Stranded

Chapter 1
Chapter 1

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Chapter Description: Bethany goes from the frying pan and into the fire. Poor girl. This is chapter 1 I will be writing the second part soon.

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Bethany hammered her fists down on the dashboard of her car in anger. Why did this sort of crap happen to her all the time? Her car had come to a juddering halt moments ago for no reason whatsoever and she was miles from anywhere. The heavens had opened up and torrential rain was pounding the car. It was 9 o’clock at night and because she was in the middle of nowhere she had no reception on her mobile phone.

She hunched herself over her steering wheel and sighed, trying to calm herself down. Getting angry was not going to solve her problems. She pulled some strands of her long blonde hair out of her eyes and stared through the windscreen. She couldn’t see a damn thing. She hadn’t passed a gas station, or for that fact, another vehicle, in miles. She rechecked her mobile. It simply stated on the screen that there was no signal.

Looking over at the passenger seat at the carefully wrapped gift and baby shower card she pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. She was supposed to have been there by now. She picked up the invitation and using the back light of her phone she looked over its contents. It was inviting her to Sarahs baby shower. She hadn’t even known her friend Sarah had been pregnant let alone due to give birth in three weeks. Sarah was only 19, this was really going to pay havoc with her friend’s college plans. The invitation had come through her letter box two days ago, not giving Bethany much chance to get a present or organise her schedule around the celebration. She still couldn’t believe that Sarah had hidden such important news from her for this long.

The invitation had given some large manor house as being the address of the Baby shower, why couldn’t Sarah just have it at her house, rather than dragging everyone out into the back of beyond? Bethany had plugged in the details into her Sat-Nav. On the bottom corner of the invite was a silhouette of a flying stork carrying a baby in a sling. The silhouette was iridescent, it shimmered in the light of the mobile phone. Bethany flexed the invitation a little, staring at the image. The whole invitation had been signed by ’The Stork’ cute touch. She looked at the present again. Prettily wrapped it was one of those diaper cakes that seemed to be all the range to give at these parties.

"Babies" She muttered to herself. Why anyone would want to go through all that hassle of getting pregnant then having to look after a screaming kid for several years was beyond her, Still good luck to Sarah. She was going to need it.

The rain hammered harder on the car rooftop and Bethany sighed, turned the car key for the umpteenth time hoping this time round the car would miraculously start itself. It didn’t. She cursed long and loudly, only a clap of thunder drowning out her profanities, She couldn’t stay here. But what were the alternatives?

She looked through all the rain splattered windows of her car, hoping for some sign of life. A light was actually shimmering in the distance and she looked skyward thanking her lucky stars. At least something was going in her favour tonight, although knowing her luck it would be some shack inhabiting a serial killer or something. She sat quietly for another ten minutes, hoping the rain would subside slightly but it didn’t show any signs of letting up so she guessed she was going to get a soaking. She picked up the parcel and tried to tuck it under her jacket as best she could, she could leave it here in the car but the way her luck was going, even out here in the middle of nowhere someone would probably see it and be encouraged to break in.

With a large resigned sigh, she flung open the car door, getting drenched almost immediately by the downpour and after quickly locking the car, headed for the light she could see in the distance. She sprinted quickly. She was a cheerleader at her school so she was physically fit, which she was thankful for as she continued to sprint towards the light, she could see she was running towards a house and pretty soon she found herself standing on the porch of an old house. It looked a little run down but the front door had a couple of large pot plants full of beautiful flowers and the porch light was on so Bethany guessed someone must live here. She looked at her phone to check the time, it was almost half past nine, she hoped whomever lived here was still awake.

Feeling bad for disturbing a complete strangers peace and quiet, she rapped her knuckles on the front door. She stood there quietly, dripping water from her body, she rubbed at her face trying to dry it off but realising her hand was just as wet. When no-one came to the door she knocked a second time, this time a little louder, surmising that perhaps the occupants couldn’t hear the knock on the door due to the pouring rain. Suddenly a light went on inside the hallway and after a few clicks and clunks of the door being unlocked the front door opened and a woman peered out. She must be in her late forties possibly early fifties, she had short black hair that was greying at the temples and wore spectacles that reminded Bethany of a stereotypical librarian. She wore a white blouse and a long dark skirt that reached almost to the floor.

"Hello?" The woman asked inquisitively staring at the dripping wet blonde girl. The woman’s eyes grew wide with shock and a giant smile spread across her face.

"Sally? You’re here at last!" She threw the door open wider. "Come in, Come in dear child!"

Bethany took a step backwards, not wishing to be in an uncomfortable predicament.

"I’m sorry, i’m not who you think I am. My name is Bethany Tailor, my car broke down. I was hoping to use your phone if that’s okay" She shifted the weight of the present under her jacket so that it was a bit more comfortable, then looked at the woman hopefully. She saw the woman’s face falter slightly at Bethany’s words, then the smile reappeared.

"Of course. How silly of me. Come in please! You’re absolutely soaked! You poor thing"

Thankful for the invitation and glad she had cleared up the case of mistaken identity Bethany stepped into the house. She was instantly hit with an overpowering floral smell as she stepped across the door thresh hold. It smelled faintly of mint and there was lavender and some other flowers she didn’t recognise. Whilst the exterior of the house was in some disrepair the inside of the house was exactly the opposite. Clean, neat and tidy. Bethany stood on the welcome mat afraid to move should she drip over the carpet.

"err..where’s your phone?"

The older woman had been staring fondly at Bethany and snapped herself out of it when Bethany asked the question. She waved her hand dismissively.

"Oh, sorry dear. The phone will be out of action whilst this storm is raging. The wires in this house are a little on the old side. We’re self sufficient here, have our own water supply and gas supply, but during downpours like this our phone line is just out of action." The woman smiled cheerily at the cheerleader. Bethany felt her heart sink.

"...But don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. The storm will pass shortly no doubt. You can stay here until it does" The woman said happily. "It’s nice to have company. I only have Bert and he’s not much company at all. My name is Helena by the way"

On being told not to worry, Bethany strangely felt herself relax a little. She smiled at Helena.

"WHO IS IT HEL?" A mans voice shouted from another room.

"A girl, her car broke down, she needs to shelter here till the storm passes."

Bethany stood on the welcome mat feeling uncomfortable.

"My name’s Bethany." She repeated in case Helena had forgotten.

"Yes. Yes! Of course it is dear. How about we get you out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold. You’re welcome to take a shower and i’m sure I can find a spare pair of clothes for you to wear whilst we dry what you have on."

Bethany swooned at the idea of getting out of her soaked clothing, but she didn’t want to cause any hassle.

"That would be great but I don’t want to put you to any trouble"

Helena chuckled.

"Oh pishposh. No trouble at all dear, just let me take your things and i’ll show you the way" Helena stretched out her hands to receive Bethany’s jacket and shoes. Bethany pulled the parcel out from under her jacket, feeling disheartened at seeing the wrapping paper soaked through. Maybe she should have left it in the car in the first place. Helena looked sadly at the crumpled package.

"Maybe you should unwrap it to make sure whatever’s in there doesn’t get any more damaged?" She suggested. Bethany nodded. It made sense and she quickly undid the wrapping paper to reveal the diaper cake. Thankfully the whole thing was covered in plastic, so whilst there was moisture on the plastic none of it had actually penetrated into the gift.

"Ooh how adorable!" Helena clasped her hands together in delight and gently took the cake from Bethany as well as her sodden jacket, and retreated momentarily into a different room, leaving Bethany standing still on the welcome mat in her tight black t-shirt and denim jeans. She sneezed and rubbed at her arms a little.

Helena reappeared a few moments later carrying a mug with steam coming from it, and a plastic bin liner. She handed the bin liner to Bethany

"If you slip your socks and shoes into here sweetie, then I can take you upstairs to the bathroom." Bethany quickly complied, grateful for the kind offer of a shower. With bare feet she padded after Helena who was now walking towards the stairs. They passed an open doorway and Helena paused to stick her head through the doorway into an immaculate lounge. Sat in a large recliner chair was a man. His shoulders were broad, Bethany could see that whilst the man wasn’t fat he was certainly stockily built. He was guffawing at some program on a nearby television screen, the television looked like something built in the 80’s, and the picture quality was atrocious, Bethany guessed that was probably due to the storm. She noticed a box of childrens toys in the corner, probably for grand children when they came round. They looked too old to have any young children, although Bethany mentally chastised herself for being so quick to judge, she didn’t know these people. She also didn’t know if anyone else was in the house.

Helena spoke, breaking the man’s concentration

"This is Bethany, Bert. She’s staying with us until the storm passes"

Bert twisted round in his chair, his face was red from laughing at the TV program. He had a bit of a beard which had silver flecks in it. Bethany smiled at him and dipped her head.

"Please to meet you. Thank you for your hospitality" Bert laughed a little. Bethany couldn’t help but be reminded of Santa Claus. Even though Bert was dressed in a t-shirt with beer branding on it and slack jeans, he came across as a very jolly fellow.

"Don’t be thanking us missy. It’s our duty as citizens to help one another out when the time calls for it, ain’t that right Hel?"

Helena nodded.

"Yep. Anyway, lets get you into that shower kiddo"

Bethany blushed a little, she had noticed the fact that Helena had been using words like sweetie and dear and now kiddo? Bert too, calling her missy. It felt a little odd to be talked to like that, specially since she was far from a child, her petite figure didn’t hide her ample chest. She was due to be twenty in a few weeks time. She let it slide for now, not wishing to upset her hosts as she followed Helena upstairs and into the bathroom.

Helena handed Bethany the warm mug.

"This is for you, its a herbal tea. It’ll help you warm up a bit"

Bethany graciously accepted the beverage and took a sip. She tingled from the pleasure of the warm tisane. It was sweetened with honey and had mint qualities. She watched as Helena bustled around the room for a few seconds, grabbing up towels from a nearby cupboard and busying herself selecting out a couple of shower gels and shampoos from a neat collection in a nearby drawer.

"Feel free to use any of these" She said laying them all out on a shelf. Along with two large white fluffy towels "I need to turn the water supply on that feeds the shower, the stopcock is downstairs, so give me a minute or two then just turn the knobs." She pointed at the shower. It was self explanatory really.

"When you’re done, if you go into the next room on the right I will have gotten you an outfit together, just pop it on and pop downstairs" She nodded at the Bethany and Bethany felt herself nodding back in agreement, showing she understood the instructions. She took another sip of the hot drink, feeling herself relaxing. She was being so well looked after, she was glad she had decided to try going for help. She could have been still back at the car cold, miserable. Alone.

"When you get undressed just leave your clothes outside of the bathroom door and i’ll have them in the dryer ready for when you leave"

Bethany felt eternally grateful, she would have to get Helena’s address and phone number to make sure she sent them a thank you gift when she got back home. With everything said Helena sighed happily at Bethany and folded her arms.

"Well, i’ll leave it to you then sweetie. See you downstairs soonish"

With that Helena left Bethany alone. Pulling the door shut and bolting it, Bethany quickly stripped naked, then folded up her wet clothes and unlocked the door, opened it enough so that she could quickly slide her wet things outside the door then closed and bolted the door again. She stood there naked in the pristine Bathroom, her long golden hair falling across her large bosom. She finished her herbal tea. She would need to find out what type of tea it had been for she felt re-energised and warmed from the drink.

Doing all of that should have given Helena enough time to turn the stopcock on so Bethany climbed into the shower and turned the knob. There was heavy clanking coming from the pipes for a second before a hot stream of water powered down on her. She sighed in bliss, scrubbing herself down and lathering her hair with the shampoo provided. It smelt of summer berries and mint. Bethany guessed Helena must really like mint. It seemed to be a running theme.

Soon she was washed and feeling more refreshed than she had done in a long time, she wrapped one of the large white towels round her hair and the other one round her body, it almost wrapped roud her twice it was that large and she smiled feeling the warm fluffy towel around her.

Unlocking the door to the bathroom she stuck her head out. Her clothes were gone and she could hear Bert chuckling at the TV downstairs. Quickly she nipped out of the bathroom and into the room on the right. She closed the door behind her quickly and turned to survey her new surroundings. The room was of a light pastel pink colour. All the furniture in the room was white. there was a white rocking chair with pink and white cushions on it, a white vanity dresser with a large mirror, combs and brushes and hair bows were neatly arranged on the dresser top. The bed frame was white with a pink and white patchwork quilt. Everything had frills on it.

The room again smelt of that flowery lavender mint scent that seemed to be predominant in the whole of the house but this room was particularly strong with it. She tried to find the source of the smell and walked to the window. On the window was an incense burner, oddly it had a stork stencilled into the side. It looked almost identical to the one on the invitation, but then there were only so many ways you could draw a stork. Bethany saw that there was a clear liquid slowly burning in it, she sniffed the smoke then stepped back after getting an overpowering waft of the scent. She looked around for the clothes Helena had said she would lay out for her, suddenly remembering that she was supposed to dress and head downstairs. She couldnt see any clothes though and her forehead furrowed in confusion. There were some more white towels laid on the bed but she didn’t need any more towels she had enough.

She waited for a while hoping Helena would arrive with some clothes, she didn’t appear. Bethany stood and went over to the white wardrobe feeling cheeky for rummaging but not wanting to go downstairs dressed in only a towel. She pulled open the door and took a step backwards.

"What the hell?" She muttered to herself as she thumbed through some of the outfits. There was only five outfits in the entire cupboard, three were dresses and there was one set of overalls but they were of a very childish nature. She noted that the overalls were deep pink in colour and had snaps in the crotch, just like real infant clothing, for easy diaper changes. There was daisies embroidered into the front pocket . The last outfit was a fleecy pink footed sleeper. It too had snaps in the crotch and she touched them, as if touching them would confirm what she was seeing. She noticed a set of drawers inside the cupboard too and she pulled open the top drawer. Nappy rash cream, pins, a couple of oversized pacifiers. She pulled out something plastic and unfolded it, holding it up to the light when she realised she was holding up a pair of massive plastic pants. She shouldn’t be rummaging. This was bad. She wondered what was in the other two drawers

She heard someone coming and quickly folded the pants up again returned them to the cupboard and closed the door. Her mouth was dry and she tried to compose herself, push thoughts of what she had just discovered out of her head. The door handle to the room twisted and Helena stepped through carrying yet more towels.

"I’m sorry sweetie, have you been out the shower long?" Helena asked apologetically

Bethany shook her head.

"Only about ten minutes or so. I...couldn’t find the clothes you said you’d put out for me" She said feeling a bit strange standing in front of this elder woman in just a couple of towels.

Helena nodded as she held up the towels.

"Yes I hadn’t quite gotten round to putting some fresh attire out for you my dear, but hold on a tick and we’ll get you all sorted."

Helena then knelt down on the carpet she unfolded one of the large towels she carried and then began folding it again, only at different angles. Bethany watched confused for a few moments until she suddenly realised what Helena was doing. Her eyes widened and a large grin appeared on her face and she laughed feeling a bit afraid but more shocked as she was unable to believe what was happening in front of her.

"errm...what are you doing?" Bethany asked, although she could clearly see.

Helena didn’t look up from her task, she spoke as she continued to adjust the first towel and then place a second towel on top and began folding that.

"I’m folding your diapers sweetie, we’ll soon have you all nice and snug."

Bethany backed away from the elder woman, feeling her face flush with embarrassment.

"I’m really thankful for all the hospitality you’ve shown me, but i’m not wearing diapers. I’m not a child"

At first Bethany thought Helena was ignoring her as the elder woman continued to fold the large cloth nappies, Bethany simply stood there waiting for a response, it was as if someone had hit a pause button. Helena finished folding, there must be four or so cloth nappies on the floor now. It was massive. Helena stood and dusted her hands down.

"Right, pop on!"

Bethany scoffed and shook her head.

"Didn’t you hear me? I’m not a baby." She was feeling stupid now, Helena was just smiling at her, as if they were having an ordinary normal conversation. Bethany realised she was holding her breath. Waiting for Helena to speak. Her heart was hammering in her chest.

"You’re not a baby yet, but you’re going to be so adorable when you get there. I can hardly wait!"

If Bethany had expected any sentence to come from Helena, it had not been that sentence. It didn’t even make sense. Helenas voice had been so full of anticipated excitableness. The elder womans face had simply lit up like a kids on Christmas day.

Without warning Bethany bolted for the door, she had to get away from this crazy lady. She should have known this had all been too good to be true. She flung open the door and ran straight into Bert who was blocking the doorway. He wrapped his large arms around her, causing Bethany to shriek and kick and scream as Bert physically lifted Bethany and carried her back into the room

"Oh Sally, hush now, don’t struggle you’ll be much happier once we have you dressed. Bert lay her down on her diapers so I can pin her into them" Bethany kicked and screamed even more, but Bert was much bigger and much stronger than she was. The towel fell from her hair as she struggled but the towel around her body stayed in place.

"Right-o Hel. Come along, cupcake, be a good girl for daddy." Bert said as he walked over to the prepared diaper and pushed Bethany down on it. He tried to sit on her legs and hold her arms at the same time but she was struggling so hard that Helena couldn’t get close enough to do anything useful. Helena sighed and stepped back.

"This isn’t working, Bert, would you mind?"

Bert had already read Helena’s mind on what he needed to do and he nodded grimly, not relishing what he was about to administer.

"Sally, behave little one or i’m going to have to spank you." Bethany froze for a second. He wasn’t being serious surely.

"HEEEELLLLLP!!!" She screeched at the top of her voice. "SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME..E...E" She started to sob uncontrollably as she kicked and tried to bite as Bert plucked her back up off the floor, her limbs flailing, but her struggles were being unheeded. He walked to the bed and settled his large frame on the end of the pristine blanket. Then tugged the towel away from Bethany. She squealed as she tried to cover up her nakedness but he was already pulling her across his lap and she fell heavily across him. With one hand pushed against her back to stop her escaping he spanked her ten times with his other large hand. The pain was intense and afterwards all strength fled from her. She sobbed and sobbed, tears rolling down her flushed cheeks. What was going to become of her. What were these mad people going to do? Bert plucked the limp naked woman from his lap and settled her into a sitting position, He rocked back and forth stroking her shower damp hair, feeling heavy hearted that he had had to spank her so early into their daddy/daughter relationship. He hushed her as he carried her, still sobbing and laid her on the clean fresh diapers Helena had set out. Bethany had stopped really resisting. She had decided to let them put her in diapers, she would do what they wanted of her and at the first opportunity she would find a way to escape

"Thanks Bert." Helena had said. Then remembering something important Helena moved swiftly to the window bringing the incense burner with her and a small music box, again Bethany noticed the small stork emblem on the side. What was going on?

"Have you taken your pill?" She asked Bert seriously, as he pinned Bethanys hands down on the carpet, just in case she should resume resisting. He nodded and smiled.

"Great. Me too, Okay lets do this shall we. Time to become parents, finally..." Helena opened up the music box, the soft tinkling music soothed Bethany a little and she felt herself oddly relaxing despite her situation. Helena was looking directly into her eyes and Bethany couldn’t tear her embarrassed gaze away

"You’re going to be such a good girl for mommy arn’t you Sally. Once Mommy has you in this big thick diaper you’re going to be soo happy." A sob escaped Bethany as Helena grabbed some baby powder and puffed it onto Bethanys crotch.

"we’ll have to do something about that nasty hair down here later, but not tonight. Its way past baby’s bed time. We dont want a cranky baby do we? No we don’t! No we don’t" Bethany blushed at being cooed to. She wasn’t a baby, no matter how many diapers they were about to put her in.

Then Helena pulled the layers of towelling up between Bethanys splayed legs. Something instantly happened. Bethany relaxed completely, her arms felt heavy, her legs felt heavy and a large grin just broke out onto her face. Helena held two diaper pins in her mouth as she watched Bethany closely, knowing that the hypnotic suggestion had taken hold. the combination of the herbs in her tea the aerosol in the air and finally the music box had done their job. Just like it had said in the contract.

"Bert, you can relax now." Sighing Bert let go of Bethanys arms and sat back on his haunches to watch. This was it, Bethany thought. I can make a break for it. But she didn’t move. She WANTED to move. She wanted to jump up, naked as the day she was born and sprint for the door. But she just lay there kicking her legs, her arms grabbing dust motes in the air. A giggle escaped her. Whats happened to me? Fear gripped her and she found herself crying.

"Aww shush shush Sally, Mommy will make it all better." Helena finished pinning the massive cloth diaper onto Bethany. Bethany just lay on her back and wailed. Her name wasn’t Sally.

"Can you get me the plastic pants and footed sleeper from the cupboard Bert?" She asked her husband, who calmly walked to the cupboard and brought over the desired things. He smiled warmly at his new baby girl. She was so cute, even when she was crying.

Helena dressed Bethany in the outfit that Bethany had discovered moments before. Bethany had never imagined for a moment that the outfit had been intended for her. The plastic pants crinkled terribly as her legs kicked out feebly She looked down at herself her large padded butt was ridiculously huge, her legs were bowed out so far she knew she wouldn’t be able to touch her knees together but she almost doubted she’d be able to touch her ankles together. She knew she stood no chance of walking, she wondered if she’d be able to even crawl in something this large around her waist. She had no control over her body, she couldn’t get it to do anything she wanted.

Let me go, please i’ll do anything, just let me go! She tried to talk but all that came out was baby babble and drool. Frustrated she burst into fresh tears.

"Awww Sally. Come to Daddy cupcake" Bethany felt herself being plucked like a limp ragdoll from the floor and was settled into Bert’s arms. She lay against his left arm his large left hand supporting her by her diaper. He cooed at her but she continued to cry. Then Helena leaned over and placed one of the oversized pacifiers in her mouth. Instantly Bethany quietened down and sucked on the binkie. Both new parents breathed a collective sigh of relief at the sudden peace and quiet, and they stared fondly at Bethany as she sucked.

"I didn’t honestly believe the Stork program would work. This is amazing. The wonders of modern technology these days. Finally our own child" Bert said as he wiggled his fingers in Bethanys face causing the hypnotised teenager to grab at his fingers and giggle. Bert chuckled back.

"Its not over yet Bert. The treatment takes another three days. Hopefully by tomorrow mid morning she should start to shrink, so long as we keep feeding her the herbs and keep those incense burning. By the end of the next day she will be baby sized. I can’t wait for that. We’ll be able to go out into town and show her off. Then the last day her mind will finally be wiped and we’ll have our precious little girl." Helena stroked Bethanys hair. Bethany could understand everything that was being said and she felt horrified. She was going to shrink? These people were crazy, people just didn’t shrink. She had to find a way to escape, but she couldn’t control her limbs, what chance would she have if she had no control over her own body. She wanted to cry but the pacifier seemed to be preventing her from even doing that now.

"Well lets put the little one down for the night. It’s going to be busy the next couple of days, making sure everythings done right. I’m sure she’ll keep trying to find ways to escape, at least until her mind goes to mush, and she forgets who she was. Bethany, such a dreadful name, reminds me of Brittany. She looks so much more like a Sally." Helena said. Bert simply looked at Bethany in his arms.

"Can’t she stay up just a little longer. She’s just so perfect. I don’t ever want to put her down." Bethany wanted to scream, she wanted to kick and punch and bite, instead she just burbled happily up at her new daddy waving her arms at him for attention. He smothered her in kisses his whiskery face causing Bethany to break into hysterical babyish giggles. Delighted by this response her daddy did it again and again. Soon mother father and baby were all laughing at the antics. After a while Bethany yawned. Bert frowned in disappointment.

"Looks like little Sally is a tired-y girl. Mommy is right, it’s time for beddie bye byes" Bethany wanted to glare but she couldn’t even manage that. She just sucked on her dummy, her big baby blue eyes looking up lovingly at her daddy. He laid her on the bed and tucked her in.

"Do you think she’ll be safe in a normal bed for tonight? " he asked concerned.

Helena nodded. "In a diaper that size she’s not moving anywhere we don’t move her ourselves. You know she’s only going to be adult sized for a day or so, so there wasn’t much point in getting a full scale crib. She’ll hopefully be sleeping in her own nursery by tomorrow night." Bert nodded thoughtfully, scratching his chin.

"Yeah I guess your right...Mom" He nudged her and winked at her and she smiled kissing him on the cheek.

"I’m going to have to get used to being called that aren’t I?" Her grin got bigger as the new parents headed for the door.

"Night night Sally. We love you" Helena said as they headed into the hallway and gently pushed the door closed.

Bethany just lay there babbling infantile nonsense to herself as she sucked on her binkie. She felt suddenly that she was wetting herself but only giggled at the feeling. Inside, mentally, she was horrified, she was pissing herself just like a real infant. She didn’t want to be here, would she really start shrinking in the morning? That surely was impossible. Her eyelids closed, she wanted to open them but she had no control. She lay there in the dark in her wet diapers. She could feel herself drifting off to sleep, she fought it, she had to come up with a plan, but within moments she had lost the battle and was sound asleep.

 

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