Annie's Argument

"I dun need diapers," 

I said sharply, crossing my arms over my chest.  All morning, I'd been on my best behavior.  I woke up early.  I made breakfast.  I cleaned the kitchen.  I played video games.  I fed the kitties.  I even did my homework!  And now Mommy walks in and sets a diaper down in front of me? 

"I'm not a baby!"

~~~

"You're not a baby, little Anniebelle? Are you sure about that, missy?" 

Annie had a defiant look on her face, the same one she got when I prompted her to eat vegetables or do her chores, the kind of expression that read, more than anything, 'cut me down to size, I dare you!'

~~~

"Of course I'm sure!" 

Mommy stepped up to me and slid her hand up my thigh, to the pink princess diaper between my legs, and stuck a finger in the legband.  I let out a high pitched whine as she felt the sopping wet padding.  Then she took her finger out, stood up, and gave me a serious look.  With that one action, I'd lost all my momentum.  My cheeks burned with embarrassment.  I felt so small...

~~~

"This doesn't feel like a big girls diaper, does it? I can't imagine that could get much wetter without leaking but if you're so certain that you're a big girl then you don't need a change at all, do you? I guess if you're so big then you can stay in that diaper the rest of today."

~~~

"No!  I..." 

I didn't know I'd wet so much.  I remembered when I was doing the dishes, the warm water washing over my hands... I had to go.  I remembered playing video games, wiggling back and forth on the sofa... I had to go.  But I never hurried to the bathroom, and the need just sort of disappeared after a while.  I couldn't believe how little I'd become... 

"Please... um... can I have a new diaper, Mommy?"

~~~

"You may have a new diaper, Annie, because you're a baby girl who needs them. But only babies who NEED diapers are allowed changes, so by accepting a new diaper, you're accepting that you're a baby." 

Not that there was ever any doubt in the matter, because for every game Annie tried to play, she lost more and more of any chance of adultness.