TALES OF A FIFTH GRADE DIAPERING

October 3 – October 31

I heard the crash. Glass breaking. All I was trying to do was see if I could get the golf ball to hit the ceiling. I hadn’t planned on it hitting the TV. The new TV. The new big screen TV! I stood looking at my crime. There was glass everywhere and the golf ball was lying right in front of the TV. Or what used to be the TV.

My mom came running into the living room. “Are you okay? I heard glass…” She spotted the damage. And the golf ball. “Oh, Kolby, tell me you didn’t.” I wished I could. Boy how I wished I could. But I knew she didn’t really want me to say anything. She picked up the golf ball. “Why is this in the house?” I think most families have rules about not playing ball in the house. We’re not even allowed to have balls in the house. And there is a good reason. “Where did you get this?” I wasn’t sure which question to answer first.

“Um, I got it out of Dad’s golf bag.” I was ready to cry. I knew I was in trouble again. I wasn’t sure just how long I had been out of diapers this time, but I knew it was not very long. My parents are very strict. They were not going to see this as some accident that couldn’t have been avoided.

“And why did you bring it in the house?” I really did not have an answer for that.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

“What is our rule about having balls in the house?” I hate it when they make me repeat rules. They know I know them.

“No balls in the house for any reason,” I said, tears coming down my face. I knew what she was going to say next.

“Go get your paddle, Kolby.” I was right. I went up to my room and got my paddle. As slowly as I could possibly go without making it look like I was trying to stall. Then I went back to the living room. I sat on the couch while Mom cleaned up the glass. She vacuumed the floor and put the coffee table in front of the TV, probably to make sure my little brothers or my little sister didn’t get hurt. Dad came in just as she was finishing.

“What happened?” Dad looked over at the couch and saw me sitting there with the paddle in my hand. “Oh, Kolby, now what have you done?”

“Golf ball through the TV,” my mom answered him. “I’m not sure it can be repaired.” Dad went over to look at the damage.

“I’ll call Steve and see if he can come over and take a look at it. Do you want me to deal with Kolby?” Steve is my dad’s friend who owns an electronic repair shop. If anyone could fix the TV it would be him.

“I’ll take care of him. You go ahead and call Steve. Ask him if he wants to come over for dinner.” Mom came over to me and stood me up. She put her hands on my shoulders. “Kolby, some day you are going to learn to think before you do things. What on earth possessed you to throw a ball at the TV?”

“I didn’t throw it at the TV. It just kind of landed there. I was seeing if I could make it hit the ceiling when I bounced it.”

“And didn’t you think about how what you were doing was wrong?” I shrugged my shoulders. It was one of those questions that really didn’t have an answer. I wished she would just spank me and get it over it. But I had to listen to how I need to learn to think about what I’m doing. My actions have consequences. Only I can control whether the consequences are good or bad. I know the rules, but I chose not to follow them. Now the brand new TV may be ruined, all because I didn’t make the right choice. Finally she pulled my jeans and underpants down and had me step out of them. She picked them up and took them to the laundry room while I stood there half naked holding my paddle. I was crying now. The spanking was going to really hurt. And since she took my clothes to the laundry room it meant I was definitely getting diapers again. Mom was mad. She didn’t yell, but I could tell this was bad. She came back, sat down and pulled me over her knees, taking the paddle out of my hand at the same time. Then she started to spank. She spanked for a very long time. I didn’t think she would ever stop. My butt really hurt. My friend Dan recently described a spanking as sitting on a wasp’s nest. He is very right, even though he has never gotten spanked like me.

Mom finally finished spanking me and stood me in the corner. Like always my red butt was there for everyone to see. Dad came back in the living room. He was talking on the phone.

“That would be great, Steve. San wants to know if you would like to come for dinner.” Great, I thought. Now Mr. Archer is going to see me in my diapers. I was still crying, and this thought made it worse. “OK,” my dad said. I’ll watch for you.” He hung up the phone and said to my mom, “He would love to stay for dinner. He’s coming over right now.” That meant he would probably get to see my red butt, too. The weekend was not starting out too good.

Mr. Archer got to our house very soon after Dad talked to him on the phone. One thing about living in a small town is you can get places really fast. I was still standing in the corner. My butt was still on fire. That spanking really hurt. I really wanted to rub my butt, but that is not allowed and I knew I would be spanked again if I did.

“Which one is this?” Mr. Archer asked.

“Kolby,” answered my dad.

“Looks like he paid a good price for what he did.” He was obviously looking at my butt.

“That’s just a down payment,” my dad said. “He’ll be put in diapers when we get him out of the corner, though I haven’t decided yet how long to keep him in them.

Mr. Archer went over to look at the TV. Of course, I couldn’t tell what he was doing over there. Turning around would have gotten me another spanking.

“I hate to tell you this, Jack, but it can’t be fixed.” He started to go into detail with my dad about why the screen couldn’t be replaced. I groaned inside. That was not good news for me. I was starting to see how serious this really was. I started to cry again.

After Mr. Archer explained all about TV screens, Dad got me out of the corner and put me on the couch where the diapers and plastic pants were waiting for me. He didn’t say anything while he taped the first two diapers on and covered them with plastic pants. He put two more diapers on and covered those with plastic pants too. Mr. Archer had gone into the kitchen to talk to Mom. Dad stood me up on the couch so he was looking right in my face. I started to cry.

“It’s a good thing I love you, Kolby Kristofer,” my dad said. “I am really disappointed in what you have done. Do you realize that now I will have to buy another TV? Why did you bring one of my golf balls in the house and play with it? You know better than that.”

“I’m sorry Dad. I’m sorry.” I had started to cry harder. Dad hugged me close to him.

“I know you are, Kolby. I sure do wish you would learn to think before you do things.” He still had not told me how long I was going to have to wear diapers.

“I am tempted to make you wear these for a month. But I’m going to make it two weeks because I know you didn’t really want to break the TV. You had better be on your best behavior during the two weeks though. Any misbehavior at all will earn you more time in diapers as well as another spanking.”

“OK.”

“You will also go with me tonight to buy another TV. No pants.”

“Please, Dad, let me wear shorts,” I begged.

“No Kolby. No pants. That’s final. Now, go to your room until dinner is ready.” I took my stinging diapered butt up to my room and lay on my stomach on my bed. I hate going places in just diapers. It is so embarrassing. Especially if anyone asks and Mom and Dad tell them why I am wearing them. They always tell the truth. I cried until I fell asleep.

I don’t know how long I slept. When I woke up Mom was sitting on my bed stroking my cheek. “Hey sleepyhead.” Dinner’s ready. We’re having spaghetti.” I looked up at my mom. She was smiling at me.

“I’m sorry I broke the TV, Mom.”

“I know you are, Kolby. We have to find a way for you to start thinking before you do things and help keep you stay out of this situation. Come on, Mr. Archer says he’s really hungry.”

I went down to the dining room with Mom. Nothing was said about the TV, but my brothers and sisters seemed to know what had happened. After dinner Kregg asked if he could go to Circuit City with Dad and me.

“Sorry Kregg, but I want to take Kolby alone. You and I will do something some time soon, how does that sound?”

“OK,” Kregg said. I think he really wanted to go just to keep me company.

“Let’s go, Kolby. We’re taking the van.” I went out and got in the front seat of the van. I sure wished I’d had shorts on. I put my seat belt on and waited for Dad. He came out with a Circuit City flyer in one hand and the ugly neon green bag my mom uses as a diaper bag in the other. In the bag were extra diapers, wipes, powder, my sweats, and the wooden spoon I get spanked with if we are away from home. My parents like to be prepared for anything that could come up.

“Dad, is it going to cost a lot?”

“It depends on what I decide to buy Kolby. I’m not sure I want to spend the money for another big screen TV.”

That was too bad because we really liked that TV. The whole family watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on it and it was so cool. We don’t get to watch much TV, but it was so great to have such a big screen. Like going to the movies. I hoped Dad would decide to buy another one.

It took almost an hour to get to Circuit City. Just my luck they were real busy in there. Dad had told me on the way that they would be. I felt real embarrassed walking in there in just my diapers. “Dad, please can’t I stay in the car?”

“Absolutely not,” my dad undid my seat belt and told me to get out of the van. Looking at the green bag and knowing the spoon was in there I decided arguing would not be a very good idea. We went in the store and went back to where the TV’s were. I couldn’t believe how many TV’s there were. Dad went over to the larger ones. I followed, staying as close to him as possible hoping no one would notice my diapers.

“Hey, look at the kid in the diapers,” I heard someone say. The ‘someone’ sounded pretty young, like he was my age or something.

“SH,” said the woman he was with. That’s not very nice. You don’t need to draw attention to it; I’m sure he feels embarrassed enough as it is.” I wished she had just stopped with “SH.” I stuck closer to Dad.

Pretty soon a sales guy came up to Dad and asked if he could help. Dad told him he needed to decide what to get. “We just bought a TV last week and my son here accidentally threw a ball through the screen.”

The guy looked at me. “Ouch,” he said. I thought that was a pretty interesting way to put it since my butt was still stinging from the spanking Mom gave me. I just looked at the floor. “How old are you, sport?”

“Twelve.” I could tell he was sizing me up. He raised his eyebrows.

“Well, let’s see what we have that might interest you,” he said to my dad. I was so glad he didn’t say anything about me being old enough to know better. I was even gladder he didn’t say anything about the diapers. He told my dad all the features of certain TV’s. Then he came to one that was on sale. It wasn’t as big as the one I broke, but it was still big. I was so surprised at how much it cost. It made me feel even worse about breaking the other one.

Dad settled on the TV on sale and made arrangements to have it delivered the next day. They said they would even take the old one out if he wanted, but Mr. Archer was going to buy it for the inside parts. So Dad said that won’t be necessary. We got in the van to make the hour long trip home.

“Dad, I didn’t know they cost so much.”

“I know you didn’t, Kolby. That’s one reason I wanted you to come with me. You have got to start using your head, son. I know you know right from wrong. I also know that you think you don’t know the answer, but I want you to think really hard about it. Why did you even take a golf ball out of my bag? What was going on in your head?

I was really quiet for a long time. I thought and I thought, but I couldn’t come up with a reason. I couldn’t remember what I was thinking. “I just don’t know, Dad. I don’t remember what I was thinking. I just saw your golf bag there and the next thing I knew the ball was in my hand.”

“Well, here’s what I want you to do. I want you to keep thinking about it. Maybe if you can come up with a reason for doing something you know not to do we can help you make better decisions. You need to start thinking Kolby. You are not a bad boy, you just make very bad decisions.”

It wasn’t a lecture I had not heard before. I didn’t know what to say, so I stayed real quiet. Dad pulled into the Dairy Queen. That surprised me. “We’re getting an ice cream?”

“Yes, son, we’re getting an ice cream. I couldn’t take you out and not do something special with you.” One thing about my parents is, even though they are really strict, they get over being mad pretty fast. I knew Dad would complain for a while about having to spend the money on another TV, but at least he didn’t act like he hated me for it.

“Are we going to eat it in the car?”

“No, Kolby. You have to come inside with me. We’ll eat in there.” I wasn’t too happy about that, but getting an ice cream was a special treat, so I decided not to complain. Besides, I had to watch how much complaining I did. I was warned about my behavior. I know those warnings aren’t just words. We went in and I told Dad I wanted a chocolate cone with sprinkles on it. I found a table for us to sit at. The Dairy Queen was just as crowded as Circuit City, even though it was October and getting a little chilly outside. Lots of people stared while I waddled over to the table and sat down. I wanted to tell them to mind their own business, but I was afraid Dad would think I was rude. He finally came with my cone.

“Thanks Dad,” I said when I took the cone. He gave me a whole bunch of napkins, too. I’m pretty messy when I eat ice cream cones. I started licking the ice cream, trying to get it out without eating the sprinkles. “Dad?” I said after a few licks.

“Yes, Kolby?”

“How come I have to wear diapers?” I took another lick of my ice cream cone.

Dad took a deep breath. “Kolby, I really don’t want to fight you on this and I really don’t want to have to give you another spanking.” Arguing about punishments is not allowed, but he didn’t understand what I was asking.

“No, I mean how come you and Mom make us wear diapers for punishment? How come you don’t ground us?” I’d had this conversation before but I never really liked the answer. I keep hoping if I say enough about it they will change the way they punish me.

“Oh,” said my dad. “I misunderstood you. I’m sorry, son.” He waited for a few seconds. “Do you remember the first time you were punished with diapers?”

“Uh huh.” Like it was yesterday.

“What do you remember most?”

“I didn’t get a spanking for two weeks.” Before I had gotten spanked almost every day.

“Right. That told your mom and me that making you wear diapers helps your behavior. So we decided to make you wear diapers whenever you misbehave.”

“But I don’t like to wear them.” I took another lick of the ice cream cone. It was starting to melt under the sprinkles.

“Yes, I know you don’t like to wear them.” Dad was using his patient voice.

“So how come you can’t punish me another way?”

“Because we don’t think another way would work as well.” Dad finished his ice cream cone. “What’s the best way for you to get out of wearing diapers, Kolby?”

He beat me at my own game. This conversation was not going the way I wanted it to go. “Not do anything bad.” I knew it was the only answer.

“That’s right. And that is the only way you are going to get out of wearing them. So how about we try again to figure out why you had one of my golf balls in the house?”

I lost. I should have known I would. I kept eating my cone, trying to think of a reason for my sin. “Everyone was raking leaves,” I finally said, hoping this explained everything.

“Yes, everyone was raking leaves,” Dad agreed. Apparently he didn’t think it explained everything. I thought a little bit more.

“I can’t rake leaves.” That should do it.

“You’re right. Because of your allergies you can’t rake leaves.” I guess it still wasn’t enough of an explanation. I squirmed a little bit. Dad sat waiting to hear why I had a golf ball in the house. Now I felt like I was going to cry.

“I just don’t know, Dad. I saw the golf bag and the next thing I knew I was in the house with the ball. I just wanted to see if I could bounce it up to the ceiling.” I was getting real frustrated. Tears started rolling down my face.

“OK, Kolby. We won’t talk about it anymore right now.” Dad didn’t want me to get upset. “But if you can try to figure out why you broke that rule maybe it will help you keep from doing something like that again. Will you try to think about it?”

“OK, I’ll try.” I took the last bite of my cone. My hands were covered with ice cream.

“Let’s get your hands washed before you get back in the van.” Dad took me into the restroom.

“Dad, I have to poop.” I guess what I was trying to do was a little too obvious to Dad.

“You have to use your diaper, Kolby.”

“Please Dad?” Can’t I use the toilet? Just this once?” I was pushing it, but I really hate pooping in my diaper.

“Kolby don’t. I don’t want to have to give you another spanking.”

I really didn’t want that either. Especially because another spanking would mean more time wearing diapers. And I really, really didn’t want that. I sighed. “OK, I’ll use my diaper.”

The next day was Saturday. Usually we do a bunch of stuff as a family on Saturday. I got out of bed to go find Mom or Dad. Mom was in her room. She was packing a suitcase. “Hi Mom.”

“Hi sweetie.” Mom bent down and gave me a kiss. “Did you have a good sleep?”

“I guess. Um, I have to pee.”

“OK, Kolby.”

“Are we going somewhere?”

“Remember I told you Dad and I have a banquet in Decatur?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, since it’s not going to be over until late we decided to spend the night.”

“We’re not going?” If we weren’t going it meant we were getting a sitter.

“No, you’re staying here.”

“Oh. Is Abi coming?” Abi is our regular babysitter. She’s in college. She’s used to seeing me in diapers. I didn’t want a sitter who didn’t already know about the diapers.

“No, Abi went to see her mom and dad this weekend. But guess who is coming.” I looked at Mom’s face. She was smiling real big.

“Uncle Matt? Is Uncle Matt coming?” I started jumping up and down. Uncle Matt is my favorite uncle. He doesn’t have any kids and he likes to do special stuff with me.

“Uncle Matt is coming. He’ll be here around noon.”

“Does he know I got diapers again?” I guess I didn’t want him to walk in and be surprised. Not that seeing me in diapers is any big surprise to anyone who knows me.

“He does. I talked to him last night. And remember, he knows the rules so I don’t want you to try to get away with anything.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Good boy. Let’s go get your diaper changed. We’re going out for breakfast.” Mom took me in my room and had me lie down on my bed.

“Where are we going?” I asked while Mom got fresh diapers, the wipes, and the baby powder ready. I hoped we were going out of town. I had a better chance of wearing pants if we did.

Mom started taking off the diapers. “Just to the coffee pot. We have to be home when the new TV gets here. Lift your butt, sweetie.” She pulled the top two diapers out and pulled off the plastic pants covering the bottom two.

“Can I wear my sweats? Please, Mom?” I was taking a risk by asking.

“It’s chilly outside, so yes, you may wear your sweats. Lift your butt again.” Mom pulled off the bottom two diapers and put them in the trashcan. After she cleaned me up, powdered me, and re-diapered me she stood me up and patted my thick butt. “Put on a long sleeved T-shirt. I’ll give you your sweats when we’re ready to go.” She left me to find a shirt to wear. I opened our shirt drawer and started digging through it.

“Whatchya lookin’ for?” Kregg came in the room.

“A shirt. You know we’re going out for breakfast?”

“Yeah, Dad just told me. You gotta go in just diapers?”

“Nope. Mom’s letting me wear sweats because it’s chilly outside. Think this’ll cover my butt?” I held up a shirt.

“Yeah, but don’t think for a minute Mom and Dad are going to let you wear it. You know we’re not allowed to cover the diapers. You go downstairs in that and you’ll probably get your butt busted again.” Kregg came over and went through the shirts. “Here. Wear this.” He took the shirt I had in my hands and stuffed it back in the drawer. I put on the shirt he gave me. He saved my butt. He does that a lot. The shirt barely reached the top of the diapers. I tried to pull it down, but it wouldn’t go over the diapers no matter how hard I tried.

“I hate this,” I complained to Kregg. “I don’t see why they have to punish us with stupid diapers.”

“There’s no point in complaining about it, Kolby. It won’t change anything.” Kregg is always telling me that. But it’s easy for him to think like that. He doesn’t get diapers as much as me. “Come on. Let’s go see if it’s time to go.”

We walked downstairs. I was still tugging on the shirt trying to get it to cover at least part of the diaper. Mom and Dad were in the living room with my sisters. Dad was taking the cable box, the VCR, and the DVD player off the broken TV.

“Don’t pull on your shirt like that Kolby,” said my mom. “You’ll stretch it out and ruin it.” I stopped pulling on the shirt. I sure didn’t want to ruin anything else. Dad put the stuff from the TV in the den.

“You guys hungry?” Dad asked when he came back to the living room.

“Yeah,” Kregg and I said at the same time. Mom gave me my sweats and I pulled them up over the diapers. They hardly fit. I tugged at the shirt again.

“Do that again Kolby and I won’t let you wear the sweats.” I moved my hands away from the shirt. I went to get my shoes on and went outside. Kolt and Kourt were playing in the leaves.

“Hey,” said Kourt. “You’re wearing sweats.”

“Yeah,” I said. “It’s chilly out.” Even though it didn’t really hide that I had diapers on, I felt better that I got to wear the sweats. We all got in the van to go to The Coffee Pot. It’s a small restaurant that someone in my town owns. They make good waffles. When we got to the restaurant I saw it was really busy. I tried to hide between Kolt and Kregg, hoping no one would notice me. It didn’t work.

“Hey Kolby.” It was Angela, one of the girls in my class at school. She was always saying hi to me but not Kregg. She also giggled all the time, especially when I had diapers on. I don’t really like girls. I especially don’t like Angela. She’s always saying I’m cute.

“Hi Angela.’ I couldn’t be rude. I’d get spanked if I was. Angela leaned over and whispered something in her sister’s ear. Her sister is in the seventh grade with Kelsey. They giggled. I knew they noticed the bulge under my sweats. It was impossible not to. I tried to ignore them, but I was really embarrassed. “Dad,” I whispered.

“What, Kolby?”

“Can we sit down?”

“As soon as they get a table ready for us.” I went to stand in front of him. My dad is a big guy. Especially compared to me. Maybe I could hide from Angela and her sister. They kept giggling. My sister Kelsey went over to talk to them. I started to cry.

Dad got down on his knees and put his arms around me. “What’s the matter Kolby?”

“Angela and Mikayla are laughing at me. And Kelsey’s helping them.”

“You don’t know that they are laughing at you Kolby. And you know Mikayla and Kelsey are friends. Calm down, son. I don’t want you to get sick.”

The waitress finally had a table ready for us. I hoped we would get a booth. It would have been easier to hide my butt. But no, not only did we get a table; it was right in the middle of the restaurant. Not that the people in my town don’t know about the diaper discipline. But I really didn’t want to call attention to it. So I pulled the chair as close to the table as I could and sat on the edge, hoping my diapered butt was hidden.

“Kolby, sit in the chair properly,” my mom said. I scooted back a little. It was more comfortable that way. I finally decided there was no point in trying to hide it. I had diapers on and anyone who looked at me was going to be able to tell. I didn’t want to be miserable while we had breakfast. We don’t get to go out for breakfast that often. I looked at the menu with Kregg.

“What are you going to get?” I asked him.

“Waffles. What about you?

“Waffles with blueberries.”

The waitress came and took our order. She knows us so she talked to us for a long time. She asked me how come I’m in diapers again. I had to tell her. I ordered the waffles and some bacon. We don’t have waffles and bacon much at home. Mom likes simple breakfasts. Sometimes she’ll fix pancakes, but it is usually a special occasion. Everything tasted so good I actually forgot how embarrassed I was to be out in diapers.

Soon after we got home the new TV came and the guys who delivered it moved the old one out of the way and put the new one in its place. They looked at the old one and asked my dad what happened. Of course he told them. “My dad would have blistered my butt,” said one of the guys. I don’t think mine was blistered but it probably came close.

“His mom took care of that,” my dad explained. I don’t know why he thinks he has to be so honest about these things. My face turned red. Not only was I standing there in my diapers, without the sweat pants – they were taken off as soon as I stepped inside the door – but now total strangers knew I got a spanking. I guess I should be glad my dad didn’t add that the diapers were also a consequence of my actions. But probably the TV guys figured it out. I was kind of glad when they left.

Uncle Matt came around noon just like Mom said he would. “Hi Uncle Matt!” I ran up to him and he bent down and gave me a hug.

“Hey short stuff. I hear you got yourself in another mess.” Only two people call me short stuff. My cousin Ben does that too. I don’t think I would like it coming out of anyone else.

“I broke the TV,” I confessed.

“I heard. Are you going to play golf in the house again?”

I shook my head. I had learned my lesson. “Are we doing anything tonight?” Uncle Matt always finds something special for us to do when he takes care of us.

“You bet. I thought we’d go skating. Would you like that?”

“Can I wear my pants?”

“I’ll check with your mom. I bet I can talk her into it.”

“Talk her into what?” Mom came in the room and gave Uncle Matt a hug and a kiss. Uncle Matt is Mom’s brother and they are really close. Mom talks to him all the time even though it’s long distance to call him. I was going to say something, but I figured it would probably sound better coming out of Uncle Matt.

“I thought I’d take the kids skating tonight,” Uncle Matt said, hugging Mom back and giving her a kiss.

“You don’t need my permission to do that,” Mom told him.

“Good, because I wasn’t asking.” Uncle Matt was talking in his teasing voice. “But I would like it if Kolby could wear some pants to the rink.” Mom looked down at me. I was standing in front of Uncle Matt, leaning against him. He had his arms criss-crossed around my chest. She looked back up at Uncle Matt.

“Matt,” Mom sounded a little impatient. “You know how we feel about that.” To my parents no pants means no pants. They hardly ever make an exception to that. I figured that was it. If we went skating I’d be there in just diapers. I decided I just wouldn’t skate. I’d show them by not having any fun. I felt tears coming into my eyes. What a time to cry. How can I make a stand if I cry?

“I do know how you feel about it,” answered Uncle Matt. “And normally I wouldn’t even think of asking you to make an exception. But San, this would be for Kolby’s protection. He stands less of a chance of being injured if his legs are covered.” I tried hard not to grin. I don’t know how Uncle Matt thinks of those things. He’s got to be one of the smartest men in the whole world. I looked up at him to try to say thank you with my eyes. He winked at me.

“Oh, all right,” my mom gave in. “Your sweats, Kolby. And only to the rink. They come off as soon as you get home.”

“Thanks Mom,” I leaned closer into Uncle Matt. “Thanks Uncle Matt.” He squeezed my shoulder. Pants twice in one day. I felt like a pretty lucky boy even though I did have to wear diapers.

Mom and Uncle Matt started talking, so I went to find Kregg to tell him we were going skating and I got to wear sweats. I knew Mom was going to tell Uncle Matt the rules again, just so he would be sure to know all of them. I didn’t really want to stay around and listen to them. I found Kregg and gave him the news. He was excited that we were going skating. He couldn’t believe Uncle Matt talked Mom into letting me wear pants. Kregg and I played with our UFX airplane until lunch. After lunch, Mom and Dad went to finish getting ready to go. Pretty soon I had to use my diaper, so I went to find them. They were in their room. They were both all dressed up. I stood in the doorway.

“You look pretty,” I said to my mom. She had on a light blue gown and her pearl necklace and earrings. Her hair was curled in a real pretty way. She smelled really good, too.

“Well thank you sweetie.” Mom bent down and gave me a kiss and tickled me. It reminded me why I was really there.

“You’re welcome. Um, I have to use my diaper. Pee and poop.”

“OK, son,” said my dad. “I’ll come and change you in a few minutes.” That was really good news because I hate waiting to be changed after I poop. I went into my own bedroom. One of the worst things about the diaper punishments for me is using the diapers. I shut the door. About 10 minutes later Dad knocked on the door.

“Are you okay, Kolby?”

“Yeah. I’m done.” Dad came in my room. He had me lie on a towel on my bed. He got new diapers and all the stuff they have to use when they change me out and put them by my head. Then he started to take off the layers of diapers.

“I hope you have fun tonight, Dad.” I like talking to my dad while he changes my diapers. He always listens to me but when he is changing my diapers he seems to listen even more.

“Thanks Kolby. I’m sure we will have a very good time. Are you going to be good for Uncle Matt?”

“Yup. I know he knows the rules. Mom already told me to be good.” Dad probably already knew this, but since he asked I figured I’d tell him that I remembered what Mom said earlier. He got me cleaned off and put the dirty diapers in the plastic bag he’d gotten out.

“Good boy. We won’t be gone long but I’ll miss you.”

“Me too.” I always missed my dad when he was gone. He has to go away sometimes on long business trips and I hate it when he’s gone. At least this was just going to be overnight. He finished changing me. It felt good to have clean dry diapers on. It would have felt better to have underwear on.

“Dad?” I wasn’t sure I should ask but I figured it might be worth the risk. Dad looked at me and waited for me to ask my question. “If I’m really, really, really, really good will you take a week off my diaper time?” I could tell right away it was not a smart thing to ask after all.

“You already know the answer to that, Kolby.” He was right. “You have no more chances available to you. The next time you try to fight the punishment you will be punished further. Do you understand?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” I was ready to cry. Dad picked me up and put me on his lap.

“I love you, Kolby. I want you to know that. I don’t want to leave while you are feeling bad. But I want you to understand that I won’t allow you to question your punishment. You know better than that.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” I repeated.

“OK, Kolby. I know you’re sorry.” Dad gave me a big hug and a kiss. He put me on the floor and patted my big butt. “Want to carry Mom’s little bag to the car for her?”

“OK. Why does she use that?” I asked. It seemed stupid to take such a little bag.

“She puts her make-up and perfume and things in it so they don’t get on the clothes in the big bag.” I guessed that made sense. I went to their room and got the bag. Mom wasn’t in there.

“Where’d she go?” I was afraid I wouldn’t get to say good-bye.

“I think she’s talking to Uncle Matt. Let’s take the bags out to the car then we’ll find her.” Dad and I took the bags out to the car. Mom was outside watching the other kids play on the trampoline. I ran up to her to hug her good bye.

“Did you get changed, sweetie?”

“Yeah, Dad did it. Are you going to have fun?”

“I’m sure we will. You’ll be good for Uncle Matt, right?”

“I promise.” Mom bent down and gave me a big hug and kiss. Then she did the same thing with all the other kids. They got in Dad’s car and left. I felt like I was going to cry.

“OK,” Uncle Matt said. “Everyone off the trampoline. Kolby, let’s you and me go in and have a special talk.” The other kids got off the trampoline and Uncle Matt locked the fence that surrounds it and the swimming pool. Everyone stayed outside to play in the leaves while Uncle Matt and I went inside for our special talk. Uncle Matt and I have special talks a lot when I get in trouble. I knew he was going to ask me about the golf ball. We went into the den. Uncle Matt stopped on his way through the kitchen and got a bottle of Sunny Delight for me and a Pepsi for himself. He also stopped and looked at the diaper calendar. The diaper calendar is one of the places my mom and dad record when we are in punishment. It has all the dates marked that we wear diapers. I took the lid off the bottle of Sunny D and took a sip. I waited for the questions to start.

“Your dad says he wants you to try to figure out why you had a golf ball in the house.”

“I know. I can’t think of why. It just happened.” I really had tried to think of why I would have brought that ball into the house. “Uncle Matt, I just don’t know. I’ve tried and tried to think but it hurts my head.” Uncle Matt chuckled.

“You probably won’t be able to come up with a reason Kolby. I explained that to your dad. I’m sure you have no idea what you were thinking. But what we need to do is find a way for you to know what you are thinking before you act. I’d really like to see you be able to stay out of diapers for more than ten days.” So that’s how long it had been. I knew it hadn’t been long, but I didn’t know it was only ten days.

“But how come I have to wear diapers anyway? It’s so dumb.” Now was my chance to get some complaining in without risking getting in more trouble.

“Kolby, we’ve had this conversation. Why don’t you tell me? Why do you have to wear diapers?”

“I know it’s because that’s how Mom and Dad punish me. But why do they punish me like that?” Answer a question with a question. Works every time.

“That’s what I’m asking you.” OK, maybe it doesn’t work every time.

“They think it works.”

“And?”

“I behave better when I wear diapers.” It’s true. I sometimes get in trouble even when I have diapers on, but not as much as when I don’t.

“So what does that mean?’

“It works.” I just couldn’t win with this. But I wasn’t about to give up trying. “But it’s dumb.”

“I’m sure that’s how you feel, Kolby. But believe it or not it isn’t as dumb as you might think. And some day you will understand why your parents think this is the best way to teach you how to behave.” Uncle Matt pulled me up so I was sitting right next to him. “I know you don’t like it Kolby. Which is why we need to find a way for you to think before you act.” I was starting to get a headache.

“Uncle Matt, do we have to do that right now? I’m tired of thinking about stuff.” Now I felt like I was going to cry again. Uncle Matt pulled me up on his lap and held me real tight.

“OK, Kolby, we’ll talk about it some other time.” I let him hold me for a while. Then he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner. We decided on pizza, something my mom would not be happy about but everyone else would be. Uncle Matt sent me out to get the other kids. They came in and we all got our hands washed. Kelsey had to brush her hair and then she had to brush Kami’s. It seemed like it took forever. Girls always take forever to get ready to go somewhere. Finally we left for Pizza Hut. I tried to get Uncle Matt to let me wear my sweats, but he wouldn’t budge. I decided arguing would probably not be a good idea, since he knew I am not supposed to. Uncle Matt doesn’t spank often, but he will if he’s pushed.

It took about a half hour to get to Pizza Hut. It wasn’t too crowded when we got there and the hostess showed us to one of the big booths in the corner. I was so glad we did not have to sit at a table in the middle of the restaurant. There were some arguments about what to get on the pizza, but we finally decided to get one with pepperoni and one with mushrooms and onions. Kregg and I like mushrooms and onions, so we were real happy. We ate the pizza and then Uncle Matt said it was time to go skating. When we got out to the van he got my sweats out of the green bag.

“Thanks, Uncle Matt.” I pulled the sweats up over the diapers and got in the van.

“Hey,” said Kourt. “How come you get to wear sweats again?” I don’t know what business it was of his, but I decided it was best not to be sarcastic with him.

“Mom said I could in case I fall or something.” He seemed happy with that answer. We drove to the skating rink. Kelsey has her own skates so after Uncle Matt paid for us to get in she went in and found her friends. I hoped Mikayla and Angela wouldn’t be there. Uncle Matt got skates for the rest of us and for himself. I got my skates on and then helped Kami with hers.

“Will you skate with me, Kolby?” Kami asked. She didn’t feel very comfortable on her skates. After Uncle Matt checked all of our skates to be sure they were tied tightly enough, and readjusted mine and Kami’s, I took Kami out on the floor. It was a little hard for me to skate with the diapers on, and having to hold Kami’s hand made it even harder. We kind of wobbled around the first time around the rink, but I finally got used to how to move my legs and Kami started feeling a little more comfortable, so by the third time around we were doing pretty good. Kolt and Kourt were showing off, Kregg found a couple of our friends, and Kelsey was with a group of her friends. I hadn’t thought to check to see who else was there. Probably if I had on just diapers I would have been more careful about that. Kami and I were about to go over to play a game in the middle of the rink when I heard an all too familiar voice.

“Hey diaper boy. I see you have your baby pants on again.” It was Taylor. Why didn’t I notice he was here? I took Kami’s hand and started back to the outside of the rink so I could get away from him. He followed us. “Got your baby bottle with you, baby boy?” He came up behind us and grabbed my sweats.

“Go find Uncle Matt or Kelsey,” I told Kami. I didn’t want her to have to be around Taylor. He scares everyone but Kelsey, and I didn’t want Kami to be scared. Kami left and I tried to squirm loose of Taylor’s grip. At the same time I looked around to see if there was an adult who might be watching what was going on.

“Go find Uncle Matt,” Taylor mocked. “What’s the matter? Can’t fight your own battles? There aren’t any teachers here to protect you now so you’re all mine.” He let go of me, probably to get a better grip. I turned around and shoved him as hard as I could. He rolled back and fell on his butt. Several other people fell over him. I stood watching it. It was kind of like watching dominos fall. I hoped no one saw me shove him. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see whose it was. Uncle Matt was standing in back of me and he did not look happy. He rolled me off the rink and took me over to where our shoes were. The green bag was there, too, and if I knew mom, she did not leave the wooden spoon out when she packed it up for Uncle Matt.

“Want to tell me what that was all about?” Uncle Matt asked. He was definitely not happy. I felt awful inside. I hated disappointing Uncle Matt. I told him what Taylor said.

“I was defending myself,” I said as boldly as I could. “I was afraid he was going to do something to me so I did something to him first.” I probably should have left that last part out. I don’t think it helped me any.

“You know you are not to shove or hit people, Kolby.” Yup, Uncle Matt was angry. “Is that the boy who gives you so much trouble in school?” I was starting to cry.

“Yes. I tried to ignore him, Uncle Matt. Really I did. He just made me so mad when he said I couldn’t fight my own battles.” That was a mistake to say that, too. I was digging my own grave here.

“So you pushed him to show him you could fight your own battles?” Uncle Matt is sometimes too smart. I nodded my head. I had already admitted it, and I knew if I tried to say anything more it would probably make things worse. Uncle Matt reached in the green bag and got out the spoon. He pulled my sweats down and gave the backs of my legs three spanks each.

“That should get your attention until we get home,” he said. Spankings with the spoon aren’t considered real spankings. He pulled my sweats back up and told me I was to stay off the rink for 10 minutes. Right after he spanked me Taylor and his dad came over. Mr. Davis made Taylor sit down next to me. I moved as far away as I could in my seat.

“Jeff Davis,” Mr. Davis shook hands with Uncle Matt. “Taylor’s dad, but not too proud of it right now.” I’m glad my parents and Uncle Matt never say stuff like that. “Which one is this?”

“This is Kolby. I’m Matt, his uncle,” Uncle Matt took Mr. Davis’ hand and shook it. “I’m sorry Kolby pushed your son.”

“Don’t be too hard on him,” Mr. Davis was looking at the spoon, which was in Uncle Matt’s other hand. “He was provoked.”

“Thank you for confirming that,” said Uncle Matt. “Provoked or not, shoving someone is not acceptable behavior.”

“Taylor, tell Kolby you’re sorry for teasing him.”

“Sorry for teasing you.” I have never understood why adults make kids apologize like that. It never means anything.

“Sorry I shoved you.” I was too, not because he fell down, but because now I was going to get a spanking and probably more diaper time.

“Let’s go Taylor. Your butt has a date with my belt.” That made me feel a little better. I’ve never been spanked with a belt before, but I guess it would hurt pretty badly. Taylor and his dad left, and I sat out the rest of the 10 minutes. Finally I was able to go back out on the rink. I went to find Kregg. He had seen Uncle Matt spank me and asked me what happened. He felt bad that he wasn’t there to defend me, but I told him that it wasn’t his fault.

“So is Uncle Matt going to give you a spanking when we get home?”

“Yeah, I guess. He said the spanks with the spoon should get my attention until we get home.” I stuck by Kregg the rest of the time we were at the rink, which wasn’t very long. At about 8:00 Uncle Matt had us all take off our skates and we headed home. I had wet my diaper and even though I knew I was getting a spanking I was kind of anxious to get home so Uncle Matt would change it. I hate sitting around in a wet diaper.

We got in the door and Uncle Matt waited while I took off my sweats. He took them to the laundry room to be washed. “Kolby, get your paddle. The rest of you get ready for bed. After Kolby gets his spanking we’ll watch a movie.” Everyone cheered but me. I went up to my room and got my paddle. It seemed to be getting a lot of use lately. I looked at Kregg’s. Mine had four marks on it that said I got four spankings. It also had written on it that I got diapers from September 8 – September 22. Kregg’s was blank. I took the paddle down to Uncle Matt. He gave me another lecture. Shoving is not appropriate behavior. You could have caused someone serious injury. I hate having to spank you but I can’t let you get away with that kind of behavior. He finally had me lie down on the couch and he took my diapers off. Taking the paddle from me he put me over his knee and began spanking. He didn’t spank real hard, but it stung and I cried. He seemed to spank for a very long time before he stopped and put me in the corner. For the second day in a row I stood in the corner with my red butt sticking out for the whole world to see. At least I could be pretty sure there would be no visitors today. Uncle Matt didn’t get me out of the corner until I stopped crying. Everyone was in the living room, waiting to see the movie. Even though they were playing a game, I felt like they were all looking at me. I got real embarrassed and started crying again while Uncle Matt put the diapers on me.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Matt,” I said after he was finished putting the diapers on. I was crying harder. Uncle Matt picked me up and held me tightly.

“It’s over, Kolby. I know you’re sorry. I hated to spank you but it’s all over now.”

“Do you have to tell Mom and Dad?” I was afraid they would punish me, too. Especially since I had gotten lots of warnings about being good for Uncle Matt.

“Only because Taylor’s dad might say something. But I promise, I’ll tell them that I spanked you and hopefully they’ll think that is punishment enough.”

“Will I get more diaper time?” I was really worried about this. I didn’t want more diaper time. I didn’t think I could stand more diaper time.

“I don’t know, Kolby. Maybe since I was the one who spanked you they won’t extend your diaper time. But I can’t make any promises.” Uncle Matt held me for a few more minutes, until he was sure I was calmed down, and then asked if I was ready to watch a movie. We all agreed on Shrek, since we had just gotten it. Uncle Matt put the DVD in for us and went out to the kitchen to make popcorn. Since my butt was still stinging from the spanking I decided to lie on the floor on my stomach. Kregg came to lie next to me.

“You okay?” he whispered. I nodded my head.

“Just mad at myself ‘cause I made Uncle Matt have to spank me.”

“He’s not mad at you, Kolby. Don’t make yourself feel worse by being mad at yourself.” Kregg and I leaned against each other while the movie started. It’s a twin thing that makes us feel real close. Pretty soon Uncle Matt came back with popcorn and Sunny Delight for all of us. By the time the movie was over I was really tired. I also had to pee, so I told Uncle Matt and wet my diaper. It was good timing since we all had to go to bed. I never get put to bed with a wet diaper. Uncle Matt took my diapers off and suggested Kregg and I take our shower. Kregg examined my butt while we were in the shower. It was still a little sore, but not as bad as it could have been.

“It’s a little red,” Kregg said.

“It doesn’t hurt much anymore. He didn’t spank as hard as Mom would have. Think I’ll get more diaper time?”

“I think if you don’t you’re real lucky. Mom and Dad aren’t going to be too happy that you shoved Taylor, even if he did deserve it. Maybe Uncle Matt can talk Mom and Dad out of more diaper time.”

“I’m scared I’ll get more. Dad told me I would if I didn’t behave.”

“Well if you do, don’t complain about it. But right now don’t worry about it, either. There’s no point in worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet.” Easy for him to say. It wasn’t his butt covered in the stupid things.

“Let’s get a move-on, boys,” Uncle Matt called through the door. Shower time is limited, especially when one of us is in diapers. I guess so we don’t use too much water or the toilet. Kregg and I rinsed off and put towels around our waists. We walked into our room still dripping wet. “Go back and dry yourselves off,” Uncle Matt instructed. We got dried off and went back to our room. Uncle Matt had the diapers set out for me. I watched while Kregg put on his underwear.

“Uncle Matt, please can’t I wear my underwear to bed? Just tonight? Please?” I was desperate.

“Kolby, stop, or you’ll get another spanking.” Sometimes Uncle Matt sounds just like Mom.

“Sorry,” I said. I sure didn’t want another spanking. I let Uncle Matt diaper me without complaining anymore. He got all done and stood me up on my bed.

“I love you Kolby.” I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him, too. “No talking guys. You’re up late and you have to get up for church in the morning.” Uncle Matt went and gave Kregg a hug then turned out the light.

“Night, Kregg,” I whispered.

“Night diaper boy,” Kregg whispered back. “Love you.” I think I fell asleep right after that.

Sunday morning Uncle Matt got us up to get ready to go to church. I got to wear my khakis, but no jacket. The diapers made the khakis tight. I left my dress shirt untucked, hoping to cover my bulging butt. Kregg told me I’d better tuck the shirt in or I’d probably be in trouble. I ignored him and went downstairs for breakfast.

“Tuck your shirt in, Kolby,” Uncle Matt said. I did. I didn’t want to risk looking like I was being defiant.

“Told you,” Kregg said, coming up behind me. I got the box of Fruit Loops from the table to pour myself a bowl and gave them to Kregg when I was done. We sat down and ate the cereal and some toast that Uncle Matt made, being careful not to spill jelly on our shirts. We got done eating right when it was time to leave for church.

“Can I wear my jacket, Uncle Matt?” I asked.

“No.” He didn’t say anything else. And because of the tone in his voice I didn’t say anything else either. I didn’t want to push him. So I went to church with my diaper bulging out from under my pants. When we got there I went to where we always sit so I could sit down right away. Everyone else followed me. Uncle Matt sat right next to me. I don’t have a real good record of behaving myself in church. I get real bored with the sermons. So one of my parents or Abi or Uncle Matt always sits right next to me. I looked around and saw Mrs. Henderson. She’s the lady who told my parents about diaper punishment and I don’t like her. Every time I am in diapers she has something to say about it. I slid down in the pew thinking maybe she wouldn’t see me. “Sit up straight, Kolby,” said Uncle Matt. I sighed, but sat up straight. I guess she was going to know I was there anyway, since all my brothers and sisters were, too. I sat still through the whole church service, daydreaming about stuff that had nothing to do with church. When it was finally over everyone got up to leave. I wanted to wait until the church was empty before I got up, but Uncle Matt wasn’t going to let me do that. Mrs. Henderson spotted us and came over supposedly to say hi to Uncle Matt.

“Matt,” she said. “It is so good to see you again. Are Jack and San out of town for a while?” This woman is so nosy. I wanted to escape, but Uncle Matt had his hand on my shoulder and I couldn’t move.

“It’s good to see you again, too. Jack and San were away for the night. They’ll be home this afternoon.”

“Well, I’m sure they appreciate you helping them out. I dare say they have their hands full. Kolby, I see you have been misbehaving again.” Uncle Matt tightened his grip on my shoulder.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, hoping I sounded a whole lot more respectful than I felt.

“Well, some day you will learn, just like Tanner did.” Tanner is Mrs. Henderson’s son who was always in trouble when he was younger. I don’t do half the bad stuff he did. I felt like telling her that putting a golf ball through a TV doesn’t compare to taking someone’s purse, but I decided it would not be a good thing to say. I didn’t say anything. Uncle Matt told her again it was nice to see her and then explained we needed to go.

“Shall I have San call you?” Uncle Matt asked. I think he was just trying to be polite.

“Tell her when she has a chance. She must be terribly busy.” Uncle Matt left it at that and we finally walked away from the woman. I don’t hate very many people, but Mrs. Henderson is at the top of my list. If it weren’t for her and her nosiness I would be punished in a normal way, not with diapers. At least that’s the way I see it.

We went straight home from church. It was kind of cold outside, so Uncle Matt fixed grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for lunch. Kelsey went to a friend’s house for the afternoon and Uncle Matt played Monopoly with the rest of us. Finally Mom and Dad came home. There were lots of hugs and kisses, even though they had not been gone more than 24 hours. Then they asked Uncle Matt how everything went. Uncle Matt sent everyone else but me out of the room, and I sat down on the couch with him while Mom and Dad sat in their chairs.

“What happened?” My dad did not sound very happy. Uncle Matt explained what happened at the rink the night before. He made sure they knew that Mr. Davis told him I was provoked.

“I gave Kolby a good spanking, both at the rink and when we got home,” Uncle Matt told my parents. I’m not sure the spanking I got would have passed as a good one in my parents’ eyes, but I wasn’t about to say anything like that.

“What did I tell you about your behavior, Kolby?” My dad was definitely not happy.

“I’d get a spanking and more diaper time if I misbehaved,” I said with tears coming down my face.

“An extra week,” Dad said. I’m glad it was Dad and not Mom who made the decision. Mom gives more diaper time than Dad. Even so, I wasn’t happy about it. I started to cry.

“Please, Dad, no more diaper time. Uncle Matt gave me a spanking. I don’t want diapers for an extra week.”

“Kolby, you were warned, more than once. If I were you I wouldn’t argue about it, unless you want me to give you another spanking.” Dad was very serious about this threat. I just stood there looking at him. Finally he pulled me close to him and hugged me. “You’ll make it through it Kolby, and hopefully you will learn from it.” He hugged me until I calmed down, then suggested I go find one of the boys to play with while he and Mom talked to Uncle Matt. I went to find Kregg so I could complain about the extra week.

“You were awfully light on him,” I heard my mom say while I was walking out of the room. I wanted to stop and hear what my dad had to say to that, but I knew I couldn’t because it would be eavesdropping. I hoped he would tell my mom that she is too hard on me. But I’ll never know how that conversation ended.

Uncle Matt stayed for dinner and then said he had to go because he had a busy day the next day. He found me in my room playing on the Play Station and had me come sit in his lap. “You know I love you.”

“I know. I love you, too. I’m sorry I made you spank me.” I really was, too. I hate it when Uncle Matt is disappointed in what I’ve done.

“And I’m sorry I had to spank you. I tried to talk your dad out of the extra diaper time, but he feels since you were warned it is only fair that he follows through with it.” He gave me a big hug and a kiss. “I’ll come see you again soon, and we’ll go do something special, just the two of us. Would you like that?” I nodded my head. I gave him another hug, and he left. I was glad I could tell him again that I was sorry. I was glad he tried to talk Dad out of the extension, too, even though it wasn’t successful. Diapers for three weeks. Taylor was going to have a good time with this one. At least I didn’t get in trouble at school, so I could wear my sweats over the diapers.

I woke up the next morning with a funny feeling in my stomach. I didn’t know if I was getting sick or if I was just not looking forward to going to school in diapers. I got up to find Mom. She was in the kitchen. “Mom?” I was really not feeling good. The smell of the toast made me feel worse. I felt like I do after we have taken a long trip in the car. Mom bent down and gave me a hug.

“Good morning, sweetie. What’s the matter? You look like you don’t feel good.” She felt my forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Do you feel sick?”

“My stomach feels funny.”

“Do you feel like you’re going to throw up?” I shook my head. I didn’t feel sick that way. “Does it feel like you might get the runs?” I shook my head again. Mom got down on her knees so she could look in my face. “Are you worried about something at school?” I started to cry.

“Taylor.” That was all I could say.

“Honey, if Taylor bothers you, you do what you did last time you had to wear diapers. You do your best to ignore him. If you get upset you find a teacher or Mr. Anderson or Nurse Jenna.” Mom wrapped her arms around me tightly.

“But I tried to ignore him Saturday and he just followed me and Kami. He just won’t go away.” Mom squeezed me hard.

“Taylor has problems, Kolby, and he seems to like to take it out on you. I wish we could find a way for you not to react to what he says and does. I will talk to Miss Schumacher and Mr. Anderson this morning and tell them that you are concerned. I’m sure Mr. Anderson will have the other teachers keep an eye on both Taylor and Drake. I want you to be the good boy in this situation and not do anything to get yourself in more trouble. That means no hitting and no shoving. And no doing anything else that could hurt the other boys in any way. Understand?” I nodded my head and started to calm down.

“Can’t I stay home?”

“I could let you stay home today, but I can’t let you stay home the whole three weeks, so you might as well get today over with. The first day is always the hardest for you, Kolby. There’s no point in delaying it when you really aren’t sick.” I knew she was right. I don’t really like staying home from school anyway. It gets boring without my brothers and sisters here to play with, especially since Mom always works in the morning.

“OK, I’ll go. But are you going to tell Miss Schumacher why I am in diapers again?”

“I’ll let you tell her what you want her to know. But you are not to make anything up.” Mom finished putting breakfast on the table and told me to go get the other boys. She went to make sure the girls were up. I got Kolt and Kourt first. They were already up and had already started to get dressed.

“Breakfast is ready,” I told them. They finished dressing and went downstairs while I went to get Kregg.

“What’s wrong?” he asked me. He could tell I had been crying.

“I don’t want to go to school in diapers,” I complained. I’m afraid Taylor will bother me.”

“Did you tell Mom?”

“Yeah.” I told Kregg everything Mom said.

“So, just do what Mom says. She’s right, you know, you can’t stay home for three weeks just because you got diapers again.” I sighed. Sometimes I wish Kregg was on my side with this whole diaper punishment thing. We went down to breakfast. After breakfast Mom changed my diapers and packed the diaper bag I use at school. She gave me my sweats to put on. At least I got to wear those. She drove us to school and went in to talk to Miss Schumacher and Mr. Anderson. She made me go in with her.

“Well, Kolby,” said Miss Schumacher as soon as we walked in the room. It looks like you have been up to more mischief.” Looking at my mom she asked, “Pants or no?”

“He may wear his sweats,” Mom told her, “but all other rules apply.” She handed me the diaper bag and I went to put it in the closet. When I came back out Mom was talking to Miss Schumacher about my concerns about Taylor.

“I’ll keep an eye on both Drake and Taylor. Kolby, I don’t want you to be worried about that, OK? You do your work and keep to yourself and let me deal with Drake and Taylor if I need to.” I nodded my head. I was leaning up against my mom. I wished Kregg was in there with us. I would have felt a whole lot better. Mom squeezed my shoulder and bent down to give me a kiss.

“You be good today, Kolby. Remember what we talked about.”

“I will,” I promised. I usually try to stay out of trouble at school anyway. I don’t like having to go to the discipline room. That paddle is different from the one at home. It doesn’t hurt worse, it just hurts different and I don’t like it. The bell rang and Mom went to talk to Mr. Anderson. Everyone came in the classroom. Angela came in and looked at me and started giggling. I went and sat by Kregg, as close as I could.

“Ignore her,” Kregg said.

“Why doesn’t she ever bother you?” I asked. I never understood that.

“Maybe she thinks you’re cuter.” I started laughing at that. Since we are identical twins it just sounded so silly. “Made you laugh,” said Kregg. I poked him in the side. Pretty soon Miss Schumacher had us get our math books and started talking about how to do percents. I like math. I like that I have to think about what I’m doing when I do the projects. But my mind wasn’t really on the lesson. I was still a little worried about Taylor. I was surprised he hadn’t said anything. Maybe since his dad spanked him with the belt he had learned to leave me alone. The lesson ended and Kregg and I worked together on our projects. Right when we were finishing the last one Taylor came up behind us.

“If you have a pair of diaper twins and one has diapers on, what is the percentage of twins with diapers?” I started to turn around to slug him but Kregg caught my arm and kept me from moving.

“Go away Taylor,” said Kregg.

“Go away Taylor,” he mocked. The guy sometimes seems like a parrot. “Why aren’t you dressed like your twin? I thought twins always dressed exactly alike, especially when they are babies.” I was about to cry. I tried real hard not to let him get to me, but he was really embarrassing me. Kregg still had my arm so I couldn’t hit him.

“Taylor!” It was Miss Schumacher, standing behind him. “You are coming with me right now. Go wait up by my desk.” Taylor went to the front of the room. Miss Schumacher asked me if I was okay. I nodded my head, but I still felt like I was going to cry. She told Kregg that if I needed to go see Nurse Jenna that he may take me. Then she told the aide the same thing. She went and grabbed Taylor’s arm and took him out of the room. We all knew he was going to get a spanking. It didn’t make me feel much better because it never seemed to stop him for long. I started to cry.

“You want to go see Nurse Jenna?” Kregg asked. I nodded my head. He told the aide we were going and took me to her office. She was on the phone, but ended the conversation soon after we came in.

“What’s wrong, little man?” Kregg told her about Taylor teasing us. She took me in her arms and held me tight. Kregg went back to the classroom. I finally started to calm down, and Nurse Jenna asked me what I had done to get myself put back in diapers. I explained about the TV and the skating rink. “It sounds as though you had a pretty rough weekend,” she said after I gave her the details.

“I did,” I said. “I hate wearing diapers. I wish Mom and Dad would punish us the normal way.”

“Well, Kolby, I don’t know that there is a “normal” way for a parent to punish a child. Your mom and dad are doing what they think works best. And even though you don’t think so, it is probably most effective for you.” Nurse Jenna was still hugging me, but not as tightly.

“That’s what Uncle Matt says,” I sniffed.

“Well, your Uncle Matt is a pretty smart man about those things. You’re going to have to accept this form of discipline, Kolby, and the sooner you do the easier it will be on you.”

“But I hate it,” I complained. It’s so dumb. I was going to make sure everyone I talked to knew how I felt. “And it was only two weeks until Taylor made me mad and I shoved him. I don’t see why Dad added a week. Uncle Matt spanked me for shoving Taylor.”

“Were you warned that you would get more diaper time if you misbehaved?” I guess no one was going to be on my side with this.

“Yes. But I was provoked. Mr. Davis said so.” I wasn’t even sure what ‘provoked’ meant. I just knew that somehow it was supposed to keep me from being punished too hard. So I asked Nurse Jenna, “What’s provoked?” She chuckled and explained the word.

“Even if you are provoked, Kolby it doesn’t mean you hit and shove. Do you know how many people you could have hurt doing that at the skating rink?” In my head I saw all those people falling down like dominos. Everyone was right. I shouldn’t have shoved Taylor like that. But it still didn’t mean I had to like the punishment.

“I still think the punishment is dumb.” At least I got one more complaint in.

“I’m sure you do, Kolby. You’ll get through the next three weeks. And while you are at school we will all help you, ok?” I nodded my head. “Do you feel like going back to class now?”

“OK. Thanks Nurse Jenna.” I gave her a hug. She told me she would see me in a little while. I went back to class. Taylor was not back yet. I figured he was having a talk with Mr. Anderson. Maybe he would get suspended again. The rest of the morning I stuck to Kregg like glue. At recess a bunch of the guys asked what I did this time, but no one called me names. Not even Drake. Taylor was not allowed to come out at recess. The girls were all giggling, especially Angela. They were talking about how nice it would be to have a baby and be able to change diapers. I decided to escape to the swings. Kregg came with me. “I hate this,” I said to Kregg. “I’m so sick of wearing stupid diapers and having stupid girls giggling and being called names. I wish they would just ground us.”

“Kolby,” Kregg said, losing his patience, “it does not do any good to complain about it. Mom and Dad aren’t going to change the way they punish us. The only one who can change it is you. You gotta start thinking before you do dumb stuff. Then you won’t have to wear diapers.”

“I can hate it if I want. Just because you don’t hate it doesn’t mean I can’t.”

“But it doesn’t do any good. And I never said I didn’t hate it. I don’t like it either, but if I do something bad and have to wear diapers I figure it’s just the way things are. You make such a fuss over it that you make it harder for yourself. Why can’t you just accept it?” I didn’t say anything, because there was nothing to say. Kregg and I played on the swings until the bell rang, then went back to class. Right before lunch I had to wet my diaper. Miss Schumacher let me go back to the closet, where I pretended to look for some art supplies. Then she sent me to Nurse Jenna to get changed.

“Has your morning been better?” Nurse Jenna asked me.

“No,” I answered. “And it won’t be unless I get the stupid diapers off.” I was not in a good mood. Nurse Jenna finished changing me and sat me up.

“You’re making yourself miserable, Kolby. Do you really want to feel this bad?” I shook my head. But I wanted everyone to know how much I hated what my parents were doing.

“How can I help you accept it?” I shrugged my shoulders. I think I didn’t want to accept it. I just wanted to complain to anyone who would listen. Nurse Jenna gave me a hug. “You are a good boy Kolby Kristofer. I hate to see you so unhappy. If you think of anything I can do you let me know. I just saw Kregg walk by with your lunch. Why don’t you go catch up with him?” I left to catch up with Kregg. Mom packed tuna sandwiches and carrot sticks. She put chocolate chip cookies in, too. She must have made them after we went to bed. We ate lunch, and went out on the playground. The rest of the day I didn’t have any problems with anyone, including Taylor, but I still was in a very bad mood and I still wanted everyone to know how much I hated wearing diapers. Problem was, no one was listening.

Abi came to pick us up from school because Mom was on a conference call. She asked how come I was in diapers again, so I told her about the TV. She was going to find out anyway. When we got home she made me take off my sweats so she could take them to the laundry room. “Do you need to be changed?” she asked me. I told her yes. She told me to wait in my room and she would be in as soon as she could. I went up to my room. Then I did a really dumb thing. I looked in the drawer where my underwear used to be. And I saw all the diapers stacked up in place of the underwear. There were also diapers in a bag hanging on the back of the door. I got a pair of scissors out and shut the door to my bedroom. I got all the diapers out of the drawer and started cutting them in half, the whole time listening for Abi to come so I could shove the evidence under my bed. I got about 12 diapers cut up before I heard footsteps. I shoved everything under my bed and pretended to look at the video games. Abi didn’t come in the room like I thought she would. I peeked out the door and didn’t see anyone. I heard Abi talking to Mom in the office downstairs. Good, I thought, maybe I can get rid of them all, then I won’t have to wear them anymore. I continued cutting up the diapers. I was so into what I was doing I didn’t even hear Abi open the bedroom door.

“What do you think you are doing, Kolby?” I about jumped out of my skin. There was no denying what I had done. I had a half cut diaper in one hand and scissors in the other hand. I was surrounded by half-diapers. I must have cut up about two dozen of them. I looked up at Abi. She came over and took the scissors out of my hand and gathered up what was left of the diapers. She told me to get my paddle and wait in the living room. She followed me down the stairs and took the evidence in to the office to show my mom. I waited for what felt like forever before Abi and Mom came in the living room.

“Would you like to try to explain this?” my mom asked, holding up one of the cut up diapers. I didn’t say anything. There was no way to try to explain it and I was afraid if I said anything it would make matters worse for me. “Do you know how much these cost?” Mom and Dad hardly ever talk about how much things cost, so I knew I was in big trouble – again. “I’d really like to know why you did this Kolby. What got into you?”

“I just don’t want to wear them. I thought if I could get rid of them you would give me my underwear back.” There. I gave her an explanation. And it was the truth. That should count for something.

“Well, we have six more cases out in the garage, so your little scheme would not have worked. I can’t believe you thought you would be able to get away with doing this.” Since she put it that way I couldn’t believe I thought I could get away with it either. Mom was obviously pretty angry with me. I started to feel real bad about what I did. “Kolby, what has gotten into you lately?” You just don’t seem to think things through before you act. Did you really think that no one would know what you had done?”

“I guess I didn’t even think about it. I just wanted to get rid of the diapers so I could have my underwear back. I’m sorry Mom.” I was ready to cry.

“You are very lucky I don’t have time to spank you right now because I am expecting another call. Abi is going to take care of the spanking. Then we will discuss how much more time you will spend without your underwear.” Mom turned to Abi. “Make it count, Abi. Then stand him in the corner until I am ready to talk to him.” She went back into the office and left Abi and me alone in the living room. Abi doesn’t spank much, but she does know how to use the paddle. I had no doubts she would ‘make it count.’ I was crying by now.

“Lie down so I can get your diapers off,” Abi instructed. She had already gotten the wipes to clean me up. I did what she told me, to avoid even more trouble. She peeled the layers of diapers off and cleaned me up. The whole time I was holding onto my paddle. I had tried to put it down. “Pick your paddle back up,” Abi said. “You hold it until I am ready to use it.” There is no way to describe what it feels like to hold a paddle while you are waiting to be spanked. Abi finally finished getting me cleaned up. She sat me up and told me to give her the paddle. I did. Then she put me over her lap and started spanking. I think Mom and Dad taught her how to spank because she spanks just like they do – fast and hard and for a long time. She spanked and spanked and spanked. And she made it count. Boy did she make it count. My butt felt like it was going to fall off by the time she was done. She led me over to the corner. Standing in the corner with my red butt on display is one of the worst things about a spanking for me. Right after I was put in the corner my sister Kelsey walked in.

“What did he do this time?” she asked Abi. Abi told her about the diapers. “Does Mom know?” Abi told her yes. “He’s not going to see underwear for a very long time.” I couldn’t tell, but Kelsey almost sounded happy about it. She wouldn’t dare just come right out and say so, though. I stood with my nose in the corner and my red butt sticking out for a very long time. Finally Mom came into the living room and got me out of the corner. She put me on the couch and put my diapers back on me, but not before examining my butt.

“Abi did a good job,” she said. She didn’t really have to tell me that. I already knew. Once the diapers were back on mom stood me up and looked at me for a very long time. “I’ve had a chance to calm down,” she said. “I am very disappointed that you would go to this extreme Kolby, but I understand your frustration. I talked to your dad and he talked me out of doing what I wanted to do. I wanted to keep you in diapers for another month. Your dad seems to think an extra week is sufficient. So I am going to ease up on what I want to do. You will wear diapers until October 31. That is a month total. But I am warning you right now that if you misbehave one more time during the time you are in diapers you are going to be one very sorry little boy who will not see his underwear for a very, very long time. Do you understand what I am telling you?” Mom was looking at me very seriously. I knew she meant every word.

“Yes, ma’am. I really am sorry about the diapers. Really I am. Please don’t hate me.” I started crying again.

“Oh, Kolby,” Mom hugged me close to her. “I could never hate you. You are my son and I love you more than life itself. I just want you to learn to behave yourself and not do things that are going to lead you to trouble.” Mom held me real tight.

“Promise you don’t hate me?” I was kind of worried about that since I had been in so much trouble.

“I promise,” my mom said. “You are much too loveable to hate.” She patted my butt and told me I should go find Abi and talk to her. “She feels bad that she had to spank you,” Mom explained. I went to find Abi and found out she doesn’t hate me, either.

I spent the next month in diapers. But I didn’t get in trouble once the whole month. The only time I got spanked was when I asked to be changed, because those are the rules. The diapers were moved out of my reach. It was a long month. Taylor got lots of spankings for bothering me, but I also got pretty good at walking away from him. The girls never quit their giggling, and I tried real hard not to let it annoy me. And just like Nurse Jenna predicted, I made it through my second diaper punishment of the fifth grade. I hoped it would be the last. But it wasn’t.