“But this is a club,” Iris argued. “I know you’re running a business.”
“Come here, honey.” Athena grabbed Iris by the hand and led her down the hallway, to a room they’d been in earlier during the tour.
“Do you see that big crib against the wall?”
“Of course. It’s so pretty.”
“I commissioned that twelve years ago. Do you know why that’s significant?”
Iris pondered the question for a moment and shook her head. “No, ma’am.”
The older woman smiled. “Because this nursery is only seven years old, dear. That means I had that crib for quite a while before I went into business. Because I wanted to offer Littles afun and safe place to sleep. Same with this changing table.” She patted the large, adult-sized changing station that rested to her left, the rings on her fingers clanging atop the wooden railing. “I had it several years before I even thought of opening the nursery. Because I had sweet Littles coming through my house. You see, I only charge because it allows me to keep the lights on and have the money that life requires. It also allows me to care for cuties full time. But even if I wasn’t paid, I would still be doing it, just after I worked my day job. Does that make sense, sweetie?”
Iris looked sheepishly at the ground. “Yes, Auntie. It makes sense. I just feel like I’m… taking advantage of you.”
She could feel the mounting pressure of tears starting to swell behind her eyes, but that subsided as Auntie’s caring arms slid around her and reeled her in for a tight embrace.
Gosh, it felt wonderful! Iris couldn’t remember the last time someone had hugged her!
They lingered in the embrace. She couldn’t swear to it, but she got the sense that Auntie Athena knew she needed this.
That was probably true, she decided. Bigs just had a way of knowing stuff like that when it came to Littles.
“You aren’t taking advantage of me. We’re all just glad you’re here.” She continued to hug her.
Mmm. It felt wonderful and Iris was swept away in the comforting bliss.
“I’m sure you’re excited to play with Elena and the other cuties. But would you like some protection, honey?” the matronly woman asked as she finally pulled away.
Iris blushed hard. But with the way her eyes instantly darted to the nearby floor-to-ceiling shelf that held all sorts of diapers, there was no denying that protection was exactly what she would like.
Auntie Athena didn’t even wait for an answer. Instead, she said, “Go pick out what you want. And if you’re comfortable withit, I’ll put it on you. If not, I’ll give you some privacy so you can get…properly outfitted.”
Iris giggled as she obeyed Auntie. She selected a thick disposable diaper that had cutesy anthropomorphic dogs—smiling and wearing diapers and t-shirts—and a plastic backing.
“That’ll do just fine. It’s cute. Offers plenty of protection. And will fit you well,” Auntie said.
Iris thought for another moment and then finally pointed at Auntie. At that moment, she couldn’t find her words. But Athena got the message because she grinned, took the nappy, and said, “Come on, cutie. Up you go onto the changing table. Let’s get you padded so you can get busy playing with Elena and the other Littles.”
Iris willed her body to relax and just enjoy the experience.
It was heavenly.
Chapter Six
Iris barely recognized herself.
Really, she hadn’t changed too much. But she felt like a brand-new woman. Or perhaps abrand-new Littlewas more accurate.
After putting on the bulky diaper, Auntie Athena had directed her to the closet where plenty of Little outfits hung in a variety of sizes. The tags still on them, it was clear Auntie liked to keep her nursery well stocked for times like this.
Though Iris hated accepting the outfit for free. Maybe somehow, some way, she could pay Auntie back.
She could worry about that later. Athena was adamant that right now, she wanted Iris to have fun.
And Iris was ready!
Wearing denim shortalls with a pink shirt beneath them, Iris now looked the part. Auntie fixed her hair into pigtails, as well. For the first time in a long time—maybe ever—Iris felt kind of cute.
