she could aim at the pins on that side, where there were more. Isabelle was careful not to go too far over, as she didn't want to intrude on the girl who was currently bowling on lane 6. Content with her spot, Isabelle squatted down deeply, hoping to ensure better aim. Isabelle took aim, and then started to wind up once.....twice........three times...... ...and then released. Except the ball wasn't the only thing that Isabelle released. As the purple ball *thwacked* against the lane, an ache, this time one Isabelle could not stop, hit her stomach. The pain from Isabelle's tummy caused her to shut her eyes, and instinctively Isabelle started to push, losing any semblance of control over her actions. Isabelle felt as the tip of the first log of pooped tickled the edge of her butt. For a moment, it seemed to Isabelle that it might stop, that Isabelle might be able to ask her mommy to take her to the potty in time. But any chance of that went out the window as Isabelle grunted, and actively pushed hte log into the seat of her pullup. Isabelle remained squatted. Her fists had balled up, and her cheeks were flushed and full. Impulse continued to take it's course as Isabelle pushed harder, ash she felt a second log of poop fall into the seat of her pullup, pushing it further out. Gravity was beginning to take effect, the stinky seat of Isabelle's pullup exposing itself from beneath her tutu as she maintained her stance. With one more push, Isabelle released the remaining, mushier poop that was in her, into the remaining space in her pullup, and pressed against her butt. As she did so, Isabelle could hear a voice over her right shoulder - Charlotte's voice - asking the inevitable. "Mom - what's that little girl doing?" The question was sincere, honest, and sweet. Charlotte simply didn't understand why Isabelle was squatting in the bowling alley. Isabelle knew the answer was coming. There was nothing she could do about it. "What's that sweetie? Oh, don't point Charlie," the mom who delivered cake responded, as a few of the other mom whose gazes had made their way toward Isabelle, laughed and snickered playfully, undoubtedly at what Isabelle was doing. "It's rude to point," the mom explained, "that little girl must be having an accident." Isabelle's eyes filled with tears. Having finished, Isabelle stood up, feeling the mess in her pull up swish around and press against her butt. Isabelle turned to see her mom coming up to her, having just knowingly watched - alongside Jess - precisely what Isabelle had done, and coming to help with a sympathetic smile, and her toddler bag over her shoulder. Isabelle's voice quivered as tears started running down her face, as she stood in place. Isabelle hadn't realized how loud she was, but she practically screamed for her mom between her cries; "Mawwwwwawaawwawawmmmmyyyyyyyyyyy" Isabelle cried, as she sobbed loudly "I hadda accidennnnnnnnnnttttttt." Jane, lifting Isabelle up and holding her tight, comforted the poor girl, kissing and holding Isabelle with love and understanding. "I know baby. It's okay. Accidents happen. Shhhh Shhhhhh Shhh," Jane whispered, as she pulled Isabelle tightly against her hip, pressing the mess in her diaper further against the girl. "Wheeeewww," Jane whispered, as the smell from Isabelle's pullup quickly filled the lanes. The birthday guests would surely smell it for some what Isabelle had done for some time. Jane smiled at the other birthday moms who had seen, playfully as moms do - they had once been where Jane was, after all - before addressing her charge. "It's okay baby, let's go get you changed. It's just an accident, shhhhhh shhhhh shhhhh." Though even Jane had to admit, Isabelle's accidents were becoming a little less uncommon of late. 11 Link to comment
FloridaKid Posted July 9, 2023 Share Posted July 9, 2023 Been a couple of busy days and I’m just getting caught up here, but I love where you’re taking this. The way you’ve captured Isabelle’s thought process and made it fall in line with a toddler’s is just wonderful. Her realization that magic is the source of her regression and the “princess” with her wand is the key is well, magical! I can’t wait until it all clicks for her and she makes the connection with the shoes and somehow finds her mage, whom I suspect will be the ballerina responsible for helping Isabelle find her happiness, either as a child or an adult who embraces her inner child. Thoroughly enjoying your tale and finding much deeper meaning with every chapter you post. ❤️💕 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 9, 2023 Author Share Posted July 9, 2023 The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 45 Isabelle woke up under a canopy of stars once more. Well not stars to be exact. But it felt like that. 'It feels special.' Isabelle thought to herself, opening her eyes up and seeing the light woven through her priciness bed. The sun was shining brightly that morning, and Isabelle could feel its warmth against her cheeks as she pulled Rabbity AND Teddy into her chest. Teddy had made his way to the bed last night after Isabelle had gone through a rather rough afternoon. Isabelle lay down, reflecting on the rest of her afternoon as the sun continued to glisten into her room, a welcome sight after a day of rain. After Isabelle's....'incident' at the lanes, Jane had carried her to the bathroom to help change her. Jane had lowered the KangarooKids changing table in the bathroom, before laying out a changing pad. 'You never know if these things are clean,' Jane thought to herself. Isabelle had not stopped crying the whole time, though her wailing had transitioned to sobs as her mom quickly removed her from the very public situation. As she was set down, Isabelle felt her poop squish even further underneath her, spreading around. As Jane opened her toddler bag to get out the necessary equipment, Isabelle couldn't focus on anything other than the smell and squish of her pullup. The change had been relatively painless, at least for Isabelle. Jane had to go through a ton of wipes just to clean Isabelle up. But by the time Jane finished, Isabelle was smelling fresh and beautiful. "See baby girl? All good,' Jane said, as she stepped over to the nearby sink to wash her hands thoroughly, having gotten a little poop from Isabelle's bum on her finger tips. "No big deal sweetie," Jane offered, as her head spun in a million different directions trying to figure out why Isabelle had had so many accidents over the weekend already. "It is just so unlike her." Isabelle reluctantly allowed her mom to pull her along back to the bowling lanes, where Jess and Becky, and an entire birthday party, awaited them. But Isabelle was spared any further humiliation. Well, not entirely. "There's our stinky girl," Jess said playfully, as she opened her arms up for a hug. Isabelle didn't love being addressed as such, but who was she to turn down a perfectly warm and welcoming hug? Isabelle fell into Jess's arms, keeping her own arms close to her body, and letting Jess ensnared her, before rubbing her back. Over Jess's shoulder, Isabelle saw her relief; the birthday party had dispersed, all of the kids having either left or gone to the party room while Isabelle was being changed by her mom in the bathroom. 'Finally....something goes my way,' Isabelle thought. The four girls returned to their bowling, finishing their round before agreeing to play one other. Isabelle felt better about herself now that it was just the fourt of them, allowing herself to simply enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Isabelle felt especially better when Jess paused the game as well to take Becky to the bathroom for a chance, carrying with her a much larger, and thicker baby bag over her shoulder "Looks like your diaper is about to burst Becks, come to mommy. Let's get you into a fresh, clean diapey baby." Isabelle smiled to herself, realizing that she was still in just a pullup. 'At least I have been spared that much,' Isabelle thought. 'Mom still trusts me to get to the bathroom in time.' Isabelle watched as Jess held Becky's hand and led her toward the bathroom, her friend's diaper prominently sagging between her legs for everyone to see. Isabelle was positively wiped by the time they had gotten home. Dinner had been easy and simple, just Isabelle and her mom at the counter. As Jane waited patiently for Isabelle to finish the last of her food, she cleared the plates. "Okay sweetums. Bath time, and then bed. You have a big day tomorrow." Isabelle's brain was not firing on all cylinders as her mom helped her off of her booster seat, and on to the ground. 'A bath does sound nice,' Isabelle had thought, as she made her way up the stairs, unaware of how close her mother had bene behind her. Isabelle had found herself uneven on the stairs as she climbed, leaning too far from one side, and then to the other, as she had heaved herself up toward her bathroom. Pushing open the door to the bathroom, Isabelle had paused to take in the sight of the bathroom once more. It had been less startling the second time. Instead, Isabelle was more focused on the myriad of sea creatures that decorated her walls. Isabelle's imagination must have been running wild, because she could have sworn she had seen members of the Silly Squid clan and the friendly sea turtles that were native to Aquaria adorning the walls. "Keep going Belly," Jane had called from behind her, as Jane nudged Isabelle into the bathroom before closing the door behind both of them. Isabelle was still too delirious and distracted to consider what was happening. In any even, it had been then that Isabelle realized that she had needed to pee. Wanting to prove to her mother once more that the recent uptick in accidents were still just that - accidents - Isabelle removed her tutu, pants, and pullup, and climbed onto the toilet by herself, and started to pee. Jane had smiled as Isabelle did so, something Isabelle picked up on. "Great job sweetie!" Jane had said, as Jane made her way to the tub, and started to run the water, sticking her hand in to test the temperature before sealing the tub with a whimsical stopper. Jane reached across the tub as it continued to fill, grabbing a bottle of something Isabelle couldn't identify, before spilling a few drops into the tub. Almost immediately, Isabelle had realized that her mom had put bubble bath into the water. Isabelle had reached for the toilet paper, tearing off a few pieces to wipe herself, the air filling with a sweet and calming scent of lavender and rose. Isabelle recalled as she stood up off of the toilet, and removed the rest of her clothing. 'I suppose mom has seen me naked plenty like this,' Isabelle remembered thinking, as it struck her again that she had felt no shame being naked around her mom - a far cry from a mere weeks prior. Isabelle had been about to thank her mom for starting the bath for her, and usher her out, when her mom had interrupted her. "Okay Isabelle, it's time for your bath!" Jane said, her voice filled with excitement. 'Duh,' Isabelle recalled thinking, as she had returned Jane's comments with a strange look. "I know mom. I can do it," Isabelle said, not moving as she waited for her mom to leave the room. Isabelle stood there for a full minute, simply starring at her mother. "Well," Jane had said, "it looks like you've forgotten how to even step in a tub." Jane proceeded to pick Isabelle up from Jane's position on her own knees, and put Isabelle in the tub. Isabelle didn't have time to react, but was not pleased with the direction she realized it was going in. 'Mom is about to bathe me.....' Isabelle remembered the moment she realized what was going to happen. Isabelle's expression had turned from relief and excitement to shock. Jane had placed Isabelle on her feet in hte tub, which was now high enough that it rose up her legs. Isabelle's expression was blank, which Jane simply chalked up to exhaustion. "Sit down baby. The sooner we finish the sooner we can get to bed." Isabelle realized there was no escaping her fate. Moreover, she recalled that she had started to feel rather cold standing up naked in the tub, and the warm water around her legs was inviting. So Isabelle had obeyed, settling into the water. The bath had been a blur, but as she reflected on it, Isabelle recalled not minding as her mom bathed her. 'In fact, it had been kind of nice.' Jane was scooping water into a small plastic cup and gently pouring it over Isabelle's head, making a mini waterfall. Isabelle remembered giggling as the water cascaded down, her hair turning into a foamy crown of bubbles. Jane had even dumped some fun toys into the tub. There were mermaids that changed colors when they got wet, and a really neat boat that floated around her in the water. Isabelle had barely notices as Jane lathered Isabelle's hair with a sweet smelling shampoo, her fingers massaging Isabelle's scalp with care. Isabelle remembered closing her eyes at one point, enjoying the soothing sensation and the scent of the shampoo and bubble bath filling the air. When Jane finished rinsing off the shampoo, she passed Isabelle a washcloth adorned with playful characters. Together, they had washed Isabelle's arms, legs, and little toes. Jane then took the washcloth, turning Isbaelle over and paying special attention to her butt and crotch, making sure to be gentle where Jane could see some rash marks developing, and making sure every inch of Isabelle was clean. Once Isabelle was all clean, Isabelle remembered her mom wrapping her up in a huge, soft, and fluffy towel. Jane could tell Isabelle's mood had changed' her rosy cheeks beamed with delight as she snuggled in the warmth of her mother's embrace. Jane gently dried Isabelle's hair, combing through it with a wide-toothed comb, singing a soft lullaby to help Isabelle relax. In fact, Isabelle had all but fallen asleep in her mom's clutches in the bathroom. Isabelle's memory of the rest of the night was fragmented; she recalled being laid on her changing table, the smell of lotion and powder filling her nostrils. She remembered her mom putting some thick paste on her butt, and helping her into her pajamas. Isabelle thought that her mom had perhaps read her a bedtime story, but she had little memory of anything other than waking up in her squishy diaper. ****** Isabelle sat in her booster seat in the car as her mom took off from the house. Isabelle was looking forward to going back to school. 'Only one question - which grade will I be in?' For the first time, Isabelle felt prepared to deal with going back again. For the first time since this nonsense had started, Isabelle had been able to recognize that she had gone back again. 'I won't be caught off guard this time,' Isabelle told herself, as she prepared herself to deal with the exploits of first grade, or worst case, work her way through a kindergarden. Isabelle looked out the window from her perch as she considered her situation. 'Now that I've identified the cause of all of this - magic - it is time to formulate a plan to get back to normal.' Isabelle knew what she had to do. She had to find the source of the magic. "but more importantly, I need to find a great sorcerer who is willing to undo this spell that has been cast on me.' Isabelle thought of her drawing once more, recalling the mastery with which the princess had been casting the star rod. Isabelle was snapped out of her daydreaming as her mom pulled into a parking spot, and stopped the car. Isabelle quickly looked around her, but it was not very obvious where they were. 'This doesn't look like an entrance to Higgins I'm used to going through,' Isabelle thought, as Jane placed her on the ground, Isabelle's ankle length sundress billowing in the wind. "Take mommy's hand please," Jane directed, as Isabelle obeyed and followed her mom along the parking lot. Isabelle did her best to keep up with her mom, but found herself distracted as she looked around, taking in her environment. "Come on hunny. No dawdling. Mommy needs to get to work." Though Isabelle heard her mom, she didn't respond. Or speed up. Isabelle knew where she was. She had been here just this past Friday. Isabelle was at preschool. Isabelle's stomach was filled with a horrible sinking feeling as her feet stopped flat. Isabelle had been prepared to go back, but not like this. She was now leaving grade school altogether - she was leaving Higgins. And it hit her like a punch. Jane turned, slightly frustrated by Isabelle's conduct, and turned to pick Isabelle up. "Sweetie, this is not a place to stop." Jane chastised little Isabelle, as her daughter wrapped her warms around her mom's neck tightly. "You're going to be late. And so am I at this pace!" "Mommy don't leave," Isabelle heard herself calling out, as her mom carried her toward the front door of the building, which was being held open kindly by another mom whose child was walking maturely on his own two feet. Jane's heart fluttered. 'It's been some time since she's had separation anxiety at drop-off,' Jane thought. And while no parent wanted their child to feel stressed, it was nice to feel wanted no matter what. 'Before I know it, she'll be all grown up and not want her mommy,' Jane had to consider. Jane continued to carry Isabelle past the main office in the front and to her left, all the way down the hall to a classroom at the end of way. Isabelle realized where they were headed, at least. This was the exact same classroom that Isabelle had gone with Jess to pick Becky up at. 'At least its not all bad,' Isabelle thought to herself. 'I'll have Becky.' After the social fiasco that was second grade, Isabelle was thankful that she would have at least one reliable and amazing friend here. Despite it being preschool, Isabelle was already looking forward to it more than second grade. Isabelle's excitement was bubbling, whether she realized it or not. Jane, on the other hand, did realize. As she felt her daughter's vice grip loosen, Jane watched as a smile emerged on her daughter's face as they passed through the halls, all decorated with loads of colors and paintings. As Jane pushed the door open to the classroom, Isabelle was wriggling to get free, excited to run into the class and play with her friends. The room had not changed at all, Isabelle thought. If anything, it seemed quite a bit bigger, and a lot of the furniture bigger. The walls of the classroom were still decorated like the halls outside, full of artwork created by the tiny hands of the preschoolers that Isabelle was now one of. Isabelle's eyes danced across the little reading nooks the soft cushions, and the plush rugs. The classroom had been tidied quite a bit as compared to the Friday prior. A weeks worth of preschoolers could messy up a room pretty well after all. Isabelle saw the colorful bookshelf filled to the brim er, filled to the brim; the fun play area on the other side, the miniature kitchen already occupied. Across the way were the dollhouses that seemed so much more appealing than three days earlier. Isabelle's eyes moved further, back to the learning centers in the room where she would be sure to find herself later. The classroom was filled that morning to calm, soothing music that waltzed its way through Isabelle's head. Sun was shining in through the windows, the pastel curtains pinned open to let the daylight fill the space. And of course, toward the back of the class, ever present in the alcove where the bathroom was located, was a towering, stunningly detailed, and fully stocked changing table. Dancing above the table was a spinning mobile, currently occupying the attention of a boy roughly Isabelle's size, who apparently was already in need of a change. 'Not going to let that be me today,' Isabelle decided, as she instinctively moved into the room. "Good morning Miss Isabelle," a woman with a familiar voice beckoned toward Jane and Isabelle. Isabelle recognized the teacher from last week, who had introduced herself as Miss Deena. "Good morning Miss Deena," Isabelle replied, before her body compelled her to hug the teacher. Isabelle couldn't believe what she was doing, as her arms wrapped around Miss Denna's legs. But there she was, hugging her teacher. Isabelle let go, turning slightly red as she seemingly regained control of her motor functions. 'My my, what an affectionate young girl we have this morning," Miss Deena replied, whilst paying more attention to Jane than to Isabelle. Jane could only smile, enlarging her eyes to suggest there was more to it. "Sweetie, why don't you go see if you can find Becky. I think she's over by the dollhouses." Isabelle didn't need to asked twice, as she left the grownup and scooted across the room, seeking out her partner in crime. Jane turned back to the teacher in front of her, and exchanged pleasantries. "So, I am running a little late," Jane continued as she spoke to Deena, "but wanted to chat a bit before I dropped left. Isabelle seems to be having quite a few more accidents than normal. I don't know if maybe she's just not ready for potty training, or it was just an unusual weekend. But please keep a special eye out for her, if you can." Deena smiled. "Of course. We actually have Kelly and Samantha here today helping. Their college placement now has them here three days a week each, with Monday being the overlap day with both. So there will be lots of help. I'll make a point of ensuring someone takes her to the bathroom often," Denna replied. "Isabelle had been a real superstar for some time, but the last few weeks, we noticed the same. And her chart is starting to reflect it." Jane nodded. She remembered when Deena told her that Isabelle had to be moved back to the "Getting There" section of the potty chart. Isabelle hadn't been ready for big girl panties when Jane had tried them, but Jane just felt so much pressure as a single mom to get her daughter potty trained. Deena could sense the worry from the young mom. "Don't worry Jane. Kids learn at their own pace. Everyone is always in such a rush with this step. If she's not ready, she's not ready. Trust me, you'll miss those days soon enough." "Oh Miss Denna, I don't know about that," Jane said through a laugh, and thinking about the poopy bottom she had changed just yesterday. But Jane continued to smile, because she knew Deena was probably right. Even now, Jane was sometimes jealous that Jess had two kids in diapers. Jane missed it a little bit. "Thanks Deena. I'll see you at 3:30." Jane responded, before slipping out before Isabelle ever noticed. ***** "Good morning, Everyone!" Miss Deena bellowed from the middle of the class. Isabelle had been distracted playing dolls with Becky up to that point. Becky had been playing an imagination game where the dolls were famous ballerinas. Isabelle, finding the theme of the game delightful, had joined in. Before Isabelle knew it, she was lost in the fun world Becky had created, laughing away with her friend as they played. But now it seemed that class was starting, and Isabelle turned her attention to the middle of the class, where Miss Deena was standing next to a chair atop the fluffiest rug Isabelle had ever seen. "Are we all ready for a day full of fun and learning?" Miss Deena asked, her voice filled with genuine warmth. Isabelle nodded eagerly, and turned to see Becky doing the same. The two girls joined their classmates, taking a seat on the cozy carpet, ready to embark on their day's journey. "Today," Miss Deena began, "we are going to start out day by reading a book about animals! As we read, I want everyone to picture the animals that we read about. And when I call on you, I want you to make the same noise that animal makes. Okay?" Isabelle thought that this game sounded just wonderful, and found herself bouncing, as she cross her legs and her dress rode up her knees. Before Miss Deena could start however, Samantha had knelt down beside Isabelle, whispering into her ear. "Come with me Belly. We're going to try and use the potty before we start." It wasn't a question, and Isabelle pouted as she stood up and followed Samantha toward the bathrooms, holding her hand along the way. As they made their way toward the bathrooms together, Isabelle could hear a boy behind her roar like a lion, as all the other kids laughed. "Samanthaaaaaaaaa," Isabelle whined. "I'm missing the story though!" Isabelle desperately wanted to get back. 'What if I miss my turn to make a noise?!?!' It was a terribly frightening possibility. Samantha didn't relent, as they passed the potty chart on the wall. Isabelle's name was firmly within the "Getting There" category, her name had close to the fewest stars next to it in the grouping. "Come on Belly, you'll go really quick. Just try for me, and then you can get a star. Look, I already got one ready for you," Samantha said with enthusiasm, pulling out a rocket ship sticker and showing it to Isabelle. 'That looks like MY spaceship,' Isabelle thought to herself, as she warmed up to the idea of going to the bathroom. "Okay!" Isabelle made her way toward the door, with Samantha following Isabelle in. Isabelle was a little surprised Samantha had followed her in the bathroom, but was getting used to using the potty in front of others. Isabelle was relieved when she saw it was a normal sized toilet, and that she didn't need help on it. Isabelle pulled her pullup down, and her dress up, as she sat on the toilet, swinging her legs back and forth. 'I'll tolerate her and try, but tha -' Isabelle's thought was cut off, as her body naturally took over and started pushing. Isabelle grunted, before pushing her poop out into the toilet. As she finished doing so, Isabelle even added a little pee, listening to it echo off of the porcelain bowl. "Oh my! Amazing job Isabelle. See what happens when we just try sometimes?" Samantha exclaimed. "Do you need help cleaning up sweetie?" Isabelle shook her head no, before rapidly wiping herself a few inefficient times, and pulling her pullup back up. Time was working against her, and she needed to get back out to story time before she missed it all. "All done!" Isabelle called out, before moving toward the door. "Not so fast sweetie. Wash your hands first," Samantha instructed. Isabelle turned and complied, before running back toward the door and toward story time. "Don't you want to put your sticker on the chart first sweetie?" Samantha called out, loud enough that some of the kids turned around from story time to look. 'She does raise a good point," Isabelle thought. Isabelle turned back and accepted the sticker from Samantha, taking it and placing it next to her name at the bottom of the chart. Isabelle then rejoined her classmates. As Isabelle sat down next to a crinkling girl that had been called on to make money noises, she immediately became engrossed in the story. Miss Deena was taking them on an adventure through all sorts of places; hot places, cold places, high places, and low places. Animals in the sky and the ocean, on land and in trees. Isabelle was mesmerized by all the animals that Miss Deena was describing, and found herself laughing silly at all the noises that the kids were making. Finally, Isabelle got her chance. As Miss Denna was talking about animals that can hop, Isabelle was called on to make the noise of a frog! "Ribbit! Ribbit! Ribbit! RIBBIT!" Isabelle called out proudly, knowing what sound a frog made. Isabelle was so excited, she started hopping like a frog as she did, her classmates falling over laughing. Even Kelly had a genuine laugh, as she lifted the monkey noise making girl and carried her over to the changing table for a clean diaper. After story time, Miss Deena had announced that it would be time for art before they broke for lunch. Isabelle had made her way over to her cubby where her mom had left her bag, and pulled out her sippy bottle of water, bringing it back to the group, and sucking her water through the straw. Miss Denna again sat the kids down and began by explaining the art project they would do together. "Today we're going to be working together on a single art project. Does anyone here know what a mural is?" Miss Deena asked. Isabelle though as hard as she could, but for the life of her, she didn't know the answer. So Isabelle, along with the other students, shook their heads no. "A mural is like a big drawing on a single wall. Now, we all know in class here that we don't color on the walls, right?" Miss Deena paused to make her point. Isabelle found herself nodding - coloring on the walls was naughty, and Isabelle wasn't a naughty girl. "Instead of a wall, we're going to work together on this BIG piece of paper. Everyone is going to contribute, and put their own unique touch on the mural," Miss Deena explained, as Isabelle continued to drink away. As Kelly and Miss Deena went about laying the biggest roll of paper Isabelle had ever seen in her life out on the floor, Samantha went around handing out brushes and paint. Isabelle found herself seated next to Becky, as well as next to the monkey girl with the fresh diaper on, whose name Isabelle learned was Julia. Isabelle smiled and waved at Julia, who returned the smile with one of her own. "Hi Isabelle! I'm excited we get to be next to each other again!" The girl apparently knew Isabelle. The teachers walked around the room, encouraging the preschoolers, resolving disputes between students, and promoting collaboration. For their parts, Isabelle, Julia, and Becky all worked together wonderfully. They eagerly shared their ideas about what they were going to make in the section in front of them. Julia shared different painting techniques with Isabelle, and Becky was proposing all sorts of creative and silly ideas. For her part, Isabelle was the best painter, and Becky and Julia often asked her to help with the more difficult parts of their paintings. As the class progressed, the room was filled with laughter, chatter, and a symphony of colors. Some children painted bright suns and fluffy clouds, while others chose to create vibrant flowers and whimsical animals. Deena, Samantha, and Kelly all moved around the room, offering guidance and gentle suggestions, nurturing the preschoolers' confidence and artistic skills. As Isabelle shifted on to her stomach and started in a new blank area with the help of Becky, she felt a familiar feeling. Having already missed story time, Isabelle figured that she could wait until lunch to ask someone to go to the potty. Instead, Isabelle went about dipping her brush into a bright blue paint, and started painting the bird she had envisioned in her head. But Isabelle had hardly completed the body of the bird when her bladder calmly and easily released, filling the seat of her pullup, before flowing down toward the front. Isabelle barely even noticed, distracted by all the fun she was having. As the mural started to take shape, the children's faces beamed with pride. The canvas blossomed with their collective imagination, a reflection of all of the students unique personalities. But as a collective, the preschoolers were really proud of what they had put together. Lunchtime arrived, and Isabelle, Becky and Julia all sat together at a small table, their lunchboxes filled with delicious treats prepared by their parents. Isabelle felt the squish under her as she say down in her plastic chair, pulling out her tuna sandwich. The three toddlers chatted about their morning adventures, their words filled with excitement and wonder. "My favorite part was the painting," Becky had proclaimed, as she ate her cold buttered noodles. "I really liked painting best," Julia added. "I loved both the same amount!" Isabelle declared, her friends nodding in agreement. Isabelle's answer really was best, and the three girls happily and slowly ate their lunch. Isabelle was nibbling at the edge of the second half of her sandwich when Kelly came and sat down next to her. Julia and Becky had since taken their spots on their napping mats. But Isabelle was struggling to finish her food. "Come on sweetie. Take three more bites for me, and then you can go have your nap," Kelly said, encouraging Isabelle. Isabelle's eyes were weighing down on her. She was desperate for rest, but the rules had been established; she needed to take three more bites. Laboriously, Isabelle brought the sandwich to her mouth, taking a decent enough bite out of it before chomping, and swallowing. 'I'm not sure I can do it,' Isabelle thought to herself. "Two more sweetie...almost there," Kelly continued, rubbing Isabelle's back. The young student-teacher's encouragement managed to get Isabelle to take another nibble, swallowing it down. "Oh that was too small Belly. One more big one, and then nap time. You can do it. Let's see you be a big girl." Isabelle sighed, and resigned herself to her fate. She opened her mouth as large as she could, and before she knew it, found the entire rest of the sandwich inside her mouth, as she chewed away before swallowing. Isabelle reached out for the juice box her mom had packed her, slurping down the rest of it, before letting a blech loose. Kelly couldn't help but laugh. "Good girl," Kelly said. "Now do you wanna try and go potty before your nap?" Kelly asked. Isabelle shook her head. She was too full, and she didn't need to go. "Are you sure Belly? Remember, you're trying to be a big girl. A big girl asks to go to the potty when she needs to.." Kelly said, doing her best to encourage Isabelle to seek the bathroom independently. But Isabelle remained steadfast, and shook her head again, before rubbing her eyes. "Okay then sweetie. We'll try after your nap. Someone looks sleepy." Isabelle took Kelly's hand as she was led to the last empty nap mat. Before her head hit the mat, Isabelle was already asleep. **** Isabelle woke up to the sound of laughter around her. As she sat up, Isabelle could feel that her pullup was positively soaked, squishing with every movement. Isabelle looked around her and saw that many of the other kids were already up and playing. Nap time was over, and Isabelle was one of the last few to stir awake. As Isabelle made her way to her feet, Kelly was approaching. Kelly knelt down next to Isabelle with a smile. "Wakey wakey sleepy Belly," Kelly sang to Isabelle, as she reached her hand underneath Isabelle's dress, lifting up the droopy pullup. "Oh sweetie, you're very wet..." Kelly said aloud, before concluding that Isabelle had likely wet her pullup more than once without realizing it. Kelly turned to Miss Denna, who was nearby, giving her the silent signal of what had happened, before turning back to Isabelle. "Why don't you go get cleaned up with Miss Deena sweetie." Isabelle, still getting up, was on auto-pilot, and nodded her head as she sought Miss Deena out. Miss Deena picked Isabelle up and carried her over to the changing table. "Oh, quite the squish one, aren't you?" Miss Denna had said, as Isabelle was rubbing her eyes awake. The remark barely phased Isabelle in her state - she was still a little out of it. "I think it's time for us to give you a fresh pullup. Let's make sure you're comfortable." Isabelle looked up at Miss Deena with innocent eyes as her teacher set her down on the table. Isabelle merely nodded, trusting that Miss Deena would take care of her. With gentle hands, Miss Deena began removing Isabelle's pullup, moving it down and along Isabelle's legs. As she pulled it off, Miss Deena noted the brown stains in the bottom, a result of poor wiping no doubt. 'Not a good sign for potty training," Miss Deena thought, as she spoke softly to Isabelle, offering reassurances as she gently and efficiently started wiping Isabelle's bottom and crotch, being sure to get every nook and cranny. Isabelle was beginning to come to when she became distracted by the mobile overhead. She watched as the horses danced around like a carasol ride, racing for but never catching the one in front. Isabelle was limp as Miss Deena moved and angled her legs to clean her, unphased by the process which had felt so normal, and so right. After gently patting Isabelle dry, Miss Deena swiftly and skillfully fastened a fresh, clean pullup around Isabelle's little waist. Isabelle smiled, feeling fresh and comfortable once again, letting powder escape up her nose as she shifted her weight around on the dry padding underneath her. "There you go, my dear Isabelle. That's the last pullup for you today though. I want you to try really hard to remember to go potty, okay? But for now, you're all clean and ready to continue playing." The kids were allowed to have independent playtime for much of the afternoon. Isabelle returned to Julia and Becky, and the three of them played house in the play kitchen in the room. Isabelle found herself baking a pie with her friends. The three decided that Isabelle would be the baker, Becky the gatherer, and Julia the helper - "I love to be the helper!" Julia had proclaimed. Isabelle donned a tiny apron that was stored in the play kitchen, making her feel like a true pastry chef. Julia helped Isabelle gather all of the pretend baking supplies—a wooden spoon, an imaginary rolling pin, and a colorful mixing bowl. Isabelle and Julia then carefully made an imaginary list of the ingredients their pie needed, sending Becky out to forage for the items. Once Becky returned, Julia lined up all of the "ingredients," which were simply random things Becky had taken from around the room - including Miss Deena's car keys - on the countertop, arranging them as invisible apples, sugar, and spices. Isabelle was now ready to transform them into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Isabelle hummed a happy tune as she pretended to peel the imaginary apples, her tiny hands mimicking the motion. As she did, Julia pre-heated the non-existent oven, and Becky went off foraging for ingredients for the next pie. Next, Isabelle stirred her invisible mixture, her wooden spoon swirling through the air with grace. Julia continued to help by sprinkling imaginary sugar and spices into the mix, creating a fragrant blend that danced in her imagination. Finally, after their pretend pie had finished baking to perfection, Isabelle carefully took it out of the imaginary oven, using her oven mitts to protect her hands. The three marveled at their creation, the vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma making her mouth water. As Becky pretended to slice and serve the pie, Kelly returned to ask if any of the girl's needed to use the potty. All three looked at each other, before only Isabelle admitted that she would try to go. 'I did promise to try like a big girl,' Isabelle reminded herself. Suspicious, Kelly pressed her hand against each of Becky's and Julia's diapers, confirming each to be quite wet. "Tsk tsk," Kelly said playfully, "let's see if Isabelle can at least make the potty." Julia and Becky hardly seemed to care that they had soiled themselves, instead content to eat imaginary pie. Isabelle followed Kelly into the bathroom together. "Save me a slice of pie," Isabelle had called back as the door closed behind her. Isabelle repeated the process she had that morning with Samantha. However, unlike the morning, Isabelle had no success. After 10 minutes, Kelly called it. "It's okay sweetie. I am proud of you for trying." Isabelle made her way back out to partake in pie. As she say playing with her friends, Isabelle noticed that quite a few other classmates were getting picked up. Isabelle said goodbye to Julia, as she left for the day with her mom. Slowly but surely, Isabelle and Becky were the last two in the class. But Isabelle didn't have to wait long. Before she knew it, Isabelle heard a familiar voice behind her. "Belllllllllly. Mommy is here!" Jane sang from the entrance to the class. "MOMMY!" Isabelle cried, surprised by the sound of her mom's voice. Isabelle ran over to her mom, who lifted her up in the air. "There is my sweet angel," Jane replied, lifting her sweet girl into the air. "How was your day? Did you have fun?" Isabelle nodded, and started to tell her mom all about her day; about story time, and the art project, and all about her delicious pie. Isabelle was having so much fun telling her mom about her day, she hadn't even heard as Miss Deena came by. "Hi Jane. We had a lot of fun today," Miss Deena confirmed. "Our sweet girl here had a very successful potty this morning, but we had a few accidents before lunch and during nap time, didn't we?" Miss Deena said aloud. Isabelle hardly cared; she had her mommy back. "We asked her if she needed to go, but she didn't want to. That was likely the first accident. And Kelly took her this afternoon, but no success after sitting on the toilet a while. I'd try again when you get home," Miss Deena suggested. Jane nodded. "Thanks Deena. I'll have to think about this some more. Let's see how this week goes first," Jane proposed, before turning back to the class. "Becky, come with me sweetie. Your mommy asked me to take you home. I've got your seat in the car." Jane called out. "Thanks again Deena. See you tomorrow." Isabelle and Becky were soon in the back of Jane's RAV-4, laughing chatting, and in Isabelle's case, peeing away, as Jane drove the girls home. It had only occurred to Isabelle later that night, as her mom tucked her into bed in a fresh diaper, that Isabelle had apparently been having so much fun at preschool, she had forgotten to work out her new magic theory at all. "There's always tomorrow," Isabelle said through a yawn. As her teeny mouth settled closed, Isabelle closed her eyes and fell back into the wonderful world of dreamland. 17 hours ago, FloridaKid said: Been a couple of busy days and I’m just getting caught up here, but I love where you’re taking this. The way you’ve captured Isabelle’s thought process and made it fall in line with a toddler’s is just wonderful. Her realization that magic is the source of her regression and the “princess” with her wand is the key is well, magical! I can’t wait until it all clicks for her and she makes the connection with the shoes and somehow finds her mage, whom I suspect will be the ballerina responsible for helping Isabelle find her happiness, either as a child or an adult who embraces her inner child. Thoroughly enjoying your tale and finding much deeper meaning with every chapter you post. ❤️💕 Your comments, as usual, are far too kind. I am thrilled to hear anyone, but it is very nice to hear from readers that have been following since the start. I hope you enjoy where the story goes from here! 9 Link to comment
BabySofia Posted July 10, 2023 Share Posted July 10, 2023 I've had a hard time with privacy for the past couple weeks, but am still loving this story. She's been so close to figuring out the answer, but just far enough away I think she's pretty much doomed at this point. Next time she wears the ballet slippers she's definitely going to be in diapers again. I wouldn't be surprised though if her mom makes that decision the next day? Either way I look forward to you continuing this, and re-reading it from the beginning when you're done! 🙂 2 Link to comment
Kahlez Posted July 10, 2023 Share Posted July 10, 2023 13 hours ago, Olympiczero said: Isabelle had apparently been having so much fun at preschool, she had forgotten to work out her new magic theory at all. "There's always tomorrow," Isabelle said through a yawn I guess there will be a lot of "tomorrows". Actually it feels like Isabelle is at a perfect place right now and probably back in diapers sooner than later, given her lately accidents. With Lola back in her life it would be easy for her to just accept and enjoy it. Especially if Danny also find her way back, maybe some pre school dancing classes she does. I would guess if she regresses once more it would be only a very small regression and probably insignificant but I still can see her staying at this level. 1 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 10, 2023 Author Share Posted July 10, 2023 7 hours ago, BabySofia said: I've had a hard time with privacy for the past couple weeks, but am still loving this story. She's been so close to figuring out the answer, but just far enough away I think she's pretty much doomed at this point. Next time she wears the ballet slippers she's definitely going to be in diapers again. I wouldn't be surprised though if her mom makes that decision the next day? Either way I look forward to you continuing this, and re-reading it from the beginning when you're done! 🙂 Privacy? What kind of toddler gets privacy? 😝 I am glad to hear you are still following along and enjoying the tale. Who knows? Maybe she solves the conundrum before then! I'm grateful for your support! 3 hours ago, Kahlez said: I guess there will be a lot of "tomorrows". Actually it feels like Isabelle is at a perfect place right now and probably back in diapers sooner than later, given her lately accidents. With Lola back in her life it would be easy for her to just accept and enjoy it. Especially if Danny also find her way back, maybe some pre school dancing classes she does. I would guess if she regresses once more it would be only a very small regression and probably insignificant but I still can see her staying at this level. Perhaps you should double back and read chapters 19 again 22 again - your guess may have some foundation Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 10, 2023 Author Share Posted July 10, 2023 The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 46 The rest of the evening much the same as the prior. Isabelle found comfort in the routine of it all; after they dropped Becky off at home, Isabelle and her mom returned to the comfort of their own house. Jane had chided Isabelle for having yet another accident, but Isabelle hadn't been bothered; she had tried to go at school and didn't need to, and then needed to go later in the car, and so did. Isabelle didn't see the problem. Dinner was smooth, and bath time had been less of an ordeal than the night prior as Isabelle was less confused when her mom had entered the bathroom with her. After Isabelle's bath, her mom had made her sit on the toilet for nearly half an hour. Isabelle had whined and complained the whole time. She had been bored, and didn't need to go. But after the full half hour, Isabelle found herself peeing. "See?" Jane had said in a 'told-you so' kind of voice. "Told you that you needed to go. Mommy knows best." Isabelle had been irritated by her mom's decision to mock her. "I didn't need to go when you made me sit down! You've just forced me to sit here, for like, forever!" Isabelle cried out from the toilet seat, as her mom bent over to help her wipe. Jane wasn't particularly fond of Isabelle's decision to raise her voice, but it was past the girl's bedtime, and Isabelle was obviously cranky. "Okay cranky pants. Up on your stool and brush your teeth. You took so long to pee its already past your bedtime." Isabelle complied, before her mom lifted her up back into her room, into her night diaper, and off to bed. As with her night, Isabelle's morning passed much the same as the prior morning had. Isabelle, unsurprisingly, woke up to a very wet diaper. Isabelle was growing used to the squishy padding underneath her in the mornings. In fact, she looked forward to it. Something about her night time diapers just made things easier. 'I feel rested in the morning. I can sleep without worrying about accidents. It just frees my mind up for more important things.' Isabelle had decided. And Isabelle had important things to focus her mind on that day. Yesterday had been positively too much fun, and Isabelle later regretted that she had allowed herself to become so distracted by her fun day at preschool that she hadn't even consulted her investigative journal once to further her new magical theory. 'Today I'll be more focused,' Isabelle decried. But even as she thought it to herself, her mind was racing to other subjects, such as what Miss Deena would have planned for the morning class. More and more, Isabelle was finding herself more easily and happily distracted. 'It's kind of nice,' Isabelle realized, as she shimmied herself to a more comfortable position to allow herself to freely pee into her already sodden diaper. As Isabelle's pee tapered off, she decided to make her way downstairs herself that morning. As she climbed down the stairs holding Rabbity, Isabelle could feel her diaper drooping between her thighs, the warm comfort of her recent wetting pressing against the inside of her leg with each step she took, all the way to the bottom. Isabelle turned toward the kitchen, where she spotted her mom. Isabelle couldn't help herself as she ran toward Jane, wrapping her arms around her moms legs. "MOMMY!" Jane couldn't help but smile. After breakfast, Jane helped Isabelle get dressed for the day, first by removing her soaking wet diaper, and wiping Isabelle clean, before changing her into a fresh pullup. Moments later, Isabelle was downstairs in a simple pair of leggings and a t-shirt, and today at least, matching socks insider of her light up running sneakers. Just like that, Isabelle was off to preschool with a smile. Isabelle arrived to class early, leaving her mom in the dust as she jaunted into class, looking for anyone and anything to play with. Jane could only laugh as she set Isabelle's backpack with her lunch into her cubby, before waving goodbye to Miss Deena, giving the teacher a 'fingers crossed' sign for a better potty day for her daughter. Miss Deena nodded back in acknowledgment. As Isabelle explored the preschool that morning, she found that she had arrived earlier than she had yesterday, and there weren't many other kids around. Those that were there, Isabelle was unfamiliar and unsure of, so Isabelle looked for something else to do. Not long later, Isabelle found herself pre-occupied in one of the reading nooks by herself, where she had taken a nearby picture book with her. Isabelle sat down and flipped through the book. Based on all of the images on the pages, Isabelle concluded the book was about a fairy princess. But Isabelle was still not able to read any of the words on the pages, though she recognized a good number of the letters. So Isabelle decided to invent a story, turning the pages as she recited aloud to herself. Isabelle found herself giggling away at one of the pages where she had decided that the fairy slipped on a banana peel when she felt the need to pee to use the potty come on. Isabelle looked up to see if Miss Deena was nearby, but she wasn't. Isabelle looked back down at her book, struggling with herself to decide what she should do. Part of her knew that she was supposed to go find a teacher, or even just go to the potty herself. But part of her questioned if that was the right thing to do. After all, she was in school to learn, and right now, she was learning how to read - or at least that was what she told herself. 'Wouldn't it be more right to sit here and continue to learn, than to stop my reading lesson for something as silly a the potty?' Isabelle questioned 'After all, mommy put me in a pullup so that I can have accidents,' Isabelle thought to herself, as her stomach rumbled again. Isabelle was not sure what to do, and her head was hurting just thinking about it. Fortunately, the decision was made for her. "Good morning Isabelle!" Kelly called, as she sat down in the plastic chair opposite Isabelle in the reading nook. "I see you are doing quite a lot of story telling this morning. This looks like so much fun!" Kelly turned her chair, to see where Isabelle was, and followed along as Isabelle told her about her nonsensical story of a fairy princess. Kelly looked down at the book, seeing what it was actually about. 'Not even in the ballpark,' Kelly laughed to herself. "Why don't we put the book down and take a potty break?" Kelly proposed, as both Kelly and Isabelle heard the little girl's tummy rumble once more. Isabelle nodded; it wasn't that she necessarily wanted to go to the potty - it was simply out of convenience. Kelly was already there asking to take her - 'I might as well just go at this point.' Isabelle stood up and took Kelly's hand, following her into the potty. The process in the bathroom was much the same as the day prior with Samantha. Isabelle did her business, and half-heartedly wiped herself. Kelly had apparently been given a heads up about the brown streaks in Isabelle's pullup the day earlier, and intervened before Isabelle could get off the potty. "Nuh-uh sweetie. That wasn't a very good job wiping. Let Miss Kelly help you." Kelly proceeded to stand Isabelle up and bend her over, wiping Isabelle's bottom clean. 'If she insists,' Isabelle thought to herself, as she happily exposed her butt for Kelly to clean her up, before pulling her pullup and leggings up her legs. "Isn't that better sweetie? Going to the potty like a good girl?" Isabelle wanted to shrug. She wanted to not react at all, in fact. Isabelle was beginning to question whether it really was the more mature decision after all, thinking back on how this process interrupted story time twice in two days now. But Isabelle knew there was a right answer to Kelly's question. "Yes Miss Kelly." Plus, there was one added bonus, Isabelle recalled as she washed her hands. "Do I get a sticker now?" Miss Kelly smiled and confirmed that yes, Isabelle would get a sticker, pulling out a "WAY TO GO!" sticker with a unicorn on it. It really was one excellent sticker, and Isabelle happily placed it next to her name on the potty chart. Isabelle smiled, before making her way back into the main preschool area where she found Becky and Julia. Isabelle went to her cubby quickly to retrieve her sippy bottle of water, when she saw that Jess was leaving, and waved goodbye to her, as Miss Deena started class for the day. Isabelle took a seat on the big comfy run in the center of class as Miss Deena explained the morning activity. "Today we are going to have such a great day everyone." Isabelle could feel Miss Deena's energy. Isabelle believed her too - it was going to be a great day. Isabelle couldn't help but turn to Julia and smile, lifting her cross legs off the ground, unable to quell her excitement. Isabelle was practically bouncing. "Miss Kelly is going to go around and give out the exact same wooden blocks to everyone - there is no need to take anyone else's blocks," Miss Deena emphasized. "And its important that you all have the same blocks in order to be able to build the shapes we are going to build together." Isabelle's curiosity picked up, her attention squarely on Miss Deena, as Kelly was going around and handing the blocks out. "What we are going to do today is use our blocks to build various structures and shapes. Miss Kelly and I will build a shape in the middle for everyone to see, and you will all try to build the same shape. Doesn't that sound fun?" Isabelle wasn't even able to process whether she thought it sounded fun or not - she did - and found herself nodding rapidly, just as Kelly handed Isabelle her blocks. "Now, let's start by all counting together how many blocks we each have in front of us, okay? All together now!" Isabelle found herself picking the blocks sitting in front of her up one at a time to help her count. "One...Two......'Freee," Isabelle started, as she picked up to rectangle blocks, and one cylindrical block, "....Four......and uh.......uhhh....." Isabelle missed calling out the number "Five" with the rest of the class as they all did, the number having temporarily escaped her memory. 'Of course! Five!' Isabelle thought, as she thrust her pyramid shaped block into the air. Isabelle did her best to mimic the shapes as Miss Deena and Kelly built all sorts of structures in front of the class. At first, it was easy; the structures only involved stacking two or three blocks. Isabelle, Becky, and Julia were all able to easily follow along as they first watched Miss Deena and Kelly put their blocks together, and then did their best to copy them. Sometimes Isabelle's structure would topple over and fall. But Julia and Becky's did the same, and it Isabelle found herself giggling as the blocks tumbled. As the morning went on, however, Isabelle found herself struggling to build the structures that Miss Deena and Kelly were. It started when Miss Deena introduced a fourth block into the structure. it had taken Isabelle some time to figure out how the pieces went together. "Like this Isabelle," Kelly said, as she helped Isabelle turn her rectangle on its short side, fitting into the other pieces. "Oh," was all Isabelle muttered. It seemed so obvious now that Kelly put it together. But even when Isabelle knocked it over to try herself, having seen Kelly do it up close for her, she was unable to finish it the same way. When Miss Deena started including all five pieces, however, Isabelle found herself getting incredibly frustrated. Isabelle could barely follow along as Miss Deena and Kelly twisted and turned the blocks into strange and complex structures. No matter how hard Isabelle tried, she kept failing. Isabelle simply couldn't figure it out, and she felt like crying. Isabelle fought off some tears, and turned toward Becky to see how she was faring. Isabelle was comforted by the sight of Becky all together having given up it seemed, smashing her blocks together and making dinosaur noises instead of doing the exercise. But when Isabelle turned to Julia, Isabelle saw that Julia was succeeding. It angered Isabelle that Julia could make the structures but she couldn't. 'She's just a stinky diaper baby,' Isabelle thought to herself, before realizing how mean that was. Instead, Isabelle took a deep breath and decided to ask for help. "Julia........" Isabelle started, barely whispering, but catching her friend's attention. Isabelle lifted her finger and pointed toward Julia's tall, strong structure. "Can you show me how to do that?" Julia nodded and crawled over to Isabelle, gently guiding Isabelle's hands as they held the blocks into the right spots. After about five full minutes, Julia backed her hands away as Isabelle set the final block in their last exercise. It wasn't perfect like Kelly's but it was a lot closer to what they were aiming for. 'Thanks Julia," Isabelle compassionately offered, as she hugged her friend, not realizing that she was releasing her bladder whilst doing so. "No problem Belly!" Julia exclaimed, as she hugged her friend back. Becky, not wanting to be left out, decided to get up and join the group hug as well. Isabelle felt warm and fulfilled, as her pullup was warmed and filled. ****** The afternoon had passed very much like the day prior. After lunch, Miss Deena very publicly determined that Isabelle's pullup could last her through her nap. Isabelle was not really bothered by the declaration - she was only with Julia and Becky at the time, or so she thought. One of the older girls named Brandy who was nearby snickered as she overheard Miss Deena talk about Isabelle's accident. Brandy was in big girl panties -she had more stickers than anyone at preschool, a fact she like to remind everyone of. It made Isabelle feel a bit guilty for having had an accident. Miss Deena's assessment had been accurate, but just barely. As Isabelle rose from her nap, she could feel a larger than normal squish underneath her. Kelly went about changing Isabelle into a fresh pullup - "this one was hanging on by threads," Kelly had announced to no one in particular as she sprayed a generous amount of powder on to Isabelle before pulling the fresh pullup up her legs. After nap time, the preschoolers went through rotating activities in groups. Groups were put together alphabetically based on the letters of your first name. Isabelle found herself in a group with a Henry, a Justin, and luckily, Julia. Isabelle moved with her group to various stations; first her group was assigned to a rubber band station, where the team needed to work together to try and build a rubber band ball. Next, Isabelle rotated with her group to a table with a set of train tracks with Kelly. Kelly removed some of the tracks, and the group needed to work together to fit the pieces back into the track, before moving the train in a big circle. After the train station, Isabelle's group was told to go to the individual reading nooks where they were told they could color or pick out a book if they wanted. As Isabelle was making her way to the bookshelf, intent to continue her fun game from the morning of inventing stories, something pulled her back. No, it was not her bladder, though she did need to go having finished another bottle of water. Instead, it was something else. Something chewing at her. Something she was supposed to do.. "My journal!" Isabelle exclaimed. It stunned the sweet girl that she had almost forgotten about it again, getting lost away in the day's activities. Isabelle turned around and darted toward her cubby, where she found her backpack. Isabelle opened it up, and retrieved her investigative journal from where she had packed it that morning, carrying it over to an empty reading nook. Isabelle had just sat down when Miss Deena had made her way over. "Isabelle, do you want to try and go potty?" Isabelle groaned. She hadn't even been able to open her book to develop her theories, and already Miss Deena was interrupting her. "Miss Deenaaaaaa I don't wanna. I wanna colooorrrrrr." Isabelle responded. It was true - it was her intention that morning to focus on one aspect of her new theory - finding a rogue mage, or witch, to help her cast the spell that would ultimately turn her back. Miss Deena could see Isabelle's body language change, the happy girl now sulking. But Miss Deena could also see Isabelle's feet bouncing underneath her. Miss Deena had been at this for too long - she wasn't going to give in to the toddler. "Come on Isabelle," Miss Deena said as she picked the sweet innocent girl up. Miss Deena wasn't interested in dragging Isabelle across ther room, only to get to the potty too late. "I know a potty dance when I see when. Let's go quick, and maybe you'll get back in time to color." Isabelle didn't. It wasn't for lack of trying. Isabelle was peed the second Miss Deena had placed her down on the toilet - "See, you barely made it sweetie! You need to pay more attention to when you need to go tinkles!" Isabelle ignored the remark, pulling her pullup back on without so much as bothering to wipe, and eluding Miss Deena's arms before dashing to the sink to wash her hands - "Isabelle - you forgot to wipe sweetie...ugh.." Deena sighed. 'At least her pullup is still on, but this girl is a LONG ways from big girl panties.' But despite all of her efforts, as Isabelle was turning her journal to the next empty page, Kelly rang the little farm bell indicating it was time to rotate to another activity. Isabelle couldn't help but groan loudly - she had missed her chance it seemed, now for the second day in a row. 'But what can I do about it?' Isabelle wondered, as she reluctantly swept her investigative journal off of the desk, and took it with her. 'Miss Kelly rang the bell,' and made her way to her next activity. Fortunately, Isabelle's sour mood quickly changed as she found herself playing dance freeze next with Miss Deena and one other group. Isabelle laughed and tumbled around as she did her best to stay frozen in place as the music stopped and started. With just one activity, her missed investigation for the day was forgotten. Isabelle was relieved as she heard her mom's voice behind her. Isabelle ran over to her mom, jumping up into her arms. "MOMMY!" It was the best part of her day, being with her mom, no matter how much fun she had at preschool. "Hi Baby! Did you have fun today?" Isabelle nodded, as Miss Deena came over to give Jane the report for the day. "Hi Jane," Miss Deena started, as she patted Isabelle on the head. "We did just okay today. Miss Kelly had to remind Isabelle to poop this morning, since she looked like she didn't notice she had to go,' Miss Deena started. "But she made it, even if Miss Kelly needed to wipe for her. We had a couple of wet accidents in the morning and afternoon, and someone was very soggy after her nap. But Miss Deena took you to the potty in the afternoon, and it was a good thing I did - you almost peed before you sat down!" Miss Deena recited playfully, referring to herself in the third person. "So just okay," Deena repeated, before addressing Jane more directly. "She does seem to be struggling to recognize when she needs to go. She may need to start wearing diapers for her nap too - Kelly mentioned that the pullup she had on was practically leaking. Though I don't know if it makes sense to keep her in a diaper just for a nap. Either way, we'll just keep encouraging her this week and see how it goes." Jane nodded. 'There was no reason to deviate from the plan,' Jane thought. "Go and get Becky baby, we're going to be late. You start ballet this afternoon." Isabelle's eyes went wide, and a smile ran across her face, at the mere mention of ballet class. 'Oh. My. God. YES!!' Isabelle was screaming inside. She had no idea what ballet class would be like, but whatever it would be, it would be great. "Okay mommy. I'll go get her right now," Isabelle called back, nearly running into a wall as she wasn't looking where she was going." "OH God!" Jane nearly screamed, watching Isabelle just nearly crash, before laughing nervously and turning to Miss Deena. "This girl is going to be the end of me!" ********* Isabelle was practically skipping as her mom helped Becky out of the car, and on to the ground next to Isabelle. Jane made her way to the trunk, before retrieving two ballet bags - one for each Isabelle and Becky - before taking each of the girls' hands, and walking them toward the front door of the building they had parked in the lot for. "Now I want you two to be on your best behavior, okay? This is a big girl ballet class, and you are to listen to the ballet teacher!" Isabelle nodded. "I will mommy. I promise. I promise promise promise promise!" Isabelle couldn't contain her excitement, it was all just too much. Jane smiled. She was happy that Isabelle was excited. Miss Deena had suggested a dance class for Isabelle, as she was quite elegant in her footwork, even at a young age in the preschool. Jane had always considered it an option as well. Even for her age, Isabelle seemed to have a good grasp of rhythm and music. She would twirl and dance around their living room at home with ease and grace. She was a natural. 'Where she got that from, lord only knows," Jane thought, being so uncoordinated herself. It had actually been Lola that had shared the details of this class with her when they had gone out for one of their many lunches together a few weeks back. Jane had then told Jess, who agreed they should sign their girls up together. "She told me that one of her friends works as a teacher there, and that she's very nice," Jane had told Jess. "She is an extraordinary ballerina herself - top of her class at Higgins, so I think we can rely on her advice." Jane was hoping Lola had relayed accurate information. Jane made her way in with the two girls, pulling them up to the front desk to check-in. They were early, but that was just how Jane wanted it. Jane knew she not only had two girls to get dressed and ready, but she also wanted to say hello to Lola's friend before the class had started. Isabelle's eyes wandered with amazement and disbelief From the moment Isabelle stepped inside the studio with her mom and Becky, it was as if the air around her started to shimmer and sparkle. The walls were adorned with posters of ballet performances, showcasing graceful dancers in breathtaking poses. The faint sound of music played softly in the background, adding to the enchanting atmosphere that captured Isabelle's every attention, as her mom wrapped up signing the two girls in. "Yes, for the 4:30 class. That's right. Where can I get them changed?" Jane said, though Isabelle was barely listening. Isabelle stood at the entrance, taking in the sights and sounds. Further into the studio, Isabelle spotted wooden ballet barres lining the walls, waiting patiently for her little hands to find their grip on them. Mirrors covered the studio's walls, reflecting the room in a thousand different angles, as if inviting Isabelle to step into a world of a million dance steps, her every move captured for miles at end. Jane took Isabelle and Becky's hands, leading them further into the ballet studio. As they did, Isabelle noticed a group of young dancers - older than her, but not quite teenagers - wearing their leotards and ballet shoes, their hair neatly pinned up in buns. She watched in awe as they practiced their pliés and tendus, their movements flowing with grace and precision. Isabelle's eyes sparkled with excitement, Isabelle couldn't help but wiggle her toes, imagining herself wearing a leotard and ballet shoes for her own class. Isabelle wanted to look like the other dancers in their elegant routines. She turned to Jane, her face beaming with anticipation. "Mommy, I want to go dance now!" Jane smiled warmly and knelt down to Isabelle's level. "Of course, my dear," she replied. "Let's get you and Becky dressed first." Jane guided the girls to a corner of the room, where Jane opened each of the two ballet bags. "I'll have to tell Jess to get you changed at Miss Deena's on Thursday. They don't have a dedicated space for it here sweetie," Jane explained, as she pulled out two sets of delightful and colorful leotards, tutus, and ballet slippers from the bags. "Now let's pick out the perfect outfits for our little dancers," Jane said, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. Isabelle and Becky eagerly scanned what Jane had pulled out, their small fingers tracing the fabrics as they made their choices. Isabelle pick up the sky-blue leotard adorned with sparkling silver stars her mom had packed for her. Isabelle couldn't help but imagine herself soaring through the air like a graceful swan. Becky, on the other hand, had a vibrant pink leotard that made her feel like a blooming flower, ready to pirouette and twirl with joy. "Before we get dressed, does anyone need to use the potty?" Jane asked. Each of Isabelle and Becky shook their heads no. "Are we sure girls? There will be no taking a potty break during class?" the girls confirmed their certainty. Jane considered forcing Isabelle to go, but if Isabelle couldn't be mature enough to tell her, then maybe she just wasn't ready. 'I want to trust her,' Jane told herself. 'Maybe she really doesn't need to go.' Jane gently helped the girls slip into their outfits, fastening the buttons and ties with care. It took some attention to ensure that Becky's tights pulled up and over her diaper, which was extremely prominent in nothing more than the leotard, tights, and tutu. For her part, getting the tights over Isabelle's pullup was a little easier, but a bulge was very much still present. Jane couldn't help but notice that the front of Isbaelle's pullup was a little damp as Jane pulled her daughter's tights up. "probably just a few drips," Jane thought. As the girls stood up, Jane helped each of them into their ballet slippers; first Becky, and then Isabelle. Isabelle's shoes were decorated with little ribbons that went up her ankles, more typical of pointe shoes. But Isabelle was far too little for pointe shoes, and the ribbons on her slippers were merely decorative. As Jane tied the last ribbon around Isabelle's ankle, Isabelle was overcome with a sense of pride, of joy, and of overwhelming confidence. Isabelle felt great all dressed up in her ballet clothes. But most of all, she felt at home in her slippers. It was as if all of the world's problems disappeared. There was no need to worry about investigations. No need to worry about the stress and challenges of the day. It no longer mattered that Isabelle struggled with her numbers or with building blocks. It was not important that Isabelle couldn't read. And most of all it was irrelevant that Isabelle was starring at herself in the mirror, smile from ear to ear, wetting her pullup. In fact, Isabelle didn't even know. She was too busy being happy, being home, being with her slippers once more. "Now you girls are ready for class," Jane said, as she finished pinning Becky's hair back. "I think I see your teacher. I am going to say hi, and then take a seat on the side. Your mommy will be here to watch you too Becky, she's on her way." Isabelle nodded and returned to examining herself in the mirror. She was pleased with the leotard her mom had selected for her. 'If I want to jump as high as the stars, I might as well wear them on my tummy to help lift me!" Isabelle and Becky laughed and played as a few other toddlers made their way into the class. Jane meanwhile had approached the ballet teachers, to introduce herself. "Hi, you must be Emily. I am Isabelle's mom," Jane started. "We're so excited to be in the class, thank you for taking the late signups." "Oh its not a problem, we're excited to have your daughter. We love having new dancers in class, and I see she is here with a friend too" Emily responded. "And you should know, your daughter comes highly recommended," Emily explained in a joking manner. Nevertheless, the comment caught Jane off guard. "I don't understand, who recommended her?' Jane asked, through a nervous laugh. Emily laughed in return. "Oh don't be nervous. My assistant mentioned that her friend knew Isabelle or something of that nature. Here, let me introduce you to her." As Jane connected the dots - "Of course, yes. Lola mentioned her friend was a teacher here, but I didn't realize she would be teaching Isabelle's class with you" - Emily waved over a teenage girl that had been speaking to another parent. Jane watched as the tall, very fit ballerina turned around. The girl's shimmering copper hair, tied neatly in a bun was mesmerizing. But as the girl turned to face Jane, Jane was shocked at how absolutely stunning the girl was. "Where do they find these girls, and how do these girls find each other all the time?" Jane asked herself, thinking of Dani and Lola now both. 'I don't think we looked this good as teenagers,' Jane began asking herself. The red-headed girl made her way toward Jane. The girl's body was a work of art - she was strong and delicate at the same time. She looked the part of a true athlete. The girl's facial features were soft; her skin was looked smooth and delicate, and her green eyes were striking. Jane was not that experienced with competitive dancers, but there were striking differences between Lola and Dani that stood out to her. Whereas Lola packed a lot more muscular on her legs - and generally had a curvier body than this girl - this dancer seemed the more delicate type, her movements graceful and fluid even as she crossed the room to greet Jane. For whatever reason, Jane felt intimidated as the girl came right up to her. "Hi, it's so nice to meet you," the girl said in a bubbly and happy tone. Her voice immediately put Jane at ease, even as she moved toward Jane to give Jane a very surprising half-hug. "Lola has told me so much about you!" She started, before backing off and adding something Jane wasn't ready for. "And if you don't mind me saying, way to go bagging Mr. Hayes - he's a looker," the girl said with an embellished wink. Jane started turning red at this teenagers remark. 'Apparently Lola has been telling her friends about me.' Jane did her best to collect herself, but didn't manage much more than a "oh...uhh...yah thanks....Yes I am Jane." Jane felt completely disarmed by the girl. 'I just sounded like a blabbering idiot in front of this teenager.' "And that's your cutie over there, the blonde one?" The girl asked. Jane simply nodded. "Yes, that's my Isabelle. Or Belly. She likes Belly,' Jane added. 'Just stop talking Jane,' she told herself. "Well," the redhead continued, "I'll be sure to keep a special eye on her. Who knows? She could be Lolzers little sister one day!" The girl said gleefully, without a hint of discretion about her. "Oh, and I'm Dani by the way. It's so nice to meet you." And just like that, Dani skipped away to the group of little classmates, engaging with them and getting them organized "Sorry about her," Emily said, making her way after Dani toward the class. "She can be a lot. But I assure you, she's an excellent instructor." Jane smiled back, content to be out of the situation "Let's get started," Emily announced, joining Dani in the middle of the studio. Jane made her way to the side of the room, finding Jess and sitting in the empty seat next to her. "Did I miss anything?" Jess asked curiously. Jane took a breath. "You mean other than me sounding like an idiot in front of a teenager? Nope. Not a damn thing." Jess returned a curious look, before laughing at Jane and handing her a latte. Jane accepted it, as she fixated on one thing Dani had said -'she's right I guess, they could be like sisters one day.' ******* The class started with a gentle warm-up, as Dani led the toddlers in stretching their little bodies. "Let's all go ahead and reach for the sky, up up up!" Dani held the position, encouraging the students to do the same, as a few tumbled over. Isabelle reached as high as she could, even going on to her toes. "And now down to ground, down down down!" Dani sang. Isabelle had been awe-struck when Dani had approached her and Becky, introducing herself. Isabelle couldn't believe it - she had missed her friend so much. So when Dani reached out to shake Isabelle's hand, Isabelle practically swatted it away and jumped on Dani, hugging her tightly and fighting off a tear. Isabelle was under the impression she had been home in her slippers. But a home was just a series of empty rooms. Dani was home. Lola was home. Isabelle recalled her commitment she had made the weekend prior - she was never going to take time with her friends for granted again. "Oh well hello there Belly, so nice of you to give me a hug," Dani had responded. "You know, I actually heard from Lola that you give some pretty amazing hugs! Did you know that Lola and I are best friends?" Dani asked. "Of course I know!" Isabelle practically shouted. She wanted to shout that she was their best friend too, but the thought only came to Isabelle a little too late. "Well okay then," Dani responded, thrilled about the girl's enthusiasm. 'The hardest part of the class is always dealing with the stubborn kid. Thank god this one - especially this one - seems good.' Dani knew how important it was to Lola that Belly enjoyed the class, and made a mental note to be especially nice to her. "Are you excited to start your first ballet class Belly?" Dani asked the girl. Isabelle couldn't contain herself. Not only was she excited, but the fact that her class was going to be with Dani? "I CANT WAIT!" Isabelle had shouted, just as Emily made her way over to start the class. Isabelle continued through the warm-up routine with ease, each movement feeling new, but easy to master. It felt great to feel like she was succeeding at something for a change, Isabelle noted. Preschool had been a little tougher that day, even if it was still a lot of fun. But time and time again, Isabelle found she was only ever at peace dancing. After the warm-up, Emily and Dani started to introduce the toddlers to basic ballet positions. It had been Dani's idea to shift away from concrete numbers for the positions when teaching and instead to use simple and fun visual cues to help the toddlers understand how Emily and Dani wanted them to move. "Imagine you are a beautiful flower growing tall," Emily called out, as Dani went around the class helping the students get into first position. "Very good Isabelle, you're standing perfectly," Dani relayed as she passed by. Isabelle couldn't help but beam; her friend thought she was doing a good job!, Emily continued "Now like you're a bird spreading its wings," she called, as the students worked to transition into second position. Isabelle found the flow between first and second position very natural, even if a number of the other students were struggling with it. Emily was quick to spot Isabelle as standing out, as her eyes sparkled with excitement and energy. 'Even that Becky had been doing a pretty good job,' Emily thought to herself. 'Certainly better than some of the other students who were already showing a lack of discipline. But this class is also about fun," Emily would need to remind herself, as the toddlers eagerly tried to mimic the poses Dani and Emily would do, nearly all with their little diapers or pull-ups showing through their tights. The class continued with playful games and activities designed to enhance their balance and flexibility. Dani showed the dancers how to correctly hop over imaginary puddles, pretend to tiptoe like fairies, and leap with joy as if they were butterflies fluttering through the air. Dani showered all of the students with praise - but especially Isabelle. It was clear the girl had some natural talent. 'She could probably study at Higgins one day, if she wants,' Dani found herself thinking. Toward the end of class, Emily and Dani emphasized the importance of creativity and self-expression with dance. "Dancing, and especially ballet, is about showing us who you are," Emily explained. "Dance is a way to communicate, and share with others how you are feeling," Dani continued, "whether that be happy" - Dani said with a leap, "or Sad," Dani said, as she contorted her body to fall limp and toward the ground. "Or even.....SILLY" Dani called out, as she winked at Isabelle and did a silly series of bourrées. The whole class laughed, but Isabelle the loudest of all. "So, we are sending you home with a little homework," Emily continued. "On Thursday, at the end of class, we want you to show us who you are though ballet or dance. You can think of one dance move, or ten, whatever you want. And when you come back to class, everyone will get to show their classmates how they feel they can express themselves through dancing. Does that sound fun?" 'It really does sound fun,' Isabelle thought, as she chanted along with all the other dancers in agreement. "Well, that's class for today. I can't wait to see you all on Thursday," Dani called out. Isabelle was sad to hear class was already over, but couldn't contain herself. She had just had the best time, laughing and dancing with Dani once again. Isabelle didn't want to wait until Thursday to show Dani how dance - and how Dani - made her feel. And so Isabelle ran up to her and hugged her once more, this time refusing to let go. "Thank you Dani. That was the best." 'This is why I do this,' Dani reminded herself about her part time job. "Aw sweetie. You're welcome. You were very good," Dani said, hugging the Isabelle back, patting the toddler's very wet pullup. "With a little training, one day you might even be better than me. Or even better than Lola!" Dani exclaimed. "I can't wait to see you again on Thursday, but for now, I think your mommy is waiting for you. She looks like she's really proud of you too - why don't you go to her while I clean up?" Isabelle turned her head enough to see her mom beaming with pride, pride directed at her daughter. Isabelle didn't want to let go, but she knew it was time. It was enough to know that she would see Dani again on Thursday. 'In any event - I have some dance moves to think about to show how I feel," Isabelle remembered. 'This could take some thinking,' Isabelle thought, as she ran over to her mom, who picked her way up into the sky, like Isabelle was one of the stars on her chest. 9 Link to comment
Olympiczero Posted July 11, 2023 Author Share Posted July 11, 2023 Good day to everyone, First and foremost, I would like to thank you all once again for your support of the story. My heart melted as I watched the views surpass 30K last night. I am so thankful for your support. Second, I will be going on a ten day holiday beginning on Friday, and updates are unlikely during that period, though I will be spending quite a bit of time writing so hopefully many updates will come shortly after. Lastly, I have been, without any success, looking for a talented community artist that might be interested in taking commissions to add some artwork for the story. If anyone is interested, or has a suggestion, please message me privately. I don’t want to influx the story board with posts of suggestions and/or volunteers. Thank you all so much! Olympic 1 Link to comment
Kahlez Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 It seems everything worked out for Isabelle except her finding someone to change her back. At this rate she probably will be too busy with everything else to look. I am not even sure how she was "planning" on doing it anyway given that being taken serious as a toddler talking about magic is kind of difficult 20 hours ago, Olympiczero said: "Okay mommy. I'll go get her right not," now I guess? 1 Link to comment
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