The Ballet Slippers - Updated Ending (Chapter 63 added 2.29.24)

[FloridaKid]

Indeed a great slow burn. I’m really curious to see if Isabelle figures out how Mel fits into this warped reality and her original reality (assuming of course that she ever returns to her original reality). Seemingly everyone else has a place in both worlds, so why not Mel? Unless she is somehow tied to the slippers solely through the warped reality. 
 

Definitely enjoying your work on this story! 💕

[Kahlez]

Another great Chapter and I am getting more curious how Dani, Lola and Mel fit into it all. I also fear that should her potty problems getting worse if she gets even younger she will need to get to terms with some protection. 

Little edit here:

I remembered the dream with her friends saying they would miss her and a potentially very wild theory formed in my head. What if that wasnt just a dream but somehow those two have something to do with the situation? Not sure why they would do that at this point but still somewhat of a possibility.

[Olympiczero]

On 5/4/2023 at 10:29 PM, WBDaddy said:

You've done a great job of slow-burning here.  Izzy's steady regression coupled with memory erasure is really good. 

One thing I'd suggest to make it easier to read is to break paragraphs when you change speakers.  For example:

Is much clearer and easier for the reader to follow like this:

Thank you - and I honestly can't believe you are reading my story. Big fan of yours!

I fixed that paragraph, and tried to be mindful when drafting this next chapter. I'll add it to my list of things to revise as I work back on older chapters. Very grateful for the tips.

 

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 20 

"WHYYYYY" Isabelle was almost shouting. It was happening again, of course. "I can't deal with this anymore!" 

Isabelle sat up in her bed, wanting nothing more than to cry. But there was work to do, unfortunately. Fortunately, this time, at the very least, not as much of a cover up needed to take place. 'I suppose I should be somewhat proud of myself...' Isabelle thought. And surprisingly, she was. Isabelle had clenched her bladder at the precise moment it had started releasing. Unlike last night, Isabelle was wearing pajama bottoms as well. 

Without another moment's hesitation, Isabelle popped out of bed to assess the damage once more.  'Once more...' Isabelle's first instinct was to look down. She could tell based on the warm, wet moisture sticking to her legs that her panties were quite wet. Isabelle pulled at one of the sparkly hearts near her groin, lifting her pants up to get a better look at them from underneath. They too were quite wet, but at the very least, they weren't sopping. 'This might be manageable.' 

Isabelle was bouncing from one foot to the other, desperate to get to the bathroom. But she wasn't done. She needed to continue to assess her...accident. Isabelle looked toward the bed, moving the sheets and comforter further off to see how bad it was. 'Wow." was all Isabelle could say. Her bed, at least, was largely dry. 'I supposed that's the advantage to pajama bottoms,' Isabelle thought, as she identified one, 4-6 inch wet spot on the bed. 

Isabelle bounced her way to the corner of the bed by the headboard, and pulled the fitted sheet up to examine the mattress. 'Even better!' Isabelle almost exclaimed out loud. 'It didn't seem to make it through at all.' Isabelle left the fitted sheet folded up, sure to not leave it pressed against the mattress, before shifting her way as quickly as possible back to the bathroom, pulling off her pants and soaking wet panties, and throwing her butt down on the toilet, before releasing all of her remaining pee. 'I actually did a really good job holding it! That could have been so much worse' Isabelle told herself proudly, completely unaware of the irony of her statement. 

As she sat on the toilet, Isabelle devised a plan of action for her bedroom. There would, of course, be no time to do any laundry before she left for school. So she would have to cover up the accident, and then find time to do the laundry after. Isabelle decided the best course of action would be to simply remove the fitted sheet, and stuff it somewhere her mom wouldn't find it, make the bed so there was no reason to come in, and deal with it later. 'It's a good plan.' 

Isabelle took the opportunity to brush her teeth while there, and wash her face. Looking at herself in the mirror, Isabelle was taken aback by the prominence of her freckles, seemingly returning more every day. She had missed them dearly, she recalled, when they had faded through high school. It brought a smile to her face to have them back. Isabelle had always felt that they were one of her best features, and they made her feel cute. Her smile revealed the presence of her dimples, and she quickly abandoned her spot in front of the mirror. 

Returning to her room, Isabelle did precisely what she had planned; she stripped her bed of the bottom sheet, and then made the bed the best she could, using her plethora of pillows to conceal any portion of the mattress that wasn't covered by her purple top sheet. Satisfied, Isabelle turned back to her closet to get ready for the day. Today, Isabelle thought, she would get ready for ballet before they left for school. It's what she used to do anyway, when she had dance in the mornings.

Opening her closet, Isabelle felt as though she was confronted with a stranger's closet. Gone were her series of black, white, blush, and for specific dance routines, some solid colored leotards, hanging on her racks. In their place were a series of leotards that, well, stood out more. Some black, white, and blush ones still remained, but they made up a few smaller portion of her options. And even then, those all contained some sort of pattern, or design, or interesting or fun cut. What really stood out, however, was the number of solid and multi-colored leotards - reds, pinks and purples, blues, greens and even yellow ones. Many had flowers, others had fringe. Some had jewels, and even others with bows.

Isabelle stared at her closet confused. Confused - but undeterred. She was not upset. She was not shocked by the colors, by the designs, by the juvenile nature of many of the leotards. Instead, her mind was simply trying to place them - where had she bought these? how long had she had them? when was the last time she wore them? - all questions she was asking herself. It was the questions she wasn't asking herself that were most striking, however - where are my leotards? Why are these so childish? Who do these really belong to? - the last one being the most critical, perhaps. In fact, not a single one of those questions even occurred to her. It was as if she had lost the ability to challenge the transformation. And while a struggle was taking place in her head, Isabelle was no longer fighting for one side over the other. The battle was taking place without her participation. 

It was unclear which side won that battle, if any. All Isabelle could tell you happened was that she reached out for a solid lavender leotard with short sleeves. It had a U-shaped dip in the back, that about halfway through was connected by a cute bow. 'This is cute," was all Isabelle said, before dropping it on her bed, and going over to her dresser, pulling on a pair of plain white tights, and slipping into her leotard. Isabelle felt no need to wear a bra with the outfit - the leotard was supportive enough. 

Content - well not just content, but feeling cute - Isabelle tied her hair up in a neat bun, before slipping into her ballet slippers, and grabbing a plain, grey zip up to wear over her clothes. Isabelle packed her ballet bag with clothes for the afternoon - a grey long sleeve shirt with a rainbow at the heart, and plain black leggings - before grabbing her school bag and heading downstairs. 'I've done what I can here....I'll deal with this later.   

Isabelle made her way downstairs to have some breakfast. She opened the front door to grab the newspaper, hoping to play a game or two in it while she ate. Jane was not downstairs yet, so Isabelle made her way over to the coffee machine to get it started. After she was done with that, she poured herself a bowl of cereal, and opened up the newspaper to the game section while she munched away at her breakfast. 

Isabelle was having particular trouble with the sudoku that morning. 'I've barely filled in a single number,' she thought to herself, as she scratched out a "4" she had placed in a row and column each already having the same number. Every time she stared at the puzzle, she grew more frustrated. "What the heck! This is impossible," Isabelle said to no one in particular. She was not having fun at all. 

Rather than stop, she spotted, in the corner of her eye, another game. It was a silly game the newspaper always included, and which Isabelle largely ignored. Basically, there were two images, one on top of the other, and you were required to spot the differences. It was basically a form of I-Spy, and the few times Isabelle had played it, she grew bored rather quickly. But today, as she spotted it, she felt a warmth emanating from her feet, and spreading across her body. She wanted to do it today. 

Isabelle switched gears and started trying to find the differences in the pictures. The image appeared to be that of a baby's nursery. Isabelle spotted several differences right away - a missing rattle on the floor, a bottle of baby powder missing, an extra bar on the crib. But the others were far more difficult to find. Just as Isabelle spotted another - a teddy bear with a missing ear - her mom emerged from behind her, giving her a kiss on the head. 

"Good morning sweetie. Look at all the differences you found - good job. I think there's a few more though," Jane said, before moving to the coffee machine and pouring herself a cup. Jane then turned the machine off, before dumping out the excess. "Thanks for making this sweetie, but its too much. I only have time for one cup this morning."

Isabelle couldn't start her protest before it was too late - the coffee was gone. "MOM! I wanted some!! Why did you do that?" Isabelle was genuinely upset. She had looked forward to that coffee.

Jane turned to her daughter, surprised by her angry reaction. "No Sweetie. No coffee for you. You are far too young for this. You'll become an addict - trust me," Jane said, trying to lighten the mood, as she poured the sweet nectar down her throat. Isabelle couldn't do anything but watch jealously, before her mom re-engaged her, this time on a topic she did not want to discuss. "Did you not sleep well last night? Was anything...wrong?" Jane asked, curiously, and leaving the floor open for Isabelle.

Isabelle blushed at the thought. Sure, there wasn't exactly a major problem like the night prior. But a problem there was. 'Just continue to play the part until you solve this,' Isabelle reminded herself. "I slept fine mom. Nothing was wrong. I just....I just wanted coffee."

Jane smiled to herself. Her little girl was growing up, obviously. 'Just not too fast,' Jane thought to herself, hopeful. "Maybe one day sweetheart. Now go get your bags - lets head to school."

Isabelle nodded, shoveling the last of her cereal into her mouth, before hopping off of the stool she was on, and making her way to the door. "Mom can you please keep the page I was on - I'm still missing two differences. I want to look later." Isabelle was convinced she could find them, and as she asked, her slippers sent another blast of warmth through her body, reinforcing her confidence. 

***

School on Tuesday went much like the day prior. Isabelle had arrived at the girls' locker rooms earlier today, and immediately went to a bathroom stall to relieve herself. Once again, she was surprised her system was so....'...er...regular...,' - even without the coffee - as she embarrassingly pooped in front of far too many people than she liked to. Fortunately, no one said anything. Isabelle stayed on the toilet a little longer, forcing herself to pee, before getting up and going out toward class.

Much like the day prior, Mel spotted her and immediately wrapped her arms around Isabelle. 'This girl is a hugger,' Isabelle concluded. Isabelle chatted with Mel briefly before class, significantly letting her know that "oh! by the way my mom said I can come over on Friday," much to Mel's glee. 

Class that morning transpired much like it had the day prior. Isabelle warmed up with Mel and small girl - who she learned that morning went by Natalie - before doing group exercises. After that, the girls were put into teams - Isabelle was partnered with Mel and Natalie - before being given a brief tutorial on new choreography that they were to work on, and perform the following day. These types of exercises were common, and Isabelle liked working with others. She smiled knowing that she was with a group of girls that she knew at least, and they spent the rest of the morning working on the choreography. 

Isabelle noted that Natalie was not quite as able as Mel, who while also quite good, was not at Isabelle's level either. It made performances challenging when you had stronger and weaker dancers - the purpose of the choreography was to look in sync. It was important as a dancer to make sure not to outdance your partner - it was critical to the performance. These were skills that middle schoolers focused on, and learned to use subtle techniques in order to ensure that the performance of a whole was never jeopardized at the expense of the performance of one egotistic individual. Isabelle didn't mind - it was not about her, and these girls were sweet. 

After another two hours of practice, Mel, Isabelle, and Natalie had arrived at a decent performance. "Let's reserve some time this afternoon here though, and just work out the kinks before tomorrow," Natalie had proposed. Isabelle nodded - Natalie was obviously nervous to be the weakest dancer, and there was as much pressure on her to dance up as there was on Isabelle to hit a good tone with hers. 

"Sounds great to me" Isabelle said enthusiastically, before adding "I'm having trouble with some of the second part of the choreography. You seem to have a better grasp Natalie - you'll have to walk me through it." Isabelle thought the second part on to encourage the sweet little girl, and it seemed to have the intended effect. 

"Okay. But now lunch," Mel announced. Mel sort of reminded Isabelle a bit of Dani - she was quirky, fun, sweet, and above all, focused on the next meal. Isabelle had been ready for this today. Isabelle had a plan, and it needed to be executed. She would not be distracted by her friends today.

"Sorry Mel! I actually need to go to the library to collect some things. The....uh.........I got some of the wrong textbooks for classes, and they have spares there. I'll have to meet you later." Isabelle had formulated the excuse in the car ride over with her mom. It was solid, and made sense. Dani and Lola always understood that Isabelle needed to borrow copies of the textbooks at the library, rather than buy her own books. Even for middle and high school, the books got expensive, and buying new wasn't an option.

Isabelle's only concern, however, was that these girls' wouldn't know about her...financial differences. But as the words escaped her mouth in the dressing room, the same supportive smile that Dani and Lola offered her every time the subject of money came up appeared on Mel, Natalie - and now Ras, who had joined them on their way to the locker room - collective faces. Isabelle knew that face, and knew they understood. "Makes sense," Mel said, ending the conversation.

Isabelle changed quickly, said goodbye to her girls, and made her way to the library as quickly as possible. She was not sure what she was looking for, all she knew is that she would be looking for books on the brain. It was a good place to start, if indeed she was in a coma. 

Isabelle was walking toward the library when it hit her - 'This is the way to the high school library.' Though students could request books at either library, the school had separate libraries for the two sets of schools. It was designed to protect the older, 9th-12th grade students from the often noisier, 6th-8th graders, who might otherwise interrupt their important studies. The middle school library was considerably smaller, as most students did their work at home, if they had any. 

Isabelle realized she wouldn't be allowed in there, and began retracing her steps backward toward her age-appropriate library. 'No time to waste. I can still get any book,' Isabelle thought, as she made her way hastily in the other direction, toward her new destination. 

Isabelle pushed the double sided doors into the library. Not knowing exactly where to look, Isabelle decided to go straight to the librarian's desk, to seek help. As she approached it, a kind middle aged woman smiled at her, "Hi Isabelle! I was wondering when you would be coming back in here, you little book worm." 

Isabelle was taken aback. She had no idea who this woman was, but apparently, she knew Isabelle. "Ya....haha..." Isabelle responded, before making her query. "I'm actually looking for something a little different," Isabelle started, supposing it was true. "I am looking for a book on brains." Isabelle regretted it the minute she made request. It sounded preposterous. 'Brains! Seriously Belly?' she thought to herself, not even realizing how she had addressed herself. 

"Brains?" the librarian repeated back, as if tracking her thoughts. "Well....what kind of book are you looking for on brains sweetie?" This woman was nice, but Isabelle felt that, based on her tone, she wasn't taking Isabelle very seriously. She would need to adjust. And Isabelle was prepared to do so.

"Sorry. I meant on brain diseases. I have....a....a family member. Who is sick. With a brain disease. Yes. And I would like to learn more." When Isabelle had rehearsed this in her head, it had gone far smoothly. But based on the librarian's reaction, it seemed to have worked. 

"Oh well I'm so sorry you're going through that Isabelle. Let me see what I can find," the librarian responded, before working on her computer. After a few minutes of waiting, a few "hmhmm" and "ahhhahahs" from the librarian, she turned back to Isabelle. "So, we don't have anything in this library, but the senior library has a book for the AP biology class called 'Brain & Neurological Disorders,' that might have what you're looking for. Only....."

'That sounds perfect!' Isabelle thought, 'But why the hesitation?' Isabelle wanted that book. "That's the one I want! Only what? What's the problem?" Isabelle asked, far more excitingly than she had wanted. In fact, she was practically screaming. 

"SHHHH Isabelle. You cant make noise like that here," the librarian responded. "I was going to say that the textbook may be....very difficult for you to read and understand. Its meant for 12th grade students, not 8th grade students. You may struggle to understand it. As I was looking, I think I found something that will help you better. And its right here!"

The librarian turned around and went to the stacks behind her, pulling out a large textbook with animated pictures of a boy and girl on the front. It read, simply, "Basic biology: Everything from your toes to your top" The librarian brought it over, scanning it, before handing it off to Isabelle. "This will be better, and I know for a fact it touches on a lot of different illnesses, including brain issues. AND, you'll actually understand it. Bring it back in a week please"

Isabelle wanted to throw a fit, to demand the book that she mentioned, 'Brain and Ner-oh-something disorganizers, or whatever it was,' Isabelle thought. But what was the use? If the librarian said this had the information she was looking for, and already said she wouldn't get the other book, she had no choice.

Rather than give in to her bare instinct, Isabelle smiled and thanked the librarian, taking the book with her to long community table where a few other students were reading. Isabelle sat down, opened the book to the index at the front, and started searching for anything she could find.

Isabelle scrolled rapidly though the various chapters - 'Your Body Is Changing - What's up with that?,' 'Wow! I'm getting bigger - what are hormones?,' and 'Blood: everyone has a type' did not appear like promising places. Nor did the topic of "Bones - not just for Dogs!' or 'Hair, Hair, Everywhere!'....'What kind of book is this?' Isabelle asked herself. Just when she was about to give up, she came upon it - "Your Thinking Cap: How the Brain Works, and Why it Sometimes Doesn't!" 

"THAT'S IT!" Isabelle shouted, resulting in another "SHHHHHUSSHHHH" from the librarian. Isabelle identified the page ranges - 180-222 - and quickly started flipping to the middle of the book. But before she could, an alarm went off.

....

Well, not that kind of alarm. The school bell to be more exact. It was informing her it was time to get to afternoon classes. Isabelle groaned, 'this will have to wait until tonight,' not realizing how much time had passed. Isabelle folded her book up, put in her bag, and shuffled off to class.

Classes that afternoon were no better than the day before. If anything, they felt even more challenging. While Isabelle was flourishing at dance, she was really not starting off well with her academics. Everything just felt so complicated. 'It's as if everything is written in another language.' Just trying to process the information was stressful, and by the time the last bell of the day rang off, Isabelle felt utter relief. 'How on earth am I going to balance dance, these insane classes, and investigate all these brain thingies!' Isabelle asked herself. 'No one said this was going to be easy,' Isabelle reminded herself, '....but no one said it was going to this hard either...I wish Rover Roo was here to help. He'd solve this.' 

Isabelle was broken out of her melancholy by Mel, who tapped her on the shoulder, reminding her to meet them in the small ballet studio. Mel had reserved some time this afternoon, only for 30 minutes, so they needed to be quick.

Isabelle nodded. She had confirmed with her mom she was staying late with Mel and Natalie. Jane had sent back a thumbs up emoji. Isabelle updated her that she would be ready to leave around 5:30, before making her way back to the girls changing room to get ready.

It only occurred to Isabelle, as she entered the room, that the 12th graders were still wrapping up. Hopeful she might find Dani and Lola, Isabelle jogged toward the last row of lockers, only to find that no one was there. Rather than get down on herself, Isabelle stripped down quickly, and got dressed in her somewhat gross and sweaty tights, leotard, and slippers, before again trying her hair in to a messy bun. Isabelle stashed her bags in a locker, and made her way to the small studio to practice with her friends. 

It was a great idea, in the end, that Natalie had insisted on this practice. While the girls had largely put together the choreography and timings in class, by the end of their extra work, they had really improved their performance as a whole. "Wow - okay. I think we have it. This is going to go great tomorrow!" Natalie said, as the three fell to the floor huffing and puffing for air.

"I agree." Mel added, between breaths. "If I can still move tomorrow, that is." 

Isabelle knew how she felt. While it got easier each year, when the dancing had really started picking up in middle school, she remembered having trouble adjusting, her body always aching. Isabelle hadn't felt like this in a long time - really sore. Everything hurt. Everything, that is, except for her feet, which continued to feel fantastic in her slippers. The slippers gave her the confidence to do anything, and any time Isabelle doubted her skill, she simply let the slippers take over, and before she knew it, had executed the next steps perfectly. 'I can't thank mom enough for these. They have changed my life for good!' Isabelle thought to herself.

A ring went off and Isabelle checked her phone - it was not her, but it was almost 5:30 now, so she wouldn't have time to change. It was Mel's phone instead, who let the girls know that her brother was waiting for her and left in a hurry. Isabelle said goodbye to Natalie, who let Isabelle know she was going to shower before getting picked up. 

Isabelle made her way to the locker room quickly with Natalie, grabbed her bags, and then walked out the middle school entrance. Isabelle spotted her mom's car instantly, and went over to the trunk to drop her bags. Isabelle closed the trunk, and made her way to the front of the car, before her mom rolled down the window. "You have to get in the back sweetie. I have too much stuff up here."

Isabelle thought nothing of it, climbing in the back as well. "No problem mom. Thanks for getting me later."

Jane smiled, looking over her daughter, and she buckled in and let her feet dangle over the floor, just barely making contact with the car mats. "My pleasure sweetie. How was school today? Anything interesting?"

Isabelle told her mom about her day as she always did. She struggled in class again; she excelled in dance, and; very luckily, she got paired with Mel and Natalie for her group project for the next day. "We really nailed down the performance tonight, only now I'm exhausted."

Jane smiled. It sounded like Isabelle had a better day. She only felt bad that she was struggling with classes so far. 'She's a smart girl, she'll get the hang of it soon.' Jane thought. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself baby, you'll get the schoolwork. You're my little genius!" Jane said, encouraging her daughter. At the very least, it brought a smile to her daughter's face, which Jane caught in the rearview. 'Maybe a boost of confidence will help her with....well everything." Jane concluded. 

Isabelle felt better talking to her mom - she always did. And it came easy. It had always just been the two of them, and they always had each other's backs. Isabelle was reminded of the secrets she was keeping from her - both big picture and small. For some reason, she felt more guilty about hiding her completely unexpected and out of the ordinary and just mistake accidents she had the prior two nights, more so than the coma issue she felt she was dealing with. 

'Mom could at least help with the former...maybe. And then I wouldn't have to deal with it alone.' The idea, in principle, was nice. But 18 year ol- .....'14 year olds, I suppose....' Isabelle corrected herself, don't wet the bed. It was not something she could come to terms with herself. Not something she would come to terms with.  

Isabelle climbed out of the back of the car before going to the trunk and grabbing her bags. They felt like two massive weights on her shoulders. Isabelle really was tired. It would likely be an early night. 

Isabelle dropped her bags at the foot of the door, before going into the living room, and collapsing on the couch. She had fond memories of this couch - it was where her mom had given her the slippers. Isabelle, hanging upside down on the couch with her feet in the air, starred at the slippers. They looked just as beautiful today as the day she got them, the ribbons coiled around her ankles, securing her safely. Isabelle smiled - she was always happy in her slippers. 

Her reprieve was interrupted. "Isabelle - Bags upstairs. And shower - you stink!" Jane, said playfully. "Right now young lady. We have a rotisserie chicken and I'd rather eat it warm. Up Up."

Isabelle rolled over to the side, resigned to comply with her mother's marching orders. "Okay momm-..mom." Isabelle said, embarrassed. Isabelle quickly gathered her things, which felt like massive weights, and made her way upstairs, turning to her right, and dumping them in her room. Isabelle took off her slippers, placing them delicately in the closet, before pulling off her leotard and tights, and tossing them in the laundry basket. 

Isabelle made her way into the shower, letting herself soak in the warm water. Her body ached, and the warm, soothing liquid made her sore muscles content. Isabelle stood motionless for at least 10 minutes, just letting her mind go thoughtless, her body relax. She was finally able to relax for the first time today. And it felt perfect.

Without thinking, and before she knew it, Isabelle realized she had started peeing. Isabelle was panicked for a second, before realizing she was just in the shower - it didn't matter. But it was the fact that she had absolutely no idea that it was coming that occupied her mind. 'Probably just because I'm in here - I knew I could pee here' Isabelle concluded, before letting herself continue to soak and pee, without a care in the world.

Eventually, Isabelle realized she would need to get out. She quickly shampooed her hair, and washed her body with the nearby bar of soap, before rinsing off, and enjoying the warm water for one more minute, before shutting it off. 

Isabelle returned to her room, before electing to get straight into her pajamas. After the past few nights, and the hard work she did today, Isabelle was already tired, and it was not even 7 PM. That said, there was no point in getting two sets of clothes dirty before bed, and she always loved her PJs. Whether it was the house, or the hot shower, Isabelle was feeling rather warm, so she opted for a sleeping dress instead of a full set. 

Isabelle dried herself off, and let her towel fall to the ground, before stepping over to her dresser and pulling out a pair of white and pink stripped panties, and sliding them up her legs. Isabelle then dug through her PJ drawer, and pulled out an olive colored sleeping dress with white rabbits and blue polka dots on it, slipping it on over her head, and letting it fall to under her knees. Isabelle combed her hair quickly, before letting it fall to the side, and heading downstairs. 

Jane had already set up two spots on the counter for them to eat. When Isabelle walked in, Jane smiled, "feeling better sweetie?" She asked Isabelle, as she set down two plates with chicken on them, and some steamed vegetables. 

Isabelle was starving, having skipped lunch to find her library book. Though the mission was a success, her hunger likely contributed to her exhaustion. "Yes, much! The water was so soothing. I was so relaxed, I even.." 

'WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ISABELLE,' she thought to herself, before the next words left her mouth. 'What a weird thing to share.'

Isabelle gathered her thoughts, quickly finishing the sentence "I even...forgot I was standing there and just..uh...fell asleep standing up kind of." That was better, even if ridiculous, Isabelle concluded, before sitting next to her mom. 

"Well okay. Early bed tonight too. Are you sure you are sleeping well sweetie? Jane asked, inviting her daughter to tell her anything. 

Isabelle didn't want to get into it, and simply replied "Yes" before inhaling her chicken. "Thanks for dinner mom. I'm starffing," Isabelle said, with a full mouth of chicken.

Jane could only laugh. "Okay sweetie. Just slow down. Don't choke," before returning to her food to start as well. "Oh," Jane continued, "I kept the newspaper like you asked. It's right here so you can finish your I-Spy."

Isabelle smiled. She had forgotten about that. It had been such a long day. So, as she wrapped up her dinner, and casual conversation with her mom, Isabelle pulled the paper back in front of her, looking desperately hard for the missing two differences. After almost 30 minutes of searching, Isabelle managed to find one more - a box of diapers, or pullups, or something on a changing table shelf. 

Content she had found one more - Isabelle disputed there were six like the puzzle said - Isabelle said goodnight to her mom, letting her know she was going to go up and read before bed. It was already 8:40, and Isabelle was feeling tired. 

Isabelle climbed the stairs and decided, before she sat down in her bed to read, to go to the bathroom. It turned out to be the smart decision as she did in fact need to go. Isabelle wiped, and washed her hands, before going into her room. 

Isabelle immediately went for her bag, and pulled out her biology book from the library. Isabelle took the book over to her desk, and sat down, and flipped the book open to page 180. Isabelle started glossing over the start, but upon doing so, thought it might be best to read it a little more in depth. 'It's offering a lot of basic information that might be helpful later,' Isabelle thought, and she started reading:

'The brain is like the boss of the body - it controls everything we do! It's a big, squishy organ that sits inside our skull and has many different parts that work together. The brain is responsible for processing all the information we receive from our senses, such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. It also helps us move our muscles and organs, and is responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and memories.'

'Huh,' Isabelle thought to herself. I never considered that the brain is responsible for taste - I always thought that was just my mouth.' Isabelle was genuinely learning, and enjoyed it. She pressed on:

'The brain has two main halves, called the left and right hemispheres, and each side has different functions. The left side is responsible for language, logic, and analytical thinking, while the right side is more creative and intuitive. Overall, the brain is an incredibly complex and amazing organ that allows us to experience the world around us and navigate our daily lives.'

'Okay, so two sides. I wonder which side would be responsible for everything that's happening to me.' Isabelle started to think. "Everything that is happening is illogical - I shouldn't be getting younger. I should read more about the left side maybe? Even though the right side sounds cooler....' Isabelle thought to herself.

Isabelle continued to pour over the introduction pages to the textbook, but they were dense, and had all sorts of words Isabelle didn't understand. The introduction was loaded with terms like "synapse, myelin, hippo-something,  and cortex.' It was all very complicated, and Isabelle found herself reading over the same parts over and over in an effort to understand it. 

Isabelle had hardly cleared 4 pages when she checked her phone, and saw it was almost 10 PM. Yawning, Isabelle picked up her phone, and made sure her alarms were set, before making her way to bed. 'No more problems tonight. This time for sure.'

Isabelle laid her extra pillows down gently on the side of the bed, before pulling the covers back, and then pulling her pink polka dotted sheets back as well, and climbing into the bed. Isabelle grabbed Rabbity, tucking Rabbity close, before pulling her sheets and covers over her, and settling in for the night. It was time to go to sleep.

But as Isabelle laid there, something was off. It wasn't enough to keep her from settling in, but it was enough to keep her up, just long enough, just seconds before falling asleep, to wake her right up. It was something she had forgotten about, in all the events of the day. Something she only noticed now.

Her sheets had been changed. 
 

[Kahlez]

Maybe it is time for her to talk to her mom she clearly knows what is going on with those accidents. So far everything seems to be similar. She has again two good friends there and even the nice lady at the library seems to know her very well. It also seems that it becomes more and more difficult for her to notice changes. I wonder if she one day forget about all that and just thinks everything is as it should.

And I think you missed same minor errors in case you like to correct it 

54 minutes ago, Olympiczero said:

"Mom can you please the page I was on -

 

54 minutes ago, Olympiczero said:

"Isabelle - Bags upstairs. And shower - you stink!" Jane, said playfully. "Right not young lady.

 

[BabySofia]

Yay quick updates! (Boo being too tired last night to read!) Enjoying where this is going, and can't imagine she keeps that group of friends too long. She's regressing rapidly mentally it seems, maybe faster than her physical regression. 

And mommy definitely knows her little girl is not making it dry through the night!

[Olympiczero]

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 21

Isabelle's mind had raced the whole night prior. She had barely been able to sleep before her first alarm went off, reminding her to go to the bathroom. Isabelle had lifted herself out of bed, and sat on the toilet, continuing to ponder as her pee hit the water at the bottom of the porcelain bowl.

'Had mom found my sheets? Did she notice the spot? It was small....its possible that she didn't even realize....' It was of course, far more possible and likely that her mom had seen it, washed it, and not said anything. Isabelle began second guessing everything her mom had said to her that day. Everything now seem loaded, seemed charged with the background knowledge that her daughter had actually wet the bed. 

Isabelle struggled falling back asleep, and was up and down most of the night. By the time her second alarm had gone off, Isabelle had developed a dozen new theories about what might have happened, a desperate search for a logical explanation that resulted in anything, anything other than her mother discovering her accident. 

As Isabelle's butt his the toilet seat for the second time that night, she settled on one. 'Everything is changing around me. The world is changing....my body is changing....everyone thinks I am an 8th grader. Heck, even my room changed a bit, though I think that was mom. And don't get me started on what keeps happening when I dance....' Isabelle thought, as she started wiping after peeing yet again. 'Perhaps the sheet just....disappeared? Its possible, at the very least.'

Isabelle flushed the toilet, much like she should have her new theory. She knew it. But at the same time, it was comforting knowing that there was a universe, and inkling of a possibility, that her mom didn't know what had happened. That no one had been the wiser. That no one had to know what was going on.

When Isabelle had woken up at the sound of her alarm, she was convinced of two things only; first, she had not slept more than an hour, probably, at most that night, and; second, whatever may have happened, it didn't matter. It wasn't going to happen again. And whether her mother knew or not was of no importance - her mom had not said anything, so she either didn't know, and for once the changing universe was working in her favor, or she did know, but much like Isabelle knew, it was a completely one of a kind accident.

'Except it wasn't.' 

Isabelle's morning proceeded as usual. She used the bathroom again, dressed for dance, and got her bags packed, making sure to pack her new biology book. Her slippers radiated with warmth that morning, offering just the slightest bit of comfort Isabelle so desperately needed. Isabelle had breakfast in silence as she tried the days new I-Spy game, before her mom came down, without a word about anything other than their normal breakfast routine, and then off to school they went.

Isabelle went to the girls locker room, used the bathroom again just to be safe, before meeting up with her friends before their performance. Their performance would be second, Mel informed them, so they had time to warm up. 

All the girls in the class were assigned the same choreography and music. It was a famous pas de trois, an excerpt from the great balletmaster Marius Petipa, called Le Corsaire, though they would only be doing a portion of the Entrée, rather than include the individual variations for all three dancers.

After warming up and stretching, the first group to go included a group with Ras. As Isabelle watched her friend, she was able to clear her mind for the first time that day. Ras was a beautiful dancer. Other than one misstep - which to be frank, was the fault of her partner exchanging the middle position with her, their group performance was very solid, but Ras was exceptional. 

Once they concluded, Ras came over to the three of them smiling. Mel, Natalie, and Isabelle all offered encouraging words before stepping up to do their own performance.

Isabelle took her position between Mel and Natalie, offering an affirming nod before setting up in first position, and waiting for the music. But the music never came. And instantly, Isabelle knew what was happening. 'Not this again.....' 

Yes - it was this again. Isabelle's slippers sent waves of radiating warmth though her body, as the environment around her changed. First the floor - it was always the floor that fell out first - and then the mirrored walls around her dissolved into oblivion. Her teacher, her classmates - Ras's smiling face the last she saw - faded into darkness as new shapes emerged around Isabelle. 

Gone was Isabelle's own body - she was in a new, lengthier, stronger body she no longer recognized, but which seemed familiar. Gone was Isabelle's black leotard with glittered lines, gone were here white tights. Gone was her whole outfit, other than her slippers, which never left her. 

Unlike the prior venues, Isabelle did not instantly recognize where she had been transported. The layers of balconies emerging as towers of marble columns surrounded her were unlike any she had seen. The façade of the stage was incredibly detailed, and the chandelier was particularly unique. It wasn't until the room had fully formed, until the last few letters of the venue appeared before her, that Isabelle could appreciate where she was. It was the 'Gran Teatro de La Habana,' and it was one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen. 

Unfortunately, there was no time to appreciate its beauty. The guests had taken their seats, the lights had all but faded, and Isabelle and her two partners - 'TWO PARTNERS?!?!' Isabelle hesitated for a moment, noticing that, for the first time, she was not alone on the stage. Sure, gone were Mel and Natalie. But in their place stood two ballerinas, perfectly positioned for a pas de trois, both in outfits that perfectly matched blue costume, with ornately designed tutu. 

Isabelle wanted to ask these strangers who they were, but before she could, the music started, and off they were. It required no thinking. In fact, for the first time, Isabelle felt in control. She could do the dance herself, not required to give up control. These were the steps she had spent the whole day prior practicing. And though the body she was in was far more capable, Isabelle managed to adjust well, and dance away. 

It felt empowering to be able to control this...'whatever the heck this is...' Isabelle thought to herself. In fact, it was fun. For the first time since these started happening, it was purely fun. Isabelle was dancing at one of the most celebrated dance halls in the world, and she was doing great.

As Isabelle and her partners moved across the stage, they were in perfect harmony. Every turn, every leap, every twist, and every bend were perfectly synchronized. Every movement felt like it had purpose, each extension was light and airy, each sauté powerful and strong, every plie elegant and fluid. 

The audience was captivated by their performance, and as they danced, they could feel the energy and passion that radiated from each of them. Isabelle and the other dancers were in perfect harmony, moving as one, and creating a beautiful, mesmerizing display of dance. 

As the music reached its climax, the girls came together in a stunning final pose, holding hands and smiling at each other in triumph. The audience erupted in applause, and the girls took their final bows, basking in the joy and pride of their accomplishment.

Isabelle felt proud of herself. Proud of her teammates. Proud that she had earned the right to dance on this stage. This stage that....'that's fading away again....' Isabelle wanted to groan, but she knew it would be inappropriate. She was, after all, performing, and performing required performances faces. 'Even a 2nd grade dancer knows that....' Isabelle reminded herself, and she maintained her posture and position, despite the world around her fading, receding, and quickly being replaced by her ballet studio once more. 

Isabelle was broken from her trance by the sound of Ms. Lazard's voice. "Very good. Tracy, Jennifer, Lucy, you're up." At that instruction, Isabelle quickly took her place on the side of the class with her friends. 

Ras approached them, offering the same praise that she had received. "You girls were amazing!" she said. Isabelle, of course, could not comment on how the actual performance that took place here had transpired. But she accepted the compliment. 

"Thanks Ras. I kept thinking about how well you did, and just tried to mimic some of the things  I really loved about your performance," Isabelle responded. Isabelle had meant it to - at least it had been  her intention to do so. Isabelle just didn't remember dancing. Ras blushed at the compliment. 

Based on Mel and Natalie's reactions, however, it all appeared to have gone well. So Isabelle put the thought out of her mind, content to sit on the side of the studio room as the others performed. Isabelle closed her eyes, exhausted from not sleeping the night before, in an effort to rest a little. That effort, however, was thwarted by Mel, who sat down next to her and chatted her up. 

"And so then Kevin - blechh - came up to table and called the Emerald Chronicles stupid. Stupid. Can you believe it?! I can't stand him. He. Is. The. Worst. More important though - have you finished the Endless Night? Have you? You need to, you need to before Friday!" 

'Mel obviously slept well last night,' Isabelle concluded. She did need to finish the book of course. "I will Melly." .....'Melly...where did that come from.' Mel didn't react, so it didn't seem to bother her. 

Isabelle excused herself from class early, with the excuse that she needed to go to the bathroom. It was true. Well, it was sort of true. Isabelle was intent on going to the toilet every second she had, and this presented a good opportunity to do so. It would also let her slip out to go the library at lunch before her friends found her. 

Isabelle sat on the toilet, again being sure to pee. Isabelle also took the opportunity to poop while her classmates were not there, for once enjoying the solitude that the empty locker room offered her. After finishing her business, Isabelle made her way our of the locker room just as the bell signifying class had ended, and quickly toward the middle school library with her bags. 'I'll change later,' Isabelle decided, simply letting her hair down from her bun. 

Isabelle maneuvered quickly to the library. She smiled at the librarian on the way in, and made her way to one of the corners of the room, sitting down at a smaller group table, and pulling out her biology book. Isabelle wiggled her toes in her slippers before diving into page 184, where she had left off the night prior. 

'The left side of the brain is responsible for many important functions that involve language and logic. Some examples of its functions include: When we use the left side of our brain, we are often focused on tasks that involve language and communication, such as reading, writing, and speaking. It helps us understand and use words, grammar, and syntax to convey meaning.

The left side of the brain is also responsible for logical and analytical thinking. It helps us solve problems, make decisions, and plan ahead. It is good at breaking down complex information into smaller parts and analyzing them to understand patterns and make sense of information. In addition to language and logic, the left side of the brain is associated with science and technology. It helps us understand and make sense of scientific concepts and theories.

Here are some examples of the things the left side of the brain controls.

Language: The left side of the brain helps us...and...language. It is involved in speech...... mmar, and vocab..... For examp.....eft brain is wor.... to make sure our wo......ect.

Logic: The le....brain is also resp.....gical thin an.....solve problems, make decisions, and p........solve a math problem, our left brain is working to pr....

Analysis.................complex information.................understand patter....o.....understand the plot......

Science: ....................about the human body, o..........................................................................................................................................function.

Overall..........................................................................................round us.......................

Isabelle could barely keep her eyes open. On top of being exhausted, the information in this book was so incredibly dense. Reading and re-reading solved nothing, and Isabelle kept going over the same portions about the left side of the brain, what it did, what in controlled, all in an effort to correct it, but she couldn't. She needed more energy. But she was dedicated too much of it to other things. 

Speaking of which, Isabelle checked the time and saw there was only 15 minutes left on her lunch period. Isabelle packed her things up, and quickly made her way to the middle school library's bathroom, sitting down to pee again. Isabelle took the opportunity to change into her regular clothes in the single stall bathroom with a lock. 

After that Isabelle made her way to the cafeteria to pick up a couple of granola bars that they always had for the students, not wanting to completely skip lunch again, before bumping into Ras and heading off to the afternoon classes together again. 

Isabelle's afternoon passed much like the prior days. She struggled in math class again, getting a few questions wrong that she really felt she should have done better on. Her history class was better, she supposed, but overall another challenge.

Isabelle was relieved when the bell rang signifying the end of the day. Isabelle said her goodbyes to her friends, before making her way out the door to her mom's car. 

Isabelle had been dreading this part of her day. 'Was mom going to confront me about the sheets? Should I confront her? Maybe it would be the grown up thing to do, to admit my mistake. But then again....why would I, when she might not know anything.' Isabelle was struggling with her dilemma, up until the minute she climbed into her mom's car. 'Better to just forget about it, no reason to raise it...' 

Isabelle climbed into the car, and her Jane went about her normal routine of asking how her daughter's day was. "Did your performance go well with the girls? How were classes? How was your day sweetie?" Jane asked rapid fire. 

The rate of the questions made Isabelle feel more comfortable. If her mom wanted to talk to her about the sheets, now would have been a prime opportunity. But she didn't. 'I'm definitely fine,' Isabelle concluded.     

"School was okay today. Classes were...better. And the performance went really well," Isabelle told her mom, "I'm pretty sure at least." That was, in fact, the truth. Isabelle didn't get into things in more detail. She was too tired. 

When Isabelle arrived at home, she immediately went to the bathroom, consistent with her new plan. On her way out, she saw her mom leaving her room with a friendly smile - "Just putting your bags away for you sweetie," Jane said, before making her way back downstairs. Isabelle eyed her mom suspiciously, before going into her room to make sure everything was normal. Content that her mom had not rummaged too much, Isabelle decided to make her way downstairs to the basement, to watch some television. 

Isabelle went right to her new favorite channel to watch a few episodes of Rover-Roo. As she sat on the couch, she contemplated what more she had learned. 'I seem to be stuck at this new age, which is good. Things aren't getting worse," Isabelle thought to herself. "Challenges include the fact that I'm exhausted from not sleeping, and distracted all the time by running to the bathroom. It's impeding my investigation," Isabelle thought to herself. But what options did she have really?

Isabelle considered what she had learned so far. "Coma remains the best theory. And if it is a coma, it would seem the answer lies in studying more about the left side of the brain. The only problem, was,.." Elizabeth paused her thought to manage the massive yawn that took over her whole mouth, before continuing. '.....problem is, that book is SOOOOOO boring....Not sure if there isn't a summary somewhere in it.' 

Isabelle was snapped out of her deductions by her mother calling her up for dinner. Isabelle made her way upstairs, turning the TV off before she did. She made a pit stop at the bathroom before heading to the kitchen. Her bathroom breaks were feeling like overkill, but, at the same time, it felt the only way to ensure another accident didn't happen. 

Isabelle climbed onto a stool next to her mom, and the two ate and chatted away. "Are you excited to go to Mel's on Friday? You're going to have a great time I bet!" Jane asked her daughter. 

"Yes! We're going to watch a new show together. I'm really excited! I've been waiting this to come out forever. Its the best mom. I'll tell you what it's about." Isabelle proceeded to drone on for over an hour, telling her mom all about the Emerald Chronicles, how the show was supposed to track the first book, about Henrietta, and all about different chapters of the "Rising Sun," which was the name of the first book. Isabelle probably would have continued, if not for the phone ringing, and her mom leaving the room to take the call.

"......Yes I know. Saturday. Ya......" Isabelle was not sure who her mom was speaking with, and didn't really care to find out. She started to head upstairs, only catching the last few words of her mom's side of the conversation. "......Oh that'll be great. Isabelle will love that........yes, I'll be sure to pack some for her." 

After blabbing on with her mom, Isabelle was re-energized to finish the Emerald Chronicle book she had upstairs. Isabelle filled a travel mug with orange juice, and then made her way up the stairs, of course using the bathroom again, before lounging on her bed and reading through the end of the book. 

"OhMyGAWWWD" Isabelle actually shouted, as she turned the page on the last chapter, putting down her now empty cup of juice. 'I BET I know who stole the crystal wand,' Isabelle thought to herself, barely able to contain her excitement at sharing her theory with her friends.

Isabelle checked her phone - it was already 10 PM - and decided to get ready for bed. Isabelle popped up off her bed to get into her pajamas, feeling comfortable enough tonight to go for a yellow sleeping dress she had with some white lace on the sleeves. Isabelle made her way to the bathroom again, peeing and washing, before returning to her room, and climbing under her pink polka dot sheets once more, drifting off to sleep. 

****

****

Thursday came and went without much fanfare. Isabelle, again having woken up at both 3 AM, and 6 AM, in accordance with her new bathroom plan, had not slept well again. It was, however, fortunate that her alarms were set because her bladder was bursting at the seems. Isabelle felt she was being responsible, even if it was at the expense of her sleep cycle. So when she left her bed around 8 AM to get ready for school, there were no problems to report.

Thursday morning's dance class had been with Mr. River. It was as much a cardio workout as it was a dance class, and by the end of it, Isabelle was sweating profusely. Isabelle had hoped to be able to return to the library that afternoon, but not showering was not an option. So Isabelle, flanked by Mel, Ras, and Natalie, all made their way to the locker room, and toward the showers. 

Isabelle went into the last private shower, and began undressing, removing her slippers, leotard, and tights, before stepping into the shower and turning on the warm water. Isabelle was quick to soak her body in the warm water. Normally in her showers, she would spend time living in her imagination. But lately, her imagination had become her reality, So instead, as she soaked, Isabelle considered her past. She considered the places she had no danced, the places she had only fantasized about. It brought a smile to her face; a lowly girl from meager means come to be the face of so many ballets. 

As the last of the shampoo fell from her hair, Isabelle questioned whether any of this had truly happened. Of course, it was not possible. No one performs at all those venues, even in their careers. But it felt like she had. It felt like so much more than make believe. It felt real, in her heart, even though her mind was still questioning it. 

Isabelle turned the water off, the handle now at eye level with her, before grabbing her towel, and and drying off. She stepped out of the shower and on to the slated bamboo shower mat in the dressing area, drying off each foot one at a time. She dried her hair off, and then proceeded to tie the towel around her rectangular body, making her way out of the dressing area and back toward her locker. 

Isabelle started working as rapidly with her time as she could to get dressed. Her friends were not yet out, and she was feeling self-conscious about herself. She quickly, and inefficiently, brushed her hair out, and got dressed in a pair of pink panties, blue leggings and a red and white stripped shirt. She quickly packed her bag, and made her way out just as she heard the water shutting off in the shower she knew Mel had gotten into.

Isabelle's shower had taken up most of her lunch period. Isabelle quickly made her way to the cafeteria, grabbing a dozen granola bars for her and her friends, who would not have time to get food. Isabelle then made her way out of the cafeteria, and to class where she distributed the food to her grateful friends. 

The afternoon and evening were much like the others - classes were difficult, her mom picked her up, Isabelle made a dozen trips to the bathroom, and spent her afternoon at home in the basement. Isabelle ate with her mom silently, without the energy to engage. Her lack of sleep was beginning to take its toll on her. Isabelle excused herself after dinner, and gave her mom a big hug, the comfort of which nearly caused Isabelle to fall asleep in her arms. 

Jane pushed her daughter backward, and looked her in the eyes. "I'm so proud of how hard you are working sweetie. But you look completely exhausted. Why don't you get to bed early tonight?" Jane proposed.

Isabelle merely nodded. There was no denying that she was exhausted, and perhaps by going to bed earlier, she could actually squeeze in a few extra hours of sleep. 

"Oh and one more thing," Jane added, "don't forget you are going to be staying over at Jess's on Saturday night. I expect you to be on your best behavior, okay?" 

Isabelle nodded again. She knew she was sitting the kids again. She didn't need to be reminded. And of course, there would be no repeat of the couch accident. It would be hard to blame things on Becky again. Isabelle still felt bad about the original time. 

Isabelle made her way upstairs to her bedroom, and over to her dresser. Isabelle pulled a blue sleeping shirt out, with rainbow lines running across a star in the middle, and matching blue pants covered in different colored stars. Isabelle took her biology book out of her bag, and brought it into bed with her and Rabbity, flipping it open to where she had left off. 

Rather than continuing, Isabelle decided to flip through the section looking for anything on comas. 'Page 195..nothing...Page 202...nothing...page 209....no...WAIT. There it is.'

Isabelle was shocked when she located a small paragraph on precisely what she was looking for. Waking herself up to the best of her ability, Isabelle started to read the section.

'Comas are typically associated with damage to the brainstem or both hemispheres of the brain, rather than being linked to a specific side of the brain.'

'Huh.....Isabelle thought, 'That could have saved me some reading if I had started there....' Isabelle continued on, but was growing more and more tired.

'However, some studies have suggeste..............................as this side of the brain is responsible for......................impact a person's ability to....................and stay awake..............................contribute to a coma.'

That particular passage frightened Isabelle. Had she damaged her brain? Was that the cause of all of this? It was a terrifying thought, but at least it provided answers.

It's impo.......to note that..........coma is unique and...........................variety of factors. Treatment...........ma depend on the individual's....................................................'

Isabelle could barely read the last word. She was hardly processing what she was reading at all. All she knows is that at some point, she fell fast asleep. 

 

[Kahlez]

36 minutes ago, Olympiczero said:

Things aren't getting worse

Yeah nearly called her mom mommy, Mel Melly and then the book is booooooring... sure everything is fine. It feels like she is getting still younger mentally and just her body needs to follow.

 

[BabySofia]

Half expected goodnites to be mentioned that night. I hope something is suggested before the sleepover, that could be absolutely traumatizing for her otherwise! 

[FloridaKid]

On 5/6/2023 at 12:31 PM, Olympiczero said:

yes, I'll be sure to pack some for her

Another “change” in her warped reality? 🤨

[Olympiczero]

Appreciation Post

When I started this project a little over a month ago, I had no idea what would come of it. I had no idea how much I would actually write, if I would stick with it, if anyone would read it. I started to write for myself, as a way of continuing to find my place in this community that I try to be proud of being in, but struggle with. 6 weeks later I am still writing, and enjoying every minute of it. I find myself often distracted by Isabelle and her adventures, wondering much like you readers where it will go. All the while, I am learning a lot about myself.

I never dreamed that my story would have 10K views. Never thought it was possible, even as the count kept climbing. So, for those that have joined me on this adventure, I want to say a deep, sincere thank you. Your views, and especially comments, encourage me to write more. And whether its the same 10 people that have looked at this story 1000 times, or 10,000 people that have read it once and decided its not for them, I am grateful for you all, even if I don't say so with every update. Thank you for your support. Thank you for welcoming me into your community. 

 

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 22

Isabelle woke up to her alarm going off. She shifted in her bed, finding something firm resting on her arm. It was her biology book, she realized, and Isabelle carefully folded it closed before setting it to the side. Isabelle lifted her legs off of the bed, and picked up her phone. It read 6 AM. Evidently, at some point, she had turned her 3 AM alarm off. 'No matter,' Isabelle told herself, picking herself up.

No matter was not the correct phrase. There was a matter, something dastardly was the matter. It was the same problem she had been having for days - her bladder was the matter. And the matter was urgent again. 'Why am I so stupid,' Isabelle thought to herself, wondering why on earth she had not gotten up at 3 AM like she had the nights prior, when she had avoided her accidents. 

This time, however, Isabelle had not had an accident. But she was about to. Even lifting her foot felt like it would cause her to release her pee. So slowly, and one leg at a time, Isabelle shifted her feet inches at a time, across her room and toward her door. 'I'm not going to make it......I'm not going to make it....'

Isabelle reached out for the doorknob, careful not to extend her arm too far from her body. Isabelle gripped the doorknob, as delicately as she could, before twisting it ever so slightly, opening the lock, and releasing the seal between her and her goal. Now freed, Isabelle tugged at the door, opening it just enough for her to fit through. She shifted on, making her way through the entry.

Isabelle turned her frame in the direction of the bathroom door. The hallway seemed longer tonight, for some reason, and with every inch she moved, Isabelle was reminded of the aching in her bladder, the desperate push against her, the cry for release. Isabelle starred down the hallway, it seemingly expanding into the abyss, the bathroom never to be within her grasp.

'Push forward, Iz, Push. Forward.' Isabelle motivated herself, as she continued shifting down the hallway toward the bathroom. Left foot. Right foot. Left foot. Right - 'AHHHHHHH,' Isabelle had to pause. her bladder was crying for freedom, and even an inch further and it would have been free - she knew it. 

Isabelle felt trapped. She had made significant progress down the hallway. But nevertheless, the bathroom door was more than an arms length away, and she was running out of resistance. 

Isabelle took a deep breath. And then another. Seemingly confident that she had regained control of her bladder, Isabelle shifted her weight forward toward the door. 

That proved to be a mistake.

Isabelle lost control as she shifted her right foot forward once more. She was mortified, standing in her hallway, starting to pee her pants, mere feet away from the bathroom. 'OHMYGOD' Isabelle's mind was in a state of panic, but quickly, she composed herself, and started running toward the bathroom, continuing to pee the whole time. Isabelle could feel her panties, and then her pants, start to soak up her pee, as droplets of pee started to trickle down her legs. 

As quickly as she could, Isabelle pulled her pants and panties off, sitting on the toilet, and released the remainder of her pee into the toilet bowl. And then, Isabelle let herself feel all the emotions, sitting on the toilet, head hunched into her lap, crying, peeing, and starring at her wet pajamas near her left foot on the bathroom floor. 'WHaaa......waaaat is happnnning to me....' Isabelle thought to herself, as she continued crying loudly, without a care in the world. Right now, it was all she would do, all she wanted to do - cry, and pee. 

Isabelle's crying had apparently masked some noise outside the bathroom door. So when her mom knocked on the bathroom door, asking "Sweetie - is everything okay?" Isabelle nearly fell off of the toilet seat. This morning was bad enough - the last thing she needed was her mother finding out what happened. Isabelle realized she would need to compose herself before responding 

*Sniff* *Sniff*

".....Yes mom. Everything is fine. I uhh...." Why would she be up? '....I just wanted to shower before school this morning. I thought it would give me an energy boost." Her excuse was lacking, and also not very believable. She had just showered at school the day prior. But it would have to do. And plus, she had just peed all over herself. A shower was not a bad idea.

There was a prolonged silence before her mother responded. "Okay sweetie." But, rather than hear her mother's footsteps retreating toward her own bedroom, Isabelle heard her mother move toward Isabelle's bedroom. 

'Why on earth is she going there....." Isabelle wondered, worriedly. It didn't actually sound as though her mom made it all the way to her room, just further down the hall toward her room before stopping. The silence was deafening from the hall, until her mom started back toward the bathroom ,but instead headed downstairs. 'I imagine she's just going to start her day earlier.'

Isabelle, now satisfied all of her pee was either in the toilet, or in her pants, stood up, flushed, and started the shower water. 'This is going to be a long day,' Isabelle thought to herself, before climbing into the warm water and beginning to soap her legs and butt, cleaning herself off. She could have sworn she heard her mom come back upstairs for several minutes before descending again, but it was likely a figment of her imagination. 

Content she was clean, Isabelle exited the shower, wrapping herself up in a towel. Isabelle pressed her ear against the door to ensure the hallway was clear before scooping up her wet PJs and darting from the bathroom back to her room, shutting the door quickly behind her. Isabelle buried her wet PJs underneath her dirty dance clothes from the week, content to have so many things to cover them up with. Isabelle made a note that she would have to do her laundry tomorrow - there was no time this morning.

Having committed herself to a lie, Isabelle decided to stick with her story as closely as she could. Isabelle proceeded to get dressed for her dance classes that morning, which would be taught by the 12th graders. Wanting to look especially mature, Isabelle combed through her many leotards before finding a simply blush one without any design. The last thing Isabelle wanted was for Dani and Lola to see her in some little girl's leotard, '....though that striped pink, black, and blue was is SO cute,' she thought to herself, before dressing in the boring, plain blush one, over her boring plain white tights. Isabelle left her hair in a towel, hoping it would make some progress drying, and went downstairs to the kitchen to meet her mom. 

"Good morning sweetie!" Jane greeted her daughter with a smile when she came into the kitchen. "It's actually good you're up early. I wanted to get into work early today to get a little extra time in," Jane continued, before setting a bowl of cereal down in front of a space for Isabelle to eat. "You won't mind if I drop you off early, do you?"

Isabelle was relieved her mom was acting...well, normal, this morning. 'She isn't the wiser,' Isabelle concluded, happily sitting down and dipping a spoon into her cereal before responding. "No problem mom." Isabelle was feeling very hungry, and so started slurping up her runes immediately, without paying too much attention to whatever her mom was doing. 

"How was your shower? I hope everything is okay sweetie. You look better rested today. Did you sleep okay?" Jane sat down next to Isabelle looking at her daughter and hoping that she would share some information with her. She knew her little girl was growing up, and Jane wanted to be sure that she would be included for the ride. 

Isabelle did not feel the questions were loaded in anyway, and simply looked at her mom, provided a "shower was good. Schlept betta," with a mouthful of runes, before returning her attention to her breakfast. Isabelle was not going to get into in any more than that.

"Okay hun. Remember to make sure to take your overnight bag for tonight. I spoke with Mel's mom yesterday and you're going to go straight there from school." Jane said, reminding her daughter of her plans. "I put it together for you while you were in the shower. It's by the front door.' Isabelle simply smiled and nodded, before finishing her breakfast and heading up to her room. 

Isabelle hurried upstairs to her room to get her things in order. She was rather pleased with herself this morning, all things considered. Isabelle managed to get through the morning, not speak with her mother about any problems, and all in all, considered to put her accident out of her head fairly naturally. It felt good to be able to not fixate on it. It felt like the far more mature thing to do. 

Isabelle put her school bag and ballet bags together, and then made her way back downstairs in time to catch her mom as she was exiting the house with her overnight bag. Isabelle thanked her mom for carrying it, and then skipped after her into the car, as the two headed off to Higgins together. 

Isabelle arrived at school early enough to not need to go straight to her dance class. Rather, she made her way straight to the middle school library, finding a remote table to continue where she had left off in her reading the night prior. As soon as she put her bags down, however, another need arose in her gut, and Isabelle quickly made her way to the private bathroom in the library. Isabelle took her time, peeing as well, before returning to her spot in the library and opening up her biology book one more time. 

Isabelle flipped through the pages to find the section she had located on comas again. After finding it, Isabelle re-read the sections she had been through the night prior, before arriving at a section she had not seen. 

'People in comas are in a state of unconsciousness and are not aware of their surroundings or their condition. They are not conscious, and they do not have any perception of their environment or their own body. While it is possible for some people in a coma to have some level of awareness, such as being able to hear or respond to certain stimuli, this is not always the case. Contrary to popular belief, people in comas are not living in an alternative world, or alternative reality.'

Isabelle frowned, her body collapsing into her chair in disappointment. 'This was my best and only working theory,' Isabelle said to herself sadly. 'But...this paragraph seems to defeat the entire premise........I really thought I had something here.......' Isabelle sat, feeling entirely defeated. Where on earth would she go from here? '...back to the drawing board again....' Isabelle said, before closing the book, content to never have to open it again. Isabelle picked up her phone and saw it was time to get to class. 

Picking herself up, Isabelle took her book, her three bags, and headed toward the library exit, making sure to drop the biology book in the return basket so it could be checked back in. Isabelle then made her way quickly out the girls locker room - she would be content to have a place to put all her bags down. As she did, she spotted Mel walking in, and waved her over eagerly 

"Melly! I'm here!" Isabelle shouted, unconsciously. Isabelle couldn't help but notice she had a big smile on her face. To be honest, after the grueling week, Isabelle had been looking forward to the day - she would get to see Lola and Dani again, and as a bonus, she would get to watch the first episode of the Emerald Chronicles show. It would be a good day. It had to be.

"Hey Belly! How are you? I am SO excited for tonight, aren't you? You finished the third book right? right?" Isabelle could tell that Mel was just as excited as she was. Isabelle desperately needed a girls night, even if it wasn't with her regular girls. Just to laugh and have fun would be a complete relief. 

Ras and Natalie had located Isabelle just as Mel started changing into her ballet outfit for the day. As she was undressing, Ras started telling all three of them about her evening, and how her cousin had gotten engaged, and she was going to have to travel for a wedding, and would be a bridesmaid. It was a wonderful story, Isabelle thought, feeling a pang of jealousy that Ras was going to be in a wedding and she wouldn't. 

As Mel slipped into her leotard, Isabelle spotted Dani and Lola coming into the locker room with Tori. "I'll see you girls in a bit," Isabelle said, leaving her friends and heading over to Dani and Lola. 

"Hey guys," Isabelle said, pulling up behind Dani, Tori, and Lola. Tori excused herself, and smiled toward Isabelle, making sure to say hello. Isabelle continued. "I'm really looking forward to spending some time with you both," Isabelle started, before thinking her comments were odd. "...with you both in class. It should be fun."

Lola smiled, as she put her bags down and started stripping down so she could get into her dance clothes. "We have a great session planned."

Dani, meanwhile, had started changing as well. Isabelle couldn't help but stare - Dani was outrageously beautiful. "It's going to be great Izzy! And we're going to be spending lots of time together, don't you fret," Dani added, before tapping Isabelle on the nose. "We'll meet you in there." 

Isabelle realized it would be awkward to stand around and just watch her friends get changed, and so blushing, Isabelle left them and headed to class to find her friends before it started. Isabelle made her way to the large ballet studio, spotting Mel on the far wall. The room was already packed with all the 6th-8th grade ballet students, who were all anxiously awaiting the program to start. 

Isabelle sat down next to Mel and started stretching, chatting away with her about how their night would be, what they would eat for dinner, and more importantly, what kind of ice cream they would pick up. Isabelle giggled to herself when Natalie came over and suggested they would need to make at least two separate trips to the ice cream parlor. 

Just as Isabelle was going to suggest that pizza was, of course, the only option for dinner, Dani, Lola, Tori, and the rest of the 12th grade ballet students came into the studio. "Alright everyone - Lets get up and ready. I hope you're all stretched out." Dani started - 'she had always been the best with the kids over the summer,' Isabelle was reminded. It came so naturally to her. 

"Today, we're going to start off with a little game," Dani continued. "As you can see, all of the 12th graders are holding flashlights. We're going to play 'In The Spotlight' today. Does everyone know how to play?" 

Isabelle turned to Mel and smiled, before both joined the rest of the room in happily chanting "YES" in response to the question. 'Everyone loved In The Spotlight,' Isabelle thought to herself. What a great way to start class. 

The premise of the game was simple. The lights were turned off, and music would play in the background. Whenever the flashlight was on you, you had to dance. When it wasn't you had to hold the position until another flashlight hit you again. 

Tori turned the lights off, and Lola started the music, as all of the middle school girls took positions and waited for the light to hit them. One after another it did. Isabelle watched as her friends danced away, until Dani finally hit her with the light, and Isabelle danced away - before freezing as the light left her, in a somewhat difficult position to hold. Minutes later, Lola hit her with a light and repeated the process. It was a lot of fun, and the whole class giggled away as their friends fell down from uncomfortable positions, danced ridiculously to fun music, and all together had a blast. Isabelle herself tumbled a few minutes later, laughing the whole way to the floor, feeling a warmth emanating from her slippers and through her body.

The rest of the class was broken out into groups. The 6th, 7th, and 8th graders were all mixed up and assigned to different 12th graders to go over a new bit of choreography. Isabelle was with a group that had Ras, and three 6th graders, and was led by Angelica, a girl Isabelle had been in class with for three years, but who didn't seem to recognize her.

Isabelle glanced over and saw that Mel was in a group with some other students she didn't recognize, but was led by Tori. Isabelle watched as Mel went and gave Tori a big hug. 'It seems they know each other somehow,' Isabelle thought, as Angelica started their group's program. Angelica was a really good teacher in the end, Isabelle thought, and by the end of the whole morning, they had a fun dance but together. 

The morning flew by, and Isabelle didn't expect class to be over so quickly. But before she knew it, Dani was announcing that class was over, and that they would all see each other again next week. Isabelle found Mel, and they left the class together holding hands, and jogging off toward the locker room to change. 

Isabelle changed quickly into an olive colored jumpsuit styled romper that she had located in her closet that morning. She felt cute in it, and let her ballet bun down so her hair could flow down below her shoulders. She then headed off to lunch with Mel, Natalie, and Ras just as Lola and Dani were walking into the locker room. 

"Great job out there girls," Lola had said, as she passed them by. Isabelle smiled. It was nice to be complimented by Lola, and hearing her friend's voice made her feel whole. Today was a good day. 

'Amazing, all of you!" Dani joined in, before turning to Isabelle and adding an extra "see you soon!" Isabelle smiled at that as well, the mere thought of spending more time with her friends providing her with a warmth across her body.

Isabelle made her way out of the lockers with her friends to enjoy lunch.  It turned out Mel did know Tori from outside of school. "She's a life guard at the beach my family goes to. She's always teaching kids to swim and stuff.' Mel explained.

The girls were still all so worked up from class that morning, they spent the whole lunch period chatting away about the game, the choreography, and how much fun they had. Before they knew it, the bell had rung letting them know that it was time for class. "Don't forget, well meet by the high school entrance at the end of the day, okay?" Mel said, before they got up. Isabelle nodded, as did Natalie and Ras.

Isabelle excused herself at that moment, taking the opportunity to go and use the bathroom before class. She really did have a wonderful morning, and she didn't want it spoiled by something as silly as a bathroom incident. So, Isabelle made her way down the corridor before class, and took her time to pee, wiping and washing her hands.

On her way out, Principal Adams caught her in the halls. "Ms. Ward. Class. Now." Isabelle smiled and nodded, heading past Principal Adams, before she stopped her. "Wrong direction young lady. You have Math I, other direction. I just spoke with Mr. Jones. Better get a move on. Now."

Isabelle turned abruptly, walking down the hall. Was this a class she hadn't taken yet? She was rather confused, and turned to look at Principal Adams pointing to his left, indicating she should go into the class to Isabelle's left further down the hall. 

As she entered, the teacher - presumably Mr. Jones - ushered Isabelle to a seat. Immediately, Isabelle recognized that she was among new peers. 'Have I really been struggling so bad in math they are moving me down?' Isabelle wondered. 'It's probably just a mistake, but better to not cause problems.' Isabelle thought to herself, not wanting to jeopardize her evening. 

Isabelle spent the remainder of the afternoon travelling to classes she did not recognize. After math, a young girl in her class pulled her, before she could react, to an English class where her name was called out in attendance. Later that afternoon, Isabelle was guided by a crowd of students into a history class with a new teacher as well, who also knew her name. These classes were no easier than her prior ones. 'Perhaps they're just dividing the Eighth graders into smaller classes,' Isabelle concluded.

The end of the day couldn't have come soon enough, and when the bell rang, Isabelle grabbed all three of her bags, and headed toward the high school entrance. Before making her way there though, Isabelle decided to stop and pee one more time, heading into the main girl's bathroom near the senior lockers to pee. After wrapping up, she headed to the front of the high school, where she spotted Ras, Natalie, and Mel waiting for her. 

"Great," Mel said, "we're all here now." Isabelle smiled at her friends. She was glad to be with them again. She felt comfortable with the group, and missed having at least a few classes with her girls. But that wasn't important. What mattered was the night they had ahead of them.

All four girls were practically skipping out of the school, chatting about the night. Isabelle herself couldn't help but participate in the conversation about how excited they were for the Emerald Chronicles. "And I BET you they emphasize the love story between Julianne and Richard in episode one!" Ras was basically shouting, as they followed Mel's lead toward the car.

"No way!" Isabelle threw out there, "the whole first episode is going to set the stage for the Ruby Rebellion. It was, like, basically the whole point of the first book! I bet you they -" Isabelle was cut off, as Mel pointed toward the car they were going to get into. 

"Come on, my brother is waiting." Mel shouted at them, as she opened the door to sit in the front seat. 

The car was beautiful. It was a large, brand new looking, red SUV. It looked like it had just been washed, and from what Isabelle could tell, was recently washed. It was the type of car that would catch your eye from a mile away - the type of car that 12th graders who could afford to come to Higgins were gifted by their parents. The type of car Isabelle could only dream about. 

Isabelle was not focused on the car, however. Isabelle was focused on the driver of the car. Her best friend's brother. And, it could not be worse.

It was Avery. 

Avery was Mel's brother.

Isabelle would be sleeping over. At Avery's house. And it wasn't to see him. 

Isabelle froze at the side of the car. Her love life had been put on hold while she was solving whatever was happening to her. But it wasn't exactly like she had forgotten about Avery. Her Avery. The sweet boy who she had fawned over. 

But here he was. Driving his little sister home from school. And her little friends. Her little friends like Isabelle. 

Isabelle's trance was broken as Mel called out to her. "Hello! EARTH TO BELLY?!?!" Isabelle recoiled, and looked at Mel in response. "What are you waiting for? Get in the car?"

Isabelle looked more closely, and saw that Natalie and Ras were already in the back seat. Isabelle allowed instinct to take over, and slowly climbed into the back of the SUV, dumping all her bags on to her lap. "Buckle up everyone," Avery called from the front. Isabelle blushed horribly - her crush was telling her to "buckle up," and even though it felt condescending, her heart raced at his mere acknowledgment of her.

"So.....Belly! What were you saying. you bet they what?" Ras asked, following up from where Isabelle had left off the conversation. But Isabelle had no recollection of what she was saying. And the very last thing she wanted to discuss in front of Avery was a show his little sister enjoyed. 

"I'm not sure Ras. I forgot what I was saying," Isabelle said, trying her damndest to sound mature. When she solved whatever was happening, she didn't want to risk Avery having any memory of this...fiasco. 

Isabelle stayed mostly silent as Avery drove the girls up through what the Higgins students had dubbed 'Mansion Row,' where, apparently, Mel and Avery lived. It wasn't a shock - Avery had mentioned that he had a vacation or beach house or whatever it was, not long ago. Isabelle was excited to see where he - where Mel lived. 

It was not much longer until Avery pulled up to their house - a stunning manor that Isabelle was mesmerized by. The house was truly spectacular, and resembled an old southern estate. Isabelle got out of the car once it was in park, and made her way after Mel, Avery, and Ras, with Natalie trailing behind her. 'At least I'll get my own bedroom tonight,' Isabelle thought to herself. 

Avery opened the door for the girls, who fell into the foyer with all their bags. "Okay, let's go put everything upstairs," Mel proposed, "and then well decide on dinner." Isabelle nodded, hauling her bags up the stairs at the back of the entryway, which rotated up to the second floor. Isabelle followed her friends as they marched down a hallway to Mel's room. "You can all stay in your normal spots, but lets put everything in my room for now," Mel decided.

Mel opened the door to her room, which was, unsurprisingly, spectacular, if not childish. The room had a large desk, several bookcases, a poof chair, and of course, Mel's bed. the pastel pink walls with white trim were covered with posters of boy bands, of pictures with Isabelle and other friends, and of course, with a giant framed poster for their upcoming show that night. If Isabelle was described as an even bigger fan than Mel, she worried what her friends' thought of her fandom. 

Isabelle dropped her bags, and decided to hop on Mel's bed. The other girls took various spots around the room, before Mel hopped on the bed to lay next to Isabelle. She gave her a little whack with a pillow, before mockingly asking "soooooooo. Got all quiet in the car with my brother. Do you liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike him?!?1" The remark drew "ooohs' and "ahhhs" from Natalie and Ras, as well as crimson blushing from Isabelle.

"Don't be ridiculous," Isabelle responded, doing her best to fend off the accurate accusation. "Boys are gross." It was the safest excuse she could come up with. 

Mel seemed satisfied. "Well good. Anyways he isn't going to be here tonight, so he wont be able to bother us. He's going out on some date or something." Mel responded, much to Isabelle's dismay. It hurt her feelings knowing he was going to be out with another girl. 'But it's not as if he would date me....' Isabelle thought, '...I'm just a child to him..' Isabelle had to accept her reality, if she was going to be able to change it. 

The girls spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on their first week of school, chatting about their dance classes, and especially talking about how much fun they had earlier in the day with the 12th graders. Isabelle really liked these girls, and was grateful for their friendship. She did not know what she would do if she were completely alone in this state. Most of all, she was happy they helped her relax again, and continue to enjoy the day, the thought of Avery well out of her mind. Isabelle had not even been phased when Avery had called up to let Mel know he was leaving, instead too focused on helping Natalie fix her French braids. 

As the afternoon turned to the evening, Ras informed them that it was already 7:20 PM, and they would need to order food soon so they could get ready for the show before 9. Mel agreed, and took out her phone, promptly ordering pizza on an app, saying it would be there by 8.

Isabelle took the opportunity to go to the bathroom, having felt the urge for sometime, but having too much fun to leave. Now her need was becoming more desperate, and she got up to leave the room, and headed down the hall to the bathroom. Only upon sitting down did Isabelle realize how badly she needed to go, peeing for almost a full minute before the stream settled. 

Isabelle made her way back after washing her hands, but her friends had moved downstairs and called her. Isabelle made her way down to the kitchen where they were setting up a table to eat ate, and joined in to help them. Not too long later, the pizza arrived, and the four girls were around the table, chomping away at the delicious combination of bread, cheese, sauce, and a host of toppings. The girls each washed it all down with large glasses of soda, chatting away about anything and everything. 'It was a perfect night,' Isabelle concluded. 

By the time they had wrapped up dinner, it was almost time to start the show. "Okay. Ice cream everyone, and then downstairs." Isabelle popped up off her chair, and made her way to the freezer to inspect her options. It felt like second nature, going through Mel's house, but Isabelle couldn't exactly understand why. It was her first time there. Nevertheless, everything she did was fluid, and, after settling on the tub of mint chocolate chip, Isabelle made her way directly over to a drawer that she knew had an ice cream scooper, promptly scooping her ice cream before handing the scooper off to Natalie.

Ice cream in hand, all four girls made their way down toward the basement, following Mel as they did. They passed through a living space downstairs, and by the laundry room, making their way to what Isabelle knew was going to the the home theater. Once inside. Isabelle sat herself down on the big couch, all three of friends squishing in with her as well. Mel grabbed the remote, turning to the correct channel, just minutes before it started. 

The next hour could only be described in one word, according to Isabelle at least - 'glorious.' The show makers had cast the characters beautifully, and the writing was true to the books. Isabelle, Mel, Natalie, and Ras could barely sit for the next hour, each of their butts lifted just off of the couch as they journeyed with the show through all the characters back stories, ventured through the lands, before ending in the Gumdrop Gullet where Henrietta would combat the Ghastly Gorgon. When the show ended, the girls' collective jaws were on the floor.

The girls spent the next hour breaking down the show, as one does. "That was the greatest thing ever!" Isabelle exclaimed, "there is literally no way I can wait a full week to watch that again. It was....It was...."

"IT WAS SPECTACULAR Belly! That's the only word for it," Mel said, ending her friends sentence. "Can you BELIEVE how nice all those sets were! ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I just wish we could really be there!"

Isabelle nodded. She really did agree - it would be fun. As they all chatted away, Isabelle could hear someone come in from upstairs. "It's just my parents," Mel said, letting everyone know she was going upstairs to say hi." Isabelle smiled, and rejoined her other friends in conversation. Isabelle was having a great night, and nothing could spoil all the fun she was having with her friends.

Mel returned downstairs and suggested that they all go up and get ready for bed. Isabelle knew it was only about 11 PM, but she was feeling tired. "Sounds good to me," Isabelle responded, yawning immediately after. That drew giggles from her friends, and together, they all hiked up the stairs to Mel's bedroom. 

As soon as Isabelle closed the door behind them, her friends all started to undress. Isabelle shouldn't have been so startled by it - they were dancers. They were used to seeing each other naked, changing between classes, changing outfits for shows. They all knew exactly what one another looked like. Modesty was not something that stuck with you as a dancer. And yet, that was exactly what surprised Isabelle about the situation - she felt completely normal. Her friends all looked exaclty like they were supposed to - exactly like she did. In face, Ras and Mel had far more mature bodies than Isabelle did, and were the only two actually wearing bras that night. As Isabelle removed her own shirt, and looked down at her chest, she felt she was closer to looking like small Natalie than her other friends, with barely more than budding breasts. Yet, this all felt completely normal, completely right.

Isabelle opened the bag her mother had packed her, searching for her pajamas. As she rummaged through, she found a set - a baby blue matching top and bottoms with panda bears on them. Isabelle smiled - she loved this set - and immediately went about putting them on, while she continued to chat away with her friends. After they were all in their pajamas, they made their way to the bathroom together to brush their teeth, engaging in silliness the whole time. The girls giggling even garnered a "Shhh" from Mel's parents' bedroom, which of course, only caused more laughter. 

Isabelle set her toothbrush down, and left the bathroom, distracted by all the fun she was having, Isabelle went back to Mel's room to grab her bag so she could change in the morning, hugged all of her friends goodnight, before making her way down the hall toward the guest room she knew was designated for her, without needing to ask a question. Isabelle opened the door, yawning again, before walking in, and setting her bag down. Isabelle opened the bag again, having noted that her mom had packed Rabbity for her, and pulled Rabbity out before climbing into bed, exhausted from the day. Almost as soon as she was under the white sheets, Isabelle was fast asleep again, clutching Rabbity against her chest. 

****

Isabelle woke with a start. "no no no no no no." Unfortunately, the answer to the question was not no. It was yes. Isabelle was wetting the bed again. And this time, Isabelle did not wake up in time to stop the stream. This time, Isabelle was really wetting the bed. It occurred to her that she had forgotten to pee before she went to sleep. And so, Isabelle laid there, awake long enough to feel the last of her pee leave her bladder, and pour out onto the bed. What was there to do? 'Nothing,' Isabelle thought to herself, and proceeded to do the only thing that felt appropriate: cry.

Isabelle cried long and hard, shifting to her side and holding Rabbity tight. 'This was it. This is my demise,' Isabelle thought. No, she was not concerned about the fact that she had wet the bed. Rather, she was concerned that her friends would find out. It was the only though occupying her mind. 'I have something great going with these girls. And if they find out.......they'll never want to hang out with me again." Isabelle wept, and wept some more, for what felt like an hour, and the once warm pee that had soaked through her panda pants and panties had cooled off, leaving her legs uncomfortable.

Isabelle needed to devise a plan. She knew it. She just felt incapable. What was she supposed to do? At home, she would wash her sheets, shower, and change, and hide the evidence. But this was not her house. It was Mel's house. And Isabelle....

'No,' Isabelle concluded, 'I do know where the laundry room is,' she thought to herself. But could she really pull this off? It seemed so much easier to resign herself to her inevitable fate - that her friends would find out she was a bedwetter. Maybe they would still accept her. 'But also maybe not,' she thought, and the risk was too great. 

Doing her best to calm down, Isabelle made a plan. She would strip the bed, take the sheets down, and then worry about the mattress. First thing was first: getting up. And so, with great effort, and in soaking wet pants, Isabelle stood up and got out of the bed. The damage to the sheets was catastrophic - she really had released her full bladder. If there was any silver lining, it was that her pajama top managed to stay completely dry, which would be helpful later. 

Isabelle worked diligently, taking the dry comforter off, and moving it to a lounge chair in the room. Isabelle then took off the white sheets, both top and fitted, noting that they were very thick. 'Perhaps they absorbed everything?' Isabelle thought, as she pulled the fitted sheet off. It was too much to hope for; though the sheets were fairly absorbent, there still was a pee spot on the mattress that Isabelle would need to manage. 

Isabelle took another breath, and collected the sheets in her arms, wrapping the wettest parts into the middle so she wouldn't have to touch them. 'You can do this Iz. You have to do this.' The task felt impossible to do on her own, and part of her wanted nothing more than to wake up Melly and let her know, and ask for help. But that was the greatest risk of all, and not one she would be willing to take. 

So, with one more deep breath, and tear streaked cheeks, Isabelle took her bundle of sheets, and opened the door to the hallway.

Only it wasn't a hallway she saw when she opened the door. 

It wasn't dead space. 

It wasn't the quiet of the night.

It was Avery, coming home from where ever he had been that night, opening the door to his own bedroom. 

Except now Avery was starring at Isabelle, starring at a girl who had obviously just wet the bed, carrying her sheets, and offering the most sympathetic gaze one could imagine. There was nothing Isabelle could do to stop it this time. Isabelle just stood there, and resumed crying.

[Kahlez]

1 hour ago, Olympiczero said:

It's probably just a mistake, but better to not cause problems

I get a bit worried for her that she dont seem to make the connection between her getting younger and her new classes. 

[BabySofia]

Poor girl... I'm guessing she took a step back to 7th grade that day? Talk about mortifying for her crush to find her like that. I hope he's the kind of guy who gently helps her out! 

[Babydry]

Great Story!! Can’t wait for Saturdays sleep over. 

[FloridaKid]

I’m touched by your appreciation post! I love what you’ve done with this story and the fact that you are willing to incorporate readers’ suggestions. There are several things that stand out to me. You pay great attention to detail in the ballet sequences/scenes. As a musician I am familiar with ballet solely from the perspective of an orchestra pit and the music history/appreciation courses I took in college. However, I am quite impressed by the level of detail in your writing and the apparent knowledge you possess. I am also impressed with how easily you make Isabelle a relatable character. I find it easy to feel her emotions and empathize with her trials.

Given the strength of your writing, I am not surprised by the number of hits this story has. You have every right to be proud of your effort! ❤️💕

[Olympiczero]

On 5/9/2023 at 12:21 AM, FloridaKid said:

I’m touched by your appreciation post! 

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words.

 

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 23 

Isabelle stood, motionless, frozen in fear. If you had told her at the start of the week that she would ever have been in this position, Isabelle would have laughed at you. By now, Isabelle expected to have answers to her problems, not more problems without answers.

The boy she had crushed on, the boy she hoped she would be able to return to, stood frozen himself for a minute, calculating how to react to seeing a teenager standing in the hallway of his house in wet pajamas and holding wet sheets. Isabelle couldn't help but notice how cute Avery looked that night. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans that fit him perfectly, and a long sleeved, grey cashmere sweater. Not that it mattered - 'it's not like I can just point that out right now....'

What transpired next was the realization of Isabelle's greatest fears. Avery just started laughing at her. A full, hearty, loud lough. A laugh that struck though Isabelle, broke her, and caused her to drop her pajamas, and cry even louder. Avery proceeded to lift his arm, pointing directly at her sheets, at her, and continued to laugh. Laugh, laugh, laugh, and laugh, as Isabelle continued to cry, cry, cry, and cry.

After several minutes of unshakable laughter, Avery went off somewhere in the other direction, his laughter echoing through the house. Isabelle didn't move, horrified from what was happening. But what could she do, she wondered, as she heard Avery knocking on a door down the hall, saying something quite loud, and hearing the sound of several sets of footsteps retuning  in her direction.

Isabelle shifted her gaze to her right to see Avery returning, this time with company. Avery, and now Mel, Natalie, and Ras, who upon realizing what Isabelle had done, likewise pointed and jointed in on the laughter, each one seemingly louder than the previous. Mel stopped for a moment, to throw in a "what a baby remark," before returning to laughing with the other girls, who nodded in response, and Avery. Isabelle again did nothing. She should do nothing. She cried more, dropping her sheets to the floor, and revealing her wet pants. The result only garnered more laughter. 

The noise from the hall apparently caused Mel's parents to wake up, and come out. Mel's dad, upon seeing what was happening, simply shook his head, stating "your problem," to his wife, before returning to bed. Mel and Avery's mom, on the other hand, stomped toward Isabelle, scoffing at how she was a child, and expressing great concern for the mattress Mel's mom moved past Isabelle to see the damage that the teenage girl had done, chastising her daughter for "inviting a baby over for a sleepover." The remark only caused the audience to laugh harder, to the point where Mel's mom joined in as well. 

Isabelle's life felt like it was over. 'It is over,' Isabelle clarified, as she continued to cry

And cry.

And cry.

Except....

Except none of what Isabelle had imagined actually happened. 

Except the events that transpired were not consistent at all with this fantasy, nay, nightmare.

Avery had not laughed. Her friends had not joined. Mel and Avery's mom had not chastised her. And indeed, her life was far, far from over.

No, the scene Isabelle thought took place only transpired in Isabelle's head, as she stood in front of Avery, traumatized, sad, and expecting the worst. Perhaps she should have thought better, but in that moment, it was hard to do. 

But Avery was still standing there, and he was not laughing, and he had not fetched her friends. Her friends had not seen her in her state, had not laughed, and had not mocked her. Mel's parents had not heard her, had not chastised her, and had not made her feel worse. And no, her life was not over.

Instead, Isabelle was broken out of the nightmare that took place in her head by one thing - the simple touch of a hand on her shoulder. It was not enough for Isabelle to stop crying, but it was enough for her to pick her head up, and open her eyes enough to see Avery, having stepped closer to her, place his hand on her shoulder, and smile down at her. Avery didn't say anything at first - instead, he just held her shoulder, and in that moment, that meant the world. 

"Hey....hey......Isabelle. It's okay. Shhhh shhh shhhh its okay. Just be a little quieter. Shhhhhhh...deep breaths..." Avery had now placed another hand on her arm, and was squatting down to come down to Isabelle's level. His words of comfort sent shockwaves of calm and warmth through Isabelle, enough that she was able to slow down her crying, and taking Avery's advice of taking deep breaths. 

"It's okay Isabelle," Avery continued to say, over and over, as though it would help. And it did. Isabelle started feeling a bit better, at least. "These things happen, Isabelle. It's okay. It's okay...shhhh." Avery was now rubbing Isabelle's back, and all Isabelle wanted to do in that moment was collapse into him. If not for the fact that she was in pee soaked pants, she might have. 

"It's okay Isabelle," Avery kept repeating, before finally adding something new. "This happens all the time. Its no big deal. It was still happening with Mel all the time a few years ago. Its okay." Avery had a smile on the entire time he was speaking to Isabelle, and did not stop holding Isabelle for what felt like the better part of 20 minutes. 

Isabelle was, eventually, able to calm down enough, to utter a few discombobulated words 'I...I.....I..dunnno....wat happened...." Isabelle muttered through her drying tears. "...I.....I......I'm sorryyyyyy." It felt necessary to apologize, but it also caused Isabelle to start crying again.

Avery stood up, still smiling at the poor, pathetic girl in front of her. "It's not a problem," Avery said, before pumping his chest out a bit and pointing his thumb back at himself, "and, lucky for you, I am a seasoned veteran at fixing....any sort of problem. Even tiny ones like this. Let's get this cleaned up together, okay?" Avery proposed, before adding words that Isabelle never expected to hear. "That way, no one will ever need to find out. Sound good?"

'Sound good? Sounds friggin great!' Isabelle couldn't believe this was happening. Not that it would have been within Avery's character to mock her. But still - the boy came home from a night out with his friends to find his little sister's friend having wet her bed. He could have easily just said a few nice words and gone to bed. That was not what he did - he went above and beyond. 'My Avery is perfect, I knew it!' Isabelle thought, her heart fluttering.

Isabelle managed to stop crying enough, and nod toward Avery. Avery, without hesitation - or apparently concern for his 'hmmmmmm....warm, nice, form fitting cashmere sweater.........Snap out of Iz!' Isabelle's mind was elsewhere - ahem, without concern for his cashmere sweater getting, uh...wet....took the sheets out of Isabelle's hands, and into his arms, and motioned his head for Isabelle to follow him toward the stairs. 'What choice do I have?' Isabelle thought. Whereas moments ago moving felt like an insurmountable task, Isabelle's feet managed to move her body, following after Avery, 'and his really cute butt in those jeans...my god....ISABELLE! priorities,' Isabelle was compelled to remind herself.

Isabelle followed after Avery in her wet pants, as Avery carried her wet sheets down the first set, and then second set, of stairs in silence. 'What is left to say?' Isabelle wondered. 'I'm not even solving this issue by myself - I needed help.' Isabelle wondered what she would have been able to manage by herself. 'I did manage the strip the sheets of the bed. That was very grown up of me!' Isabelle thought to herself, proud of her actions.

As soon as Avery hit the basement floor, he turned back to Isabelle, still smiling, "Sorry we had to be so quiet! I didn't want to wake anyone else,' he said, 'Let's get to the laundry room and just throw these sheets in. Kay?" 

Isabelle nodded, and mustered a "thanks," before following Avery into the laundry room. 

Avery promptly opened the lid to the washer, tossing the sheets in, before turning back to Isabelle. "We'll need to throw your pajamas in there as well. Just wait a second." Avery said, leaving her alone in the room for a minute or two. Avery returned, holding something in his arms. "I assume you have something to change into for tomorrow. But you can wear this tonight to sleep. Sorry - I couldn't find any of Mel's PJs in the wash," Avery said apologetically, before handing her some garment. "Why don't you get changed in here while I go upstairs really quick and just treat the mattress. Don't worry about it - I got this."

Isabelle blushed as Avery handed her the clothing, which turned out to be one of his large black hoodies, with the word "HIGGINS" splayed across the front, in large, bold printed purple letters. But Isabelle was blushing for another reason too - Avery had asked her to get changed in front of him. 'The circumstances are odd....but maybe I still do have a chance!' Isabelle thought. 

Standing in the laundry room with Avery, alone, Isabelle moved her hands down toward her wet pants to start pulling them off, before stopping at the sound of Avery's voice, "Go to the bathroom to change silly. You'll probably want to wipe down your legs first. Don't worry about the towel, I'll throw those in to the washer too," Avery directed her, before grabbing a spray bottle of something and heading up, leaving Isabelle alone.

"Clearly you misread his request, you dingus," Isabelle said aloud to herself. "What 12th grader would have any attraction to a pee soaked baby?" She asked herself, making her way to the bathroom.

Isabelle peeled her pants and panties off of her legs, noting that this accident had been particularly large; her clothes were soaked, and stinky. Isabelle ran the warm water from the faucet, and grabbed a towel, before wetting it and wiping her legs down, cleaning herself off. After she was done, Isabelle took a moment to wash her face, her tears having dried in streaks from her eyes to her chin, and wiping her nose which was embarrassingly snotty. Isabelle hardly recognized the girl starring back at her in the mirror as she picked her head up - a freckled face blonde tween with puffy red eyes, and a round face -  but it was her, and deep down, it felt like who she was supposed to be.

Isabelle considered, for a moment, just wearing her own pajama top out, but looking down, it barely hung over her waist. She was bottomless, and couldn't walk in front of Avery - or anyone - in her pre-pubescent, bottomless state. So Isabelle unbuttoned her pajama top, before taking the sweatshirt Avery handed her, and throwing it on. The weight of the sweatshirt shocked her, almost tumbling over as she put it on, the waistband falling to her shins. Isabelle took one last look at herself in the mirror, before leaving the bathroom and returning to the laundry room to wait for Avery. 

Avery, was not however, in the laundry room, as Isabelle shuffled in the room in her new sweatshirt. Isabelle took the opportunity to throw her pants and panties into the washer, not wanting Avery to see the disaster that had become of them, and wrapped the long sleeves of the sweatshirt around herself, waiting for his return, and inhaling the smell of him in her hood. 

It took about 10 minutes before Avery returned. As he walked in the room, Isabelle smiled for the first time that night. "Someone looks to be in a better mood," Avery pointed out, obviously noting the same. His own smile had not dissipated, as he set down some cleaning solution on the table. "Everything in the washer," Avery asked, generating a nod from Isabelle, who was still in too much shock to speak. "Great," Avery responded, throwing in a laundry pod before shutting the door, and turning the machine on.

"I put some new sheets on the bed, and the mattress will be fine - there's nothing to worry about. How about we head up and go to sleep - I'm not sure about you, but I'm tired," Avery said, adding a questionably real yawn at the end of his statement. 

Isabelle managed to peep out an "okay," before following Avery up the stairs. 'It was like he said, no one would need to find out, and this would all be behind them. And Avery....well maybe he'll forget too, and still be interested in spending time together. Circumstances weren't ideal, but, I am bottomless in his sweatshirt!' Isabelle thought to herself, 'so maybe some progress? How many girls can say that?' 

Isabelle put her foot down on the last step at the top floor, following mere paces behind Avery. Avery had left her door open, and when he arrived at his own across the hall, he turned back to her one more time. "Isabelle, don't worry about any of this. It's no big deal. Just go to sleep, and be perfectly normal in the morning. It was just an accident. It happens." 

Isabelle finally felt at ease with the whole situation. But she owed Avery more than a smile. More than simple silence. "Avery," Isabelle started, before feeling as though her tongue had receded into her stomach. 'Now or never Iz,' she thought, motivating herself. "Thank you. Really. Thank you so much," Isabelle said, throwing all the gratitude she could muster into the thought. 

"Any time Belly. Any time," was all he responded, before going into his room, and closing the door behind him. 

Isabelle turned to go into her own room before stopping - 'better go to the bathroom first,' she thought, making her way down the hall, somehow finding it within herself to pee. Isabelle returned back to her room, intending to get into bed, but stopped outside of Avery's room, after hearing some noises coming out of it. There was no reason to bother him, despite feeling the deep desire to thank him again. It was all Isabelle could do to stop herself from knocking on the door.

Instead, Isabelle turned back to her own room, shutting the door behind her. Isabelle spotted the new sheets, the scent of a cleaning solution permeating the room. Avery had kindly left the window open, so the smell would leave by morning. Isabelle was, in fact, exhausted, and so climbed back into bed, holding Rabbity to her chest, and without warning, fell deeply asleep once more, the scent of Avery's sweatshirt filling her dreams.

***

Isabelle woke up to the sunshine hitting her face, the sound of birds chirping away outside her open window. Isabelle felt great, for the first time in several nights, having slept through most of the night after her....incident. Isabelle stretched her arms over her head, and arched her back, yawning once more before opening her eyes. As she did, a sense of panic hit her, and she quickly diverted her eyes under the covers, hoping she hadn't had another accident. The site of dry sheets was not simply a relief, but rather, a source of pride, as Isabelle smiled at the white and blue striped sheets underneath her body, clad in an enormous sweatshirt.

It had been too much to hope that last night had merely been a dream - 'I mean nightmare' - but the reminder of how kind Avery had been was a source of great comfort as Isabelle hung her legs over the side of the bed, letting them dangle and swing inches above the floor. Yawning once more, Isabelle stood up, and opened her bag to get dressed for the day.

Isabelle pulled out a pair of white panties with a pink bow on the front, slipping them up her legs, before pulling the massive sweatshirt up from her shins, over her head, and dropping it on the floor. The mere weight of it made removing it a challenge. Isabelle then took out a pair of simple jeans her mom had packed her, pulling them on, before grabbing the only shirt in the bag - a light green one with a star on the chest. Isabelle felt quite cute as her outfit came together, slipping plain white socks on before opening her door and heading out.

As Isabelle opened the door, she noticed that Avery's bedroom door was already open, indicating he was already up. 'I'll have to go to the bathroom first, make sure I'm looking okay this morning before I see him' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle took the opportunity, however, to peek into his room, seeing his neatly made bed, shelves of old looking books, and desk with two monitors on it, and what looked to be a gaming chair. Above his nightstand was a little basketball hoop that Isabelle envisioned Avery playing around with, '...jumping.....sweating...scoring..' Isabelle's imagination was running a little wild that morning, and her crush had, despite the evenings events, only strengthened. 

Isabelle moved quickly toward the bathroom, seeing her friends doors were still closed. Isabelle quickly sat down on the toilet, peeing and pooping, before standing up and spraying an air freshener. Isabelle then brushed her teeth, and more critically, brushed her hair, which had been a mess that morning. Finally, she washed the remnants of her tear stained cheeks, doing her best to look as presentable and mature as possible, before leaving the bathroom and making her way downstairs.

Isabelle walked into the kitchen, trying to present as much confidence as possible. Unfortunately, Avery was not there. Instead, it was just Mel's mom Mandy, a name that Isabelle knew for some reason. "Hey Belly! Good morning to you. I heard you girls were having lots of fun last night! Where was my invite?!" Mandy was holding a warm cup of coffee that Isabelle deeply desired as she asked her questions.

Isabelle didn't answer right away, instead looking around the room to see if she could find any evidence of Avery. But there was none. Her search was interrupted by Mandy again. "Looking for someone in particular there Belly?" She asked, almost teasingly.

Isabelle turned red and shook her head "No - I uhh.....Just wanted to see if anyone else was awake." It was a fair enough excuse, Isabelle thought, before sitting down at the counter next to where Mandy was leaning up against. "And yah...we had a lot of fun," Isabelle said, finally responding to Mandy's question. "The show last night was SO good. I mean, it was incredible!" 

Mandy laughed, seemingly having captured Isabelle's attention now. It appeared to Isabelle that Mandy was about to ask her something, but decided against it, before continuing on another subject. "I spoke to you mom this morning, and she said she's running a few errands this morning, so is only going to pick you up around noon, okay?

Isabelle nodded. "Now," Mandy continued, "Let's get you some breakfast. Still a cereal girl?" Isabelle smiled. At least she wouldn't have to worry about what there was to eat.

"Yes please. Thank you!" Isabelle replied, as she watched Mandy go about and prepare her breakfast, happy that she would get to spend the day with her best friend. 

"I'm glad you're awake," Mandy went on, "I was all alone down here. Avery got up early, before he left to go to the gym. And James left even earlier than that! So I've been all alone. Having a teenage daughter is the worst too - she sleeps in now all the time. Thank goodness for you Belly, now I don't need to be alone," Mandy said playfully. Isabelle was happy to make Mandy happy - it felt good.

Isabelle dug into her cereal as soon as she got it. She was starving that morning, but couldn't exactly explain why. In between bites, she chatted with Mandy, giving her friend's mom a breakdown of the show from last night - 'I really think she's interested' - and thanking her for the pizza - "I ate SO much Mandy. It was amazing." Mandy listened, responded, and kept the conversation going, until the sound of footsteps on the stairs indicated that some more girls were up.

Mel and Ras came down the stairs, still in their pajamas, and joined Isabelle at the counter. "Uh-oh," Mel started, "what information did you give up to my mom Belly?! TRAITOR!" Mel  joked, before running up and giving Isabelle a hug from behind. Isabelle nearly spit the cereal in her mouth out, managing to just allow a dribble of milk to drop down her chin instead. "Don't spit that out on us, hahah" Mel responded, before asking Isabelle "did you sleep okay last night?"

Isabelle felt the question was loaded, even though it wasn't. Isabelle went red at the thought of what happened last night, of the time she spent with Avery, of their moment in the laundry room......."I slept fine, ya!" was how Isabelle elected to respond, before watching as Mel and Ras made themselves breakfast. 

The rest of the morning went smoothly. Natalie came down not long after, making herself breakfast, and joining the other girls. It was not long before Natalie's dad, and then Ras's mom, came to pick them each up respectively. After breakfast, Mel cleared her own and Isabelle's meals, and they decided to go downstairs to re-stream their show from the night prior, and look for things they missed. 

"I'll be there in a second," Isabelle said, letting Mel get ahead of her and making her way to the bathroom first to pee. Once she was done, Isabelle decided to quickly go to the laundry room to see if she could put her pajamas in the dryer before her mom came. When she got in, however, she saw that the white sheets, her pajama pants, and her panties had already been dried and folded. 'Did Avery dry and fold my clothes?' Isabelle wondered to herself, before her thought was interrupted by Mel calling for her to hurry up. 

Isabelle joined her friend, and snuggled under a fur blanket with Mel, before Mel started the show. Their idea bore fruit, and the two worked together, pausing the show repeatedly, to note the various subtleties they missed in all of their excitement the night prior. 'The show really was a masterpiece,' Isabelle concluded, thrilled to be laughing, smiling, gasping, and squealing with Mel all morning long.

Unfortunately, all good things need to come to an end, and before she knew it, Mandy came downstairs to let Isabelle know that her mom would be there any second. Isabelle wrapped her arms around Mel, saying goodbye, before making her way out of the theater room by herself. On the way upstairs to grab all three of her bags, Isabelle made a pit stop in the laundry room to grab her things, concealing them as she ran up the stairs to quickly stuff them in her bag. Successful in her deception, Isabelle took her things, and headed out the front door, waving goodbye to Mel one last time. 

"Hi Sweetie! How are you!?!" Jane asked chipperly, from the front seat of the car, having rolled down the window to greet her daughter. Isabelle was happy to see her mom - happier than she expected. Seeing her alone lent Isabelle comfort in a way she could not fully understand. Isabelle smiled at her mom and waved, moving quickly to the car and depositing her bags in the trunk. Isabelle went to go open the front seat of the car, but it was locked. "Get in the back hunny," Isabelle heard her mom remark. Without thinking much on it, Isabelle complied, getting into the backseat, and buckling her seatbelt.

"Mom I had a great time! Thanks for letting me go!" It was true, if Isabelle was being honest. She had, overall, had quite a good time. "Mandy said I could come back next week. Can I? Can I please? Please mom?" Isabelle asked successively, as her mom laughed in the front seat. 

"Well talk about it sweetie. I need to see if you're available. But well try, okay?" Jane said, much to Isabelle's disappointment. Isabelle wanted a commitment, not a promise to try. But there was no sense arguing it. 

"Fine," was all Isabelle said in reply, as Jane drove home. Isabelle and Jane chatted along the way, while Isabelle starred out the window as they drove through Mansion Row, through the adjacent neighborhood, around the next, town, and to the townhouse that Isabelle and Jane lived at. The ride had been pleasant, and Isabelle felt glad to be home when she arrived.

Once the car stopped, Isabelle popped out of the back and made her way up toward the staircase. Before she had a chance to turn and look for her mom, she heard Jane call after her. "Isabelle. Bags. Trunk. Now." Isabelle jogged back to the car to retrieve her things, before meeting her mom at the top of the stairs, and entering the house. Just before Isabelle dropped her things, her mom scolded her "take those to your room. I don't want you to leave them at the foot of the door."

Grumpily, Isabelle complied, carrying her things up to her bedroom, and depositing them on the floor. Isabelle then made her way to the bathroom, feeling the urge to pee, before heading to the kitchen in search for something to eat. To her satisfaction, Jane had prepared her a sandwich which was waiting for her downstairs, which Isabelle happily started eating away at.

"So," Jane started, as Isabelle was mid bite into her turkey and cheddar, "I'm going to have to walk you over to Jess's a little earlier tonight, okay?" Isabelle nodded, curious why her mom felt the need to walk her down the block. "And I am going to be out with them a little later, so just in case, I dropped some pajamas off with your bag there, just in case you get tired sweetie." Isabelle kept eating away, ignoring her mom's remarks for the most part. Sure, Isabelle heard her, but Isabelle didn't mind staying up and waiting. 

It was her mom's next series of remarks that shocked her. "The sitter is already going to be there, so you don't have to worry. And there's something else I want to talk to you about sweetie."

Isabelle put down her sandwich to respond. "Sitter? What do you mean sitter? I'm the sitter? What other sitter is coming? I DON'T NEED A SITTER?!?!" Isabelle was starting to get upset, at the realization or suggestion that she needed a babysitter. 

Jane responded calmly to each of her daughter's points. "Yes sweetie, there is going to be a sitter there. No, she's not there for you, she's there for Eric and Becky. I know you don't need a sitter. But I don't think you'll be too upset because - "

Isabelle interrupted her mom again. "But mom, I can watch Eric and Becky. I do all the time. Why are they getting another sitter? Is it because.....because Becky peed on the couch last week? Is that why they replaced me?" Isabelle was getting visibly upset, and there was an obvious distress in her voice.

Jane remained calm, offering her daughter a smile. "Sweetie I know you can watch the kids sometimes, especially during the day. But were going to be out very late tonight, and Jess was just more comfortable having someone over to watch Eric who is a bit older. She still thinks you're very responsible. And the sitter knows that she isn't there to watch you - we told her specifically in fact," Jane said, placing special emphasis on the last part.

Isabelle wanted to yell. To scream. It wasn't right. It wasn't fair. But yelling and screaming wouldn't change her mom's mind, and Isabelle knew it. And so long as her mom was serious about the last part. 'Fine. As long as she knows she isn't there to watch me - just Eric and Becky, right? Right?!" Isabelle asked, inquisitively. 

Jane smiled at her daughter. "Of course darling. Just for Eric and Becky. Don't you fret." Jane considered, for a moment, the other issue she wanted to discuss with Isabelle. 'It may not be the time," Jane thought to herself. 'She's already all up in arms about this babysitter issue - I don't want to make it worse. But then again...what if..' Jane paused to consider the implications, before settling on her decision. 'No....it should be fine. I'll just have to let the sitter know.' Jane thought it would be better this way, all things considered.

Isabelle was not pleased about the situation. Nevertheless, if it was made clear that the babysitter was not there for her, she would manage. Isabelle's plan was simple - 'I'm going to keep away from everyone. If I am not there to babysit, I'll just keep reading my book or something.'

Isabelle turned back to her mom. "As long as its clear I am not being babysat mom. I still think this is silly. I can be left alone to babysit kids, not be babysat like a kid." Isabelle huffed, before turning away having finished her lunch, and considering her options for the night. 

[AwD_95]

Another great chapter!

I have browsed this site for roughly a year but your story is the one that finally got me to make an account just to send a comment to this story.

I love the show burn elements and the writing just is perfect.

I'm excited for where this will continue (to the point where I check almost every 2 hours to see if the next update is posted XD)

 

Keep up the great work!! (Also, an aside, if you ever make a Patreon I would love to subscribe to it)

[Kahlez]

18 minutes ago, Olympiczero said:

This happens all the time. Its no bg deal

The boring thing out first... some people like getting a bit help finding those errors just let me know if you dont want to- no big deal 

1 hour ago, Olympiczero said:

Having a teenage daughter is the worst too - she sleeps in now all the time. Thank goodness for you Belly, now I don't need to be alone

So I assume she went a bit younger again during the night. I think I noticed a pattern here. Every time she had an accident and went to sleep the next morning she appeared to be a bit younger. This Chapter again so maybe that in combination with her wearing the slippers is what triggers it. If that is true it could mean that the process will get faster given that it seems she has more and more accidents.  

1 hour ago, Olympiczero said:

No....it should be fine. I'll just have to let the sitter know

I have a feeling she is talking about the accidents and that the sitter maybe is not only there for the other kids. 

[Olympiczero]

8 minutes ago, AwD_95 said:

I'm excited for where this will continue (to the point where I check almost every 2 hours to see if the next update is posted XD)

Keep up the great work!! (Also, an aside, if you ever make a Patreon I would love to subscribe to it)

Thank you so much. This comment means a lot to me, as someone who has done exactly the same for other writers. I do not have a Patreon, but appreciate the sentiment! The last chapter actually got way too long, so it ended up becoming chapter 23 AND 24, so no need to wait two hours for an update today 

21 minutes ago, Kahlez said:

The boring thing out first... some people like getting a bit help finding those errors just let me know if you dont want to- no big deal 

So I assume she went a bit younger again during the night. I think I noticed a pattern here. Every time she had an accident and went to sleep the next morning she appeared to be a bit younger. This Chapter again so maybe that in combination with her wearing the slippers is what triggers it. If that is true it could mean that the process will get faster given that it seems she has more and more accidents.  

I have a feeling she is talking about the accidents and that the sitter maybe is not only there for the other kids. 

Thank you for catching these. Sometimes I rush the editing because I just want to write more! I really appreciate all the help. Your theories are interesting - well both have to wait to see what the answer is I suppose!

 

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 24

Isabelle spent the remainder of the afternoon in her room reading. Isabelle decided to pick up the first Emerald Chronicles book, wanting to see if there were consistencies between the book and show. 'It has been some time since I've re-read it,' Isabelle thought to herself, 'and it is exceptional literature.' 

As the afternoon wore on, and Isabelle grew tired of her book, she decided to shift into doing something else, electing to go through some ballet exercises in advance of school the next week. Isabelle swapped out her jeans for a pair of leggings, her socks for thin dancing sockettes, and went over to her closet to put on her slippers, sitting on the floor as she laced the ribbons around her ankles. Isabelle got up, and started through the motions of basic ballet exercises, warming her legs up, before working through various steps, positions, and postures

Isabelle must have lost track of the time between reading and dancing, because before she knew it, her mom was knocking at her door, letting her know they were going to be late. Isabelle opened her door, to see her mom sliding in a second earing. It wasn't necessarily the earrings that threw Isabelle off - they were, in part, contributing to what was - it was her mom's whole outfit. Jane was standing in front of her in a nice black dress, with a gold sinch waistband and...."Mom - you're wearing heels?!" Was all Isabelle could say. 

But it wasn't just heels; Jane's makeup and hair were done; her nails were polished, her mascara elegant, and all together, looked positively beautiful. "Yes, very observant young lady. Now I have been calling you for 20 minutes. Let's go," Jane said, pulling her daughter by her hand down the stairs

Isabelle wanted to protest, and ask for a chance to change her shoes, but it didn't matter too much, and so she went cooperatively with her mom, out the front door, and the two walked hand-in-hand together over to Jess's. Along the way, Jane made a point of reminding Isabelle to be on her best behavior. "And I know sitter isn't there for you. But, she is in charge, and it is Jess's house. So if she says something, please do listen to her. There's no need to be obtrusive. If you want to be treated like a grownup, then you have to act like one. And tonight, that means doing as you're told, okay?"

Isabelle nodded. She wasn't going to cause any problems. And hopefully, tonight would go smoothly and she wouldn't need to listen to any instructions. "Okay mom. No problem."

Isabelle and Jane climbed the stairs to Jess's house, and Jane rang the doorbell. Within seconds, Jess opened the door, welcoming them both in. "Hey there Izzy!" Jess said, "So happy to have you hear. I know Becky is looking forward to seeing you again," Jess added, before turning to Jane. "I just finished explaining all the rules to the sitter. She's upstairs with Becky now. We have to get going though, okay?"

Jane smiled and nodded. "No problem. I was just going to introduce myself quickly," Jane added. 

Jess smiled, "No problem. GIRLS! Can you come down here?! We're leaving!"

Isabelle was not sure what to expect, but what happened was certainly not it. Isabelle heard Becky's bedroom door open, and shortly thereafter, Becky emerged at the top of the stairs, wearing a plain shirt, a pink twill tutu, a plastic crown, and holding a want with a sparkly silver heart on the top. "HI BELLY!" Becky shouted from the top stair, running down and embracing Isabelle. 

Isabelle smiled and returned the hug, happy to see the girl as well. But it was what happened next that shocked her. Isabelle looked back up hte stairs, and saw a familiar face: Dani was there. Isabelle needed to shake her head, refocusing her eyes, just to ensure she was seeing what she thought she was. 'Why is Dani here?' Isabelle thought, letting go of Becky and turning her attention to her lifelong friend. "Hi Dani! Why are you here?' Isabelle asked, though the answer should have been obvious to anyone. 

Jess provided the simple response. "Dani is here to watch Eric and Becky," Jess said, with the type of intention and purpose of leaving Isabelle's name out to make Isabelle feel better. "Dani teaches Becky's after school dance program, and we were so excited when she agreed to stay tonight." Dani started walking down the stairs to join the group as Jess continued her explanation.

Jane chimed in as well before Isabelle could react. "I told you that you'd be excited." Jane said to Isabelle, before turning to Jess and carrying on "Isabelle was also in that program, so she knows Dani well!" Isabelle was too shocked to process what was going on. Dani? Also in a program? What program? What was happening. 

Isabelle's shock must have been apparent. As Dani reached the bottom floor, she turned to Isabelle and started saying 'Of course she remembers me. I bet you're just surprised to see me!" before turning back to Jess and Jane, "she was my star pupil. a Higgins protégé! So good, apparently, she lives in her ballet slippers!" Dani said, pointing toward Isabelle's shoes, Jess, and Jane all smiled and chuckled together. Isabelle had still not spoken, but was blushing at Dani's remark, wishing she had changed more than ever now. 

Before Isabelle could, Becky started tugging at her hand. "Belly! Belly! Come upstairs. I want to show you our castle. Come ONNNNNN" Becky started whining, as she tugged at Isabelle's arm. Becky's tugging snapped Isabelle out of her shock, and Isabelle smiled back at the girl.

Jane spoke up, telling Isabelle "go ahead sweetie. I just want to chat with Dani really quick," to which Isabelle nodded, and followed Becky up the stairs. On their way, Isabelle was able to overhear most of the conversation between her mom and Dani, despite some loud crinkling emerging from Becky's behind with each step she took up the stairs. 

"So, I brought a bag over with some of Isabelle's things earlier before I picked her up at her sleepover, its by the kitchen" Jane started, as Isabelle was being pulled up the stairs. Her mom continued as she was rounding the corner to Becky's room, "There was one issue I wanted to discuss before we left......sensitive....a few times...doesn't know...............let me know."

Isabelle was curious what they were talking about, but was missing the conversation. Isabelle turned to Becky just outside her bedroom, outside of earshot of her mom, "Becky, why don't you get everything set up PERFECTLY before I come in?" Isabelle asked. The little girl responded by nodding her head rapidly, and closed the door behind her, leaving Isabelle in the hallway alone. 

Isabelle made her way back toward the staircase, where she was able to catch the tail end of the Dani's response. "Sure there will be no problems. But I have a lot of experience with this stuff. Don't worry about it." Isabelle couldn't imagine what the conversation was about, but it couldn't have been that important. 

"BELLY! Its ready. COME ON!!" Isabelle heard herself being summoned back to Becky's room, and quickly made her way over there, not wanting to upset the poor girl. Isabelle was still feeling guilty about what she had done to her the week prior, which it seems, resulted in her return to diapers.

Isabelle sat down on the floor in Becky's room with her, as the girl explained the various parts of the castle to her. The castle was made up of various blankets, toys, some blocks from Eric's room, and a couple of couch pillows that Becky must have taken from downstairs. Isabelle found herself enjoying the tour, the distraction welcome from her situation. Here she was, staying at Jess's house, with Dani - her longest and one of her two closest friends - who had taken her spot babysitting the kids. 'Maybe this is a good thing. We can hang out!' Isabelle thought, remembering that Jess always told Isabelle she could have friends over while sitting. 'This is basically just that.'

Isabelle decided to flip her attitude, and carry herself like she always did - she would look after the kids. Just then, Dani slid the door open a bit, and stuck her head in "Everything okay here girls?" It was a rhetorical questions, but Isabelle, laying on her stomach next to Becky, found herself answering the question alongside her compatriot.

"Yes" Isabelle and Becky both answered, before Becky turned her head back toward her castle. Isabelle gave her friend a wink, though why, she couldn't explain. It was a relief when Dani winked back.

"Okay good. Your parents left. They said they might be late to get back, so everyone will get into PJS after dinner. Becky, Isabelle is in charge while I'm not here. I'm going to go downstairs and feed Eric his dinner before we have ours, sound good?"

Another rhetorical question, but again, Isabelle and Becky offered simultaneous "hmmm hmmms" before Dani closed the door behind her. 

Isabelle liked that Becky was reminded that Isabelle was in charge, only affirming her belief that tonight was just dual babysitters, and that Dani was most definitely not there for her. The remarks allowed Isabelle to relax, finally, and she continued playing with Becky, losing track of the time. 'This is fun,' Isabelle thought, as she adjusted a pillow to shore up the foundation of Becky's castle.

Some time later, Dani poked her head back into the room 'Having fun here girls?" Before coming all the way in.

Isabelle turned to her friend, standing over her as she laid on the ground. Dani was wearing plain black leggings that highlighted her figure really well, and a multi-colored top with floral designs on it. Her red, curly hair tumbled down her face, her green eyes popping out, emphasized by simple, but beautiful makeup. She smelled of jasmine - likely her perfume. Isabelle felt a little silly in her outfit - a shirt with a big star on it, leggings, and her slippers - next to her friend. Nevertheless, she was having fun, so responded with a vibrant "Yes!"

Becky likewise confirmed the fact that they were having fun. "Great," Dani said. "How about we go down and make some dinner. Belly, can you help me?" Dani asked, before turning to Becky, "and Becky, can you be my helper and watch TV next to your brother? He's in his bouncer!"

Isabelle and Becky both stood up, ready to help, and affirmed to Dani their willingness to do so. The three girls made their way downstairs, Isabelle moving quickly ahead to walk down next to Dani. Dani sat Becky down on the couch next to her brother, who was pre-occupied with some toys dangling from his bouncer as some children's cartoon played on the TV. Becky was more than content to sit down and watch whatever was on as Isabelle and Dani went into the kitchen.

"I hope Mac and Cheese is okay Belly. Becky specifically requested it." Dani said, as she pulled out some boxed mac and cheese from the pantry. Isabelle had no objections, so simply said "Yes" and asked how she could help. Dani smiled. "Why don't you get me a big pot and fill it with water, okay?"

Isabelle nodded, and went searching for a pot. After opening several cupboards, she located one, and brought it over to the sink to start filling with water. As she turned the faucet on, Isabelle decided to do some investigation into Dani's knowledge of what was going on. "So Dani, how is Higgins this year. I was so happy in your class on Friday?"

Dani smiled, turning back to Isabelle after checking in on the the little kids. "I'm glad you had fun. I remember when I had my first joint class with the 12th graders. It was the best. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. One day you'll even run one!" Dani replied.

Isabelle took mental notes, 'she remembers me being in her class, that's good. So good news is this is all stopping,' Isabelle thought, overlooking key details. Isbaelle continued in her investigation. "Did you have fun with Lola last night at your sleepover? I had a sleepover too you know!"

Dani looked a little shocked. "I didn't remember telling you about that! But yes we did. Tori came over too. You remember Tori, right? And then we met a couple of other friends," Dani continued, taking the pot from Isabelle as her hand started shaking under the weight. "But I bet we didn't have as much fun as you did. Your mom was telling me all about some new show you were watching. Sounded amazing!" 

Isabelle was a little embarrassed that Dani knew she had been watching the show, but at least it explained why her mom had spoken to Dani before leaving. "Yah...it was a lot of fun," Isabelle confessed, as Dani turned on the burner, adding salt to the pot. 

"Thanks for being my assistant. Why don't you go over to the TV and check on Becky for me? It would be really helpful if you could just keep an eye on here while I wrap up with boiling the noodles. This part isn't fun anyway - I always get cheese dust on me."

Isabelle smiled, chuckling a bit. She was happy to help, and could definitely be relied upon. 'I mean, I'm a babysitter myself,' Isabelle wanted to remind Dani. "Sure, no problem Dani! I got this!" Isabelle responded, making her way over to the kids.

Becky had, at some point, gotten off the couch and decided to lay on the ground. Her twill skirts had popped up, revealing her thick tights, and obvious diaper bulge underneath. Eric, meanwhile, was babbling away and playing in his bouncer, happy as a clam. Finding not much to do, Isabelle parked herself on the couch and decided to watch the juvenile show involving some beaver and a moose, waiting for dinner.

Isabelle found herself distracted by the show, it providing more entertainment than expected. The real star, however, was Becky, who at some point anticipated a song that was to come, and joined in singing with a full dance and show. Isabelle couldn't help but giggle as Becky spun around, laughing and giggling as she danced away.

Not long after, Dani summoned Isabelle and Becky into the kitchen for dinner. The two girls made their way into the kitchen, sitting down at the kitchen table. Isabelle had a laugh to herself when she spotted some cheese dust on Dani's shirt, recalling her earlier remark.

"You guys start eating," Dani said, as she pushed two bowls of mac and cheese toward them at the kitchen table, "and I'll go check on Eric." Dani added, before leading the room, and licking whatever was on her finger.

Isabelle was quite famished, and so starting digging into her mac and cheese right alongside Becky. As she did, she could hear Dani in the other room - "ooooooh. Stinky boy. Dinner went right through you," before shouting back to Isabelle, "Belly! I'm taking Eric up for a change. Please watch Becky until I'm back."

"Nahh proobem" Isabelle shouted back, with a mouth full of cheesy noodles. Isabelle was, of course, already watching and in charge of Becky. 'I told mom I could be the sitter,' Isabelle reminded herself. She would need to tell her mom and Jess tomorrow that she could handle this, and in fact, was handling it.

Isabelle swallowed a mouthful of cheesy noodles, and then grabbed the glass of water in front of her, drinking the entire thing in one, enormous effort. Watching Becky was not particularly hard especially since they were eating, but Isabelle made sure to make a point of looking at Becky, and making sure she was eating her food.

At one point, Becky dropped her fork and just starred at her food very intensely, though starring was probably not the correct word, since her eyes were closed. 'That's odd,' Isabelle thought, initially concerned for the girl. But Becky opened her eyes moments later, and resumed eating. 'She seems okay,' and Isabelle decided to just keep eating her own food as well. It was, after all, delicious.

Dani returned about 15 minutes later, sans baby, informing the girls that she put Eric to bed, and hadn't realized how late it was already. Isabelle starred up at the microwave clock, which read 8:00. 'It is kind of late already,' Isabelle admitted, 'especially for dinner.' Isabelle thought she could have done a better job managing the time 'I would have had the kids fed at least an hour ago...more notes for re-establishing my position to share.'

Dani grabbed a bowl of mac and cheese before refilling Becky and Isabelle's bowls, and refiling Isabelle's water. The three sat down and continued to eat together. When they were done, Dani sent Isabelle and Becky back to the living room as she cleaned up the kitchen. Isabelle was happy to not be on cleaning duty.

A little bit later, Dani came to the living room as well. "Becky, can you come here for a second?" Dani asked. Isabelle turned briefly to see what it was about, but decided it was of no importance, and kept her focus on the TV. Dani, meanwhile, lifted up Becky's skirt, and stuck her hand onto the girls crotch, receiving no objection whatsoever. "Just as I thought princess. Let's go for a change. Isabelle - do you need to go to the bathroom while I'm changing Becky?"

The question hardly registered for Isabelle, who simply replied "nope" as Dani took Becky upstairs to change her. Isabelle would go later, she decided. Isabelle wanted to see how the rest of the episode went before she left to go to the bathroom. 

Dani and Becky left, emerging from the stairs about 15 minutes later. Becky was dressed in a matching set of unicorn pajamas, her bulky diaper emerging from the sides, and very obvious underneath, with Dani in tow. "Isabelle," Dani called, "Becky has proposed that we have one game of hide and seek before bed. Will you play with us please?"

Isabelle turned, her show having just ended, and agreed. "Sounds good!"

Dani smiled at Isabelle, mouthing the words 'thank you.' It made Isabelle feel good. "Okay girls," Dani said, "I'll go to the kitchen and count. you both go hide, and I'll come find you." 

Isabelle considered for a moment, fake hiding, as she watched Becky bolt back up the stairs to hide somewhere in the bedrooms. 'Becky wouldn't be the wise,' Isabelle thought, 'but at the same time, where was the fun in that?' Instead, Isabelle made her way, on pointe, toward the basement staircase, silently moving downstairs. Isabelle looked around for a good hiding spot, and spotted an old wooden chest. Isabelle opened it, and saw it was full of stuffed animals and other toys. 'If i empty it, Dani will know I'm hiding in here.' Isabelle instead elected to hide in the laundry room, shutting the door behind her, and turning off the lights. 'This is a fine spot.'

Isabelle waited in the spot, as she heard Dani announce from upstairs, "ready or not here I come." Isabelle's heart fluttered at the idea that Dani might find her, so she sat on the ground behind the door, staying as silent as possible. 

Dani loudly made her way downstairs, audibly announcing where she was looking, "Hmmmmmmm no one seems to be down here. No one behind the...COUCH...hmmmmmm there are some good hiders in this house I think." Dani said playfully. Isabelle knew it was meant to be silly, but still, she couldn't help but smile, working her hardest to muffle her laugh.  "I guess I have to look upstairs," Dani continued, as Isabelle heard Dani work her way up the stairs, hopefully to find Becky.

It was at that moment that Isabelle was confronted with the realization that she really needed to pee. Like really really needed to pee. Isabelle considered leaving the laundry room to pee while Dani was upstairs, but that might reveal her hiding spot. 'I'll wait until Dani announces I've won. I can hold it,' Isabelle told herself.

Minute after minutes, second after second, Isabelle heard no noise from upstairs, no accouchement that  Becky had been found, no declaration that the game was over. All the while, Isabelle's bladder was becoming more and more desperate, and her conscious mind was fighting her body over what to do.

'A few more minutes Iz. You can do it. You can hold it. You've got this.' For whatever reason, winning this game felt like the absolute most important thing in the moment, and Isabelle would not be convinced otherwise. She would wait. She could wait. 'I've got this."

Five more minutes passed,  but there was still no noise from upstairs. Isabelle concluded she was left with no choice, and had to forfeit the game. Standing up, Isabelle felt an immediate pain in her bladder. Sitting had apparently alleviated some of the pressure, and Isabelle had not appreciated how dire the situation was. Isabelle reached for the doorknob, grabbing it, and twisting it.

Only it didn't move. Isabelle tried agian.

Again, it wouldn't move, wouldn't open.

Isabelle was struck by another pain to her bladder. Frantically, and desperately, Isabelle was trying to open the door with no luck. "Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Isabelle nearly shouted, the pain from keeping her pee contained forcing her back to the ground, on her butt. The situation had now become critical, Isabelle recognized, so much so that Isabelle worried that if she simply tried to stand up, she would end up peeing herself. 'Just hang in there Iz. Dani will be down any second. She'll know what to do.'

Moments later, Isabelle heard a noise. 'Could this be it - the relief I seek?' Isabelle wondered to herself, on the very brink of letting her bladder release. The mere motion of her shifting body told her that it would be seconds, rather than minutes, away. The noise appeared to disappear for a few seconds, before it returned. And it returned with a very loud call from the top of the basement stairs. "Hmm Becky. Let's go look downstairs. I bet we'll find her there."

The announcement sent shivers up Isabelle's nerves. The shock, however, had an unintended consequence. Isabelle accidentally released some of her pee into her pants, before stopping it abruptly, slamming her legs together. 'Hold it Iz. HOLD IT.'

Dani and Becky began descending the stairs together, one at a time. "Take my hand Becky, I don't want you to fall," Isabelle heard Dani announce, as the sound of four feet hitting each step reverberated through her body.

Isabelle's mind was singularly focused, however, on not peeing. At that moment, it was all she could manage and do. Isabelle worried she was not even being particularly quiet anymore, shifting to keep her legs together, and prevent a complete break of the dam.

But something interesting happened in that moment. Something Isabelle could not explain - not then, and not later, when she reflected on the significance of this moment. What once felt like the most important thing in the world, suddenly stopped mattering.

Isabelle's feet began to feel warm - comfortable, safe, protected - and that small feeling began to grow, spread through her body, up her legs, to her stomach, her arms, her neck, and to her mind. It was just for a moment - a brief moment that took over her body, a feeling of rightness, of joy, of acceptance. In that moment, despite her desperation, everything - absolutely everything - felt right. 'I'll be okay,' Isabelle told herself, as her body relaxed, released all tension, and a smile emerged from her face. For a moment, nothing appeared to matter - Isabelle simply knew she was okay.

Unfortunately, a moment of relaxation was all her body needed. Isabelle, without realizing it, started to pee. And this time, Isabelle didn't try to stop it. She kept peeing, feeling the warmth spread from her, into her panties. She felt the warm pee spread to her leggings, to her thighs, and to her butt. Isabelle didn't try to stop it - she couldn't tell you why - but she released it all, listening as the pee spread through her pants, and onto the tiled floor underneath her, until all of her pee spread out from her. Isabelle was sitting on the floor, sopping wet in her pee, but all she felt was relief.

Isabelle had almost forgotten that she was playing a game. But she was soon reminded, as the door to the laundry room opened, and Becky and Dani came in, spotting her almost immediately. What had previously been a feeling of relief turned into a sense of absolute shame and embarrassment, and Isabelle sat there, and started to cry.

Becky, sweet as she was, was the first to point out exactly what happened. "Uh-oh! Belly did you have a accident?" she asked, genuinely concerned for her friend. Isabelle couldn't respond, she simply continued to cry harder. 

Dani, meanwhile, had jumped right into action, pulling Becky back to make sure she didn't step in the puddle of pee underneath Isabelle. Dani quickly came up with a plan, picking Becky up, and carrying her out of the room. "It's okay Belly. Don't you cry for one minute. Becky, say goodnight, were going to bed, and I'll be right down to help you, okay Belly? Say goodnight Becky!" Dani repeated, giving Isabelle a look of utter pity, before carrying her charge up the stairs. 

Isabelle didn't move. She just continued to sit there. She didn't know what to do, if she was being honest, and couldn't, for the life of her, explain why she had willingly just peed herself. Not only that, she had been found, wet, by her oldest and closest friend, who must have thought she was just a complete mess - a toddler, crying about wetting herself. All she wanted to do was keep crying, and that was exactly what she did. Isabelle was not aware of the irony. 

Dani returned quickly thereafter. "Sweetie, how did this happen?!?" she asked, kindly, stepping into the laundry room with some paper towels and putting her arm on Isabelle's shoulder.

Isabelle didn't really have an answer. Nor did she want to provide the one she had. She knew she had to go. She tried to open the door. Yet, she failed. And in truth, she had known that she needed to go much earlier, but stayed in hiding. Isabelle could have shouted for help, could have called for Dani, could have done basically anything else. But she hadn't. 

Instead, Isabelle let go - she had peed. 'What kind of person does that?' Isabelle kept crying, and despite all of the good, and even bad, reasons that led her to pee herself, Isabelle settled on one, one that she had not expected to say out loud ever again,

One simple excuse.

'It was annnnnnn accident." Those were the words that came out of Isabelle's mouth in her moment of shame, came out between heavy snobs, and came out as snot was running down poor Isabelle's little nose. Isabelle buried her face into her legs, not wanting to see her friends reaction to her sorry excuse, and continued to cry, louder, and deeper.

Dani, however, couldn't have been nicer. "Its okay sweetie. It happens. Even to big girls your age. It happened to me when I was your age too, I bet. Probably loads of times....much more than you! I bet this is like the very first time it happened to you!" Dani said, trying to build Isabelle up. Isabelle didn't want to admit it, but Dani's words were helping.  :Its not a big deal, but we do have to clean it up and get you changed, okay?" Dani said, rubbing Isabelle's back. "Can you help me with that? I bet you can!"

Isabelle picked her head up, comforted by the kindness Dani was offering. She was right, of course, they needed to clean up. With Dani's help, Isabelle picked herself up, and out of her pee. Her leggings were absolutely drenched, having absorbed a lot of the pee. "Just stand over there sweetie. I'm going to clean some of this up, and then I'll deal with the rest later. Its no big deal at all!" Dani said, cheerfully.

Isabelle watched as Dani worked to clean up the pee, using the paper towels to absorb what was left on the floor. Dani then sprayed a cleaner, and wiped it one more time, before announcing "see? all done! No big deal. Now lets take those wet clothes off." 

Isabelle started to reach for her leggings, her arms shaking as she moved them toward her waistband. But before she could grab hold of them, she felt Dani's hand resting against her own, and looked up to see her friend smiling at her. Isabelle's reaction was to pull her hand back, just as Dani said "let me help you sweetie," and instead of pulling her own pants down, watched as Dani worked to undress her. 

Dani started by unlacing the ribbons from Isabelle's slippers, which, remarkably, were untouched by her pee. Dani slipped each slipper off of Isabelle's feet, and put the slippers on top of the washing machine. Dani proceeded to reach back up to Isabelle's leggings, and as she did, Isabelle placed her arm on Dani's shoulders. Dani remained squatted down and started pulling Isabelle's leggings, and panties off together, throwing them straight into the washer. 

"Come sweetie, we'll deal with the those later. Let's get you changed. Your mom left some jammies, I already brought them upstairs." Dani reached her hand out to Isabelle, and without hesitation, Isabelle grabbed it, holding it tightly, and followed Dani as Dani guided Isabelle upstairs. 

Isabelle followed Dani up both sets of stairs, unsure of where they were headed. Isabelle turned at the top of the stairs, expecting to go toward Becky's room for no justifiable reason. Instead, Dani led her into John and Jess's bedroom, past the bed and into the bathroom, comforting and reassuring her the whole time.

"Arms up sweetie.....good girl," Dani said, as she removed Isabelle's shirt. Isabelle was now standing naked, on hte cold tile of Jess's bathroom. Isabelle wrapped her arms around her chest out of modesty, not that there was much to hide. Isabelle noted in that moment that her breasts had all but vanished. But, wrapping herself up in her arms offered her just a bit of comfort. 

Isabelle stood there as Dani grabbed something from the counter behind her. It was a package of wipes, Isabelle recognized. 'I do need to clean myself....and those will work.' Isabelle thought better of objecting. She didn't have the energy for it anyway.

"These are going to be a little cold sweetie, but we need to get you cleaned up." Dani said, as she started wiping down Isabelle's legs, thighs, and then proceeding to wipe her vagina, before turning her around and wiping the backs of her legs, and both of her butt cheeks. Dani was efficient, but she certainly didn't miss a spot, Isabelle noted, as she cooperated as her friend moved her body around, cleaning the pee off of her. 

After going through about a dozen wipes, Dani was evidently content. "Good girl. Now wait here, I'll get your pajamas. Its been a long night, I bet you're tired." Dani said. Isabelle merely nodded, continuing to cry, though she was easing up a bit.

Seconds later, Dani returned, holding her pajamas folded in her arm. "Belly, I'm so proud of you. I know this was an accident, and thins happen all the time. Its no big deal, okay?" Dani started with. Isabelle nodded, sniffling the last of her cries away, as Dani continued talking to her, bending down now to meet her on her eye level. "I know you aren't going to love this, but I need you to be a big girl for me, can you do that?" Isabelle nodded again, this time with a little more energy. She owed her friend that much, and was desperate to prove to her that she was, in fact, a big girl. 

Dani continued. "I don't have an extra pair of panties for you, and you need to wear something to bed sweetie," Dani started. In that moment, Isabelle genuinely had no idea where Dani was headed, but Isabelle was listening intently. "so I was wondering if you could be a really big, brave girl, and put these on for me?" Dani asked, smiling, sincere, and kind the whole time.

What Dani held out, Isabelle should have expected, but for whatever reason, didn't. It was a pair of "sweetnights," that much she knew. Isabelle reached out to touch the pullup, not willing to take in her own hand yet. The sides were pink, and Isabelle could see the elastic band at the top. The middle part was white, designed with purple, pink, and blue flowers running from the front, to the butt in the back. The most shocking aspect of them was that the sweetnight seemed big enough for her. 'These don't look like the ones for Becky,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle retracted her hand almost immediately upon touching it, starring back at her friend, tears beginning to form in her eyes. 

"Sweetie," Dani started, seeing that it was upsetting Isabelle, "I know you don't want to wear these, but it's only because we don't have anything else. I can't go back to your house and leave Becky and Eric alone. You're my helper tonight, remember? We need to be good babysitters for them, and sometimes that means doing things we don't want. What do you say?"

Isabelle considered the question as a tear rolled down her eye. Dani raised a good point - they obviously couldn't leave the kids alone. 'AND, I am supposed to be helping babysit,' Isabelle reminded herself. 'But why do I have to wear those?' Isabelle wondered. Taking a breath, Isabelle looked at her friend, "Why can't I just....just......just wear..my jammies without....without anything?" Isabelle asked, as calmly as she could. 

Dani smiled back at Isabelle, pulling her in for a hug. "I know you would prefer that sweetie. But, we can't have you wear nothing. I know it was just an accident, but this will be better, you know? Just in case. Iit would be such a big help to me if you wore them. Can you help me? Can you do that for me Belly?"

Isabelle was startled by the hug she was offered, naked in the bathroom. But her shock didn't last long. Instead, Isabelle hugged her friend back with all her might, whispering into her ear, "okay," before squeezing her again.

Dani pulled back, smiling at Isabelle. "Thank you sweetie. I'm so proud of you. Let's do this together okay? First foot.....good job! and second foot....there you go!" Dani said, before pulling the sweetnights up Isabelle's legs.

The sweetnights felt odd, Isabelle thought. They were certainly bulkier than her underwear, but they weren't, by any measure, uncomfortable. In fact, the padding pressed against her vagina and butt actually felt quite comforting. 'This isn't so bad,' Isabelle thought to herself.

Dani proceeded to stand up, grabbing Isabelle's pajamas, which for that night, was a long, pink sleep dress with horses on it. "Arms up Belly," Dani said, Isabelle immediately complying. Dani helped Isabelle ease her sleep dress down, letting it fall down to her shins. 

"See? All done, and all better." Dani said. And she was right; Isabelle did feel better. Much better, in fact.

"How about we get into Jess's bed and watch some TV. Does that sound like a good plan to you?"

Isabelle liked the idea of watching TV after everything. "Yes......and...." Isabelle took a deep breath, swallowing her shame, "uh..........than.........thanks Dani." Isabelle said, before launching herself into her friend, her head hitting Dani's stomach, and hugging her one more time. Isabelle waited until she felt Dani hug her back, stroking Isabelle's hair with her other hand. 

"My pleasure sweetie. Why don't you hop into the bed, and pick something on TV. I'm just going to make sure Becky is sleeping, and clean up a little, okay?"

Isabelle didn't need to be asked twice, and very quickly jumped up on Jess's bed, finding the remote, and turning the television on. At first, Isabelle noticed the feel of the pullup with every step. It felt off, having something....'weighty,' Isabelle thought, on for panties. But as Isabelle started scrolling the channels, she quickly forgot about her sweetnights all together. 

Isabelle flipped through the channels, finally settling once she found that Rover Roo and the Cluefinders were on, doing her best to focus her attention on the show. Dani, meanwhile, had collected all the wet wipes from the bathroom and thrown them out, and seemingly gone to check on Becky, before returning, and letting Isabelle know that she was going to head downstairs to run the washing machine. Isabelle muttered an "okay," her attention captured by the TV.

As Rover Roo continued to play, Isabelle thought deeply on her transformation over the last few weeks. It was apparent she was getting younger, going back in time. Her body and mind were both moving backward, seemingly at an accelerated rate. On top of that, Isabelle was having serious bladder problems - there was no denying it anymore. Isabelle tried to count the number of accidents that she had over the last week, 'and that is despite all my efforts to combat it.'

'Moreover,' Isabelle thought, as she watched one of the cluefinders fall into an unexpected trap, 'I'm back to square one in my investigation. It would seem I can rule coma out, based on what I've read. Revisiting the prank idea would be useless as well, since I actually appear to be aging in reverse - and fast.' Isabelle shifted to her stomach, grabbed a pillow, and laid her head on it toward the front of the bed.

Isabelle was lost. 'Ought I reconsider magic?' she wondered, without really taking the proposal seriously. 'But maybe it is time I do," Isabelle thought, reflecting on what few options she seemingly had left. Without realizing it, Isabelle's thumb had made its way to the edge of her mouth, and she was nibbling on the edge of it as she considered her options. 

A noise from downstairs broke her attention, and Isabelle immediately pulled her thumb away from her mouth. Isabelle reset herself, trying her best to focus. 'The problem is I'm so caught up in dealing with all of this other stuff, that I can't focus my time and attention toward solving whatever is going on with me. I can't think straight.....' Isabelle would have to reconsider her approach - she knew it.

It would have to wait for another time, however, as Dani emerged back into the room, holding two mugs. "I thought some hot cocoa was in order, what do you think?"

Isabelle smiled. Even now, Dani was the exact type of friend she had always known. Dani had been so sweet all night, and Isabelle felt eternally grateful to her. "Sounds amazing," Isabelle replied, finally feeling up to audibly responding.

Dani climbed into the bed next to Isabelle, who shifted back toward laying down with her head toward the top of the bed, on her back. As Isabelle shifted, she became a little embarrassed, noticing that her dress got caught, revealing her sweetnight to the world. Isabelle quickly fixed her gown before grabbing her hot cocoa. 

If Dani had even seen, she paid Isabelle's embarrassment no attention. "Careful not to spill sweetie. It's very hot too." Isabelle nodded, acknowledging Dani's warning, and waited some time before drinking. "Rover Roo - dang! I haven't seen this forever. Nice choice!" Dani added.

Isabelle and Dani spent the next hour watching Rover Roo together in Jess's bed. Once Isabelle and Dani had finished their drink, Dani set the mugs on one of the end tables, before re-situating herself in the bed. Isabelle snuggled up against her friend, as Dani stroked her hair, slowly, calmly, and putting Isabelle at ease.

Isabelle couldn't tell you when, but at some point, she fell fast asleep, her head pressed against Dani's ribs, a little bit of drool dropping onto her friends top. Dani never left her side, though, patting her head and holding her close as Isabelle drifted in and out of dreamland. 

****

****

"....yah........rough night............doing okay though........you had fun.........."

Isabelle was still asleep when her mom had come back to Jess's. Isabelle wasn't sure what time it was. Isabelle could hear her Dani, first, then her mom, and what seemed to be Jess, but was simply too tired to pick her head up, staying half asleep in Jess's bed. Isabelle felt something was off, but was simply too tired to do anything about it.

"Thank you Dani.......best.........deal with...............girl"

Isabelle knew it was her mom, but couldn't quite get enough of what she was saying, before she heard Dani once more.

"...............adorable...............any time......................soooo sweet."

Moments later, Jane picked Isabelle up off the side of the bed. Intuitively, Isabelle wrapped her arms around her mom's neck, her head resting on her shoulder, and legs wrapped around her waist. "My sweet girl," was all Isabelle remembered her mom saying, before she drifted off to sleep one more time that night.

****

"Thank you Jess. It was a great idea. I really did have a good time," Jane said, thanking Jess for her evening. Jane proceeded to curl her arm underneath her daughter's butt as Isabelle settled into her shoulder, inadvertently lifting her nightgown up, and unexpectedly, making contact with her daughter's warm, wet sweetnight. Jane shifted her daughter's dress, trying her best to let it fall down, but giving up on the task. "I have to get my big girl home to bed now, well talk in the morning." And with that, Jane took her daughter home in her arms. 

[TBCuri]

This is now among My Top 3 stories across this site 😃

1 hour ago, Olympiczero said:

Thank you so much. This comment means a lot to me, as someone who has done exactly the same for other writers. I do not have a Patreon, but appreciate the sentiment! The last chapter actually got way too long, so it ended up becoming chapter 23 AND 24, so no need to wait two hours for an update today 

Thank you for catching these. Sometimes I rush the editing because I just want to write more! I really appreciate all the help. Your theories are interesting - well both have to wait to see what the answer is I suppose!

 

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 24

Isabelle spent the remainder of the afternoon in her room reading. Isabelle decided to pick up the first Emerald Chronicles book, wanting to see if there were consistencies between the book and show. 'It has been some time since I've re-read it,' Isabelle thought to herself, 'and it is exceptional literature.' 

As the afternoon wore on, and Isabelle grew tired of her book, she decided to shift into doing something else, electing to go through some ballet exercises in advance of school the next week. Isabelle swapped out her jeans for a pair of leggings, her socks for thin dancing sockettes, and went over to her closet to put on her slippers, sitting on the floor as she laced the ribbons around her ankles. Isabelle got up, and started through the motions of basic ballet exercises, warming her legs up, before working through various steps, positions, and postures

Isabelle must have lost track of the time between reading and dancing, because before she knew it, her mom was knocking at her door, letting her know they were going to be late. Isabelle opened her door, to see her mom sliding in a second earing. It wasn't necessarily the earrings that threw Isabelle off - they were, in part, contributing to what was - it was her mom's whole outfit. Jane was standing in front of her in a nice black dress, with a gold sinch waistband and...."Mom - you're wearing heels?!" Was all Isabelle could say. 

But it wasn't just heels; Jane's makeup and hair were done; her nails were polished, her mascara elegant, and all together, looked positively beautiful. "Yes, very observant young lady. Now I have been calling you for 20 minutes. Let's go," Jane said, pulling her daughter by her hand down the stairs

Isabelle wanted to protest, and ask for a chance to change her shoes, but it didn't matter too much, and so she went cooperatively with her mom, out the front door, and the two walked hand-in-hand together over to Jess's. Along the way, Jane made a point of reminding Isabelle to be on her best behavior. "And I know sitter isn't there for you. But, she is in charge, and it is Jess's house. So if she says something, please do listen to her. There's no need to be obtrusive. If you want to be treated like a grownup, then you have to act like one. And tonight, that means doing as you're told, okay?"

Isabelle nodded. She wasn't going to cause any problems. And hopefully, tonight would go smoothly and she wouldn't need to listen to any instructions. "Okay mom. No problem."

Isabelle and Jane climbed the stairs to Jess's house, and Jane rang the doorbell. Within seconds, Jess opened the door, welcoming them both in. "Hey there Izzy!" Jess said, "So happy to have you hear. I know Becky is looking forward to seeing you again," Jess added, before turning to Jane. "I just finished explaining all the rules to the sitter. She's upstairs with Becky now. We have to get going though, okay?"

Jane smiled and nodded. "No problem. I was just going to introduce myself quickly," Jane added. 

Jess smiled, "No problem. GIRLS! Can you come down here?! We're leaving!"

Isabelle was not sure what to expect, but what happened was certainly not it. Isabelle heard Becky's bedroom door open, and shortly thereafter, Becky emerged at the top of the stairs, wearing a plain shirt, a pink twill tutu, a plastic crown, and holding a want with a sparkly silver heart on the top. "HI BELLY!" Becky shouted from the top stair, running down and embracing Isabelle. 

Isabelle smiled and returned the hug, happy to see the girl as well. But it was what happened next that shocked her. Isabelle looked back up hte stairs, and saw a familiar face: Dani was there. Isabelle needed to shake her head, refocusing her eyes, just to ensure she was seeing what she thought she was. 'Why is Dani here?' Isabelle thought, letting go of Becky and turning her attention to her lifelong friend. "Hi Dani! Why are you here?' Isabelle asked, though the answer should have been obvious to anyone. 

Jess provided the simple response. "Dani is here to watch Eric and Becky," Jess said, with the type of intention and purpose of leaving Isabelle's name out to make Isabelle feel better. "Dani teaches Becky's after school dance program, and we were so excited when she agreed to stay tonight." Dani started walking down the stairs to join the group as Jess continued her explanation.

Jane chimed in as well before Isabelle could react. "I told you that you'd be excited." Jane said to Isabelle, before turning to Jess and carrying on "Isabelle was also in that program, so she knows Dani well!" Isabelle was too shocked to process what was going on. Dani? Also in a program? What program? What was happening. 

Isabelle's shock must have been apparent. As Dani reached the bottom floor, she turned to Isabelle and started saying 'Of course she remembers me. I bet you're just surprised to see me!" before turning back to Jess and Jane, "she was my star pupil. a Higgins protégé! So good, apparently, she lives in her ballet slippers!" Dani said, pointing toward Isabelle's shoes, Jess, and Jane all smiled and chuckled together. Isabelle had still not spoken, but was blushing at Dani's remark, wishing she had changed more than ever now. 

Before Isabelle could, Becky started tugging at her hand. "Belly! Belly! Come upstairs. I want to show you our castle. Come ONNNNNN" Becky started whining, as she tugged at Isabelle's arm. Becky's tugging snapped Isabelle out of her shock, and Isabelle smiled back at the girl.

Jane spoke up, telling Isabelle "go ahead sweetie. I just want to chat with Dani really quick," to which Isabelle nodded, and followed Becky up the stairs. On their way, Isabelle was able to overhear most of the conversation between her mom and Dani, despite some loud crinkling emerging from Becky's behind with each step she took up the stairs. 

"So, I brought a bag over with some of Isabelle's things earlier before I picked her up at her sleepover, its by the kitchen" Jane started, as Isabelle was being pulled up the stairs. Her mom continued as she was rounding the corner to Becky's room, "There was one issue I wanted to discuss before we left......sensitive....a few times...doesn't know...............let me know."

Isabelle was curious what they were talking about, but was missing the conversation. Isabelle turned to Becky just outside her bedroom, outside of earshot of her mom, "Becky, why don't you get everything set up PERFECTLY before I come in?" Isabelle asked. The little girl responded by nodding her head rapidly, and closed the door behind her, leaving Isabelle in the hallway alone. 

Isabelle made her way back toward the staircase, where she was able to catch the tail end of the Dani's response. "Sure there will be no problems. But I have a lot of experience with this stuff. Don't worry about it." Isabelle couldn't imagine what the conversation was about, but it couldn't have been that important. 

"BELLY! Its ready. COME ON!!" Isabelle heard herself being summoned back to Becky's room, and quickly made her way over there, not wanting to upset the poor girl. Isabelle was still feeling guilty about what she had done to her the week prior, which it seems, resulted in her return to diapers.

Isabelle sat down on the floor in Becky's room with her, as the girl explained the various parts of the castle to her. The castle was made up of various blankets, toys, some blocks from Eric's room, and a couple of couch pillows that Becky must have taken from downstairs. Isabelle found herself enjoying the tour, the distraction welcome from her situation. Here she was, staying at Jess's house, with Dani - her longest and one of her two closest friends - who had taken her spot babysitting the kids. 'Maybe this is a good thing. We can hang out!' Isabelle thought, remembering that Jess always told Isabelle she could have friends over while sitting. 'This is basically just that.'

Isabelle decided to flip her attitude, and carry herself like she always did - she would look after the kids. Just then, Dani slid the door open a bit, and stuck her head in "Everything okay here girls?" It was a rhetorical questions, but Isabelle, laying on her stomach next to Becky, found herself answering the question alongside her compatriot.

"Yes" Isabelle and Becky both answered, before Becky turned her head back toward her castle. Isabelle gave her friend a wink, though why, she couldn't explain. It was a relief when Dani winked back.

"Okay good. Your parents left. They said they might be late to get back, so everyone will get into PJS after dinner. Becky, Isabelle is in charge while I'm not here. I'm going to go downstairs and feed Eric his dinner before we have ours, sound good?"

Another rhetorical question, but again, Isabelle and Becky offered simultaneous "hmmm hmmms" before Dani closed the door behind her. 

Isabelle liked that Becky was reminded that Isabelle was in charge, only affirming her belief that tonight was just dual babysitters, and that Dani was most definitely not there for her. The remarks allowed Isabelle to relax, finally, and she continued playing with Becky, losing track of the time. 'This is fun,' Isabelle thought, as she adjusted a pillow to shore up the foundation of Becky's castle.

Some time later, Dani poked her head back into the room 'Having fun here girls?" Before coming all the way in.

Isabelle turned to her friend, standing over her as she laid on the ground. Dani was wearing plain black leggings that highlighted her figure really well, and a multi-colored top with floral designs on it. Her red, curly hair tumbled down her face, her green eyes popping out, emphasized by simple, but beautiful makeup. She smelled of jasmine - likely her perfume. Isabelle felt a little silly in her outfit - a shirt with a big star on it, leggings, and her slippers - next to her friend. Nevertheless, she was having fun, so responded with a vibrant "Yes!"

Becky likewise confirmed the fact that they were having fun. "Great," Dani said. "How about we go down and make some dinner. Belly, can you help me?" Dani asked, before turning to Becky, "and Becky, can you be my helper and watch TV next to your brother? He's in his bouncer!"

Isabelle and Becky both stood up, ready to help, and affirmed to Dani their willingness to do so. The three girls made their way downstairs, Isabelle moving quickly ahead to walk down next to Dani. Dani sat Becky down on the couch next to her brother, who was pre-occupied with some toys dangling from his bouncer as some children's cartoon played on the TV. Becky was more than content to sit down and watch whatever was on as Isabelle and Dani went into the kitchen.

"I hope Mac and Cheese is okay Belly. Becky specifically requested it." Dani said, as she pulled out some boxed mac and cheese from the pantry. Isabelle had no objections, so simply said "Yes" and asked how she could help. Dani smiled. "Why don't you get me a big pot and fill it with water, okay?"

Isabelle nodded, and went searching for a pot. After opening several cupboards, she located one, and brought it over to the sink to start filling with water. As she turned the faucet on, Isabelle decided to do some investigation into Dani's knowledge of what was going on. "So Dani, how is Higgins this year. I was so happy in your class on Friday?"

Dani smiled, turning back to Isabelle after checking in on the the little kids. "I'm glad you had fun. I remember when I had my first joint class with the 12th graders. It was the best. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. One day you'll even run one!" Dani replied.

Isabelle took mental notes, 'she remembers me being in her class, that's good. So good news is this is all stopping,' Isabelle thought, overlooking key details. Isbaelle continued in her investigation. "Did you have fun with Lola last night at your sleepover? I had a sleepover too you know!"

Dani looked a little shocked. "I didn't remember telling you about that! But yes we did. Tori came over too. You remember Tori, right? And then we met a couple of other friends," Dani continued, taking the pot from Isabelle as her hand started shaking under the weight. "But I bet we didn't have as much fun as you did. Your mom was telling me all about some new show you were watching. Sounded amazing!" 

Isabelle was a little embarrassed that Dani knew she had been watching the show, but at least it explained why her mom had spoken to Dani before leaving. "Yah...it was a lot of fun," Isabelle confessed, as Dani turned on the burner, adding salt to the pot. 

"Thanks for being my assistant. Why don't you go over to the TV and check on Becky for me? It would be really helpful if you could just keep an eye on here while I wrap up with boiling the noodles. This part isn't fun anyway - I always get cheese dust on me."

Isabelle smiled, chuckling a bit. She was happy to help, and could definitely be relied upon. 'I mean, I'm a babysitter myself,' Isabelle wanted to remind Dani. "Sure, no problem Dani! I got this!" Isabelle responded, making her way over to the kids.

Becky had, at some point, gotten off the couch and decided to lay on the ground. Her twill skirts had popped up, revealing her thick tights, and obvious diaper bulge underneath. Eric, meanwhile, was babbling away and playing in his bouncer, happy as a clam. Finding not much to do, Isabelle parked herself on the couch and decided to watch the juvenile show involving some beaver and a moose, waiting for dinner.

Isabelle found herself distracted by the show, it providing more entertainment than expected. The real star, however, was Becky, who at some point anticipated a song that was to come, and joined in singing with a full dance and show. Isabelle couldn't help but giggle as Becky spun around, laughing and giggling as she danced away.

Not long after, Dani summoned Isabelle and Becky into the kitchen for dinner. The two girls made their way into the kitchen, sitting down at the kitchen table. Isabelle had a laugh to herself when she spotted some cheese dust on Dani's shirt, recalling her earlier remark.

"You guys start eating," Dani said, as she pushed two bowls of mac and cheese toward them at the kitchen table, "and I'll go check on Eric." Dani added, before leading the room, and licking whatever was on her finger.

Isabelle was quite famished, and so starting digging into her mac and cheese right alongside Becky. As she did, she could hear Dani in the other room - "ooooooh. Stinky boy. Dinner went right through you," before shouting back to Isabelle, "Belly! I'm taking Eric up for a change. Please watch Becky until I'm back."

"Nahh proobem" Isabelle shouted back, with a mouth full of cheesy noodles. Isabelle was, of course, already watching and in charge of Becky. 'I told mom I could be the sitter,' Isabelle reminded herself. She would need to tell her mom and Jess tomorrow that she could handle this, and in fact, was handling it.

Isabelle swallowed a mouthful of cheesy noodles, and then grabbed the glass of water in front of her, drinking the entire thing in one, enormous effort. Watching Becky was not particularly hard especially since they were eating, but Isabelle made sure to make a point of looking at Becky, and making sure she was eating her food.

At one point, Becky dropped her fork and just starred at her food very intensely, though starring was probably not the correct word, since her eyes were closed. 'That's odd,' Isabelle thought, initially concerned for the girl. But Becky opened her eyes moments later, and resumed eating. 'She seems okay,' and Isabelle decided to just keep eating her own food as well. It was, after all, delicious.

Dani returned about 15 minutes later, sans baby, informing the girls that she put Eric to bed, and hadn't realized how late it was already. Isabelle starred up at the microwave clock, which read 8:00. 'It is kind of late already,' Isabelle admitted, 'especially for dinner.' Isabelle thought she could have done a better job managing the time 'I would have had the kids fed at least an hour ago...more notes for re-establishing my position to share.'

Dani grabbed a bowl of mac and cheese before refilling Becky and Isabelle's bowls, and refiling Isabelle's water. The three sat down and continued to eat together. When they were done, Dani sent Isabelle and Becky back to the living room as she cleaned up the kitchen. Isabelle was happy to not be on cleaning duty.

A little bit later, Dani came to the living room as well. "Becky, can you come here for a second?" Dani asked. Isabelle turned briefly to see what it was about, but decided it was of no importance, and kept her focus on the TV. Dani, meanwhile, lifted up Becky's skirt, and stuck her hand onto the girls crotch, receiving no objection whatsoever. "Just as I thought princess. Let's go for a change. Isabelle - do you need to go to the bathroom while I'm changing Becky?"

The question hardly registered for Isabelle, who simply replied "nope" as Dani took Becky upstairs to change her. Isabelle would go later, she decided. Isabelle wanted to see how the rest of the episode went before she left to go to the bathroom. 

Dani and Becky left, emerging from the stairs about 15 minutes later. Becky was dressed in a matching set of unicorn pajamas, her bulky diaper emerging from the sides, and very obvious underneath, with Dani in tow. "Isabelle," Dani called, "Becky has proposed that we have one game of hide and seek before bed. Will you play with us please?"

Isabelle turned, her show having just ended, and agreed. "Sounds good!"

Dani smiled at Isabelle, mouthing the words 'thank you.' It made Isabelle feel good. "Okay girls," Dani said, "I'll go to the kitchen and count. you both go hide, and I'll come find you." 

Isabelle considered for a moment, fake hiding, as she watched Becky bolt back up the stairs to hide somewhere in the bedrooms. 'Becky wouldn't be the wise,' Isabelle thought, 'but at the same time, where was the fun in that?' Instead, Isabelle made her way, on pointe, toward the basement staircase, silently moving downstairs. Isabelle looked around for a good hiding spot, and spotted an old wooden chest. Isabelle opened it, and saw it was full of stuffed animals and other toys. 'If i empty it, Dani will know I'm hiding in here.' Isabelle instead elected to hide in the laundry room, shutting the door behind her, and turning off the lights. 'This is a fine spot.'

Isabelle waited in the spot, as she heard Dani announce from upstairs, "ready or not here I come." Isabelle's heart fluttered at the idea that Dani might find her, so she sat on the ground behind the door, staying as silent as possible. 

Dani loudly made her way downstairs, audibly announcing where she was looking, "Hmmmmmmm no one seems to be down here. No one behind the...COUCH...hmmmmmm there are some good hiders in this house I think." Dani said playfully. Isabelle knew it was meant to be silly, but still, she couldn't help but smile, working her hardest to muffle her laugh.  "I guess I have to look upstairs," Dani continued, as Isabelle heard Dani work her way up the stairs, hopefully to find Becky.

It was at that moment that Isabelle was confronted with the realization that she really needed to pee. Like really really needed to pee. Isabelle considered leaving the laundry room to pee while Dani was upstairs, but that might reveal her hiding spot. 'I'll wait until Dani announces I've won. I can hold it,' Isabelle told herself.

Minute after minutes, second after second, Isabelle heard no noise from upstairs, no accouchement that  Becky had been found, no declaration that the game was over. All the while, Isabelle's bladder was becoming more and more desperate, and her conscious mind was fighting her body over what to do.

'A few more minutes Iz. You can do it. You can hold it. You've got this.' For whatever reason, winning this game felt like the absolute most important thing in the moment, and Isabelle would not be convinced otherwise. She would wait. She could wait. 'I've got this."

Five more minutes passed,  but there was still no noise from upstairs. Isabelle concluded she was left with no choice, and had to forfeit the game. Standing up, Isabelle felt an immediate pain in her bladder. Sitting had apparently alleviated some of the pressure, and Isabelle had not appreciated how dire the situation was. Isabelle reached for the doorknob, grabbing it, and twisting it.

Only it didn't move. Isabelle tried agian.

Again, it wouldn't move, wouldn't open.

Isabelle was struck by another pain to her bladder. Frantically, and desperately, Isabelle was trying to open the door with no luck. "Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Isabelle nearly shouted, the pain from keeping her pee contained forcing her back to the ground, on her butt. The situation had now become critical, Isabelle recognized, so much so that Isabelle worried that if she simply tried to stand up, she would end up peeing herself. 'Just hang in there Iz. Dani will be down any second. She'll know what to do.'

Moments later, Isabelle heard a noise. 'Could this be it - the relief I seek?' Isabelle wondered to herself, on the very brink of letting her bladder release. The mere motion of her shifting body told her that it would be seconds, rather than minutes, away. The noise appeared to disappear for a few seconds, before it returned. And it returned with a very loud call from the top of the basement stairs. "Hmm Becky. Let's go look downstairs. I bet we'll find her there."

The announcement sent shivers up Isabelle's nerves. The shock, however, had an unintended consequence. Isabelle accidentally released some of her pee into her pants, before stopping it abruptly, slamming her legs together. 'Hold it Iz. HOLD IT.'

Dani and Becky began descending the stairs together, one at a time. "Take my hand Becky, I don't want you to fall," Isabelle heard Dani announce, as the sound of four feet hitting each step reverberated through her body.

Isabelle's mind was singularly focused, however, on not peeing. At that moment, it was all she could manage and do. Isabelle worried she was not even being particularly quiet anymore, shifting to keep her legs together, and prevent a complete break of the dam.

But something interesting happened in that moment. Something Isabelle could not explain - not then, and not later, when she reflected on the significance of this moment. What once felt like the most important thing in the world, suddenly stopped mattering.

Isabelle's feet began to feel warm - comfortable, safe, protected - and that small feeling began to grow, spread through her body, up her legs, to her stomach, her arms, her neck, and to her mind. It was just for a moment - a brief moment that took over her body, a feeling of rightness, of joy, of acceptance. In that moment, despite her desperation, everything - absolutely everything - felt right. 'I'll be okay,' Isabelle told herself, as her body relaxed, released all tension, and a smile emerged from her face. For a moment, nothing appeared to matter - Isabelle simply knew she was okay.

Unfortunately, a moment of relaxation was all her body needed. Isabelle, without realizing it, started to pee. And this time, Isabelle didn't try to stop it. She kept peeing, feeling the warmth spread from her, into her panties. She felt the warm pee spread to her leggings, to her thighs, and to her butt. Isabelle didn't try to stop it - she couldn't tell you why - but she released it all, listening as the pee spread through her pants, and onto the tiled floor underneath her, until all of her pee spread out from her. Isabelle was sitting on the floor, sopping wet in her pee, but all she felt was relief.

Isabelle had almost forgotten that she was playing a game. But she was soon reminded, as the door to the laundry room opened, and Becky and Dani came in, spotting her almost immediately. What had previously been a feeling of relief turned into a sense of absolute shame and embarrassment, and Isabelle sat there, and started to cry.

Becky, sweet as she was, was the first to point out exactly what happened. "Uh-oh! Belly did you have a accident?" she asked, genuinely concerned for her friend. Isabelle couldn't respond, she simply continued to cry harder. 

Dani, meanwhile, had jumped right into action, pulling Becky back to make sure she didn't step in the puddle of pee underneath Isabelle. Dani quickly came up with a plan, picking Becky up, and carrying her out of the room. "It's okay Belly. Don't you cry for one minute. Becky, say goodnight, were going to bed, and I'll be right down to help you, okay Belly? Say goodnight Becky!" Dani repeated, giving Isabelle a look of utter pity, before carrying her charge up the stairs. 

Isabelle didn't move. She just continued to sit there. She didn't know what to do, if she was being honest, and couldn't, for the life of her, explain why she had willingly just peed herself. Not only that, she had been found, wet, by her oldest and closest friend, who must have thought she was just a complete mess - a toddler, crying about wetting herself. All she wanted to do was keep crying, and that was exactly what she did. Isabelle was not aware of the irony. 

Dani returned quickly thereafter. "Sweetie, how did this happen?!?" she asked, kindly, stepping into the laundry room with some paper towels and putting her arm on Isabelle's shoulder.

Isabelle didn't really have an answer. Nor did she want to provide the one she had. She knew she had to go. She tried to open the door. Yet, she failed. And in truth, she had known that she needed to go much earlier, but stayed in hiding. Isabelle could have shouted for help, could have called for Dani, could have done basically anything else. But she hadn't. 

Instead, Isabelle let go - she had peed. 'What kind of person does that?' Isabelle kept crying, and despite all of the good, and even bad, reasons that led her to pee herself, Isabelle settled on one, one that she had not expected to say out loud ever again,

One simple excuse.

'It was annnnnnn accident." Those were the words that came out of Isabelle's mouth in her moment of shame, came out between heavy snobs, and came out as snot was running down poor Isabelle's little nose. Isabelle buried her face into her legs, not wanting to see her friends reaction to her sorry excuse, and continued to cry, louder, and deeper.

Dani, however, couldn't have been nicer. "Its okay sweetie. It happens. Even to big girls your age. It happened to me when I was your age too, I bet. Probably loads of times....much more than you! I bet this is like the very first time it happened to you!" Dani said, trying to build Isabelle up. Isabelle didn't want to admit it, but Dani's words were helping.  :Its not a big deal, but we do have to clean it up and get you changed, okay?" Dani said, rubbing Isabelle's back. "Can you help me with that? I bet you can!"

Isabelle picked her head up, comforted by the kindness Dani was offering. She was right, of course, they needed to clean up. With Dani's help, Isabelle picked herself up, and out of her pee. Her leggings were absolutely drenched, having absorbed a lot of the pee. "Just stand over there sweetie. I'm going to clean some of this up, and then I'll deal with the rest later. Its no big deal at all!" Dani said, cheerfully.

Isabelle watched as Dani worked to clean up the pee, using the paper towels to absorb what was left on the floor. Dani then sprayed a cleaner, and wiped it one more time, before announcing "see? all done! No big deal. Now lets take those wet clothes off." 

Isabelle started to reach for her leggings, her arms shaking as she moved them toward her waistband. But before she could grab hold of them, she felt Dani's hand resting against her own, and looked up to see her friend smiling at her. Isabelle's reaction was to pull her hand back, just as Dani said "let me help you sweetie," and instead of pulling her own pants down, watched as Dani worked to undress her. 

Dani started by unlacing the ribbons from Isabelle's slippers, which, remarkably, were untouched by her pee. Dani slipped each slipper off of Isabelle's feet, and put the slippers on top of the washing machine. Dani proceeded to reach back up to Isabelle's leggings, and as she did, Isabelle placed her arm on Dani's shoulders. Dani remained squatted down and started pulling Isabelle's leggings, and panties off together, throwing them straight into the washer. 

"Come sweetie, we'll deal with the those later. Let's get you changed. Your mom left some jammies, I already brought them upstairs." Dani reached her hand out to Isabelle, and without hesitation, Isabelle grabbed it, holding it tightly, and followed Dani as Dani guided Isabelle upstairs. 

Isabelle followed Dani up both sets of stairs, unsure of where they were headed. Isabelle turned at the top of the stairs, expecting to go toward Becky's room for no justifiable reason. Instead, Dani led her into John and Jess's bedroom, past the bed and into the bathroom, comforting and reassuring her the whole time.

"Arms up sweetie.....good girl," Dani said, as she removed Isabelle's shirt. Isabelle was now standing naked, on hte cold tile of Jess's bathroom. Isabelle wrapped her arms around her chest out of modesty, not that there was much to hide. Isabelle noted in that moment that her breasts had all but vanished. But, wrapping herself up in her arms offered her just a bit of comfort. 

Isabelle stood there as Dani grabbed something from the counter behind her. It was a package of wipes, Isabelle recognized. 'I do need to clean myself....and those will work.' Isabelle thought better of objecting. She didn't have the energy for it anyway.

"These are going to be a little cold sweetie, but we need to get you cleaned up." Dani said, as she started wiping down Isabelle's legs, thighs, and then proceeding to wipe her vagina, before turning her around and wiping the backs of her legs, and both of her butt cheeks. Dani was efficient, but she certainly didn't miss a spot, Isabelle noted, as she cooperated as her friend moved her body around, cleaning the pee off of her. 

After going through about a dozen wipes, Dani was evidently content. "Good girl. Now wait here, I'll get your pajamas. Its been a long night, I bet you're tired." Dani said. Isabelle merely nodded, continuing to cry, though she was easing up a bit.

Seconds later, Dani returned, holding her pajamas folded in her arm. "Belly, I'm so proud of you. I know this was an accident, and thins happen all the time. Its no big deal, okay?" Dani started with. Isabelle nodded, sniffling the last of her cries away, as Dani continued talking to her, bending down now to meet her on her eye level. "I know you aren't going to love this, but I need you to be a big girl for me, can you do that?" Isabelle nodded again, this time with a little more energy. She owed her friend that much, and was desperate to prove to her that she was, in fact, a big girl. 

Dani continued. "I don't have an extra pair of panties for you, and you need to wear something to bed sweetie," Dani started. In that moment, Isabelle genuinely had no idea where Dani was headed, but Isabelle was listening intently. "so I was wondering if you could be a really big, brave girl, and put these on for me?" Dani asked, smiling, sincere, and kind the whole time.

What Dani held out, Isabelle should have expected, but for whatever reason, didn't. It was a pair of "sweetnights," that much she knew. Isabelle reached out to touch the pullup, not willing to take in her own hand yet. The sides were pink, and Isabelle could see the elastic band at the top. The middle part was white, designed with purple, pink, and blue flowers running from the front, to the butt in the back. The most shocking aspect of them was that the sweetnight seemed big enough for her. 'These don't look like the ones for Becky,' Isabelle thought to herself. Isabelle retracted her hand almost immediately upon touching it, starring back at her friend, tears beginning to form in her eyes. 

"Sweetie," Dani started, seeing that it was upsetting Isabelle, "I know you don't want to wear these, but it's only because we don't have anything else. I can't go back to your house and leave Becky and Eric alone. You're my helper tonight, remember? We need to be good babysitters for them, and sometimes that means doing things we don't want. What do you say?"

Isabelle considered the question as a tear rolled down her eye. Dani raised a good point - they obviously couldn't leave the kids alone. 'AND, I am supposed to be helping babysit,' Isabelle reminded herself. 'But why do I have to wear those?' Isabelle wondered. Taking a breath, Isabelle looked at her friend, "Why can't I just....just......just wear..my jammies without....without anything?" Isabelle asked, as calmly as she could. 

Dani smiled back at Isabelle, pulling her in for a hug. "I know you would prefer that sweetie. But, we can't have you wear nothing. I know it was just an accident, but this will be better, you know? Just in case. Iit would be such a big help to me if you wore them. Can you help me? Can you do that for me Belly?"

Isabelle was startled by the hug she was offered, naked in the bathroom. But her shock didn't last long. Instead, Isabelle hugged her friend back with all her might, whispering into her ear, "okay," before squeezing her again.

Dani pulled back, smiling at Isabelle. "Thank you sweetie. I'm so proud of you. Let's do this together okay? First foot.....good job! and second foot....there you go!" Dani said, before pulling the sweetnights up Isabelle's legs.

The sweetnights felt odd, Isabelle thought. They were certainly bulkier than her underwear, but they weren't, by any measure, uncomfortable. In fact, the padding pressed against her vagina and butt actually felt quite comforting. 'This isn't so bad,' Isabelle thought to herself.

Dani proceeded to stand up, grabbing Isabelle's pajamas, which for that night, was a long, pink sleep dress with horses on it. "Arms up Belly," Dani said, Isabelle immediately complying. Dani helped Isabelle ease her sleep dress down, letting it fall down to her shins. 

"See? All done, and all better." Dani said. And she was right; Isabelle did feel better. Much better, in fact.

"How about we get into Jess's bed and watch some TV. Does that sound like a good plan to you?"

Isabelle liked the idea of watching TV after everything. "Yes......and...." Isabelle took a deep breath, swallowing her shame, "uh..........than.........thanks Dani." Isabelle said, before launching herself into her friend, her head hitting Dani's stomach, and hugging her one more time. Isabelle waited until she felt Dani hug her back, stroking Isabelle's hair with her other hand. 

"My pleasure sweetie. Why don't you hop into the bed, and pick something on TV. I'm just going to make sure Becky is sleeping, and clean up a little, okay?"

Isabelle didn't need to be asked twice, and very quickly jumped up on Jess's bed, finding the remote, and turning the television on. At first, Isabelle noticed the feel of the pullup with every step. It felt off, having something....'weighty,' Isabelle thought, on for panties. But as Isabelle started scrolling the channels, she quickly forgot about her sweetnights all together. 

Isabelle flipped through the channels, finally settling once she found that Rover Roo and the Cluefinders were on, doing her best to focus her attention on the show. Dani, meanwhile, had collected all the wet wipes from the bathroom and thrown them out, and seemingly gone to check on Becky, before returning, and letting Isabelle know that she was going to head downstairs to run the washing machine. Isabelle muttered an "okay," her attention captured by the TV.

As Rover Roo continued to play, Isabelle thought deeply on her transformation over the last few weeks. It was apparent she was getting younger, going back in time. Her body and mind were both moving backward, seemingly at an accelerated rate. On top of that, Isabelle was having serious bladder problems - there was no denying it anymore. Isabelle tried to count the number of accidents that she had over the last week, 'and that is despite all my efforts to combat it.'

'Moreover,' Isabelle thought, as she watched one of the cluefinders fall into an unexpected trap, 'I'm back to square one in my investigation. It would seem I can rule coma out, based on what I've read. Revisiting the prank idea would be useless as well, since I actually appear to be aging in reverse - and fast.' Isabelle shifted to her stomach, grabbed a pillow, and laid her head on it toward the front of the bed.

Isabelle was lost. 'Ought I reconsider magic?' she wondered, without really taking the proposal seriously. 'But maybe it is time I do," Isabelle thought, reflecting on what few options she seemingly had left. Without realizing it, Isabelle's thumb had made its way to the edge of her mouth, and she was nibbling on the edge of it as she considered her options. 

A noise from downstairs broke her attention, and Isabelle immediately pulled her thumb away from her mouth. Isabelle reset herself, trying her best to focus. 'The problem is I'm so caught up in dealing with all of this other stuff, that I can't focus my time and attention toward solving whatever is going on with me. I can't think straight.....' Isabelle would have to reconsider her approach - she knew it.

It would have to wait for another time, however, as Dani emerged back into the room, holding two mugs. "I thought some hot cocoa was in order, what do you think?"

Isabelle smiled. Even now, Dani was the exact type of friend she had always known. Dani had been so sweet all night, and Isabelle felt eternally grateful to her. "Sounds amazing," Isabelle replied, finally feeling up to audibly responding.

Dani climbed into the bed next to Isabelle, who shifted back toward laying down with her head toward the top of the bed, on her back. As Isabelle shifted, she became a little embarrassed, noticing that her dress got caught, revealing her sweetnight to the world. Isabelle quickly fixed her gown before grabbing her hot cocoa. 

If Dani had even seen, she paid Isabelle's embarrassment no attention. "Careful not to spill sweetie. It's very hot too." Isabelle nodded, acknowledging Dani's warning, and waited some time before drinking. "Rover Roo - dang! I haven't seen this forever. Nice choice!" Dani added.

Isabelle and Dani spent the next hour watching Rover Roo together in Jess's bed. Once Isabelle and Dani had finished their drink, Dani set the mugs on one of the end tables, before re-situating herself in the bed. Isabelle snuggled up against her friend, as Dani stroked her hair, slowly, calmly, and putting Isabelle at ease.

Isabelle couldn't tell you when, but at some point, she fell fast asleep, her head pressed against Dani's ribs, a little bit of drool dropping onto her friends top. Dani never left her side, though, patting her head and holding her close as Isabelle drifted in and out of dreamland. 

****

****

"....yah........rough night............doing okay though........you had fun.........."

Isabelle was still asleep when her mom had come back to Jess's. Isabelle wasn't sure what time it was. Isabelle could hear her Dani, first, then her mom, and what seemed to be Jess, but was simply too tired to pick her head up, staying half asleep in Jess's bed. Isabelle felt something was off, but was simply too tired to do anything about it.

"Thank you Dani.......best.........deal with...............girl"

Isabelle knew it was her mom, but couldn't quite get enough of what she was saying, before she heard Dani once more.

"...............adorable...............any time......................soooo sweet."

Moments later, Jane picked Isabelle up off the side of the bed. Intuitively, Isabelle wrapped her arms around her mom's neck, her head resting on her shoulder, and legs wrapped around her waist. "My sweet girl," was all Isabelle remembered her mom saying, before she drifted off to sleep one more time that night.

****

"Thank you Jess. It was a great idea. I really did have a good time," Jane said, thanking Jess for her evening. Jane proceeded to curl her arm underneath her daughter's butt as Isabelle settled into her shoulder, inadvertently lifting her nightgown up, and unexpectedly, making contact with her daughter's warm, wet sweetnight. Jane shifted her daughter's dress, trying her best to let it fall down, but giving up on the task. "I have to get my big girl home to bed now, well talk in the morning." And with that, Jane took her daughter home in her arms. 

 

4 minutes ago, TBCuri said:

This is now among My Top 3 stories across this site 😃

Nice Work 👍

[Kahlez]

*Irony on* So first of why did you have to add 2 chapters when I really should go to bed? *Irony off* Honestly I have to be up in like 4 hours so some sleep would be good but I know me and I probably would have been awake for longer anyways without reading both 

At this point I am really curious for the next morning. It doesnt seems like Isabelle actually noticed how much like a child she was treated and acted. Also she had those "warm" feelings from her slippers so I would not be surprised if she get a bit younger again. 

1 hour ago, Olympiczero said:

Dani teaches Becky's after school dance program

At this rate Isabelle and Becky could be end up there together no time and it would be a nice way to keep Dani in the story. Or even end up in the same class together and have the same Babysitter (which Isabelle of course doesnt need ).

1 hour ago, Olympiczero said:

Sometimes I rush the editing because I just want to write more!

Nearly forgot...yeah I know the feeling sometimes you are in a flow and full of ideas that you just need to write them down. I kind of wish I would be confident enough in English skill to write a full story. I have that Idea floating in my head for 2 years now but I am way to nervous to attempt writing that much in English.  

[diaper24/7]

It seem not to long before actual diapers come in to the picture soon.

[BabySofia]

She was relegated to the back seat earlier with no booster seat, but now we're at the point where mommy can carry her home... I think @diaper24/7 is right, diapers are just around the corner! She's finally noticed the magic, but hasn't pegged it to her ballet shoes. At this point I assume they're no longer for en pointe work...? 

The initial thing in the previous chapter with Avery and the others making fun of her was a mean trick by the way! Glad he did actually behave like I thought he would! 🙂

Enjoying this!

[FloridaKid]

I’m with @BabySofia on the twisty trick you played on us. 😈 Definitely surprised me…well done!
 

This story is just adorable. I really look forward to seeing your updates pop up. It’s one of my favorite reads.

[Olympiczero]

8 hours ago, BabySofia said:

The initial thing in the previous chapter with Avery and the others making fun of her was a mean trick by the way! 

6 hours ago, FloridaKid said:

I’m with @BabySofia on the twisty trick you played on us. 😈

Mean trick? Twisty trick? What ever do you mean?! I’m innocent! 😇. 

[Olympiczero]

The Ballet Slippers - Chapter 25

 

Isabelle heard birds chirping outside her window. Her body felt heavy under her covers, and Isabelle started working to locate her arms, her hands, her legs, her feet. As she stretched each extremity of her body, she felt something that was rare of late - she felt rested. For the first time in several nights, Isabelle had slept, and slept well. 

Isabelle's eyes fluttered open to the continued sounds of birds chirping, as the sunlight from her window struck her golden hair. She yawned deeply, her mind slowly waking up, trying to catch up with her body. 'I remember......I remember watching TV with Dani,' Isabelle thought, as she stretched her body out once more, in no rush to get out of bed that morning. 'I remember......mom coming.....' Isabelle thought, but the memory was faint. 'I must have really been out cold.'

Isabelle shifted in bed, turning to lay on her other side. As she did, Isabelle felt something unusual underneath her. No - it was not Rabbity, who was safely in her arms. Rather, it was something warm, something moist, something......

'Oh no.' Isabelle thought to herself. 'Oh no oh no oh no.......not again.' Isabelle was frozen in bed, too frightened to lift up her covers and find yet another wet spot underneath her. 'I've peed the bed again,' Isabelle thought. In fact, she knew it. And truth be told, she was exhausted from all the work it took to cover it up. Right now, Isabelle just wanted to lay in bed, and accept her fate. She had had enough.

But this morning was odd. It did not feel like other mornings when she had woken up wet. There was no cold, clammy feeling underneath her. Isabelle could not feel any wetness down her legs, on her back, or anywhere else. In fact.....it just felt wet and warm around her crotch. 'Still, even if I only peed a little, its still a wet bed, wet sheets, wet mattress....'

But that was the thing - Isabelle's sheets did not feel wet either. Nor did her mattress appear to be wet, at least to her touch. 'What the heck is going on.' Isabelle wondered, her curiosity overpowering her dread enough for her to stick her hand underneath the covers, and feel around. Slowly, delicately, Isabelle moved her hand around her body, not daring to make contact with herself yet. Little by little, Isabelle confirmed her suspicions; no wet sheets, no wet mattress, no wet anything.

Isabelle's interest was now very much piqued, her fears and concerns washing away. And so, Isabelle lifted her covers up, to peer down at herself and identify the cause of this new feeling. Isabelle lifted the covers up

...

....and immediately threw them back down, turning crimson red and starring up at her ceiling. 'I forgot.......I forgot about the sweetnights.' Isabelle had not, until that moment, reflected on the whole events of the night prior; hiding in the laundry room, struggling to get out, wetting her pants, discovered by Becky, being cleaned up by her friend, and being dressed into sweetnights. Isabelle had felt so good that morning, the prior nights horrid events had not occurred to her. 

Isabelle laid in bed, still, embarrassed at her state, for several more minutes, processing what was going on. 'I cannot believe I am wearing these,' was of course, her immediate thought. Isabelle needed to make sense of this, explain it away. 'Of course! It was just as a favor to Dani, to help her out,' Isabelle reminded herself. 'We couldn't exactly leave the kids alone. It was just a fluke thing.'

The only problem was Isabell knew that was not true. Isabelle knew she had been having accidents for over a week. And this morning, after some very long weeks, Isabelle was ready to confront the truth about what was going on with her. The truth was starring her in the face - she was not just wearing a sweetnight, but her sweetnight was wet. Very wet at that. And Isabelle was positive that when she fell asleep next to Dani last night, it had been very dry.

As Isabelle's mind continued to wake up, she thought of some conversations she had with herself the prior two days, her realization that her bladder issues were preventing her from focusing her efforts on what mattered - figuring out whatever was happening to her. She was previously unwilling to admit it in the hopes that she could resolve this crazy thing happening before she needed to pay it much attention. But the truth was, Isabelle was back to square one with her theories, and would need to redouble her efforts to solve this conundrum.

That would mean sleeping, and Isabelle had not been sleeping well. The cause of it - her bladder, her alarms, her panic, her wet beds, and, without question, her embarrassment over all of the above. 'Perhaps there is a solution to this.....perhaps I need to consider......'

Isabelle could not believe she was actually taking this option seriously. 'I'm an adult.' Isabelle reminded herself. "I do not need to actually accept peeing the bed.' There would of course, need to be another solution.

Isabelle was going back and forth with this debate in her bead, unsure of where to land, and unaware of the irony of having the debate whilst in some very wet protection. Her internal struggle was taking a toll on her that morning, so much so that she barely heard when her mom came into the room, and made her way over to Isabelle's bed.

"Good morning sweetie," Jane said, sitting on the edge of Isabelle's bed and leaning over to kiss her daughter on the forehead, eliciting a smile from her daughter. "How did you sleep last night baby? You were out cold when I got to Jess's and I had to carry you home!" Jane said, suggesting some surprise, as she rested her right hand on Isabelle's stomach, stroking her cheek with her left. Isabelle felt a great comfort to have her mom holding her like that. 

Isabelle considered how to answer, before deciding to do so honestly. "I slept really well mom...I.......I've been really tired lately." Isabelle knew it was probably smarted to conceal what was going on until Isabelle had made her mind up on how to move forward. But the words came out of her mouth, and with them, a weight left her body. It felt nice to share with someone. 

"I'm sure sweetie. I heard you had a pretty stressful night. Can we talk about it?' Jane asked, as she rubbed her daughter's belly, and continued to smile at her. Isabelle knew the conversation was probably inevitable, Dani had, of course, no choice but to tell Jane what happened. But Isabelle didn't want to discuss it, so she simply shook her head from side to side, looking down at herself as she did so.

"I know you must be sad sweetie. But we do need to talk about it." Isabelle was too distracted to notice, but her mom's right hand had been sliding lower and lower. Isabelle didn't even notice as Jane slipped her hand quickly down her leg, and then back up her sweetnight, before settling on Isabelle's stomach again. "Dani told me you had a bit of an accident. Is that what you're embarrassed about?"

Isabelle was still not ready to speak, and so instead, just nodded. It was true - she was indeed embarrassed.

"That's okay sweetie. And she told me it was because you got stuck downstairs. Its not your fault. So I don't want you to worry about it," Jane continued. Her mom's remarks made Isabelle feel a little better, enough so that she could lift her head up at least and look at her mom again, offering a sliver of a smile. Isabelle's smile, however, would not last long.

"But sweetie, I know you've been having more than just that one problem, right?" Jane asked, hoping her daughter would confess. Isabelle did no such thing, however, instead freezing up, and dropping her head again. Isabelle could not admit it. But she couldn't deny it either. 

Jane took a deep breath before continuing. "You know, I spoke with Mandy yesterday morning, and she mentioned that you had a little accident there too. Is that true?"

Isabelle's head shot up at that remark, and her eyes opened very wide. 'Avery - that traitor! He told his mom?!?!? And probably Mel too!' It was too much for Isabelle to handle, her eyes starting to well up with tears, before she let her head fall down again.

Jane, meanwhile, did not stop stroking her daughter's hair, and continued to massage her belly, trying to help her calm down. "It's okay sweetie. She didn't say anything to Mel. She just had to tell me, you understand. I would have to do the same thing if it had happened to Mel here."

'That did make sense,' Isabelle thought, and it did make it a bit better, 'but still......Avery told his mom......' That part didn't make Isabelle feel good.

Jane was not done yet, however. "And during the week, you also had a few accidents, didn't you?" Jane asked. "I found some clothes in your washing basket on Friday that were wet, no? And I had to clean a few drops of pee in the hall last week too. And don't forget about the sheets I found in the dryer, which I assume were wet, no? And the spray bottle you left in your room to clean the mattress? Moms know everything my sweet Belly." Jane had listed each incident calmly, and sweetly. She was disappointed, of course, Isabelle had not come forward. 'But at least she isn't denying it.' Jane thought. 

Isabelle could not believe it. Her mom had known everything. 'But I did such a good job cleaning everything up!' Isabelle thought to herself, 'I didn't leave any evidence......well, except the spray bottle.....and I guess the sheets in the dryer.........and the laundry. But that was it. That wasn't enough evidence!' Isabelle concluded. And yet, here was her mom, calling her out on all of it. 

Isabelle was now fully crying. 'Oh sweetie, come here!' Jane said, pulling her daughter up to her knees, and giving her a big, mom hug. "it's okay. I'm not mad. I just wish you had told me you were having nighttime problems sweetie," Jane said, rubbing her daughter's back. As Isabelle rested her head on her mom's shoulder, Jane took the opportunity to confirm with her eyes what her hand had already told her - her daughter's sweetnight was soaked.

Jane pushed her daughter back, Isabelle landing comfortably and softly on her butt. "Now listen sweetie. Lots of girls go through problems like this. Its not big deal. Soon, you'll have to deal with all sorts of other things girls deal with. This is something that happens to everyone, but it is something we are going to have to deal with, okay?' Isabelle, much like last night, was not ready to speak, so instead, just nodded.

"Good girl. So yesterday, I went to the store and got a package of these," Jane said, as she reached behind her to pull out the bag of sweetnights, "which you'll only have to wear at night before you go to sleep. Well put them away so no one will see them, and this will just be between the two of us. And if after a week, you're waking up dry in them, well get rid of them. Okay sweetie?

Isabelle was lost for words. Isabelle could see the package was already open, realizing now where the sweetnight she was wearing came from last night. 'Mom must have left one with my things.....for just in case I suppose.....' Isabelle realized. Isabelle looked at her mom, unable to do anything but stare.

"Isabelle. This isn't really an option," Jane continued, with a little more authority in her voice. "I need you to be big girl about this and wear them. And I need you to tell me you're going to do so, right now, okay?"

Isabelle couldn't do it. She didn't have it in her. Isabelle continued to sit in front of her mom, frozen, processing her struggle. 'This isn't real. This can't be real,' Isabelle thought to herself.

But it was real.

And Isabelle knew it. 

Deep down, in her heart, in her mind, at her very core, Isabelle knew this was right.

Isabelle didn't want to fight the truth anymore. Isabelle didn't want to wake up wet anymore. Isabelle didn't want to......'to be something I'm not,' she thought to herself, unaware of what she truly meant by that. And so Isabelle nodded - she nodded a nod she never thought she would nod. And then, Isabelle did something else unexpected - she spoke. 'Yes mommy. I'll......I'll wear them." 

Isabelle did not need to struggle anymore - the decision had been made for her. And Isabelle accepted that decision, ultimately, not mattering whether she would have arrived there on her own.

"Good girl. I'm so proud of you," Jane said with a smile, hugging her daughter again. "I want you to listen to me for one more second sweetie," Jane continued "As you grow up, all sorts of things are going to happen to you. Things are going to happen around you. Things you cannot explain. Things you don't always understand, or that don't make sense. And you won't be able to control it all. And that is really hard to accept." 

Isabelle's mind was starting to activate again - 'I've.......heard this before........I think?' Isabelle thought, '........mom has said this before.......but when....?'

Jane continued. "But the truth is sweetie, what you're going to have to learn to do, what a big girl learns to do, is that you need to accept the things that are happening, let them happen, all of it. And once you do, you can learn how to deal with those things. Once you sit back, and reflect and think about what is happening, and why it is happening, you'll be able to come up with solutions to these issues you are having. You'll learn to make the best of each and every situation. And in the end, you'll be happier. I promise. As soon as you accept it, all of it, you will find joy you didn't realize was there." 

Isabelle continued to reflect on her mom's words. 'They just seem so familiar.....' But she was interrupted once more.

"Now," Jane finished, "I can see that your sweetnight is quite wet, my love," Jane pointed out, her eyes glancing toward her daughter's protection. "why don't you change out of that, and come down for breakfast?" Jane said, getting up, and leaving the room. 

If Isabelle had been horrified by their conversation up to that point, nothing compared to how she felt right now, her mom having been aware that she had wet her sweetnight the whole time.

***

The day transpired without much excitement. After her conversation with her mom, Isabelle had decided to shower, and make her way down to eat some breakfast. Isabelle was not in a particularly chatty mood, and Jane was not eager to bother her any further. So after she finished eating, Isabelle pushed her cereal bowl away from her, and went back upstairs to grab her book, spending the morning reading alone in her room.

In truth, there was a sort of weight lifted from Isabelle's mind. Though she didn't exactly arrive at the decision to use the sweetnights herself, the bedwetting issue really had taken a toll on her and her investigation into the strange events of the last few weeks. As Isabelle finished her latest chapter, she considered the added benefits, beyond simply not wetting the bed. 'I'll be able to focus more on figuring out what's happening to me. This will be good. And temporary.' 

Isabelle made her way back downstairs for lunch, fining that a sandwich was waiting for her. Isabelle passed her mom on her way down, smiling at Jane. 'There's no reason to be mad at mom,' Isabelle thought to herself, 'she is just trying to help. And, after all, she's not exactly making any of this up. Nor is it her fault this is happening,' Isabelle thought, working through the possibilities. 'At least I hope not.' 

After finishing her lunch, Isabelle went around the house to find her things from last night. Making her way back into her room, Isabelle spotted her ballet slippers, and what appeared to be clean, dry leggings, from the night before, laying on top of her dresser. Isabelle picked them up, putting them away in the middle drawer of the dresser, and turning back to her bed. For the life of her, she couldn't find her cell phone. 'I think I might have left it at Jess's' 

That presented a problem. If Isabelle could have her way, she would never ever return to Jess's house again. It would mean reliving the horrid events of last night. Even worse, it might result in her having to talk about what happened again. Neither was a prudent option. Nevertheless, she needed her cell phone, and there was no way Isabelle was going to confess to her mom that she lost it - it was practically brand new. 

Isabelle searched around her room a little while longer before giving up. 'I'll need to go over there,' Isabelle thought, 'there's no other choice at this point.' Isabelle made her way downstairs, hearing her mom on the phone in the kitchen. Isabelle followed the noise, catching the tail end of the conversation on one subject, before it switched to another.

".....the talk and it's going to be okay. ....hmmmhmm..........hmmhmmmmmm........hahahahhah yah, me too Jess. Here she is now actually." Jane said, as Isabelle entered the room. Isabelle could not figure out what they were saying about her, but she was not exactly sure she wanted to know either. Jane motioned to Isabelle that she needed another minute, so Isabelle sat down.

".....yah......uh huh................I KNOW!........yes already did, in fact, actually.....this week, yep......hmmm hmmmmm..........yes............I will, of course yes...yah I'll tell her now..... yah..talk later." Jane said, before hanging up the phone.

'Jeeeeeeez. Isabelle thought, 'that was taking forevvvvvver.' What on earth did her mom have to talk to Jess about anyway? 'They spent the whole night together.....' Isabelle was annoyed her mom was not waiting to listen to her, but took the opportunity now that she was off the phone. "Mom. I think I left some......uhh....school things over at Jess's house last night. Can I go over and check?" Isabelle asked, as kindly as she could.

"Actually, yes sweetie." Jane responded. "I need to go out for a bit to pick some....supplies up. So you were either coming with me or going there." Jane responded. "I need to run to the grocery store while I'm out, so I'll come over to Jess's later to grab you when I'm back, okay? Becky wants to see you anyway, Jess was just telling me."

Isabelle was pleased her mom wasn't asking too many questions. "Sure thing mom. I'll see you later," Isabelle responded, before heading to the door and putting on her sneakers. Isabelle opened the front door, and stepped out into the cool afternoon air. She shut the door behind her, jogged down the stairs, and started to make her way to Jess's.

Isabelle rang the doorbell at their house, and waited until John opened it up. "Hey there Isabelle. I know there's someone here waiting for you. Why don't you come in?" John said, motioning her inside. Jane had called to let Jess know that Isabelle would be over, and John had been waiting by the bay window to make sure she arrived. 'Jess actually had to run out to get a new crib for Eric, so its just you girls and dad today!" John said with enthusiasm.

Isabelle walked into the house, catching most, but not all of what John said. Her focus, rather, was on finding her phone. "Thanks John. I'll just head upstairs....to go watch Becky," Isabelle said, glancing around the room for where her phone might be. John, in response, simply nodded, and Isabelle slowly made her way by him, up the stairs, careful to look everywhere she could for her phone, but without seeming suspicious.  

In an effort to continue playing along, Isabelle went straight to Becky's room, finding her on the floor playing with some dolls. "Hi Belly!" Becky said, turning just enough to welcome Isabelle in, before returning to what she was doing. "Come play. Dollies are having a birthday party!" 

Isabelle smiled. Not wanting to be rude, Isabelle sat down and picked up one of the dolls, taking instructions from Becky on the appropriate way to play. While she did, Isabelle moved around the room, searching for her phone. "Belly! Back over here. Iris is going to miss the birthday cake!" Becky called after Isabelle, when Isabelle had strayed too far from the party, looking under Becky's bed for her phone, and finding nothing. 

Isabelle stayed in Becky's room for a while, playing with her and searching, until John came up to the room to interrupt them. "Hey girls. Becky - do you have to go to the potty?" John asked, causing Isabelle, and not Becky to blush.

Becky simply nodded, before turning to Isabelle "Belly, do you hafta go to the potty too?" The question was innocent enough, but caused Isabelle to go from blushing to crimson red. To make matters worse, Isabelle did, in fact, need to go to the bathroom. 

Isabelle did her best to play it off cool. "You know what Becky, I do need to go to the po - bathroom too. Why don't we both go?" Isabelle proposed, doing her best to come off as the mature babysitter she knew she was. Becky nodded in response. 

"Great plan," John responded to Isabelle. "Becky, you come with me and we'll use the potty in your bathroom. Isabelle - you don't need to go downstairs, just go use my bathroom." John suggested, before taking Becky's hand and walking with her to the bathroom. 

Isabelle got up off the ground, and made her way into John and Jess's bedroom, shutting the bedroom door behind her. Isabelle took the opportunity to search around the room for her phone; under the covers, on the nightstands, under the bed - but her phone was nowhere to be found. 'What the heck,' Isabelle wondered to herself, 'where could I have left it?'

Isabelle was reminded by her bladder that she did, in fact, need to use the bathroom, and proceeded swiftly into the John and Jess's bathroom, sitting on the toilet and releasing her pee - and even pooping - as she continued to look around, possibly thinking her phone was in the bathroom. Isabelle was glad for bathroom relief, despite the shame of being back in a room she had, just half a day earlier, willingly stepped into a sweetnight in. 'But now I am using the toilet. Progress - see?' Isabelle told herself.

Isabelle wiped, flushed, and washed her hands, before leaving the room in search of John and Becky. Isabelle found them in the hall bathroom, the door open. "Isabelle, Becky wants you to help her put a sticker on her potty chart." John said, motioning Isabelle over. 

Isabelle walked over, smiling at Becky as the little girl showed off her 'star' sticker, and stepped onto a stool to place it in the "Great Job!" row on a potty chart that Jess had made for Becky, taped above the towel rack. "I get a sticker because I'm a big girl!" Becky announced, inadvertently placing the sticker on the Saturday row instead of Sunday. John didn't bother to correct it. 

"Great job indeed Becky!" Isabelle said, trying her best to boost the girl's self-confidence. Based on Isabelle's review of the chart, Becky's overall progress could be described, at best, as mediocre. 'She really has taken a step back on this,' Isabelle thought, concerned as to what impact Isabelle may have had the week prior when she blamed Becky for the little 'spill' on the couch.

Becky took Isabelle's hand and started pulling her downstairs, wanting to watch TV on the couch in the living room. Isabelle followed, and after settling Becky on the couch, excused herself to go to the kitchen for a glass of water for her and Becky, so she could search for her phone there as well. 'No luck here either....' Isabelle was growing concerned she had really lost her phone, and would need to tell her mom what happened. 

Isabelle returned to the living room with Becky, and proceeded to watch TV with her for a little while. Isabelle realized it was the same show from last night - Becky was streaming the show from Getflix, and sooner than later, Isabelle found her attention captured by it more than she expected.

At some point, Isabelle heard the house phone ring and John answer it, followed by him heading toward the front door. It did not deter Isabelle's focus away from the show until John called her to help him out. "Isabelle, Jess is getting home now. I need to help her unload the crib. Can you come get Eric and just put him in his bouncer?"

Isabelle got up off of the couch, and made her way out the front door after John, where she spotted Jess opening the trunk to her car. "Hey Izzy!" Jess called to her, "Thank you so much for being a great helper. Eric is just in his car seat." 

Isabelle called back a simply "my pleasure," and made her way to the nearside door of Jess's minivan, opening the automatic door and spotting Eric, babbling in his car seat. "Hey there little guy. Let's get you out of that seat." Isabelle said. Isabelle fumbled at the car seat a little bit, trying to figure out how to release it. After a minute or so, Isabelle solved the puzzle, releasing her new charge, and carried him on her hip, before pressing a button near the inside of the car door to start the automatic door's closing mechanism. 

Isabelle carried Eric into the living, spotting Becky on the couch, still watching TV. Becky seemed to be squirming more than she had been previously, as Isabelle deposited Eric in the bouncer, and re-joined her friend, who ceased her squirming once Isabelle sat down. 

Isabelle resumed watching the show as she listened to John and Jess carry the new boxed crib upstairs to Eric's room, before returning after about 10 minutes. "Isabelle," Jess started, "I just spoke with your mom, and she'll be home any minute. Thank you so much for helping with everything. Why don't you get your sneakers on and I'll walk you home?"

Isabelle got off of the couch and put her shoes on as instructed. "Okay Jess." Isabelle said her goodbyes to Becky and John, before following Jess out of the house and toward her own home. Along the way, Jess chatted Isabelle up about how her afternoon was. "It was pretty fun. I watched Becky and played with her, and then we watched some TV together." Isabelle responded, as they rounded the staircase to Isabelle's house together, Jane's car already in the driveway. 

"That sounds like fun. Before we know it, you'll be babysitting Becky and Eric all the time," Jess said, as she rang the doorbell to Isabelle's house. Isabelle resented the comment, but didn't have time to respond before her mom opened the door. Isabelle wasn't sure what exactly came over her, but upon seeing her mom, immediately went and hugged her, before letting go and waving bye to Jess. 

"Thank John for......supervising," Jane said, the comment going over Isabelle's head. 

"No problem. Now I have a crib to go build. You're so lucky those days are behind you," Jess said, as the two moms laughed together before saying goodbye and shutting the door. 

***

"Thanks for dinner mom," Isabelle said, who was completely stuffed after eating her chicken tenders and fries. 'Mom always makes the best homemade fries,' Isabelle thought, as she managed to put one more crispy one into her mouth, maxing her stomach capacity. 

"My pleasure sweetie. It's late already though, and you have school tomorrow. Go get your bags ready and then please get ready for bed." Jane said, as she stood up to start cleaning up the mess from dinner.

Isabelle made her way to her room as she was instructed, and started getting her school bag ready for the next day. 'I never did find my phone,' Isabelle thought, 'but its still too soon to bring it up to mom.' Isabelle opened up her closet, and started to look for some dance clothes to lay out for the morning. Isabelle settled on a patterned purple, blue, and white leotard that she thought looked pretty fun, and then went over to her dresser to find a pair of tights.

Isabelle opened the top drawer of her dresser where she ordinarily kept her tights, and reached in to grab a set. Only, Isabelle's hand did not make contact with any tights. Instead, they found something firmer, something Isabelle had never quite rubbed her hands against. The drawer, of course, was filled with neatly stacked sweetnights. 

Isabelle recoiled her hand back to her body. 'I shouldn't exactly be shocked, after this morning,' Isabelle thought, 'but I didn't even see when mom did this.' Isabelle had managed to get through the day without thinking much on the sweetnights, but now that it was approaching bedtime, Isabelle realized there was no avoiding her new reality. 

Isabelle slowly reached her hand out again to touch her new nighttime underwear, stopping inches away from them. Isabelle looked at the sweetnights, and then diverted her gaze, shutting her eyes, and staying completely still - the last remnants of her adult conscious that told her she did not need these holding her back.

Isabelle stayed in that position for a moment before opening her eyes, continuing to stare at the floor. But it was not just the floor she was looking at. Rather, it was her ballet slippers, right in front of her eyes. Isabelle was reminded of their beauty in that moment, how they made her feel when she wore them, how she felt confident as she danced in them, how much it meant to her that her mom had gotten them for her, and how the slippers had been a source of joy, comfort, and understanding for her.

That reminder was all that was needed, as the last block in her mind dissipated to the wind. Isabelle's hand closed the gap on the sweetnights, her fingers beginning to dance as they played with what felt like the waistband of the underwear. Isabelle ran her fingers over the material, feeling the softness of the sweetnight, as she traced her hand from front to back, before picking it up, and bringing it to her chest.

Isabelle held the sweetnight in both hands, smiling at the soft-colored flowers that were starring back at her, before unfolding it and stretching it open. 'This really is not a big deal,' Isabelle concluded, coming to absolute and complete terms with wearing these. 'In fact, its going to work out great,' Isabelle concluded, before smiling and setting the sweetnight on top of her dresser.

Isabelle resumed her original task, opening the rest of her drawers in search of her tights. It appeared that Jane had moved them to share space with her panties in a different drawer instead. Isabelle reached in, grabbing a pair of black tights, as well as plain white panties, before closing the drawers, grabbing her slippers, and setting them all aside to wear the next morning. Isabelle then returned to her dresser, grabbing a red t-shirt with the "NEW ARMY" logo on it, and a simple pair of blue jeans, putting them in her dance bag to change into. 

Isabelle then left her room to go brush and wash her teeth. It didn't occur to her until the water in the bathroom was running, but Isabelle really did need to pee, so sat down and did exactly that. 'Maybe I'll even wake up dry tomorrow,' Isabelle concluded, 'peeing right before bed.' Isabelle finished her routine, turning the light off, and made her way to her bedroom. 

Isabelle took her shirt and pants off, and threw them to her laundry basket, missing narrowly and watching her clothes tumble to the floor. 'Better luck tomorrow,' Isabelle thought, as she stood in her room bare chested, only wearing her panties. Isabelle took a deep breath, and removed her panties, throwing them as well, and again, missing her laundry basket, before making her way back to her dresser.

Isabelle thought it would be more of an ordeal, doing this tonight. But slipping the sweetnight on only generated one thought, one emotion from her: 'this is right.' Isabelle pulled her sweetnight up her legs until it snugly rested against her, immediately sensing the softness, the comfort, the...'well joy..' her new underwear offered her. Isabelle then opened her pajama dresser, selecting a non-matching set of flannel pants and a sleeping shirt with Princess Plum from the Super Bario game on the front.

Just as Isabelle finished pulling her shirt on, her mom walked in the room with a big smile on her face. "Bedtime Isabelle," was all Jane said, as she pulled her daughter in for a hug, patting Isabelle's butt and confirming she did have her sweetnights on. 'I'm proud that she did it by herself, without a fuss,' Jane thought.

Jane walked with Isabelle over to her bed, and helped her in, pulling the sheets and covers over her daughter. Almost as soon as Isabelle situated herself, Jane watched as her daughter's eyes fluttered, and then shut, the sweet girl falling into a dream-filled sleep. "I love you Belly,' Jane said, giving her a kiss on the forehead, before turning Isabelle's bedside lamp off, and shutting the door as she left the room.