The following morning everyone was up early. Josie was feeling a little better but she was still pouting over what had happened. The fact that she was sporting a large bruise on the side of head didn’t help matters any. She had already eaten breakfast and gone back to her room. Ty and Eddie came down shortly afterward and were sitting at the table eating breakfast.
“How’s dad?” Ty asked.
“He’ll be home shortly,” his mother answered evasively.
“Did he already leave?” he persisted.
“No, Ty. Dad stayed at Aunt June and Uncle Henry’s last night.”
“Why? Is he still mad at me? Does he hate me?”
“No, Ty. Don’t even think such a thing. Something else is bothering dad. His reactions yesterday were way out of proportion. I don’t know what the real problem is but I promise that I’m going to find out. Everything is going to be fine.”
Melinda hoped that she could back up that promise with results. It was only seven-thirty but she decided to call her mother-in-law whom she knew to be an early riser. She had always enjoyed a good relationship with her and she hoped that Luke’s mother could give her some insight into Luke’s puzzling behavior.
“Good morning, Sarah. This is Melinda. How are you today?” Melinda tried to sound cheery.
“Just fine, thanks. It looks like it’s going to be a glorious day but you never call this early in the morning to talk about the weather. What’s up? I hope nothing is wrong.”
“I’m afraid something is wrong. Don’t worry. Everyone is in good health- it’s just that Luke and I are having a problem. I really feel the need to talk to you. Do you have time today for us to get together?”
“Of course, dear. When and where?”
“Luke isn’t home right now. Would right away be convenient?”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Sarah, as usual, you’re a lifesaver. First, though, I have something to tell you.”
Melinda quickly summarized how Tyler had been caught wearing his cousin’s diapers and plastic pants and that he had asked to wear them full time again. Before she could go any further, her mother-in-law interrupted.
“And Luke has completely fallen apart over this. Right?”
“Yes, that’s right. His behavior is totally irrational. It’s as if he’s completely disowned Tyler.” Melinda admitted.
“Oh, dear. Yes, we do need to talk. However, what you’ve just shared with me changes things slightly. I’ll have to postpone our talk until ten o’clock.”
Melinda was tremendously relieved. Her mother-in-law was a competent woman who could be relied upon to give sound advice. She hoped that Luke would not arrive home before she had a chance to talk to the elder Mrs. Hardymon.
“That was grandma Hardymon I was talking to on the phone. She’s coming over later.” Ty shot a worried look in his mother’s direction. “She already knows about your diapers. There won’t be any problem there. Now, if you guys are finished with breakfast it’s time for your showers.” Melinda told Eddie and Ty. “Call me when you’re ready to be put into fresh diapers.”
This was an invitation neither boy was going to fight. As much as they adored their wet diapers, the feel of being freshly powdered and pinned into soft clean diapers was indescribable. With each diaper change the boys found it harder and harder to hide the pleasure that they were feeling.
A short time later both boys were showered and diapered. Eddie had to borrow a shirt and some socks from Ty. Melinda took special notice that they selected t-shirts that Ty had more-or-less outgrown, giving them a younger more toddler-like look.
A little after eight-thirty, Mark Haddlin was at the door.
“Is Ty home?” he inquired.
“He’s in the den with Eddie,” Mrs. Hardymon answered, inviting him into the house.
Ty and Eddie heard the exchange between Mark and Ty’s mother and were happy that Mark had shown up. They went up to Ty’s room.
“So, what are you guys going to do today?” Mark asked.
“I’m not sure,” Eddie answered first. “I spent the night here and haven’t talked to my mom yet. I’m not sure if she’s got stuff for me to do.”
“My grandmother is coming over in a little while. I’m not sure either.” Ty chose not to mention the events of the previous night. He was pretty sure that this was why his grandmother was coming over.
“Oh,” Mark answered, disappointment in his voice.
“Why, do you have any ideas?” Eddie pressed.
“No. I thought we could just hang out together, that’s all.”
“OK.” Eddie agreed. “Do you want to try on a diaper now or do you want to wait until later?”
“What? Are you crazy? I don’t want to wear diapers.”
Then last night why did you say, and I quote, ‘I sure wouldn’t want to be seen in them around the neighborhood, even though I think it would be really kewl to wear diapers, too’.” Ty pressed his friend.
Mark’s answered astounded them.
“I knew that I had made a mistake as soon as I said it. I was hoping that you wouldn’t pick up on it. Ever since we moved into the neighborhood I’ve been jealous of Bryin getting to wear them. And, yesterday, when my mom said that you were wearing them, too… well, I was really jealous of all three of you.”
“You still haven’t answered the question. Now or later?” Eddie repeated.
“No! I can’t. Not here. Not now. What if Ty’s mom comes in?”
“She always knocks first,” Ty assured him. “You can run into my bathroom until she leaves. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“No, I can’t,” Mark insisted.
“Why not? You said you wanted to. Aren’t you going to hate yourself later on for not taking advantage of the opportunity you have right now?” Eddie pointed out.
“You’ll laugh,” Mark said.
“How can we laugh? We’re already in diapers and plastic pants,” Eddie retorted.
“I can’t… I’m too embarrassed to tell you why,” Mark said hesitantly.
Eddie thought he understood.
“Oh, that! Ty and I get excited all the time when we put diapers on. Don’t be shy.”
“Well…” Mark agreed reluctantly.
“Come on, get your pants and underwear off. Ty will get a towel for you to lay on,” Eddie prodded.
Mark complied as Ty went into his bathroom to retrieve a towel which he spread out on the bed.
“Lie down on this,” Ty directed. “And take your shirt off, too. I have some better ones for wearing with diapers.” (By this he meant smaller and shorter ones that would show off a greater amount of the diaper and plastic pants.)
Mark cooperated fully, although clearly embarrassed by his mounting excitement. They powdered his diaper area, front and back. He lifted up so that they could slide the diaper under him. In just a few more moments, four diapers pins held the thick flannel diaper securely in place.
“Wow!” was all that Mark could manage as he rubbed his hands over the thick, soft diaper.
“Wait until you get your plastic pants on,” Ty said excitedly. “Then you’ll really know how great it feels!”
He took a new pair of his plastic pants and carefully slid them over Mark’s shoes and then up and over his diaper. After Mark stood up, Eddie and Ty checked for stray material that wasn’t completely tucked into the plastic pants.
“Have you got a mirror?” Mark practically begged.
“Sure, open the closet door,” Ty answered.
Mark wanted to scream with delight but he knew that that would cause Mrs. Hardymon to come and investigate. He beamed as he turned every which way, examining his diapered bottom.
“This is so kewl,” he murmured to himself. “Finally!”
“I guess you’re not too disappointed,” Eddie teased.
Mark began giggling as he stared at his reflection. “I really am doing it! I’m wearing real diapers and plastic pants!” His urge to scream was building up and his voice grew louder and louder.
“Sshh! Keep your voice down,” Ty warned. “You don’t want my mom or my sister to hear, do you?”
Mark quieted down and joined the other two boys on the floor.
“I wish I could wear these forever,” Mark sighed. “You guys are so lucky.”
“Yeah , we know what you mean,” Eddie commiserated. “I’m sorry you can’t join us all the time.”
There was a knock at the door. Mark ran into Ty’s bathroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.
“Yes?” Ty invited.
“Eddie your mom is here. Can we come in?”
“Sure.”
Melinda and Bunny came into the room carrying boxes.
“Eddie’s mom had a good idea this morning. She cleaned out all of Eddie’s underwear and pants that he won’t need anymore or that won’t fit over his diapers. The Salvation Army truck will be at the supermarket in about an hour to pick up donations. Let’s get your room cleaned out too. We can’t leave these diapers sitting here on the floor forever.”
“OK,” the boys agreed.
“Good, you guys start in the closet and Mrs. Pfelgaur and I will start here in your room. Do you have any clothes in your bathroom?”
“No!” Ty practically screamed from the closet. “I mean, ‘No’,” he repeated in a more normal voice.
Mark heard this exchange through the door and he prayed that Mrs. Hardymon wouldn’t come in and discover him. Luckily, she didn’t. With nothing to do but sit on the floor and wait, he became bored. Soon, he became conscious of an overwhelming urge to pee. After a couple of minutes of intense concentration he managed to start a small trickle. This quickly became a heavy flow as his bladder emptied itself. He hoped that the diaper would absorb everything he was giving it. (In fact, it could have easily taken two more heavy wettings.) Once again it was only with an great effort at self-control that Mark was able to sit quietly. What he really wanted was to scream at the top of his lungs that he had just peed his diaper and that he was proud of it!
“There, I think that’s everything,” Mrs. Hardymon announced. “Ty, you’re going to need all new pants and shorts. Oh, and I wish you’d check your pockets for money before taking your pants off. I put what I found on the dresser.”
Ty really didn’t know what she was talking about. But if she had found some money in his pants pockets who was he to complain?
“OK, guys, help me carry these boxes down to the car. I want to deliver them right away.” Mrs. Pfelgaur announced.
“By the way,” Ty’s mom asked, “did Mark leave already? Was he disappointed in you guys because of your diapers.”
“No, he was kewl with it,” Ty answered. “I guess he had somewhere to go.”
They went downstairs. The boxes of old clothes were loaded into the car. Mrs. Pfelgaur remembered to have Eddie fetch his new diapers and plastic pants from the den where they were sitting since last night. In the meantime, Mrs. Hardymon put Ty’s dirty shirts and socks into the washer.
Ty and Eddie went back upstairs to rescue Mark and to devise a plan to get him out of the house unseen.
“Mark, you can come out now- the coast is clear.”
Mark cautiously emerged from the bathroom suddenly aware of the heaviness of his pee-soaked diaper.
“Boy, that was close. I have to leave now. My mom said I could only stay a little while. She needs me to help her deliver some stuff to the old folks home for their white elephant sale. What did you do with my shirt and pants?”
“Uh, oh,” Ty and Eddie said simultaneously.
Their moms had come in so suddenly that they hadn’t had time to hide Mark’s pants and shirt. Who was going to tell him that his pants had been given away to the Salvation Army?
“I’ve got some bad news,” Ty started hesitantly. “Your pants aren’t here.”
“Not here?! Where are they?”
“My mom must have put them in the Salvation Army box and Eddie’s mom has already gone to drop them off.” Ty explained.
“You mean you just let your mom give my pants away? Those pants were practically brand new! My mom’s going to have a fit.” Mark said, panicking. “I guess I’ll have to borrow a pair of yours. If my mom notices I’ll tell her that I spilled something and that you loaned me a pair of yours.”
“You can’t have any of my pants,” Ty said. “What I mean is, I don’t have any pants. All of mine are gone- pants, shorts, underwear, even my bathing suits.”
“What about you, Eddie? Can’t you get something from your house?”
“My mom said that all my stuff was packed in the car, just like Ty’s. I don’t have anything either.”
“But, I’ve got to get home. I need some pants, I need to get out of this diaper!”
Mrs. Hardymon was returning from checking on Josie (who was still asleep as a result of the medication she was taking) when she heard Mark Haddlin’s voice coming from Ty’s room. She stopped and listened. Yes, it was him. She knocked.
Mark bounded back into the bathroom and closed the door, but not as gently as last time. Outside in the hallway Mrs. Hardymon distinctly heard the sound of the bathroom door. She walked a few steps down the hall and grabbed a few towels from the linen closet. Something was going on in Ty’s bathroom and she was going to find out what it was.
“Yes?” Ty’s voice floated through the door.
“It’s mom. I’m coming in.”
“OK.”
“How are you guys doing?” she asked innocently.
“Fine,” they answered.
Ty eyed the towels she was carrying.
“Are those for my bathroom?” he asked.
“Yes, I want to do some laundry and I’m sure that you boys made a mess of the towels this morning.”
“I’ll do it,” Ty said anxiously.
“That’s alright. I’ve got it,” she said walking past him.
Mark was becoming frantic. It sounded like Mrs. Hardymon intended to come into the bathroom. He jumped into the tub and, as quietly as possible, pulled the shower curtain closed. At that same moment the door opened.
“Just as I thought,” Mrs. Hardymon said over her shoulder to Ty and Eddie. “When will you guys learn not to throw towels on the floor? Couldn’t you try using a towel rack at least once?”
Ty and Eddie were amazed. Where was Mark?
“Also, how many time do I have to ask you to make sure the curtain stays inside the tub,” she admonished Ty. “Look at this water all over the floor,” she said mopping it up with the dirty towels.
Mark’s heart was pounding, the thumping loud in his ears. She was mere inches away from him as she adjusted the curtain to make it hang inside the tub. Suddenly, she pulled the curtain back. (Even though she acted surprised, she fully expected to find Mark.) He froze in terror -his eyes becoming saucer-sized- as he focused on her. He tried to use his hands to hide his bulging diaper and plastic pants, which was as effective as trying to hide an elephant behind a mouse. Mrs. Hardymon sized up in an instant what was going on.
“Tyler Adam Hardymon! I won’t have it… You know better than to lie to me!”
“No, mom, it’s not what you think...” He stopped right there because there was no innocent way to explain why Mark, dressed in a diaper and plastic pants, was hiding in the bathroom.
“It was only yesterday that I found out that your cousin was secretly supplying you with diapers and already you’re doing the same for your friends,” she said hotly.
Meanwhile, Mark was losing it. His knees started shaking uncontrollably and he began to pee his diaper for a second time.
“I see that no one has to teach you how to use a diaper,” Mrs. Hardymon commented, quite aware of what he was doing.
Mark was mortified. He was frantically trying to stop the flow of urine but it was hopeless; he had lost all control. Finally, his bladder emptied. Tears started overflowing his eyes. Mrs. Hardymon took some tissue from the dispenser and handed it to him.
“The damage is done, Mark. There’s no use crying now.”
She led the still shaken boy back into the bedroom.
“Ty, get out your diaper supplies. Mark needs a change.”
“No, thank you, Mrs. Hardymon. I can do it myself,” Mark pleaded.
“Really?” Mrs. Hardymon asked skeptically. “And did you put on your own diaper earlier?”
“No,” Mark admitted.
“And when was the last time you put on your own diaper?”
“Never.”
By the time Mrs. Hardymon had ended her questioning, Ty had everything set out. A few seconds later Mark was stretched out on the bed. In this prone position he knew that his diaper and plastic pants were even more prominent. He began to cry silent tears again.
“Ty, Mark needs more tissue,” Mrs. Hardymon said as she started changing Mark’s soggy diaper.
After he had handed them to Mark she turned her attention to Tyler, “You know how much your dad and I hate it when you do things behind our backs. Aren’t you in enough trouble with dad already?”
She didn’t really mean to add this last comment. It just slipped out. She regretted making reference to what happened between Tyler and his dad as soon as she said it. Trying to backtrack, she added, “Well, that’s not important now. From the little I overheard of your conversation I take it that Mark’s pants were given away along with your stuff. That’s just great. Now, how do you suppose we can explain that to Mark’s parents? Not to mention that we have nothing else to give him except more diapers and plastic pants!”
By now Mrs. Hardymon had undressed Mark and was in the process of cleaning his diaper area. Despite his embarrassment at Mrs. Hardymon seeing him naked below the waist, he was beginning to calm down. But, Mrs. Hardymon’s blunt assessment of the situation had made him nervous about what his parents would say when they found out. He was also feeling guilty about getting his friends into trouble.
“Mrs. Hardymon, don’t be mad at Ty,” he said looking up at her as she was pinning on his diaper. “It’s really all my fault. I begged him to let me try on the diaper and plastic pants. I shouldn’t have hidden in the bathroom earlier, and again, right now. My pants would still be here if I had faced the consequences right at the start. I apologize for my behavior and for trying to hide it from you.”
Mrs. Hardymon would have been impressed by Mark’s maturity if only she wasn’t pinning him into a thick diaper. The absurdity of the whole situation suddenly struck her. She began to laugh.
“I’m sorry Mark. I’m not laughing at you or what you said. But just look around the room- three teenaged boys wearing diapers by their own choice. Besides, all of you look rather cute in your diapers and puffy plastic pants.”
Eddie started giggling, followed by Ty and lastly by Mark. The first wave of tension was dissipated. Mrs. Hardymon helped Mark get into his plastic pants.
“Well, Mark, I’m afraid that I have to call your mom and dad and tell them what’s happened. I already promised to call your mom to explain about Ty and Eddie’s diapers. I suppose she’ll be surprised to learn that you’re part of the story now.” Seeing Mark’s glum face she added, “Years from now this will be one of those funny family stories that your children will never believe.”
Mark was aghast at the thought. “I will never tell my children about this,” he prophesied.
“Let’s go call now. I’m expecting company soon,” she said, referring to her mother-in-law’s imminent visit.
Mark dialed the phone and Mrs. Hardymon spoke to Mrs. Haddlin. She started out telling the story of Mark’s misfortune in a light and breezy way, as if she were telling a funny story. However, it soon became obvious that Mrs. Haddlin was not amused. Mrs. Hardymon became serious as she finished the story. Mrs. Hardymon hung up the phone.
“Mark, your mother says that she still needs you to help deliver the white elephant sale donations. She’ll be here in a few minutes to pick you up.
“Did she sound mad?” Mark asked nervously.
“I guess so. A little. I can understand how she could be shocked,” she said looking at Ty.
Mark looked thoroughly dejected.
“She’s going to kill me,” Mark lamented. “And if she doesn’t, my dad will.”
“Now, Mark, don’t be overly dramatic. She’ll calm down. Everything will be alright,” she said encouragingly.
Unfortunately, she didn’t really believe it. She thought that Mark was in for some serious trouble for a little while. “Now who’s being overly dramatic?” she thought to herself. “I’ve known Martha Haddlin for twenty-five years. She’ll discipline Mark in a thoroughly reasonable way.”
The boys went back up to Ty’s room while Melinda continued straightening up downstairs. A short while later the doorbell rang. It was Mark’s mother.
“Hi, Melinda. Is Mark ready to leave?”
“I guess so, Martha. He’s upstairs with Eddie and Ty.”
The boys were already on their way down. When Mark heard the doorbell he had presumed that it was his mother. “I may as well get this over with,” he said. “I hope she brought some pants for me to wear.”
Martha took one look at Mark and felt her blood pressure go up. However, she controlled herself so as not to create a scene in Melinda’s house.
“OK, Mark. Let’s go. We’ve got to get our donations delivered right away.”
From her tone of voice Mark could sense his mother’s anger. Still, he had to ask his question.
“Did you bring pants for me to wear? You know…, to cover up the diaper and plastic pants.”
“No, I didn’t. As I understand it, you begged to be put into that diaper and plastic pants, now you can wear them. So, stop stalling, I need your help.”
Mark was in shock.
“You’re going to make me go out in public in just diapers and plastic pants!” he shrieked.
“Did you ask to wear them?” Martha asked as calmly as she could.
Mark didn’t answer.
“Well, did you?” she asked a little louder.
“Ye..Yes,” Mark answered.
“So, there you have it. I see no reason to punish you by taking away the clothes you asked for. We’ve wasted enough time. Let’s go.”
She grabbed Mark by the wrist and practically dragged him out of the house. It was a good thing for Mark that he had emptied his bladder a short while earlier. Who knows what his mother would have done if he had flooded them at that very moment?
Ty and Eddie watched Mark and his mom get into the van. They sat there for a few minutes. Mrs. Haddlin seemed to be lecturing Mark sternly.
“Wow, and we thought our mom’s reaction to diapers was severe,” Ty said. “I wonder if she really is going to make Mark go out in public in his diaper and plastic pants?”
“Yeah, I wonder,” Eddie agreed. “One thing is for sure- Mark is definitely in for a bad day.”
“I think he’s going to be lucky if all he has is one bad day,” Ty concluded.
Despite the embarrassment they had felt yesterday when they had gone out to buy their own diapers, Ty and Eddie felt intrigued by the idea of going out in public in just diapers and plastic pants. However, neither Ty nor Eddie said anything about it.