BRIAN'S CURE A 6 Year Old Boy Dosed With Bad Experiences is Given a Second Shot at Childhood Chapter 1: The Hard Luck Kid Brian's History If Disney could get their hands on Brian Hayes, they'd have themselves the perfect Oliver Twist. Brian was born in 1990 to Marie and Jack Hayes, a working-class couple living in the crowded New York suburb of Newark, New Jersey. Jack Hayes and Marie Bravo were childhood friends, and grew up together. They were both from poor families and weren't able to attend college. However, they were in love, and that kept their friendship stronger, even though it was years before they could afford a wedding. Their wedding was modest and small, yet to them it was the best day of their lives. Their marriage meant they could finally have a child of their won someday. Someday when they could afford to bring it up in a better world. That better world never came, but the child did anyway. At first it seemed as if Brian's birth could ruin them. However, by some miracle of luck, Jack got a promotion at the factory in which he worked, and Marie was able get a better job. They now had enough money to move out of their shared apartment and into a new house. They were excited the day they left the hospital, with newly born Brian in hand. Their new house was not by any means luxurious, but it was away from the slums, and near a school. Maybe Brian could grow up in a better world after all? As Jack and Marie soon realized, parenting was not an easy task. Brian required constant attention, which meant Marie would probably half to leave her job. Realizing this would be the end of them, they worked out a compromise. Brian spent the day with Marie's sister Sue, who was a little better off. Marie got off work at 5:00, and Jack worked late in the evening. It put great strain on the marriage, but it had to be done. Things began to get rough though. Brian fell ill one day, and the cost of the doctor nearly left them broke. This caused Jack to take to drinking. He was very careful not to get drunk and hit his wife or child though. Nonetheless, it lessened the time he could be close to his family. When Brian was 1 year old, Sue became pregnant, and could no longer watch him during the day. Marie was now forced to leave her job and take care of her child. This put even more pressure on the family, and sacrifices had to be made. Marie and Jack parted with many convenience items to pay bills. However, this still wasn't enough. Eventually, some of Brian's clothing and his crib had to be sold. The condition of the home began to deteriorate, and this and its effect on young Brian. He was forced to sleep on a blanket on the floor, and he was fed un-nutritious meals. Worse yet, to save money, his diaper was changed only once a day. From the time it was changed in the morning till the time it was changed at night, it would remain unless it was leaking. Often Brian walked around wearing nothing but a soggy, poop-filled diaper and a ratty old shirt. If there was a moment of happiness, it was when Sue's daughter Marie was born. She was born while Brian was 1 � years old. Shortly after, the family's luck changed. Jack got a raise at work, and a distant aunt of his died, leaving him a small inheritance. Marie was also able to work part time again, since Brian slept for a few hours at a time during the day, and Sue was right down the street. At age 2, Brian began to learn how to speak and walk. He was uncoordinated and stuttered a bit, but he managed. However, he was still not ready to be potty-trained, and therefore his parents made no move to push him. Still, for a 2 year old, Brian was remarkably well behaved. As long as he had his treasured teddy bear Floyd, he was an absolute angel. By the time Brian turned 3, he was still in diapers. However, he received a few birthday presents that made his life more enjoyable, one of them being a crib mattress to sleep on,, and a used restaurant booster seat to allow him to sit by himself at the table. He was also given a picture book that contained all the letters of the alphabet, and the numbers 1-10. Day after day he pleaded with his mother to read it to him. And she did. Brian started learning a few things, and this made him happy, for the time being. Brian's life forever changed when he was 3 �. His cousin Marie was nearly 2, which meant she would begin potty- training soon. Marie and jack decided Brain should himself become potty-trained to be a better role model for his little cousin. They went about it pretty straightforward by first explaining to Brian what the potty was, the demonstrating how it was used, and finally asking him to use it. His diapers were replaced with `big boy' underpants. Brian started off slowly, having accidents repeatedly. His parents were still sympathetic and did not get angry, although this added to the cost of laundry. Luckily for them, Brian improved, and severely limited his daytime accidents. However, he still wet the bed, and this was a problem. Marie didn't want to put him back in diapers, but she did want to put a stop to his bedwetting. She bought a rubber sheet for Brian's mattress, and took other measures. Every night before Brian went to bed, he was put into a pair of bedwetter pants that Marie sewed together. They looked like normal underwear, and could easily be removed, yet they functioned like a diaper. This was thankful, because Brian wet the bed almost every night. Then tragedy struck. Marie had been feeling ill, so she went to a doctor. After a brief examination, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The treatment was costly, and would cause Marie to have one of her breasts removed. The thought terrified her, and she was almost glad they couldn't afford the process right away. On the other hand, she definitely didn't want to die. To avoid this pressure, Jack began spending more and more of his time at bars. One night, he was fired from his job, and spent nearly 3 hours and $50 drinking. He came home drunk, and proceeded to yell and curse things left and right. Marie finally asked him to leave, and he did, slamming the door behind him. The next morning, he came back to apologize. He also bore startling news. Jack was to become a trucker, and would live on the road. He would be sure to send money to support his wife and son, but they wouldn't be spending very much time together. It was a tear-filled moment when he gave each of them a hug and left, his few possessions in hand. This changed everything. Marie was now left alone to raise Brian and support the two of them. Worse yet, she couldn't work very much because of her health. Brian was more or less on his own in many aspects, not a good role for a kid going on four. Chapter 2: A Turn for the Worst Marie's Decline Has It's Impact on Brian If there was any solace for Brian, it was the fact that he would finally attend school. He was very nervous the first day, yet so were all of his classmates. Yet he was glad that he was finally out in the world. Though he didn't betray his quiet, reserved nature, he made a few acquaintances and did well. He brought this good news home to cheer up his sick mother, who now lived solely on Jack's money and the pittance of a medical support group. At home, Brian helped his mother as much as he could. She was very proud of him even though he still wet the bed (although he was beginning to have more and more dry nights). Every Friday afternoon he spent at his aunt's house. She treated him kindly, and he helped her around the house the best he could. He was especially good with his younger cousin Mary. He played with her and congratulated her on being able to use the potty. When it was time for him to leave, Sue gave him a package to take to his mother, as well a small gift for himself. This gift usually was a piece of chocolate or a toy, yet it occasionally turned out to be a dollar that he could hold on to. When Brian turned four, his mother decided he should have a birthday party at all costs. After all, he deserved one. So she let him invite a few of his classmates, and they came and had cake. When they saw the condition in which Brian lived, they were sure to bring generous presents. Following this momentous occasion, things became worse. Money became scarce, and Brian was forced to wear his clothes until they were threadbare. His bedwetting resumed again, and he began to smell of urine and filth. As his mother was sick, there was little she could do. One brisk Friday at school, Brian was ridiculed and went home crying. He found his mother sick and bed, and she could not console him. Therefore, he set out for his aunt's. His aunt welcomed him in and offered him lunch, which he nervously but graciously accepted. During lunch, he spilt soup on himself and knocked over his glass of juice. He meant to apologize, but instead tears came to his eyes, and he was crying. Sue felt very sorry for him, but knew no what to do. Then, she got an idea, and said to Brian, "Don't worry about that, honey, I know what will make you feel better." She heated up a bottle of formula and brought Brain to the living room. She sat down on a plush couch, and had him sit on her lap. When he was comfortably, she pushed the bottle between his lips. Brian was confused, but he accepted and sucked away. Soon, a new feeling swept over him. He felt very warm and tired, and didn't ever want to move from that spot. Sue felt her lap growing warm, so she pulled back the waistband of Brian's tattered sweat pants and put her hand in his underpants. Indeed, he was wetting himself, and was completely unaware of it. When at last he stopped, she said tenderly, "You could use a bath there, kid." Brian instantly woke up and felt ashamed. He tried to bury his head in his hands, but didn't wish to disobey his aunt, so he followed her to the bathroom instead. Here, she stripped off his filthy clothes and drew him a bubble bath. She told him to soak and wait for her to return. In the meantime, Sue retrieved her daughter and put her down for her nap. She made a mental note that she would re- decorate Mary's room sometimes soon, as it was presently set up like a nursery. Sue returned to find Brian nearly asleep in the bathtub. She nudged him lightly, and helped him out of the tub. Then she patted him lightly all over with a towel, and brought him to Mary's room. Brian was in shock of what happened next. He found himself being lifted onto a changing table and being strapped down. He felt himself being doused with sweet-smelling baby powder, and wiped up with a baby wipe. Next, a diaper was slid underneath him and taped up. This diaper was unlike any Brain had ever worn before. When he was still in diapers, the ones he wore were thick, bulky, white unisex disposables. They weren't really comfortable, but held his messes in place for many hours. He was now wearing a Huggies Size 5 boy's baby diaper (Sue had anticipated that he'd be needing them, so she picked up a package in advance). It fit his small body perfectly. There were cartoon characters on the tape panels, and Velcro tabs instead of tapes. The outside of the diaper was soft and felt cottony. It was very comfortable, and Brian began to wonder what it would feel like if he wet it. He didn't get a chance to find out just then, as a white onesie was slipped over his head and fastened by snaps. Footed pajama bottoms were slid up his legs, and over his diaper. A similar matching pajama top was slid over his head, and snapped at the waste. Brian felt very relaxed, yet was still confused. He opened his mouth to ask what was going on, but found himself stopped by a pacifier. He sucked on it without thinking, and was placed in Mary's crib. Mary wasn't asleep. Instead, she had been standing up in her crib watching all of this. The sight of her big cousin having his diaper put on interested her. Her mother gave her an angry stare for staying up when she should be napping, and tucked her in. Next, she tucked Brian in next to her, and handed him Floyd, which he had brought over. "Have a nice nap," she said. Brian awoke startled and frightened. He was in a strange place dressed like a baby. He would have cried, except a pacifier stopped his speech. Upon seeing his cousin lying down next to him, he remembered everything. "Hewwo" Mary said. "Hi," Brian replied, a bit bewildered. Brian sat up and felt something was wrong. His diaper was soaked, and he had messed in it as well. "You stinky," Mary teased. "You wet your diaper just like a baby. Baby! Baby!" Brian wasn't in the mood to say anything in return, so he just sat there and said nothing. So what if his 3 year old cousin was teasing him? A look of relief came across his face when he saw his aunt standing in the doorway of his room. "Mary, that's enough teasing," she scolded. "But mommy, only babies wet themselves, you told me so yourself." "Well, this is different. Now don't tease him about it." "OK." "Did you sleep OK?" Sue asked her nephew. "Yes," Brian said softly. "Wh---what's going on?" "You'll be spending the weekend with us. I'm making sure to take care of you really well." "What about my mommy?" "You Uncle Harvey and his friend who's a doctor are at your house right now trying to make her feel better." "Why am I dressed like a baby? Have I been bad?" "No, dear," Sue said softly. "You haven't gotten the attention you've deserved these past few years, so we're giving it to you right now. It's a lot better then freezing and starving, right?" "Yes." "I know it is. And I'm doing it because I want you to know that I love you." "Thank you Aunt Sue," Brian said meekly. "Your welcome. Would you like some dinner?" "Yes please." Sue picked up Brian and carried him into the kitchen. He was placed in a booster seat. Brian ate well for the first time in a long while. After dinner, Brian and Mary watched Disney's Aladdin. Brian wasn't ashamed this time when he peed and pooped in his diaper. He actually enjoyed the feeling and sat with a warm load until the end of the movie. Mary giggled a bit and called him "stinky," but she didn't tease him this time. Sue got the kids ready for bed and went about making a few phone calls. Brian was kept in diapers throughout the weekend. Sue took him and Mary to the park on Saturday, and to the doctors on Sunday. This made Brian nervous, he was a bit scared of the doctor. After waiting a short while, a nurse brought him to a room and removed all of his clothes. Surprisingly, she did not tease him about anything. "Back in diapers," was all she said. In a few moments, the doctor walked in. He was friendly, and talked to Brian as he did various things. He asked questions and Brian answered. The doctor reassured Brian that his bedwetting would soon go away, and that he was looking a lot healthier then last time. The doctor then checked Brian's diaper and found it to be dry. He took it off anyway, and slid a pill up Brian's rectum. He then told Brian to hold his pee and poop and tell the doctor when he had to go. Brian held for as long as he could, then told the doctor. He had his diaper removed, and was shown to the toilet. "You system appears to be working better then I imagined," the doctor said. He re-diapered Brian and gave him a lollipop. "I need to talk to your aunt for a few minutes." Brian feared the conversation was about his mother, and he turned out to be right. Marie had taken a turn for the worse, and it was getting to be to late to save her. After the best weekend of his life, Brian returned home to see his mother looking worse then ever. News of his wife's condition reached Jack, but he was unable to leave his job. Instead he sent a lot of money that he had saved up, and sent it to Sue "for Marie's life or death." Marie and Brian hung on to each other until Brian was 5. Then visits to Sue ceased, and Brian was placed in after-school day care while his mother went in and out of the hospital. The kids in daycare often ignored him, and Brian felt alone in the world. Finally, several weeks after Brian's 6th birthday, Marie passed away. She died with Sue at her side. When Brian returned from daycare, he was confronted with the news in a very gentle manner. Tears came to his eyes, but he did not cry. Not Brian, who was always so quiet, so brave. Chapter 3: The Arrangement Brian is Sent to Live With Sue Following His Mother's Death Sue was able to afford a decent funeral for her sister. Few people came to see her buried. There was Brian, Harvey, Mary, and herself, as well, as Jack (who she forgave and had no hard feelings towards), her mother, and a few cousins, nieces and nephews. As Brian watched his mother being put to rest, he felt more alone then ever. "What's going to happen to me Aunt Sue?" asked Brian. "Your going to live with us now," replied Sue. "We're all very sorry," said his Uncle Harvey. "But I am going to go straighten out the will and go on a business trip, I promise I'll bring you something back. I need you to be strong while I'm gone, you'll be the man of the house." Lawyers like Harvey often mixed their words around so much they sounded insincere. This was agreed, and Brian was taken to his old house to gather his prized possessions: Floyd, a silver dollar, and a book his teacher had given him in school. With one last look back, he left there permanently. As they reached home, Harvey showed Brian his room. It was nice, perfect for a boy Brian's age, with shelves full of toys, posters on the wall, and a bed with a huge Buzz Lightyear comforter. Only Brian had never had a room before, so he felt lost. Harvey assured him he would adjust in time, and made preparations for his trip. Brian was silent all throughout dinner. Even 5 year old Mary felt sorry for him and said, "I'm sorry about your mommy Brian." This almost brought him to tears. After dinner, Brian took a bath, and was given some pajamas to wear to bed. These too, were of a Toy Story motif. Sue tucked Brian into bed, and gave him a kiss good night. Brian stayed awake half the night, clinging to Floyd tightly. When he finally fell asleep, he had horrible nightmares of his mother dying. He felt somehow that it was his fault the way his life was. At last Brian awakened scared. He felt a cold dampness around his crotch, and much to his horror, he realized he wet the bed. At first, he thought he shouldn't tell anybody because they'd be angry. However, he remembered his Aunt Sue was kind and would understand. She was in bed reading when he walked in, Floyd in hand. "What's the matter?" she asked. "I had a bad dream," he sobbed. "And I wet the bed." "That's OK, I'll get you cleaned up," replied Sue. She changed him into a pair of dry pajamas and changed the sheets on the bed. "I know a new room can be scary, but don't worry, your safe here," she reassured while tucking him in. The next morning, Brian awoke groggily at 9:00. Mary and Sue were in the kitchen eating breakfast. Sue offered him some, and he nodded. Brian was beginning to feel a bit better. After breakfast, he got dressed. It felt good to be wearing clothes with no holes in them. That day, Sue took the kids out to pick up a few things. She let Mary pick out a Barbie doll, while Brian opted for a Matchbox car. She also picked up a rubber sheet for Brian's bed. Brian was a bit embarrassed by this, but humbly accepted. That night they had spaghetti for dinner. Brian ate well again, and even had ice cream for dessert. He had only tasted ice cream once or twice during his entire life. After dinner, Brian put on his pajamas and played with his Matchbox car in front of the TV. He was beginning to feel good about yourself. The next morning he awoke to his great horror to find out that he had again wet the bed. Mortified, he alerted his aunt about this. She didn't scold him and helped him clean up. Mary, on the other hand took it a bit differently, "You wet the bed again. I think you have a problem." Brian did not contest, he definitely had a problem. Later that day, Sue took the kids out and ran a few errands. Brian had no clue what she was picking up. "I'll bet you it's diapers," Mary chided. "That's what I would make you wear if I was your mommy and you wet the bed." Brian frowned at this remark, but Mary could have said something much worse. When they got back, Sue had a talk with Brian about his bedwetting. He thought it was the nightmares that caused it, and Sue, who had a Ph.D. in child psychology, agreed that this was probable. Brian thought that he could make himself stop wetting if he could sleep with someone else in the room. "Your not sleeping in the same bed as me, you'll pee all over the place!" said Mary. Sue quieted her and explained to Brian that he would have to wear diapers to bed. He was ashamed, but complied nonetheless. Sue then turned to Mary and explained that Brian had a lot of problems such as bedwetting and was not to be teased about it. She also explained that if Brian was going to wear diapers, he could sleep in the same bed as her (it was a pretty big bed) since there would be no damage done. Mary instantly protested, but Sue reminded her that she once was a baby too, as was everyone. Furthermore, anymore teasing of his cousin about diapers would cause her to be wearing them for awhile as well. Mary argued no more. After dinner, Sue walked into Brian's room. He removed his clothes upon her instruction. Sue then had him lie down while she sprinkled baby powder about his loins. She noticed he was beginning to get a rash down there, and applied some ointment. Then she had him stand up again, and had him step into the leg openings of a pair of GoodNites bedwetter pants. She slide these up his legs until they were in place, then gave his rear a pat. He replaced his pajama bottoms, grabbed Floyd, and headed for Mary's room. Mary still wasn't to thrilled about the arrangement, but welcomed Brian in nonetheless. Brian felt a bit awkward sleeping in a girls bedroom, in a girls bed, with a girl, even if it was his cousin. Still, he saw nothing really wrong, and crawled down under the covers. "Just don't wake me up if you need your diapers changed!" Mary snickered. Brian ignored this last comment and fell asleep. The next morning, Brian woke up very late. He saw Mary already dressed sitting on the foot of the bed looking at him. "Morning sleepyhead." "Good morning to you too." "So, Brian, are your diapers wet yet?" This question struck Brian by surprise. He moved around a little and felt the wetness spread. They indeed were wet, yet comfortable. "Yes they are. Just be glad it's not your bed," Brian said. Mary ran to Sue chanting, "Mommy, Brian wet his diaper!" "Knock it off," Brian said. "Really, be a big girl about this Mary," said Sue. "Now Brian, I'll be there in just a minute to help you take those GoodNites off." Brian returned to his room and took his pajama bottoms off. To his satisfaction, they were perfectly dry. His GoodNites were tined yellow in color, and hung off of his waist. They were quite soaked in every area. Sue walked in and carefully slid them down his waste. He stepped out of them, and she wiped him with a wear cloth to remove the smell of urine. Brian then replaced his pajama bottoms and had breakfast. After breakfast, Sue took them to a park to play. Brian didn't play, however, he sat on the bench and gazed out into the sky. As he was sitting, he didn't even notice that he had to use the bathroom. Within seconds, however, he had wet his pants. Luckily, he noticed it before anyone else did. He found Sue and whispered in her ear what happened. She told him hew would have to wait. He waited for 5 minutes, staying out of sight. Luckily, he didn't see anybody that he knew. Finally, Sue gathered him and Mary up and headed home. "Mommy, why did we have to leave, I was having fun," Mary whined. "Because Brian had an accident." "You mean he peed his pants like a baby!" "Mary! It's not his fault, and I don't want you to tease him about it anymore. He is still your older cousin, and can do a lot more things then you can, so he is definitely not a baby." Mary shut her mouth and merely frowned for the rest of the trip home. Brian retreated to his room and sat in shame. He took off his Velcro sneakers, and pulled down his shorts, which he had wet. They weren't soaked, yet they were still too wet to wear comfortably. His underpants, however, were soaked and tinted yellow. They would have to be bleached if they were to be worn again. Brian tossed his wet clothes into the laundry, and put on some new ones. Then he joined Mary in watching TV. Mary didn't say anything to him. No words of sympathy, no mean comments either. Finally, after Brian got up and got a cookies for her and himself, she turned to him an apologized. "I'm sorry that I made fun of you Brian. I guess you just can't help it. I'd probably act weird too if my mommy wasn't hear to take care of me. Please don't hate me." "I don't hate you, Mary, and I never will no matter how annoying you get," Brian said. Twenty minutes into "Rugrats", Brian felt his bowels at work. He started to get up to go to the bathroom, but without warning, his bowels let loose. He had pooped his pants, and this almost caused him to cry. "Brian, what's wrong?" asked Mary. "I had another accident," he muttered. "You wet your pants again?" "No this time I pooped in them. I was getting up to go to the bathroom, and all of the sudden, it just happened. I didn't mean it." "I believe you." Brian found Sue in the kitchen cooking dinner, and told her what happened. "Looks like this might be more serious than I thought," said Sue. "Brian, I want you to know that no matter what happens we still love you. This isn't your fault, but something has to bee done about it. Right now I want you to wear one of you GoodNites just in case, and after dinner we'll talk." "Your not mad at me, are you?" "Of course not." Sue and Brian walked upstairs to Brian's room. Brian slid down his shorts and were horrified to see that they were dirty in addition to his underpants, which were ruined. Sue comforted him, and wiped off the excess poop from his but with a flushable toilet wipe that she kept for Mary to use on occasion. She then put on his GoodNites as the night before. "I think we'd better leave off the shorts," she said. Brian shamefully walked back downstairs and resumed watching TV with his cousin. Mary giggled when she saw Brian wearing just his GoodNites. Finally, she conceited, "they look cute on you." Brian spoke little during dinner. However, he was not transfixed in silence like he had been the first day. Instead, he did eat some, and answered when spoken too. Still, he was a solemn soul. After dinner, Brian sat quietly playing with his Matchbox car. He felt betrayed by his mother, his father, and the world in general. He felt alone, and consumed by depression. Suddenly, he felt his bladder and bowels at work again. "Why bother," he thought. "It'll just be another accident." So he pooped and peed in his GoodNite without really caring. It actually felt pretty good for awhile. Then the poop became sticky, and he started to stink. "You had another accident, didn't you?" Mary asked. "Yes." "I can smell it form all the way across the room. At least it's not in your pants this time." Mary told her mother about Brian's accident, and Sue told Brian to come to the kitchen. He waddled in, his wet and dirty GoodNite sagging. "Have a seat," Sue said. Brian sat down and Sue began. "Brian, honey, are you feeling OK." "No." "What's wrong?" "I'm sad and I'm angry and....never mind." "And what?" "I miss my old life." "I don't blame you for that." "Aunt Sue, what's happening to me? Why am I having all these accidents?" "You've been under a lot of stress lately. Your body can't handle all that stress. That, and your mind is working against you. It sensed that you were happier when you were a baby in diapers, and you didn't have as much responsibility, so it is secretly telling you to have accidents." "Really?" "I'll never know for sure, but it sounds like a good guess." "Will I have to wear GoodNites during the day too?" "No, but you will have to wear diapers all the time. Diapers are easier to clean up and more absorbent then GoodNites." "But I don't want to wear diapers, I'm a big boy." "I know, but you have a medical problem. Think of diapers as your medicine." "But Mary will tease me!" "No she won't. if she does, I'll make her wear diapers too. Don't worry, you'll get used to them eventually. Now let's get your GoodNite changed." They walked to Brian's room, and Sue helped him out of his GoodNite. She cleaned him up, and put a fresh GoodNite on him. She also changed him into his pajamas, and left him to play with his toys. While she was playing, she had a talk with Mary. "Mary, have you been teasing Brian?" "No mommy." She scowled. "Well, OK, a little. But it's funny." "Brian is going to have to wear diapers now. I want there to be no teasing." Mary burst out laughing. "If you tease him, I'll make you wear diapers too." Mary doubted her mother would do this to her. Nonetheless, she decided to keep her mouth shut. She knew her mother had warned her and she was only a few warnings away from carrying her threat through. Mary was going to see that that never happened, of course. "Your going to be supportive about this, and be a big girl, right?" "Yes mommy." Mary then paused and smiled again. "Can I change his diapers?" "Why would you want to?" "Because he looks cute in them." "Well, if you know how, I don't see why not." "Thanks mommy. I'll be good." Sue then put both of them to bed. Brian clutched Floyd tightly and drifted off to sleep uneasily. He was scared of what was to come. Chapter 4: The Solution Brian Copes With Life in Diapers Brian woke up to Mary jumping up and down on the bed. His vision was blurry and he was still a bit tired. "Good morning, Brian," Mary said in that sweet voice of hers. "Good morning Mary." "Good morning Brian," Sue said entering the room. "Let's get you changed then we'll have breakfast." Brian nodded as the tow of them disappeared to Brian's room. Sue slid off his wet GoodNites and replaced them with a dry pair. They had pancakes and milk for breakfast. It was one of the few foods Brian had enjoyed. After breakfast, Sue announced that they would be going out to pick up a few things. Brian had known the few things to be diapers. Before they left, Sue checked Brian's GoodNites. They were dry, much to Brian's relief. Then Sue ran a tape measure around Brian's waste and asked him to step on the bathroom scale. He proved to be very small for his age. They went to the car and got in. The first stop was a local convenience store. Mary and Brian headed for the toy aisle, while Sue went to the diaper aisle. She picked out Pampers Boy's Size 6, a package of BabyFresh wipes, some Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder, and a plastic changing pad. She allowed Brian and Mary each to pick out a coloring book, brought up all of the items to the register and paid for it. Mary giggled when she saw the baby on the bag of diapers wearing nothing but a diaper and pictured Brian like that. The next stop was Harvey's office. Sue was informed that the case he was working on ran over, but he would be back as soon as he could. This was a relief to Sue, she didn't know how much more work she could do on her own. During the ride back to the house, Brian had to use the bathroom. He began to cross his legs and fidget until Mary said, "You have a GoodNite on and you'll be wearing diapers soon, so just go." Finally, Brian couldn't hold it any longer, and let a hot stream of pee out into his GoodNite. It soaked the whole thing, and even leaked a little. Still, Brian felt relieved. "You're lucky," Mary said. "I have to go pee and I have to wait until we get home." "Mary, you could wear diapers yourself anytime if you want. That way at least you won't have to hold it in anymore," Sue said. Mary smiled and said, "No thanks, mommy." They finally got home, and Sue opened the door to the house. Mary ran inside and headed straight for the bathroom. She came out quickly however. She wanted to see Brian getting put into his diaper. She also regretted not having a camera. Mary told Brian to go to his room and wait for her. He did and sat on his bed. While he was sitting, he pooped in his wet GoodNite. This caused it to leak even more. Sue finally arrived and set the changing pad, diapers, wipes and powder down on the bed. She then asked Brian to stand up. She took off his shoes, and pulled down his wet pants. Next she pulled down his dirty GoodNite. She took a baby wipe and cleaned Brian's bottom. She then told Brian to lie down on the changing pad. Brian's diaper area was thoroughly powdered. A diaper was slid under him, pulled up, and tightly taped. Sue gave him a pat on the but and told him he was free to go. Mary watched the whole thing, smiling. Brian was overwhelmed by a mixture of feelings. First he felt ashamed for having to wear diapers. Then, as he began to walk, he felt the diaper press up against him, causing him to almost waddle. It made a crinkling sound as he walked. He also smelled of baby powder. All of the sudden, he felt lucky. Brian ate a healthy lunch and sat down to look at the book his mother once gave him. He had the whole thing memorized, and could recognize things from the book if they were elsewhere. He knew the alphabet, and was very close to reading on his own. "Brian, what does that say?" Mary asked pointing to something. "Dog," Brian cited. "D O G, dog." "Wow Brian, how did you know that?" "I don't know, I just did." "Could you teach me the rest of the book?" "Sure," Brian said agreeably. He turned through the different pages pointing different things out. By the time he was done, he had finished the whole thing. His diaper was also wet, but he didn't want to tell anybody. Unfortunately, he was exposed anyway. "Time to check your diaper," Mary said. "Um, that's okay, you don't have to." "My mommy said I could. She said I could change you, too," Mary said to Brian's horror. "Now hold still." Brian sat up straight as Mary pulled on the back of his diaper and looked inside. "Not poopy." She then pulled on the front of his diaper and stuck a finger inside. "But you are wet. And you know what that means." Mary grabbed his hand and dragged him up off the floor. She led him to his room and told him to lay down on the changing pad. "Aunt Sue!" Brian called in vein. "Let her do it, Brian," was the reply. Mary kneeled at the foot of the bed and leaned over Brian. She located the tapes, and undid them. "Put your butt up," she said to Brian. He did so and she pulled the diaper off and put it in the pail set aside. Next she grabbed the can of powder, and started to sprinkle some. It came out fast, and turned out to be too much. Mary didn't care, she slid a new diaper under Brian, and told him to lower himself into it. Next, she pulled the front of the diaper up over his crotch, tugged at the tapes, and pressed them down. "All set, diaper boy," she said. "It's too loose," Brian said. "No it's not." "Yes it is," said Sue from the doorway. She walked over to Brian and tightened the tapes. "Now go and play until dinner's ready." Brian sat in his room in just a diaper and played with his Matchbox cars. Mary barged in later to check his diaper, and was disappointed when she found out it was dry. There was chicken for dinner, not something Brian particularly loved, but he ate nonetheless. After dinner, he and Mary sat down to watch TV. As expected, he pooped in his diaper. Mary smelled it right away. "Brian has a poopy diaper," she said. "You'd better let me change it then," Sue said. "You can watch if you want." She picked Brian up and carried him to the changing pad in his room. She expertly removed the sodden diaper, and proceeded to wipe his behind. "That's gross!" said Mary. Sue powdered Brian, and put a new diaper on him. Since it was warm weather, he did not require pajamas and would sleep in just his diaper that night. Bedtime rolled around, and Mary changed into her pajamas, and brushed her teeth. Brian brushed his teeth, and walked into Mary's room feeling pretty embarrassed. Here he was, in just a diaper, in front of his little cousin who happens to be female. Mary smiled when she saw him. Brian said nothing, and crawled into bed. He was thankful this day was at last over. Many days like that one soon followed. Brian gradually adjusted to diapers. He no longer felt ashamed when he peed or pooped in them, and he even got used to Mary changing him. Eventually, Sue got him some clothing with a snap crotch to make changing him easier, and also got a diaper bag for when they went out of the house. One day, while Brian was sitting down reading his book in just a diaper, the phone rang. Mary answered, and the call turned out to be for her. "Mommy, can Sally come over?" she asked. "If it's OK with her mother, sure," replied Sue. Mary said a few more things, then hung up. "Who's Sally?" Brian asked. "My best friend, that's who." "I'd better get some shorts on," Brian said. "Why?" asked Mary. "She'll find out you're in diapers anyway." "What if she laughs at me?" "She wouldn't laugh at you, she's nice." Brian agreed, but put on some shorts anyway. In a few minutes, Sally showed up. She gave Mary a hug, and then asked about Brian. "That's my cousin Brian," Mary explained. "His daddy left him, and his mommy got real sick and died, so now he has to live with us. That's okay, he's pretty nice most of the time." "That's too bad about your mommy, Brian," she said. "There's something else about him," said Mary. Brian knew what was coming. "What's that?" "He started having accidents so my mommy put him back in diapers." Brian turned a bright shade of red when Mary said this and he was almost about to cry. Now Sally knew and she was going to make fun of him! "It's okay, I'm not going to laugh at you," said Sally. "I was still wearing Pull-Ups up until 2 months ago." Hearing this made Brian feel a little better. He watched as Sally and Mary played for awhile, but didn't really feel like participating. Mary saw how lonely he looked and felt sorry for him. She thought of a solution. "Why don't we play house?" she suggested. "Okay," said Sally. "Your playing too, Brian." "Umm, no thanks." "Come on, it will be fun." "OK, fine." "Good," said Mary. "I'll be the mommy, Sally can be the daddy, and you can be the baby." "Why do I have to be the baby?" asked Brian. "Just because," said Mary. She didn't want to say because he wore diapers, as that might upset him more. "Don't worry, we'll switch after a little bit," said Sally. While they were playing, the girls talked to him like an infant, and even made him take a short nap. He protested this, but he didn't want to ruin the game. Eventually, he felt himself having to go to the bathroom again. He didn't want to do it in his diaper, especially with the girls watching but he had no other choice. He couldn't hold back and the diaper soon became soaked. "Does baby need his diaper changed?" asked Mary. Brian merely nodded, and Mary went about changing him. She took off his wet diaper, powdered him and put a new diaper on him. "Wow, you actually get to change him?" asked Sally. "Yeah, it's kinda cool," said Mary. "Okay, my turn to be the baby," said Sally. Brian was enjoying the attention he was receiving and was reluctant to give it up. On the other hand, he didn't enjoy feeling helpless, and was eager to switch roles for a little bit. They played for a little bit longer before tiring of the game. "I've got a surprise for you, kids," said Sue. "How would you like to go see a movie?" "That sounds great," said Mary. "Yeah, I heard The Lion King was good," said Sally. Brian wasn't as enthusiastic. To him, it was an opportunity to be caught wearing his diapers in public. He made an attempt to put aside his embarrassment and try to enjoy himself. At the movies, he was almost certain people noticed the bulge in his pants or the crinkling sound his diaper made. He couldn't hide from everybody, so he just ignored it and enjoyed the movie. He had wet his diaper several times, and after the movie was over Sue took him into the women's bathroom, where there were changing tables, and put a fresh diaper on him. Next, they went out for ice cream. Brian was beginning to really enjoy ice cream, and even though he made a mess of himself while eating it, he didn't really care. He also found himself starting to enjoy diapers as well. He liked not worrying about having accidents, or being interrupted by having to go potty. He liked being changed by Sue, and was even starting to like being changed by Mary. He didn't know why, it just felt good. When they got home, Brian, Mary, and Sally all worked on a puzzle together and watched TV. Brian had wet his diaper again and pooped in it as well. This time, Sue changed his diaper, and she let Sally watch. Sally was beginning to enjoy being around Brian about as much as she enjoyed being around Mary. Mary was her friend, and they had a lot in common, but Mary could be mean sometimes and had to have her own way. Brian, on the other hand, was always nice. Sally also thought he looked cute in his diapers. She found herself volunteering to change him the next time he was wet. At around 4:30, Sally's mom came to pick her up. Sally said good-bye to Mary, Brian and Sue, and headed home. "You're right," said Brian. "She is nice." "Glad you kids can get along," said Sue. Little did Brian know, but Sue and her colleagues were making a case out of him. He had come to her depressed and broken, and she was ready to almost anything to fin a cure. Dr. Margaret Trammel, one of her co-workers suggested "regression therapy." She explained to Sue that it meant keeping the patient in diapers and treating him lovingly like a young child. Margaret had tried it on her own 17 year old son when he was feeling suicidal and said it worked well. Sue wasn't wild about the idea, but after reading up on it, she decided to give it a try. So far, putting Brian back in diapers was working well. He was adjusting, and becoming a bit more content. She would baby him further as he required it, even though she hoped he would be happy enough not to requirement. The turning point for the whole project would be when school started. Chapter 5: Facing the Facts A Return to School Puts Strain on Brian's Confidence Harvey finally returned form his business trip. He was initially shocked to find Brian in diapers, but decided to be supportive about it. He didn't blame Brian for his medical problem, given the circumstances. Sue reminded both the kids that school would be starting in a few weeks. This made Mary excited, she was eager to learn. Brian too wanted to learn. However, he was scared that kids would tease him about his diapers. Brian had only a few friends, and knew he wouldn't be making more. He was less then enthralled at the prospect of entering the first grade. "Aunt Sue, do I have to wear diapers to school?" he asked. "Yes you do." "But who will change me?" "The nurse will." "But the other kids will make fun of me!" "I'm sure they won't. I've spoken to the Board of Education about this. Don't worry, it will be okay." Somehow, Brian was less then assured. The day before school, Sue took the kids shopping for school supplies. She got notebooks and pens and pencils, paper, a ruler, a new backpack for Brian. She also got Brian some new diapers. When they got home, Brian wet his diaper. Sue brought him to the changing pad in his room. Sue set out a Pampers, and put it inside a youth sized Attends, for better absorbency, and took off Brian's soaked Pampers. She then powdered Brian, then put the new diapers on. "We'll see if that can last the rest of the day," said Sue. She put a new pair of shorts on Brian and told him to get up and walk to the mirror. His diaper crinkled as he walked, and his butt bulged out. It wasn't something that could be helped. Brian spent awhile reading his beloved book. While he was reading, he peed into his diaper. It absorbed it all, and Brian felt as if he hadn't wet at all. Later, when he and Mary were watching TV, he had to poop. "Eww, you'll be stinky for hours!" Mary said. Brian sat in his messy, mushy diaper. It was starting to get uncomfortable, and it smelled bad, but it didn't leak. Brian wet his diaper again during dinner. He was positive it would leak, but it didn't. Finally, following dinner, after spending 5 hours in a stinky diaper, Sue decided to change him and get him ready for bed. Brian waddled up to his room, his diaper sagging heavily and letting quite a stink out. Sue set him down on the changing pad and undid all of the Attends many tapes. Next, she untaped the Pampers, and let the whole thing fall to the floor. She went about wiping Brian's messy butt, using plenty of powder and some lotion to prevent a rash. Next, she put another doubled diaper on Brian, and got him into his pajamas. As Brian and Mary were in the bathroom brushing their teeth, Mary burst out saying, "In think it's time you sleep in your own bed." Brian expected this, and solemnly replied, "okay." He went to his room, and climbed into bed. In a little bit, Sue entered to tuck him in. "Don't worry, things will be okay," she said. Sue handed him Floyd, and gave him a quick pat on his diapered butt before tucking him in. The next morning, Brian woke up early at 7:00. His diaper was soaking wet and must have weighed several pounds. It was nearly leaking. "Good morning," Sue said, entering the room. She set him down on the changing pad and removed his wet diaper. "Did you sleep OK?" she asked while powdering him. "Yeah," Brian said. He didn't have any nightmares, but he didn't have any happy dreams either. Sue put a fresh diaper on him, and dressed him for school. He and Mary ate breakfast, and Sue drove them to school. Brian was feeling especially nervous. This was going to be his first day of first grade, and he had to start it wearing diapers. He said goodbye to Mary and found his classmates. "Hey Brian," said Billy, Brian's only friend. "Hi," replied Billy. "Have a nice summer?" "No." "Oh yeah, your mom. That's pretty bad." So far, Brian had lucked out. Neither Billy nor any of the other kids had noticed his diaper. Just then, Spike, the class bully came up behind him. "Well if it isn't the poor kid who wets his pants," Spike mocked. Brian was saved as it was now time to enter the classroom. Everybody took a seat, and the teacher came in and introduced himself as Mr. Wilson. He then took attendance and told everybody to get up for the Pledge of Allegiance. After the Pledge, when Brian went to sit down, his diaper made a crinkling sound. He was sure the whole class must have heard it. Even Mr. Wilson gave him an odd glance. Mr. Wilson then had each kid stand up and talk about what they did this past summer. When it got to be Brian's turn, he froze up. He was shaking as he stood up. Tears nearly came to his eyes. Finally, he said, "My mom died and went to heaven this summer." The whole class said, "aww," and sympathy. Even Spike had enough sympathy not to tease him about it. "That's very unfortunate," Mr. Wilson said. When Brian took his seat, he had realized that he had wet his diaper. Unfortunately, he was stuck in a wet diaper till recess. Brian grew more and more uncomfortable as he listened to Mr. Wilson talk about the things they'd be doing this year. Arithmetic, science, they sounded all foreign to Brian. His eyes lit up when he found out they'd be reading, though. Finally, the bell for recess rang. Brian went straight to the nurses office. The nurse was a woman of about thirty. "Can I help you?" the nurse asked. "My name is Brian," Brian stuttered. "I need my, my d..." The nurse looked at a list, and then looked at Brian. "Okay, come here," she beckoned. Brian followed her into the bathroom, then into a stall. There was a changing table there, and the nurse set Brian down on it. She then reached inside Brian's backpack, where Sue had packed him an extra diaper, some wipes, and powder. The nurse expertly cleaned him up and changed him. "All set," she said, handing him his pants. Brian put them on and went to the playground. He found Billy and a kid named Doug waiting for him. "Hey Brian, where were you?" "I had to take care of something." "Did either of you see the Lion King?" Doug asked. "That was cool." "Yeah," said Brian halfheartedly. He was rather discontent. The recess ball rang shortly after, and Brian retreated to the building just as Spike was coming over to harass him. Brian passed Mary along the way and waved to her. Between recess and lunch, Mr. Wilson decided to teach reading. "Who knows how to read?" he asked. "Me," Brian said eagerly. Mr. Wilson handed him a paper with words on it and said, "try your best." "The moose rain away." "That's supposed to be: the mouse ran away," Mr. Wilson corrected. "Nice try, though." Brian felt pretty much defeated. He was glad when the bell for lunch rang. Brian ate very little of his lunch, and said little to his friends. Spike made mean comments to him until Mr. Wilson ordered that he stop. It didn't help though, damage had already been done. After lunch, Brian went to the playground. His diaper was still dry, so he didn't go to see the nurse. On the playground, Brian remained morose. He made sure to stay away from Spike and his friends, though. Brian was glad when it was time to come back in. The day was nearly over. Mr. Wilson taught arithmetic next. Brian was able to comprehend very little of it, and Mr. Wilson had to stop and repeat himself every so often. During this session, Brian felt his digestive system at work. He held back as long as he could, and finally the bell rang. Brian met up with Mary and the two of them began walking to the car, where Sue was waiting. At last, Brian couldn't hold back any longer and pooped his diaper. At last nobody was around to see him do it. "Did you have good days?" asked Sue. "Yes mommy," replied Mary. "I love kindergarten." "I didn't," Brian said in a low voice. As they were driving, Sue asked Brian if he used his diaper today. Brian said yes, and he was changed by the nurse. He also said that he had gone again, and needed to be changed now. They finally got home and walked inside. Brian went up into his room and got on the changing pad. Mary came in to change him. She got his shoes and shorts off, then untaped his diaper. He lifted his legs automatically. "You're stinky," Mary said tauntingly. Brian remained silent. Mary wiped and powdered him, and put a new diaper on him. She left the shorts off. Brian isolated himself in his room until dinner. During dinner he was very quiet, and his appetite had diminished. He stayed in his room again until Sue came in to get him ready for bed. "I got some new diapers for you to wear to sleep," Sue said. These were Depends Overnights small, which Sue lined with Huggies boys Overnights. They would be a lot more absorbent. Brian said nothing as Sue changed him. Finally, Sue asked him what's wrong. "I don't like school, and I don't like anything anymore." "You'll get better," Sue said. "I hope." Brian's days at school remained much the same. Slow, torturous, and unproductive. Slowly, people began to notice Brian's diapers. They whispered about them, but said nothing to him. Yet Brian still knew. Finally, one day it happened. Brian woke up with a wet diaper as usual. Sue changed him and dressed him for school. He and Mary ate breakfast, and Sue gave them a ride. The trouble started as soon as Brian got there. Spike tripped him in the hall, and Brian fell right on his butt. "Stop that, you'll hurt him!" said one kid. "Not yet I won't," replied Spike. "Not when he's wearing diapers!" An outpour of laughter came until Mr. Wilson ushered them into the classroom and told them to quiet down. "Class, I have to leave on emergency," said Mr. Wilson. "While I'm gone, Mrs. Jukis will watch you. Remember to be good." This resulted in a large groan from the class. Mrs. Jukis was the elderly art teacher, known for being shrewd an unkind. Everybody was silent as Mr. Wilson left and Mrs. Jukis walked in. "All right," she said. "Now we shall take attendance." When she read off Brian's name, Spike whispered, "diaper boy." And everybody laughed. Mrs. Jukis gave Spike a mean stare. Later, when Brian was passing out papers to the class, he was again harassed. Each time he passed by somebody's desk, they made some kind of remark, Spike said his the loudest, and Mrs. Jukis put his name on the board. Brian was relieved when the bell for recess rang. He was dry so he didn't go to the nurse. On the playground, however, there was no escape to the taunting he received. Every time he walked passed somebody, they called him a name. Finally, a girl named Samantha came up to him and asked him if he really wore diapers. Brian knew there was no use in lying, so he answered yes. Now people were roaring in laughter. All Brian could do was hang his head low and wet his diaper helplessly. As if things couldn't get worse, Spike came up behind him and pulled his pants down, exposing his diapers to everyone. Brian turned around and shoved Spike. Now people were silent. Spike picked Brian up and threw him to the ground, calling him diaper boy again. While Brian was down there, Spike took off his pants and laughed at him some more. Some of the girls now began to feel sorry for him, and offered to change his diaper. However, Brian took this as an insult. He just couldn't take anymore, so he got up, and ran away, his diapered butt in full view. Spike began yelling at him, calling names until some teachers came out to see what was going on. Samantha explained what Spike had done to Brian. Mary and Sally rushed over and backed up the story. Spike was taken to the office, and after Brian had said he was OK, he was given back his pants and sent back to class. "What was all that commotion at recess about?" asked Mrs. Jukis. Samantha walked up and whispered it in her ear. "A 6 year old boy wearing diapers! That's preposterous. He shouldn't be in school if that's the case." This caused Brian to cry, and he kept crying until Mrs. Jukis interrupted him. "That certainly won't make matters better. One more distraction for you, and you're going to the office." Mrs. Jukis then gave the class an arithmetic test. Brian had a lot of difficulty with it and struggled to think of the answer. He wasn't done when Mrs. Jukis said time was up. The teacher looked at his paper, and said, "Well, I expected as much form a baby like you." She put a big check minus on it and handed it back to him. Brian now turned red, and was about to cry again. He restrained himself the best he could. However, he couldn't restrain his bowels. In the middle of class, when Mrs. Jukis was handing out tests, Brian pooped in his diaper. People began to notice the smell right away. At first, Brian thought he could slip out of there and go to the nurse and get changed. Mrs. Jukis promptly denied this request. By now, everyone in the room had smelled it, and Mrs. Jukis became even more irate. "Go to the office," she said to Brian. Brian got up and left the room crying. He made his way to the office and took a seat. Fortunately, Spike was long gone. Brian explained the situation to the principal. Luckily, she was fair and just. She told Brian to call his aunt so he could call home. Brian wasn't in any trouble, however. Eventually, Sue arrived and picked him up. Brian had stopped crying by then, but he was still very upset. He explained the whole thing to Sue when they got home, and she hugged him tightly. Sue changed him and offered him lunch. Brian replied he wasn't hungry. Sue suggested he tale a nap. While Brian was napping, she made a phone call. Chapter 6: One Step Back Brian Finds Happiness in a New Class "Brian," Sue said. He was awake, and his diaper needed changing. "We need to talk. But first, I'm going to take your temperature." Sue untaped his wet diaper, and slid a thermometer up his rectum. Brian was running a slight fever, so Sue gave him some medicine, and diapered him. "I know how hard school has been for you," she said. "And it's my fault for not noticing. I also know you like school. But your just not ready for first grade. Don't take it the wrong way, you're a very bright young man. But you have problems with thing like arithmetic. So what we're going to do is have you go back to kindergarten. That way, Mary will be in your class and nobody will tease you. OK?" "OK," Brian said. He drifted back off to sleep, and was woken back up when Mary entered his room. "Brian," she said. "I'm sorry about what happened. That boy Spike is very mean, I don't like him either. But now your going to be in my class. Can you help me with reading?" "Sure," Brian said. He was starting to feel better emotionally. Physically, however, he still had high temperatures and diarrhea. Luckily, the diaper contained all off his mess and allowed him to rest without getting up. Brian was excited about going to school the next day. He already had two friends in the class (Mary and Sally) and was sure he'd make more. Sue diapered him as usual, gave him and Mary breakfast, and drove them to school. In the hallway, Mary introduced him to their classmates, then walked inside the classroom. The teacher was very nice. Her name was Miss Applewhite, and she was in her 20's. Her mother was also a teacher, although she was a bit older (and a reluctant acquaintance of Mrs. Jukis). Miss Applewhite introduced Brian to the class and explained some of the things they'd be doing. Basically, it was the same things in first grade, only the class went slower. There were only a few things Brian wouldn't learn until next year. Brian took his seat in between Mary and Sally, and behind a kid named Steve. Columbus Day was coming up, so the class was doing a project. They were divided into groups, and Brian was in a group with Mary, Sally, Steve, and a kid named Phil. Unlike Steve, Phil was quiet, more like Brian. During the class, Steve and some of the other kids asked Brian lost of questions about himself. They were interested in him, and felt very sorry for what happened. Brian wet his diaper, and it crinkled as he shifted in his chair. "What's that sound?" asked Steve. "And why does it smell like baby powder?" Now Brian was in for it. Mary said it before Brian had a chance to come up with some kind of excuse. "Brian has to wear diapers. When his mommy died, it made him traumatized, and he forgot how to go potty." "Oh," said Steve. "Hey, that's OK. You didn't think I was going to tease you, did you?" "No," replied Brian. "Hey, Phil has to wear diapers too," said Steve. Phil, who had been half asleep, suddenly paid attention. "What did you say, Steve?" "I told Brian that you have to wear diapers. He wears them too." They talked some more until recess. Brian walked to the nurse. He wasn't surprised to find Phil walking there also, probably for the same reason. "I thought I was the only one," Brian said. "So did I," said Phil. They arrived at the nurses office, and the nurse changed them one at a time, first Phil then Brian. Feeling a bit more relaxed, Brian headed out to the playground. No matter how hard he tried to steer clear of the first graders, the inevitable happened. Spike came up to him and gave him a swift kick in the rear, then called him diaper boy. "You leave him alone," Steve said in defense. Steve was a big kid, as big as most first graders, but not quite bigger then Spike. "Make me, punk," replied Spike. "Don't pick on them, Elwin," said Samantha. Spike stood there momentarily frozen. "What did you call me?" he replied. "Elwin. That's your real name," said Samantha. "My mom told me and she knows your mom." Spike gave up, and left Brian alone. After recess came reading. Brian volunteered, and read from Cat in the Hat, one of his favorites. Miss Applewhite was impressed with him. Brian helped the other kids read until lunch came. Brian was thankfully dry, and went to the cafeteria to eat with his newfound friends. Brian finished his lunch, and followed his friends to the playground. The girls where playing jump-rope, while the boys were playing catch. Brian wasn't particularly good at catch, so he sat out. "Hey, why don't you play?" Steve finally asked him. "I'm no good." "Let's see you throw." Brian picked up the ball and through it weakly to the ground. "Keep your arm up high." Brian threw again, this time it was considerably better. "Now catch." Steve threw, and Brian stuck his hand out, but missed it. "That's OK, try again." The next time, the ball bounced off Brian's wrist but he stuck out his other hand and caught it. "I told you you'd get it." After lunch was playtime. Brian sat on the floor of the classroom playing with blocks. With no notice whatsoever, he pooped in his diaper. He was afraid that he'd get teased, so he went up to Miss Applewhite and whispered in her ear what he had done. Instead of letting him go to the nurse, she offered to change him herself in the bathroom in the back of the kindergarten. Brian liked this idea, so he followed her there, and she changed him. Everyone knew Brian was having his diaper changed, but they didn't seem to mind. Some of the kids themselves still had accidents or wet the bed, so in kindergarten it wasn't a big deal. Next came nap time. Miss Applewhite assigned everybody a mat and told them to rest for 15 minutes. Brian just lay there, he couldn't sleep without Floyd. They did a little more work that day before the bell rang. Brian walked to the car with Mary. This time, when Sue asked him how his day went, Brian replied it was the best day of school so far. Chapter 7: Halloween A Few Tricks and Many Treats for Brian For the first 6 years of Brian's life, he had been tormented, tossed around, and emotionally crushed. Now, at age 6 1/2, he was finally getting closer and closer to being happy. He had some friends, he was doing good at school. Sue and Harvey (when he was home) treated him well, Mary didn't tease him. He was experiencing all kinds of new things and liking them. Halloween was one of these new things. "Hey Brian," Steve asked him one day. "What are you going to be for Halloween?" "What's Halloween?" he asked. "You're funny," said Steve. "Halloween is when you dress up in a costume and you go door to door asking people for candy." "That sounds like fun." "Yeah, it is." "I don't know what to do, though." "Hey, I got an idea," said Steve. "Why don't we all be Power Rangers." "But Power Rangers aren't for girls," Mary protested. "There are girl Power Rangers," Sally argued. "That sounds like fun." So it was agreed. Steve would be a red power ranger, Phil the blue power ranger, their friend Jamal the black power ranger, Sally the yellow ranger, and Mary the pink ranger. Brian was given the coveted rank of the mystical Green Ranger. Power Ranger mania had gripped the country in 1996. Later that day, Sue asked the two of them what they wanted to do about Halloween. "I want to be a Power Ranger," said Brian. "The green one." "OK," said Sue. "How did you find out about Halloween anyway?" "Steve told me. Me and him and Mary and Phil and Jamal and Sally are all going to be power rangers." "That sounds nice." "Mommy," Mary asked. "Yes Mary?" "Can we have a Halloween party?" "That sounds like a good idea." The next day, Brian and Mary invited their friends to the party. They also turned in their Columbus Day project. Brian was overjoyed when his group received a check plus for their efforts. That weekend, Sue took the kids out to get their Halloween costumes. The Power Ranger costumes were hot items, and there were only 1 left of each kind when Sue go there. She was able to get them by pure luck before somebody else did. On Halloween day, Brain woke up as usual. Sue came in and changed his diaper. He ate breakfast, wearing only his diaper. After breakfast, she put him into his Power Ranger costume. Mary needed help getting hers on, so Sue helped her into it. The kids were then driven to school. Sue took off form work to watch them March in costume in the annual Halloween parade. During the parade, Sue saw 4 kids dressed as Power Rangers march past her. Two of them waved, therefore she was able to recognize them as hers. She waved back. While marching, Brian felt the need to go to the bathroom. He let it out in his diaper, and it absorbed it all. It was hot and uncomfortable under the costume however, and Brian was getting tired of marching. Finally, when the parade ended, he ran over to Sue. Sue gave him, Mary, and their friends a ride to their house for the party. The kids all walked inside and drank soda. Brian whispered to Sue that he needed his diaper changed, and she followed him to his room. "Where's he going?" asked Jamal. "To get his diaper changed," replied Mary. "Oh." "Do you think your mom would mind changing my diaper too?" Phil asked. "I don't think she would," said Mary. All of them marched up to Brian's room, where they saw him getting a new diaper put on him. Brian first felt embarrassed, then relaxed when he wasn't teased about it. "Do you think you could change my diaper too?" Phil asked Sue nervously. "I wet in it." "Sure," said Sue. She set him down on the changing pad and changed him in front of the others. Phil didn't seem to mind though. As it was very hot under the costumes, Brian and Phil sat around in just their diapers until it was time to go out trick or treating. Jamal and Steve were also hot, and asked Sue to help them out of their bulky costumes. Sue obliged, and they sat in just their underwear. Mary was next, and Sally were next. "It get's really hot under those costumes," said Sally. "Yeah, and they're hard to get off, too," said Steve. "I almost wet my pants." "Brian and Phil don't have to worry about that," joked Jamal. "Hey, you can try wearing diapers under your costumes," suggested Phil. "No way," said Steve. "OK, then what about a GoodNite?" asked Brian. "Their just like regular underwear." "I don't know," said Jamal hesitantly. "I'll try it," said Steve. "Fine, so will I," said Jamal. Sue put them each in a Goodnite. Eventually, it was time to go out. Sue helped each kid into their costume, and reminded them to be careful. They then began to scour the neighborhood for candy. After a half hour of trick or treating, they had amassed a decent amount of candy and decided to head back, stopping at a few more houses along the way. "Can we hurry it up," said Jamal. "I have to go." "Me too," said Steve. "You have GoodNites on, silly," said Sally. "Oh yeah, forgot I was wearing them," Steve answered. He and Jamal both wet their GoodNites. They found the feeling to be weird at first, but also comforting. "I wonder who lives in that house?" Brian asked when the group came up to an old, weather beaten, rustic looking large home. "That's old man MacGreggor," Jamal explained. "He's really mean, and he hates kids, and he doesn't give candy for Halloween." "Are you sure?" Brian asked. "Or are you just trying to fool me." "No, that dude is really mean," Jamal said. "Go see for yourself if you don't believe me." Brian now suddenly regretted asking. He felt in a bad position, like he was challenged. Yet he decided not to back down. "Let's all go ring the bell," suggested Steve. "See if he's really that bad." "You mean you don't know?" asked Mary. "Well, its what my brother said," Steve admitted. "I never met the guy myself." "All the more reason to see," Phil added. The group transcended the walkway and made their way to the door. It was wooden and had a knocker on it, which was heavy. Steve and Jamal knocked it against the door, and footsteps could be heard within. The door creaked open slowly, presenting an old, yet strong looking man. "What do you want?" he said in a surly voice. "Um, trick or treat," Brian said nervously. "Look, kid," he said, a bit of a scowl developing. "Maybe nobody ever told you, but I don't give candy. Now beat it!" Another voice could be heard within the house. "Gavin, their just little kids, they don't know any better." A women presented herself at the door, and the group was very shocked to find out that is was Mrs. Jukis. "It's that mean old teacher lady," said Jamal. "Let's get out of here," said Steve. "Now wait a minute," said Mrs. Jukis. "What are you running for? I ain't a going to hurt none of you." "But your still not going to give us candy." "Like I said," the old man interrupted. "I don't a give candy. Apples yes, candy no." "Apples?" Sally asked. "Yes that's right," said Mrs. Jukis. "Apples. They're what growing kids should be eating instead of all that junk. Would either of you kids like one?" "Sure," said Sally. "I don't know," said Steve. "They could be poison." "That's ridiculous!" Mrs. Jukis hollered. "Why would you think such a thing?" "Because everyone says that Mr. McGregor's mean, and we know that you're mean." "You think I'm mean?" asked Mrs. Jukis in relative surprise. "I had no idea. I was just doing everything by the book. I guess the book's changed. If I've been that mean, I'm sorry. Its normally just those one or two kids that make me like that. Would you like to come in?" Now convinced that the old lady posed no threat, the group agreed. "What have them older kids been saying about me?" Mr. MacGreggor asked curiously, offering each kid an apple. "Well," said Steve in between bites. "My brother said that if somebody came to your door, you got this great big dog to come out and eat them." "Ya mean my dog Rusty?" he asked, pointing to a great German Sheppard asleep on the floor. "He wouldn't hurt a fly. Kids always saying mean things about me because I give apples on Halloween, and I've had it up to hear. If you see any of them, you set them straight, you hear?" "Will do," said Jamal. "Is he your boyfriend?" Sally asked Mrs. Jukis rather inappropriately. "I'm a bit old to be having a boyfriend, young lady," she said. "But Gavin and I knew each other from Scotland. We grew up together. My name was Miss Adams back then. Then I came here and married a Russian fellow named Jukis. He was a good man, but he's gone now, as are most my friends. Gavin's all I have left." "Don't be a talking that way, Theresa," said the old man heartily. Mrs. Jukis eyed Brian for a minute, and then asked him. "Still in diapers, are you?" "Yes ma'am." "May I ask why?" "When my mother died..." "Oh, I'm sorry to hear." "I lost control and began having accidents." "Well why didn't you say it was a medical problem?" asked Mrs. Jukis. "I thought you were a naughty pest and your mother put you in diapers as punishment. That's what we did to kids sometimes when they were naughty. I'm sorry for acting the way I did." "That's OK." "Is the kindergarten working out any better for you?" "Yes," Brian said enthusiastically. "I'm starting to understand the arithmetic." "Good," said the old lady. "Good to hear." "We'd better get going," Mary said. "Thanks for the apples." "Y'ar welcome," replied the old man. They left the house and continued on their way back home. "You know," Steve finally conceded. "She's not so bad, and neither is he." When they got back, Sue nearly fell backwards with disbelief when Mary told them where they had been. Finally Sue came to the conclusion that teaching is enough to make anybody mean. The kids counted out their candy, and ate a few pieces of it. For Brian's first time trick-or-treating, he had earned a lot, thanks to the guidance of his friends. Sue changed Steve, Brian, Jamal, and Phil and helped all 6 kids out of their costumes. Suddenly, the door bell rang, and all the kids rushed to the door to see the trick or treaters. It turned out to be Spike. "Trick or treat, smell my feet," he taunted. "Nah, they stink too much," Jamal said. "Here's your candy." "This candy sucks," Spike replied. "Figures it would, coming from you, Steve." "Get lost." Spike left without getting the pleasure of picking on Brian some more. Steve and Jamal had spared him that humiliation, and he thanked them. Sue gave each kid a ride home. They all had a good Halloween. Chapter 8: Thanksgiving Brian Meets His Family Brian had really gotten the hang of school. He understood arithmetic, or adding and taking away as he called it and was one of the brightest kids in his class. He also began to enjoy reading, and dove right into simple books. He was even able to teach Mary how to read months before they went over it in school. It was November, and the kids were learning about Thanksgiving. They learned about the pilgrims and Plymouth, and the feast that went on there. Brian wished he could have such a feast, and his wish came true when he found out he'd be going to his grandparents' house for thanksgiving. He was both nervous and anxious about seeing his relatives again. On Thanksgiving Day, Brian and Mary didn't have school, so they both slept in late. When Brian finally awoke around 10:00 or so, he had a familiar feeling. His diaper was wet and poopy. Normally, he'd go ask his aunt to change him, but on this occasion, he just sat there. He didn't like the mess squishing all over him, but he did enjoy the feeling of the diaper. He felt glad knowing that whatever he put out, his diaper would absorb. Brian then did a very unusual thing. He lied flat on his back and put his feet up in the air. He then began to softly pretend to cry. "I need my diaper changed," he whispered to nobody in particular. He discovered what great fun it was to act like a baby. Mary nearly caught him, and he sprang forward when he saw her near his doorway. Sue gave the kids breakfast and then bathed them both. She put Brian in a fresh diaper and a sweater with brown corduroy pants. Mary wore a pretty dress. Both their hair was neatly combed. Sue gave them a look of approval, and they set out to see their grandparents. The ride was a good hour away, and not all of it was highway driving. Brian felt the orange juice he had for breakfast begin to catch up with him. He shifted his position a bit and spread his legs. He released his stream, and before long there was that familiar feeling in his diaper. By the time they arrived, Mary had to use the bathroom desperately and just made it. Brian's grandmother was there to great him. "Hi Sue," she said to his aunt. She then noticed him and said. "Hello Brian. We haven't seen you in awhile. My, you've gotten big." Before he could say anything, his grandma kissed him on the cheek (at least she didn't pinch) and gave him a great big hug. As she was hugging him, she felt the bulge around his middle and noticed that his bottom was more padded then normal. She shot Sue a questioning glance. "He's been having some control problems lately," she said. "But he's taken it very well." "I'm sure he has. And it's perfectly understandable given the situation." Brian knew what they were talking about and blushed. He was still a bit sensitive. Brian's grandpa emerged from the kitchen and gave him and Mary a hug. "Getting big there, kid," he said heartily. Brian's aunts and uncles were also there and they each expressed their eagerness to see him through more hugs and kisses. His cousins were there too. Tripp was 11, Todd 8, Lizzie was Mary's age and Shawna was 15. There was also Anabella, who was a 1 1/2, and Anthony, who was 4 but still not potty trained. A lot of the family loved to baby him, since he wasn't far off from it. Brian was a little bit shy about talking to his cousins. They hadn't said anything mean so far, but they looked at him weird when they found out about his diapers. "Hey, do you want to play SNES?" asked Todd. "Grandma always it here for us." "Umm, I've never played before." "You can watch me and Tripp play." "You're on," said the older kid. Brian watched the TV screen and soon a short, mustached Italian plumber appeared before him. This character, whose name he found to be Mario jumped about and flattened things such as walking mushrooms and winged turtles, making heroic jumps off cliffs and collecting coins in the process. Brian was bewildered. "OK, your turn," said Todd. Brian grasped the controller and waited for his character to appear on screen. He then pressed buttons haphazardly and Mario fell off a cliff. Todd told him that it was OK and he still had more lives left. Brian was determined not to lose again. He pressed the buttons more carefully and was able to make it through the entire stage. "You're good," said Tripp. "Thanks," said Brian. He kept at it until he was at the final stage. Nobody had made it that far, and Todd was getting a little jealous. "You won't be able to beat this," he sneered. Brian took a deep breath and released some gas in his diaper. He then cautiously played and beat the game. Tripp cheered him, but Todd was rather angry. "You only did it cuz I showed you everything," he said. "Give him a break," said Tripp. "It wasn't my fault," Brian said timidly yet defensively. This set Todd off. He expected Brian to apologize, not make a comeback. He lunged at Brian and pinned him to the floor. He began hitting Brian and yelling at him as well. "You stupid diaper wearing baby!" Tripp tried to separate the two, but to no avail. At last, the boys' mother steeped in. "That's enough! Todd, you should be ashamed of yourself." Todd took some quick breaths and clamed down. He saw that everyone was staring at him and suddenly felt very bad. "I'm sorry," he said. "You still have to be punished," said his mom. "Over here," she said, motioning towards her lap. "Please no." "Would you rather I get your dad to do it?" "OK," he said. He got up and marched himself over to his mother. As soon as he was in arm's reach, she grabbed him and pulled him forcefully over her knee. Down went his pants and his slightly stained underwear. His mother began to spank him in front of everybody. Todd was pleading with her to stop, but she wouldn't listen. He broke out into tears, as his bottom was quiet sore when it was over. "If you ask me, I think the boy should spend some time in diapers, to see how it feels," said his father. "Good idea," said his mother. They took him upstairs and into and empty room. Todd was thrown onto a bed, still naked from the waist down. Todd's mother didn't want to borrow any diapers from Sue, because she knew Brian would probably be needing them before the night was done. Instead, she went to the sewing room and found a large amount of unused cloth. She took it and folded it then slid it under the boy. It was pinned shut 6 times, and when Todd started to voice his complains, his mouth was stopped. His diapers were then sewn shut, ensuring that he'd be wearing them for awhile. As a finishing touch, some plastic was sewn in on top of his diapers. Todd felt very helpless. There was a very thick mass between his legs, and while it helped to cushion his burning bottom, he didn't lie it there. Meanwhile, back downstairs the family began to comfort Brian, who was very much shocked by his cousin's sudden assault on him. "I'm sorry about that," said Tripp. "He gets very touchy sometimes. I think it's the medication he's been taking lately." "Besides, there's nothing wrong with your diapers," said Shawna. "They make you look so cute." Brian felt a little bit better, but then realized he had another problem. He had further flooded his diaper, and it was on the verge of leaking. "Aunt Sue, I need changing," he said softly. "I'll take care of it," said Shawna. He was a bit hesitant of having his older cousin change him, but she assured him she'd changed plenty of kids before in her baby- sitting experience, and one of them was as old as 10. Brian relaxed as Shawna pulled down his corduroy pants and untaped his sopping wet diaper. She slid it off of him, rolled it up, and threw it in the trash. Next, she powdered him delicately, and slid a fresh diaper under him. She made sure it was in place before taping it firmly shut. Todd came back down wearing his extra thick diapers and seeming much calmer. He apologized again to Brian, and the two of them played quietly until dinner. Brian's grandparents always pulled out all the stops during family meals, especially Thanksgiving. There was more then enough food for everyone, and by the time it was over, everyone felt quite full. Brian found his pants to be uncomfortable, so he took them off. Now that everyone had seen him in his diaper, it didn't bother him. It wasn't long before he began to digest the long meal. He didn't want to mess his diaper in front of everyone, but knew he would have to at some point. At that moment, Anthony, who was playing with blocks sat up and yelled. "Me poopy!" Lizzie took care of changing him. He giggled as she took off his stinky diaper and wiped him up. A new Huggies size six was soon on him and he went back to playing, not the least bit shamed about messing his diaper or having to be changed. Seeing that nobody would object to changing him, Brian released a load into his diaper as well. Sue cleaned him up and took note that they had only brought along one more diaper and it would have to last. She lined it with one of Anthony's diapers to make it last longer. Brian felt relieved to be back in a clean padded diaper, and went about playing happily. Todd, in the meantime, wasn't having nearly enough fun. His bowels were killing him. "Mom, can you please take this thing off. I have to go real bad." "Then go, because this isn't coming off." Todd couldn't hold out forever, and eventually wet and soiled his diaper as well. His brother smiled at him, but had more courtesy then to burst out into laughter. "Now can you take it off," he said. "No." "Hey Todd," said Shawna. "I'll change you." "No thanks." "It's either that or stay in a dirty diaper for awhile." "OK, you can change me." Shawna was handed a seem ripper, and she used it to unstitch Todd's diapers. She next took out all the pins and looked upon Todd's bare body. He was very embarrassed and was developing an erection. She ignored it as she cleaned him up. "Can I have my underwear back now?" he asked. "Sure," said his mom, as he handed him his underwear. He looked dismayed when he saw a baby diaper was stuffed inside of it,. "You know how long the drive back is. Besides, Tripp will be wearing one, too." The evening finished with pie and pleasant conversation. Everyone bid each other a happy Thanksgiving then said goodbye. When Brian got home, he was changed out of his wet diaper and tucked in. Before he fell asleep, he said a prayer. He thanked God for his family and the food he had. He hoped his mommy was up in heaven smiling down upon him. He also thanked God for his diapers and the security they provided, and he wished he could be a baby once more. Little did he know, he would get his wish. Chapter 9: Yuletide Dilemma Brian Wonders What to Get For Christmas Slowly, the world around Brian began to change. It was getting colder out, and he had to wear sweatpants over his thick diaper to stay warm. He also noticed a lot of commercials for new toys on TV. The month of December had begun, and it had even snowed a day or two. Brian knew something was going on, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. Finally, when he heard mention of Santa Claus, it all became clear. Christmas was upon him. He had a vague recollection of Christmas. His mom would always bake cookies, and his dad took him t the mall to sit on Santa's lap. Then, on Christmas day, Brian would wake up and find that he had received what he asked for. He never asked for anything big, because he was afraid it wouldn't come. This year, however, would be quite different. His mom was dead, and he knew not where his dad was. For this, he was still very sad. It almost hurt him to realize his life was better now than it had been. Now he could probably ask for whatever he wanted, big or small, and he would get it. But Brian didn't know what to ask for. One cold, blustery night, Brian had a very unusual dream. The first part of his dream was a flashback. He saw himself as a toddler, being cared for by his mom. He couldn't believe he lived the way he did. The second part of his dream was about his dad. He arrived at a truck-stop, and bought a soda and a Christmas card. The soda he drank and the card he wrote something on (Brian couldn't see what) and mailed. The third part of the dream took place in a nursery. There was a crib and a changing table and Mickey Mouse wall paper, and a big chest full of toys. There was a baby boy asleep in the crib. He was clutching a white teddy bear and sucking on a pacifier. There was a comfy looking sleeper on over his thick diapers, and he looked very pleasant and relaxed. Suddenly, Brian sprang awake. Was that boy in the dream him? What could the dream mean? Brian enjoyed playing baby form time to time, but it seemed very unlikely that he could spend his life as one. Besides, part of him felt pressured to grow up. That's what his mom would want him to do. Be a big boy, right? He felt very confused. In school, he and Mary learned about all different holidays. They had a small plastic tree in their classroom, which they were allowed to make ornaments for. There was also a Menorah for Hanukkah and candles for Kwanza. "Hey Brian," asked Steve. "What do you want for Christmas?" "I don't know," Brian said. "Well, I'm getting a Super Soaker 200 so I can use it in the summer, and some new Power Rangers toys." "I'm getting one of those super footballs," said Jamal. "We're both getting new dolls," said Mary and Sally in unison. Brian thought about toys. Yeah, there were some nice ones, such as that remote controlled car saw and wanted, but he wasn't sure if he should ask for that or not. Sue had asked him, and he gave her the same answer he gave his friends. There wasn't much time left. As the days went on, Brian found himself doing something very odd. Every time he saw a baby or a toddler, he would stare at them, like he was hypnotized. He didn't know why and he felt guilty doing it, but somehow he couldn't stop. Sue and Harvey took the kids to the mall one weekend to do some last minute shopping. Brian knew he'd better pick something quickly if he wanted anything for Christmas. After an hour of shopping, they still didn't have anything. Brian was becoming very distraught and was close to tears when something made him change his mind. They were in Macy's shopping when Brian heard some kids yelling quite loudly. "Any of you got $5 I can borrow?" a teenage boy asked his friends. "No, sorry," they answered. "You're a lot of help. I really need that shirt. It's supposed to be my Christmas gift for my dad." "So get him some other shirt, Harry." "He wanted this one." While poor Harry contemplating taking a five finger discount on the shirt, and elderly woman walked by. She dropped her bag and nobody would have noticed it had Brian not reached down to pick it up. As he did, his diaper crinkled audibly and showed above his waist. The teenagers saw and began to laugh. Brian picked up the bag and handed it to the woman. She looked delighted to have it back. "You're a good boy," she said. "Take this as your reward." She handed him $5, and he thanked her. "Hey kid, let me get the $5 and I swear I'll make it up to you." Brian turned around and looked at Harry. The kid who was laughing at him a moment ago looked very desperate. "Please," he begged. Brian took the recently acquired bill from his hand and gave it to him. "Aright!" said Harry. He grabbed the shirt off the rack and paid for it. Meanwhile, Mary, Sue, and Harvey were still waiting in line. "Hey, over here," Harry called. Seeing as how he wouldn't be missed, Brian walked over towards the boy. "You see this?" he asked, pointing to the ring on his finger. "My girlfriend gave me this. We've been going out for more then a year." "That's a long time," said Brian. "Damn right it is. Anyway, the ring is magic, it gives you good luck. Make a wish and kiss it and it'll come true." Brian looked blankly for a moment. The other kids were laughing, but he ignored them. He made his wish silently, then kissed the ring. Nothing happened. Brian let it go and said goodbye to Harry. The line had finally ended and they left Macy's. "Do you know what you want yet?" asked Sue. "Yeah," said Brian. "I want....to be a baby." There was a moment of silence. Brian couldn't believe what he just said. He was going to answer no, when suddenly the words just flew out of his mouth. It was almost like...magic? "Why would you want to be a baby?" asked Mary. "I don't know, I just do. Acting like a baby reminds me of my mom." "Well, that's very nice, but I don't see how we're going to do that." "You know, a former client of mine might be able to help. He sells big baby furniture and other supplies for a living. That, and I'm sure Santa would be glad to deliver." Brian smiled. He had found something at last. Later that night, while he was sleeping pleasantly, Harvey and Sue were busy at work. Harvey called up Keith Dent, a furniture salesman who was also an adult baby. He sold a full line of AB products, and his son was a budding infantilism (by choice) as well. He was sure that he had enough furniture and clothes to fit Brian. A rather large order was placed, and the whole family slept happily. Chapter 10: Tis The Season Brian Gets His Christmas Gifts The kids got out of school for Winter Break, and not a moment too soon. Before anyone knew it, Mother Nature sneaked up on the world and blanketed all with a light dusting of snow. Over the days, the amount of snow increased until it reached a satisfactory level for kids. While Brian and Mary played outside in the snow, Sue waited for some very important packages to arrive. Eventually, a delivery truck pulled up to the house, but it wasn't a regular UPS truck. It didn't even have a logo on it. Two guys wearing parkas got out and rang the bell. "Sue Jenkins?" one of them asked when she answered the door. "Yes?" "Mr. Dent sent the 'stuff' over. We'll be glad to help you set it up." Sue bit her lip. "I really wanted to make it a surprise." "You can still have it assembled and set aside somewhere," said the other man. "That sounds good." The two men brought in several large boxes. One contained diapers and baby clothes. Another contained all kinds of accessories. The last few boxes were parts for the crib and changing table. While the two of them were assembling the crib, Sue heard a faint crinkling sound. Could it be diapers they had on? Possibly. It could just be company policy. They finished the job rather quickly and helped Sue stow the stuff away until Christmas. Sue thanked them and bid them a merry Christmas. Brian finally came in for playing. "I'm wet," he said. "Let's get you changed." "Who were those guys in that truck that were here?" he asked. "Santa's helpers," Sue said. Brian smiled. Harvey got off of work the day before Christmas and spent it at home with his family. He cooked a big dinner for Christmas Eve, and everyone agreed it was delicious. "Are we getting our presents?" asked Mary. "Tomorrow, dear," said Sue. "I think Brian should get his now," said Harvey. "No fair!" Mary retorted. "Just wait and see what it is, OK?" Brian was very excited. He knew what he wanted, but he doubted they'd be able to get it. No matter what he got, he was sure to be thankful for it. "Why don't the two of you watch a little TV," said Harvey. "We have to go help Santa unload this." "What do you think it is?" Mary asked Brian. "I dunno." "I think it's a time machine," said Mary. "They are going to go back to when you were a baby." "There are no such things as time machines," Brian stated. "Maybe it's an age-reducing gun." "What?" "They had it in a comic book. It makes people young again." "I don't think it is." "We'll see." While the kids were debating the matter, Harvey and Sue moved the baby furniture out of the attic and into Brian's room. They set his regular furniture in there and also did something about the room's decor. Down came a lot of posters (except for former Yankee catcher and local hero Rick Cerone, that one stayed up), and up came easy-apply nursery print blue wallpaper with ducks and blocks and balloons on it. When they were satisfied, they called Brian up. "I can't wait," Brian said, running up the stairs. "I wanna see what it is," Mary said, running after him. "What is it?" Brian asked when he reached the top of the stairs. "Take a look in your room," said Sue. Brian casually strolled over to the doorway and opened the door to the room. His jaw nearly hit the floor when he looked inside. Within 15 minutes, his room had been transformed from that of a 6 year old boy's to a toddler's nursery. "You like it?" Harvey asked. "I don't know what to say," Brian stuttered. "I love it!" "Good." Mary took a look inside and was equally amazed. "Wow, just like a baby's!" "Since it's just about bedtime, you'll have a chance to experience your new room," Sue said. She pointed to the changing table and Brian attempted to climb up it but couldn't quite make it. "That's OK," Sue said, as she picked him up and placed him down on it. Brian now felt just like a baby. He automatically raised his butt and feet into the air, and Sue pulled down his pants (which he only wore because it was cold) and untaped his wet and poopy diaper. She wiped him up well and put the soiled diaper in a diaper pail right by the table. Next, Sue put on the Depends lined with Huggies. For even grater absorbency, she put 3 thick cloth diapers over this and Velcroed them shut. Lastly, she slid on a pair of plastic pants and tucked all the fabric in. "I don't know how I'm going to get any pajamas on over this," Brian said. "These pajamas are meant for little boys who wear diapers," Said Sue. She took a pair of footed pajama bottoms and slid them up over Brian's thick diapers. She also put the top on over him and snapped it together at the waist. "I'll be back in just a second," said Sue. "Don't go anywhere." It wasn't like there was anywhere Brian could go. Sue returned later with a baby bottle. Brian was a little uneasy about drinking form it, but he allowed Sue to ease the nipple into his mouth and began to suck on it. Brian felt very happy safe and comfortable as he drank the slightly sour liquid. "Now it's time to get some sleep," said Sue. "Tomorrow is Christmas day. You get presents, and your cousins will be here. Say goodnight first." "Goodnight Aunt Sue. Good night Uncle Harvey. Goodnight Mary. This is the best gift ever!" Sue smiled and carried Brian over to his crib. She opened the top and set him down. She handed him Floyd to hold and a pacifier to suck on. Brian took it and put it in his mouth without a second thought. Sue turned off the lights and left Brian to blissful sleep. Brian had very pleasant dreams that night. He was a bit disoriented when he woke up and was wondering what he was doing in a crib. Then he remembered last night and the tremendous gift he got. He found a good position and pooped in his already wet diapers. The plastic pants held the mess in. "Brian," Mary called. "Wake up quick, it's Christmas!" "I can't get out of the crib," said Brian. Mary tried to help him, but she couldn't reach the latch on the top of the crib. Nor could Brian stick his arms through and unlock it. He was stuck. He decided to solve the problem the way a baby would: crying. Brian concentrated and let the tears pour out. It apparently worked, because Sue was in his room before long. "Mommy, that baby is crying," said Mary. "Let's see why," said Sue. "Maybe he wants his paci." Sue, who had thin arms reached through the bars and put the pacifier in Brian's mouth. He continued to sob, though his cries were muffled. "I know why he's crying," said Sue. "He wants his diapers changed." Brian continued to put, now in protest. What he wanted was to get the rest of his presents. Sue ignored him and opened the crib. She picked him up and set him down on the changing table. He began to kick and scream, so Sue told him, "maybe you can just stay in your dirty diaper for awhile." Brian fell silent. "I'm just kidding with you," said Sue. "I know you want your presents. They won't be as big as the one you got last night, but they should still be nice." She set Brian down and he ran downstairs to join Mary who had already opened all her presents. "Look what I got," she said, pointing out a bunch of dolls and arts and crafts type stuff. Brian received some new Matchbox cars he could play with and began racing them across the floor. Harvey woke up at that point. He slept late on weekends and days off as he worked very long hours during the week. "Merry Christmas," he said. "Merry Christmas," everyone said back. "Look what me and Brian made in school," said Mary. She and Brian handed them each a holiday card they made. "That's very nice," said Sue. "I know you'd like to play all day, but you have to take baths." "I'll go make some pancakes in the meantime," said Harvey. Brian resigned himself to this and returned to his room. Sue put him up on the changing table and took off his diapers. Only the topmost diaper was still dry, while the mess stayed within the disposable. Sue found the system of layering to be a good idea. She wiped Brian up and brought him to the bathroom. Brian was a little embarrassed when she began to bathe him and dry him off. In the end though, he was clean. Sue put Brian in diapers similar to last night-cloth lined with disposable and a pair of Power Rangers plastic pants. "Do I have to wear baby clothes in front of my cousins?" Brian asked. "It's either that or just your diapers." Brian agreed that the baby clothes were a better idea. "Did you tell anyone about this?" asked Brian. "Just your aunt," Sue said. "And she didn't tell anyone else. Don't worry. They will find out, and they'll get used to it, and they won't make fun of you." Brian sighed in relief as Sue put a pair of overalls on him. They caused his butt to look bulged out and even from 100 yards away, you could tell he was in diapers. Sue let Brian play with his cars while she helped Mary with her bath. After a breakfast of pancakes, the kids waited for their family to show up. Brian's aunt and uncle and Tripp and Todd showed up. Todd did not look like he was going to start another fight. In fact, he looked like he could barely stand up. "We switched medication again," said his aunt. "This one doesn't do anything to his temper or his attitude, but it does make him a bit drowsy." "Why are you dressed like a baby?" Tripp asked him. "It's my Christmas gift and I like it," Brian said. "You're weird," said Todd. They played a board game for awhile. Soon, a foul stench filled the air. He didn't recall messing his diapers. For once, it wasn't him that was causing the odor. "Brian, did you just go in your diapers?" asked Tripp. "No," he said. Tripp then looked at his brother, who blushed a bit. Todd had just messed his pants. Todd got up and whispered something to his mom, who said she'd change him in a minute. Brian was much confused until Tripp explained it to him. "The new medication makes him poop and pee a lot more and he doesn't always know when he has to go, so my mom put him in Pull-ups." "Really?" "Yeah, but he doesn't like to talk about it." Brian watched as Todd's mom set him down on the floor and took off his pants. Brian could clearly see that he was in fact wearing an extra large Pull-Up. Todd's mom cleaned him up and put another Pull-Up on him. Todd put his pants back on and returned to the game. "What are you lookin' at?" he asked Brian. "Nothin'," Brian answered. They played more games and talked for awhile. Todd had to get up constantly to go to the bathroom, and one could clearly see that he didn't make it all the time. In the middle of a game of cards, he got up and rushed for the bathroom. A moment later, he stepped back out. "Guess I didn't have to go," he said. No sooner had he said this then a dark spot formed on his pants. He was peeing his Pull-up well beyond it's capacity. "Oh no!" he said, then ran to his mom. "That was the last Pull-Up and I didn't bring any pants," she said. "What am I going to do?" he asked. "You could wear one of Brian's diapers," Sue suggested. "I don't want to!" Todd protested. "Diapers are for babies." "If you wear one, I will too," said Tripp. "See, even your bigger brother will wear one and he's no baby." "Fine," Todd said. The two mothers herded their children up to Brian's room. Brian went on the table first. His diaper was checked, and since it was only a little wet, he was not changed. Todd went on the table next and his mom yanked off the soaked Pull-up. She noticed Todd was getting a bit of a rash and put some creme on it. She then powdered and diapered him, using a single disposable. "I haven't done this in years," she commented. "You get used to it, Elaine," Sue said. Tripp got on the table next and Elaine pulled down his pants and underwear. She noted he had a small stretch mark, indicating that he wasn't wiping as well as he could be. Brian observed that he was getting a hard on as Elaine slid a diaper under him and began to powder him. She taped it shut and thanked Tripp for giving a good example for Todd to follow. The three boys played as before, only now they were in diapers. Todd complained frequently. "It's not so bad," said Tripp. "At least you've got pants to wear!" "You'd rather I take them off?" Eventually, the rest of the family showed up, and that included Lizzie. She and Mary retreated to Mary's room to play. Shawna, being a lot older, decided to give the boys a hard time. "Wow, three diaper boys," she said. "And one of them is a baby. You look so cute, Brian." "Thanks," he said. "Leave us alone!" said Todd. "What happened to your pants?" "Give him a break," said Tripp. It was time at long last to eat dinner. There was a lot of food, not as much as Thanksgiving, but still a lot. It was pretty good, as Harvey was a skilled cook when he had the time to prepare anything. After dinner, the family gathered around to exchange presents. This was the best part for everyone. Brian eagerly opened his and was amazed at what he received. He got a Nintendo Gameboy from Todd and Tripp, and one of the Mario Brothers Games to go with it. The rest of his gifts, however, were totally different. He received a hand-sewn sleeper, a t-shirt that read: FOREVER YOUNG, and some Fisher Price toys. Brian was speechless. These were the best gifts he ever received from anyone. He almost felt guilty about accepting them. The only thing better he could have asked for was for his dad to return. Unfortunately, not everyone was as satisfied as Brian. There were a lot of mix-ups when it came to gift buying and a lot of complaints and arguments that followed. The result was a mass-swapping of presents until everyone got something that they wanted or could be exchanged. Everyone was then happy, for the time being. Naturally, the kids began playing with their toys right away. Todd had received a Hot Wheels race track and Brian had more then enough cars. They raced them time after time and actually got along for awhile. "Uh oh," said Todd. "What is it?" asked Brian. "I just pooped my diaper." "So?" "I don't want to get changed now; my mom will make a big deal about it." "You could ask Aunt Sue." "Good idea." Todd approached his aunt and whispered that he needed to be changed. Sue told him to go up to Brian's room and wait. When Todd arrived, he found Tripp already waiting there. Tripp was massaging his crotch through his diaper, and jumped about 2 feet in the air when Todd walked in. "You scared me!" he said. "I didn't know you were here. Besides, what are you doing anyway?" "I'll tell you when you get older," he said. "All I know is it feels good." Sue arrived at that point and changed both the boys. Instead of going back downstairs, Todd and Tripp decided to spy on Mary and Lizzie. He was surprised to find them talking about diapers, of all things. "Do you have to change him?" asked Lizzie. "Sometimes," said Mary. "Isn't that kinda gross?" "It's just like changing a baby." "I never changed an older kid before." "You wanna change him now?" "OK." "Hey, I think I hear somebody coming," said Mary. That was Todd and Tripp's exit cue, and they leapt away from the door and went downstairs. Mary and Lizzie found the boys building a spaceship out of Legos. Mary asked Brian if he needed changing, and Brian nodded. Lizzie then asked Sue if she could change him, and Sue agreed. He would have to be changed on the floor of Brian's room though, as none of them could reach the changing table by themselves. Brian didn't mind that Lizzie was changing him and assumed position on the floor. Lizzie pulled off his plastic pants and Mary told her what she should be doing. It took awhile to get all those diapers off. Fortunately, they were only wet. Lizzie took a single disposable and slid it under him. She then poured powder on him and taped it up. "That was fun," she admitted. Eventually, it was time for everyone to go home. Todd apologized to Brian for his previous behavior and said he was glad they could get along. Everyone bid everyone else a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hit the road. The snow had rescinded, but it was still a little icy out. Thus concluded the best Christmas in Brian's life. Brian had wet his diaper again, and was changed by Sue. She put much thicker diapers on him, and let him wear his new sleeper. Despite how pleasant he was and how well things were going, Brian wound up having a scary dream. And while he dreamt, elsewhere across the country, tragedy struck. Chapter 11: Mourning a Loss Brian's Father Dies Snow covered all with a white mist, and hail pounded the Earth like a hammer. The weather was bitter and cold and stung like a whip. Mostly everyone was indoors. Mostly everyone except for Jack Hayes. Jack was making his way down a highway in far-off Utah. He would get his delivery to Denver with time to spare, but that wasn't his true destination. Jack wanted to get home and see his son, something he hadn't been able to do. He hoped Brian was OK and was able to cope with the death of his mother. At around 5:45, Jack pulled into a truck stop to catch a bite to eat. He noticed several of his contemporaries amongst him. He got himself some coffee and a sandwich and sat down. "Jack, where you been?" asked Red. "Where do you think?" "Man, do you ever take a break?" "Taking one right now, aren't I?" "Look, Jack, it's the holidays. They'll understand if you're behind schedule. Take it easy. Them roads are slicker then a New York politician." "I'm not running behind schedule," said Jack. "Besides, I've got a good reason to want to stay alive." "Oh yeah? What's that?" "Going to Jersey to see my son." "Hell, I didn't know you had kids." "Yup. Brian's a good kid." "Well, best of luck to you." Jack returned to the road a short while later. He seemed to be oblivious to the elements, and was deeply concentrated on his task. He just hoped none of the roads were closed. At about 8:30 or so, it became dark. Jack pulled off to another truck stop. He got himself a soda and picked up a Christmas card to send to Brian. At least this way if he didn't make it there, Brian would get something. He contemplated stopping for the day. It was dark and the roads were slippery, but Jack still had the will to go on. Besides, if he actually made the delivery early, it'd set some kind of a record. 10:00. Jack was approaching the Utah border. He was maintaining a constant, steady speed. The headlights on his rig shone brightly and illuminated the road in front of him. Suddenly, Jack saw a car dart onto the highway. It was in the opposite lane, but it wasn't very steady and it was traveling very fast. Jack hit the brakes, and so did the driver of the car. While the truck began to slow, the car braked too hard and skidded sideways right into Jack's truck. It had been going so fast that the impact caused it to be a cannonball, and exploded on impact. Within seconds, Jack's truck was engulfed in flames. Jack struggled to get his seat belt off, then reached for the door handle. He became dimly aware that the truck was now starting to slide towards the shoulder of the road. Legs aflame, Jacks jumped out the driver's side door. As soon as he got out, the truck careened into him and he died instantly. It was on the local news the next day. Sue received the news through the County Coroner's office, who was able to identify Jack by dental records alone. "Hello." "Are you the legal guardian of Brian Hayes?" "Yes." "Then you should hear this. Brian's father, Jack Hayes, was killed in a truck accident in Utah. I'm sorry." "Oh God." Sue found the news pretty upsetting, and there was no telling how Brian would take it. She calmed down and looked for a way to tell him. Meanwhile, Brian was looking through the mail when he found a card addressed to him. Not to Sue and not to resident, but to him. He eagerly opened it and read it. Dear Brian, It's been a long rough year, but thinking about you has helped me deal with it. I'm sure you've grown by now and are doing well in school. I'm hoping to join you for the holidays. Merry Christmas. Dad. Brian was so excited he could hardly contain himself. "Guess what Aunt Sue?" "Brian..." "I got a card from dad. He said he's going to try and visit us. Isn't that great?" "Brian, listen to me." Brian could tell it was something serious, and probably something bad. "Your dad was in an accident on the highway." "Is he OK?" "No, dear, he's not. He didn't make it." It took awhile for those words to really sink in. Didn't make it. That meant dead. Dead as in mom. Brian began crying, and Sue tried to comfort him. It was hard to lose a parent, but losing both parents makes it impossible. For the next few days, Brian sulked about and kept to himself. He ate, slept and used his diapers, but that was about it. Sue was getting worried and didn't quite now how to deal with it. Then it occurred to her that what Brian needed was a friend. Not just a friend, but somebody whom he could relate to. As luck would have it, Sue found exactly the right person. There was a knock at the door and Sue answered it. A boy who couldn't possibly be more then 10 was there with a shovel. "Shovel your driveway, ma'am?" he asked. "No thank you," Sue said. "You look a little young to be shoveling." "My mom said we need the money." "Why's that?" "Because my daddy died." Brian, who had been listening at a distance but paid no real attention now walked to the door (in diapers and baby clothes) and said, "Mine too." "It's terrible, isn't it?" asked the boy. "Yeah," said Brian. "My name's Jamie." "I'm Brian. Do you want to go build a snowman?" "No, I can't. I still have to shovel." Sue reached into her purse and pulled out a $50. "Here," she said. "Take this and go play." "Thanks, ma'am." "Brian will be with you in just a second." Sue helped Brian put on a snow suit and a heavy jacket. "Thanks, Aunt Sue." "Have fun." Brian and Jamie ran out into the yard and began to construct a snow man. "Can I ask you something?" asked Jamie. "OK," said Brian. "Why do you wear diapers?" Brian had completely forgotten he had them on. But if Jamie wasn't going to tease him about it, he didn't care. He explained his reasons for wearing them. "I wear them, too," said Jamie. "Really?" "Yeah. My mom said there's something wrong with me." "That's too bad." They played until it was time for Jamie to go home. Brian found out where he lived so they could play again. He wasn't as sad anymore. A hole inside him had been filled. That night, the bad dreams stopped for Brian Hayes. Chapter 12: The Less then Fortunate Brian Discovers the Startling Truth About his New Friend "So you've got a friend," said Mary as she and Brian played. "Yeah," said Brian. "Good for you," Mary said, as she patted his diapered butt. "Why don't you call him?" "He doesn't have a telephone." "What? But everyone has a telephone. What's wrong with him?" "I don't know," said Brian wearily. He hadn't thought about it and didn't want to. "I'll ask him when I go over there later." "OK," said Mary. Sue packed Brian's diaper bag and dropped him off at Jamie's apartment. He rang the bell, and a heavyset gray haired woman answered. "Are you Jamie's friend?" she asked sternly. "Yes ma'am," Brian answered meekly. "Come on in," she said. Brian entered. The apartment smelled strongly of pee and poop. "Jamie!" yelled the woman. "Your friend's here!" "OK, mom," Jamie called. He came waddling over wearing nothing but a ratty T-shirt and a pair of rubber panties with shit-stained diapers underneath. "Hey Brian," he said. Brian looked shocked. He had been pretty well off these past few years and had forgotten what it was like to be poor. "What's wrong?" Jamie asked. "Aren't you cold?" was all Brian was able to say. "Yeah, but I'm used to it," said Jamie. "Come on, I'll show you my room." Jamie's room turned out to be a small single bed in an area not much bigger then a closet. Brian's jaw nearly dropped. Jamie gave him a suspicious look. "Do you have any games or anything?" Brian asked. "Not really," said Jamie "But I've got this cool checkers set." He showed Brian a well-sed checkers board with wooden pieces. "My grandpa made it," he said. "Me and my dad used to play it. Before he died." Brian saw he was upset and tried to change the mood. "Maybe you can teach me how to play," Brian said. "Sure, it's real easy." Jamie pointed out the rules and played a few games. Suddenly, the odor in the room was very strong. Brian checked his diapers, and found out they were only wet. He looked at Jamie. Jamie looked back at him quizzically. "I think you should ask your mom to change your diapers," he said. "How come?" he asked. "They aren't leaking yet." "But you pooped in them." "Twice," he said proudly. "My mom usually only changes me once or twice a day so she doesn't have to do as much laundry." "But won't you get a rash?" Brian asked. "Nah, most of the time I don't. Besides, I like wearing dirty diapers; it's fun." "Yeah, I guess it is," said Brian as he filled his own diapers. "Would you boys care for a snack?" asked Jamie's mother. She had a bag of pretzels in her hands. "Thanks mom," said Jamie, digging into the bag. "No thanks," said Brian. He had lost his appetite quite awhile ago. Now his diapers were itchy, he was cold, and he wanted to go home. Most of all, he felt sorry for Jamie. If only there was some way.....hey, wait a minute. "How would you like to sleep over my house?" Brian asked. "Cool!" he said, excited. "Can I mom?" "Sure. It's the least I can do for what your aunt did for me," she said to Brian, referring to the $50 bill. "Well, I'd better call my aunt," he said. He then remembered they didn't have a phone. "Phone's right there," said Jamie's mother. So they did have a phone! Ha, take that Mary. He called Sue and asked if Jamie could stay over. She agreed. Brian was careful not to mention anything about there current state of living. The last thing he wanted to do was make Jamie hate him. They played for another hour or so. After his diapers were very full and nearly leaking, Jamie walked over to his mom. She had him lie down as she slid of his rubber pants and unpinned his soiled diapers. She then took an old washrag and wiped him up. On went some more diapers and another pair of rubber pants. "What about you?" she asked Brian. He walked over to her and she checked his diapers. "You're pretty well padded there," she commented. He didn't want to comment that he could come down with a rash. A few minutes later, Sue showed up. Jamie gathered his few well-worn clothes and stuffed them into a bag. He and Brian walked to Sue's car. Brian hoped his plan worked. Chapter 13: Sleep-over Jamie Stays With Brian Brian was optimistic during the ride home. Though Mary eyed him strangely, Jamie seemed overjoyed to be his friend. Once they got home, they walked inside. "Wow, your house is big!" said Jamie. "Not really," said Brian. "Do you want to play my Gameboy?" "I never played before." Brian recalled that his first time playing a video game had some interesting results. He turned it on and showed Jamie everything he needed to know. Though he was hardly a pro, he had gotten the hang of the controls. Jamie didn't learn as fast as he did and died repeatedly on only the first level. Nonetheless, he seemed to be having the time of his life. "What are you to diaperboys doing?" asked Mary. Brian eyed her angrily. "Playing Gameboy," said Jamie. "Oh. It figures." "She's just jealous because she didn't get one," Brian said. "Nu-uh," said Mary. "I don't even want one. I don't have diapers either and I'm not complaining." "Why don't you wear diapers?" asked Jamie. "Why would I want to?" Mary asked. "I can go potty like a big girl. Why would I want to wear diapers like a baby?" Brian was now becoming irritated. "Brian's not a baby," Jamie said, in his defense. "Oh yeah? Then how comes he sleeps in a crib?" Brian went pale. "You sleep in a crib?" Jamie asked. "Uh....yeah," Brian answered. "Cool!" said Jamie, much to his surprise. Mary just looked at them and laughed. "Boys," she said disgustedly. Brian vowed that he would get her back later. "Can I see your room?" Jamie asked. "Sure," said Brian. Jamie's jaw nearly dropped. "Awesome. You've got a changing table and everything." As glad as he was that Jamie accepted him, he found himself a bit perplexed by his enthusiasm. If Steve or Jamal or any of the kids he considered friends knew that he slept in a crib, they might be accepting, but hardly this enthusiastic. Brian showed Jamie some of his other toys, and Jamie found each one new and fascinating. He really was a little kid in the sense that everything seemed to excite him. It made Brian feel old by comparison, and Brian considered himself babyish. They were in the middle of playing with cars when Mary burst in. "My mommy says we're eating dinner soon, so you're going to have to wash up. Oh yeah, she also wanted me to see if you used your didees yet. So stay still while I check them." Brian turned red as his younger cousin examined his diapers. They were wet and messy. Mary checked Jamie next, and he was in much the same condition. "Doesn't your mommy ever change you?" she asked. "Yeah. When I'm about to leak, she does." "She should change them more or you'll get a rash." "If you need extra diapers," said Brian. "You can have some of mine." "Thanks a lot." They washed up and went to eat dinner. Brian let Jamie eat in his highchair, as he was obviously impressed with it. Sue spoon-fed him soup. "This is really good soup," he said. "Thank you," said Sue. Jamie gradually began discussing his life at home. Though he didn't see anything wrong with his present condition, Sue certainly did. She was going to have to have a little talk with Jamie's mother. Money or no money, this was no way to raise a child. After dinner, both Brian and Jamie were given bottles to drink. Then it was time for their diapers to be changed. "Do I get to be changed on your table?" Jamie asked Brian eagerly. "Sure," said Brian. Jamie was changed first. He hopped on the table and lifted his butt in the air. Sue pulled off his rubber pants and unpinned his smelly diapers. He noticed he had a rash and took extra care by gently spreading lotion on it. Once he was wiped and powdered, she took 2 cloth diapers, stuffed them in a disposable and taped them on him, sliding plastic pants over his bulging behind. "Would you like to wear some of Brian's pajamas?" she asked. Jamie's pajamas having holes in them, he readily agreed. Sue dressed him in a sleeper and told him he looked very cute. Mary giggled, but remained silent when Sue's eye fell on her. Brian was changed next. He was wiped, powdered and diapered, and he too wore a sleeper. He and Jamie looked like twin baby boys. Brian, Mary and Jamie were aloud to stay up a little longer before going to sleep. Sue tucked Mary in and kissed her goodnight. She then helped Brian and Jamie into Brian's crib and turned off the light. "Pleasant dreams," she said. Both of them drifted happily asleep. Chapter 14: New Year's New Year Means New Hope Brian woke up slowly, his wet and dirty diaper clinging to his skin. Jamie lay asleep beside him. From the smell, Brian was able to infer that he had used his diaper as well. "Brian, Brian it's the New Year!" Mary called to him. "Happy New Year, Mary," he answered. Jamie began to toss and turn and finally woke up. "And happy new year to you, too." "Huh?" he asked, yawning. "It's new years'?" "Yeah," said Brian. "pretty cool." "Definitely." "Good morning," said Sure, entering the room. "I made you pancakes, but first let's get your diapers changed." "Happy New Year's, Aunt Sue," said Brian. "Thank you," she said. "And the same to the both of you." She began to lift Brian out of the crib. "Mary, you can go and get out the syrup if you'd like." "Mmmm...pancakes," she said and walked away anxiously. Sue set Brian down on the table and unzipped his sleeper. She untaped his diaper. "Looks like you made a mess here." Brian smiled sheepishly as she wiped him up and sprinkled baby powder on him. She then took out a few disposables, a few cloth diapers and some vinyl pants and made sure Brian was well padded. She crammed the excess fabric into the vinyl pants and dressed him in a babyish sweater and swear pants. Next, she set Jamie down on the table. He was a bit embarrassed about being changed, but Sue comforted him. His diaper was even more loaded then Brian's. Sue merely smiled and put a new diaper on him. She let him wear a one piece romper she had gotten for Brian and they all went into the kitchen and ate pancakes. "Can we go outside and build a snow man?" asked Brian. It had snowed the night before and the ground was now coated with a thin white layer. "Yeah, can we?" asked Jamie. "I'm coming, too," said Mary. "Well...OK," said Sue. "Let me make sure your adequately bundled. She put heavy coats and snow pants on all the kids and sent them outside to play. They gathered the snow together and began to build a snow man. During the course of their construction, Brian peed his diaper. At first, he expected his urine to be cold and uncomfortable, but the several layers of fluffy fabric and the insulation of the vinyl pants kept it warm as it spread across his crotch. Brian and Jamie both took a liking to snow and took a break from building to lay down and make snow angels. "What are you two doing?" Mary asked. "Making snow angels." "Snow babies is more like it," she said, and began chuckling. Brian had enough of his cousin's mistreatment of him. He slowly got up, wad of snow in his hand and shoved it down Mary's pants. "Ah! Brian!" she screamed. "Now you know how it feels," he said triumphantly. He gave Jamie a high-5. "I'm telling my mom!" Mary whined and headed inside. Sue was a bit shocked to see her with wet pants. "Mary! Do I have to put a diaper on you, too?" "No! Brian shoved snow down my pants!" "Brian!" Sue called. "She kept calling me and Jamie babies," he answered. "The both of you stop it or you won't be playing outside. Mary changed her pants and showed up awhile later. "I'm sorry I did that," said Brian. "Me too," said Jamie. "That's OK, I shouldn't have made fun of you guys. Let's finish the snow man." "Yeah." They had just finished and stood back form their completed work in victory. Just then, an incoming snowball knocked the head right off the snow man. Another snowball missed Jamie by an inch and another one hit Jamie. Brian looked to see his old nemesis Spike and some of his friends. "I'll go get my mom," Mary said running off. Brian held his ground. "Well well, if it isn't diaperboy Brian and his diapered friend," he said mockingly. "How does he know I wear diapers?" asked Jamie. "Get out of here," Brian said assertively. Spike merely cackled and readied to throw another snowball. Brian and Jamie hit them first, but this only made the bullies mad. They crossed onto Brian's property and bashed down his snowman. Before either of them could run, they grabbed Brian and Jamie and shoved their faces into the snow. They then started piling snow into their diapers similarly to what Brian had done to Mary before. "Ooh look," said Spike. "Their diapers are leaking." He and his comrades were laughing endlessly when all of the sudden Mary reappeared with Sue. "Get out of here," Sue scolded. "Get out of here right now or I'll call your parents." "Come on, let's go," said Spike. They left Brian and Jamie weeping in the snow. Sue comforted them and helped them inside, where they were given hot chocolate in baby bottles and had their loaded diapers replaced with dry ones. "I'm sorry our snowman got wrecked," said Brian. "That's OK," said Mary. "You did the right thing, trying to stand up for yourself," said Mary. Brian, Mary and Jamie engaged in a game of Candyland. When Brian and Jamie pooped their diapers, Mary was in enough not to make any comments. "Thanks a lot for having me over," Jamie said. Just then, the doorbell rang. Sue answered it. "Jamie," she called. "Come here," she said in a somber voice. Brian looked up in surprise. Chapter 15 Jamie toddled over to where Sue was standing by the door. He was still waddling around in just a messy diaper and a shirt. He saw somebody at the door whom he didn't recognize. She was a mean looking lady of about 50. "This is exactly the type of thing I'm talking about," said the woman. "I'll have you know he has a legitimate problem," said Sue defensively. "Uh-huh," said the woman apathetically. "Jamie, come here." He did not want to go near the mean looking woman. "Go on," said Sue. He slowly crept over. The woman reached for his socks and pulled them off. There were blisters on his feet. "I thought as much." "Wh...what's going on," asked Jamie frightfully. "Go back inside," said Sue, as she continued to talk to the woman. "What was that all about?" asked Brian. "I dunno. This lady made me take off my socks." "It doesn't sound good." A little bit later, Sue walked over to both of them. "Is something wrong, mommy?" asked Mary. Sue remained silent. At last, with great difficulty she said. "Jamie, something terrible has happened." "What happened?" asked Jamie, thinking that what few toys he had had been blown away by a wind. "The woman I just spoke to was a social worker. The police came and took your mother away." "What?" asked Jamie, sobbing. "Why?" "Because they think she was doing a bad job raising you." Brian recalled his own mother and began sobbing as well. Sue gave them both a hug. "Now I want you to be strong, both of you. There's going to be a day next week when you have to go to court. If....everything goes OK, you'll be back with your mother in no time." "Where am I supposed to live?" asked Jamie. "You can live with us," Mary said, volunteering. Brian shot her a smile, and Jamie at last nodded. "It won't be so bad," he said optimistically. "That's right, dear," said Sue. "Now I think that there are a few boys here who have dirty diapers." "Me," said Brian and Jamie in unison. Sue carried them up to the nursery, one by one, laid them down on the table and changed their diapers. Afterwards, Brian, Jamie and Mary gathered around the TV and watched a movie. Sue brought out bowels of hot soup and decided to watch herself. Things were pleasant....even if only briefly. When Harvey came home, Sue explained the situation to her husband. He was fairly disgusted, but tried not to let any anger he had for Jamie's mother affect him. He talked to Jamie briefly, then Brian. He said that while Brian might enjoy being a baby, he had to step up and act like a big boy, at least for his friend's sake. "Does that mean I have to stop wearing diapers?" asked Brian. "No, Brian, it doesn't," said Harvey. Sue gave Brian, Mary and Jamie each a bath, and got Brian and Jamie dressed for bed. They were each wearing thick nighttime diapers covered by fuzzy blanket sleepers. As they lay in the silent darkness of Brian's crib, Jamie wept quietly. "It's going to be OK," Brian whispered. He wasn't too far removed from nightmares himself. Chapter 16 "It's gonna be weird having two diaper boys around the house," said Mary to her mother the next day while the boys were still asleep. "Now Mary," said Sue. "Your probably not old enough to understand what really happened. But it was a very bad thing. Jamie is very sad. He need's everyone's support right now. It's very important that we make him feel comfortable. That means putting up with him, diapers and all, and not calling him a baby." "OK, mommy," said Mary. Sue then went to wake the boys. As it turned out, they were already up. She deftly lifted them out of the crib, and they groggily followed her to the kitchen where she fed them breakfast. "We're going to have to run a few errands today," she said. Brian sighed. Sue made a note of getting Jamie some diapers and clothes, as she didn't know how long he'd be staying. After breakfast, the boys had their wet diapers taken off. They were put in disposables, and given baggy pants to wear to muffle the noise. They each put on their coats and hopped in the car. "I seem to be short a car seat," said Sue. "Jamie can have mine," said Mary. "I'm a big girl." "I know, dear," said Sue. Once they were all buckled in, they headed off for the mall. "Can I get a new doll?" Mary asked. "If your good and patient, you can all get new toys." Brian and Jamie half-heartedly applauded. The group entered the mall, all of them holding hands, and Sue carrying her purse and a large diaper bag. The first place they stopped was Macy's. She didn't want to embarrass Jamie by having him fitted for anything, so she estimated his sizes. She was surprise to find snap-crotch pants and other such items that fit him. She also got a few pairs of the largest size of plastic pants and some cloth diapers. Disposables they still had plenty of. As they were shopping, a boy and a girl were in there with their mother and baby sibling. "Are you still in diapers?" the girl asked Mary. "N-uh-uh," answered Mary. "But my brother is." "How old is he?" asked the boy. "He's 6." "6 years old in still in diapers?" "So. Jamie is even older." The boy started laughing until his sister snidely reminded him of his prior bedwetting problem. He turned red and told her to shut up. Sue continued her shopping, dragging the kids in tow. In the midst of shopping, Brian released into his diapers. It felt so good to be wetting and messing himself in full view of everyone without them even realizing it. Jamie, in the meantime, was moving shyly away. "What's wrong?" asked Brian. "I hafta go," answered Jamie. "So?" "So I don't want people to look at me weird." "Just go and my aunt will change you." Jamie nodded in agreement and filled his own diapers. Once Sue was done paying for her purchases, they walked off into a corner of the store and checked Brian and Jamie's diapers. "It doesn't look like this can wait, does it?" she asked. They both shook their heads. "Well, you have two choices," she said. "You can either have me change you on a bench in the middle of the mall, or follow me to the ladies' room." They reluctantly followed Sue into the ladies room. Much to their luck, it was vacant. Sue laid Brian down on the floor and pulled off his pants. She untaped his sodden diaper, rolled it up and threw it in the trash. Next, she wiped his poopy behind, sprinkled it amply with powder and put a fresh diaper on him. She did the same to Jamie then washed her hands. There were a few more stops and a few more odd glances passed in Brian's direction. However, they made it threw the trip OK and as promised, they each received a toy. Once back at home, Mary helped Sue change Brian and Jamie, and they played with their new toys. Jamie finally stopped looking as sullen. Sue just hoped he would remain such as the trial date approached. Chapter 17 Jamie had been living with Brian for about a week and things had been going OK. He overcame the initial sorrow he felt from being separated from his mother. He also overcame the initial bashfulness he had once suffered. Now he was gleefully romping around the house in just his diapers and couldn't think of a single thing wrong with it. And with Brian, who seemed a better friends despite his 6 years, to keep him company, he thought that maybe things weren't so bad after all. All that changed the day the mean old lady came back to visit. Jamie tried to hide from her, but Sue made sure he stayed and answered all her questions. She asked him a lot of things he didn't understand and some more that he understood but didn't want to talk about. She kept on looking at him with contemptuous scorn, secretly wishing that this filthy diaper-wearing wretch was none of her affair. To put it quite bluntly, she was one mean bitch. Brian could tell Jamie was a bit shaken up and tried to cheer up his friend, who he now regarded as a brother. He suggested that they hold a farting contest, and Jamie readily agreed to it. "Ew, that's gross," said Mary, walking by Brian's room. The day before the trial, Harvey pulled Jamie aside and explained to him what was going on. He prepped Jamie for some of the questions they might be asking him, and lent as much of his support as he could give. The next day, Sue made sure everyone was up early. She cooked breakfast then hurdled the children off to their baths. Neither Brian nor Jamie were thrilled with having to wear suits; they were uncomfortable and the both of them felt strange. Mary, on the other hand, actually enjoyed dressing up nice. "Look mommy," she gloated. "Aren't I pretty?" "Yes, dear," replied Sue. "You're very pretty." Sue made sure to bring several changes of diapers and an extra pair of pants before the family headed off to the courthouse. Brian found it a rude and impersonal place. He had to sit on this hard wooden bench, and he felt like everyone was staring at him. Everyone looked very serious and he wasn't allowed to talk. Worse yet, it was hot inside the building, and his itchy suit and thick plastic pants left him with little reprieve. "The court will now hear The State of New Jersey vs. Tabatha Unser," announced the bailiff. The trial turned out to be long and plodding. Brian saw a few trials on TV and they were never like this. Somebody was always shouting and getting `held in contempt' (whatever that meant). This, on the other hand was boring. Worse yet, he had to pee. He found the best position the stiff bench would allow him and let a stream flow into his thirsty diapers. "I need a change," he whispered to his aunt. "It'll have to wait," replied Sue. A few people gave him looks to indicate that his whispering was entirely too loud for their sensitive ears and wouldn't be tolerated. Brian sighed and looked over at Mary. She was falling half asleep. At least she wasn't enjoying this anymore then he was. Jamie didn't look as much bored as he did gloomy. Then again, he had reason. Harvey had told him that in a little while, he would have to `take the stand.' Brian made a mental note to find out what all these confusing words meant. There was some more questioning and an occasional shout of `objection.' It was still rather dull, and Brian needed to go to the bathroom again. This time, he had to poop. He knew that if he went, everyone in the courthouse would smell it. "Aunt Sue," he whispered. "Sh!" hissed a lady behind him. "It'll have to wait," she said sympathetically. "Jamie's about to take the stand." Brian tried to exercise what minimal control over his bowels he had left. "The defense calls James Unser Jr. to the stand," said one of the lawyers. Jamie got up and began walking towards the front of the courtroom. His diapers crinkled audibly and drew many a strange look. "Have a seat there, son," said the judge. Jamie sat down and looked wide-eyed at the court before him. The next half hour was awful. They kept asking Jamie questions. He was ready for most of them and kept his cool up to a point. However, when the prosecutor cross-examined and kept on pointing to Jamie's mother as if she were a criminal, Jamie couldn't take it. He was in tears by the time the lawyer said, "no further questions." The ordeal was no better for Brian. He still had to go to the bathroom, and about halfway through the ordeal, he could hold it no longer and let a soft, warm mess pour out into his diapers. There were a few muffled whispers of disgust amongst the people of the court. Brian sat red-faced in embarrassment. "Excuse me," said an elderly lady from the back of the room. "The jury would like a recess. Please give that woman a chance to change her boy's dirty diaper; it's unbearable in here." "There will be a brief recess," said the judge. People flooded out of the courtroom. Sue grabbed Brian and Jamie's hands and led them to the women's room as they both needed changing badly. Jamie was still upset. "It's OK," said Sue, hushing him gently. She opened the diaper bag and laid a changing mat out on the floor. First, she set Brian down and unzipped his pants. He was glad to get out of them. Sue expertly took down his plastic pants and removed his sodden diapers. She discarded the two disposable diapers he had on and put the 3 cloth ones in a plastic bag. She wiped his dirty bottom and powdered him before re-diapering him using about 5 cloth and a disposable baby diaper stuffed inside. This filled the plastic pants to their capacity, but Sue didn't want to risk any leaks all over Brian's suit. She left him to get his pants back on and tended to Jamie. Without warning, the door crept open. Brian tried desperately to get his pants back on, but he couldn't get them up over his bulky diapers. In stepped the elderly lady that had embarrassed him earlier. She had full view of Brian's thick white diapers and also saw Jamie having his diaper's changed. Brian shrank back in embarrassment. "Aren't they a little old to be in diapers?" asked the woman. "That's none of your concern," replied Sue as she wiped Jamie. "Hmmph!" was the brusque reply. By the time they were both diapered and Sue had washed her hands, court was nearly in session again. Brian had to sit through another hour or so of boredom. At least nobody was telling him to shut-up. The down point of the trial came when the jury announced their decision. "We the jury find the defendant guilty of neglect." "Tabatha Unser," the judge bellowed. "You are hereby sentenced to 2 months incarceration to be followed by 5 months parental counseling as the court sees fit." "No!" shouted Jamie mother. "Don't take my baby from me!" "The court is dismissed." With the smack of a gavel, Jamie's mother was hauled away. He called after her, but received no reply. Brian hugged him firmly as Sue and Harvey deliberated. "What now?" asked Sue. "I mean, we still have temporary custody." "Now we fight back," answered her husband. Chapter 18 "Does this mean I'll never see my mom again?" Jamie asked. "No," replied Harvey. "You heard the judge. You'll see her again in a few months if she goes through the counseling successfully." "What if she doesn't?" "Well.....Jamie, I know life can be unfair sometimes." "This is the worst thing that's happened to me." "Jamie, do you like staying with us?" asked Sue. "I guess." "You'd rather stay here then in an orphanage or foster home, right?" "Yeah." "Would you be willing to tell the court that?" "You mean I have to go back there again?" Both Brian and Mary sighed. A new trial date was set for the custody of Jamie. Harvey set up his case with great expertise, while Sue went over a few things with Jamie. Brian continued to lend his support as a friend and realized that as bad as he'd had it, Jamie had it nearly worse. Mary stopped acting like a spoiled brat and stayed out of the way. On the date of the new trial, everyone returned to the courthouse. There were less people there for this trial, but that mean old social worker remained among the present. The judge was more lenient, allowing a few breaks so that Brian and Jamie could have their diapers changed. There was still questioning, however, and it was as harsh as ever. Jamie seemed to hold up OK (after last time, things couldn't have gotten any worse). When it came time for Sue to give her expert testimony as a child therapist, she had a moment of doubt. She thought about how wrong it would be to give Jamie a home where he would forget about his mother. Yet at the same time, she didn't want him to spend his growing years in the home of strangers. She concentrated more on the latter and presented her case. "The jury finds in favor of the Bucknell's." There was a shout of zealous exclamation from both Sue and Harvey. Once Brian and Mary found out they had won, they jumped for joy as well. The social worker flashed them a grim eye, but her professionalism did not escape her and she said nothing. "Come on," said Harvey. "Let's all go out and celebrate." Later that night, after Sue had put the kids to bed (and changed Brian and Jamie's diapers, of course), she and Harvey had a talk. "Do you think we did the right thing?" she asked. "Of course we did." "I'm just worried about how we'll be able to afford it." "Don't you worry about that." "I might have to go back to work during the day." "It wouldn't be the end of the world." "Yes, but who is going to watch the kids when they're not in school?" "Honey, everything will fall into place. It may not be picture perfect, but we'll manage." Thus, for many a seldom night before and after, there was peace in Newark. Chapter 19 Two adolescents, one Caucasian the other African American transcended the streets of downtown Newark. "Hey yo Jeff," asked the former. "What?" replied the latter. "You sure you know where we're going?" "Man, I know Newark like the back of my hand." "Then why the hell aren't we there yet?" "What you worried for? You scared, Zac?" "Hell no I'm not scared. I just don't feel like getting lost in Newark. That might be cool with you, but I've got other stuff to do." "Like what? Watch the sorry-ass Yankees lose?" "Don't even start...." The two made for an unlikely combination, but they were in fact a rapping duo. Zacary "ZacAtak" G. and Jeffery "Docta JG" Gilliard were off to meet with a record producer about their prospective future. Zac, who wrote the lyrics out of boredom, didn't not foresee himself in this position; Jeff had waited for it most of his life. Either way, they were both going down the same path. At about the time their conversation shifted into yet another sports argument, Sue pulled over. She usually didn't like stopping in this part of town, especially not when the kids were with her, but she needed gas She waited in line at the station behind the other cars, just a little bit fearful. "Can we stop for lunch?" asked Brian. "Yeah, I'm starving," said Jamie. It had been awhile since they restarted school, and both had adjusted well. Sue couldn't be happier for them. "Sure we can," she said. Bad neighborhood or not, there were always good places to eat. "Yay!" exclaimed Mary. Sue spied a convenience store across the street from the gas station. "Afterwards, remind me: we're out of milk and you guys need more diapers." While Brian was enjoying his chicken fingers from the high chair of a nearby diner, Zac and Jeff emerged from a building. "Hey Zac," asked Jeff. "What does contingent mean?" "It means dependent upon certain situations." "Huh?" "Like if the Jets want to stay out of last place, it's contingent upon them finding a decent replacement for Keyshawn Johnson." "Oh, Ok. How the hell do you know this? Do you study the dictionary or something?" "No, Jeff, I read. Anyway, the deal looks aright. I've gotta let my parents take a look at it though." "Yeah, me too," said Jeff. He spied the convenience store. "Come on, I'm getting something to drink." "OK." The store appeared to be open, but further inspection revealed that nobody was inside. Jeff and Zac, preoccupied with arguing with each other as they were, didn't notice this until they had already picked up some sodas and candy and were ready to pay for them. "Hey," called Zac. "Anybody there?" "Man, I ain't gonna wait all damn day." "Whoever's working here is probably taking a piss or something. If I didn't think they could emerge at any minute, I'd say pocket it and leave." "Sounds like a good idea to me." With that, Jeff walked out carrying several unpaid for items. "You coming?" he asked. "Gimme a minute," answered Zac. He set down a $20 on the counter and prepared to walk out. Then, a new thought crossed his mind. "I don't have all damn day," Jeff said impatiently. "What are you waiting for? You gonna rob the place or something?" "Yeah, maybe I am." "Zac, you're a freakin' psycho." "I know. I'll catch up with you later." With the fading call of "Yankees suck!" Jeff walked away from the scene. Zac now stood alone in the store. He had a bit of a dilemma: do I wait here like an asshole waiting for somebody to show up, do I take what I need, or do I take whatever I can get my hands on? Well, he rationalized., suppose somebody is working here. It's their own damn fault for not attending their post. The teen began scouring the isles in search of anything useful. He grabbed a bag of his favorite food, Chex Mix, as well as some baseball cards and a basket to carry all the stuff with. He eyed the register briefly then determined that he wouldn't push his luck Zac was about to walk out when he caught glimpse of the diaper isle. An impulse came on, strong as ever. Zac had always wondered what it felt like to wear diapers again. As much as he wanted to find out, he sure as hell wasn't going to attempt it, especially not when somebody could find out. However, there was nobody around. He glanced quickly outside to see if anyone would be walking into the store, then walked into the diaper isle. He got so excited, he thought he was going to have a heart attack. There was row after row of unopened diapers, all his for the taking. He found a package of adult incontinence briefs and was about to take it when it occurred to him that it might be foolhardy to be walking around the streets of Newark with a package of diapers. He instead opened the package, removed several diapers and stuffed them into his pants and pockets. Though his heart was pounding, he still felt that it was a relatively smooth procedure. Sue walked down the streets with the kids in tow. They were all holding hands. Though she wanted to get out of this neighborhood, she remembered the pressing need for more disposables for Brian and Jamie. Luckily, there was a convenience store a little bit further down the street. Closer inspection left Sue with doubts as to whether they were open or not. The door was open, but there didn't appear to be anybody behind the register. The only person there was a teenager. The kid jumped about 3 feet in the air when Sue entered. "Excuse me," she said. "Do you work here?" "Uh....yeah," he answered hesitantly. "I'm just re- stocking. We're not actually open. Sorry." "Well, all I need is some diapers for these two fellas here," she said. His eyes seemed to raise when she mentioned diapers. "Well," he said, his face slightly red and his brow covered with sweat "Diapers are that aisle over there." "Thanks." The instant Sue looked back, she saw the kid bolting out the door. Zac panicked and ran, items. He figured that if he got away with it, it'd be a pretty good story to tell (minus the part about him taking diapers). He began in a sprint and was moving with relatively good speed when he tripped and fell smack into a wall. Chapter 20 Zac's eyes flickered open and he painfully returned to reality. It didn't take too long to figure out where he was. He was lying flat on his back inside the store (odd, since he remembered falling outside). That bitch and her 3 whining kids were still there, as was this fat Hispanic chic. They were all looking down at him. "You took quite a fall there, young man," said Sue. "Yeah, I guess I did," he answered. Something was bothering him. Why didn't they call the police, or at least an ambulance. Maybe, it occurred to him, they didn't know what he had done. "Well, I'm feelin' better now. Thanks for your help." He got up and started heading for the door, a bit woozy still. "Not so fast," said the Mexican girl. "You still got a lot to answer for!" "Like what?" "You know.....like why were you stealing?" "I didn't still anything," he affirmed. "Look, there was nobody around. It was tempting, but I left a $20 on the counter and was just about to walk away when she showed up." He pointed at Sue "Yeah, right," said the Hispanic girl. "Like I'm gonna believe that!" "Both of you, please calm down," said Sue politely. "What's your name there, young man?" "Zac." "All right, Zac," she said gently. "Are you telling the truth about leaving that money." "Yes." "Then why isn't it there!" the girl interjected. Zac eyed her evilly. "Please, give him a chance to explain himself." "I don't know why it's not there," he explained. "But I will say this: if I was gonna rob the place, which I didn't, why would I stick around so long? Don't have an answer for that one, do you?" The girl frowned. "I'm calling the police." "Go ahead." Sue pulled the girl aside. "Roberta, perhaps you'd better let me handle this. My husband is a lawyer, and from a legal standpoint, you have no case." "But....look, I don't want to get fired, OK." Sue handed her a $20. "That should cover the costs of the missing goods." "Your just going to let him walk outta there?" "You'll see," she said with a smile. In the time they were talking, Brian, Jamie, and Mary all eyed the kid with fear. Brian didn't think he looked like a robber. Robbers were big tough guys who wore black masks. This kid was only average height and not that muscular. Yet he was still scared. "Are you really a robber?" Brian just had to ask. "Do you think I'm a robber?" the kid answered angrily. "N..no," Brian mumbled fearfully. "Well?" Zac asked impatiently. This had been one hell of a day. Nothing went right. "You can go," said Sue. "We're not calling the police." "Yeah, so just get out of here so I can open the store up again and maybe not get fired," said the Hispanic girl. "Thanks a lot," he said. "I'm outta here." Zac's head was pounding as he transcended the streets of Newark. Goddamn, how the fuck did all that happen, he wondered. He just wanted to get home so he could forget all of this. A minivan pulled up alongside him. "Where are you headed?" Sue asked. "Perhaps I could offer you a ride." "Union, and no thanks." "Are you sure? It's no trouble." Zac was beginning to get suspicious. Despite the fact this lady had kids, she could still turn out to be some kind of psycho. Oh well, he thought. Any psycho would more then meet their match in him. "On second thought, OK," he said. Sue opened the door and he got in. The three kids eyed him suspiciously. They had good reason too, he supposed. After all, you ain't supposed to accept rides from strangers. "I just have to stop at home first," Sue explained. "Brian? Jamie? Mary? you guys OK back there." "Yes." "OK. Just checking." They arrived in front of a house which looked too nice to possibly be in Newark. Sue got out and opened the sliding door. She then unfastened the kids from their car seats. Zac was perplexed; both boys looked a little old to be in car seats, or diapers for that matter. He shrugged his shoulders. "Would you come inside for a minute?" Sue asked. "OK." Zac entered the house and found it even nicer on the inside. Sue and the kids walked into Brian's nursery. Brian lay on the changing table and Sue took off his smelly diapers. "Mommy, who is that kid?" asked Mary. "He's scary." "Yeah, he bothers me, too," said Brian. Jamie nodded in agreement. "I'm sure he doesn't mean to bother anyone," said Sue. "I'm going to talk to him in a moment." She finished diapering Brian and sent him off with a tap on his padded posterior. Next, she tended to Jamie. Zac waited patiently by the door. Well, he thought, either this lady is incredibly smart or incredibly dumb. If she really did think he was a thief and this was a test of some sort, he could easily prove her right and be out of here, goods in hand, before she knew what hit her. But then again, he wasn't that kind of person. He still couldn't figure out what he was even doing here. He thought back to the store and remembered briefly why he panicked in the first place. It was the diapers that he had stuffed in his pockets. They were now gone! The blond-haired kid walked by. He had on just diapers and a shirt, no pants, and didn't seem to care. Zac looked at him with a mixture of envy and disgust. There was something clenched in the kid's fist, but Zac couldn't tell what it was. He had a suspicion though. The lady soon returned. "Brian," she said. "Why don't you go and play." "OK, Aunt Sue," he said and walked off. The thickness of his diapers caused him to waddle. "OK," said Zac, growing tired of trying to get an angle on this. "What'cha want?" "Just to ask you a few questions." "I got no problem answering questions as long as I know why their being asked," he said. "It's partially for my own curiosity, but more so for your benefit." `Your benefit', he thought. That's funny. You don't even know me. "Go ahead." "Why were you in the store?" "I was thirsty as hell and I wanted something to drink. Last time I checked, that was legal." "No need to be so combative." "Who exactly gave you the right to judge me anyway?" he fumed. "Nobody's judging.....look, I am...used to be anyway, a child therapist. Does that explain the nature of the questions any better?" "Yeah," he said. Great, about time I saw a shrink. "What do you mean used to be? They charge you with malpractice?" He smiled. "Of course not," Sue explained. "I had to take care of my kids." "All three of them yours? They don't look all that alike." "Mary is my daughter. Brian is my nephew, his mother died." "Sorry to hear that." "Jamie was adopted not too long ago." "I see. You've got a soft spot for kids, don't ya, doc?" "I suppose you could say that, yes. Sue then re-focused her questioning. "We're you alone in the store?" "Nope." "Was there anyone working there at the time?" "Nope." "No....and I'm not incriminating my friend, as much of an asshole as he is." "I'm not asking you to. What was your initial reaction?" "Well, I was going to wait until somebody showed up. Then I figured, fuck it. If they ain't working, it's their own fault. But my conscious got the better of me. I plunked down a $20 on the counter and was just about to leave when you showed up. And I'm not lying about the $20 either." "I believe you," she said. "So, you got your answers?" "Just one more thing," Sue said. She then presented a disposable diaper, which Zac instantly recognized. "Care to explain why you had this?" Fuck! He could try and lie his way out of this one, but he just wasn't up to it. Not now anyway. Time to come clean. "Aright, so I took that." "Why did you take it?" "Because I would have been a little embarrassed buying it." "Why would you want to buy diapers?" He was getting frustrated. "You ever hear the term `regression'?" "Yes, I'm acquainted with age regression if that's what you mean." "Well then maybe you'll get this," he said, struggling for words. "I'm not happy. I haven't been for years. I feel like my heart just disappeared on me. The only time I ever get happy is when I think of myself as a baby, well before my life started to suck. I know it's a stupid fantasy, but I just had to try it....." "Calm down," she said. "I think I understand you." "I thought you would," he said. "That's why your kids are in diapers." "Just my two boys," she replied. "But they wear them for different reasons." "Oh..." "But if you ask them about wearing diapers, I guarantee they'll tell you they really enjoy it, probably for the same reasons you do." "Your not going to tell anyone about this, are you?" he asked with much severity. Sue read another message in his eyes, a rather unpleasant one at that. `Talk and I fuckin' kill ya' it seemed to say. "No," Sue said. "your secret's safe with me, provided I have your assurance that you don't keep on stealing diapers out of embarrassment." "Given what happened today, that shouldn't be a problem." "Good," she said, smiling. "Now lie down on the floor so I can put this on you." Chapter 21 For some odd reason, Zac recalled the movie "Pulp Fiction" and its infamous gunshop scene. He figured he had wandered into the wrong fuckin' place and was about to pay the consequences. Well, if worst came to worst, he thought, I'll be able to handle it. "What?!" he asked, after a minute of staring blankly. "I asked you if you would like to be diapered," Sue stated. "If not, you don't have to, nobody's forcing you. I just consider this a sound alternative to stealing." "Let me think about this for a second," he said. What's there to think about? Hell fuckin' yeah! "OK." "Lie down on the floor," Sue instructed. Zac did and he felt himself get hard the minute Sue reached for his fly. This was one twisted fantasy he was having, only it just happened to be true. Sue expertly stripped him off his pants and underwear. Zac was now blushing and covered up with his hands. Sue asked him kindly to move them away while she slid the diaper under his butt. She took no notice of his obvious arousal. She brought the diaper up flat against his stomach and taped it tightly shut. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and Sue went to answer it. Zac remained frozen, almost paralyzed on the floor. He was about ready to get up and bolt for cover, obviously not wanting to be seen like this. he found that the kids were watching him with amusement and some disbelief. "See," said Mary. "He wears diapers too. He's a diaper boy just like you." Zac grunted angrily and turned his head to the side to see who was at the door. It was that fat girl from the store, and she was talking to Sue. Suddenly, she walked inside. Oh great, Zac thought, and covered his face in shame. "Hey," it's OK," said the girls politely. "My idiot boyfriend Mario skipped his shift and forgot to tell me. It's not your fault." He still couldn't bring himself to look at her. "You look cute in that diaper." "What's your name?" he asked at last. "Roberta Arroja. And yours?" "Zacary J. G. the First," he answered. "But y'all can just call me Zac." Both Sue and the girl chuckled. "So you believe me about not trying to rob the place?" "Oh yeah. Besides, no offense, you look too skinny to be a robber." "Two things I'm still trying to figure out," said Zac. "One: I was making a pretty good getaway. What the hell happened?" "Oh. Well, you kinda tripped over my foot. Sorry." "The other thing is I know I put that $20 down. Where it went is beyond me." "You'd better tell them," said Mary. "I don't want to get in trouble," said Brian. "You'll get in trouble anyway if you don't," said Mary. "cuz I'll tell them." "You wouldn't!" "I'm the one who's gonna be in trouble," said Jamie dejectedly. "So I might as well tell." "Wait," said Brian. "I'll do it!" Brian looked nervously over at the three of them. The kid and the girl from the store and Aunt Sue were all talking, and he thought he heard the kid mention money. Money which he had taken (or helped to take). A lump formed in his throat and he wet his diapers helplessly as he approached them. "Aunt Sue," he said nervously. "Yes Brian?" she asked. Trembling, he opened his hand and revealed the $20. "I....I took this." "I knew somebody took it!" Zac exclaimed in triumph. "Please don't be mad at me," Brian said and proceeded to cry. Sue hugged him gently. "Nobody's mad at you." "Wait!" said Jamie. "Brian didn't take the money, I did." "But I dared him to!" "Well," said Sue. "I'm glad your being so forthright. Don't worry, nobody's in any trouble. Mary, did you know about this?" "Yes mommy." "Sorry I didn't believe you," Roberta said to Zac. "S'aright." "Are you mad at me?" Brian asked him. "Nah; I'm OK with it," he said, though something in his eyes suggested otherwise. "So do you like wearing diapers, too?" "So far, I can't complain. I just feel pretty stupid right now." "Wait until you wet it," Jamie suggested. "Then it feels really good." Zac smiled shyly. Reality edged its way in: what the fuck am I doing here anyway? Then again, does it matter? "You know," said Sue, once Brian had gone back to playing. "I'm thinking of going back to work, maybe joining a practice run by a friend of mine." "There's good money in that," Roberta affirmed. "Yes, and money is something there's been less and less of around here lately. I just don't know what I'm going to do with the kids." "Find a baby sitter I guess." They both looked casually down at Zac. "Sorry, but I got no patience for kids. No offense." "You seem like a reasonably responsible young man," said Sue. "I'd be willing to pay you $6.50 and hour from 3-5 on weekdays." Zac's eyes lit up. "After due consideration, that seems manageable." "Your also free to wear diapers around here; nobody will criticize you." "Thanks," was all he could say. Zac then looked at his watch. It was getting late. he got up and walked over in search of his pants. With each step he took, the diaper clung tightly to him and emitted a loud crinkling sound. His jeans, which he wore baggy and long to fit his taste, now barely fit over the diaper. It bulged out and filled both the crotch and the seat. If anyone were to look close enough, they would be able to tell that he wasn't wearing normal underwear. This only thrilled him even more. "Well," he said. "I've got a bus to catch. Thanks again." "Your quite welcome," said Sue as he departed. On the bus ride home, Zac reflected on what was one of the strangest days of his erratic existence. Chapter 22 "Who can give me a word that starts with the letter D?" Miss Applewhite addressed the class. "Brian, how about you?" Brian wasn't really paying attention. He was tired, he was wet, he had other things on his mind. Yet he still heard the question. "Diaper," he blurted out. The class started giggling. "Yes, that's right," said Miss Applewhite, who couldn't help but smirk herself. "Diaper starts with D." Brian was getting odd stares from his classmates and shrank back in his seat. "Now, can anyone tell me a word that starts with T?" "Truck," said Steve proudly. "That's right," said Miss Applewhite. "Truck starts with T." Brian then remembered that his father was a trucker. He had this horrible image of his dad's truck sliding across the highway in flames. He couldn't hold it back any longer and began to cry. "Brian?" Miss Applewhite asked. "Is there something wrong?" "I.......nothing," he said. "OK." It was time for recess and as the kids lined up and marched outside, Miss Applewhite called Brian to her desk. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked. "No, not at all. I was just concerned about you." "Oh." "If there's something bothering you, don't be afraid to tell me." He tried to conceal what was on his mind, but her bright and cheery smile shattered his concentration. "I miss my dad," he at last admitted. "And my aunt is going back to work and......" "Calm down," said Miss Applewhite. She gently put her hand on his shoulder. "My mom was a teacher and I missed her a lot growing up also. Do you know what I did?" "What?" Brian asked. "Well, I knew my mom wanted me to be happy. So I looked for other things to make me happy. Is there anything that makes you happy?" "No, not really." "Not even what you said before in class?" Brian blushed a bit. "yeah, I guess." "That's Ok. There's nothing wrong with a little boy who wears diapers." "Thanks Miss A. I'm feeling much better now." "Any time." Brian then waltzed off to the nurse's office to have his diaper changed. Along the way, he encountered a familiar face. "Well if it isn't Diaper Baby Brian," Spike sneered. "Long time no see, wuss." "Leave me alone," Brian said and kept walking. Spike stepped in his way. "Where do you think your going?" he asked. "Probably to get your dirty didees changed; you stink. Brian became slightly afraid. The big first grader had several inches on him. There was nothing much he could do. "Go away," Brian said. "Go bother somebody your own age." "Yeah and what are you gonna do if I don't?" Just then, a hand fell on Spike's shoulders and he was lifted off the ground. "Quit picking on Brian," said Jamie, who, as a fourth grader, had quite an advantage on Spike. The formerly swaggering bully became pallid and shocked. "I'm sorry," he wailed. "Please don't hurt me!" Brian laughed in amusement as Spike flushed red. Jamie set him down and he scampered away. "Thanks," Brian said. "No problem," said Jamie. "Let's go get changed." Spike was still in earshot and overheard that last comment. It infuriated him that he was actually scared of Brian's new friend. He might be in fourth grade, but he was just another diaper-wuss in Spike's eye. He vowed revenge for them catching him off guard like that. It was towards the end of the day and about the time that Brian and Mary were listening to Miss Applewhite tell a story, Zac G. and Jeff Gilliard were arriving in Newark. Jeff was behind the wheel of his car; a used black Mitsubishi which Zac hated to admit was pretty damn nice. "Yo Zac," said Jeff. "Why'd you get a crew cut? You look like a skinhead." "Yeah, Jeff," Zac answered sarcastically. "A Jewish skinhead who happens to be friends with African Americans, Chinese, Italians and Filipinos. We`re broadened our acceptance rate for the new millennium" Between the rap blaring on the radio and Jeff's dumb questions, Zac was getting a headache. He couldn't wait until he got his license so he could drive himself. "Actually, I take that back. You look more like Stone Cold Steve Austin." "Well here's from the book of Zac 3:16." He stuck up his middle finger. "So what's this job you got? babysitting?" he chuckled. "Yeah. Hey, laugh all you want. between this and delivering newspapers, I'm pullin' in mad cash. What about you?" "I work." There was a moment of silence before both of them were interrupted by an important message on the radio. HOT 97 was debuting a new single, "Bloody Knuckles" by ZacAtak and Docta JG. "Their playin' our song!" they said simultaneously. Both listened with satisfaction as they pulled up to a school. "How many we picking up?" asked Jeff. "3." "Oh. How old they?" "Why? You thinking of looking for a date with a 3rd grader?" "Aw, shutup. You maybe, Zac." "Yeah, right....." "Besides, I already got a girlfriend, who I'm gonna go see as soon as I drop you off." "Have fun," he said, though his eyes seemed to say `I hope she breaks up with you faster then a Roger Clemens splitter.' Zac watched as Brian, Jamie and Mary all made their way nervously over to the car and got in. There was more lively conversation amongst the adolescents as they kept driving. "Knicks goin' down against Toronto," said Jeff. "All they got's Vince Carter," Zac argued. "Shut him down and their going to the finals." "What about Tracy McGrady? he's better then anyone on the Knicks." "Better then Patrick `the Franchise' Ewing? Get the fuck outta here!" "Watch your mouth. There's little kids back there." "Nothing they haven't heard before. Right?" "Yeah," Brian answered, recalling some of the vulgarities kids like Spike occasionally threw at him. They arrived in front of Brian's house and got out. "Later, Jeff." "OK," said Zac, fetching the key Sue had given him. "Here we go." All three kids gave him a nervous glance.