The J-Birds in Diapers by Alex Chapter 1: Learning to love diapers Joshua and Jared were eight and six years old when their lives changed forever. They had, up to then, been living the normal life of two boys in the city when their mother made a decision that would affect them deeply. Joshua and Jared had never 'lived' with their father: their mother had never married him. However, he adored them and they adored him, and they spent a lot of time together. When Jared had finally asked, at age five, why their daddy didn't live with them the way many of his friends' daddies did, his mother had explained that she and Warren were just good friends who had wanted children and decided to go ahead and have them. Their life was different in another way too: their mother wore diapers. She had worn them for six years, ever since the hospital had made an error when Jared had been born. It didn't seem to bother her, and she had answered all their questions about it. Warren, a lawyer, had sued for a lot of money, and Annette had won substantial monetary compensation as well as free diapers for life, which the hospital had to supply. But to the boys, Annette was just Mommy, and Warren was just Daddy, and diapers meant nothing to the two of them... until one Friday when their mother sat them both down on the couch and explained about Napidale. Napidale had been in the news a few months before when eccentric millionaire Wayne Raye had bought a huge tract of land and announced it was to be a 'diaper town'. Since he owned the land, nothing could be done when he began to build housing units - over a thousand of them - on this land. There had been the usual disgusted murmurs by various conservative and religious groups, but when Raye had refused to comment or stop the work, the antis had lost interest. "And it's a place where wearing diapers is thought of as a good thing," Annette told the boys. "The houses don't even have toilets, just a small chute for the disposal of fecal matter. And there's a laundry on every block for the residents." Josh, being the oldest, tried to get his brain around this concept. "A place for people who just wear diapers?" "Yes, honey. Now here's the thing... I called them and I can get a house with part of my Settlement Money. It'll be great to be in a place where I don't have to hide my diapers." "That's good, Mommy," Jared replied. "Yes it is. But there's a problem. Everyone who lives in Napidale - in England they called diapers nappies, it's a pun - has to wear a diaper. Everyone." She looked at them apprehensively. "So if we go, we will too?" "Yes." But Annette would never have dreamed of tricking or forcing her children into diapers. They'd been easily potty-trained and had never shown any interest in diapers at all. "But I don't want to make you do that if you don't want to, see? That's why I'm asking you what you think." "Will it make you happy?" Jared asked. "Yes, honey, I think so." "I'll wear one then," Jared said firmly. Annette looked at Josh, who was frowning. "Josh? Stop frowning, the wind will change and your face will stay like that." When the frown lines were gone she asked, "Can you tell me what you think?" "Well, I know that diapers aren't only for babies, but... I don't know, Mommy. I don't know if I can wear diapers all the time." "Fair enough. If you two don't agree, we won't go." "But I do want you to be happy," Josh added. "I won't mess up your lives just to feel like I fit in, honey." "I've got an idea," Jared said. "Hmm?" Annette asked. "We can wear diapers this weekend, to see." Annette hugged her smallest son. "That's a great idea." She turned to Josh. "Josh?" "Okay." "Let's do it now!" Jared scrambled off the couch and went into the Changing Room. It was the room where Annette kept her diapers and supplies. When Annette walked in, Josh in tow, Jared was already naked from the waist down and lying on the low bench that Annette used when she changed herself. Annette got out one of her disposable diapers and, hoping that it would fit, slid it up under Jared. "I'm going to tape it closed, okay honey?" Jared just nodded, so Annette taped the diaper on. It was a bit too large, but she taped it firmly and Jared said that it was fine. "Your turn," Annette said to Josh as she took out another diaper. Josh slowly took off his pants and underwear and lay down, allowing his mother to diaper him. "How's that?" she asked when she was finished. "It feels okay," Josh reported. They went back into the lounge, the boys now just in T- shirts and a diaper each. "This is our experiment, okay?" Annette said. "You don't use the toilet at all this weekend. I'll change you if you need it. But after this weekend, if you don't like it, I'll never mention diapers to you again." The boys thought this reasonable, and agreed. They ate supper which their mother had made, watched Arnold kill lots of bad guys on TV, and then it was bedtime. After brushing his teeth, Josh was about to make his usual detour to the toiler before bed when he realised that he didn't need to, so he went into their room. The house only had three bedrooms - one for Annette (and Warren, when he came over), one for Changing, and one for the boys. Josh crawled into bed and waited for Mommy to come and tuck him and his brother in. As he lay there, he couldn't help concentrating on how the diaper felt. It was bulky, but it was also soft and felt good. "How does your diaper feel?" Josh asked Jared. "I like it," Jared confessed. "Have you done anything?" "No, but I really do have to go soon." "So?" "I want Mommy to kiss us goodnight first." Just then, Annette came in. "How are my boys? Either of you need a change?" They both said no, so Annette kissed them, tucked them in and turned out the light, leaving the door open just a crack because Jared was scared of the dark. Josh lay there feeling his need to pee increase, but he didn't want to do anything until Jared had - after all, he was older. Finally, after what seemed a long time, Jared whispered across the room, "I'm gonna do it." There was a brief silence, and then Josh imagined he could hear Jared peeing his diaper. "Jared?" "I did it," his brother said in a small, satisfied voice. "What does it feel like?" "It's all warm and wet. I like it." Silence. Then Jared spoke again. "You gonna do it?" "Yeah." Josh tried to pee, but nothing happened. "Nothing's happening," he whispered. "You gotta relax a lot," Jared advised. Josh relaxed and thought of running water. There! He began to pee his diaper! Since he was lying on his back, the pee went mostly up and forwards, soaking the front panel. Some, however, went down towards the back. Josh couldn't feel much, so he stopped peeing and turned onto his front. As Jared had said, the diaper was all warm and wet. It felt good, so he continued peeing, soaking the front of the diaper. "Does it feel nice?" Jared whispered. "Yeah," Josh whispered back. "Let's go to sleep now." He feel asleep easily, enjoying the new feeling of a warm, wet diaper. It wasn't quite so nice in the morning when he woke up, however. Parts of the diaper now just felt cold and clammy. "Eeeyuk," he opined. "If you pee a bit, it'll feel like last night." Jared had done that, and was enjoying it. "Okay." Josh began to wet his diaper again. It warmed up nicely, giving him a good feeling. Then he realised that he had to do something else, too. "Oh, no! I need to do a number 2." 'Number 2' was how their family referred to bowel movements. "I already did mine," Jared said smugly from his bed. "It's all squishy." He made that sound like a good thing. Josh had no intention of disobeying his mother's instruction not to use the toilet this weekend, so he figured he'd better just do the number 2 and get it over with. He couldn't seem to do it lying on his side, though, so he got out of bed and squatted. Finally, he unloaded his number 2 into his diaper. "Lie back down," Jared advised. "It'll go squishy. It feels nice." Josh shrugged and did as his brother said, realising that it DID feel kinda nice. Just then, their mother came in. "Morning, boys." She kissed them on their foreheads. "Need a change?" Two young heads nodded vigorously. This time, Josh lay on the bench and was changed first. His mother didn't make a big deal out of the smell, she merely cleaned him up, put the dirty diaper into a plastic bag and slid a fresh one under him. "How was it last night?" she asked. "It was fine," Josh said, not wanting to let on that it had felt almost too good. Annette asked the same of Jared as she changed him, and Jared didn't hide his enthusiasm. "It felt really good, Mommy. It was all nice and warm." Annette smiled, and tickled him. "Good." They had breakfast: toast, eggs and sausage because it was a Saturday. The boys were excited because their father came over after breakfast each Saturday and played with them for a couple of hours. He'd then go off to play golf, but he'd return in the night with takeout for the family. Sometimes he even stayed over. The boys were just finishing up when Warren's car pulled up. "Daddy!" The boys got up from the table and rushed to the door. "The J-birds!" Warren yelled as he came in and was tackled by two bundles of energy. He lifted them up, tickling them, then put them back down. "Hey, Annette." "Warren." Annette smiled. She turned to the boys. "Boys, your father and I are going to have a talk, okay? So you two go out back and play for a bit." The boys went out, and Annette went into the kitchen to get Warren some coffee. "So you did it," Warren said. "Yeah." "I know you wouldn't coerce them, but if they say no, you could still go." "You know I can't do that." "I'd take good care of them. I'm their father. You shouldn't lose your chance at feeling normal again," Warren said. "Warren, we've had this conversation for six years. When you booked me into that hospital you had no idea what would happen." "It's my fault." "Do you want the boys to grow up normal? Is that it?" "You know it isn't. Diapers don't bother me, you know that." "I need to be with my sons, Warren. I love them very much." Warren went over and hugged her. "I know." The boys were playing in their sand heap with some plastic cars. "I need to pee," Jared said. "Me too," replied Josh. "Let's do it together!" "Okay. One... two... three!" Josh peed, loudly and volubly, into his diaper as his brother did the same. They played for a bit more, then Jared said in a small voice, "I like wetting my diaper." "Me too." Josh figured there was no point in lying. "I liked it when Mom changed me." "Me too." "I even liked doing the number 2." "Me too," Josh agreed for the third time, just as his father came outside. "J-birds, I want to talk to you." Two young faces looked up at him. "Do you two want to go with Mommy to Napidale?" "Yes," Josh said, then in a fearful voice he added, "You'll still come and visit us all the time, right Daddy?" "Of course I will. You're my best boys. But I want to know if you mind wearing diapers." Josh had drunk a lot of juice that morning, and he peed his diaper a bit more as he answered, "I don't mind, Daddy." "Jared?" "I like it," Jared answered, his six-year-old enthusiasm getting the better of him. "Think you can wear them all the time?" "I think so. It feels good," Josh answered. "Okay." Warren ruffled their hair. "How about you come inside and I slaughter you in Space Wars?" "Yeah!" Two diapered butts got up off the ground and rushed into the house. Because they were wearing diapers, the boys didn't feel like going anywhere in the afternoon. They stayed home, playing and watching TV and drinking juice and milk in larger quantities than they normally would have. Jared asked for his extra glass first, liking the feeling of peeing his diaper, and Josh followed suit. By two p.m. they were both soaked. "Mom, I think I need a change," Josh called. Annette came out of the dining room where she'd laid out her draughting equipment - she was a private architect. "You wet?" "Ah huh." "Done a number 2 yet?" "No." "Well, do you NEED to do a number 2?" Josh concentrated. "I think so." "Okay, well, let's wait until you've done it, then I'll change you." She went back into the dining room. This time, Josh didn't squat. He merely leaned forward and pushed, filling his diaper with his number 2. "Mom, I did it." Annette came back out. "Okay. Both of you into the Changing Room for a fresh diaper." Josh and Jared bumped into each other on the way, so eager were they to get their diapers changed. Annette came in right after, shaking her head at the antics of her kids. She felt happy, too, because it looked more and more as though they'd be able to move to Napidale where diaper wearing was normal. Josh was changed first, and as he lay there while his mother cleaned him up he decided to confess. "Mom, I like wearing a diaper. I didn't think I would, but it's really nice. I'll come with you to Diaperdale." "Napidale, hon," Annette corrected as she slid a new diaper under him and taped it closed. "That's great. Jar?" Jared got onto the bench so his mother could change him. "I like it a lot, Mommy." Annette smiled. "You liked it right from the first minute, didn't you?" Jared, being young, didn't get embarrassed. "Yeah! I never said anything before because it made you sad, but I always wanted to be like you and wear diapers." Annette felt a little sad at that. "You do know that it isn't considered 'normal', don't you, honey?" Jared nodded enthusiastically. "I don't care! I want to be like you and wear diapers! Please don't be mad!" Annette finished taping Jared's fresh diaper on. "I'm not mad at you, honey. I'm glad we're all going to be together in a new home." "Mom?" Josh was still standing in the room. "What, hon?" "Daddy will still visit us, won't he? He won't think we're babies now, will he?" "No, no, your father has always been very understanding. And he loves you, you know that." Jared got off the bench. "Will they let him in there if he isn't wearing a diaper?" "Yes. He'll have to show ID and sign in and out, but they'll let him in, don't worry." That set the boys' minds at ease. They asked their mother to show them the brochures she'd ordered which showed what Napidale was going to be like. "This is a typical housing unit," Annette explained to the kids, since Jared couldn't read too well yet. "It says that it has a kitchen with a dining room off to the side, a huge lounge area, three bedrooms and a Changing Room. And the Changing Room is all set up already!" Josh looked at the page. "Does it have a bathroom?" "Yes. One. It has a separate shower and bath, and two sinks." "But no toilet!" Jared yelled happily. He remembered that his mother had said these houses did not have toilets. "There's a guest toilet built onto each laundry, for visitors, but the houses don't have them." "What about school?" Josh asked. "There are three people qualified to teach school, it says here. They'll handle all the classes until we can get someone else. Maybe they'll get people from outside." "Ones who don't wear diapers?" "Yeah, maybe. It doesn't say." "How much does it cost?" Josh wanted to know. "I can use my settlement money to buy the house outright. It will be about $80,000." "Is that a lot?" asked Jared. It sure sounded like a lot! "Yes, it is, but the house has been specially built, plus everything is provided. Each family has their own washing machine and dryer at the laundry, and school will be free for the two of you if I pay that much." "Will they change our diapers at the school?" "Of course they will. Everyone at school will be wearing them, even the teachers." The boys felt better about that. "When will we move, Mommy?" "Well, I was thinking that since you two decided so quickly that diapers would be okay, we'd pack everything up today and tomorrow and move on Monday." "I'll start now!" Jared got up excitedly. "No, no, wait, honey!" Annette called. "You'll need my help, or your dad's. Wait a bit. Come and sit down and listen to me." Jared obeyed, looking up at his mother trustingly. "Won't you be sad to leave your friends?" Josh did look rather sad about that. "Yeah." Jared shrugged. "I have some nice friends but I'd rather go with you. And wear a diaper," he added. "Do you want to invite anybody over and explain?" Josh shook his head. He'd miss his friends, but he didn't want to tell them anything about his new life. "I'll just call them on the phone later." Annette gave her son a hug. "All right." She got up. "Well, let's get started. "We'll pack up the non-essentials first." "What are nongestenshals?" Jared asked. "Non-essentials. Things we don't use all the time." "We can't pack the diapers away, then!" Jared chortled. "Indeed not," their mother laughed. They spent the rest of the afternoon packing up toys, most of their clothes, their CDs, and all their mother's nicknacks. In that time Josh peed his diaper, and Jared did his own number 2. However, they didn't say anything because they were having quite a lot of fun sorting out what went where, and dealing with packing tape and bubble wrap. They were resting on the couch (watching TV counted as resting) when Warren came in from golf. "Hey, J-birds, Annette. You look tired." "We've been packing things up. The boys are coming with me." Warren smiled. "Well, here's dinner." He began to unpack the carry bags on the coffee table. It was their custom to watch TV, eat and enjoy being a family. As he sat cuddling Annette on the couch, Warren realised there was a smell... He knew it wasn't Annette because she watched her diet carefully and he knew what she smelled like. "Someone did a number 2," he said. "I did," Jared said, uncaring. Annette began to get up. "I'll..." "No." Warren stood up. "I'll change him. I do still remember how. Come on, J-bird." "What about me?" asked Josh. "Do you need changing too?" "Well, I'm wet," Josh said. "Really wet, or just a little?" Annette asked. "Just a little." "Well, let your father change Jared now. I'll change you at bedtime." Josh settled back to continue watching the movie. Warren untaped the diaper. "Phew, J-bird! That's some smell!" Jared just giggled as his father cleaned him up, fetched another diaper and began to slip it under him. "You like having your diaper changed, don't you?" Jared nodded. "I like everything about diapers." Warren got the diaper on and taped it securely. "Do you know that in Napidale they're going to ask everyone to wear cloth diapers?" Warren had read the brochure thoroughly. "Why, Daddy?" Jared asked as he got off the bench. "It's cheaper to launder diapers than buy new ones all the time." Jared was still a bit young to be able to get this. "Will cloth diapers feel better?" "I don't know, J-bird. Maybe." They went back into the lounge where Annette was explaining the same thing to Josh. "... when these get finished." "What, Mommy?" asked Jared. "I was telling your brother that when this supply of disposable diapers is finished, I'll go to the hospital and get cloth ones, and plastic pants for us." "What are they like?" Jared asked. "They feel more snug than disposable diapers, but they leak. That's why you need plastic pants." The boys nodded. The family watched another movie and played Pictionary (to help Jared improve his spelling, Annette said) until bedtime. Warren promised to come over the next day and help with the packing of larger items. The boys were happy at the prospect of seeing their father again so soon. "Are you wet yet?" their mother asked as she came into the bathroom while the boys were brushing their teeth. "Nnmmm," they answered, which Annette understood clearly as "No," being a mother. "Okay. Get into bed when you're finished, and I'll come in and kiss you goodnight in a little bit." The boys still wanted to make their nightly toilet detour, and had to remind themselves that it was no longer necessary. They got into bed. "Do you need to go?" Jared asked. "A bit," Josh replied. "You know what? I'm not gonna go now," the younger brother declared. "Huh? Why not?" "I wanna see if I maybe end up going in the night, while I'm sleeping." Josh thought this was a good idea, but he didn't confess it to his little brother. He just grunted in approval as he waited for their mother's nightly kiss. "You two okay? Need a change?" "No," they answered in unison. "Okay," their mom said, kissing each child and tucking him in securely. It was a bit uncomfortable trying to sleep while needing to pee, but both boys had decided to see if it happened in the night. And it did, to one of them. Josh woke up to Jared's voice saying, "Hey, it worked!" "Huh? What?" Josh asked, not being completely awake. "I peed when I was sleeping. My diaper's all wet!" Jared said excitedly. Josh remembered now, and concentrated. Unfortunately, his diaper was as dry as it had been before he fell asleep. "Darn. I didn't." And it was now dawning on him that he *really* needed to pee. He was halfway out of bed, intending to go to the bathroom, when he realised yet again that he didn't need to. He got back into bed, pulled the covers up and lay there, able now to relax and pee his diapers easily after having gotten so much practice. "Are you peeing?" Jared asked. "Yeah," Josh said, concentrating on the enormous feeling of relief he got after having unconsciously held it the entire night. The warm pee filled his diaper and made him feel really warm and good. "Is it time to get up yet?" Josh asked when he finished wetting. "The small hand is on the nine and the big hand is on the two," Jared said. "So what time is it?" Josh asked. He could tell time easily and wanted Jared to be able to as well, so they could show off for their mother. "It's two past nine," Jared said. "You mean ten past nine," Josh laughed. "But the big hand is on the two," Jared said, confused. "You'll get it, honey," came their mother's voice as she came in. "How are my boys this morning?" Annette never called them her 'J-birds' as Warren did. That was his name for them, not hers. He'd wanted to name Josh "Jay", but she hadn't liked the name. She had consented to give them both names that *began* with 'J' instead. "I wet my diaper in the night," Jared said proudly. Annette wasn't sure she wanted him to be proud of that, but she nevertheless responded to his happiness. "Really? Good for you." She turned to Josh. "And you?" "No, I peed mine this morning," Josh replied. "That's fine, honey. Let me change the two of you quickly and then we can have breakfast." Breakfast was cereal this time, with a muffin each afterwards, and milk. "When is Dad coming over?" Josh asked around a mouthful of muffin and milk. "Close your mouth while you're eating," their mother automatically corrected. She waited for Josh to finish chewing his muffin and ask again before replying. "He's coming at about eleven. We're going to pack up all the big stuff. He's hired a moving van for us. Uncle Dan next door will help us get the furniture in." Dan was their neighbour; he and his wife sometimes babysat if Annette and Warren went out. "When are we moving, Mommy?" Jared asked. "If we get everything packed up in time, tonight." "Can I have some more milk, Mommy?" Jared asked next. "Are you thirsty, hon?" Jared nodded, even though that wasn't the reason he wanted more milk. Annette got up. "Josh? You also want some?" "Uh... yeah." Josh knew what his brother was doing. After all, they'd both done it yesterday. They got their extra glass of milk each, but it took a while before they needed to pee. In the meantime they packed up everything that needed packing. All that was left out in the end was their supply of diapers. Warren arrived later than expected, at around 2.30, but still ready to help with the move. By now both boys were really needing to go, but they had held off because it was still fun for them to get desperate and then pee. Josh realised, being older, that if they continued to use diapers all the time, they would eventually not even have to think about it. So he wanted to enjoy his control while he still had it, and Jared went along with it, seeing who could wait the longest before wetting his diaper. Eventually, though, Jared couldn't wait any longer. Their father and Dan were packing their beds into the van, and Jared went out back and sat on the small bench that was built into the wall. Josh followed, knowing what was coming. "You gonna pee now, Jar?" "Yeah." "Me too." Josh sat down next to his brother and they deliberately filled their diapers. "Did that feel good?" Josh asked. "Uh huh." "Are you sorry we're moving away?" "No, I want to be somewhere where I can wear diapers and not care!" Jared chortled. "Me too." Outside, Dan and Warren spoke about the situation. Dan had seen the boys in their diapers, but having been warned by Warren not to say anything, he had refrained. "And you really don't mind Annette doing this to them?" "No. They're fine." "Look, I know Annette can't help it, but these are two normal, healthy boys. You're gonna turn them into freaks, you know." Warren sighed. "Look, I love Annette, always have. She's unhappy that she had to hide her problem from most people. This place is the best thing for her. And try as I might, I can't even think about depriving my sons of their mother." "Maybe it would be better." "No. She loves them, and she needs this." Dan shrugged. "It's their life. I just hope they don't end up resenting the two of you." Warren sighed. "Me too, Dan. Me too." After everything was ready and Dan had left, Annette called the manager of Napidale to let her know that they'd be arriving later that night. It was all arranged. Since all their stuff was packed up, Warren called for pizza for supper and they sat out back on the stone bench and ate it. "You boys ready to go?" their father asked. The boys nodded. "You wet?" asked Annette. "I think we could all use a change before we go." "I'll do it," Warren offered. "Sure?" "Yeah. I've done it before." Once again Warren found himself changing his sons' diapers. "Looking forward to seeing the new place?" he asked as he taped a new diaper into place on Jared. "Yes, Daddy. Mommy said there'll be other kids to play with, other kids who wear diapers!" "That's right," Warren replied as he began to change Josh's diaper. It didn't take long. "There you go. Good as new. Now let's get out of here so your mother can use the bench." They wandered back outside, and the boys strolled around the garden, saying an unconscious goodbye to their old home. Soon, Annette came out. "Everything ready?" She hoisted the last bag onto her shoulder. "Yes!" chorused the boys. Annette put the bag in the front seat with their other odds and ends, and the boys squeezed into the back seat next to piles of towels, bedding and curtains. Warren, of course, got into the moving van. Napidale was only a few miles out of town, and it wouldn't take long to get there, but on the way Josh had a sudden urge to wet his diaper. He didn't say anything to Jared, he merely peed. But then he heard a muffled sound, and caught a naughty look on his brother's face. Jared was peeing his diaper as well! Somehow, it was appropriate that they arrived at their new home in freshly peed diapers. Chapter 2: Settling In They drove up to the security checkpoint at Napidale at around 9.30 p.m. The manager was there along with the security guard who checked everyone who came in and out. The place was more-or-less a huge, secure housing complex. It was still newly built and looked great, even in the dark. The boys were excited. "Annette?" the manager, Robert, asked. "Yeah, hi," Annette said as she got out and shook hands. "Are these your boys in the back?" Robert came closer to see Josh and Jared, and they stared right back, noticing right away the bulge in his pants which announced that he, too, was wearing a diaper! The boys grinned at him. Annette indicated her oldest son. "That's Joshua, 'call me Josh', and that's Jared," she said, indicating her youngest son. "Hey, boys, please to meet you," Robert said. "Hi," they chorused back. Just then, Warren drove up in the van. "This is your..." "Friend," Annette supplied. "And the father of my boys. He won't be staying here with us." Warren got out and came over. It was obvious that he wasn't wearing a diaper. "Hi. Warren." "Robert." Robert motioned the security guard over. "This is Paul. He'll need to check you." Annette had been told that Napidale was *only* for people who wore diapers; no exceptions. They didn't want reporters or weirdos getting in. And Robert had told her on the phone that everyone was checked as they came in. They were checked the first time, and then randomly for a while. If they were found without diapers their money was refunded and they were asked to leave. Paul pulled on surgical gloves and came over. His diaper bulged out of his light blue uniform pants quite obviously. Annette just lifted her skirt enough on the side to allow him to see the diaper. Paul prodded it. "Okay." Annette turned to her children. "Boys, get out and come here so Paul can check you." Josh and Jared scrambled out, glad to be out of the cramped car. They both had baggy shorts on. Jared pulled his right down instantly. "I'm wet," he told Paul. "Wanna feel?" Paul just smiled. "No." He turned to Josh. "I'm wet, too," Josh said, not sounding happy, but he didn't sound unhappy either. Paul pulled down the pants just enough to see the diaper. "So you are. All done," he announced to Robert. Robert produced the sale agreement (pre-read and checked by Warren weeks back) for Annette's signature, and the sign-in sheet for Warren. Each signed in the appropriate place and then Robert said, "Right, let's get you settled!" He handed the keys to Annette. "It's number 7, Pine Row. That's the third street along. Take your time unpacking tonight, and tomorrow I'll be by at 9 a.m. to fill you in on what you still need to know." "Great. Thank you," said Annette. Warren shook the man's hand and got back into the moving van as Annette piled the boys back into her car. They turned in at the third street and found number 7 quite easily. Warren got out of the van and helped Annette unpack the smaller things, including their sleeping bags. He'd be back the next day with Dan to unpack the van and get all the furniture into the house. By the time it was 11 p.m. they were all tired and in need of a change and some sleep. Warren kissed Annette goodbye and hugged his boys. "See ya tomorrow, okay?" "Yes, Daddy," Jared answered. The boys could now look around the house properly. There was a huge lounge area, kitchen and dining room, as promised, a large bathroom (without a toilet, as promised), a huge master bedroom ("I'll be able to set up a desk in here and do my work here instead of always cluttering up the dining room," Annette enthused), a Changing Room (complete with low changing table and shelves for diapers and supplies) and two smaller bedrooms ("You can each have your own room," Annette said). The boys and their mother loved it. "You need a change?" Annette asked, looking for the huge box in which they had packed the diapers. "Yeah," Josh said. "I'm wet *and* I did a number 2," Jared answered. "Okay, lemme just get some diapers out." Annette quickly packed the remaining diapers onto one of the shelves and put the powder and other supplies on another. "Right," she said, unfolding a diaper onto the changing table, "who wants to be first?" "Me!" Josh exclaimed, lying down. His mother just smiled as she untaped the diaper, put it in the built-in stainless steel diaper receptacle, and cleaned him up. "Here's your clean diaper." Annette quickly taped it on. "There you go." Then it was Jared's turn as Josh went out to explore the house a bit more. The mother and sons decided to sleep in the living room. They spread out their sleeping bags and were soon in dreamland. The next morning Josh woke up feeling a bit uncomfortable. He squirmed, realising that his diaper was wet. But when he'd fallen asleep it had been dry... He'd wet in the night! Josh felt ambivalent about it, but he figured it didn't matter either way as he'd never be using a toilet while he lived here. Annette felt the squirming next to her and stirred. "Josh?" "Ah huh." "What is it, honey?" "Nothing, I just peed during the night." "Oh. Want me to change you?" "No, it wasn't a lot. I'll need to go soon, you can change me after that." "All right, honey. What time is it?" Josh looked at his watch, which he hadn't taken off the night before. "It's just after eight." Annette sat bolt upright. "Heck, better get changed then!" She opened a box that was labeled, in six year-old handwriting, 'Mommy Cloths.' Jared hadn't gotten the hang of spelling 'clothes' yet obviously. Josh lay there for a bit longer, enjoying being able to laze around on a Monday. His bladder felt a bit full... Before he could even really think about it, he was peeing his diaper. The warm pee was absorbed by the diaper and left only a warm sensation as Josh sat up, taking care not to jostle his brother, who was still sleeping, looking cute. "Mommy?" Josh called as he went into the Changing Room, "could you change me?" His mother had just finished taping on her own diaper, and realised that she had never had to worry about the children coming in unannounced before: they had always had strict instructions to stay out of the Changing Room in the old house. "All right, honey." Josh hopped onto the changing table and his mother pulled away the soaked diaper. "Joshua, I think we need a rule here." "What, Mommy?" "You must always knock before entering if I'm in here." "But we all wear diapers," Josh said confusedly. "I know. But I'm a girl and I like my privacy, understand?" She was being gentle as she cleaned and powdered him, and taped on a fresh diaper. Josh nodded. 'Privacy' was a word he understood. It was the same word that Mommy had used when telling him and his brother to stay out of her bedroom on the nights that Warren stayed over. "Good. Now go and wake your brother. You two can look at the back yard." "Cool!" Jared was awake as Josh came into the living room. "That was fun, kinda like camping," the younger brother said. "I s'pose," Josh agreed. "Mom said we can go out back and see what's there." They went out back. The yard wasn't particularly big, but it wasn't tiny either. There was enough space for a sand pile like they'd had at their old house, and there was a washing line as well, plus enough grass to play some ball games if they wanted to. "Boys!" came their mother's shout from the house. "Come in and put on some clean clothes. Robert is coming over soon! Jar, I need to change you." The boys went inside, and Annette changed Jared. "I peed while I was sleeping," Jared announced. "You're getting good at that," his mother answered. "Yeah," her son smiled. "I hardly even have to think about it when I'm awake, neither." "Either," Annette corrected. "Either," Jared parroted. Just as Annette was washing her hands, the doorbell rang. It was Robert. "Hullo," he said. "Come on in," Annette replied. "I'd say have a seat if we had any furniture." "Oh, don't worry," Robert responded. "I thought I'd take you three to breakfast at the community center. They serve breakfast there while school is out. Makes it easier for families to spend time together that way." Annette shrugged, looking at her sons. "Sounds fine." Robert pointed out various places on the way. The laundry, he said, had a washer and drier for each family, and a two-stall toilet at the back, for guests. There were also two superstores in the community, franchised by people from Napidale. "And there's the school," he pointed out as they drove past. "Looking forward to it?" he asked the boys. "NO!" they both said forcefully, making the adults laugh. Robert addressed Annette. "We now have three teachers living here. One will be taking first to fourth grade, the other will do fifth to eighth, and the last will do the rest. We don't have that many children here yet, but we're confident that as we grow as a community, we'll get more people to teach." "I could help out," Annette said, surprising both Robert and her sons. "You could?" "Yes. I'm an architect, but I'd be happy to come out a couple of times a week. I minored in English." "That's wonderful!" Robert enthused. "Well, we're here." The family followed him into the community center. It was their first good look at the other people with whom they'd be living. There were four families sitting at tables, and some men and women on their own. Robert steered the family over to the side, where food was being dished up. The boys were thrilled at the selection: cereal, toast, bacon, two kinds of eggs, and sausages. They piled their plates, Annette being more selective, and Robert grabbing a little of everything. They sat down at a table next to another family. It was patently obvious that the two boys and a girl and their parents were all wearing diapers. "The first breakfast is free," Robert said. "After that, $7 per person." "That's reasonable," Annette said. She just might make use of the community centre while school was out. Josh and Jared ate happily, knowing they were being stared at. But it wasn't the fact that they were wearing diapers that made people stare at them, it was the fact that they were new. They, in turn, stared back at people, noting potential friends and playmates among the children scattered around. Robert was explaining the rules of the community in more detail to Annette. Everything was as she had explained it to the boys. People who resided in the community did not need to sign in and out, not if they had the community's sticker on their car. The sticker was a small, blue teddy bear which was placed on the windshield. For the first few weeks of residence, Paul and the other three security guards would do spot checks to make sure people actually did wear diapers. "It's not enough to wear them inside Napidale," Robert explained. "This place is for people who need or want to wear them all the time. We had to turn down some great people because their families refused to wear diapers." "It's the issue of fitting in, I suppose," Annette said. "Not really. It's the fact that people without diapers generally look on those of us who wear them as odd, even people who have family members who wear them out of necessity." "That makes sense," Annette said, watching as her boys went to collect juice from the table. "How are they handling it?" Robert indicated Josh and Jared. "Very well. They love it. That surprised me," Annette confessed. "You'd be even more surprised to know how many people take to diapers, how many love wearing them for the simple pleasure of it." "Are you one of them?" Annette asked. "Absolutely. Here, I can be myself." "I'll drink to that," Annette said, holding up the glass of juice which Josh handed to her. "Mommy, can we go in the games room and play?" "Where's that?" Annette asked, her head swiveling around. "It's over there." Robert pointed. "There are lots of great games for the kids, and there's only that one door. No chance of your losing sight of them." "Okay, honey," Annette said to Josh, who scampered off with his brother. There were six other children in the games room, all of them quite obviously wearing diapers. Two little girls were playing with some Barbie dolls over in one corner, another boy was playing with a Gameboy, one was building things with Lego blocks, and a boy and girl were playing table tennis on a child-sized table. They all looked at Josh and Jared expectantly when they walked in. The brothers took in the rest of the room. There were books in a shelf along one side, some board games stacked on a table, a child-sized pool table, plenty of toy cars, GI Joe figures, and what seemed like a dozen Barbie and Ken dolls. Jared went over to the boy who was playing with the Lego blocks. "Hi." "Hi," the boy responded. "My name's Jared. What's yours?" "Adam." "Can I play too?" "Sure." Josh watched as his brother made a new friend. He went over to the pool table and racked the balls, figuring that he could practice a little by himself. As he bent over, the two Barbie doll-playing girls giggled. Josh started, feeling self-conscious, and turned to see if they were giggling at him. His diaper was, after all, pretty obvious. But the girls were intent on their game. They had taken strips of cloth (provided for impromptu dress-up sessions) and improvised diapers for Barbie and Ken. "Barbie, I wet my diaper," the one girl said, brandishing the Ken doll. "I guess I'll have to change you then," the other girl said, brandishing Barbie. Josh forgot his pool game as he watched the little girls playing diapers with Barbie and Ken. It seemed odd, and yet comforting. He went over to them. "Hi. I'm Josh." The girls giggling at having a boy talk to them. "I'm Annie," the older-looking one said, the one playing with Ken. "This is my sister, Melissa." "Hi," Melissa said, waving Barbie at him. "Why are you playing diapers with the dolls?" Josh asked. Both girls shrugged. "It's just fun," Annie said. She then proceeded to talk for Ken. "Barbie, I really need this diaper changed now!" Melissa managed to sound like a blonde bimbo. "Oh, all right! You men can't wait for a minute!" Josh went back to his game, keeping one ear open to listen to the girls' game. When eventually Melissa wandered off back outside, Josh went over to Annie. "How long have you lived here?" "A month," said Annie. "Do you like it?" All he got was a shrug. "Do you like wearing diapers?" Another shrug. "Do you have to wear diapers?" That got a response. "No! My father made us come. But it's not really so bad. It's fun, mostly." She leaned closer to ask Josh her own question. "Do you have to wear diapers?" Josh just shook his head. "But I like it." Annie smiled. "What grade are you in?" "I'm in third grade." "I'm in fourth grade," Annie announced proudly. "I can even spell 'Mississippi'." Josh was about to answer with his own tale of what he could spell, but he suddenly felt an urge to pee... and this time, there was no thinking about it, he just peed into his diaper without any preamble. The warmth made him realise where he was and what he was doing. "Did you just pee your diaper?" Annie asked conspiratorially. "Yeah," Josh said, blushing a little. "You got that look on your face, y'know, like you were having a good time," Annie said. Josh's blush deepened. He didn't expect people to realise that he liked peeing his diaper. "Don't worry," Annie said quietly, "I won't tell." Josh felt really relieved and was about to ask Annie where she lived (okay, she was a girl, but she was *nice*) when his mother came in. "Josh, Jar, time to go. Your father will be here soon with Dan so we can get our house sorted out." Josh just said, "Bye," but Jared practically had to be dragged away from the Lego castle he was building with his new friend, Adam. Warren and Dan arrived right on time and began to unpack their furniture. Josh and Jared mostly stayed out of the way on their mother's instructions while the men were moving the large furniture. But, finally, all the furniture was in the house and everything looked more livable. Annette and Warren were arranging Annette's bedroom, so Dan offered to help the boys get their bedrooms in order. Josh wanted his bed along the wall by the window, and his dresser against the opposite wall next to the door. Jared wanted his bed away from the window with his dresser next to it. Dan complied, then helped them make each bed. "So, you boys think you'll like living here?" Dan asked. "Yeah," said Josh. "We met some nice people at the community center." "Are you sure you'll like wearing diapers?" Dan sounded concerned. "Yeah!" Jared said, not hiding his enthusiasm. "It's great! I love wearing diapers!" Dan turned to Josh. "And you, Josh?" Josh blushed, but answered truthfully. "Yeah, I like it." "I'm peeing now," Jared announced as he filled his diaper with warm, wet urine. "Oh," Dan said, looking uncomfortable. Josh finished putting the Star Trek pillow cases on his brother's bed. "All done!" "It looks good, boys," Dan said, glad for the distraction. "Thanks, Uncle Dan," Josh said, one brother at least remembering his manners. "No problem. Glad to do it. Just remember, you can come over anytime and hang out." "You just want our Playstation," Josh teased. Sometimes when Dan and his wife babysat them, they would take their Playstation over. Dan was addicted to Mortal Kombat-type games. Dan ruffled their hair and went out of the room. Josh turned to Jared. "Did you really pee?" "Yeah." Jared looked proud of himself. Josh went over and sat on the bed (on top of Captain Kirk's head). Lowering his voice he said, "Can I ask you something?" "Uh huh." Jared came over and sat next to him. "Did you ask that boy at the center about diapers?" "Yeah. He's nice. His name's Adam." "What did he say?" Jared lowered his voice even more than his brother's. "His parents both like wearing diapers. They promised to buy him a computer if he came here and wore them, too." "Does he like it?" "Yeah. We were taking turns peeing." "What?" "Like a competition. We wanted to see who would run out of pee first." It sounded rather childish to Joshua, but he didn't say so. "Who won?" "I did." Jared was proud of that accomplishment. Josh gave his brother a noogie. "Good for you." He sat back and peed, for the third time that day. He was peeing a lot more than he used to, he knew. But he also knew why: it was because he no longer needed to hold it in, so every time he felt even a slight urge, he just peed. The diaper, which had been a bit clammy after the soaking it had received at the Community Center, warmed up as Josh filled it with warm, wet pee. Josh also felt the need to do a number 2, and he just did it, sitting there like he was. He knew he was getting good at this. He didn't even need to lean forward anymore. He knew he'd need to be changed soon. When the boys came out of the room, the three adults were sitting in the lounge having coffee and a snack. "Got everything sorted out?" Annette asked as the boys came in. "Yes, Mommy," Jared answered. "Good." "I need to be changed," Josh said. "Me too!" Jared sounded rather eager. "I'll do it in a few minutes, hon," Annette said. "You boys go out back and play for a while." Annette had said that because Dan had said he had to go, but he'd been talking to the parents about how it seemed to him to be child abuse, or at least psychologically incorrect to 'condition' the boys into liking diapers, which was how he saw it. Annette and Warren walked out with Dan. "I didn't force them. I asked them. I said that if they didn't want to, that would be the end of it. It was entirely their choice," Annette defended. "Maybe they like it now because it's a novelty," Dan responded. "What if they get tired of it, but they have no bowel and bladder control anymore? Did you ever think of that?" Neither Annette nor Warren had thought of it, but Annette didn't think it mattered, since if they lived here they've have to wear diapers all the time anyway. But Warren answered Dan's question. "We've spoken to them about controlling what they do in their diapers. We don't want them to become incontinent." This seemed to satisfy Dan, and he drove off after promising to babysit for Annette in the future, should she need it. He would still get together with Warren for golf games, too. As soon as Dan's car had left the driveway, Annette turned to Warren. "You lied to him for me. Why?" Warren kissed her. "Because I know the boys love you, and want to be with you. The diaper thing is part of that. I don't think the 'novelty' will wear off." Annette spoke seductively. "Wanna fool around?" Warren grinned. "Okay. But change the boys first." They went back into the house, where Annette changed the boys. She noted as she did so that she only had about ten diapers left. She'd have to go to the hospital and get more - but cloth diapers this time. "Boys, Warren and I are going in my room now, for some *privacy*, okay? Why don't you rig up the Playstation and have a few games?" "Are you gonna *shag*?" asked Jared, having learnt a new word from watching the new Austin Powers movie. Warren burst out laughing, although Annette hadn't seen the movie and looked puzzled. "Yeah," Warren said. To Annette he said, "I'll fill you in later." The parents went into Annette's room and closed the door. Warren lay on the bed. "Do I make you horny, baby?" he asked, grinning. "What?" Annette laughed. Warren proceeded to explain to her about the movie, which he had taken the kids to see one Saturday afternoon when it had rained and golf had been canceled. Josh and Jared set up the playstation, both enjoying the feel of new, soft diapers. "I want to pee mine right away," Jared said, "but nothing's coming out yet." "Wait for a while, then we can pee them at the same time," suggested Josh. They got stuck into playing various games on the playstation and forgot their bargain. By the time their parents came out of the bedroom, both boys had tired of the games and were watching a Star Wars tape. Their father kissed them both on top of the head before leaving, and it was only when their mother went to see him out that Josh remembered. "Did you pee?" Jared concentrated. "Yeah. I didn't notice." "I also peed," Josh said, feeling the wet diaper around him. "But that must have been earlier. Wanna do it now?" "Okay." The two boys sat there and peed their diapers for the second time, making them even wetter. Annette came back in, surprised when they asked to be changed. "Again? So soon?" "We drank sodas while we were playing, Mommy," Jared explained. "All right. But first thing tomorrow I go to the hospital and get us more diapers. And cloth diapers this time, remember?" The boys, having only started wearing diapers, didn't know what cloth diapers would be like, but they agreed. They'd seen some smaller kids wearing cloth diapers and plastic pants at the Community Center. The next morning they had breakfast at the Community Center again, and Robert came over again to see how they were doing. "Did you get moved in okay?" "Yes, thank you," Annette replied. "Good," Robert said, not sitting down with them this time. "You boys okay?" Since both boys had mouths full of food when he asked the question, they just nodded. They were drinking their juice when Josh noticed Annie and her sister come in with their parents. Annie came over. "Hi!" "Hi," Josh said, swallowing his juice quickly in order to answer. "Mommy, this is the boy I told you about," Annie said. Josh and his family stared as a tall, beautiful woman, obviously wearing a diaper, greeted them. Behind her came a rather good-looking man who greeted them as well. "Have a seat," Annette said, since the tables were long and sat eight people. The designers of the center had planned ahead. "I'm Mary, this is my husband Ian, and our daughters, Anne and Melissa," the girls' mother introduced. "Annette," said Annette. "Joshua and Jared. We just moved in," she said to Mary as Ian and Annie went off to get food for the family. "We moved in three weeks ago," said Mary. "What's it like?" "Great," replied Mary. "There are two malls, each with a large diaper store - of course - and we have takeout places and parks, basically everything one could want." "We'll explore a bit today," Annette said. "We're still getting everything in our house into its proper place." "So, Annette, what do you do?" asked Ian as he placed a tray in front of his wife, sitting down next to her. "I'm an architect," Annette said. "I'm an engineering consultant," Ian told her. "Mary's a schoolteacher." "You're going to be our teacher?" Jared asked Mary, sounding quite happy. "One of them. We're still not completely sure yet if we can get extra people from outside. If not, I'll handle three grades. Luckily there aren't that many kids yet, so it shouldn't be a problem." "Mom, I need a change," Josh said when there was a lull in conversation. He was getting bored. Their family had finished, and now his mother was discussing boring grown-up stuff with Annie's folks. "Maybe you should think about teaching your boys to change themselves," Mary said. "Not to step on your parental toes, of course, it just might make things easier for you. My girls can change themselves easily now." "You have a point," Annette said, getting up. "We're going home now, I'll change them there. I'm sure we'll see you soon." "We're here every day during the vacation," Ian assured her. "See you around then," Annette said. "Bye." The boys said goodbye as well. Annette proceeded to change Josh as soon as they were back home. He just lay there and seemed content to let her clean him up and put a fresh diaper on. "Would you rather change yourself?" Annette asked as she taped the diaper up. Josh blushed. "No, Mommy." "No?" "I like it when you change me." "Me too," said Jared from the doorway. Annette turned to her younger son. "Jar, do you need a change?" "No, I'm still dry," Jared said. "Okay. Up you get." Annette patted his bottom as Josh got off the changing table. There were only three diapers left, and Annette knew she had to go to the hospital and get more. "We'd better make a quick trip to the hospital before we do anything else," Annette mentioned before Josh could exit the room. "We need lots of diapers." "Aw, Mom, do I have to go with?" Josh had been on these trips with his mother before, and he hated them. The hospital was large, and white, and cold, and people always stared at his mother, and by extension, him, when she went to the supply section and asked for the diapers. Annette felt sorry for her boys. This would be the first time they'd be outside in non-diaper-wearing public in their own diapers. The diapers - even her own - were not all that noticeable, but she remembered from personal experience what it was like to be wearing a diaper and positive that everyone could tell you had it on. "No, you don't, honey. Robert said the Community Center is safe, so I'll drop the two of you there and you can hang out until I get back." "Cool!" The boys rushed for the games room as soon as they were dropped off. There was no one there whom they knew, but there were three boys of varying ages playing a card game at one of the tables. "Hey," Josh said as he and Jared approached. The oldest boy looked up - Josh guessed he must have been about 13. "Hey," the boy said. "Can we play?" asked Jared. "You guys know how to play this?" "What is it?" "Poker," said the boy. "We're just playing for fun." Warren had taught them, so the brothers nodded. "Okay." "What are your names?" Jared asked. "I'm Gareth, and these are my brothers Ben and Nicky." "I'm Josh, and this is Jared," Josh said. They joined the boys at the table and were dealt in. "How long have you guys been here?" asked Ben, who was about Josh's age. "This is our third day. We arrived the day before yesterday," Josh replied. "We've been here for a month," Nicky said. "Is it cool here?" Jared asked. Nicky was about his age, maybe a bit younger. "Yeah, it's cool," Gareth said. "So, why are you guys here? Does one of you need diapers, or are your parents kinky?" "What?" Both brothers asked the question, confused. "You know," the older boy said, "some people just like wearing diapers for fun." "Um..." Jared said. "No, it's... our Mommy..." "The hospital screwed up when Jared was born," Josh said. "So you two don't need diapers?" "No," Josh said. "What about you?" "Our parents are kinky," Gareth said. "They wear diapers for fun?" "Yeah. And so do we. Got a problem with that?" The older boy glowered at them, looking dangerous. "No, we don't have a problem," Josh said. "We like wearing diapers too." "Do all of you like it?" Jared asked, seeing that Nicky looked uncomfortable. Nicky turned red and looked unhappy. "It's not that he likes it or doesn't like it," Ben said. "He has to wear them." "That's okay," Josh said quickly. "It doesn't matter." "But you could take yours off!" Nicky said, upset. "You could take yours off and people wouldn't laugh at you!" "No one's laughing, Nick," Gareth said. "They used to tease him at our school, before we came here," Ben told them. By now the card game was long forgotten. "He's still waiting for someone to tease him now." "We won't tease you. We all wear them," Jared assured the boy. "I'm peeing my diaper now," Josh added. Nicky looked mollified. "Really?" "Yeah. Wanna feel?" Nicky stuck out a finger, but didn't actually touch Josh's pants or diaper. "Nah. I believe you." "I'm peeing too," Gareth said, feeling sorry for his brother. "I just peed, sorry," Jared said. "Me too," Ben replied. "See?" Josh said. "Everything's okay." Nicky seemed to feel better about it. "Okay." The boys went back to their game. Annette arrived over an hour later, looking rather tired. "Boys!" she yelled into the games room where Josh was busily winning. "Mom?" Josh asked. "Time to go." The boys said goodbye, saying that they would see the three brothers in school soon. "Did you get the diapers, Mommy?" Jared asked. "Yes, honey." And it had been a bit of a nightmare. The hospital administrator had wanted to know why the sudden change, and was not mollified by Annette's explanation that she now had a dryer and it would save on diapers. The man had finally agreed, but had refused to provide the plastic pants that would be needed. "Our contract with you only says diapers," he'd said smugly. It hadn't bothered Annette that much. Annette turned the car onto a street the boys didn't know. "Where are we going?" they asked together. "The hospital wouldn't give me any plastic pants, so we're going to the mall to buy some." "Cool! We can choose our own!" Jared said happily. The store was extremely large and airy, and mother and sons felt right at home. A pleasant-looking woman wearing a silk shirt on top and nothing but a diaper on the bottom came to help them. The boys had occasionally seen their mother in just a diaper, but never anyone else. They couldn't help it; they stared. The woman just smiled. "First time in here, huh?" "Yes," Annette said, introducing herself and her children. "Well, no problem. I like to advertise our products. I'm Cassandra, by the way, Cass for short. So, tell me what you need." "Just some plastic pants," Annette said. "I have loads of diapers." "Right." Cass took them to an aisle that stocked nothing but plastic pants. There were plastic pants of every kind. There were ones with elastic in the legs, there were ones with snaps on the side, there were even ones that were sewn into ordinary shorts. There were ones with ruffles. There were transparent ones. There were coloured ones, patterned ones, ones with pictures on them. "What do you need?" Cass asked. "I'm not sure," Annette said. "We're used to disposables." "I'd recommend the ones that snap on. We have the most sizes, and they fit well." "Can I try one?" "Sure." They went into the back while the boys looked around, choosing the ones they liked best. Annette had to agree with Cassandra that the snap-ons did fit very well. "I'll take eight pairs of these plain ones," she said as they came out of the back room. "Mommy, can I have the one with Bart Simpson on it?" Jared whined. "It's not a snap-on," Cass said, "but it'll be fine at his age." "Okay, honey. Josh, what do you want?" Josh chose a few pairs that had racing cars, airplanes and motorbikes on them. Annette added some plain snap-on pairs to the ones her sons chose, plus two pairs each of the sewn-in type. The cost was quite high, but at least it was a one-time outlay, and it wasn't like she couldn't afford it. "Thank you so much," Annette said to Cass as they left. "No problem. Hope to see you again!" "Can we put ours on, Mommy?" Jared asked as soon as they got home. "Can we?" "Do you need to be changed, honey?" Annette asked. "Yes," both boys answered. "All right." Their mother got out the new pre-washed cloth diapers and folded them as she had when they had been babies. Her way of folding had always guaranteed maximum absorption. "Who's first?" "Me!" Jared already had his disposable diaper off - having ripped the tapes in his hurry - and in the diaper bin, and was up on the table. Annette pinned the diaper on, then stood back. "I don't think this is thick enough. It will hold one wetting, but not more. You need another one." She pinned on a second diaper, then snapped on a pair of plastic pants. "Can I have my Bart pants, Mommy? Please?" Annette was dubious. She'd bought the snap-ons thinking they'd have to wear two diapers, but there'd only been one size of Bart pants which Jared had so desperately wanted. "Let's see if it fits, Jar, okay?" "Uh huh." Annette unsnapped the one pair, then pulled the other up. They fitted - just. "There you go, hon." Jared dashed into the bathroom to look in the mirror. "It looks cool!" he opined. "How does it feel?" Annette asked. "It feels okay." "Right, next," said their mother as Josh got onto the table, not having removed his disposable yet. His mother cleaned him up quickly, then pinned on two new diapers, snapping on the plastic pants. "Josh?" "It's fine, Mom." "Okay. You two go out and give me some privacy now." Josh joined Jared in the back yard. "How does it feel?" "It's all tight. It feels like a towel." "Yeah." "Do you need to pee yet?" "No, I peed earlier." "Me too. Darn." "Let's drink some juice, then we'll pee faster." "Cool!" The boys went into the house and got themselves a glass of juice each. End chapter 2.