Sallas
Elfking
Summary:
Anna is a very unfortunate young woman. Orphaned at a young age in a country that believes women are inferior and infantilizes them she is adopted and has to grow up in a society she knows is unfair.

Follow Anna as she graduates from High School and navigates married life in a country that believes she should be nothing more than a baby and sevant for her husband.

(Updates will be once a week on a Saturday)

Chapter 1: Part One
Summary:
Anna is a very unfortunate young woman. Orphaned at a young age in a country that believes women are inferior and infantilizes them she is adopted and has to grow up in a society she knows is unfair.

Chapter Text
Sallas

By Elfy

Anna woke up with a feeling of dread. As she sat up in bed she felt her diaper crinkle wetly and as her eyes adjusted to being awake she saw her childish princess pink bedroom coming into focus. From the princess posters on the wall to the unicorn bedsheets everything was designed to be as feminine and childish as possible. It would’ve been great for a child but for eighteen-year-old Anna it was a reminder of her miserable situation.

It was a big day for Anna but one she was not looking forward to in the slightest. In fact she had every reason to believe it would be the worst day of her life. She relaxed her bladder and wet her already damp diaper. She had desperately tried to maintain her bladder and bowel control which was very much unlike most girls her age. She was eighteen-years-old and today would be the day of both her graduation and marriage along with thousands of other women across the country.

Anna swung her legs over the side of the bed. She was thankful at least that her adoptive parents hadn’t put up the side of the crib, when they did that it meant she was trapped until someone let her out which was beyond humiliating no matter how many times it happened. Her light nightgown went down just past her knees but the embarrassing underwear underneath showed through. She opened the cabinet at the bottom of her bedside table and pulled out one of the only reminders she had of what felt like a completely different life.

The photo album that Anna pulled out was well-worn from how often it was handled and flicked through. She opened the book to a random page and saw a photo of her family from eight years ago, the smiling girl in the picture was unrecognisable to Anna now. She closed her eyes and tried to recall the events that had led to this place.

Anna’s parents and sister had travelled to Sallas on business eight years ago. Sallas was, and is, a very wealthy and powerful country that was also horrendously misogynistic. Women were little more than children in the views of the men that ran the country. As such women didn’t work and had very little rights, many weren’t even potty trained until their marriages which were often arranged by their fathers.

“Why did you bring me here…” Anna whispered under her breath as she ran her finger over the photo.

Anna’s father had business to conduct and had brought the rest of the family for a vacation. Although the society was misogynistic women that weren’t from Sallas were usually treated equally and at the resort the family were going to stay at they would be fine. Anna couldn’t remember much of the vacation at this point but she remembered the day the whole family went for a drive into the countryside, she remembered the truck coming the other way and the next thing she knew she was in the hospital.

Anna was the only survivor. She was too young to memorize contact details and after a cursory check for family back in her home country Anna was sent to an orphanage. She was adopted shortly afterwards and had been living with this family ever since. The photos were all she had left. Not much else had survived the crash. It didn’t take long at all to realise that life in Sallas was very different from home.

“Anna!” The booming voice of Harold Abbott, Anna’s adoptive father, seemed to make the floor shake, “Get your butt down here!”

Anna sighed as she put her photo album away. As soon as Anna had been put in care she had had to learn the customs of Sallas. She still had nightmares over the tantrum, punishment and diapering on her first day in the care home. Even for a ten-year-old it was a huge culture shock and she had never accepted the position all other girls took as inevitable for them.

Anna remembered trying to tell the other girls that none of this was normal. She remembered trying to explain to them that outside of Sallas girls weren’t treated like this. Most of them looked at her as if she was an alien whilst a few openly mocked her desire for equality.

Back in Anna’s former country she had loved going to school. She had enjoyed all her lessons especially science and math, but these weren’t options for a woman in Sallas. The last eight years of her schooling had been about making sure she knew her place, about making her a good wife. It felt like her time at school was let about teaching her things and more about building a brochure that could be presented to men who were interested in her. She hated every minute of it and frequently got into trouble, she just couldn’t accept this state of affairs.

Anna knew better than to make her father wait. Harold certainly didn’t share Anna’s progressive views on women and it felt like Anna had spent half her time in this house being punished for one reason or another. Anna stood up and felt her diaper sag slightly. She pulled her nightie off and replaced it with a loose fitting pair of pants and a shirt.

As Anna walked downstairs she could heard her adoptive mother, Michelle, bustling around in the kitchen. Like a good housewife she was preparing breakfast for everyone. Anna walked into the kitchen and slumped into the chair opposite her father. Harold was leaning back in his seat and reading the newspaper. She felt so many emotions for what was to come that day but they were nearly all negative.

“You know I don’t like when you do that.” Harold grunted as Michelle put a plate of toast down in front of Anna.

“Huh?” Anna looked up from her food.

“Pants are for men.” Harold said as he lowered his newspaper.

“I’m just wearing it here.” Anna said quietly, “I’m not going to wear them outside.”

“You better not.” Harold warned, “You don’t want to be sent to Finishing School…”

Anna shivered. For once she agreed with her father. The “Finishing Schools” were basically brainwashing camps. Women and girls who didn’t toe the line were sent to these secretive places and were never the same when they came back. No one really knew what happened inside those walls and it was a good reminder to Anna what could happen any time the men in her life wanted. Anna’s small teenage acts of defiance would stop as soon as that scary place was mentioned.

“Is your dress ready? Your gown? Oh you must be so excited! Can I get you a drink?” Michelle buzzed around Anna like a bee.

Anna felt bad for her mother who had always grown up in these oppressive conditions but she felt even worse for herself. She had an arranged marriage planned for just after her graduation. What should’ve been the happiest day of her life felt like little more than being signed over from one master to another. She only vaguely knew the person to whom she was betrothed, he had been in her grade at school but boys and girls didn’t often interact thanks to their vastly different curriculums.

“Yes, I spoke to Ryan’s father this morning.” Harold said as he drank some of his coffee, “He’s very excited.”

“I bet he is.” Anna muttered quietly, “He’s basically getting a free slave.”

“You’ll be delighted when you see him.” Harold continued as if he didn’t hear Anna, “He seems like a very nice young man. Super ambitious too. He’s going to take over his Dad’s business one day. ”

Anna had seen pictures of Ryan. He was taller than she was and was admittedly good looking even if his smile came off as a little insincere. She didn’t know too much else about him except his father was very wealthy and Ryan would be getting fast tracked up the company ladder once he had finished college. It was hard to believe that these were the only things she knew about the man she would be marrying in just a few hours’ time.

For men business and power meant everything. In the rigid gender defined society of Sallas a man’s worth could be defined by how much was in his bank account and how many people he had underneath him. All men aspired to climb the corporate ladder as far as possible.

“Oh, of course, before you start!” Michelle hurried over again. Anna saw something in her hand and immediately grimaced.

“Oh, mom… come on.” Anna complained though she knew it was pointless.

“You’ll have to get used to it.” Harold grunted as he flicked his eyes over to look at Anna, “I’ve been too lax with you.”

As a bib fluttered down over Anna’s head and she rolled her eyes. The white cloth designed to keep her clothes clean was completely unnecessary. She couldn’t help but shake her head with an ironic smirk. Lax was not a word she would use to describe Harold’s style of parenting, though in truth she knew most girls wouldn’t have got off so lightly with some of the things she had done growing up.

Anna looked at the food without appetite. She pushed the plate away from her and looked up at her father. It was an embarrassment to her that every morning she had to wait for Harold to decide to change her diaper so she could get ready for the day. There was something she needed to do before her change though. She hated doing this with people present but it wasn’t like she had a choice.

Anna put her hands to the seat underneath her and lifted her butt off the seat. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in the same way she had done thousands of times before. With her cheeks blushing red she pushed down with her straining tummy muscles. It was like an explosion in her diaper as soft lumps were pushed out of her in quick succession.

The poop quickly piled up in the seat of her diaper. It’s slimy warmth a familiar if unwelcome feeling for the eighteen-year-old. She kept her ass off the wooden surface of the seat as Harold looked up from his newspaper. He checked his watch and sighed with annoyance before folding the newspaper up.

“I suppose you’ll want that sorted out before we leave.” Harold said as he lifted himself up, “Come on. I look forward to not having to do this anymore.”

Anna bit her lip before her mouth got her in trouble again. Bred for generations to be unquestioning, most women in Sallas didn’t give their men much trouble, Anna didn’t have that same unquestioning obedience. She stood up and started to follow her adoptive father out of the kitchen. She looked over her shoulder to see her mother standing by her seat and watching her go. Michelle had a troubling look on her face.

“Of course you’ll be coming back here after the wedding.” Harold continued as they went up the stairs, “Ryan will need to go to college and he won’t need you there.”

Anna knew all this. She knew the plan was to be married to Ryan and then whilst he goes off to college she would stay at home cooking and cleaning. Her further education would be an intensive course on being a good housewife. Then she would be sent off with a man she barely knew to turn into a good little Sallasian woman.

Anna followed her father back to her bedroom and walked over to the changing table for a process that had happened countless times in the past. She pulled down her pants without a modicum of shame. She then turned so her back was to the changing table and put her hands on the edge. She jumped and lifted herself up. When she landed on the table in a sitting position she winced, the mess in her diaper was compacted between her butt and the table spreading it all over her skin. That was a feeling she would never get used to.

Anna laid back and looked up to the ceiling as Harold gathered a fresh diaper, some baby wipes and baby powder. There was little care in the way he pulled at the tapes on the front of her disposable. This was just a necessary task for the patriarch of the family, something that all men were obligated to do, an unpleasant but unavoidable chore.

As Anna felt the cool wet wipes rubbing on her skin she felt a sudden feeling of panic flood her system. There was something in the casual way this was happening that made her shiver, the reality of this being her whole life hit her like a brick.

“Please don’t make me marry him…” Anna whimpered as she felt herself tremble.

“Anna, we’ve been through this.” Harold replied impatiently.

“I want to go back!” Anna yelled now. She felt tears fill her eyes though she tried to rapidly blink them away. She cursed herself for not being stronger, “Just send me back! I’d rather be homeless back home than live here!”

Harold had just finished wiping her clean and now Anna knew she had made a mistake. The used diaper was balled up and dropped in the pail at the end of the padded table. Instead of putting her straight into a fresh disposable Harold instead roughly pulled Anna off the table and went over to the bed.

“No!” Anna cried out, “I hate this place! I hate you!”

Harold said nothing. Anna was pulled by her wrist and as her father sat on the edge of the bed, she was pulled forwards and across his lap. Anywhere else in the world an eighteen-year-old girl getting a spanking would be exceptionally unusual, in Sallas it was very common. Anna kicked her legs out to try to escape but Harold was very practiced with this and his leg tucked around Anna’s to prevent movement.

The first spank was enough of a shock to the system that Anna yelped like a puppy with its tail trodden on. Harold didn’t hold back when punishing the women in the house and Anna could do little but pray for mercy as he spanked her rear end repeatedly.

“You. Do. As. Your. Told!” Each of Harold’s word was spat out angrily and was punctuated by a spank to Anna’s butt.

Anna sobbed as she felt the stinging and heat of her punishment warming her buttocks. Combined with the humiliation she just felt awful. She shook her head from side to side as if saying no to a question.

“Your. Insolence. Will. Get. You. In. Trouble!” Harold continued.

Anna obviously couldn’t see her butt but she was sure it was bright red by now and probably even had her father’s handprint on it. She wailed loudly like a toddler being punished. She hated crying, nothing made her feel more like the child the men of that cursed country treated has as like crying. She took great hiccupping breaths in between each smack of her bottom which made her exclaim.

“You. Will. Treat. Men. With. Respect!” Harold had to shout over the increasingly loud crying.

“I will! I will!” Anna desperately cried out. In that moment she was completely earnest but she would’ve agreed to anything if it stopped the punishment.

The final spank hit harder than the rest but Anna knew it was over as the hand lingered on her skin. After a couple of seconds she was stood up and facing Harold. He looked disappointed with her.

“Do you realise how good I’ve been to you?” Harold asked crossly, “Many men would have had you sent to the Finishing Schools for less than you’ve done over the years.”

Anna looked at the floor and sniffed loudly. Her tears rolled down her cheeks unchecked. This was often how punishments ended. Harold would remind her of everything he had done for her. How he had taken her in and given her a place to live and found her a good husband. Anna was supposed to be grateful just because he hadn’t sent her to be brainwashed. Sometimes Anna wondered if it would’ve been better to get re-educated, at least then she might not be so miserable with her place in life.

“Do you realise the damage you could’ve done to me and my career?” Harold asked, “Do you ever think about anyone but yourself?”

Anna remained silent. It was hard to let the man believe he was the victim in all of this but he didn’t expect nor want to be contradicted. The truth was that Anna could’ve done significant damage to Harold’s position in society. In the competitive, exclusively male world any perceived weakness could be fatal to any aspirations. To allow a rebellious woman in the house was to risk other men thinking you were weak or even sympathetic to them, it was hard to know which would be worse for the man in question.

“Get yourself cleaned up, dressed and put some make-up on.” Harold finally said after a protracted silence broken only by Anna’s tearful sniffling, “It’s your big day.”

Chapter 2: Part Two
Summary:
It's going to be a long day.

Anna is stuck in Sallas which has taken the ideas of misogyny and patriarchy and turned the volume up to eleven. Today is going to be a very trying day and after breakfast with her family she is to go to school for both her graduation and her wedding...

Chapter Text
Anna felt like she was being driven to the gallows as she sat quietly in the back of the car. She was dressed in her graduation gown, a long shockingly pink robe which went all the way down to her feet. She had her flat mortarboard hat in her hands in her lap. She was looking out the window feeling a combination of extreme anxiety and sadness. She knew her life was only going to get harder and more miserable from here.

Every time the car went over a bump in the road Anna winced. Her bruised butt wouldn’t allow her to forget her punishment that morning. Anna couldn’t help but think about what life could’ve been, she couldn’t help but imagine a reality where her family had never come to Sallas and she was graduating with all her friends and family looking on. She had to stop, it hurt too much knowing what she had and lost. She certainly never thought she’d be graduating and getting married with a severely bruised ass.

Anna had her bag next to her with her wedding dress in it. She couldn’t bear to look at it, she had worn it once when her father had bought it but even then had avoided looking in the mirror. She wondered if she could somehow escape still. Maybe when the car stopped at a red light she could burst out of the car and run away. It was a nice thought but completely impractical, the child locks for the rear doors were engaged and she had nowhere to go even if she could get out.

In the front passenger seat Michelle was keeping up a constant stream of inane chat even if the only responses she got was her husband grunting. Anna felt a fullness in her bladder and immediately relaxed, the warmth flooded around the bottom of the diaper and actually soothed her bruised butt a little bit.

“You’re a lucky girl!” Michelle turned in her seat with the forced smile that was permanently etched on her face, “Ryan’s going to be very wealthy and powerful one day. Have you thanked your father for making this happen?”

Anna stared daggers at Michelle. She wondered if that was what her future looked like. Complete acceptance of a terrible situation, doting on a man and trying to convince herself that she was lucky or had a good life. As much as she felt sorry for her adoptive mother she also felt intense resentment towards her.

“There’s no need to thank me.” Harold said as if he had done Anna a huge favour.

As the car approached the school Anna could see more and more people walking in. She felt her nerves jumping up another notch as the large building loomed in front of them. Her urge to run away grew alongside the dread that had settled in her stomach like a large rock. The car pulled up in the parking lot and when Anna stepped out of the car she could sense the strange excitement and tension in the air.

Anna followed Harold and Michelle as they left the car and went towards the main building. The temptation to run was overwhelming but Anna knew that doing so would mean being sent away. She looked around at the other young women hoping to see others experiencing the same horror that she was. Since the other young women had all grown up with the horribly restrictive rules Anna found most of them meekly following their families. She looked down on them until she realised she was doing the same thing.

“Harold, dear, I might need a change before the ceremony starts.” Michelle’s voice was quiet but she betrayed no hint of embarrassment at her request.

“Of course.” Harold sighed, “Anna, we’ll see you in there. Here keep this in your mouth.”

“Dad!” Anna started saying in annoyance.

Harold glared at her and Anna sighed. She reached out and took the pacifier her father was offering and reluctantly popped it between her lips. It wasn’t uncommon for her to have her mouth full in public like this, her father tended to give her the soother whenever he thought she might make a scene.

“We’ll see you in there.” Harold repeated.

Anna nodded her head. She didn’t miss the look her father gave her, it was telling her that she better be in there and she would be very sorry if she upset the cart. She watched as her dad took her mother by the hand and led her away. Anna was left alone in the lobby. There were people everywhere, both male and female, many were talking to each other but Anna remained alone. She had never had much in the way of friendship since none of the other girls wanted to be associated with such a “trouble maker.”

Anna looked around and saw Ryan in the far corner with his parents and talking to some friends. How strange it was that the person who would become her husband in such a short amount of time was standing right there. She felt nothing for the man, she barely knew him other than an acquaintance at school. She would’ve been surprised if she had said more than two dozen words to him over their whole time together in school. It was surreal to think she was going to spend her life with him. She tried not to assume the worst but she wondered just how bad he would be to her. In the best case scenario he would just be dismissive and condescending but in the worst case, well, Anna wasn’t keen on thinking about that for too long.

Anna thought that Ryan looked a little out of place. He seemed ill at ease next to the other men in his friendship group. Physically he was average sized and even kind of handsome in an over polished kind of way, it was as if every hair and on his head had been meticulously placed. It was too much, like every inch of him had been designed by committee. What really stood out though was the way he stood. Anna noted that his stance was why he was giving off such an awkward aura, his body language just screamed that he was uncomfortable.

Ryan looked over towards Anna. She quickly averted her eyes and realised she had actually been sucking on the pacifier for comfort. She hated giving any sign that her treatment was legitimate and immediately stopped the soother from bobbing between her lips. She turned to face the two entrances on the far wall. There were going to be two separate ceremonies in two different rooms at the same time, one for the men and the other for women. Anna wondered away from the place she was standing to see the room she was graduating in. She saw that they were allowing people to go in so she decided to just step into the mostly empty auditorium.

The stage was set and there were some people up there fiddling with the microphone and electronics. Anna took a seat at the back of the room and sighed. Above her, on the balcony, was a large seated area where family and friends could sit and watch, her parents would be up there soon. In the relative tranquillity of the large hall she found her thoughts drifting back to how much she loathed her situation. The urge to run yet again threatened to overtake her.

“Testing… Testing…” The voice crackling through the microphone startled Anna out of her thoughts. The feedback screeching afterwards made her cover her ears.

There must have been some announcement that the ceremonies were about to begin because the crowds started to come in. Anna saw that most of her fellow graduates looked excited or happy and she couldn’t understand it at all. She empathised with the few who came in looking as glum as she felt, those were surely the ones who had seen through the patriarchal crap. Everyone filed in with their pink robes and took their seats. Anna felt like an animal at the slaughterhouse waiting for her turn to be killed. She sighed with resignation as a young woman took to the stage to applause.

“Ladies, today is the first day or the rest of your lives.” The speaker announced. Anna didn’t know who she was and she didn’t care. She barely listened as she slumped in her seat, “All your years of education and training have made you all women ready to serve the men of Sallas. Many of you will be starting your life with your new husbands today, for others you will soon find your man but to all of you I say: your devotion to your domestic duties will allow your men to do their work that much better and make this country that much greater!”

The hall broke into applause again. Anna looked around at all the other women as if they were traitors. She couldn’t believe how much they were buying into this stuff. When Anna was younger she had convinced herself that the current order couldn’t exist forever and that as she got older things would change but it seemed like the subjugation of women was as strong as ever. Many of the graduates around her had pacifiers just like hers and in moments of silence there was a strange background noise of sucking.

Anna sunk further into her cheap plastic seat as she listened to the speaker drone on and on about how important it would be to be good housewives. Anna knew that if she was back in her original country she would be looking forward to college or work, now she was going to be all but literally chained to the house. Perhaps it would be a literal chain, there were really few rules about what men could and couldn’t do with their women.

“It is our school’s hope that none of you will need to be sent for re-education. That all of you will embrace your roles and do your duties.” The speaker’s words were presented cheerfully but Anna heard the threat hidden beneath them. She felt a shiver go down her spine. Do what you’re told or else.

After the speaker finished and there was another round of applause one of the graduates went to the podium. The valedictorian went into her own speech and Anna tuned out again. The woman on the stage beamed with pride whilst Anna silently scorned her. The valedictorian had nothing to be proud of, they were simply the best at being a servant.

“And now we will start handing out your diplomas.” The first speaker had again taken the podium, “We will call you up in alphabetical order.”

Anna Abbott was the second person to be called up. She stood up as everyone applauded and walked to the stage. Underneath the bright lights that flooded the raised platform Anna shook hands with the smiling woman and took the diploma which she already knew meant nothing at all. It was a certificate to say she could cook and clean. As she walked off the stage and the next person went up Anna looked up and saw her parents waving. She blanked them as she returned to her seat.

The ceremony took an age and Anna spent the whole time with her arms crossed in front of her just waiting for it all to be over. When the final person took their certificate and returned to their seat Anna joined the others in standing up, as everyone threw their caps into the air Anna joined in just so she didn’t stand out. A woman who stood out was not a good thing in Sallas.

“Congratulations girls!” It was the Principal of the school on the stage now, “For those of you getting married we have a room for you to get changed into whilst we alter the room.”

Anna felt her stomach drop. This was the moment she was dreading. She saw a teacher waving over the girls who needed to get changed and she reluctantly joined the line. As she walked into the changing room she released her bladder and flooded her diaper without breaking her stride. She shuddered as the warm liquid ran between her legs and soaked into the padding.

The room was very basic. Anna hadn’t seen this door open before but she assumed it was the place that stored all the chairs and other bits and pieces the school kept for its ceremonies. It had been emptied now with just a bunch of plastic chairs and portable lockers that had been rented from some place. In the centre of the room was a large folding table that had a gym mat on it.

“How romantic…” Anna muttered darkly as she walked in and went to one of the plastic chairs at the back of the room. She spat her pacifier out and shoved it into her bag.

The bags the women had kept with them were now opened to reveal the dresses they would wear for their “special day.” Anna felt herself tearing up and it certainly wasn’t from happiness. The childish dream of a fancy princess wedding couldn’t be further from Anna’s reality. This mass ceremony was no designed to be romantic or an expression of love, it was little more than a business transaction.

The girls behind Anna were all chattering excitedly. Like Anna most of them barely knew the people they were about to tie themselves to forever but they didn’t seem put off at all. The brainwashing of these poor women from early life was often so strong that they considered this an ideal outcome. If Anna hadn’t been so horribly depressed by her own situation she would’ve felt sorry for them.

“Hurry up, girls!” A female teacher opened the door to call in, “Your men are waiting!”

Chapter 3: Part Three
Summary:
Anna learns what a marriage ceremony looks like in Sallas before meeting her new in-laws.

Chapter Text
As the other women exclaimed excitedly Anna pulled up the front of her graduating robe to see if she needed a change. Anna, like most girls, wasn’t allowed to change herself unless it was an emergency. There was a teacher standing next to the table and already she had a queue of girls forming for their changes. Anna decided she could wait, this was all embarrassing enough without being exposed to everyone present.

Anna pulled off her gown with her back to the rest of the room. She hurriedly pulled the wedding dress out of her bag and put it on without any real effort to make it look nice. She looked in the mirror with dead eyes. The dress was very basic but then she had basically refused to take part in picking one out. It looked to Anna like it was the cheapest dress her father could find.

Anna was rather rudely elbowed aside by a small group of young women positioning themselves in front of the mirror. She looked on with disgust as they touched up their make-up and adjusted their dresses. Anna was almost envious of the people she saw as brainless drones, at least they weren’t having to suffer like she was; at least they didn’t know better.

“You. Yes, you. Are you ready? Come on.” The woman that was stood just outside the door had stuck her head in and was looking straight at Anna.

“Me?” Anna asked as she pointed to herself.

“Yes, come on.” The woman waved for Anna to come over.

Anna was struck dumb by the suddenness of everything. She obviously knew her time as a single woman was short but to have it ended so suddenly and brutally left Anna feeling cold. She opened and closed her mouth a few times as the woman watched on impatiently. Anna got the impression that if she didn’t move soon she would be forcibly dragged out of the room.

Anna’s knees felt wobbly and she wondered if she might collapse at any moment but she walked across the room anyway. She couldn’t believe the room had been made ready for the ceremonies so quickly and although she knew this was coming it now felt like all her wishful fantasies had been closed off. She felt like she was having an out of body experience as she stepped past the woman and out into the main hall.

“Oh, hold on, you need this.” The woman said impatiently.

Anna turned to see the woman rummaging in her pockets for something. When she pulled out a large pacifier and held it out Anna felt her face flush with heat. Anna was confused but as she looked over the shoulder of the woman at the other graduates she saw them all getting pacifiers out, some looked very fancy. Since Anna’s was back in her bag she was being given a very basic white one that she supposed was to complement her dress.

“What is this?” Anna asked dumbly.

“It’s tradition here.” The woman said as she impatiently jabbed the pacifier against Anna’s chest.

“Tradition?” Anna repeated.

“Just take it and hurry up.” The woman said with another jab, “It’s to symbolise your place as your Husband’s woman.”

Anna knew her choices were limited to doing as she was told or risking a terrible punishment. With cheeks blushing a deep red she took the pacifier. She lifted it to put it in her mouth when her arm was slapped down by the woman who seemed to think Anna was being deliberately difficult.

“You give it to the groom to give to you.” The woman sighed with exasperation, “Honestly, did you not pay any attention in school?”

“Not really.” Anna replied honestly. It felt like sarcasm and being difficult was her default response to the dread she felt.

Anna lowered her hand again and turned to face the stage. It seemed the workers certainly had moved quickly. Most of the seats remained but now the stage had six white wooden arches set up along with podiums and officials. Anna swallowed anxiously, she felt like she was looking up at the gallows. With an extra jolt of horror Anna saw that Ryan was standing at one of the spaces in his suit. There were men at each of the arches and they were all looking towards the changing room expectantly.

“Well, go on then…” The woman nudged Anna in the back to get her to move, “We’ve got a lot to get through.”

Anna stared at Ryan. He was standing there in almost the same exact awkward pose as she saw him in earlier. He quickly looked away and then spoke to the official, he was whispering something that Anna was unable to hear. As Anna slowed to a stop before the stage again she heard the door to the changing room open. Several young women came spilling out and shrieked with delight when they saw the stage. They rushed forwards and took to the stage, Anna was nearly trampled as they pushed past.

Anna was the last of this first group to climb the stairs. It felt like she was on the conveyor belt at a marriage factory, she was just pushed along by forces she had no control over. Her diaper warmed again as she crinkled up the steps to the stage, it was certainly getting full now. Her heart was pounding and she looked up to the balcony where her parents were still watching. Michelle appeared to be filming proceedings which was the last thing Anna wanted, it felt like she was having a humiliating moment saved for posterity. She cast her eyes downwards towards the exit, her last chance to escape. She was surprised to see two large security guards at the door, she wondered if people making a run for it wasn’t as rare an occurrence as she had assumed.

As Anna approached Ryan she got her first look at him close-up. He still seemed to find it hard to make eye contact. Anna stood to the side awkwardly, tears started falling from her eyes but unlike the tears of happiness at most weddings, these were tears of sorrow.

“We are gathered here today to join Ryan Manning and Anna Abbott…” The official started.

As the official started to drone on Anna found it hard to pay attention. She couldn’t believe this was real life, she still hadn’t even really spoken to this man that she was about to be married to. She couldn’t look away from Ryan who watched the official intently. She wanted to stop everything and grab the official to tell him how mad this all was. If it didn’t have such dire consequences for her she might’ve found the whole thing so absurd as to be funny.

“Do you, Ryan Manning, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” The official asked. He sounded almost bored.

“I do.” Ryan replied. He glanced across at Anna and flashed a smile before quickly looking away again.

“Do you, Anna Abbott, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” The official turned to Anna.

Anna hesitated. She opened her mouth and then closed it again. She looked at the official, she looked at Ryan and then she looked across to where her parents were sitting. She saw Harold lean forwards as if he was about to get up.

“I… I…” Anna was fighting her own heart that was telling her to scream that she didn’t know this man, “I… do.”

Anna knew her words sounded disappointed and forced. She immediately started sobbing. Ryan looked even more awkward. Around them there were other couples tying the knot with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Young women being married off by their fathers and family, burdens passed on or pawns to cement new business relationships.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The official said as he closed the small notebook he had been holding in front of him.

Ryan took a step forwards and Anna tensed up automatically. She had her arms across her front as her new husband leaned in. He seemed to go for a kiss on the lips but as he got closer he moved to the side and in the end simply pecked Anna on the cheek. Anna looked away.

“And now for the ceremonial pacifier.” The officiator said, “The bride hands the pacifier to her husband to symbolise giving herself mind, body and soul to him.”

Anna reached out a trembling hand with the pacifier in it. She was trying her hardest not to break down in tears but as Ryan took the soother from her it felt like she was truly giving herself away. If the pacifier truly symbolised everything the officiator had said then this meant she was willingly handing over everything about herself. Giving her individuality and freedom to a man.

“The husband places the pacifier into the bride’s mouth to symbolise the acceptance of his burden and new responsibilities.” The officiator continued.

Anna watched as Ryan raised the pacifier up. The amber teat was facing Anna who was having difficulty not looking at the way Ryan was smiling. As Ryan’s hand came forward Anna reluctantly opened her trembling lips. She closed her eyes and felt a single tear roll down her cheek. She felt the soft nipple get pushed past her teeth and on to her tongue. When the plastic mouth guard hit her lips she closed her mouth. She felt humiliated and wanted to hide her face away from everyone else in the room.

“If you would both like to go to the table over there to sign the license…” The official pointed over to a table set up near the exit. It was staffed by two very dour looking elderly men.

“Right, OK then.” Ryan said rather awkwardly.

Anna wasn’t sure what to do but her dilemma was solved when Ryan unexpectedly took hold of her hand. She hadn’t expected it and her first instinct was to yank her hand back but Ryan’s grip didn’t budge. She was pulled behind the young man until she started walking. Anna growled angrily. As soon as they were off the stage Anna pulled the pacifier out of her mouth and surreptitiously dropped it on to the floor.

“You don’t have to pull me so hard.” Anna hissed angrily. She reached up with her free hand to wipe away the tears that were still running down her cheeks.

Ryan didn’t respond. Was this going to be the rest of Anna’s life? Serving a man who didn’t talk to her, barely even looked at her even. It occurred to her that she knew nothing about this man, who knew what he might be capable of. She took a couple of deep breaths to try and calm down her panicking mind.

“Sign here.” One of the old men said when the newlyweds reached the table.

The form was laid out in front of the couple. Ryan took the pen and signed his name without delay, he held the pen out for Anna whose hand he had finally released. It wasn’t like she had a choice in the matter. It almost felt like there was a gun to her head as she put the pen to the paper. There were tears in her eyes as she signed herself into servitude.

“Very good.” The old man said as he took the contract back.

Anna stood silently as the details were checked and then the contract copied. The copy was handed back to Ryan whilst the original was filed away. Anna looked over her shoulder to the stage where she saw all the other ceremonies in progress. One couple was coming down to the table to sign their contract, Anna noticed the woman was smiling but it didn’t seem very natural.

“Time to go.” Ryan’s instructed.

With no choice but to follow Anna walked a step behind Ryan until they left the main hall and were back in the Foyer. Anna wasn’t sure exactly what was happening next. Almost as soon they had left the hall where all the ceremonies had happened Ryan dropped her hand and walked over to where his friends were huddled.

Anna was now alone in her wedding dress. She had been so anxious about the ceremony itself she didn’t really know what was supposed to happen now that it was over. She didn’t know if she should’ve gone over with Ryan or not, the thought of following him around like a little lost puppy made her nauseous. To hell with what everyone else wanted or expected, Anna thought as she folded her arms across her chest, she wasn’t about to become the timid housewife demanded by society.

“It’s all done then, eh?” Harold’s voice made Anna jump and she turned around to see him standing behind her with Michelle next to him. To Anna’s surprise Michelle was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

“It was beautiful!” Michelle said as she sniffed back the tears.

Anna frowned at her. There had been nothing beautiful about her ordeal. It had been a rushed administrative procedure, it felt more like a business transaction than anything else. Anna wondered if her adoptive mother was truly so brainwashed or in denial that the meagre service done to hand Anna over to Ryan seemed truly romantic. Not for the first time in her life Anna wanted to reach over to her mom and shake her, to scream at her to wake up.

“You’re a lucky girl.” Harold said, “Ryan will earn a lot of money in the future. I don’t know why he picked you but here we are…”

“He picked me?” Anna repeated with a frown.

“His father told him he needed to get married and he said your name.” Harold shrugged, “I wasn’t about to turn down the dowry.”

“Dowry?” Anna wondered why so many parts of her marriage were kept secret from her. Then she remembered no one was acting maliciously, they just didn’t think she needed to know the details of her own life.

“A percentage of future earnings will be coming to me.” Harold said with a big smile, “A most generous share I must say.”

“I’m so happy I could fund your retirement.” Anna spat out sarcastically.

“There’s no need to sulk, dear.” Michelle said as she reached out a trembling hand.

Anna had to bite her tongue to prevent herself from causing a scene. She had seen the guards earlier and knew they would have no compunction in dragging her off. She turned away from her parents to look back at Ryan who was laughing with his friends. He had apparently chosen her. Anna had no idea why he would pick her when they had barely spoken to each other before, there must’ve been girls that he knew better.

To be fair Anna was surprised anyone at all picked her to marry. She was known as a troublemaker even if she stayed the right side of the line to stop herself getting dragged off. Such a rebellious girl wasn’t usually considered as good wife material. She was the sort of girl others shook their head at and whispered to their friends about and Anna wouldn’t have it any other way.

“If it isn’t my new daughter-in-law!” A male voice boomed loud enough to make Anna jump, “And Harold, good to see you.”

“Michael, hope you’re well, how’s everything going?” Harold asked as he shook the new man’s hand.

Anna turned around to see a squat man with a large belly greeting her parents. His hair was very clean-cut though it was greying around the edges. He was well dressed, clearly he was trying to display his wealth as an act of dominance. Next to Michael was the person Anna assumed was her new mother-in-law. The woman looked half Michael’s age with clearly fake breasts that jutted out almost obscenely. It looked like her face had received a lot of attention as well, to the point it looked like changing facial expressions would be a real problem for her.

“Everything’s great!” Michael’s voice seemed to be permanently raised as if he thought every word he said should be heard by everyone in the room, “Even better for seeing Anna. Aren’t you just the prettiest little thing?”

Anna didn’t respond.

“You’ll have to forgive Anna.” Harold quickly said when it became clear Anna wasn’t going to say anything, “It’s been a big day. You know what women are like, all emotional and everything.”

“Of course, of course!” Michael laughed loudly and slapped Harold on the back.

Anna felt very uncomfortable and wanted to leave but no one cared. There was a loud laugh form the group Ryan was with. She turned her head to see one of them doing a stupid little dance. Great, she thought, not only am I married to a stranger but he’s an immature ass as well. Anna kept looking at her new mother-in-law with disgust. The poor woman seemed more plastic than flesh at this point, had any of the surgeries been her choice? Anna doubted it.

After a few minutes of small talk Michael and Harold agreed to play golf together soon and then the in-laws walked away. As Michael went past Anna he reached down and gave her butt a quick pat. Anna felt her diaper get pressed against her skin. Anna jumped and only just stopped herself from swinging a punch at him.

“Don’t touch me!” Anna growled at her father-in-law.

“Excuse me?” Michael looked affronted that Anna had dared speak up.

“Just… leave me alone.” Anna continued, “I’m not your piece of meat.”

“No.” Michael stepped up to Anna and looked her up and down. His leering gaze made Anna shiver, “You’re my son’s piece of meat, and if he listens to me he’ll soon get that attitude out of you.”

Anna swallowed hard at the threat. Michael stayed in her face for another few seconds before finally backing away. His hard features suddenly melted into a loose approximation of a smile. He linked arms with his Barbie-doll wife.

“Call my secretary, Harold. Arrange that golf game.” Michael turned away and swaggered off with his wife tottering along beside him.

Anna was still glaring at Michael when she felt her arm taken. She was practically dragged to the side of the room where they were away from prying ears. When Harold stopped Anna forcibly pulled her arm free and rubbed at where she had been grabbed, the skin there was turning an angry red.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing!?” Harold hissed, “Do you know who that man is? Do you know what he could do?”

“He grabbed my-” Anna started to protest. She willed the tears that were threatening to spring forth from her eyes away.

“I don’t care what he did.” Harold continued angrily, “If you want to get yourself thrown into an institution be my guest but you will not risk the money I’m getting from this.”

“You are a bastard.” Anna muttered before she could stop herself.

What happened next was so quick Anna was unable to even try and resist. She was pulled closer to Harold who bent her over at the waist. Her arms flew out in front of her but she couldn’t stop what was happening. Anna could feel the back of her dress getting flipped up revealing her wet diaper to the room and everyone in it.

“You will respect men.” Harold growled threateningly.

The first spank caused Anna to exclaim loudly. The sound echoed around the high-ceilinged hall and ended the conversations going on around her. She became the centre of attention as tears sprung to eyes. She tried to push herself away from her father but his grip on her was secure.

Anna was spanked five more times in rapid succession. She was openly sobbing more from the humiliation than the pain but it didn’t seem to matter. The only sounds in the room were her whining exclamations and the echoing hit of each smack. She bounced on her legs back and forth until finally the punishment ended.

“The sooner you understand your place the less of this you’ll have to face.” Harold said quietly as he let go of Anna and then leaned into her ear, “I’ve tried to be patient. I’ve tried to understand this doesn’t come as naturally to you as it does for other women but you aren’t under my control anymore. You have to start playing your role for Ryan.”

Anna nodded her head tearfully as she wiped her eyes. She would’ve agreed with whatever Harold said to make sure she wasn’t humiliated again. Harold walked away and back over to Michelle who had stood by during all of this with a pained smile on her face. Anna stood back up straight and felt the back of her dress slowly fall back down to cover herself. She looked up at the room and whilst some people had gone back to their conversations others will still watching. Ryan was in the corner still and whilst his friends continued to laugh and joke his eyes didn’t leave Anna until she looked away.

Chapter 4: Part Four
Summary:
Anna is now a married woman and for better or worse she can't change that. Ryan will now be staying with her and the family until he goes away to college. That still presents Anna with a very awkward and scary immediate future.

In this bumper update Annastarts finding out what it means to be a wife in Sallas, she is given some advice from her mother and then has to face her first night with her new husband...

Chapter Text
Anna hadn’t known what to expect after the eventful day but it seemed not much would change right away. When the socialising had finished Anna climbed into her father’s car with her parents. She wondered if life would pass for some semblance of normal until Ryan came to the car. Anna watched him get in but then determinedly looked out the window. Anna pushed herself into the door and as far from Ryan as she could manage on the backseat.

Most of the conversation in the car was between Harold and Ryan. It mostly concerned business, it was surreal for Anna who had just gone through two important life events and now it was like they hadn’t even happened. It was also strange that this was the most she had heard Ryan speak. His voice was deeper and more authoritative than she had expected.

In terms of what Anna learned from the conversations in the car the answer was not much. Ryan’s father ran some sort of finance company that made a lot of money and Ryan was going to inherit the whole thing. Ryan was going to be fast-tracked up the company ranks when he finished college and Anna’s parents seemed to think that was very exciting. Harold in particular seemed very keen to discuss specifics. Anna couldn’t have cared less, the only silver lining was that if he was very busy she wouldn’t have to see as much of him.

The real bombshell was only dropped at the end of the drive shortly before the car pulled up outside Anna’s home. It was then that Anna learned what the immediate future held.

“So, Ryan, you’ll be staying with us for two weeks before leaving for college.” Harold clarified, “I want you to feel at home so if you need anything just ask.”

“I’m sorry it’s not what you’re used to.” Michelle leaned around her seat looking like she was practically begging for forgiveness that she lived in a perfectly adequate house.

“You’re place looks lovely.” Ryan said.

Anna hadn’t expected Ryan to stick around. It was common for college-bound men to get married at the graduation and then leave the woman at home whilst they went off to higher education. As silly as it may have sounded Anna had been consoling herself with the fact that even though she was married she would have three years where she wouldn’t have to be with this stranger she was now wedded to. Having him around for the next two weeks sounded excruciatingly awkward, and worse, she had no idea how to act or how he would act for that matter.

“Anna, bring the bags in.” Harold ordered as they exited the vehicle.

“Shall I-” Ryan reached out a hand towards Anna but was stopped when Harold put his arm around the younger man and steered him towards the house.

“I’ll give you the tour.” Harold said loudly.

Anna watched the two men go with a frown. She was only brought back to her task when she heard her mother pop the trunk. Together the two women carried in their bags plus Ryan’s suitcases. As they went in through the front door Anna, who had Ryan’s suitcases in her hands, stopped unsure of where to take her cargo.

“Up to your room, dear.” Michelle said with the smile that had basically been painted on her face.

“M-My room…” Anna repeated.

“Of course. He’s your husband.” Michelle replied before turning away.

It might’ve just been coincidence but as Anna heard she was going to be sharing her bedroom with Ryan her bladder released a fresh soaking of pee into her already very wet diaper. She would certainly need a change sooner rather than later. Anna started up the stairs with her husband’s bags. She took them into her room and dropped them in the middle of the floor. When she looked at her crib she couldn’t help but feel a jolt of nervousness, there wasn’t exactly a lot of room in there for her let alone two people.

Anna heard heavy footsteps behind her and froze up. It definitely sounded like a male but she didn’t know who. She was faced away from the doorway and couldn’t look around. She jumped as a hand pressed against her diaper suddenly.

“You need a change.” It was Harold and for once in Anna’s life she was happy to hear him, “Get on the table.”

Anna pulled off the wedding dress she had still been wearing and dropped it on the floor without ceremony. She hopped up on to the top of the table and laid back for her father to change her. It was only a couple of minutes until she was safely taped into a fresh disposable.

“I’m not going to miss this.” Harold said as he dropped the soaked diaper into a plastic bag.

“It’s not like I asked you to do it in the first place…” Anna muttered. Of course she didn’t ask for Harold to change her diaper but as the man it was expected as part of him taking care of her.

“What was that?” Harold turned around with narrowed eyes.

“Nothing.” Anna sighed.

“I thought so.” Harold’s voice dripped with warning, “Your mother is making lunch.”

“I’m not hungry.” Anna replied. In truth she felt nauseous, like all the drama over the last few hours had caught up with her.

“Fine.” Harold replied with a growl before leaving.

Anna was surprised. She had expected Harold to drag her downstairs if necessary but he had just given up and walked away. Anna wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth though. She sat back on the edge of her barred crib and sighed sadly. It soon became clear why Harold hadn’t been too bothered about whether Anna went down or not, the sounds of laughter and enjoyment drifted up the stairs.

Anna didn’t mind being left out. She opened the drawer that held her old family photo album and reached inside, it wasn’t the album she was taking though. It was something even more forbidden than Anna’s memories of a time and place where women were equal. It was a book. Jane Eyre was considered a classic back where Anna had originally come from but it was banned literature in Sallas. Anna wasn’t even sure how she came into possession of it. Apart from the photo album and herself it was all that survived the car crash. She could only assume it was her mother’s.

When Anna was feeling at her lowest she took heart in the book. She tried to convince herself that she could overcome all the barriers in front of her just as young Jane had done. She ran her fingers over the frayed cover wistfully.

Footsteps on the stairs startled Anna who quickly hid the book underneath her photos. If she was caught with that she would be in serious trouble, literature with a strong female role model was distinctly frowned upon. Anna tried to act as naturally as possible as she closed the door on the cabinet and looked up just in time to see Michelle. She stood in the doorway nervously smiling in at Anna.

“Can I help you?” Anna asked. She tried not to let her impatience come across.

“I… I… I wanted to give you some advice.” Michelle said as she stepped inside. She looked down the hallway for a couple of seconds before closing the door behind her. It was unusual for her to speak unprompted like this.

“I’ve had about all the advice I can take.” Anna said quietly, “I know I have to be a good little wife.”

“It’s actually about that…” Michelle said. She nervously played with her hands as she sat on the edge of the bed next to Anna.

Anna sighed and glanced down at the cabinet to make sure everything that should’ve been hidden was covered up. More than anything she wanted to be alone but she didn’t have the heart to kick her mother out of the room. It was clear she had something to impart, perhaps in this society this was a big moment for a mother.

“I need you to make sure you properly dispense your marital duties.” Michelle said without looking at Anna. Her cheeks were reddening.

“M-Marital duties?” Anna felt her face drain of colour. She wasn’t stupid, she knew what Michelle meant but facing up to that was almost too scary to contemplate. It wasn’t something she had allowed herself to think about too much.

“I know you are a bit more… independently minded than others.” It was as if such words were dirty as they came out of Michelle’s mouth. It was like the words themselves were offensive, “You are Ryan’s now and, well, I can’t protect you anymore.”

“Protect me?” Anna repeated. She wasn’t able to hide the anger in her voice, “When have you ever protected me!?”

“Your twelfth birthday.” Michelle started immediately, “You wanted a games console and your father bought you a play kitchen set. You threw such a tantrum. You smashed up that kitchen, I still sometimes find little bits of plastic around as I clean… Did you know your father was on hold with the re-education department before I managed to calm him down?”

Anna swallowed. She had remembered that event and her father’s furious reaction to it but hadn’t known how close she had been to being sent away. She looked down at her feet.

“Last year.” Michelle continued, “Do you remember when you bought your father the wrong brandy? I had to work overtime on that one…”

“Just because I got the wrong brandy?” Anna asked with a frown.

“Honey, I’ve tried to shelter you but you aren’t under our control anymore.” Michelle put her arm around Anna, “You MUST settle down and be a wife. If he wants you to cook something, you have to do it. If he wants you to buy something, do it. If he wants something special in the bedroom…”

“Mom!” Anna waved her hands in front of her and shook her head, “I don’t need to hear this.”

“I think you do.” Michelle replied, “You will be Ryan’s responsibility and he can send you away for any small reason. I just want you to be good and happy.”

Anna nodded her head and looked down at the floor. In her opinion there was no such thing as “good and happy” there was only “good” or “happy.” If she did as she was told she was sure she wouldn’t be happy and if she did what made her happy she was sure she wouldn’t be considered good.

“Make sure you come down for dinner.” Michelle finally said when Anna remained silent.

Anna let her adoptive mother hug her and then leave. Anna understood exactly what Michelle was telling her. Anna knew that she had to behave though she had never known how much Michelle had saved her growing up. She shivered as she thought about being sent away for re-education as a teenager or younger. There was another warning there as well though. Anna knew what happened on the wedding night and she had to assume Ryan would want to consummate. He had asked for her after all, he must’ve thought she was attractive. She swallowed nervously.

The next few hours for Anna were both boring and full of tension. She stayed in her room and barely moved from her crib. She felt like she had hearing like some kind of prey animal, she was hyper-focused on hearing footsteps or anything that might signify someone approaching.

“Anna!” Harold’s voice boomed several hours later, “Dinner.”

Anna stood up and swallowed her nervousness. Her diaper hung low on her body, she had wet herself several times and would certainly need a change before bed though even that filled her with fear. It was now Ryan’s job to change her. It was both humiliating and scary, she would be left incredibly vulnerable in front of him. She would be helpless against whatever desires her new husband might have.

By the time Anna reached the dining room table everyone else was already sat down. Michelle and Harold were sat opposite each other at the square table. The free seat was nearest the doorway whilst Ryan was opposite. He was smiling and listening as Harold droned on about some experience he had on the golf course. Anna sat down and immediately looked down at her food.

“Don’t forget your bib.” Harold grunted.

Anna closed her eyes as the familiar shame washed over her. She stood back up and walked over to the drawer that was full of bibs. She felt like a toddler as she snatched one up and returned to her seat. She couldn’t look at Ryan as she put it over her head and let it drop down round her neck.

It was awkward. Anna felt scarcely able to look up from her food and could feel Ryan watching her. Michelle was a good cook but the food tasted bland to Anna. She just focused on trying to make herself a chameleon and blend into the background. She bitterly thought this was exactly what her mom had advised her to do.

“I certainly hope you’re as good a cook as your mother.” Ryan said as Harold chuckled.

Anna felt herself freeze. Ryan was talking to her and she had no idea what to say or do. Her fork hung halfway to her mouth and her hand trembled a little. The seconds seemed to stretch on and everyone looked at her waiting for a response. This was her husband talking to her, it was practically the first thing he had said to her. Underneath the table Anna felt a gentle kick coming from her mother’s direction.

“I’ve learnt a thing or two.” Anna finally mumbled.

“She’s just being humble!” Harold quickly spoke up, “Michelle has been teaching her all her techniques for cleaning and cooking. Isn’t that right, Anna?”

Anna quietly but quickly nodded her head. She despised her father for acting like a salesperson, she wanted to speak up and tell him that he had already got rid of her and didn’t need to talk about her as if she was a used car he was trying to get rid of. Maybe before the warning from her mother she would’ve opened her mouth.

Anna was relieved when the conversation moved back to matters she had no interest in or knowledge of. Harold and Ryan conversed whilst the two women sat in silence. When Anna finally finished eating she put her knife and fork down. She was the last to finish.

“Ryan, why don’t you come through and see some of our old home movies.” Harold said as she leaned back in his chair, “Anna will do the dishes.”

It wasn’t a suggestion or a question. It was an order and Anna knew it. Her fists clenched as she stood up. This felt impossible, every little thing seemed to push her to the edge of snapping, how was she supposed to go through life like this? Maybe submission was a learned trait.

Anna remained seated at the table as the other three went through to the living room. She should’ve been thankful because it meant she had some time alone but she couldn’t help but feel slighted. She sighed and collected the cutlery for washing. She scrubbed the plates and tried to take out her frustrations, by the time she was finished her hands were wrinkled from the water.

Once she was finished Anna snuck back upstairs. She had no interest in being called in to join the others. She went back up to her bedroom to continue her anxious waiting for that evening. By now her diaper was soaked but she wasn’t about to go and ask for a change. She distracted herself from her increasingly uncomfortable diaper by thinking about what was coming that night.

Anna was a virgin. In fact she hadn’t so much as held hands with a boy. She knew males were dangerous and had spent her whole life avoiding them. The idea that she was to be de-flowered in the next few hours scared her. She had no idea what it was like to have sex but she knew it was coming. She could feel the butterflies taking flight but she remembered her mom’s words, she had to be a good little wife no matter how much she hated it.

As the sky outside grew darker Anna knew it was only a matter of time. She had expected Ryan to come up sooner rather than later, he hadn’t even seen the room he was to be staying in until he went to college.

When Anna heard footsteps on the stairs her pulse quickened. She shifted slightly on the edge of the mattress and watched the door intently. The footsteps went right up to the bedroom door and then stopped. Anna held her breath and felt like her heart might explode from the tension. The handle turned slowly before the door opened. The door creaked as it slowly swung open. Ryan was stood on the other side and he stepped into the room.

Anna stared at him. She hoped he felt like an intruder because that’s how she thought of him. He closed the door behind him and then looked around. He seemed to be avoiding Anna’s glare as he walked over to the other side of the room, he picked up some trinkets Anna had collected over the years and turned them over to look at them. The silence in the room was oppressive.

“This is nice.” Ryan said as he looked at a small ceramic statue of a kitten playing with a ball, “Where did you get it?”

Anna didn’t know how to respond. She hadn’t expected casual conversation and wasn’t sure what she should say. She was torn between the sarcastic hostility that was bubbling right under the surface and being nice. Her mother’s words rang in her ears. She didn’t know what Ryan was like, she didn’t know what he would do if she started mouthing off. She settled for silence.

Ryan turned to look at Anna when she didn’t respond. Anna saw that he wasn’t looking as confident as he had downstairs or when they were on the stage getting married. He opened his mouth like he was just about to say something when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.” Anna and Ryan called out together.

The door opened and Harold came in. He was dragging a large foldout bed with him. He leaned it against the wall and then brought in a mattress as well. Finally he brought in the sheets and pillows.

“You won’t want to sleep in the crib.” Harold said as he let go of the mattress, “You can get her to set this up for you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Abbott.” Ryan said

“Harold.” Anna’s father replied, “Call me Harold, I insist.”

“Of course.” Ryan replied. Anna noticed his face was going a little red as if that little faux pas embarrassed him as much as everything else embarrassed Anna. Harold turned to face his daughter and the warm smile he had for Ryan disappeared.

“Be good.” Harold growled.

Anna glared back until Harold turned and left the room closing the door behind him. Again the bedroom fell into silence. Ryan looked down at the folding bed and then over to Anna who was just waiting for the order.

Anna could feel herself trembling slightly. At any moment Ryan was going to start demanding that she service him and she had no right to refuse, she would have to do it. She hadn’t ever seen a man naked let alone pleasured one. She wasn’t sure she would even know what to do. Sweat was appearing on her forehead as she desperately tried to remain calm.

“Well, I guess… Maybe you should…” Ryan stuttered and then cleared his throat. He straightened his back and put some more authority in his voice, “Set up the bed for me.”

Anna swallowed her immediate reaction which was to tell Ryan to go to hell. She stood up and walked across to the bed. She could feel Ryan’s eyes on her as she started opening the metal frame. She bent down low to fiddle with the clips. Even with her back to her husband she could feel his eyes on her.

“You need a diaper change.” Ryan said from behind her.

Anna froze and felt herself becoming embarrassed. She pulled her dress down to cover her soaked diaper and continued setting up the bed without saying a word. She was trying not to let panic consume her. She had been ordered to do something for her new husband as if she was some kind of maid or servant. The thought that the rest of her life might be like this was enough to cause anxiety to crush down upon her.

Once the bed was set up and Anna had put all the sheets on she straightened up to return to the edge of her crib. Ryan put an arm out to stop her. She bit her lip nervously as he stood in front of her like a roadblock. Anna couldn’t look up at him, she was just too embarrassed and humiliated not to mention trying desperately hard to keep herself together.

“You should get up on the changing table.” Ryan said.

“I could ju-” Anna started.

“Now.” Ryan interrupted.

Anna had tears in her eyes but she couldn’t disobey Ryan. He was her superior, he basically owned her. With a meek nod of the head Anna turned to the changing table and climbed up on it, she didn’t want to be punished on this first night, it might be too much for her to take. She undressed herself and dropped the clothes on the floor.

Anna was trembling as she laid back. Ryan stood between her legs at the foot of the table and looked his wife up and down. Anna felt like a piece of meat being inspected at the butchers. Her diaper was soaked, she knew that, what she didn’t know was how Ryan would handle it. She was used to her father and teachers changing her, this was new and scary.

Ryan reached forwards and placed his hands on Anna’s diaper. His touch was softer than she had imagined, it was like he was going out of his way to not hurt her. It was possible he was just really inexperienced though males his age often got some tutoring on this.

The diaper slackened as the tapes were pulled off the front. There was a short delay and then the front of the diaper was lowered down and laid on the changing table between Anna’s legs. She had her head turned to the side so she could avoid Ryan’s eyes but she couldn’t help glancing over. It seemed like it was possible his face was just as red as hers.

“I… I erm…” Ryan was staring down at Anna’s crotch. For a few seconds he seemed frozen.

“Wipes?” Anna suggested.

“I know!” Ryan exclaimed, “I was just looking at…”

As Ryan pulled some wipes out of the tub on the shelf Anna felt her foot twitching. This all felt so wrong, she knew what would be expected of her next. Michelle had warned her what was going to happen. Her heart thumped at the prospect. She jumped suddenly as the cold wipes were placed against her nether regions. Ryan pulled his hand away quickly as if he thought he had hurt her.

“Just… cold.” Anna muttered shamefully.

Ryan placed the wipes against Anna again. Anna tried not to react as this stranger cleaned her most private areas. She had the instinctual urge to just lash out and punch Ryan but she kept those instincts at bay until he was done and dropped the wipes into the open diaper.

“Well, I mean, it’s our wedding night…” Ryan reached up with one hand and put it on the back of his neck.

Anna closed her eyes as her stomach sank past her knees. Ryan had stepped back from the changing table allowing Anna to sit up and drop off the edge. Her heart was racing as she was filled with nervousness, curiosity and maybe the tiniest hint of excitement. She was a virgin and like all young people a certain amount of her time was devoted to thinking about sex even if it was never this exact scenario.

Anna was naked in front of this man. Her classmate and acquaintance who was now her husband. She couldn’t help but reach up with one arm to cover her breasts whilst the other went down to her crotch. Ryan pulled his shirt off and Anna saw that he had a fairly toned body, he was no bodybuilder but it was clear he was fit.

Ryan awkwardly stepped forwards until he was stood right in front of Anna. He reached out his hands and placed them on Anna’s arms. He hesitantly pulled her forward into a hug, Anna remained as stiff as a board as she felt her husband’s arms wrap around her. She inhaled his masculine scent and turned her head to the side. She could hear his heart thumping quickly.

“Have you ever done this before?” Ryan asked. The authority that had been in his voice earlier had evaporated.

“No.” Anna quietly replied.

“OK, well, I guess it’s a first time for both of us.” Ryan said as he released the hug and took a step back.

Anna wasn’t sure what to do. It seemed like Ryan was waiting for her to take the initiative which felt like adding insult to injury when she really didn’t want to be doing any of this. She heard Michelle’s words echoing around her head and she sniffed back the tears that threatened to come. She stepped forwards and knelt down in front of Ryan. She reached up with a trembling hand to lower the zip on Ryan’s pants.

Just as Anna was about to pull Ryan’s pants down he stepped back. Anna looked up in confusion. Ryan turned around to face away from Anna as he pulled the zip back up. Anna felt worried. Had she done something wrong? Was she about to be punished? She heard that men liked what she had been about to do, had she been wrong?

“Actually, I think we should just head to bed.” Ryan said. His voice seemed shaky and he was refusing to turn around to look at Anna.

“Are you…” Anna started. She secretly felt very relieved but it seemed like it would be wrong to make it obvious.

“Yeah, it’s been a long day.” Ryan yawned in an exaggerated way, “I think we should… Yeah, let’s head to bed.”

When Ryan finally turned around Anna could see that he was very red in the face. She was curious at the sudden turnaround but didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth. She stood back up and covered herself with her hands as much as she could. She backed up to the changing table but Ryan was busying himself with the sheets on his bed and doing everything he could to avoid looking at Anna.

Quite suddenly Ryan climbed underneath the covers and laid down. Anna frowned. She really didn’t understand Ryan at all, he was acting so strangely. There was a problem with Ryan’s sudden decision to head straight to bed though.

“Um, I kind of need a new diaper…” Anna said after a minute of standing at the changing table unsure of what to do.

“Right…” Ryan climbed out of bed again.

Anna lifted herself on to the table and laid back. If there had been a little awkwardness before it was now impossible to miss. Anna was powdered and diapered in silence and then as soon as the tapes had been placed Ryan went back to his bed, laid down and faced the wall. Anna watched him with a curious frown.

When it became obvious he wasn’t getting back up Anna slipped off the changing table with a plethora of crinkles. She went over to her crib and climbed in. After a moment’s hesitation she grabbed the railings and lifted them up herself. She didn’t normally have the side up and she certainly didn’t like it but it felt like a protective barrier. She looked out through the bars at Ryan until she eventually fell into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter 5: Part Five
Summary:
After a strange first night that doesn't go at all how Anna expected she wakes up in time for breakfast. Things continue to be strange as she tries to start getting used to the idea that her only future is with Ryan... who doesn't seem the most adept at doing things husbands in Sallas need to do.

Chapter Text
When Anna awoke the next morning for just a few seconds everything felt like normal. It was only as she rolled over and saw the folding bed set up that she realised it was anything but. The bed was empty, the cover had been tossed back and Ryan had left the room. Anna realised the bars on her crib had been lowered. They had been locked into place when she went to bed. Still, she was grateful they were down since otherwise she would have to wait to be released.

Anna climbed out of her crib and looked around. With no one to tell her what to put on she went to the wardrobe herself. She considered a shirt and pants, the combination she knew her father hated, but knew that wasn’t what she would be expected to wear. She looked to the side where there were a bunch of dresses she nearly never wore. Picking one at random, Anna unhooked a hanger and pulled the dress off.

Anna pulled the pale pink dress over her head and down her body. She looked into the mirror and saw the soft fabric flow down past her knees. The diaper underneath was silhouetted but was otherwise well hidden.

Anna left her bedroom and went downstairs. The smell of breakfast filled the air and halfway down the stairs Anna heard Ryan’s voice followed by laughter. She walked through to the kitchen and saw Ryan sitting with her parents eating breakfast.

“Ah, Anna, I didn’t want to wake you.” Ryan said as Anna appeared in the doorway.

“I imagine you were keeping her up late.” Harold’s booming laugh made Anna cringe. He really was disgusting.

“Actua-” Anna started before she could stop herself.

“Of course!” Ryan winked at Harold.

Harold’s laughter re-doubled and he reached over to the pat the young man on the back. He couldn’t have looked more like the proud father Anna had never seen. Michelle was sitting opposite her husband and was wearing the same fake smile she seemed to have permanently painted on her face. She looked over to Anna and the sympathy was obvious.

“Good man.” Harold finally said to Ryan, “It’s important to keep them in their place whether it’s in the kitchen or in the bedroom.”

Anna’s fists clenched so hard she was sure her nails were cutting into her skin. The rampant misogyny had always been awful but now it seemed like nothing was off-limits. She didn’t understand why Ryan was lying though, he knew perfectly well what had happened the previous evening.

Anna sat down in her seat but didn’t feel hungry. She stared across the table at Ryan and saw a totally different person from her bedroom the previous night. Instead of the nervous and unsure young man he was acting as if he was some kind of big shot. There was a self-confidence in his behaviour that belied his actions the previous evening.

“So you’re going to take over from your old man?” Harold asked Ryan.

“That’s the plan.” Ryan nodded his head, “I’ve got some great plans. It’s always been my dream to run the business but father insists I get my education and some experience in other roles first.”

“Smart man.” Harold said.

Anna rolled her eyes. Harold revelled in making himself seem more important than he was. She supposed having a future CEO as a son-in-law was his dream come true. Harold was a lifelong middle-manager with delusions of grandeur.

Anna stopped listening to the boring business conversation and instead studied Ryan. It was like Jekyll and Hyde. He was stretching out on the chair, smirking with confidence and making constant eye contact with Harold. Anna didn’t really get it but it wasn’t like she could ask. She wanted to have as little contact with Ryan as possible. She was already counting down the days until he left for college.

“May I be excused?” Anna asked during a natural lull in the conversation. Out of habit she looked at her father.

“Don’t look at me. I don’t own you!” Harold guffawed.

“That’s right. I do!” Ryan added before the pair broke out into renewed laughter. Eventually he calmed down enough to continue, “Sure, you’re excused.”

Anna stood up and walked away from the table. She felt like a rocket just before take-off. There was an explosion going off inside her and it was going to come out sooner or later and launch her into trouble. With few other options Anna went back upstairs and into her bedroom. She clenched and unclenched her fists as she tried to contain the rage. Hearing more laughter from downstairs was just the spark her temper needed.

Grabbing one of her pillows Anna dragged it to the side of the crib. Picturing Ryan’s face on the surface she started punching into it as tears welled up in her eyes. She kept hitting the soft surface until she eventually collapsed into tears. She was unsure what was making her cry more, the humiliation she had suffered or the knowledge she had more of this to go through every single day from there onwards.

Anna sank to her knees and turned around to lean against the metal crib bars. As her emotions spiked from profound sadness to anger she felt like getting back at Ryan in one of the only ways she had possible. A rumble in her tummy let her know it was that time of the day for her and she didn’t even hesitate to push down in her squatting position.

There was a perverse sense of joy for Anna as she felt the contents of her digestive system shift. She sniffed back her tears as a smile spread across her face. The back of her diaper seemed to suddenly explode outwards as she filled it with her waste. The sticky poop sliding down between her legs made her shiver, it was both familiar and unwelcome.

As soon as Anna had finished she wiped her eyes and couldn’t help but giggle. Mischievously wanting to make the following change as horrible as possible for Ryan she put her hands flat against she floor and then moved her legs out of the way allowing herself to drop to the floor hard and fast. The poop in her diaper practically detonated and covered what felt like every inch of her padding.

The only problem Anna then had was having to wait for Ryan to actually come up and notice. The smell was quickly growing throughout the room and Anna had to waddle over to open a window. She leaned against the windowsill and looked out over the familiar landscape outside. She could see the street that passed by, it was fairly quiet but there were still several people walking past.

Anna saw a woman that made her sigh in sympathy. One was attached to a pair of toddler reigns and being made to waddle in a diaper that was far too thick. On her head was a bonnet and in her mouth an almost comically oversized pacifier, she looked like she was dressed up in a baby costume from a Halloween store but Anna knew there was nothing fun about it. On the other end of the reigns was a young man talking on his cell phone. It gave Anna the uncomfortable feeling like the woman was a dog being taken out for a walk. She imagined herself in the other woman’s shoes and shuddered.

A new problem for Anna started to arise. She pulled herself away from the window and looked over to the bedroom door. There was no sign of Ryan coming up to see her and that left her hanging around in an extremely uncomfortable diaper. The last thing she wanted to do was go downstairs and ask for a diaper change like some toddler struggling to get to the potty on time.

Hours passed and still Ryan hadn’t come up to see his wife. Anna was getting increasingly uncomfortable, she didn’t want to sit down and she didn’t want to do any more to spread the mess in her disposable. As she started getting itchy she realised she would have no choice but to ask for a change soon if she didn’t want a rash. It was like being trapped between a rock and a hard place. She didn’t want to have to ask for a diaper change but she also didn’t want to look so useless that she just sat there and developed a diaper rash.

Eventually Anna could no longer resist. She left the bedroom and went downstairs. She found her husband and father sitting in the living room watching some sort of financial news on the television. She stood in the doorway and looked down at the back of Ryan’s head.

“Hello.” Anna said warily.

Ryan looked around whilst Harold just ignored her. Ryan looked Anna up and down but his expression was unreadable. At least it didn’t appear that she smelled so bad that they knew what she had done. Anna waited for Ryan to say something but he didn’t.

“I need a… change.” Anna’s hesitancy was attached to her embarrassment and she looked down at her feet.

“Ha! Good luck, Ryan.” Harold grunted as he clapped one of his giant hands on Ryan’s shoulder, “Glad those aren’t my responsibility anymore. Changing one girl’s diaper is more than enough for me.”

“I’ll be up in a minute.” Ryan said before turning back around.

Anna noticed that as soon as she had made her request Ryan’s face had betrayed the emotion underneath. Just for a second the stony façade had given way to show a look of fear. It was just long enough for Anna to notice but it had disappeared so quickly she wondered if she hadn’t imagined it. She wanted to press the issue and say how desperate for a change she was but she was wary of upsetting Ryan. Anna turned on her heels and went back upstairs.

It was a long fifteen minutes before Ryan came up to the bedroom. He shuffled in and stood near the door. Anna waited for his instructions but when it seemed none were coming she tentatively took matters into her own hands and climbed up on to the table. She felt a perverse delight as she felt the stinky mess in her diaper squelch around and cover all the skin in her diaper.

“It stinks in here.” Ryan said, “How long have you been like that?”

Anna shrugged. As she laid back on the changing table she could feel the poop moving up towards her back like an avalanche, it fortunately stopped just before breaching the waistband. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ryan lean out of the window. He stayed at the window so long Anna wondered if he had somehow forgotten about her.

“Um, Ryan?” Anna eventually said.

“Yes, yes…” Ryan turned around and walked over to Anna. His face was white.

The diaper change was clumsy but successfully completed. Anna could tell Ryan wasn’t used to messy diapers and the look of revulsion didn’t leave his face even as he left the room carrying the balled up stinky parcel. Anna felt much better in a fresh diaper but stayed on the changing table for some time afterwards. She stared up at the ceiling and contemplated spending the rest of her life like this.

One thing Anna could hope for, now that she was married, was that Ryan might want to potty train her. He certainly didn’t seem to enjoy changing her. At the same time Anna didn’t want to get her hopes up. Whilst it was Ryan’s choice if she was taken out of diapers she knew she couldn’t count on it. She especially couldn’t expect potty training when Ryan seemed so obsessed with his business career. Anna had seen Harold hosting enough executives to know that these businessmen saw their wives as trophies and it seemed the more dependent these women were kept the more masculine the man was seen

Chapter 6: Part Six
Summary:
Anna's uneasy new routine is interrupted by a very unfortunate incident in the living room. Ryan decides to take an unusual step with regards to college and Anna can't imagine it'll be good news for her.

Chapter Text
The next week carried on this strangely surreal way. Anna couldn’t work Ryan out. In front of Anna’s parents he was every bit the insufferable male she had thought he would be but alone he was much more awkward. He ordered Anna around but he never had that same self-assurance as he had when Harold and Michelle were there.

Perhaps the strangest thing for Anna was that they still hadn’t consummated their marriage. She didn’t want to of course but the fact that it hadn’t happened confused her. There was a different excuse every night but it always ended with Ryan climbing into his bed and facing away from Anna. Anna was left wishing they could just get it over with because the tension each night as she waited for Ryan was unbearable.

Things changed on the eighth day when the whole family was sitting on the couches in the living room. Anna was squeezed up against the arm of the seat whilst Ryan sat next to her, she was trying to keep as much distance between them as possible. On the other couch Anna’s parents were cuddled up together. Anna felt ridiculous, Ryan had ordered her into one of her onesies earlier that day. It was pink and frilly with a red heart on the chest. It was awful. Anna had been in her diaper for some time when she relaxed herself and wet it. It was already soaked but Anna was loathe to bring that up. She was sucking on the pacifier Ryan had given her, she’d had it in her mouth for hours but didn’t dare take it out without permission.

The diaper warmed around Anna’s waist in a way that wasn’t entirely unpleasant but then disaster struck. She felt the heat creeping along her buttock but instead of stopping it just kept going. Anna’s eyes went wide as she felt the trickle of urine running down her thigh and on to the couch. She was frozen as the pee escaped her diaper and soaked into the cushion underneath her. She knew she should jump up and get help but she couldn’t move, her muscles refused the instructions from her brain even as the wet patch grew larger and larger.

Anna became as stiff as a statue. She couldn’t focus on anything except the patch of rapidly cooling pee she was leaving underneath her. She looked at Ryan and wondered if he would help her out of this situation, she felt like she already knew the answer. She looked at her father and knew he wouldn’t help matters.

“Anna, three coffees please.” Harold grunted without looking away from the television screen.

The fear in Anna’s eyes must’ve been obvious because Michelle’s fake smile disappeared.

“Oh, don’t worry, dear, I’ll-” Michelle had started to stand but was stopped when Harold’s hand grabbed her wrist.

“Anna’s going to go.” Harold said gruffly, “She’s got to learn.”

Anna still didn’t move. Now she felt like she was in an impossible situation, she couldn’t get up and show what she had done but she couldn’t ignore her father either. One by one everyone turned to look at her. The game was up, her diaper had leaked and now she was going to have to face the consequences.

When Anna stood up she immediately knew her leak was clear to the eye. Ryan stared at the stained cushion and when Anna moved away from the couch she saw her father’s eyes go wide and his face almost immediately started going red from anger. Anna tried to act like nothing was wrong and head towards the kitchen but she had barely got three steps when Harold’s booming voice started shouting.

“Anna!” Harold sounded full of rage, “What the hell is this!?”

Anna turned around slowly with her face going red from embarrassment. She followed Harold’s finger and looked at the wet patch, she tried to look surprised but she was a terrible actress.

“I… I must’ve leaked… I had no idea!” Anna explained haltingly around her pacifier. She was already on the verge of sobbing, she hated her emotions for so easily folding.

Anna’s wrist was grabbed by Harold and although she tried to pull herself free she was soon over his lap with her wet butt in the air. She struggled and struggled but with Harold leaning on her back she wasn’t going anywhere. She felt the poppers on her onesie coming undone and the elastic material sprung up revealing the soaked diaper underneath. Anna whined and kicked out her feet.

“Ryan, let me show how to deal with this little girl when she’s acting up.” Harold said.

“Dad, please!” Anna felt anger and the pacifier finally dropped out of her mouth, it dangled a few inches above the floor on the end of the ribbon used to tie it to her clothes. Anger at herself for getting into this position and being so emotional about it. She clenched her fists knowing what was coming.

Anna felt Harold’s hands on the rear of her diaper. He tugged on her waistband and quite suddenly the diaper was pulled down revealing her bare ass to the room. She gasped as she felt Harold’s hand against the skin of her butt. Thanks to how she was laying her head was almost touching her mother’s leg. She felt Michelle’s hand on the top of her head.

“You have to make sure she feels it.” Harold said. Anna couldn’t see his face but it was clear he was directing his advice to Ryan.

Anna felt so humiliated. It was like she was a training dummy. She could do nothing but lay across her father’s lap and let him punish her in front of her husband. When the first spank hit her she hadn’t been at all ready and she yelped as the stinging smack radiated out from the middle of her left cheek and through the rest of her ass. Her legs kicked out as she sobbed. Spankings were never good but they were so much worse when there was no diaper to cushion the blow.

The spanks rained down on her backside and soon it felt like she was bruising up. She tried to remain stoic but her composure cracked with every hit. She cried out that she was sorry but nothing stopped Harold’s hand. She could only imagine how red her butt was. She quickly lost count of the hard spanks but it felt like more than she had ever received in one go before. When they stopped it took her a few seconds to even realise she could get up. She scrambled off her father’s lap and fell to the floor whilst still crying.

“Go upstairs.” Harold ordered coldly, “Ryan will see to you shortly.”

Anna rolled on to her front and thought she heard a gasp as her ass stuck out for all to see. With her diaper halfway down her legs and her onesie flapping open Anna awkwardly stumbled to her feet. She wanted to get out of the living room as soon as possible and she awkwardly waddled towards the door. She risked a glance at her husband and saw Ryan staring at her, it seemed that his face had drained of blood. He looked almost ghostly white.

Anna quickly left the room as she continued to cry in humiliation, pain and anger. She wanted to go back and punch Harold, see how much he liked being hit but she knew that wasn’t an option for her. She went up to her bedroom and ripped off the diaper that was hanging on by a thread. She could see it was soaked and the bottom of her onesie was damp as well.

Soon Anna had stripped off the onesie as well which left her completely naked. Feeling her blood boiling she grabbed the pillow from her crib and punched into it repeatedly. She had to do something to relieve the frustration before she exploded. She had meant only to give the soft pillow a couple of whacks but she just kept going. When she heard her bedroom door close she jumped and dropped the pillow to the floor.

Ryan stood at the door still looking pale. He nodded towards the changing table and Anna went over. She winced and let out a soft groan when she hopped up and landed on her butt on the padded surface. She carefully laid back feeling the stinging in her butt the whole time. Ryan still hadn’t said a word and that made Anna nervous. He didn’t often talk to her much but there was a very charged atmosphere in the room.

Anna watched Ryan come over and stand between her legs. He rolled her legs back to slip a new diaper underneath her and visibly winced when he saw the damage. Anna sniffed and felt the new diaper slip underneath her.

“That bad, huh?” Anna asked grimly.

“Does he… Do you get punished like that often?” Ryan asked.

Anna worried that Ryan was finding out he could be much more hands on with her than she had been up to this point. She hesitated in answering and instead looked away as the diaper was pulled up between her legs and taped closed. It seemed that Ryan didn’t expect an answer or at least he was alright with not receiving one.

“I think you should have an early night.” Ryan said as he stepped back and let Anna sit up.

Anna nodded. She wasn’t prepared for another punishment and she wasn’t keen on going back downstairs anyway. She dropped off the changing table and gingerly felt the back of her diaper. Ryan looked at her for another second and then nodded himself as if he had just made his mind up about something. He then turned and left the room.

---

Everyone was sat in the living room. Anna shifted in her seat uncomfortably as they all watched television together. She was sat next to Ryan though there was no contact between the two, she may as well have been sitting alone. Ryan seemed distracted.

It had been two days since Anna’s spanking and her butt was still sore. Each time she had her diaper changed by Ryan she saw him wincing, it annoyed her because whenever he drew her attention to her bruises the pain seemed to get worse. He didn’t say much to Anna in private and still avoided any kind of sexual contact with her. There was always an excuse though most recently it had been that Ryan wanted to wait for the bruising to heal up. Anna felt pretty sure that once her ass was healthy he would find another reason.

When around the rest of the family Ryan seemed like a different person. He was confident, cocky and completely obnoxious to be around. Anna was looking forward to him going away to college, at least things would go back to some sort of normality whilst he was gone. It was just delaying the inevitable though. Ryan was her husband and de facto owner, her whole life would be spent with him.

“Here we go.” Michelle walked in with a tray in her hands. She placed it down on the table, “A couple of beers for the men…”

Anna rolled her eyes as Michelle handed out the drinks as if she was some servant girl.

“Apple juice for the girls.” Michelle smiled as she held out a little yellow sippy cup.

Anna shifted forwards and crinkled loudly. She was red in the face as she took the infantile drinking vessel. Ryan stared at her as she lifted the plastic cup to her mouth and tipped it up. She wished Ryan would look away, this was all so embarrassing.

“Harold, could I have a word in private?” Ryan suddenly said as he stood up.

“Sure.” Harold replied as he put his drink down.

Anna watched her father and husband stand up and walk out of the living room together. It left Anna and Michelle alone for pretty much the first time since their awkward conversation about marriage consummation. Michelle watched the door as it closed and then waited a second to make sure it wasn’t opening again.

“Have things been alright?” Michelle asked conspiratorially.

Anna shrugged.

“I mean, Ryan’s treating you alright in private, right?” Michelle continued. Her urgent whispering was not something Anna was used to.

“He doesn’t hit me like Dad does, if that’s what you mean.” Anna spat out. She couldn’t keep her anger pent up completely, it needed an outlet occasionally.

“That’s good.” Michelle sat back a bit and looked very relieved.

“And what would you do if he was treating me badly?” Anna asked accusingly, “You’d just sit there smiling your fake smile like a good little girl.”

Michelle looked taken aback and her smile almost immediately became a very genuine frown. She seemed hurt by Anna’s words but Anna didn’t care. As far as she was concerned her mother was nearly as bad as the males for going along with everything. Deep down she knew it wasn’t fair to expect her mother to buck a system designed to stop exactly that but she was angry and upset.

There was a period of tense silence between the two women with the television quietly droning on in the background. Just as Michelle was about to open her mouth the door opened again. As quick as a flash Michelle’s smile returned. As Harold sat down she draped herself against his arm like the good wife she was. Anna remained on the opposite side of the couch from Ryan.

It wasn’t until dinnertime that Anna found out what the conversation between the two men had been about. Her mother had prepared dinner and the four of them were sitting around the table eating. As usual it was Ryan and Harold making up the conversation whilst the women sat quietly. Anna tried to occupy her mind by trying to remember different passages in her Jane Eyre book upstairs.

Anna had retreated so far inside her own head she didn’t notice as Harold tried repeatedly to get her attention. She only realised they were talking to her when she was given a rough prod from her father.

“Anna!” Harold was shaking his head as Anna looked around and blinked a couple of times. Harold was turned to Ryan, “Are you sure you want to take this airhead?”

“She has her uses.” Ryan chuckled in reply.

As Harold joined in the laughter Anna felt herself flushing red from a combination of embarrassment and indignant anger. It was rich for Ryan to make such allusions to what they did in their private time when he had barely touched her outside of changing her diaper. She wanted nothing more than to embarrass Ryan the same way he had embarrassed her but she kept her mouth shut.

“I contacted the college dean and he said it would be fine as long as I kept her on a short leash.” Ryan said.

“Literal or metaphorical?” Harold grinned.

“Both!” Ryan laughed along with Harold for a few seconds but stopped laughing soon after looking at Anna.

Anna was clenching her fists. Everything about this conversation seemed to be about degrading her. She didn’t even know what they were talking about but she wasn’t about to buy in to the conversation by asking. She just looked away and sipped from her sippy cup whilst trying to maintain what dignity she still had.

“But seriously…” Ryan finally continued, “He says its fine and I figure you don’t want her getting in the way here.”

“She’s your problem now.” Harold said as he sipped his beer, “Whatever you want to do with her is your business.”

“I’m right here!” Anna couldn’t contain her anger any longer. She glared at the two males, “Maybe you two could stop stroking each other for one minute and tell me what’s going on?”

“You little…” Harold started to get up but Ryan put a hand out to stop him.

Ryan stood up and walked over to Anna. Anna stared up at him wondering what he was going to do. She watched as Ryan used his finger and thumb to pinch her ear, she immediately winced in pain as she was pulled to her feet. Her eyes were closed as she was practically pulled across the room.

“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Anna exclaimed. She narrowly missed walking into the table as she was led to the corner.

“You can stay there with your nose against the wall until you learn to behave.” Ryan said. He spoke loudly, it felt almost like the words were meant for Anna’s parents as much as the woman herself, “I’ll let you know when you can come back out.”

Anna’s nose was pushed against the corner as her eyes watered with anger and frustration. She felt utterly humiliated as Ryan let go of her ear and returned to the couch. She was left feeling like a naughty toddler for wanting to know what was going to happen to her.

“You should spank her or something.” Harold said gruffly, “Girls like her only know one thing.”

“Maybe.” Ryan was back at the couch. Anna couldn’t see anyone but she could certainly hear them, “But I want to try things a little differently.”

Anna had tears streaming down her cheeks but she was doing all she could to hold in the sobs that threatened to escape her. She wiped her eyes and sniffed, she simultaneously wet her diaper. The warmth splashed against her and actually felt a little comforting, the familiarity an embarrassing comfort.

“Anyway, yeah, I’m going to take Anna with me to college.” Ryan said as if they were discussing a piece of furniture.

“As long as she doesn’t distract you from your studies.” Michelle advised as if her opinion was wanted.

“Hmm, you don’t want to mess up your grades and lose out on Daddy’s money.” Harold chuckled.

“I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Ryan replied politely, “Won’t we, Anna?”

Anna just pressed her nose further into the corner and wept. She didn’t know if life at home or with Ryan would be better, neither seemed like attractive scenarios. Yet again her life had been upturned by someone else and all she could do was try to prepare for what was to come.

Chapter 7: Part Seven
Summary:
It is finally time for Anna to leave home. It would be a lie to say she expected anything to get better, in fact, she felt very unsure about leaving her mother and father behind. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't...

Before getting to college though Anna and Ryan have to go on a long drive. Anna is going to see a little bit of Sallas whether she wants to or not.

Chapter Text
Anna dreaded going to college with Ryan. She had no idea what he would be like or what she should expect. The only thing she knew for sure was that he wasn’t afraid to punish her like her father. She had dreamed of going to college as a student and now she was being forced to go as a live-in servant. Servants got paid, Anna adjusted her thinking; she would be a slave. It would be a foretaste of the rest of her life.

On the day Ryan left Anna was in the car right next to him. She was in the front passenger seat which was very unusual for her. On the backseats were all their luggage. Nearly all of it was Ryan’s, Anna’s few suitcases mostly contained stuff she didn’t care for. Her infantile clothing, spare diapers and everything else. She was thankful that she had at least been able to sneak her family photo album and copy of Jane Eyre into the bottom of one of the bags where hopefully they would remain hidden.

“Ready to go?” Ryan asked as he waved goodbye to Anna’s parents.

Anna didn’t respond. She looked out of the window and pretended not to have heard her husband. Bobbing between her lips was a pacifier Ryan had told her to keep in for the trip. He had laughingly joked with Harold that it was so he didn’t have to listen to her moaning. In truth it was common for women to have to use pacifiers and the like when out in public, Anna supposed it was a way for husbands to show off their obedient trophy wives.

The car pulled away from the curb on what would be quite a long journey. The college Ryan had enrolled at was several states away and whilst they would manage the trip in one day it would be a long one.

Anna looked out of the window as the house she had known all her life disappeared into the distance. The last thing she saw was her mom step out on to the sidewalk to watch her go for a little longer. Anna turned back around and looked at Ryan, she felt butterflies taking flight in her tummy at being left alone with him.

“It’ll be good to get some privacy.” Ryan stated as he leaned back in the driver’s seat, “We can finally start our lives together.”

Anna stared blankly out the windscreen. Ryan still hadn’t touched her in a sexual way despite having opportunities every day. Maybe he had just been waiting for time alone. Anna shivered slightly though she certainly wasn’t cold. She was trying to maintain her relative calmness as they left the city behind and started driving through increasingly rural areas.

It wasn’t long until Ryan turned on the radio. He put on some pop song and Anna rolled her eyes. She would’ve probably hated any music he put on but this music in particular seemed to grate on her nerves.

“Maybe we should get to know each other a little more…” Ryan suggested a couple of hours into the drive. They had been sitting in silence until that point. Anna stewing in her negative thoughts and spiraling anger.

“What would you like to know, Sir?” Anna replied with sarcasm she hadn’t been able to mask.

Anna immediately bit her tongue. She knew better than to antagonize a man in general let alone when she was in a car alone with him. He would be within his rights to do practically anything he wanted to her. She needed to shut her mouth and not give him a reason to do anything.

“Come on.” Ryan raised his eyebrows as he looked at Anna. He was trying to look tough but Anna thought she saw a hint of nervousness, “Do you really want our relationship to go that way?”

“Sorry.” Anna replied quietly, “What would you like to know?”

“Just tell me about yourself.” Ryan said with a smile, “We have a long way to go so just tell me everything.”

“Me?” Anna wasn’t used to anyone asking anything about her, “Well, I…”

“Take the pacifier out when you talk.” Ryan quickly interrupted.

Anna plucked the pacifier from her lips. It was a relief to have nothing between her lips after the last couple of hours. The soother dropped and bounced against her breast at the end of the tether that attached it to her clothes.

Anna started talking about herself. It didn’t really feel like there was all that much to say. Anna didn’t really have any hobbies, her interests were largely irrelevant and she didn’t really have any hopes for the future. Well, Anna had some hopes but they were ones she certainly couldn’t express out loud. In her wildest fantasies she imagined escaping Sallas forever and going home where she might actually have the chance for a normal life. Entirely unattainable dreams that hurt to even think about.

“What about you?” Anna asked. She then hastily added, “If you don’t mind me asking.”

It felt strange. Anna was wearing her wedding ring, she was married to the person next to her, and yet they were only just getting time alone together. Ryan didn’t feel like her husband though, he felt more like a taxi driver making conversation.

Anna listened to Ryan though she didn’t really learn anything she didn’t already know. He was essentially a rich kid who grew up with whatever he wanted. He was earmarked for the top of his father’s company and he was looking forward to working. To Anna he sounded very boring, it didn’t seem like he had much in terms of hobbies. At least she had a reason for being boring. She wanted to ask about hobbies and interests or the burning question about Ryan’s mother and how she ended up like she did but she didn’t dare. The image of Ryan’s mom was burned into her mind, the surgical “enhancements”, the dumb look, the way she seemed to have completely handed her autonomy away. Anna didn’t even know her name. Maybe she didn’t have one, Anna thought coldly, she was just a toy after all. Anna was terrified of ending up like that, she would rather commit suicide.

Despite Anna’s curiosities about Ryan and his family she remained silent and simply listened. As a woman she wasn’t expected to make conversation unless it was asked for, she wasn’t expected to do anything without being told. She noticed that more than anything Ryan talked about his hopes for the future. He talked about his family and childhood rather dispassionately but when it came to his potential career he became much more energized.

After the brief flurry of talking the car became silent again. Ryan drummed his fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music coming from the radio and Anna sank back inside herself and watched the world whizz past outside of the window.

It was early afternoon and not long after Anna had handed out the sandwiches Michelle had made for lunch she started feeling the signs that she needed to poop. She had to suppress the urge to just let go there and then, something she had grown unfortunately familiar with at home. Her diaper was already wet and would likely need changing soon but this was really going to force the issue. She started twisting and fidgeting in her seat as the pressure grew and cramps twisted her insides.

“Are you alright?” Ryan asked as he glanced over.

“I… Yes.” Anna’s voice was strained.

“Don’t lie.” Ryan replied, “Come on, what’s up?”

There was a reason for Anna to be nervous. Aside from not wanting to poop herself she had bad memories of a very similar situation to this. When she had been a child and was still getting used to her new parents they had all taken a long drive together. Anna had needed the bathroom and eventually filled her diaper. Harold was full of rage, they couldn’t pull over until the next service station and he was fuming that he had to sit in the car with the smell for nearly an hour. When they had finally pulled over Harold had spanked her, the first time he had done such a thing, and then drove off without her calling her a “disgusting little girl.” Anna remembered crying and being alone in her still messy diaper. She remembered looking around at the truck drivers and other families who were watching her, she was terrified and didn’t know what to do.

In the end Harold came back. Anna didn’t know how long she had been alone, it may only have been a few minutes but to her little mind it felt like forever. Michelle had changed her diaper and then they all got back into the car and continued on without talking about what had happened. It was a highly traumatizing event for a ten-year-old girl.

Anna was terrified of being left alone in a country where a woman on her own was very vulnerable in a lot of different ways. If she pooped herself and Ryan kicked her out of the car in the middle of nowhere she shuddered to think what might happen.

“I… I think we need to pull over at the next rest stop.” Anna said quietly.

“Oh, you need a diaper change?” Ryan nodded his head in understanding, “OK, well, the sign back there said it would be about half an hour.”

Anna deflated. She knew she would never make it that far. Her tough exterior covered a soft interior and cracks were starting to show in the armor. She tried to blink away the tears but she could do little but think of what was going to happen.

Anna made it about halfway to the rest stop before disaster struck. She had been squeezing as hard as she could to maintain control but a particularly nasty pothole ended her resistance. She froze up and closed her eyes as she felt her sphincter involuntarily open. She shuddered as she felt the poop that had been trying to get out surge past her crumbled resistance and into the diaper. It seemed to be over in a second but now Anna was sitting on a mound of her own mess.

Panic started flooding Anna’s system. She could feel her heart palpitating as her mind transferred her back to that traumatic day. Ryan hadn’t seem to have noticed yet but it was surely only a matter of time and then she was sure she could expect punishments. In her mind she could see his rage, she could see him leaving her there and not coming back. Anna would be seen as a runaway and either her family would pick her up or she’d be sent to the Finishing School. Tears started leaking down her cheeks.

“Do you sme-” Ryan started as he turned his head, “Oh.”

The game was up. Anna was trembling and to add insult to injury she soaked her diaper. Like a scared little puppy she wet herself in fear of the punishment that was to come. Ryan didn’t say another word and his face betrayed no emotion. Anna was desperately trying not to break down in front of her husband.

The car continued in silence. The smell got worse as Anna sank into her waste. The smell of poop surrounded the two people in the car as the signs counted down the kilometers to the next rest stop. Anna didn’t know if she should say something to break the silence, she didn’t know how to read Ryan. She fidgeted with her hands nervously and tried not to think about the impending doom she was sure was coming her way.

The rest stop was small and quiet. Gas pumps sat out in front of a small convenience store that looked like it hadn’t been washed or altered in half a century. To the side were the bathrooms and then across a narrow road was a car park that was primarily full of big rigs taking breaks as they crossed the country.

Ryan parked the car a couple of spaces from the nearest truck and stepped out. Anna hesitated, she didn’t know if she should wait to be told to follow him or not. She undid her seatbelt and slowly opened the door, when Ryan didn’t yell at her she stood up and climbed out. As she closed the door she froze and felt her heart sink yet again.

“What are you-” Ryan walked around the car and looked down at the seat, “Oh no! You leaked!?”

Anna’s eyes were wide as she looked down at the obvious stain on the seat. The gentle breeze blew the back of her thin dress against her legs and she could feel the dampness there as well. Her eyes darted from the stain to Ryan and back again several times. She thought like she might faint as she watched Ryan look down in disgust.

This was it. If he wasn’t going to abandon her before he was definitely going to now. He was going to get straight back in the car and leave her there, Anna was sure of it. She looked around at the trucks around her. She was mentally trying to work out what to do next. Maybe one of the truckers would take her on as a wife-assistant hybrid, the prospect was frightful but her brain couldn’t process everything.

“Come on.” Ryan closed and the locked the door. He looked annoyed as he took Anna’s wrist and started walking her towards the bathrooms.

The bathrooms were typical for Sallas. The gents was the same as anywhere else but the women’s restroom was very much a product of the nation’s culture. There weren’t any toilets in there, it was a series of changing tables and no privacy between them. Anna was pulled into the female bathroom which was empty.

Anna wondered if this was where Ryan was going to leave her. He indicated for her to get on to the changing table and pull up her dress. She complied and laid back on the padded surface. Anna tried not to think about who else might’ve been changed here or how long it might’ve been since it was last cleaned.

“This shouldn’t take too long.” Ryan said as he looked down at the diaper with trepidation.

Anna felt the diaper getting opened and tried to ignore the awful smell that came from the contents. As Ryan cleaned her she sniffed back the tears that were flowing again. Just because he was changing her didn’t mean she was out of trouble. He must’ve been planning to leave her behind in a clean diaper…

It took several minutes for Ryan to scrape off all the crap that stuck to Anna’s skin. Anna lifted up for the used diaper to be pulled away and a fresh one was slipped underneath her. The padding was pulled up and over Anna’s crotch before being tightly closed. Ryan then turned away from Anna and started walking away.

Anna bit her lip but couldn’t stop herself from sobbing as her husband walked to the exit of the bathroom. She was being left behind. Left alone to be taken by whoever wanted her. She pathetically reached her arms out for Ryan who stopped at the doorway.

“What are you doing?” Ryan asked with confusion, “Come on. We can’t hang around this truck stop all day. The place gives me the creeps.”

Anna was confused but she wasn’t going to wait for a second invitation. She slipped off the side of the changing table with about as much grace as a newborn deer getting used to their legs. She stood up and followed Ryan out of the bathroom feeling humiliated by everything. She couldn’t help her reaction but it made her very angry.

“Wait here.” Ryan said after he had walked with Anna to the corner of the road. On one side was the store and on the other the car lot.

Yet again Anna just knew this was Ryan leaving her behind. The young man walked towards the store where no doubt he was going to use the phone to call the authorities to pick her up. She wanted to chase Ryan and beg for forgiveness but she did as she was told and waited. She jumped as there was a sudden spank against her butt.

“How much?” A gruff voice asked.

Anna turned around to see an overweight and tattooed balding man leering at her. She backed up a couple of steps and nearly fell over the curb. The man’s eyes travelled up and down Anna’s body undressing her with his eyes. The creep even licked his lips.

“How much?” The man repeated impatiently.

“I don’t…” Anna said quietly.

“Come on. Standing alone on a corner like this.” The man reached out for Anna who stepped back out of reach, “How much for five minutes in the cab of my truck?”

A prostitute! Anna felt her face redden with humiliation and anger as she realised this gross specimen assumed she was some kind of whore. As the man reached out again she backed up and started quickly walking towards the store. Whatever Ryan had in store for her had to be better than this.

“What’s going on?” Ryan stepped out of the store just as Anna reached the door. In his hands were a couple of sodas and some napkins.

Anna looked at the fat man who put his hands up and backed away. Anna felt foolish for hiding behind Ryan like she was but that trucker scared her. A few seconds after the man disappeared around the corner of the building Ryan started pulling Anna back towards the car.

“Please don’t leave me here…” Anna started begging suddenly.

“Leave you here?” Ryan shook his head, “Let’s get back to the car. I want to get out of here as soon as I can.”

“You’re not going to-” Anna started.

“What?” Ryan asked impatiently.

“Nothing.” Anna said quietly.

Anna followed Ryan back to the car in silence. It had been a traumatic ten minutes for the young woman but she was more confused than ever as she watched Ryan wipe the car seat. Not only did it seem like Ryan was taking her with him still but he hadn’t even punished her for the inconvenience she had caused.

As the car pulled out of the parking space a couple of minutes later and Anna watched the trucks disappear into the distance. It was soon like nothing had ever happened. Ryan was drumming on the steering wheel again and acting as if nothing had happened. Anna could only wonder if her punishment was coming at the end of the journey.

Anna absolutely hated being the damsel in distress. She hated being constantly fearful. She was a strong independent woman being forced into this role, she felt like a square block being pushed into a circular hole by a bunch of different hands. Anna punched her fist into her leg several times. She had to remember who she was.

Chapter 8: Part Eight
Summary:
With their journey at an end Anna and Ryan arrive at college. Anna feels lost as she enters something entirely unknown and alien to her. As the married couple reach their accomodation Anna finds someone in a very similar position to herself.

Chapter Text
The college campus started appearing into view and Anna had to marvel at its size. This wasn’t just any old college, it was clearly quite prestigious as it was spread over a large open area and looked absolutely gorgeous. Anna felt intimidated just from looking at it, it looked like a little town and even from a distance she could see a lot of activity.

“Here.” Ryan said suddenly, “You had better take this.”

Anna had jumped at Ryan’s voice. She had been staring so intently at the growing college campus that she had almost forgotten where she was. She turned to see Ryan holding out a pacifier. She took it slowly but frowned, she knew it wasn’t uncommon for women to use them and that went doubly when they were instructed to. She couldn’t help frowning though and she saw Ryan quickly glance her way.

“I’ve heard they are quite strict here.” Ryan said with a shrug.

The ordeal at the truck stop was still fresh in Anna’s mind and Ryan felt like a protector for her. She hated to feel dependent on others, especially when they were men, but right now she just wanted to hide behind her husband. She put the pacifier between her lips and chewed on it nervously as the campus came closer.

There was a small checkpoint set in a large barred fence. The bars towered above the car and as Anna looked out the window she couldn’t help but be reminded of a prison. Ryan slowly rolled the car to a stop in front of a small booth that housed a large man who seemed too large to fit. He was chewing on something as he lazily looked through the window to the car.

“Hi.” Ryan said as he rolled open the window and handed over his paperwork, “Ryan Manning. Starting my first year next week.”

“Do you have a permit for the girl?” The guard grunted as he looked down at the documents he had been given and then down a list of names.

“Yeah, I got permission from the dean.” Ryan said. He shot a quick look at Anna.

Not for the first time in her life Anna felt more like a pet than a person. She had to sit there as the guard examined several pieces of paper before nodding his head.

“Alright, you’re in building seventeen.” The guard said as he handed the paperwork back, “Apartment eight. Make sure you keep her harnessed and under control.”

“Thanks.” Ryan said as he rolled up the window.

Anna was red in the face but continued to suck on the pacifier as the car rolled slowly past the checkpoint. She didn’t appreciate the guard talking to her as if she was some kind of wild animal. As they rolled past the metal fence Anna looked around. There was a lot of green space with paths crisscrossing back and forth across it. A single long road ran down the middle with large buildings off to the sides set back from the road by a fair distance. Each building was connected to the road by smaller roads. The buildings all looked old and grand, the whole place seemed meticulously clean.

There were plenty of people around. Anna estimated that at least ninety-five per-cent of the people she could see were male and most of them were young, many were carrying luggage and moving into their rooms just like she and Ryan were.

As the car trundled down the main street Anna saw restaurants and shops. She was shocked at just how much was on the campus, it really was like a self-contained town and there was very little reason to go off campus. It was clearly meant to be convenient but to Anna it just reinforced the feeling of being trapped.

“I think we’re at the back.” Ryan said as he drove past some signs.

“What did the guard mean?” Anna asked, “Harness?”

“Ah, yes, that’s something I packed.” Ryan said as he drummed his thumbs on the steering wheel, “It’s a rule for women here. You’ll need to be harnessed and kept on reins whilst you’re here, for the most part at least.”

Anna felt sick. She knew that in practice what Ryan was saying meant she would be leashed. She looked out at one of the housing buildings as they passed and she saw exactly what was meant by harness. There was a woman with restraints across her body in an X shape, a leather leash was coming off the back and had been looped around a pole next to a car. Anna shuddered. Tied up like a dog waiting for their master to return.

“This is us.” Ryan said.

The car pulled off the main road and on to a smaller street that was feeding off it. The car stopped in a parking space just outside the front door to the building. It looked like any of the others, it was three stories high and it seemed each apartment had a balcony. It looked nice, a lot better than Anna was expecting if she was honest.

Ryan was the first to step out of the car. Anna slowly stepped out a few seconds later. The loose gravel under her feet shifted as she closed the door behind her and looked around. This was the furthest she had been from her adoptive parents since she had first met them. A part of her wanted to go back home, at least she knew what to expect there.

“You’re going to have to put this on.” Ryan said as he popped open the trunk.

Anna saw Ryan reach into the trunk and then pull out a series of straps. The harness was just like the ones she had seen other girls wearing. Ryan walked towards her with it and she was completely unable to hide her disgust.

“What if I refuse?” Anna asked quietly.

Ryan seemed taken aback. He didn’t respond immediately but instead just held the harness out. Anna quickly looked up at his face and saw that he was looking down at the straps himself, his mouth was half-open. For a second it seemed like Anna’s question had flat out broken his brain. Slowly Ryan licked his lips and then held out the harness a little further.

“Just put it on.” Ryan said.

Anna wanted to push her luck. She was getting the sense that Ryan wasn’t nearly as confident as Harold had been. She thought about just turning around and walking away but the reality was she was terrified. She didn’t know where she was, she didn’t know what was going to happen and if she wondered off alone she knew there was nothing but trouble waiting for her.

With a resigned sigh Anna held out her arms and allowed Ryan to put the harness on her. It was even less comfortable than it looked. The straps were pulled tight, one went across her belly, another over the top of her chest and then there was two straps forming an “X” with the middle in between her breasts. To her annoyance it forced her boobs to stick out much more.

“There. That isn’t too bad.” Ryan said as he buckled the last of the straps.

Anna didn’t respond. The buckles were all halfway up her back so she wouldn’t be able to take it off herself. She tried to adjust it but there was very little give. As Ryan started pulling cases out of the trunk and placing them on the floor Anna contented herself with looking around. She was watching a group of men, probably new students, walking past a little way off. One of the students saw Anna and immediately started catcalling causing his friends to laugh.

As Anna turned away she saw a car turning on to their little block. It rolled slowly past Ryan’s car and then parked next to them. Anna was surprised to see another woman though this one was sitting on the backseat. The driver of the car was a large man who was chewing on some gum as he switched the engine off.

“I’m not going to be able to take all these up in one go.” Ryan grunted as he nearly dropped the last suitcase and closed the trunk, “Wait here whilst I take some of these up.”

“I don’t-” Anna started.

“You’re safe.” Ryan assured his wife, “You’re registered to me. If you go missing they’ll know where to return you to.”

Anna was left guarding the remaining bags as Ryan walked through the doors to the building. She wanted to hide away, after the incident at the truck stop she had to accept the only person she could even remotely trust was Ryan. She sat down on one of the suitcases and tried to adjust the harness again, it was pinching her skin.

“Yo, bitch, I’m going to go register.” The large man said as he looked at the woman he had brought with him, “Don’t you dare get out of that car otherwise that thrashing at home before we left will feel like a relaxing a massage.”

“Yes, sir.” The woman replied.

Anna saw the woman in the back of the car quickly nod her head. She looked scared and couldn’t have been any older than Anna was. The man wandered away, he threw Anna a contemptuous look as he passed and Anna quickly averted her eyes. Once he had walked by she allowed herself to look up again at the woman in the car. At least the guy had left the window open for her Anna thought. As she looked through the window she saw the woman turn and look back at her.

Anna gave a small smile and raised her hand in greeting but the woman in the car quickly looked away as if Anna’s gesture was obscene. Anna felt a swelling of sympathy for the poor woman who looked like she had been thoroughly defeated. There was a burning anger that this pretty young woman should be trampled, Anna knew she should have just as many rights as her husband and yet she was in the minority. She couldn’t remain silent and after a look over her shoulder to make sure this girl’s man was still out of sight she decided to take a step forwards towards the car.

“Hello.” Anna said softly, “I’m Anna.”

The woman in the other car had her eyes wide open as if she was being approached by a wild animal. As Anna got closer she saw that not only was this woman dressed in similarly infantile attire as herself but she was also strapped into a car seat. The straps crossed tightly across her lap and chest.

“What’s your name?” Anna asked.

There was still no response. This woman was acting as if she was blind, death and dumb or as if Anna was just a ghost. Anna wasn’t put off by the lack of response though, if anything it made her more determined to get through to her. Anna looked around, there was still no sign of Ryan or the other man.

“You can talk to me.” Anna said softly, “There’s no one else here. Come on, you’re going to be in the same building as me, we’re neighbours. I just like to know my neighbours names.”

At first it seemed like there was still no response but after a second Anna saw the woman’s eyes dart around and then she looked up. She swallowed hard as she looked at Anna.

“J-Jane.” The woman’s voice was so quiet it felt like a soft breeze would blow the words away.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jane.” Anna said with another smile, “I hope we get a chance to get to know each other.”

Jane’s mouth twitched into a smile for a brief second before her eyes fixed on something behind Anna. The smile disappeared and she looked down at the floor of the car again. Anna was about to ask what was wrong when she felt a hand grab the back of her harness. She yelped as she was yanked backwards away from the car and stumbled back against Ryan’s vehicle.

“Who gave you permission to talk to her?” The man with Jane said angrily.

“I… I…” Anna stuttered as she shrunk under the intense glare of this stranger.

“What are you doing here? You shouldn’t be alone.” The man stepped forwards again and Anna pressed herself back against the car, “Are you lost?”

Anna was panicking. She couldn’t get her mouth to work and she didn’t know what was about to happen. This man was very aggressive and he was now so close she could smell his strong aftershave.

“She’s mine.” Ryan’s voice had never sounded so good to Anna.

Ryan walked over and as he got closer the stranger stepped back a little and looked his way. He held out his hand and after Ryan glanced at Anna, seemingly making sure she was alright, he reached out and shook. The appearance of Ryan only emphasized how scary this other man was, he was tall and thick with arms like tree trunks. Ryan winced as they shook hands, it seemed the man had a strong grip.

“Sorry, I thought she was a runaway.” The man grunted, “I saw her talking to Jane and was concerned. My name’s Paul.”

“Ryan.” Ryan replied, “It’s my fault, I should’ve tied her up or something. Getting used to the whole owning thing.”

“Newly married?” Paul asked with a smirk and a nod, “Me too, learned a lot from my dad though. Mostly that you can’t leave these girl’s alone for a second. You give them an inch and they’ll take a mile.”

Anna looked past Paul’s hulking body as the two men spoke. Jane was still sat in the car looking at the ground obediently, she wished she could go over and talk to her but knew she couldn’t move without permission, Paul seemed like the worst type of man.

“Which apartment are you in?” Paul asked.

“Eight.” Ryan replied, “I was just up there. It looks great.”

“No shit.” Paul chuckled, “Well, I guess we’re neighbours! I’m in seven.”

“Right across the hall.” Ryan smiled, “Well, listen, we’ve got to get unpacked but we should do dinner or something.”

Anna waited for the two men to finish their pleasantries and then helped Ryan with the bags. She was sad that she didn’t get another opportunity to talk to Jane but was soon distracted with having to carry the bags up the stairs. She wasn’t helped by the harness which pinched her skin and made it harder to breathe deeply.

Chapter 9: Part Nine
Summary:
Having reached college Anna gets a first look at where she will be living and a first taste of what life alone with her husband will be like.

Chapter Text
When Ryan opened the apartment door and Anna dragged the bags inside her first reaction was of shock. Ryan had said it looked great on the way up but she still hadn’t expected what she saw. The main room was one cavernous open space. A kitchen was against the wall separated from the main room by a waist-level counter top. The living room area was massive. There was a big TV mounted on the wall, a couch, a couple of arm chairs and even a bean bag. In the middle of all the seats was a glass table.

The bedroom was just as impressive. It was located off a hallway on the far side of the living room from the front door. A large double bed dominated the room with fluffy pillows and fresh sheets all over. Everything was wooden but it didn’t look flimsy or cheap, Anna had to admit this room looked very comfortable. There were, of course, a couple of caveats not least of which was the large padded changing table against one of the walls. The shelves underneath stood empty and ready for the supplies the married couple had brought from home.

“How much did this cost?” Anna found herself asking as she sat on the edge of the bed. She felt her wet diaper push against her crotch as she did so. She didn’t remember wetting since her last change.

“I don’t know.” Ryan admitted, “My father is paying.”

“Of course…” Anna said under her breath.

“I think I’ll unpack your changing supplies and then I’ll see about changing you.” Ryan said as he went back towards the living room where the bags were waiting.

“I don’t really need one yet.” Anna said.

“It wasn’t a suggestion.” Ryan called out as he left the room.

Anna sighed. She should’ve known better than to think her opinion mattered. She couldn’t be too upset though, after the incident at the truck stop she was just grateful her situation wasn’t any worse.

A minute after leaving Ryan came back in with one of the bags. He unzipped it and started pulling out the supplies. The top shelf was stacked full of fresh diapers and Anna could do little but watch as a dozen disposables were put in easy reach for her changes. Powder, wipes and cream went on to the next shelf.

“Come on.” Ryan said as he gestured towards his wife.

Anna forced herself up and over towards the changing table. She was about to get undressed when Ryan stopped her. To her embarrassment he started to remove her clothes without her helping at all. This was strange, Anna thought, not even her father had ever done this. Ryan seemed determined to do it all though.

“Wait, I think I have a better idea…” Ryan said once Anna was stripped down to her wet padding.

Anna’s hand was taken and she was led out of the bedroom. She felt strangely exposed despite Ryan seeing her like this before, she supposed it was because this was a new place, it wasn’t home yet even if it might eventually become that way.

There were two more doors that remained closed and it was to the one furthest down the hallway that Anna was taken. Ryan opened the door to reveal the bathroom beyond. Ryan let go of Anna’s arm and leaned over the tub to turn on the faucets, he pushed the plug into the hole and the bath started slowly filling.

“What’s happening?” Anna asked. She decided that wording sounded less confrontational than demanding to know what he was doing.

“I’m giving you a bath.” Ryan replied as he finally straightened up happy with the temperature of the water.

“That’s stu-…” Anna stopped herself, “I… I usually do this myself.”

“Well, things are different now.” Ryan replied, “I’m in charge.”

Anna looked down at the water as it slowly rose in the bath. There was silence apart from the splashing water as Anna tried to come to terms with the new situation. She hadn’t been bathed by someone else since she was a little girl. Was she really going to be kept so firmly under thumb that she wouldn’t even be allowed to do this by herself?

“OK, in you get.” Ryan said when he finally reached forwards to shut the water off. He pulled the tapes off her diaper with a little difficulty thanks to his wet hands.

Anna wanted to refuse but as her wet diaper fell to the floor she felt obliged to do as Ryan said. She was alone with this man who essentially owned her so antagonizing didn’t seem like the smartest move. She lifted her legs and stepped into the hot water. She lowered herself down until she was sat at the bottom.

There were no bubbles in the bath so despite the water Anna was very visible. To avoid looking at her husband who was folding up the used diaper Anna looked around the room. It was a fairly standard bathroom though it was immaculately clean. Her eyes fell on the toilet opposite her and she breathed out heavily.

If Anna was expecting any relaxation of the rules with Ryan she was quickly disappointed. She wasn’t even allowed to clean herself. Ryan rubbed soap on her and then took the flannel to rinse off the soap, Anna was left feeling helpless and useless as she let Ryan move her limbs and wash her completely.

Throughout the whole bath the only sound was the splashing and dripping of water. Ryan worked silently and Anna had to bite her tongue, this was excruciatingly embarrassing and thanks to Ryan insisting on doing everything it meant it wasn’t quick either. She wasn’t even allowed to wash her own private parts. She could only stare forwards as her breasts were covered in soap and cleaned. Ryan manipulated them without any eroticism, it was as if he was just cleaning a couple of volleyballs. It was even worse when he tentatively cleaned between her legs. He barely spent any time down there and after the briefest touch he quickly pulled his hand away.

By the time Anna got out of the bath her fingers had wrinkled up. Ryan wrapped a towel around her and started rubbing it. Anna hated feeling dependent on others and all this treatment was making her as angry as it was embarrassing.

“Right, a new diaper and dressed before we unpack.” Ryan said cheerily. It was the first words spoken since Anna had got into the water.

Anna was taken back to the bedroom and over to the changing table. She was still a little damp but it wasn’t too bad and as she hopped up on to the edge of the changing table she actually felt a little relief that she would be getting clothes again.

“We don’t want you peeing everywhere…” Ryan said as he pulled out one of the dozen diapers under the padded surface.

Anna clenched her fists. She had tried her hardest to retain her continence despite the years and years of continual diaper usage but she knew she had only been partially successful. Whilst she was sure she would be able to get to the toilet most of the time if she had a chance there was no doubt her control was weaker than it would have been if she were anywhere else in the world. She didn’t like being reminded of this fact.

Anna’s legs were lifted and the fresh diaper was slipped underneath her butt. She was lowered back down and the front of the padding was pulled up between her legs. It was taped closed and Anna sighed as her time out of diapers came to an end. She sat up and looked down at her crotch as Ryan returned to a one of the bags, he was searching for something.

“This will do.” Ryan said as he pulled something bright and colorful out of the bag.

Anna cringed as the clothing unfolded to reveal a plain white t-shirt and a pink denim overalls. The bottom was a short skirt and it rose up to a chest piece and straps that went over the shoulders. On the chest area was a white bunny rabbit that was stitched into the material. Anna hadn’t seen this before, this must’ve been something Ryan had got her.

“Cute, isn’t it?” Ryan asked as he smiled, “Come on. You can’t walk around naked all day.”

Anna really, really didn’t want to wear the overalls. She knew it was very common for women to be dressed in an infantile way but she had never really suffered with that. Sure, the stuff she wore wasn’t what she would choose but it was rarely as overtly baby-like as this at home, it was one of the few ways she could rebel. Anna had to force one foot in front of the other as she walked across to her husband.

It wasn’t long before Anna was dressed and when she didn’t think the outfit could be any worse she realised the skirt portion didn’t totally cover her diaper. She shuddered but the worst part was that Ryan wasn’t finished. A pair of knee-length socks were produced, pink and white rings went around the material as they were pulled up Anna’s legs.

“Maybe we should put your hair in pigtails to complete the look…” Ryan said thoughtfully as he looked at Anna.

“Please…” Anna was totally downcast. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take and when she thought about this being the rest of her life she wanted to curl up into a ball and cry. She could hear Ryan pause just as he was about to say something. There were a couple of seconds of silence.

“I suppose this’ll do.” Ryan said when he looked at Anna, “OK, you can help unpack.”

Anna crinkled her way out of the room behind Ryan to where most of their bags were sitting in the living room. It turned out that when Ryan said she should “help” unpack it meant she was going to do it all. As Anna toiled and put everything away Ryan lounged on the couch and spent a while checking out the television and entertainment features and then left the apartment. He didn’t say where he was going and Anna supposed it didn’t matter.

When Anna had finished putting the last of their things away she dropped on to the couch and took a deep breath. She was on the verge of a panic attack. Every now and then the full weight of the future fell on her and she felt like she couldn’t breathe until she fought the anxiety away. She reached down to check her diaper and found that she was a little damp, she assumed it must’ve happened whilst she was putting things away.

Anna walked over to the side of the apartment opposite the kitchen. There was a balcony out there and she stepped out into the sunshine. Anna walked across the wooden decking to the small wall on the edge. She looked over the edge into a courtyard that was surrounded on all sides by these apartments, she wondered how many of them had women just like her trapped in servitude inside. She had no idea how long she stood out there but there was something calming about people-watching from on high like this.

“Pretty cool view.” Ryan’s voice startled Anna so much she let out a little squeak and felt a fresh spurt of urine warm her diaper.

“I… I didn’t hear you come in.” Anna said quietly.

“I was just next door helping Paul settle in.” Ryan said as he walked out and stood next to Anna.

“I should… I need to go and…” Anna stuttered and trailed off. The truth was she didn’t really have anything to do but she felt uncomfortable.

“You’re free until dinner.” Ryan said without looking at her, “Try to make it for around six, OK?”

Anna nodded even though Ryan wasn’t looking at her and then went inside. She went to the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She went over to the handbag she had kept with her and after checking that the door remained closed she opened it up. At the bottom of the bag were her two prized items, her photo album and her copy of Jane Eyre. She hugged both to her chest as she got on to the mattress and closed her eyes.

Chapter 10: Part Ten
Summary:
We hear from Ryan about why, whilst undeniably better than women have it, men can also face a tough time in Sallas. We learn a little about his growing up and then find out that rumours start very quickly.

Later, Anna is home alone when nature calls. She is forced to wait for Ryan to get home but when he does so she is left in shock...

Chapter Text
There were a few days until the start of the course and Ryan spent them settling in. He knew Anna didn’t like the new regime but his father had been the one to advise him to do it. The relationship was much more parental than romantic, Ryan changed Anna’s diapers, bathed her, dressed her and did everything else a parent was expected to do and it was, quite frankly, exhausting. It didn’t help that his father was constantly texting, calling and e-mailing him to give more advice or check on him. He never failed to remind Ryan how important it was that he make friends, treat Anna properly and do well in his classes.

Making friends was the unexpected focus of Harold’s advice. Business in Sallas was very much a case of “who you know, not what you know” and it was vitally important that Ryan make connections with the other students who would also be future leaders. When Ryan informed Michael that he was getting to know Paul his father was delighted. It turned out that Paul’s family came from even more money than Ryan’s and a connection between the two could mean big money if they worked together.

Ryan loved business. It was truly his biggest passion and had been ever since he had been old enough to know what business was. Everything in his life was designed to push him into the family firm and his father was only too happy to help him. There was something about making deals, negotiating, making decisions and problem solving that Ryan just loved. Going into business, for him, wasn’t a choice. It was simply an inevitability.

Ryan and Anna hadn’t talked much over the last few days which was no different from before they arrived at college but it was starting to become more and more of a problem. They hadn’t had sex or any sexual contact. Ryan knew Anna resented him but she couldn’t understand the pressure he was under. That was another favourite topic of his father who seemed to take an unhealthy interest in his sex life. Ryan tried to be as vague as possible and lied about his activities with Anna.

Ryan was sat on a park bench to the side of the courtyard in between all the buildings. He was people-watching and the things he saw were surprising to him. In this area most of the apartments were taken up my married couples, young men who had brought their wives with them to college much like Ryan had. It wasn’t uncommon to see these women out of the house with their husbands or even alone sometimes.

The women Ryan saw were all dressed like children. Some were given puffy dresses not unlike what he imagined a five-year-old girl would wear to a princess party, some were in onesies and nothing more with their thick diapers bulging underneath, some weren’t even given that dignity as they were led around with a shirt and nothing covering their padding. All of them wore the mandatory harness with leash connected. The women who were without a male escort were clutching paper to their chest like their lives depended on it, they were permission slips to be outside alone and without them they risked being taken to the authorities. Most of them had pacifiers in their mouths.

It seemed to Ryan like a competitiveness had risen among the young men. A kind of masculine pride had developed that involved showing that they were more dominant over their women than anyone else. It seemed like whoever could embarrass their wife the most was the big man on campus. After just a few days he saw women in strollers, with pacifiers, even crawling around. It was like a game to these guys.

Ryan hadn’t taken Anna out of the house since they had arrived and hadn’t asked her to go to the shops either. He had done the shopping himself. His father wouldn’t have been happy to hear that.

Ryan’s father, Michael Manning, was a self-made man. He owned his own company and made sure everyone knew it, a tyrant to his employees Ryan had experienced little better at home. Michael was a demanding father that constantly pushed Ryan to excel in everything. It wasn’t good enough that Ryan join after school clubs or sorts teams, he had to be the best.

Michael’s need for domination had spread to every facet of his life including his wife. Ryan’s mother was a showpiece for Michael, a trophy that he showed off just to make sure everyone knew he was the alpha male. Ryan had watched as a child as his mother was surgically “enhanced” to Michael’s taste. Ryan could remember Michael browsing catalogues for surgeries as if he was looking at after-market car parts. Breast enhancements saw his mother, Annie, need increasingly large bras until she was practically spilling out of any dress she wore. Annie’s waist was made smaller, she was given so much plastic surgery Ryan barely recognized her. It never seemed enough and every few months she would be sent to the hospital for what Michael called a “tune up.”

Growing up Ryan hadn’t thought much about it. It was all he had known so it didn’t seem all that strange to him. It was only when he brought friends home and he saw the way they stared at his mother that he realised this was extreme even in Sallas’s ultra-misogynist world.

Ryan hadn’t been close to his mom in years. Michael didn’t believe a woman had any place raising a boy so she was relegated to simply doing the chores. It was like she was more of a servant than a mother, Ryan always saw her around but only rarely interacted with her. He didn’t like how things were but it was his father’s house and he made the rules.

For all the problems at home Ryan had one thing to be very thankful to his father for. It was thanks to his dad that Ryan discovered that he loved business. He had done work experience with at his dad’s business and it was through that experience he discovered a love for making big decisions that could have big ramifications. He couldn’t wait to get through college, there was a nice job waiting for him at the end of it.

“Hey, man, you alright?” Paul had walked up to Ryan whilst the latter had been staring into the middle-distance and lost in thought.

“Oh, hi.” Ryan looked up at his neighbor, “I’m fine. Just having some time to myself.”

“I see.” Paul didn’t seem to be getting the hint that Ryan wanted to be left alone as he perched on the arm of the bench, “Anna moaning your ears off? I know Jane can be like that. Got to keep them in their place though, right? When Jane’s pissing me off I just tell to do some arbitrary task and then when she’s done tell her to undo it. Just yesterday I had her rearrange all the books by author, then as soon as she finished I told her to put them back exactly as they were. You should’ve seen her freak out because she couldn’t remember how they went!”

Paul burst into loud laughter and Ryan smiled up at him before looking away. He had seen a lot of different punishments and read about even more but he hadn’t had to do much to keep Anna in line which he was thankful for. She seemed like a firecracker under the surface, constantly on the verge of exploding but able to hold back… just.

“Are you coming to the bar tonight?” Paul asked when he had finally stopped laughing.

“I don’t know.” Ryan answered truthfully.

“Man, it’s a good time.” Paul said, “We have a lot of fun.”

Ryan remained non-committal as he watched some more people walk past. A man was pushing a large stroller down the middle of the path. He could see the woman who was strapped down to the seat was red in the face and seemed to have her eyes tightly closed as if ignoring reality would make it different.

“We’ll see.” Ryan said with a small shrug.

“Alright, man, it’s just…” Paul looked around and rubbed the back of his neck, “People have started talking.”

“What do you mean?” Ryan asked.

“I mean no one sees you out with Anna. You aren’t coming out to drink with the boys…” Paul was looking down at the ground as if he had something unpleasant to say but he let silence fall.

“And?” Ryan finally prompted.

“The guys… Not me, but some of the other guys have said you might be…” Paul took a deep breath and looked up at Ryan’s face, “Pussy whipped.”

Ryan’s mouth fell open as he stared at Paul. They had only been here for a few days and yet he was apparently already getting a reputation, one he didn’t feel he deserved at all. This wasn’t empty rumors either. If you weren’t seen as a strong man who kept up with other men and kept women in their place you could be shunned. It wasn’t just a college thing, in a society where who you know often means more than what you know having a bad reputation could end your career before it started. Ryan couldn’t let word go around that he was weak. Imagining his father’s reaction made him shiver.

“I’ll see you later, bud.” Paul stood up and stretched before walking away.

Ryan was left with his thoughts. It didn’t matter if he thought most of the other males there were pompous assholes and it didn’t matter if he preferred quiet nights at home there were things that he just had to do. He stared straight ahead for a few seconds and then looked over to Paul’s retreating back. He hesitated for a second before sighing.

“Paul!” Ryan called out. The neighbor turned to look back at the bench, “I’ll see you tonight… at the bar.”

Paul smiled and gave him a thumbs up before turning away and carrying on his journey. Ryan checked his watch and saw he had been sitting out in the courtyard for well over an hour, he stood up and made his way back home. He didn’t really want to head out to the bar but he had to think about his career, the thing he loved above all else.

---

Anna was sat quietly on the couch with the television on but the volume turned down. She looked at the clock and saw that it was just past midnight. She tapped her foot on the floor in annoyance. Normally she wouldn’t have a problem with Ryan being out of the apartment, in fact she was usually grateful for it but this time was different.

Sniffing the air Anna curled her lip in disgust. She was in a messy diaper and had been for at least an hour now. She wished she could change herself but she didn’t think that was particularly wise especially if Ryan was coming home drunk, she didn’t know what he was like when he’d had a drink. She knew her mother would’ve advised her to wait.

Anna’s last few days had been every bit the nightmare she had thought it might be. Her days were filled with chores with very little time to herself. The only thing going better than she had expected was that Ryan still hadn’t attempted to consummate their marriage, in fact he hadn’t initiated any kind of sexual contact. Anna was happy about that but also found herself feeling a little put out. “Am I really that unattractive?” Anna said to herself whenever the thought came up.

Anna stood up and angrily shook her head. She hated thinking like that, she knew she didn’t need a man to find value in herself. She walked out on to the balcony. The air was cool but pleasant and as she walked to the wall and looked out over the courtyard she saw that everything was quiet. From the last few days she knew when the on campus bars kicked everyone out there would be a lot of loud drunkenness out there. She shivered as she thought about all the other women waiting for their man to come home just like herself, women who were in worse positions. She thought about Jane and wondered how she felt. She was only across the hall but she might as well been on the other side of the planet, there was no way for Anna to talk with her.

“To hell with this.” Anna stomped back inside and went towards the bedroom.

As Anna walked through the apartment she found her mind wandering back. Ryan had gone out for a walk and when he came home informed her that he was going out to the bar with some other guys that evening. Anna couldn’t and didn’t question him even if she wanted to. It was strange though, she somewhat got the impression he was hoping she would say something that convince him not to go. For a few seconds he had looked at her with longing before sighing and walking away with an order to cook him some dinner. As she cooked she found herself wanting to voice a curiosity that had plagued her since they had moved in.

“Ryan, what’s in that locked room next to the bathroom?” Anna tried to sound casual as she stirred the pot.

“Hmm?” Ryan replied without looking Anna’s way.

“The locked room next to the bathroom.” Anna repeated, “It’s been locked since we got here. Have you been in there?”

“It’s just a storage room.” Ryan replied.

Anna could only nod her head. Even as she fell back into silence she couldn’t help wondering what it was actually storing. As she took a mental tour through the apartment she couldn’t think of anything they had brought with them that was missing. She didn’t want to push the subject though, if Ryan didn’t want her to know what was in there then she simply wouldn’t know. Though she couldn’t help but find the intrigue extremely alluring.

Ryan had left shortly after dinner and Anna was left alone. She had soon found her tummy cramping and as much as she tried to hold back what was coming it was never going to last all the way until Ryan came home. At around eleven Anna could no longer hold back. She looked towards the door as if hoping for a miracle before crouching down and grunting. The back of her diaper had exploded outwards as she emptied her bowels. A feeling she hated no matter how many times it had happened.

Before walking into the bedroom Anna stopped next to that locked door. She knew it wouldn’t open but that didn’t stop her from putting a hand on the doorknob and pushing. Predictably, it didn’t budge.

Anna walked into the bedroom and looked at the changing table. She felt like if she spent too much longer in this diaper she would end up with a rash which she wanted to avoid no matter what. She knew she could expect to be punished if she did this but she didn’t feel like she had a choice. Not to mention she was angry at being left like this, she deserved more than being forgotten.

Anna pulled out a fresh diaper and some wipes. She put her hands on the edge of the changing table and then lifted herself up. Turning in mid-air Anna landed on top of the padded surface and winced as the hefty load in her disposable was spread around a bit. She was just about to lay back when she heard a bang against the front door. She lifted her head and looked towards the entrance to the room.

“Figures…” Anna muttered as she heard a key scraping against the door.

Anna quickly hopped off the changing table and quickly put the changing supplies away. As she hurried back out to the living room she felt her heart fluttering with nervousness. She really didn’t know what would greet her. She sat back down on the couch and yet again spread the waste in her diaper over her skin. Just as she leaned back in her seat the front door opened.

“I’m home!” Ryan yelled far too loudly as he stumbled through the door.

Anna remained in place without saying a word. She watched as Ryan turned around and closed the door, the effort of which seemed to nearly knock him over. He leaned against the wall next to the door for several moments. Anna thought he might actually have fallen asleep for a second before he suddenly came back to life and turned around. He staggered towards the couch where Anna sat, the young woman was worried that he had lecherous intent but he stopped halfway and sniffed.

“It smells like crap.” Ryan slurred.

“I need a diaper change.” Anna replied quietly.

“Ugh.” Ryan grunted in disgust.

Anna wanted to scream at Ryan that if he was here the cleanup would’ve been much easier. She wanted to yell at him for looking at her like that when she didn’t want any of this. She didn’t choose this life and she didn’t choose to be his wife. Her anger went further and she wanted to scream about how this was all unfair, the little devil on her shoulder told her to do it whilst the angel on the other side told her to stay quiet.

In the end Anna’s decision was made for her as Ryan stumbled towards the bedroom. He hadn’t said anything but Anna assumed it was for a much overdue diaper change. She followed her drunk husband into the bedroom and glanced nervously at the changing table hoping that nothing was out of place that might get her in trouble.

Ryan pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it on to the floor. He kicked his shoes off and then undid his pants, he practically fell over as he tried to pull them off and then flopped on to the bed whilst still half-dressed. His eyes closed leaving Anna awkwardly hovering near the changing table.

“I need a change.” Anna said again when it seemed like Ryan was down for the count.

“Do it yourself…” Ryan mumbled into the covers.

“What!?” Anna’s eyes widened.

There was silence in the room and Anna felt like she was perched on the edge of a building waiting to see if she would fall off it or not. She waited for Ryan to say something but soon the only sounds he was making were loud snores. She stayed on the spot as if a step in either direction would knock her over.

Anna waited for half a minute but Ryan remained deeply asleep with snores that echoed off all the walls. After all the fretting and sitting around in the uncomfortable diaper it turned out she could probably have changed herself whenever. She could count the number of times she had changed her own diaper on one hand and she had never done it with permission.

Anna pulled out the supplies she had hastily put away a couple of minutes before and lifted herself up on to the changing table. She was so dirty at this stage that she barely winced as she laid back on the padded surface. She reached to the front of her diaper and then hesitated, looking over to Ryan again she wanted to make sure this wasn’t some sort of trick but he still seemed to be asleep.

The tapes came off with a noisy tearing sound and as the soaked front of the padding slackened the smell quickly escaped. Anna hadn’t thought about how difficult it would be to change a messy diaper like this.

“Ryan?” Anna’s voice was shakier than usual. Her husband was dead to the world, it seemed like a marching band coming through the bedroom wouldn’t wake him up.

Anna sat up again and pulled the front of the diaper up over her crotch. Holding the waistband at the front and back with both hands she carefully walked out towards the hallway. It was an awkward waddle and Anna felt like she was leaving a trail of stink behind her. This felt naughty but she had been given permission to change herself…

Anna walked past the door that had been locked since the couple had arrived and went into the bathroom. The bath had a shower attachment, carefully adjusting her grip so she could hold both front and back of the diaper in one hand she used the other to turn on the water. As she waited for the shower to heat up she carefully stuck her head out of the bathroom door anxiously listening out for Ryan, he was snoring so loud Anna could hear it over the water.

Anna closed the bathroom door and stood next to the tub. Slowly and with a grimace of disgust she lowered her messy diaper between her legs. She really had no idea why males insisted on diapers when they were so gross to change, she was aware that it was a power thing but it felt like there were easier ways to assert your authority.

Anna carefully folded up the used diaper and taped it closed. She stepped into the shower and let the warm water run down over her body. She closed her eyes and tilted her face up towards the shower head. It was only after a few minutes that she got to the task of cleaning herself, she looked down to the brown-tinged water. It was almost hypnotic as it swirled around the drain.

The shower took a while. Anna was able to clean herself up easily enough but she wanted to spend more time under the water. She had no idea how long she stayed in the shower before stepping over the edge of the tub and out on to the bath mat. She wrapped a towel around herself and waited. She wasn’t really sure if she had done the right thing, if Ryan found out she had done something without his permission he could flip out. Anna knew if she was at home her father would’ve been apoplectic.

Once dry Anna slowly opened the bathroom door and walked out into the hallway. She let out a sigh of relief when she heard the snoring from Ryan continuing. She went into the bedroom and tip-toed around to her side of the mattress. With one of her spare diapers she made sure she was protected as she climbed into bed. She had to push one of Ryan’s legs out the way so she could lay down but he was still out of it. A fresh towel protected the pillow from her wet hair as she laid down and tried to go to sleep.

Chapter 11: Part Eleven
Summary:
Anna wakes up to a husband who is quickly annoyed by her carelessness. That means it's time for punishment and as if that wasn't bad enough Ryan has more bad news for her.

Chapter Text
It took a while for Anna to fall asleep that night. It wasn’t for lack of tiredness but Ryan’s snoring seemed loud enough to wake the dead. She wasn’t surprised when she felt the mattress springs moving as Ryan got out of bed. He was groaning and when Anna turned her head she could see that he looked very rough.

“What time did I come home last night?” Ryan croaked out.

“A little after twelve.” Anna yawned and curled up under the blanket as she planned to go back to sleep.

Anna was still awake when she heard Ryan’s staggered footsteps leaving the bedroom. He was heading down the hallway towards the bathroom. She closed her eyes and was just drifting off when she was startled by Ryan’s voice shouting.

“What the hell is this!?” Ryan sounded equal parts shocked and disgusted.

Anna frowned. She had used the bathroom last night but he had told her to change herself. Was he really flipping out over water residue in the tub? Anna was just about to close her eyes again when it suddenly came to her.

“Oh my God…” Anna gasped as she slowly sat up.

“Anna!” Ryan shouted, “Get out here!”

Anna desperately didn’t want to confront the situation. She wondered if hiding under her blanket would be appropriate. After hesitating for a few seconds she threw the cover back and stood up. The diaper she had put on the previous night sagged between her legs. It was wet.

“Don’t make me come get you!” Ryan called out.

Anna swallowed as she left the bedroom in nothing but her diaper. She walked down to the bathroom on shaky legs until she was stood in the doorway. She saw Ryan standing in the middle of the room with an angry scowl on his face. On the floor between him and the tub was the soiled diaper from the previous night. Anna felt humiliated but was more worried about what might be coming.

“What’s this?” Ryan asked crossly. His voice was slightly hoarse after the previous night.

“My… My diaper.” Anna replied quietly.

“What’s it doing here?” Ryan asked. He was acting more like a parent than a husband.

“Well, I took it off when-” Anna started.

“Since when were you allowed to take your diapers off?” Ryan interrupted.

Anna looked up from the floor at Ryan. It seemed he had been so drunk he had forgotten that he had told her she could change herself. She bit her lip, it was a tricky situation because she didn’t want to be seen as arguing but at the same time she felt justified in defending herself. She had made a mistake in forgetting to dispose of her diaper but she had permission to change.

“You told me I could…” Anna said slowly, “When you came in I was… Well, I needed a change but you told me to change myself and then fell asleep.”

“I did?” Ryan frowned. It looked like he was trying to remember the previous night. It looked like it was causing him pain to do so.

There was an awkward silence.

“I’m sorry I forgot to dispose of it.” Anna finally added.

“Why’s it in here?” Ryan demanded has he seemed to recover his train of thought.

“I was really dirty and it’s not easy to change myself.” Anna felt so embarrassed.

“I didn’t tell you to have a shower.” Ryan said as he shook his head, “Get dressed, take this diaper to the trash downstairs then…”

Ryan paused. He was looking around as if trying to remember something or work out what else to say. It looked like it was causing him physical pain to use his brain, the hangover he was feeling must’ve been immense. There was a part of Anna that took a little satisfaction at his discomfort.

“Come back up and stand in the corner.” Ryan finally finished.

“In the corner?” Anna asked with a frown. She knew it was a punishment but it wasn’t something she thought she’d ever see Ryan demanding.

“Yes! Corner time!” Ryan waved his hand for Anna to hurry up, “Clearly I’ve been too lax around here.”

Anna opened her mouth to argue back but caught herself. Ryan hadn’t punished her before and when she looked at other women she would have to say she was very lucky. If he was bringing out a punishment now she didn’t want to push her luck and see what he was really capable of. He turned away from Anna and looked in the mirror above the sink, Anna could see his eyes repeatedly looking over to her as she walked forwards and picked up the used diaper. It felt cold and heavy in her hands.

Anna took the diaper out of the bathroom and back into the bedroom. She got dressed in an outfit she was certain would meet Ryan’s approval, a pink Hello Kitty top and a short skirt that left little to the imagination over her diaper. She had to try and get on Ryan’s good side since he was in an uncharacteristically bad mood. As she got dressed she heard Ryan walk past the doorway and out into the main living area. The faucet turned on a couple of seconds later.

“Hurry up!” Ryan called out with a croaky voice.

Anna finished adjusting her skirt and picked up the stinky diaper again. It felt even grosser now than it had done the previous night, the way it had cooled made it somehow more nauseating. It didn’t help that the smell seemed to hang around the plastic padding like a cloud. Anna held the diaper out and away from her as she left the bedroom. When she walked into the main living area she saw Ryan in the kitchen and leaning on the counter, next to him was a packet of painkillers and he had a glass of water in his hand.

Looking away Anna headed towards the front door of her apartment. It was a door she hadn’t used since she had first arrived on campus. She was just pulling it open when she was stopped by Ryan’s voice.

“I didn’t do anything else last night, did I?” Ryan asked in a small voice. If Anna didn’t know better she would’ve said there was a fearful quiver in the way that he spoke.

“What do you mean?” Anna asked as she turned to face the kitchen.

“I didn’t… try anything?” Ryan was looking at the floor, “I can’t remember a thing from last night and…”

“Nothing happened.” Anna said, “You came in, told me to change my diaper and fell asleep. That’s it.”

Anna saw a look of relief flash across Ryan’s face as he took a deep breath. He walked out from the kitchen towards Anna who took an instinctive step backwards. He reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out one of her pacifiers. Anna opened her mouth just in time for the latex bulb to push past her lips.

Ryan turned around to face the counters and started making himself some breakfast. Anna fully opened the door and stepped out into the hallway feeling embarrassed as she held the pacifier between her teeth. She pulled the door closed but left it off the latch so she could get back in.

“Hello.” A female voice nearly gave Anna a heart attack. Her hands flew up in surprise and the full diaper slipped from her fingers and dropped to the floor with a thud.

“Jane? Hi, what are you doing out here?” Anna put a hand over her heart as she saw her neighbor sat on the floor in front of the door across the hall. She reached up to pull the pacifier from her lips but thought better of it, instead her words were slurred slightly as if she had been the one out drinking.

“Oh, well, when Paul came home last night he didn’t…” Jane looked around. It looked like she was scared of being overheard but when she saw that no one else was around she beckoned Anna to come over before continuing in a whisper, “He said he didn’t want to share his bed and kicked me out.”

“You’ve been out here all night!?” Anna asked in shock. Her exclamation was enough to get Jane to frantically tell her to keep her voice down.

“It’s not so bad.” Jane finally continued in her whisper, “This is better than at home where I’d be outside. At least here I have the hallway.”

Anna was shocked. Jane was giving her a smile but it just made Anna pity the poor girl even more. Jane was wearing a thin nightie which didn’t really hide anything that was underneath it, her diaper was soaked. Anna’s felt the rising heat of anger as she balled up her fists. She wanted to knock on the door and tell Paul to get his act together, that Jane wasn’t some dog that he could order out of the house if he wanted to.

“Don’t.” Jane said as if reading Anna’s mind, “It’s really not that bad. It could be worse.”

Anna’s rage was impotent and she knew it. There was nothing she could do, even if she knocked on the door and gave Paul a piece of her mind it would only result in her own punishment getting worse, poor Jane would probably end up getting punished even more as well. The threat of the Finishing School remained an ever present. Tears of frustration threatened to spill over Anna’s cheeks.

“It’s not right.” Anna said as she looked away and tried to discreetly wipe her eyes. Her pacifier nearly tumbled out of her mouth.

“You’d better carry on with your business.” Jane said after a few seconds, “You don’t want to keep your husband waiting.”

It felt like an awkward goodbye. Anna didn’t want to leave Jane on the doormat and yet it was true that Ryan was expecting her back soon. She picked up her loaded diaper and stood up reluctantly, Jane gave her another small smile and a nod. Anna turned away and started walking towards the stairs. She looked back as she reached the stairs to see Jane laying down across her apartment’s doormat.

The building’s dumpsters were in a little space to the side of the building where they were hidden from sight. Anna walked around holding her shameful package and averted her eyes whenever she passed someone which was thankfully infrequently on that early morning.

Once Anna had dropped her stinky diaper in the dumpster she went back up to the apartment. She expected to see Jane and have another awkward encounter but she wasn’t there anymore, Anna hoped she had finally been allowed inside. Walking back into her own apartment she saw that Ryan had got into his dressing gown and stretched out on the couch. He gestured to the corner when she had closed the door.

Anna wanted to argue against the punishment but she didn’t. After seeing Jane that morning a little time spent in the corner seemed much more tolerable. She still felt humiliated as she traipsed across the living room and to the corner. She was next to the television so knew Ryan would have his eye on her. With her pacifier pressed into the corner of two walls she let out a huff and waited.

Anna had no idea how long she was supposed to stand there but she faced the walls and sighed. She was thankful that the TV was on quietly, it meant she wasn’t quite left alone with her thoughts. She was bored within a couple of minutes and after five it felt like torture to remain in place. She shifted her weight back and forth impatiently. It wasn’t like she had a lot of things to be doing but having to stay in one place quietly like this was against Anna’s nature.

Anna didn’t dare turn to look at Ryan but when she heard snoring coming from the couch she couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder. Ryan had fallen asleep. This presented a problem for Anna who hadn’t been told to leave the corner and had no idea how much longer she was supposed to stay there for.

“Unbelievable…” Anna muttered to herself.

Anna loudly cleared her throat hoping that Ryan would wake up but he was snoring loudly and didn’t react to her. She leaned forwards so her forehead rested on the wall and wondered what she should do. After a minute of thinking she decided she really had to stay in place, seeing Jane had shaken her and she was desperate to avoid antagonizing her husband.

Anna felt her diaper warming. She hadn’t really felt the need to go all that strongly as the pee splashed out of her and against the padding. She had nothing to do except think as she flexed her muscles a little bit, it was already getting uncomfortable to stand in one spot like this.

Time stretched on interminably. Anna couldn’t stop herself from thinking, she had nothing else to do after all. Her mind went to the same place it always did in times like this and that was what life was like everywhere else. Anna wondered what she would be doing right then if she was anywhere but Sallas. She could see herself as a student at a college rather than a glorified maid, she would be studying something that would lead to a career, something like medicine. She would be experimenting, maybe she’d have a boyfriend, hell maybe she’d even have a girlfriend. She really had no idea what she would be doing but she was sure it was better than this.

There was no way for Anna to easily tell the time from here but it felt like at least half an hour had to have passed. She found herself bending and flexing her legs just to try and stretch them a bit, even her jaw was starting to ache from the pacifier in her mouth. Ryan was still fast asleep so she decided to take a risk and lowered herself down until she was sitting on the floor. She was still facing the wall and hoped that would be enough for her husband. The expanded padding of her diaper provided a nice pillow.

Anna leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. She was still a little tired herself and it wasn’t long before she was dozing off in the corner herself. It was just as she was properly falling asleep that a loud ringtone made her jump. Ryan’s snoring ended suddenly and Anna heard him grabbing the phone.

“Hello?” Ryan’s voice sounded rough. A combination of the hangover and sudden wake up.

Anna managed to contain her curiosity and prevent herself from turning around. She stayed exactly where she was though, she didn’t want to stand up and draw attention to the fact she had changed position.

“I did? Right… No, it’s no problem… Yeah… Cool.” Ryan said into the phone, “Yeah, about six? Alright, see you then.”

Anna heard a tone as Ryan hung up the phone. The couch creaked slightly as Ryan sat up and although Anna couldn’t see anything she knew her husband was staring at the back of her head.

“I must’ve fallen asleep.” Ryan eventually said, “How long was I out for?”

“I don’t know.” Anna replied truthfully without turning from the wallpaper in front of her.

“You’ve… You’ve been in the corner the whole time?” Ryan asked.

“I have.” Anna replied.

“Alright, I only meant to give you five minutes… You better come out. We’ve got some preparations to do.” Ryan stood up and scratched his chest.

Anna stood up and twisted side to side. She felt her back complaining as she stretched it out. She saw Ryan looking at her a little guiltily. She wasn’t worried about that though, she was focusing on one word that Ryan had said in particular.

“Preparations?” Anna asked.

“Apparently I agreed to host Paul and Jane this evening.” Ryan said with a shrug, “I don’t really remember it but then most of last night is a blank.”

Anna bit her lip. She didn’t know which part sounded least appealing to her. Hosting a small dinner party sounded daunting, she certainly wouldn’t have chosen Paul as a guest either. She found herself wondering what she was going to wear and cook and…

Anna chastised herself. “Don’t be so pathetic.” Anna thought, “Immediately falling into the role of housewife, where’s your fight?” Anna walked out of the living room and back towards the bedroom. She was resolved not to care, she didn’t want guests, she didn’t want to be a wife and she certainly didn’t want to have to worry herself over these things.

“I’ll go out and get some stuff for dinner.” Ryan called out, “Is there anything you want to cook?”

Anna didn’t reply. She got into her side of the bed and faced away from the door. She expected Ryan to come down the hallway demanding an answer or punishing her but instead she heard movement in the living room. There was a metallic jangling as Ryan scooped up his keys and then the front door opened and closed. Anna was pleasantly surprised and used the time to open her bedside cabinet and pull out her old photo album. She sighed as she started leafing through the pages.

Whilst Anna laid down and looked at the old photos of her smiling parents she felt another warming inside her diaper. She reached down with her free hand and felt the wet padding. She sighed, she needed a change but she didn’t want to wait again.

“Screw it.” Anna said as she sat up and put her book down.

After everything that had happened from the previous evening spent in a messy diaper to today’s punishment Anna felt like she deserved to change herself. She stood up and marched over to the changing table. She got the supplies out and hopped up on to the padded surface.

“I doubt Ryan would even notice.” Anna muttered to herself, “I’ll just put this in the trash and he’ll never know.”

Anna pulled at the tapes of her diaper before she could change her mind. This felt very different to the previous night when she had been desperate for a change and could justify that she had permission, she could’ve waited and she could’ve asked for a change. This was an act of defiance and she knew it.

As Anna lowered the front of her diaper she pulled out some wipes and started to clean her diaper area. The smile that spread across her face from her act of rebellion disappeared when she heard the front door again. Anna froze with her old diaper still open between her legs and holding the new one. She looked to the bedroom door as footsteps came closer.

“Anna, do you know if-” Ryan had pushed open the door and was looking over at the changing table. He froze as he saw Anna in the middle of a change.

Anna didn’t know what to do. She felt like a child who had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. She looked over at Ryan with eyes the size of dinner plates. Anna expected an explosion of anger at any moment, she tensed up and the longer Ryan remained silent the more she was sure he would explode in a fury.

“Do you know if Jane has any food allergies?” Ryan asked quietly.

“What?” Anna was so surprised she wasn’t being shouted at it took her a moment to process what she was hearing, “Oh, erm, no. I don’t know.”

“Right.” Ryan looked conflicted.

Anna could see Ryan looking all over the room. There seemed to be a deep conflict raging in Ryan and Anna could only look on as she awaited her sentence. She would almost have preferred him to be shouting at her than this silence that kept her on tenterhooks.

“I’ll be back soon.” Ryan finally said quietly. He left the room and closed the door behind him.

Anna was shocked. She was sure this must be some kind of trick and didn’t move a muscle until she heard the front door open and close again. She dropped back against the padded table and took a deep breath. She had been married to Ryan for weeks now but she still didn’t think she understood him in the slightest.

After a couple of minutes Anna realised she should probably finish her change before she had an accident and gave yet another reason for Ryan to punish her. She reached down and pulled the diaper up and over her crotch before taping it closed. She hadn’t changed her diapers before and yet now she had done it twice in two days. Strange things were happening.

Chapter 12: Part Twelve
Summary:
Anna wakes up to a husband who is quickly annoyed by her carelessness. That means it's time for punishment and as if that wasn't bad enough Ryan has more bad news for her.

Chapter Text
Ryan bought ingredients for a Bolognese and was walking slowly home. He was deep in thought, so deep in fact that he didn’t even notice the lamp post he walked into. As some nearby people smirked at his distraction he walked over to a nearby low wall and sat down. He pulled a bottle of water out of the bag and drank some, his hangover wasn’t making that day any easier.

With half the bottle drank Ryan put the top on and put it back in the plastic bag. He wasn’t used to drinking and he had definitely overdone it the previous night. He had been planning to put in his appearance, have a few drinks and then quietly leave but it didn’t quite work out like that.

Men in Sallas were expected to behave a certain way and not conforming was very ill-advised. The measure of a man’s worth was almost entirely down to how “alpha” he was, in practice this meant being one of the boys and not showing any weakness. Consequently when Ryan was told by Paul that the others were whispering about him he knew he had to squash the rumors before they got out of hand. It wasn’t an overreaction to say his future hung in the balance.

One drink had turned into two which turned into three and so on. Just being there to say hello and then leaving wasn’t going to cut it. Ryan wanted that job as an executive in his father’s company more than anything but he knew certain behaviour was expected of him. If news reached his dad that Ryan was either unable to control his woman or acted strangely with the other guys he knew his career would stall before it even began.

Ryan was sure his father would hear about what was going on as well. Harold was a major donor to the college and Ryan had no doubt he would have people watching him to make sure he stayed on the straight and narrow. Ryan was an investment as far as his father was concerned, at least that was how he felt. He had been brought up specifically to take over the business when his father retired. He wouldn’t ever forget Harold telling him that had Ryan been born a girl he would keep having kids until he got the son he wanted.

With that being the case Ryan had to keep up with everyone else’s drinking and act as obnoxious as they did. In this society sticking out was the worst possible thing you could do whether male or female so Ryan had tried to blend into the group. Most of the night was a blur and there were giant patches of nothingness in his memory but judging from some of the messages on his phone it seemed people enjoyed his company. He wished his drunken self hadn’t invited Paul over for a meal though, of all the men that were drinking Paul was by far the most obnoxious. He was loud, brash and wanted everyone to know he was in charge. In a room full of “alpha males” Paul wanted to stand head and shoulders above everyone else.

Ryan was glad no one could see what was happening in his apartment. He looked up at the sky and stretched his neck muscles as he wondered what to do with Anna. He felt constantly stressed and exhausted by everything and he knew he wasn’t doing enough at home. Walking in on Anna changing her own diaper had certainly been a shock for him. He should’ve punished her and yet…

Despite wanting to stay out all day he knew he couldn’t. Taking all the time he could he walked back from the store towards his apartment. It was halfway through his walk that he almost missed a scene happening right in front of him because of how distracted he was. A woman was walking the way Ryan had come from. She was wearing the harness all women were supposed to wear, the nametag saying who her man was and had a pacifier in her mouth. As this woman walked past a group of young men one of them stuck his foot out and deliberately tripped her up.

“Ugh.” The woman hit the ground hard and her pacifier came spilling out of her mouth. It skidded along the pavement until it was just in front of Ryan.

“You should watch where you’re going, bitch.” The man who tripped her said to laughter from his friends.

The woman got back to her feet slowly but kept her eyes to the ground. She had scrapes on both of her hands but that didn’t stop her from looking towards those that had assaulted her and bowing at them a little. The men just laughed at her subservience. She started gathering up the shopping that had spilled out of the bags she was carrying.

Ryan bent down and picked the pink pacifier up. He wiped off some grit that had attached itself but the butterfly design on the button in the middle was scraped half off. He looked up to see the woman looking at him as if she were an antelope approaching a lion. She looked absolutely terrified.

“I think this is yours.” Ryan said as he held out the pacifier.

The woman reached out with a shaking hand and took the pacifier with a wince. She quickly stepped back as if she was expecting some kind of trick. She looked at Ryan with surprise when he didn’t move.

“Th-thank you.” The woman muttered barely audibly.

Without another second’s hesitation the woman put the pacifier back in her mouth and hurried off towards the apartments as fast her thickly diapered butt would let her. Ryan looked forwards again and saw the men who had been making fun of her looking at him with curiosity. Ryan looked away and started walking past them and back to his apartment. He ignored the whispers he heard as he went by the group of men.

---

Anna stood over the pan of delicious smelling Bolognese and cursed herself for giving in. She was dressed in one of her nicer dresses which was still ridiculously childish by regular standards. The bottom of the dress didn’t cover the bottom of her diaper which was thankfully dry. The pale yellow garment had frilly white shoulder sections that were much puffier than the rest. Anna had her hair in pigtails, a request from Ryan, and a pacifier between her lips.

“Is everything ready?” Ryan asked as he walked through from the bathroom to the living area.

“Nearly.” Anna replied around the mouth-filling bulb.

“They’ll be here any minute.” Ryan said.

“I know… I can’t make it cook any faster.” Anna mumbled impatiently.

Anna turned around to see her husband standing at the window. He was wearing a smart cotton shirt and a pair of tan pants. He was biting his fingernails and if Anna didn’t know any better she would think Ryan was nervous. As if he had anything to be nervous about, Anna was the one who had to walk on eggshells. Ryan had lectured her extensively on what to do and what not to do. The only reason Anna wasn’t totally freaking out was the expectation of seeing Jane again. She was excited to see her if for no other reason than making sure she was OK.

The shrill noise of the doorbell rang out around the apartment and made both Anna and Ryan jump. Anna turned back to the food as Ryan hurried over to the door. Anna swallowed hard and stirred the food as the door opened behind her.

“Ryan!” Paul’s voice was loud and commanding, “How are you, man? Recovered from last night?”

“Just about.” Ryan replied.

The two men laughed and although Anna hadn’t turned around to see what was happening she heard the door close. She furtively looked over her shoulder to see if Jane was there, she wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Anna’s heart sank.

“Is Jane not joining us?” Ryan asked as if reading Anna’s mind.

“She’ll be here in a few. She has a couple of chores to finish up.” Paul replied before continuing with a raised voice, “Hey! Woman! Bring us some drinks!”

Anna swallowed hard but said nothing as she quickly hurried to the fridge. Her disgust at being ordered around like this was less than her fear of the men giving the orders. She got two bottles of beer out and walked over to the table to place them down before immediately returning to the cooking. In truth there was little left to do for the meal but she didn’t want to serve before Jane got there.

As Anna absentmindedly stirred the Bolognese she suddenly felt herself wetting her diaper. She licked her lips and reached down to try to pull her ridiculously short skirt down a bit, it didn’t work. There was simply no way that the strip of clothing that constituted her skirt would hide what was underneath.

The doorbell rang again and Anna jumped. The urine which had bent gently flowing out suddenly squirted into her padding. For a second she didn’t move thinking that since the men were closer they could get the door, it didn’t take long for her to realise the mistake she had made. Anna put down the kitchen utensils and hurried out past the table to the door. The men were already in discussion about something business related, it didn’t mean anything to Anna save for the fact that she was grateful their attention was on each other rather than her.

Anna opened the front door with a smile. She was fully ready to see a friendly face but what she saw on the other side of the door shocked her completely. Her eyes opened wide as she stood staring at the cringing form of Jane.

“Hi…” Jane muttered quietly.

Jane was dressed in an extreme manner even for Sallas. There wasn’t a hint of adulthood in her outfit. Jane looked like she was triple-diapered with her padding bulging out everywhere to an extreme degree. The pink onesie she was wearing seemed to barely contain what was underneath it and there was an almost comically large pacifier between her lips. Jane’s hair was braided and placed in pigtails that ended in little ribbons.

“Is that Jane?” Paul shouted from the kitchen table.

Anna couldn’t respond. The only person she considered a friend was standing in front of her in the most humiliatingly infantile outfit she had yet seen. Jane must have known she made quite a sight as her head dropped to look at the floor. Anna could see the shame Jane felt about how she was dressed, the shimmering eyes and rosy cheeks betrayed her attempts at remaining stoic.

“What are you doing over there?” It was Paul shouting again. He had only been there a few minutes but he was already acting like he owned the place, “If it’s Jane let them in otherwise tell whoever it is to fu-”

“It’s Jane.” Anna said simply as she stepped back and held the door open.

Jane shuffled inside and then dropped on to her hands and knees. Anna could only stare as Jane’s massive rear pointed towards her showing the straining buttons of the onesie, Jane started crawling into the apartment. As Jane crawled unsteadily towards the table Anna looked up at the two men sitting at it, she saw Paul smirking and leaning back in his chair whilst Ryan’s eyes were just like Anna’s.

“I hope dinner isn’t burning…” Paul locked eyes with Anna for just a second.

Anna looked away and hurried around to the kitchen. Dinner wasn’t burning but with Jane here there was no longer any reason to put off serving the food. She silently dished out the food to four plates whilst trying not to dwell on what she had just seen. Behind her conversation was turning to Jane which interested Anna much more than the business chat.

“So what’s the story there?” Ryan asked. Anna didn’t need to turn around to know he was referring to Jane.

“Oh, the bitch?” The way Paul tossed out his comments made Anna’s skin crawl.

“Yeah.” Ryan said after a few seconds.

“She’s been getting ideas above her station.” Paul said, “I’m just putting her back in her place.”

“I see…” Ryan said quietly.

Anna brought two of the plates over to the table. She was smart enough to make sure it was the two men who were served first. As she put down Paul’s plate he tapped her rear end. Anna had to fight back the urge to swing at him. She had to keep repeating to herself that she had to keep her cool.

“Make sure Jane’s food is in a bowl.” Paul said with another smirk.

“A… bowl?” Anna repeated slowly.

Paul nodded his head and tapped Anna on the butt a couple more times to dismiss her. Anna went back to the kitchen and got a bowl out of the cupboard. After giving it a quick rinse she carefully transferred one of the remaining plates of food into the bowl. She then carried the plate and bowl over to the table.

“Thank you.” Paul took the bowl from Anna before she had the chance to put it down herself. Paul placed the bowl in front of Jane and then took the cutlery away.

“What are you…” Ryan started to say quietly.

“You can’t expect such helpless babies to feed themselves.” Paul chuckled as he took Jane’s cutlery.

Jane looked around the table with a look of hopelessness in her eyes. She looked at Paul once more looking for pity that wasn’t there. Anna was sitting opposite the poor young woman and could only look on as Jane looked down at the bowl with resignation.

Chapter 13: Part Thirteen
Summary:
The dinner party is underway and Anna is on edge. She is very worried about Jane but with Paul and Ryan there she can't do anything. Eventually she is able to get away from the table but things hardly get any easier and Jane is forced into a difficult position to try and keep Jane safe.

Chapter Text
Anna heard Jane let out a small sob as Paul started feeding her like a baby. She opened and closed her mouth almost mechanically as the fork came towards her all whilst Paul made snide comments about how hopeless and useless she was. Anna could only watch as Jane chewed and seemingly swallowed the food with difficulty. She would then have to wait until Paul deigned to feed her some more and instead ate his own food.

Anna watched with disgust, not at her friend but at Paul for forcing this situation. Paul didn’t seem nearly as worried by it though, he was laughing heartily. He even brought out a phone for a picture. The pacifier that had dropped from Jane’s mouth before the first mouthful of dinner now bounced awkwardly on the front of the pink onesie.

Anna’s appetite had deserted her but she forced herself to pick up her cutlery and start eating. The conversation was yet again picked up between the two men as Anna ate quietly and tried not to look across the table to where Jane was occasionally fed like a helpless infant. It didn’t help that Paul deliberately missed her mouth a few times and smeared food all over her face. After only a few mouthfuls sauce was spread around Jane’s mouth and she didn’t dare wipe it away.

“We’ll have to get you a bib.” Paul said gruffly but with clear amusement, “Something that says “Daddy’s Messy Eater” am I right, Ryan?”

As Paul laughed Ryan choked out a not too convincing laugh of his own. Anna looked across to him and could see he wasn’t much more comfortable than she was, if Paul had even an ounce of self-awareness she was sure he would’ve noticed that. She wondered exactly why Ryan was uncomfortable.

Anna felt so helpless but desperately wanted to help her friend. All she could do was reach her foot under the table and gently touch Jane’s leg. She just wanted Jane to know she wasn’t alone. Jane gave her a weak smile but it did little to disguise her humiliation.

The meal seemed to take an age when all Anna wanted to do was leave the table. When the plates were finally empty she was grateful to take them away but a little fearful of what was to come next. When Ryan said that the men had things to talk about and the women could go off elsewhere it wasn’t a moment too soon.

“M-May we go to the bedroom?” Anna asked Ryan as she looked down at the floor.

“I suppose so.” Ryan said. He looked a little unsure about why he was even being asked

“Why’d you want the privacy? You two going to kiss?” Paul laughed heartily. Anna forced a smile on to her face as if what he had said was actually funny.

“No.” Anna answered shortly. She knew her attitude could get her into trouble but Paul was too busy laughing at his own little joke to notice.

“Alright, you two girls have fun.” Paul gave both Jane and Anna more pats on their diapers as they turned away from the table.

Anna took Jane’s hand and pulled her as quickly away from the table as seemed prudent. She had tears in her eyes as the two of them walked away from the living room and over to the master bedroom. Anna pulled Jane inside and then shut the door behind them. She leaned back against the wood and slipped down to the floor in emotional exhaustion.

“You’re allowed to close the door?” Jane asked quietly. She seemed in awe, as if she had witnessed some fantastic act.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Anna replied.

“Paul says he wants me to be able to check on me whenever, make sure I’m not scheming or something.” Jane said, “I thought that was normal…”

“Jesus Christ…” Anna muttered under her breath as she looked down, “Are you alright?”

“Sure.” Jane replied suddenly and brightly. It seemed well-rehearsed but Anna wasn’t buying it.

“He makes you dress up like that a lot?” Anna asked, “Please, sit down, make yourself at home in here.”

“Thanks.” Jane perched on the edge of the mattress. Like a prey animal she seemed ready to spring up at a moment’s notice, “And only when Master says I need to be punished. Which is… quite often recently. I can’t seem to make him happy.”

“That asshole.” Anna growled.

“Anna!” Jane looked shocked and horrified, “What if they hear you!?”

“You’re safe in here.” Anna said. She stood up and came across to the bed, “I’m not going to let anything happen to you here.”

Jane smiled but it was entirely superficial. Anna could see that the young woman in front of her didn’t believe her at all. She could hardly blame her, if the men decided to burst in there wasn’t really anything she could do. It seemed like the right thing to say though and she certainly wished it were true.

Anna invited Jane to talk about herself. It was like getting blood out of a stone though, she was clearly not used to having someone be interested in them. Slowly but surely Anna managed to get Jane to open up a little. She learned that Jane had been born in Sallas and had never left her hometown until she got married, coincidentally she was married on the same day as Anna in a similar ceremony at a different school. Jane faltered when asked about her aspirations, like most women in Sallas she didn’t have any other than to be a good wife and mother.

Anna genuinely liked Jane. She was extremely shy and withdrawn but the more they talked the more Anna started seeing the real Jane. The timid woman could be funny, sweet and a wonderful conversation partner. If circumstances were different Anna could see the two of them painting the town red, instead they were trapped at the mercy of their husbands.

For half an hour or so it almost felt like everything was normal. They talked about anything and everything but after the first enquiries they avoided the topic of their current situations. Anna noticed after a little while that Jane, whilst still smiling and joining in the conversation was wincing slightly.

“Is everything OK?” Anna asked with a concerned frown.

“Yeah, I just…” Jane looked nervous. She sighed and continued bashfully, “I just need to poop.”

“Oh, well…” Anna muttered.

“Master told me not to do anything that might mean I need a diaper change.” Jane moaned as she cringed again, “He doesn’t want to be bothered. He doesn’t want me to embarrass him.”

“But he put you in this situation.” Anna frowned, “He can’t expect you to pause your bodily functions for him.”

“He’ll get mad.” Jane replied. She shook her head, “He’ll punish me if I fail him.”

“But if you need to go…” Anna started.

“I can’t!” Jane suddenly looked very fearful, “I have to hold it!”

“Alright, alright.” Anna said with a sigh.

The conversation rather petered out as Anna didn’t know what to say or do. Jane eventually got up and started pacing up and down in front of the bed, it was clear she wasn’t going to make it much further. Anna was growing increasingly mad at Paul for everything that was happening. She was doubly annoyed because she was just starting to see the real Jane that was hidden beneath so much fear and control. As soon as a situation arose where Jane might disobey an order, however stupid Anna found that order to be, she reverted straight back to the timid little housewife Paul had created.

“Look, Paul probably knew you wouldn’t be able to last.” Anna said. She was practically begging for Jane to just use her diaper so that she wouldn’t be in pain anymore, “It’s going to happen…”

“Master wants me to-” Jane started.

“Stop calling him Master!” Anna stood up now. She wasn’t angry at Jane but she was exasperated, “He’s just a person like you.”

“I… I…” Jane looked like she was short-circuiting. It was like there was too much going on for her mind to handle and she was grinding to a halt.

“Look, my changing table is in here.” Anna pointed to the padded table she had been changed on so many times already, “Use your diaper and I’ll change you. Paul will never need to know.”

Jane was looking at the table and biting her bottom lip. It was obvious to Anna that the other woman was extremely tempted but her need to follow the rules, even unfair ones, was holding her back.

“If Mas-… Paul catches us we’ll be in so much trouble.” Jane gasped. The cramping must’ve been causing her so much pain, “He could send us for to a re-education camp…”

“He won’t.” Anna said with authority she had no reason to have, “He won’t catch us. They’re in the living room drinking and whatever, it’ll be over before you know it and no one will even know.”

Anna watched Jane sink down to her knees and bend over forwards. Regardless of what she was going to do afterwards it was clear she wouldn’t be able to hold on forever and as she audibly took in a deep breath Anna knew what was happening. Jane quietly grunted as she filled her diaper. With the thickness of the padding it was impossible to see what was happening but Anna was certain. For several seconds Jane remained on the floor pushing and softly grunting.

“I… I think…” Jane whispered when she was finished and she started getting up to her feet. Her bottom lip was trembling.

Anna put her hand gently on Jane’s back causing the guest to jump. Out of nowhere Jane turned around and suddenly pulled Jane into a hug. Anna was shocked at the sudden display of affection but as she heard Jane sniffing and her body shaking she knew her friend was very upset. She wrapped her arms around Jane who was now shaking all over.

“It’s OK, everything will be fine.” Anna whispered, “Look, you don’t have to be alone.”

Anna pulled herself back from Jane and acted before she could even think about what she was doing. She didn’t want Jane to be alone in a messy diaper, she wanted to make the poor woman remember that she wasn’t the only one suffering these hardships. That Anna was her sister in suffering.

With nary a second thought Anna closed her eyes and crouched slightly. She pushed down with all her tummy muscles and for a couple of seconds nothing happened. It was true she felt no burning desire to poop and she certainly didn’t want to fill her disposable but it felt like she should show some kind of solidarity with her friend.

Anna pushed down and after letting out a rumbling fart she felt soft poop squeeze out of her and into her diaper. She felt the stickiness spread out over her skin but there wasn’t a lot there. When she straightened back up she could feel the back of the padding stick to her butt. She opened her eyes and despite a grimace she shrugged towards Jane.

“Now… how about we change you?” Anna asked Jane.

“Are you sure?” Jane replied anxiously.

“I can get it done in just a minute or two. Ryan and Paul will never know.” Anna said with confidence.

Jane still seemed unsure but after a quick look to the door she nodded her head and let out a nervous little laugh. The women went over to the changing table. Anna unsnapped Jane’s onesie since it would be difficult for the woman to do herself thanks to the bulkiness of the diaper she was wearing.

“You’re a good friend.” Jane whispered as she climbed up on to the table and laid back.

“I’m just doing what any friend would…” Anna replied as she took her place at the food of the table.

Anna wasn’t sure that was true but it was what she would do. She glanced over to the door and hoped Ryan could keep Paul occupied. She carefully pulled on the diaper’s tapes and slowly removed them. She had to take it slowly to stop from making too much noise. There were three layers of diaper to get through but Anna knew immediately when she had lowered the final layer as the smell got much worse.

“I’m sorry.” Jane was wincing and looked on the verge of a panic attack.

“It’s fine.” Anna said as she lowered the front of the diaper between Jane’s legs, “It’s not your fault. Let’s just get this done.”

Chapter 14: Part Fourteen
Summary:
Anna is taking a big risk in changing Jane but she just can't let the poor girl suffer. She hopes Ryan and Paul won't notice what has happened but can she really expect it to stay secret? And what would happen if the men found out that she had acted on her own initiative?

Then, as the dinner party comes to an end, Ryan does something Anna wouldn't have expected in a million years.

Chapter Text
Anna pulled out some baby wipes and started quickly but thoroughly cleaning her friend. Jane remained completely limp as Anna changed someone else’s diaper for the first time in her life. She was working so diligently she soon forgot about the smell and when she pulled the soiled disposables away she felt like she had truly accomplished something. She smiled as she felt pride over successfully cleaning Jane.

Anna balled up the used diapers and dropped them into the diaper pail. She was nearly done and thankfully there was no sign that anyone was going to disturb them. She pulled out three of her own diapers from beneath the padded top, she had to try and make it look like Jane had been wearing these diapers the whole time. As Anna looked down at the diapers she froze.

“What’s wrong?” Jane asked nervously when Anna hadn’t moved for a few seconds.

Anna looked at the top of the diaper pail where Jane’s messy disposables were balled up. She saw the infantile designs on the outside of the padding, the teddy bears and baby blocks stood out against the white background. She then looked down at her own diapers that she was about to put on Jane. They were almost completely blank. The fact that these weren’t Jane’s diapers would be immediately obvious to anyone who gave them even a cursory glance.

Anna thought about telling Jane the truth but the poor woman looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown and this news might push her over the edge. Anna thought back to how Ryan had been when he came home the previous evening. As long as Paul had enough to drink maybe he wouldn’t notice the obviously different diapers. Whether he would notice or not Anna decided it wasn’t worth worrying her friend about it since they certainly couldn’t change it now.

“Nothing.” Anna looked up and smiled. She didn’t know if lying to her friend was a good idea but it did seem like the least bad one.

Anna opened the first crinkly diaper and slipped it underneath Jane’s backside. As she pulled the front of the diaper up and taped it closed she prayed no one would tell the difference. If she was honest it seemed obvious to her but maybe Paul wouldn’t look at it so closely. She could only hope. She slipped a second diaper underneath Jane and taped it up and then was just about able to get the third diaper on top. As she pressed the poppers of the onesie together she ran her hand against the stretchy material and sighed.

“All done?” Jane asked.

“Yeah.” Anna said as she stepped back and let Jane sit up.

Anna watched as Jane slipped off the edge of the table. Jane lurched forwards and wrapped Anna in a hug so tight it almost cut off her air. Anna patted Jane on the back.

“This is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” Jane whispered.

Anna was happy to have been able to do this for her friend and yet she couldn’t help but be sad for Jane. That this was the nicest thing someone had for her was one of the most pathetic things she’d ever heard. She let Jane continue to hug her until she was done. Once they were finished they went back to how things had been before. Anna sat down on the edge of the bed and was belatedly reminded that she had messed herself as well.

Recently Anna had occasionally been changing her own diapers. She knew that Ryan knew she was doing and yet he hadn’t said anything. It had become a small act of defiance for her. She would’ve changed herself that evening but she didn’t want to push her luck. Ryan acted indifferent to her self-changes but she felt sure Paul wouldn’t be so easy going.

For the next few hours Anna and Jane continued in conversation. The only breaks were when they heard footsteps coming down the hallway and they waited for the door to open but it was always just one of the men going to the bathroom. It slowly got later and the women were both starting to feel tired.

“Jane!” Paul’s voice suddenly boomed. It managed to make the women jump even from a distance, “Come on. Time to go.”

Jane jumped to her feet as soon as she heard her voice. The Pavlovian response to her master’s voice was deeply ingrained despite the relatively short length of their marriage. Anna stood up next to her. She walked ahead of Jane and stopped at the door to look back and make sure Jane was ready.

“Just relax.” Anna said to Jane as she put her hand on the door’s handle, “Everything will be fine.”

Anna wasn’t sure if she was talking more to Jane or herself as she opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Jane followed her out and together they walked down towards the living room. As Anna approached the main living area she heard two male voices laugh. She took a deep breath and then stepped out where she could be seen. She could see quite a few empty bottles of beer though they were mostly around Paul’s seat, there were very few next to Ryan.

“Here they are.” Ryan said with a smile that Paul didn’t share.

“What took you so long?” Paul demanded.

“Sorry, Master.” Jane said quickly as she looked down at the ground. She dropped to her hands and knees and crawled like a baby across to her husband.

Anna stayed where she was. She looked around nervously and prayed Paul was too drunk to notice Jane’s obviously different diapers. To make herself useful and to try and act like everything was normal she went into the kitchen and started making some drinks. She could hear conversation in the living room as she got a couple of beers out of the fridge and brought them over.

“We should make this a regular thing.” Paul said. He slurred only slightly despite the apparent amount of beer he had imbibed.

“That would be great.” Ryan replied as he looked over to his wife.

“I was wrong about you…” Paul continued as he shifted forwards on his seat, “The guys and me, we all thought you were whipped but you seem to have anything under control.”

“I wasn’t aware I was being tested.” Ryan said with a small smile.

“We’re always being tested.” Paul said with a little smile of his own. He patted his knee and Jane stood up to sit on it, “Our futures depend on more than just grades. You know that, right?”

“Of course.” Ryan replied.

“Good.” Paul said, “Because I would hate to have to…”

Anna had been lurking off to the side trying to remain outside of everyone’s attention when she heard Paul stutter to a stop. She hesitantly looked up to see that Paul’s hand was on Jane’s onesie right between her legs where the poppers were clasped together. Jane’s eyes were wide as she stared across at Anna.

“What the hell!?” Paul suddenly exclaimed.

Anna watched as he suddenly and violently shoved Jane to the floor. Anna stepped forwards without thinking and stood between Paul and his wife, she got down to try and shield Jane who was letting out pathetic little whimpers.

“What’s going on?” Ryan asked as he stood up.

“My damn bitch of a wife disobeyed me!” Paul spat out, “Get your girl out of the way. I have to teach Jane a lesson.”

“Stay away from her!” Anna yelled as she turned to look at Paul. The fact her diaper was still messy had been long forgotten about.

Paul didn’t even hesitate to push Anna to the side. Anna stumbled and fell into Ryan’s arms, he grabbed her and helped her to stay upright. Anna immediately tried to pull free but Ryan held on to her. She looked over to where Jane was lying in a crumbled heap and saw Paul reach down and pull the two halves of the onesie apart. The diapers were exposed confirming Paul’s suspicions.

“Look at this!” Paul said as he pointed down at Jane’s crotch.

“I don’t understand…” Ryan said.

“I told her I didn’t want to have to deal with any diaper changes tonight.” Paul growled.

“You didn’t!” Anna cried out as her emotions overpowered her brain.

“She broke the rules about touching her diapers. So yeah, I do have to deal with it.” Paul continued.

Anna watched helplessly as Paul grabbed Jane by the bottom of her leg and pulled her back to the chair he had been sat on. When he let go he started to undo his belt and Anna gasped in horror. She looked up at Ryan who seemed to have no clue what to do.

“Do something!” Anna hissed desperately to her husband. She resented him for his position but he was, at the very least, better than Paul, “I’m begging you. Please!”

“You’re making me do this.” Paul growled as he pulled Jane up and bent her over the edge of the chair. His arm came back threateningly.

“Maybe this is a little too much…” Ryan said as he reached out a hand to try and pacify Paul.

“Too much?” Paul looked at Ryan with a mixture of disgust and disbelief. He shook his head as he pulled his hand back even further.

Anna was on the verge of hyperventilating. Ryan was still holding her back albeit lightly and she was staring down at Jane who was tensed up across Paul’s lap. She couldn’t let her poor friend suffer this punishment, no matter the risk to herself she had to intervene. It was the right thing to do.

“It’s my fault!” Anna yelled.

The tumult in the room suddenly died down and all eyes turned to Anna. Anna was looking at Jane who shook her head to tell Anna not to get involved. It wasn’t Anna’s nature to abandon a friend though and it had been her idea in the first place even if the game was rigged from the start. Anna couldn’t back down now even if she wanted to.

“I changed Jane.” Anna said, “She didn’t want me to but I insisted. Don’t punish her.”

There was a moment of tension before Paul broke into loud laughter. To Anna’s relief he lowered the belt but he didn’t allow Jane up. Anna looked up at Ryan to see that he seemed even more conflicted than before. He looked horrified that Anna would be so brazen.

“Am I hearing this right, Ryan?” Paul looked at Anna’s husband as he finally stopped laughing, “Is your woman telling me she broke the rules AND what to do about it?”

Anna swallowed hard as Paul stood up straight and started walking over towards Anna with the belt. He stumbled slightly, probably an effect of the alcohol, but advanced until he was inches from Anna. The scared woman felt Ryan hold her slightly more tightly. Paul stared at her for a few second before grabbing one of her arms and trying to pull her away from Ryan.

“If you think that’s going to stop Jane’s punishment you’re wrong but you’ve just talked yourself into one as well.” Paul muttered.

Anna felt like the rope in a tug-of-war contest as she was pulled one way and the other. She looked up at Ryan desperately and could see his mouth hanging open. He looked down to Anna and for just a second their eyes locked on to each other.

“H-Hey, Paul…” Ryan said, “I’ll do it.”

“Excuse me?” Paul said as he stopped pulling.

“I’ll deal with Anna.” Ryan said, “She is mine after all. You deal with Jane.”

Paul looked for a bit like he might argue. He was looked to Anna and back before slowly nodding. He finally let go of Anna’s wrist and she rubbed it with her other hand. She looked at Paul fearfully as he made his way back to Jane who hadn’t moved from her place over the arm of the chair.

“Are you sure you’ve got it in you?” Paul asked as he looked at Ryan seriously.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryan replied.

“I mean, are you going to man up and do your duty?” Paul said. He took position behind Jane but mercifully dropped the belt, “You’re the only male I know who I haven’t seen punish their woman. I’m starting to wonder if you even can… maybe she’s the one that spanks you, huh?”

Anna saw Ryan bristle and clench his fists. He grabbed Anna and pushed her over the side of the couch roughly so her messy rear was poking up into the air. Anna’s face drained of colour, she had never been manhandled like this by Ryan before. She turned her head to the side and saw Jane staring right back at her with a strange look of calmness. She had accepted what was going to happen and had retreated to a safe place within her head.

“Are you whipped?” Paul asked accusingly, “Or are you a man?”

Anna tensed up but was still taken by surprise when she felt Ryan’s hand smacking against the back of her diaper. She was pushed forwards slightly and the mush in her diaper spread out over her skin. She let out a little yelp, the spank was harder than she was expecting. She heard a similar noise from across the room and saw that Paul had spanked Jane as well.

“You call that a spank?” Paul sneered, “No wonder Anna rules things over here.”

The next spank was even harder and Anna exclaimed yet again. Despite the cushioning of her diaper she could still feel the blows hitting her backside hard and stinging her. After every spank Paul would give commentary demanding Ryan to hit harder. She started thinking that this would never end and a wave of hopelessness crashed over her.

“That’s more like it!” Paul laughed manically. This wasn’t just punishment. He was fully enjoying getting to do this, “Show her how an alpha treats their girl!”

Anna tried to hold back the tears but couldn’t. After one particularly hard spank she let out a loud sob as tears started to streak down her face. Through her blurry vision she could see Jane was taking her punishment with a lot more stoicism. Anna wished she could be that emotionless, she felt ashamed for crying like a baby like this.

With every spank the mess inside the diaper was spread further and the padding at the back became more compressed offering less and less protection. Anna could feel the stinging going through her skin which she was sure was turning red. She kicked her feet and flailed her arms but it was all useless, she was going to be there until the men decided she was done. She had no idea how long the spanking lasted nor how many times she was smacked when finally it seemed to stop.

“Your technique could use some work.” Paul said just loud enough to be heard over Anna’s crying, “Come on Jane. If you think this is finished you are mistaken. On your hands and knees like the naughty baby you are.”

Anna was slumped over the arm of the chair with tears and snot running down her face. She was sweating and breathing hard as well. She stayed where she was as she listened to Paul saying his goodbyes, she didn’t see Jane getting on all fours to crawl out but she assumed she did so. As soon as Ryan went towards the front door she finally pulled herself up and ran down the hallway to the master bedroom. She fell face forwards on to the bed and covered her face in despair.

---

“See you later.” Ryan said as he did his best to keep the smile on his face.

“Yeah, we’ll have to make this a regular thing.” Paul said as he walked across the hallway and unlocked his door, “Are you coming out with the guys tomorrow night? It’s Steve’s birthday and apparently he’s going to have his wife…”

Ryan was distracted as Jane brushed past his legs as she crawled out of the apartment and into the hallway. He had to resist reaching down and seeing if she was alright, he was feeling highly emotional. He had to suppress his feelings though, no one could know how shaken up he was feeling.

As Jane crawled past Paul he gave her a light tap with his foot to get her moving before looking up at Ryan. Ryan attempted to chuckle but it sounded strangely strangled. He was relieved when he was finally able to close the door. He put his head against the wood and took several shaky breaths. He could feel his heart racing and it was like there was a lump in his throat that was choking him.

Ryan had no idea how long he stayed there but he felt like if he moved even the slightest bit his façade of masculinity would crack and fall away. “Keep it together, keep it together…” He kept repeating to himself.

“Erm, excuse me…” Anna’s soft voice came from behind him. It sounded so weak it was a wonder the words travelled across the room at all, “I think I need a change…”

Ryan turned around and saw Anna standing nervously at the other end of the living room. Her face was turned down to the ground and she seemed like she had shrunk into herself. Ryan felt his bottom lip trembling and before he could do anything he dropped to his knees and started crying loudly.

Chapter 15: Part Fifteen
Summary:
The truth comes out as Ryan spills the beans on why he's been acting so strangely.

Chapter Text
Anna didn’t know what to do. She stood awkwardly across the room as Ryan unexpectedly just slumped down to his knees. He covered his face but it was very clear he was loudly crying. Anna was shocked, it was the first time she had seen a man cry. Anna’s adoptive father hadn’t even cried at his own parents’ funerals and here was Ryan sobbing like a baby.

When Anna had made her way back into the living room she had been terrified of her husband. For the first time he had laid his hands on her and spanked her harder than she had ever been spanked before. She didn’t know what to do, after considering leaving the room she decided to stand her ground and see what happened. If anything she felt she was the one who should be crying.

“I’m sorry!” Ryan suddenly exclaimed so loudly that Anna jumped backwards.

“You… huh?” Anna muttered with a frown.

“I can’t do this!” Ryan moved his hands from his face to reveal streaks of tears and puffy red cheeks.

Anna was feeling very awkward. It was if she was intruding on a private moment. Ryan was looking up at her through eyes blurred with tears. What she decided to do took even her by surprise. Instead of retreating she took a couple of steps forwards towards the middle of the room. They were small and tentative but when she stopped a few feet from Ryan she didn’t feel he was a threat. He looked so vulnerable on his knees in front of her, like a child who was lost.

“What’s going on?” Anna asked with concern. It was concern for her own well-being as much as Ryan’s.

“I’m not… I can’t…” Ryan was shaking his heads and trying to speak in between sobs that seemed to shake his whole body.

Anna took another couple of steps forwards until she was within arm range of her husband. There was an armchair just to the side of the pair of them and she perched herself on the edge of it. She was in uncharted waters and half-reached out her hand before pulling it back to herself. After her spanking she had expected to hate Ryan, she had expected to fear him even, and yet she was now a couple of feet from him as he continued to loudly cry. It was so unusual she really didn’t know what she was supposed to do. She wasn’t prepared at all for a situation like this.

“I’m sorry!” Ryan wailed again, “I’m so, so sorry… for everything!”

“Slow down…” Anna said. Rather hesitantly she reached a hand out and put it on Ryan’s trembling shoulder, “I don’t understand.”

“I don’t want this.” Ryan said after a deep shuddering breath, “I didn’t want any of this. I didn’t want to marry you, I didn’t want to force you to move in with me, I didn’t want to make you a housewife when you’re clearly capable of so much more!”

If Anna was shocked before these last revelations were almost enough to knock her off her chair. She pulled her hand away from Ryan and looked around as if fearful someone might overhear them. None of this made any kind of sense to her and she was desperate to be told what was going on. Was this some kind of test? If Anna didn’t submit was Ryan going to punish her again? Ryan’s tears looked real and she didn’t think he was that good of an actor.

“You need to explain what’s going on.” Anna said warily.

Ryan took a deep breath and the tears that had been running down his face slowed down. He took a deep breath and seemed to compose himself a little. He pulled his shirt up and used it to wipe his face as he turned to look at Anna. He stayed on his knees before his wife as if he were begging for forgiveness.

“I… I hate this society.” Ryan seemed to spit the words out venomously, “I hate everything about it.”

Anna could hardly believe her ears. She had never heard any man complaining about the male dominated nature of Sallas, she hadn’t even heard many women dare to openly complain about it. The fear that her husband was testing her disappeared, as she looked into his eyes she could see he was deadly serious.

“You need to start at the beginning…” Anna prompted when it seemed like Ryan was lost for words.

“Right, right…” Ryan took another deep breath. He paused for a couple of seconds and then launched into an explanation. His voice remained shaky like he might burst into tears again at a moment’s notice, “I’ve hated this ever since I was a small child and I saw what father did to my mom. She was a beautiful, intelligent woman and just filled with love. Father took all of that and twisted her until she was…”

Ryan trailed off but Anna knew what he was thinking. Anna had seen Ryan’s mom at the graduation. She had seen how she had been changed to the point she looked less like a human and more like a doll. Obscenely sized breasts, lips bulging out and more plastic than flesh it had seemed. Every part of that poor woman had been molded and shaped by countless surgeries to make the perfect plaything for Anna’s father-in-law. The image of Ryan’s mom wouldn’t leave Anna’s mind for a long time.

“I watched my mom have everything taken away and I knew it was wrong but I couldn’t do anything about it. I watched as she was stripped of everything that made her… her. I watched as her smile and sunny disposition disappeared, she became more and more introverted the more they worked on her until she gave up.” Ryan clenched his fists for a few moments, “I knew then this whole society was… bullshit. I knew enough to keep it to myself but I truly couldn’t stand it… I can’t stand it!”

Ryan paused and grabbed one of the cans of beer still on the table in front of him. Anna watched him give it a little shake and when he heard there was still something inside he lifted it up and took a big drink from it. He put it back and stared into the middle-distance for a few seconds.

“My father said I had to get married.” Ryan continued, “Told me to pick someone.”

“Why?” Anna asked. Her one worded question had two meanings. Why did he have to get married? And why pick her?

“You know how my father got to where he is at the head of this massive company?” Ryan asked in response, “He’s a control freak. He micro-manages everything. He has a plan laid out and that plan called for me to be married when I went to college. He didn’t care whether I loved someone or not, he didn’t care if I was even interested in women. In his view men have to be a very specific thing, they have to do specific things and he was not going to suffer anything that contradicted that. He gave me an ultimatum to pick someone and he would sort it all out.”

“Wow…” It was all Anna could say.

“So I said the first name that came to mind.” Ryan said with a shrug, “I didn’t know any women. I was afraid to really get to know any after what happened to mom. I always admired you though, you weren’t like the other girls. I saw you getting into trouble for bucking the trend and I admired that. I… Well, I had a crush on you. I always watched you and wished I had the courage to say something.”

Ryan stumbled over his words a little and Anna, much to her own surprise, felt her cheeks warming a little bit. She didn’t say anything though, she wanted Ryan to keep going. It felt like this was the first time they had really spoken properly and honestly to each other. The man in front of him was not the man she had been living with.

“So I said your name. My father spoke to your dad and arranged things. You have to understand I couldn’t stop anything and I can’t argue or refuse or he would kick me out.” Ryan said. For the first time he looked up at Anna, “I want to be a businessman more than anything in the world. I want to make money. For all my father’s faults he was giving me an open door to step into that world, I just had to go along with his plans. Do you know what happens to men who step outside of the norm?”

Anna shook her head.

“They are shunned.” Ryan said, “They might not be sent off to a camp like women are but I would be blackballed from ever having any kind of job that mattered. I’d never get work that paid above minimum wage, my family would cut me off and I’d struggle to keep myself off the streets.”

Anna truly had no idea. The fact that women were sent off for “re-education” was well known and often used as a threat against errant behaviour but Anna didn’t know men were also under pressure to act a certain way. For the first time she was starting to see Ryan in a sympathetic light.

“We got married and then I came to live with you.” Ryan continued, “My plan was originally for you to stay at home whilst I came here. I knew you didn’t want me and I didn’t blame you. I wanted to focus on college. I guess in a way I was just hoping to put off being with you when you so clearly resented me and the life you were going to have. I thought maybe one day I could win you over or something…”

Anna had to acknowledge that Ryan was more switched on than she had given him credit for. He had everything about right and things were starting to make a little more sense. It didn’t stop her from being utterly shocked by all these revelations that were coming out.

“But when I saw your dad… punish you.” Ryan shuddered as he remembered what Harold had done and what he himself had done earlier that night, “I couldn’t just leave you there. I wanted to protect you. I swear to everything that is holy I didn’t want to punish you. I don’t want to be like fucking Paul!”

“I… I…” Anna was at a loss for words.

“I want you to be free!” Ryan exclaimed, “I want you to be able to do everything you want. I tried to be the alpha man like everyone else wanted me to be but…”

Silence fell on the room heavily as Ryan stuttered to a stop. Anna didn’t know how to process anything that she had just heard. Despite the obvious sincerity of emotion she couldn’t help but wonder if Ryan was playing some cruel trick on her, she had never known a man to share their emotions like this nor be sympathetic to her. What if he was just saying this has a test of some kind?

“Ryan, this is a lot to take in…” Anna finally said carefully.

“Come with me.” Ryan said as he stood up suddenly. He used his shirt to wipe his eyes as he walked off down the hallway.

“W-Where are we going?” Anna asked fearfully.

“I need to show you something.” Ryan answered.

Anna now felt even more sure that had been tested and that she had somehow failed. She stood up and felt her bruised butt ache with the change of position. She wondered what more Ryan would do to punish her, when she thought of all the other women she had seen both at the college and out in the world she realised the limits were probably only his imagination.

Anna assumed they were heading to the bedroom but Ryan actually stopped before reaching that door. Instead of turning left to where the bedroom entrance was he turned right and Anna saw him fish through his pockets before pulling out a key. With a start she realised he was stood in front of the mysterious door that had, as far as she knew, not been unlocked since their arrival.

“What’s in there?” Anna asked as she made her way forwards cautiously.

“Come and see.” Ryan replied as the door clicked and then opened.

Anna watched her husband walk into the room beyond as she continued slowly towards the hallway. She had been so curious about the room behind that door but now she was reminded of that old saying “curiosity killed the cat” and now that she had the opportunity to look inside she wondered if she would like what she found.

Anna practically crept forwards until she reached the doorway. She took a steadying breath ready for whatever might lay beyond and then turned and looked inside. What she saw didn’t look like it belonged attached to their apartment at all. A nursery, fully stocked and seemingly ready for a baby was waiting there. It looked like something out of a catalogue. The walls were pink and the furniture all white. A rocking chair sat in the corner next to a giant crib whilst a changing table, much more childish than the one in the bedroom, was placed just under the window. Toys, diapers, changing supplies, activities and everything else a baby needs were scattered around the room.

“What the…” Anna stepped inside the room and looked around it, “This has been here since we moved in?”

“Yes.” Ryan replied, “And by all rights you should be spending at least some of your time in here. From what I’ve heard from the other guys they use it all the time.”

“But you…” Anna looked at Ryan as if seeing him with new eyes, “You left it locked. Why?”

“Because I’m being honest when I say that I hate everything this society forces either of us to be!” Ryan held out his hands, “I like you, I genuinely do. I like that you aren’t one of these braindead women meekly accepting everything, I like that even when you’ve been doing what I say you have a rebellious streak. I didn’t know you when I chose you for marriage and I dare say I barely know you now but I like… you!”

Anna was rather taken aback by the passion Ryan spoke with. He was no longer crying but he was no less emotional. They looked into each other’s eyes for several long moments. Anna could see the truth behind them, she had seen plenty of eyes that his malice or disrespect behind them but she saw the opposite in Ryan. She was speechless.

“You can change yourself.” Ryan finally said as he let his gaze fall back down to the carpet, “I’ll sleep on the couch, you can take the bed.”

Ryan turned and left the nursery before Anna could say anything. She was left in the middle of the room stumbling over her thoughts and before she could really work out what to say or do Ryan was gone. She lingered in the unused nursery a little longer as she heard Ryan take his pillows and a blanket to the living room. There were a thousand questions going through Anna’s head but the emotions of the day were catching up with her. She suddenly realised just how exhausted she was.

Anna left the nursery. She practically tip-toed though she didn’t know why. She closed the door behind her and looked out to the living room. She couldn’t see Ryan who was hidden by the back of the couch but she could see his blanket hanging over the edges and she saw the glow of the television which had been turned on but with the volume practically muted.

After taking a moment Anna went into the bathroom and closed the door. She stripped down and turned on the shower much as she had done the previous time she had changed herself. She ended up spending at least half an hour standing under the water and wondering what to do. It had come so far out of left field that she just couldn’t wrap her mind around it. Realistically she knew she should be delighted but she just found herself struggling to accept it, maybe it was just the shock.

Once Anna was clean and dry she picked up her used diaper and took it into the hallway. She looked down to the living room again, there hadn’t been any change. She continued into her bedroom and dropped the used diaper into the pail. She re-diapered herself on the changing table and then climbed into the bed that felt very empty without Ryan in it. She stared up through the darkness at the ceiling and tried to clear her mind so she could sleep. It was easier said than done.

Chapter 16: Part Sixteen
Summary:
Anna and Ryan discuss the recent revelations. Anna has a special request of her husband.

Chapter Text
When Anna woke up the next morning she found she had sprawled across the bed in the night. She slowly raised her head as the smell of cooking filled her nostrils. The memories of the previous day had her letting her head drop back into the pillows. She didn’t want to face the day or her husband. Everything felt like it was going to be very awkward. It couldn’t be put off forever though and Anna forced herself to get up and dressed. Her diaper was wet but they were thick enough to be able to survive for a little while yet.

Anna walked out of the bedroom and slowly made her way to the living room. The smell of eggs and bacon grew stronger as she walked into the main area of the apartment. Ryan’s blanket was now laying half on the floor and he was in the kitchen.

“Ah, good morning.” Ryan said as he looked over his shoulder and saw Anna watching him and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

“Hi…” Anna replied cautiously.

“If you want to sit down breakfast will be ready in a couple of minutes.” Ryan said.

Anna walked over and sat down. To say this situation was unusual would be an understatement, she didn’t remember ever seeing a man cooking for a woman before. Three minutes later Ryan walked over to the table with two plates of food, he then went back to the kitchen and returned shortly afterwards with a couple of glasses of orange juice.

“Tuck in.” Ryan said with a smile as soon as he had sat down.

The food was good but Anna couldn’t help but think about the elephant in the room. Ryan wasn’t talking about what had happened and she started to wonder if it hadn’t been some crazy dream. Maybe he had realised he was making a mistake and wasn’t going to talk about it again. She wasn’t sure if she should bring the conversation up herself or not.

As breakfast continued Anna was increasingly preoccupied with the thought she had fallen asleep with and woken up still thinking. She looked at her husband as he avoiding her gaze and wondered if she should say something. It would test his commitment to whether he was being honest the previous evening. If he didn’t like the idea though… Well, it didn’t bear thinking about.

“Ryan…” Anna said eventually as she put down her knife and fork. The greasy food was already churning inside her belly, “About last night…”

Ryan seemed to freeze and he nervously licked his lips. Anna watched him carefully for any sign that might say that she was making a mistake in bringing up the previous day but he didn’t say anything. For several long seconds silence hung in the air. Anna kind of wanted Ryan to take up the conversation but he didn’t, instead he waited for Anna to finish her point.

“Did you mean what you said?” Anna asked. Her heart felt like it was about to beat out of her chest. She was so nervous he would say he was joking or something despite how unlikely that seemed.

“Every word.” Ryan replied almost immediately.

“Good.” Anna replied. She tried to act with a degree of confidence she didn’t really feel. She hated not feeling in control and right now she was barely in control of her own emotions yet alone the situation she was in, “Then there is something you could do for me.”

“Oh?” Ryan asked. He seemed genuinely interested, perhaps it was a chance for him to prove his words weren’t empty.

Anna suddenly found herself tongue-tied. She knew what she wanted to ask for and yet it felt so humiliating to request something that she should’ve been allowed to do as a toddler. It wasn’t something any adult should have to ask for.

“I want… I want to be potty trained.” Anna requested.

Anna swallowed nervously. Normally asking for something like this from a man was a quick route to being punished, it wasn’t a woman’s place to ask for such things. Potty training was entirely at the discretion of the husband. If he wanted to do it he could though there were plenty of cases where the men never bothered and left their wives diaper dependent forever.

“OK.” Ryan replied. He smiled, “Just let me know what I can do to help.”

Anna had almost been expecting Ryan to explode at her in anger. She wouldn’t have been surprised if he had leapt to his feet, screamed that she had failed his test and that she was going to be sent away. Instead he was just chuckling innocently at Anna’s bemused reaction.

“I don’t want you to be scared of me.” Ryan said as he put down his cutlery, “Look, I know you didn’t choose this marriage or, really, anything in your life but that doesn’t mean we can’t at least try to make it work. I promise no matter what happens I will never intentionally hurt you.”

“R-Right…” Anna said. She was suddenly feeling a little choked up. She didn’t know what Ryan could do to help, it wasn’t like she had done any research. She had a small amount of control but whether it was just the stress of recent events or not even that seemed to have slipped.

“I do have one request.” Ryan said as he gathered up the plates, “We have to keep this arrangement between us. If anyone else found out it would be a disaster… for both of us.”

“Of course.” Anna replied with a nod.

“Good.” Ryan took a deep breath, “It’s good to clear the air. I need to head out to the library to get some books for some assignments. You’ll be alright by yourself?”

Anna nodded. Ryan walked away towards the bedroom, he had been wearing yesterday’s clothes still, clearly he hadn’t wanted to go in and disturb Anna whilst she was sleeping. Anna remained where she was until Ryan came back the other way fully dressed and with a backpack over his shoulder.

“I’ll be back in a few hours.” Ryan said as he went past.

Anna watched him go in silence. When the front door closed behind him Anna let out a long breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding. Her muscles had been tense but now she let them relax as she stood up. She belatedly realised she hadn’t had her wet diaper changed, something that often happened after breakfast. It took a moment for her to realise she could and should change herself. Not having to tip-toe around that idea was novel.

Something else that often happened after breakfast was her need to go number two. She leaned forwards slightly and pushed without thinking, she only stopped herself at the last possible moment. She thought about everything that had been said and quickly tensed up again, she stood up and quickly walked to the bathroom. This was a habit she would have to break.

As Anna looked at the toilet she felt her heart race. She couldn’t remember the last time she had used one, it would’ve been all the way back before her parents died. There was no time to waste though, she pulled the tapes off her diaper and let it fall to the ground. She turned around and sat on the toilet. It felt strange and she had the childish thought that she might not be using it right.

Anna used the toilet like any adult should and cleaned herself up. As she stood up she threw her hands in the air in triumph. This was something she had wished for since she had gone to live with the Abbott family. She couldn’t exactly believe she had really done it. It finally started to properly sink in that Ryan was going to give her the chances she had desperately wanted. It felt almost dangerous to hope that things would be alright from here on out but she couldn’t help herself. She wanted to run from rooftop to rooftop shouting that she had just used the toilet!

Anna couldn’t stop smiling as she left the room. She went straight to the master bedroom again and taped a new diaper around her waist. Whilst she was more than happy to use the toilet she had to be sensible, going from half a lifetime of diaper usage to the toilet would take a little getting used to and she desperately wanted to prove to her husband that she was worthy of this chance. Once she was dressed she went into the living room and turned on the television. For the first time she didn’t feel like she had to do chores.

Not quite knowing what to do with her free time Anna stayed in front of the television until the front door opened and Ryan stepped back inside. He smiled and nodded towards Anna and for the first time when Anna smiled back it was genuine. Ryan put a plastic bag down on the armchair and went down the hallway.

“Erm, Anna?” Ryan’s voice called from somewhere out of sight.

“Yes?” Anna replied.

“I’m delighted you used the toilet…” Ryan’s voice was getting closer until he peeked his head around the corner, “But could you remember to flush next time?”

Anna covered her mouth in embarrassment. She should’ve known she’d forgotten something. Ryan was grinning at her as she quickly nodded her head. She could feel heat rising in her face as she turned away. She listened as Ryan walked back to the bathroom, the toilet flushed and then he returned to the living room. Somehow this felt more humiliating then the messy diapers he had changed.

“I’m so sorry!” Anna blurted out as soon as she saw him.

“It’s fine.” Ryan replied with a chuckle, “You’ll get used to it. Little hiccups are to be expected.”

Anna was still feeling very embarrassed but she couldn’t stop from smiling regardless. She didn’t really know what to do with herself and so she looked at Ryan who moved the bag and sat down on the chair. He reached into the bag and started pulling out books to put on the table.

“I got something for you.” Ryan said as he reached for the last book in the bag.

Anna watched as Ryan pulled out one last book and tossed it on to the seat next to her. Anna picked it up and turned it around to look at the cover, she immediately felt herself becoming a little embarrassed again. “The Comprehensive Guide to Potty Training” promised that it was the best one-stop place for potty training a baby.

“I didn’t know whether to get a book for potty training babies or women.” Ryan said. He looked a little nervous, “I hope it’s alright. I know you’re not a baby or anything I just thought you-”

“It’s great.” Anna interrupted as she put the book down, “I’m sure it will be… helpful.”

Anna did something next that she never though she would do a couple of weeks ago. She stood up and walked around to the chair Ryan was sitting on and leaned down to give him a hug. When she let go and stood up again Ryan remained quiet. Anna took her book and headed through to the bedroom. The only thing stopping her from jumping for joy was the soaked state of her diaper. It was a timely reminder that potty training wasn’t an overnight process.

Chapter 17: Part Seventeen
Summary:
The relationship is in a weird place but appearances must be kept up. We hear what Ryan thinks about things before he gets some bad news.

Notes:
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Chapter Text
“We can share the bed.” Anna stated.

“No, its fine, I’ll sleep on the couch.” Ryan said as he picked up his pillow.

“It’s been a week.” Anna said with a sigh, “You should come back to bed.”

Ryan looked at the doorway like he was unsure. Anna was growing exasperated with him. From wanting to do anything to be away from Ryan, and any other male in Sallas, she was now annoyed that he wasn’t spending more time with her. It wasn’t like she wanted to suddenly be with Ryan every moment of the day but it wasn’t like she hated him either. She couldn’t help but be fond of the only male that had ever shown her genuine sympathy.

Ever since Ryan broke down and told Anna how he felt they’re relationship had warmed up. They weren’t best friends but they had a few normal conversations, Anna would ask about his day and in turn he would help her be more independent, at the moment that primarily meant helping with potty training. He seemed like a nice guy and although Anna was somewhat resentful that she was still so reliant on him she couldn’t help but be happy that she thought they could easily spend her their lives sharing a house.

“I don’t know if I should.” Ryan put a hand up to the back of his neck.

“Look, I obviously can’t make you do anything.” Anna shook her head, “But you have classes and you really need to be well-rested for them. I can see the bags under your eyes.”

Anna could see Ryan was being swayed to her side of the argument but he still seemed unsure. It was like the cork had popped on his guilt about the situation and he just couldn’t put it back in. Far from being a male that ran the household he had completely abdicated his position.

“If for no other reason you should come to bed to keep up appearances.” Anna finally said.

“Huh?” Ryan grunted.

“What if someone comes in and sees you on the couch?” Anna asked, “What if Paul came in and noticed you’d been sleeping there? I’m not suggesting anything else, but we really need to play things safe… at least until we know how things stand.”

That seemed to get Ryan’s attention. He reluctantly dropped his pillow back down and looked up at Anna as if to make sure she was alright with this. When Anna nodded encouragingly Ryan lifted the cover and slipped into bed. He was smiling and Anna felt sure that he was glad she had given him a reason to stay in the bed.

The past week had been one of the strangest of Anna’s life. Her relationship with Ryan, such as it was, hadn’t really changed all that much. They didn’t talk a lot and when they did there was always an awkwardness that neither seemed able to dispel. The main change to her life was her freedom. Ryan had started treating her as an equal partner and that meant that whilst some things changed others stayed the same. It would take time to get used to the new dynamic.

Anna was still doing a majority of the chores because Ryan was busy studying. She had to keep the apartment tidy so as not to arouse any suspicion if anyone visited but Ryan was doing his fair share of the cooking. However, the biggest and most important development had been Anna’s potty training. Anna was proud to say she hadn’t messed her diaper since they agreed on potty training, this was mostly thanks to spending all her time at home and therefore near the toilet. The problem was her bladder which clearly still needed work. She just didn’t have the muscle strength to hold her pee for long enough.

The most important thing though was that Anna had never been happier. For once in her life she felt she had some control over her own destiny. Potty training was very much an optional thing for women, not that they were the ones that chose, and some men simply never put their women through it. The good news was that if Anna ever did get out of diapers she wouldn’t need to hide that fact. That was her thoughts at least, she didn’t want to speak to Ryan about it in case he had bad news for her.

“Goodnight.” Ryan said as he leaned over and turned off the bedside light.

“Goodnight.” Anna replied as she did the same thing.

As Anna laid down that night and felt the bed sinking under the weight of Ryan next to her she couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t long until she heard Ryan lightly snoring and realised he must have been even more exhausted than she thought. She closed her own eyes and soon drifted off herself.

---

Ryan didn’t know what married life would be like before his wedding but he never envisioned what he now had. He was just finishing up a lecture and putting his stuff away, he had been sat with the usual group of guys again though he felt more awkward than ever before, and he was more than ready to get back home.

It felt to Ryan like he was lying to everyone. These guys he spent his days with thought he was just like the rest of them, an alpha male keeping his woman down. They had no idea that when he went home he helped with the chores, talked to Anna like she was a human being and generally did everything he could to make her comfortable.

“I tell you…” Paul was loudly saying to his group of friends, “Jane is a real handful in the sack, you know?”

As all Paul’s friends and sycophants laughed Ryan had to pretend to join in. He hated the way the others talked about their wives, as if they were pieces of meat or toys. He would’ve been happy to say goodbye and run home but he had to keep up appearances. His body may have been with the other males in his class but his mind was at home with Anna. He hoped she was getting along alright.

If people found out what Ryan’s home life was like there would be hell to pay for both he and Anna. In some ways it was exciting but in many other ways it was utterly terrifying. He frequently wondered if he had made a mistake in confessing his true feelings to Anna but at the same time it felt inevitable, if it hadn’t been that night it would’ve been the next one or the one after that. He wasn’t the sort of person who could bottle up their emotions forever.

“What about Anna?” Paul asked as he gave Ryan a rough shove in the shoulder, “Does she put out?”

“Huh? Oh… yeah.” Ryan replied rather timidly. He smiled as everyone laughed obscenely. It was like being back in school.

“Good man.” Paul roared.

Ryan suppressed the desire to roll his eyes. He really couldn’t stand his closest neighbor, he was the perfect example of all that was wrong with Sallasian society. He was a great lumbering oaf who took great pleasure in his position of superiority despite doing nothing to earn it. Regardless, he kept himself quiet and made his way out of the lecture hall and into the hallways. It was busy which meant it was easy for Ryan to “accidentally” get lost and separated from the rest of the guys.

The sun was out but there was a noticeable chill in the air compared to the height of summer. Fall had arrived even if most of the leaves remained on the trees. Ryan walked out into the fresh air and towards home. He felt bad that he had to leave Anna alone for so much of the day and always worried that something might’ve happened. It was silly, she so rarely left the apartment, but he knew what the men here were like.

Whilst out in the world generally the general attitude of men to women was condescending more than anything within the confines of this ultra-competitive college it was much more hostile. Women were status symbols so those who had a wife flaunted it and the harsher they were the more manly they were seen to be. It quickly devolved into a race to the bottom with every man doing his best to show everyone else he was the harshest male around. It meant that life for the women at the college was actually worse than it would probably be outside of the bubble. Out there a woman could expect to just be belittled like a child, in here the women were at constant risk from men who saw it as their duty to be as macho and horrible as possible. Ryan hated all of it.

Ryan went up to his apartment and let himself in. As soon as he looked inside there was a shocked exclamation of surprise and he quickly pulled the door closed again with him still in the hallway. His cheeks had gone a rosy red.

During the week Ryan had bought Anna something to help wean her out of diapers. She had been very embarrassed at first and refused it but eventually she got it out herself sensing, no doubt, that Ryan’s intentions were pure and that it would actually help her. The pink training potty was scaled up for an adult woman but in all other respects was exactly the same as a child’s one. It even came with some little hand-puppets that were apparently supposed to keep the woman occupied as if she were a child.

It was that very potty that Ryan had just opened the door to see Anna using. He didn’t know how she felt but he was certainly very embarrassed for her. He had only opened the door for a couple of seconds but it was long enough to see his wife naked from the waist down and perched on the potty in the centre of the living room.

Ryan wasn’t exactly sure what to do next so he stayed out in the hallway. After a couple of minutes he heard footsteps rapidly approaching the door and a red-faced Anna opened it. She stood to the side with her head bowed as Ryan walked in. He tried to ignore the potty but he still ended up glancing over and saw a small amount of urine in the bottom of the bowl.

“I’m getting better…” Anna said quietly from behind Ryan.

“Well done.” Ryan turned and smiled at his wife. He reached forward and gave her a quick unsure hug.

Ryan was genuinely happy for Anna. Toilet training had been a very frustrating experience for her and it seemed like she had expected much faster progress. He had bought her the potty precisely because she was getting so annoyed at herself for failing to reach the toilet. Even that had been difficult at first. Ryan had noticed Anna was too embarrassed to try to reach the potty if he was in the room with her. He didn’t blame her.

Initially they had put the potty in the bathroom but it quickly became clear that was asking too much of Anna’s bladder. Anna had instead been taking it around the apartment with her. When she had made it in time she was very excitable and Ryan had to be careful not to be condescending in his praise.

“I’ll have to buy you a packet of pull-ups.” Ryan said, “For when you’re ready. No rush, of course.”

Ryan turned to see a small smile curl the corner of Anna’s lips before it quickly disappeared. He was proud of her though, she was doing very well. It seemed with the success of Anna’s potty training their relationship was also improving. They were able to have friendly conversations which was a step up from ignoring each other. Ryan had learnt a lot about Anna including a lot of her dreams, he hoped to fulfill at least some of them one day.

Fulfilling Anna’s dreams required him to fulfil his first. As a regular man most of what she wanted, such as leaving the country or gaining the smallest amount of autonomy, was impossible. As an executive it would still be very hard to get out of a country that didn’t like its citizens leaving without a reason. But if he could run his father’s company visas and the like wouldn’t be so difficult to obtain. It was yet another reason he was laser-focused on getting through college and into business as soon as possible.

“Oh, just some bad news, there’s going to be a party here in a few weeks.” Ryan said as he made his way towards the bathroom.

“Ugh, really?” Anna replied as she followed him down the hallway.

“Sorry, but yeah.” Ryan shrugged, “Like you said, we have to keep up appearances.”

Ryan had been about to get into the shower but just as he turned on the water he heard his phone ringing. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and saw that it was his father. It felt like a lead weight dropped in his stomach, he had been trying to find any reason not to return calls or answer his father’s texts recently. He turned off the water again and walked quickly through to the bedroom.

“Hello?” Ryan said as he finally answered the call.

“Ryan! I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.” Michael’s voice was loud and he was laughing. It was clear he couldn’t fathom why anyone wouldn’t want to talk to him.

“Of course not.” Ryan replied perhaps a bit too seriously.

“Right… How’s college life treating you, son?” Michael asked.

“Things are going great.” Ryan answered, “I’m enjoying the course and my grades are good.”

“Fantastic.” Michael said, “We’ve got an office already lined up for you here. A corner one. Do you remember old Mr. Watkins? Jeff Watkins? He’s retiring in a couple of years. Should be perfect timing for you to step right in to his shoes.”

Ryan felt his heart skip a beat. He knew his father was planning to fast track him up the corporate ladder but he had no idea he was being lined up straight for a position on the board. That would be incredible, he’d be right in the thick of the action and making more money than he would be able to spend. It was everything he dreamed of and it was being offered to him on a silver plate.

“How’s Anna by the way?” Michael asked when Ryan didn’t respond to him.

“She’s… She’s fine.” Ryan said as he was rapidly brought back to his phone call.

“Are you sure?” Michael asked, “If she’s not up to snuff we could replace her. You can send her back to that family of hers and you can pick someone else. I can’t say I think much of the in-laws, they seem rather low class and Harold can’t swing a golf club to save his life. With your future ahead of you I’m sure women would fling themselves your way.”

“That’s not necessary.” Ryan replied woodenly. It suddenly felt quite hard to talk and he would dearly have loved for this phone call to end.

“You’ve got her under control then?” Michael continued probing, “Shown her who’s boss?”

Ryan pulled the phone away from his head and looked into it. He blinked a couple of times and frowned. Something seemed wrong, this conversation was rapidly becoming an interrogation. Had someone at the college said something to Michael? Maybe Michael never truly believed his son could keep a woman in check…

“Ryan? Are you there?” Michael’s voice was distant.

“Yeah… Yeah, no, everything’s fine.” Ryan finally said as he brought the phone back to his ear.

“Great!” Michael’s enthusiasm didn’t sound entirely genuine, “Well, just to let you know, you are to come home for Thanksgiving. We’ve invited Anna’s family over as well.”

“Actually, I think we were planning…” Ryan started. He desperately wanted to keep Anna away from either of their families.

“We’ll see you then.” Michael interrupted with finality. The tone of his voice was clear: Do not argue with me.

The phone line went dead and Ryan fell backwards on to the bed. A conversation with his father was more exhausting than any of his classes or nights out with Paul’s friends. He looked up at the ceiling and sighed heavily, there would be nothing else to do but play happy families. It pained him that he would have to ask Anna to go back into that subservient role even if it was only temporary. He told himself that it was for the best and that they would both be better off long term if he had the job he so desired.

“Is everything OK?” Anna’s voice came from the doorway. Ryan sat up and couldn’t help but smile when he saw her.

“Sorry. More bad news…” Ryan said as the smile faded.

Chapter 18: Part Eighteen
Summary:
Anna is not happy. Despite her potty training going well she is forced back into diapers as she accompanies Ryan to a dinner party.

Notes:
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Chapter Text
“It’s just for tonight!” Ryan pleaded, “All the other girls will be dressed like it.”

“I don’t care about the other girls!” Anna seethed.

“But-” Ryan started.

“I’ve worked damn hard to be in pull-ups.” Anna said as she pointed down at her crotch.

Anna was stood in her bedroom wearing nothing but a plain white t-shirt and her pull-up. On the bed in front of her was a distinctly childish outfit. A frilly white dress with pink ribbons around the edges and frilly white socks with a pink brim. It was the sort of outfit that heavily babied women wore, it was the kind of thing she had spent all her time trying to avoid. It was the sort of thing she had thought she could forget about forever after Ryan had proven himself to be an ally.

The pull-ups were a mark of pride for Anna. They were a symbol of how far she had come with her potty training. It had been a few weeks since she had started but now she was able to reliably keep herself clean and dry to the point that diapers were only needed for bed. During the day she was in the much thinner pull-ups and even those were very rarely needed.

Anna’s head and shoulders slumped as Ryan walked over to her. She knew he was right, she knew that she couldn’t be seen living as she was otherwise it would all be taken from her. Despite knowing this it was still a big ask for her to give up the little perks that she had earned. After being allowed out of her box it was difficult for Anna to stuff her back inside if only for one night.

“Things will be fine.” Ryan said. He reached out and put his hands on Anna’s arms. There had been more physical contact between the two of them recently although absolutely nothing even remotely intimate.

Anna nodded her head. Ryan stepped back and then said he was leaving the room to give her some privacy. Once she was alone Anna pulled off her shirt leaving her almost naked. With reluctance Anna tore the sides of her pull-up and held it up, she smiled when she saw she was still dry. There wasn’t a spot of moisture anywhere to be found.

The hated diaper laid on the bed and Anna would’ve much preferred to keep it there. Unfortunately she had to do two of her least favourite things in the world, put a diaper on and then be with other people.

It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world Anna tried to tell herself as she laid on the crinkly disposable. It was a posh party and she would be able to hide behind Ryan the whole time, she was sure he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. They just had to make their appearance and then leave at the earliest opportunity.

Anna understood Ryan’s desire to be seen as a “normal” man. He wanted to have a career and she was very supportive of that, it was the only thing that made evenings like this tolerable. One day she was sure Ryan would be able to more than pay her back for her discomfort. He might even be able to get her out of the country.

As soon as she was diapered Anna stood up again. The bulkiness between her legs was a very unwanted reminder of her past. She pulled the dress over her head and let it fall down over her body. Looking in the mirror Anna could see she looked like an oversized doll. She shuddered but put her socks on and left the bedroom.

“You look…” Ryan started as Anna waddled out into the living room.

“I look ridiculous.” Anna said. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment as she went over to the couch and sat down with her arms folded across her chest. Anna looked even more infantile next to Ryan who was in a smart shirt and jacket.

Like everything else involved with the college the party was happening on campus. Anna held Ryan’s hand as she left the house, it was either that or where the harness. After getting so used to regular clothing and pull-ups it was very embarrassing to be reduced to this. The sun was already setting as they walked down the main drive in silence.

Unlike the apartment Anna and Ryan stayed in the party was taking place in a full-sized house. Anna could only imagine how much it cost the occupants. The apartment was expensive enough, she had only a rough idea how rich Ryan’s father was, but to have the full house must’ve cost a fortune. Ryan led the pair up to the front door and pressed on the doorbell.

“Just relax and stay with me.” Ryan muttered, “We’ll be fine.”

“Hello! Come on in!” A man opened the door in a suit with a bowtie and a small glass of some kind of cocktail in his hand. He was much older than Anna, balding and what hair was left was very obviously dyed black.

The house itself looked very fancy to Anna though she had to admit she hardly had much to compare it to. It certainly didn’t look like student housing, it was richly furnished in classy furniture. They were stood in the hallway but the noise of conversation was coming from a large room at the back of the house.

“This is a nice place.” Ryan said.

“Thank you.” The man who answered the door replied, “It’s mine.”

“How much does this cost you to rent?” Anna asked the question before she even realised what was happening. Her eyes went wide and she looked down at the floor submissively, “Sorry…”

“It’s not rented.” The man sounded annoyed at the suggestion, “I’m Professor Shipman and I own this property.”

Professor Shipman gave Ryan a stern look and then turned to Anna. She looked up just in time to see him look at her with loathing before he turned away from both of them. She mouthed an apology to Ryan before she was taken towards the noise.

“I like to throw the occasional soiree for students of a certain social standing.” Professor Shipman said as he led the way.

Anna had thought this was going to be the regular kind of party college-aged guys had, one of cheap alcohol, raucous party games and constantly trying to one up each other. Ryan had told her it was going to be quite posh but she expected “posh” to have a different meaning for young students freed of responsibility for a night. She certainly hadn’t been expecting something much more subdued. She had taken an instinctual dislike to Professor Shipman from the first moment she had seen him. He certainly seemed like the typical older conservative man who didn’t want anything to change. He was, in essence, the opposite of Anna.

“Help yourself to a drink.” Professor Shipman said, “Once you’ve put your girl away.”

“Excuse me?” Ryan said.

Professor Shipman pointed to an area on the far side of the room. Anna couldn’t immediately see what he was looking at but she could tell from the way Ryan’s face seemed to drain of colour that she wouldn’t like it. She took a step forwards in front of Ryan and leaned around the group of people blocking her view. What she saw almost made her scream.

“Off you go, Ryan.” Professor Shipman said, “And might I suggest you get her under control. Honestly, talking to me like that. Good girls are seen and not heard.”

Anna opened her mouth as she felt anger surging through her but Ryan stepped in front of her. Before Anna was able to get herself in trouble Ryan was loudly laughing and agreeing with the professor before quickly shepherding Anna through the crowd.

The playpen in the corner was large but still looked crowded with women. The metal bars seemed more like a prison cell that everyone could look into than anything else. The interior of the pen had toys scattered around and there were at least a dozen women sitting in there in groups. It looked like Anna’s worst idea of a nightmare.

“I didn’t know.” Ryan muttered into Anna’s ear apologetically.

“I can’t stay in there!” Anna hissed.

“It won’t be long.” Ryan replied, “Just try to grin and bear it, alright? Oh, and I think you’ll need this.”

Anna turned to look at her husband and found a pacifier being pushed between her lips. Her instant reaction was to spit it out and curse at Ryan but she managed to take a breath and remain at least calm enough to not explode.

“A bib for the girl, sir?” A butler had walked up and was holding out an array of brightly colored bibs.

“A… bib?” Ryan replied. He was clearly wondering why such a thing would be necessary.

“We keep the girls refreshed with drinks.” The butler replied, “I’m sure you want to protect her adorable little dress.”

Anna clenched her teeth hard against the bulb of her pacifier. She hated to be talked down to like that. As she was talked about like she couldn’t understand the two men she found that all her muscles were tensed up. She forced herself to relax just a little before she blew some blood vessels.

“Of course.” Ryan said to the butler. He was either ignoring or entirely unaware of the smoldering volcano that was his wife, “I’ll take that one.”

“Very good, sir.” The butler replied as he handed over the bib and walked away.

“Ryan…” Anna started as soon as the butler had disappeared into the crowd. Her speech was muffled by the mouth-filling pacifier.

“It’s just a small thing.” Ryan said as he lifted the bib and put it around Anna’s neck, “It won’t be for long.”

Anna clenched her fists as Ryan opened the gate. She stepped inside and heard it close behind her. When she turned around she saw Ryan disappearing into the crowd. Anna sighed and turned to look back at the women before her. There was a strange mix of women who were keeping to themselves and other women who were excitedly talking to each other, all were dressed in babyish clothes just like Anna herself. The difference was that some had diapers clearly exposed to the room whilst the others were hiding their padded states.

Without any idea as to what she would do next Anna lifted the bib to take a look at it. It was white with a pink trim, she didn’t know if Ryan had intentionally picked the bib because it matched her dress or not. Embroidered on the fluffy cotton surface in pink lettering was “Daddy’s Messy Eater.” Anna was about to rip it off consequences be damned when she was stopped.

“Anna?” A quiet and muffled but familiar voice drew Anna’s attention.

“Jane!” Anna replied around her pacifier.

Anna was so happy to see a familiar face and she hurried over to Jane who was still sitting on the floor. She was one of the most babyish looking people in the playpen. Anna could see she was extremely thickly padded and had a onesie which showed the diaper bulging out either side of the stretchy clothing. She had mittens on her hands that seemed to make it impossible for to do much more than play with the oversized baby blocks in front of her but it seemed like even those were a struggle to pick up.

Anna sat down next to her friend and they smiled at each other. Like all the other girls Jane had a pacifier in her mouth though hers appeared to be attached to a leather strap that was done up behind her head making it irremovable. It didn’t look at all comfortable.

“Are you alright?” Anna asked.

Anna heard Jane reply but she couldn’t make out many of the words thanks to the pacifier in her mouth. She gave her friend a pitying smile and then looked around at her surroundings. It would’ve been interesting to be detached from everything that was happening and looking in as an observer. Being in that playpen like an animal at the zoo made the whole situation most humiliating.

There was shrill laughter from the opposite side of the pen and Anna turned to see a group of three girls laughing together. She couldn’t believe how accepting and comfortable with the situation they were. She was disgusted by them and had to look away with a scowl on her face as if she had smelled something exceptionally unpleasant. It was usually hard to tell at first glance how brainwashed most women were but some were so infantile in behaviour Anna could only assume they had either lost their minds or bought into the power imbalance completely.

Jane held a block out towards Anna awkwardly between her mittens. Anna looked at it but couldn’t bring herself to be the good little girl who sits quietly and plays whilst the men conversed. She shook her head and folded her arms across her chest. She looked out at the men and caught glimpses of Ryan who looked as awkward as ever as he hung around the fringes of the groups. Several times he looked nervously over to Anna.

Ryan was far from the only person who looked over to the fenced in girls. As Anna watched the men around her they would sometimes leer in to laugh or examine them as if they were slabs of meat at the butchers.

“Drinks.” A man dressed as a butler said as he walked up to the edge of the playpen. He had a tray and on top of it was a whole load of baby bottles.

Anna rolled her eyes and turned her nose up at the drinks even as most of the women around her scrambled over for one. Even Jane had got up and walked over and when she returned it was with two bottles which she put on the ground in front of her. One of the bottles fell over sideways and Jane rolled it over to Anna.

“I don’t want it.” Anna said.

Jane just shrugged. Anna watched as Jane struggled with her own drink. It seemed that there was a tiny gap that she was able to squeeze the top of the bottle in and reach her lips. Though it looked like she could only let tiny amounts of the milk inside drip into her mouth and took an exhausting amount of effort for such a small reward.

“I really don’t know why we should bring them at all.” A very snobby man said from nearby, “The college has a nursery, you know. For women abandoned by their husbands. These young men sometimes rush into marriage without thinking what having one of these girls actually means. Some even think they should be treated equally.”

“Surely not!” Replied his friend.

“They soon come to their sense of course.” The first man replied, “I always try to tell them “a girl is for life, not just for Christmas” but you know what young men are like. They rarely think with the correct head.”

Anna had looked out at the men when she first heard their conversation. An older man was standing with one of the students. They were both dressed up in tuxedos and were looking down at the assorted women in the pen with a detached curiosity. They made no effort to keep their voices down and Anna shuddered with every word. As they walked away she let out a deep breath and, as if sensing her anxiety, Jane reached over and put a comforting hand on her knee.

Firstly, Anna hadn’t known that there was a nursery at the college though it did make sense that there would be some service like that available. What chilled her about it was the inference that the nursery wasn’t always a temporary visit. Some of the women were simply… abandoned. What happened after that Anna could only guess but she could safely assume it wasn’t anything good. It didn’t help that the man had described her situation completely. Ryan was doing his best to treat her equally but now she was finding out that it wasn’t as rare as she thought for men to do that… for a while.

Panic started to surge through Anna as she pictured all the young women like herself given a chance to be equal only until their husbands grew bored of them. Her mind raced as she saw Ryan getting annoyed or just tired of her and throwing her out like yesterday’s garbage. She had started to shake as she struggled to pull herself out of this imagined future.

“Pway.” Jane lisped around her pacifier. She pushed some blocks towards the panicking girl.

“I… I can’t…” Anna gasped as she tried to fight back the anxiety that felt like it was overfilling her.

“You can.” Jane smiled as best she could, “It helpth.”

Chapter 19: Part Nineteen
Summary:
Anna should've known a party in Sallas where women were brought along wasn't going to be easy. She finds herself an unwilling participant in a humiliating contest.

Notes:
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Chapter Text
Anna needed to distract her frazzled mind and looked down at the blocks in front of her. She started placing some on top of each other and soon Jane was joining in. Anna would never admit it out loud but she was calmed by this simple and repetitive activity. It focused her on something that she could control and for a little while she disappeared into a world where only she and Jane existed. They would build their little towers, then knock them down and start again.

Without thinking Anna took the bottle that had been rolled her way earlier and lifted it to her mouth to drink. She had finished half the bottle before she realised she should be ashamed of doing that. She lowered it and as it unblocked her vision she saw Ryan standing in the middle of the room watching her before someone roughly took him by the shoulder to meet some new people.

“Doesn’t it taste a little weird?” Anna asked as she looked at the half-full bottle.

Jane shrugged and continued playing. Anna supposed playing like this was a much needed escape for Jane whose situation was otherwise a lot worse than her own. She tried to do the same thing as her friend and lose herself in her play no matter how embarrassed she felt. She was just grateful to have the opportunity to distract her nervous mind.

It was maybe half an hour later that Anna felt a strange gurgling in her bowels. She paused for a second and frowned, it almost felt like she needed to go to the toilet but she had already done that earlier in the day. She looked up to see Jane grimacing as well.

“Something’s going on…” Anna said suspiciously as she sat up straight and looked around.

It wasn’t just Anna and Jane who seemed to be having tummy problems. All around her there were girls clutching their stomachs or looking around nervously. Anna noticed that even the happy and chatty girls had gone quiet. She felt an anger deep inside her as she looked down at the bottle she had finished. She had known it tasted funny and now she knew why…

“Gather round!” Professor Shipman suddenly called out above the sound of general conversation, “I believe the show is about to begin.”

“Bastards…” Anna hissed through her teeth quietly. The women were just a sideshow. An act that was put out for the guests to enjoy. As men gathered around the edges of the playpen in their suits and holding their drinks she felt like a performing animal.

“We should place bets. Which one will last the longest?” Paul yelled out. Jane’s husband had his arm around Ryan and was leering rather drunkenly at the assembled women, “I’ll put $100 on that one over there!”

Soon it seemed all the men were enthusiastically engaging with each other over which of the women would be the last to foul their pants. Anna saw that Ryan was laughing nervously with Paul and shaking his hand as if agreeing to the bet. She felt a combination of anger and fear rising within her again. She couldn’t forget those words she heard earlier, that men Ryan’s age sometimes treated women well only to abandon them later. Is that what was happening now? Ryan seemed determined not to look at her.

“Oh no…” Anna heard a small voice somewhere behind her say.

Anna turned around to see a young woman she had never seen before bend over and there was a loud sound of breaking wind. Anna winced as she watched the red-faced woman soiling her diaper helplessly.

Anna’s own tummy grumbled threateningly and she felt something shifting around her intestines. The bottles had clearly been spiked with laxative and now the dozen or so women in the playpen were all squirming in an effort not to embarrass themselves. Anna’s sense of fairness was deeply aggrieved but she was quickly being consumed by her physical feelings.

There were now gasps from women periodically as they lost control. Some had practically no control in the first place so they didn’t last long whereas others would fighting as much as they could. Anna was blushing as she tried to hold on to her recently won control. She could hear the men cheering and exchanging money as if they were watching horse racing. That’s all the women were to these men, just an entertainment for them to watch and enjoy.

Poor Jane didn’t last very long. She turned away from Anna with her eyes thinned with pain. She crouched down low and the bottom of her diaper poked out from underneath the bottom of her dress. Anna saw the padding of Jane’s diaper bulge out and knew she was helplessly messing herself. Anna looked away.

“God damn it.” Paul’s loud voice yelled above the general tumult, “That’s the best you could do, Jane?”

“Sorry.” Jane grunted as she visibly pushed down.

“Pathetic.” Paul shook his head dismissively.

Anna felt a deep cramping within her lower belly. As she bent over slightly she felt a strong pain. The smell in the playpen was getting stronger and stronger as women pooped into their diapers. Anna couldn’t tell exactly how many had used their diapers but she assumed it was at least half of them. It wasn’t long until only two clean diapers were left. Anna was still struggling and another woman she didn’t know was laying sideways on the floor struggling.

“God damn it, Rebecca.” A man growled as he looked towards the woman on the ground, “I’ve got $500 on you being last. You better not let me down.”

“I’m… I’m trying…” The woman was crying.

“I swear if you fail you are going for re-education.” The man threatened.

The woman moaned even more desperately. Anna couldn’t believe a man was threatening his wife with such a cruel punishment just because she used her diaper. She knew what she had to do, it was inevitable that she wouldn’t last anyway, despite clearly not suffering quite as much as this stranger she had to save her. Anna would never forgive herself if another was sent to such a tortuous place because of her.

Anna gave up her effort and relaxed her tortured muscles. She felt a shifting in her bowels and it didn’t take any pushing at all to get things moving. Immediately she felt a few small lumps exit her body and after that she pushed to empty herself. She made a big show of squatting low to make sure everyone knew that she had “lost” this mockery of a contest. As humiliating as it was she felt some pride in helping the other woman a little.

There was a cheer from the crowd and more money exchanged hands as Anna pushed again and felt the warm sticky feeling of a full diaper expanding over her skin. Her diaper bulged out and when she reached around to touch it she could feel its firmness. Her bladder also emptied into the rapidly filling padding and she shivered. To be doing this so openly and with spectators was utterly embarrassing. She felt like she was letting herself down, like she was wasting the potty training she had worked so hard for.

“Thank you…” The woman who was lying on the floor mouthed the words to Anna before a small smile appeared on her face. She relaxed and looked almost blissful as she finally pooped herself.

By the time Anna was done and looking over at the edge of the playpen with shimmering eyes most of the men had turned away. She saw Ryan looking over his shoulder at her with a look of deep concern. She looked away before she thought she might burst into tears. The smell had only grown stronger and now it felt like it hung in the air like a stinky fog.

With the “show” over the men moved back to their conversations. The women were ignored again, they had been there for one reason and now that it was over they were to be ignored until it was time to go home.

Anna had hoped that with the ritual humiliation finished the party might finally be coming to an end. On that front she was left very disappointed as it seemed to continue on and on. None of the girls were getting changes and Anna couldn’t stand having her own waste pushed against her skin constantly. Eventually she had to sit down as her legs were starting to ache, she sunk into the mess but returned to the blocks in a desperate attempt to distract herself from the nightmare of the party. It didn’t work.

Anna felt utterly miserable and could concentrate on little except the full diaper she was wearing. The smell in the playpen was only getting worse and it didn’t look like any of the women were having a good time. Not even the most brainwashed seemed happy to be sat in this situation. Anna felt like a farm animal who was locked in a pen with a bunch of other animals.

“How are you holding up?” Ryan’s voice stood out from the general tumult of the party.

Anna looked up to see her husband standing by a nearby table that had food on it. He was not looking into the playpen, instead he was piling some finger foods on to a paper plate and trying not to look too interested in what Anna was doing. She understood the charade he was playing and pushed herself backwards on her rear end so they were close together.

“This is a nightmare.” Anna replied. She grabbed a nearby coloring book and some crayons. She had her back to the fence and Ryan beyond it, “I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”

“I know…” Ryan put his plate down and pretended he had to tie his shoelace as he crouched down, “I promise I had no idea it would be like this.”

“Can we just go home?” Anna pleaded.

“Soon.” Ryan said, “I’m looking for an excuse to leave.”

“Well, hurry up.” Anna said crossly, “I’m about to go mad in here.”

“I know, I know…” Ryan said sympathetically, “Just keep it together.”

“Stop telling me to…” Anna looked around but Ryan had walked away into the crowds of men again.

Anna growled in displeasure as she grabbed her black crayon and drew a giant X across the picture she had been absentmindedly coloring. She got on to all fours and crawled back to her place next to Jane. She was scowling as she planted her big padded rear on the floor. When she looked up she saw Jane giving her a curious look.

“What?” Anna spat out the question in frustration.

Jane didn’t say anything. She simply looked back down at her toys and started playing again. Anna immediately felt bad for snapping at her friend but she was worried about what Jane might’ve seen. The strange look she got could’ve meant any of a hundred different things but Anna was petrified it meant she had seen Anna and Ryan talking. Anna didn’t know if she could trust Jane not to tell people if she had seen anything, if Paul asked she would probably feel compelled to be honest.

“Sorry.” Anna finally said with a sigh, “It’s just a tough night, you know?”

Jane looked at Anna and nodded her head. Of course she knew what a “tough night” this was. She arguably had it worse than anyone else here. In an attempt to make up for her short temper Anna started playing with Jane again and kept up a one-way conversation. It served the dual role of trying to make Jane feel better and also distracting herself.

In the end it wasn’t until an hour later that Ryan came over and opened the gate to the playpen. Anna felt elated to leave and she jumped to her feet and hurried over. When she reached the gate she looked back at Jane who was visibly saddened to see Anna go, it was a pathetic sight that couldn’t help but pull on Anna’s heartstrings.

“Just a second.” Anna whispered to Ryan.

Anna couldn’t just leave like that no matter how much she wanted to get out of the nightmare. She turned back and waddled back over to Jane. She crouched down and wrapped the girl in a tight hug. How she wished she could’ve taken Jane home and protected her.

After a long few seconds Anna pulled away from Jane and saw a tear rolling down her cheek. She looked so pathetic on the floor but Anna couldn’t stay any longer. She had it in the back of her mind that Jane would be punished if Paul noticed the two of them were close, she seemed to get punished for everything else as it was.

“Come on.” Ryan said once Anna returned.

Ryan took Anna’s hand and started pulling her through the room and towards the front door. Anna couldn’t wait for the fresh air and as they stepped through the front door Anna was able to take a deep breath and release some of the tension that had been building since before they had even arrived.

It didn’t seem like anyone had even noticed Ryan and Anna leaving. The pair made their way through the dark campus and back towards their apartment. For Anna it was an uncomfortable journey in more ways than one. There was the full diaper which by now was cold and horribly sticky, her change couldn’t come soon enough, but there was also the other students who had been out drinking and were now obviously drunk. More than a couple yelled and wolf-whistled towards Anna.

Anna and Ryan remained silent until they got back to their apartment. As soon as the front door closed behind them they both let out a deep sigh. Anna was exhausted emotionally and it didn’t look like Ryan was much better off.

“I’m going to have a shower.” Anna announced.

“Yeah, that would be for the best.” Ryan nodded his head as he loosened his tie. Anna looked back and could see he was trying not to say anything about how she smelled, she’d gone quite nose blind towards her stench in the last few hours.

The shower was fantastic. Anna was disgusted as she peeled the used diaper away from her skin but feeling the hot water washing off the mess and leaving her sparkling clean felt like it was giving her a new lease on life. She cleaned herself, folded the diaper up and then dropped the used padding in a plastic bag ready to be disposed of in the morning. By the time she got to the bed Ryan was already asleep.

Chapter 20: Part Twenty
Summary:
After the party things are a bit... tense. Anna is generally sick and tired of things and Ryan is worried about her. However, everythign gets put on the backburner when someone from Ryan's dad's office unexpectedly arrives.

Notes:
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Chapter Text
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Ryan asked.

“I told you, I’m fine.” Anna replied.

“It’s just you seem a little…” Ryan drew the last word out.

“Apart from living in hell I’m absolutely perfect.” Anna snapped. She immediately realised what she had done and shook her head, “I’m sorry. You deserve better than that.”

“It’s OK.” Ryan said, “I’m just worried about you. You’ve not been like yourself.”

It was true. Anna had been much snappier recently. She had first noticed it at the horrid party a week previously when she had been a bit short with Jane but when she thought back it had started before that. After the initial high of being granted some measure of independence by Ryan and her mostly successful potty training she had quickly found herself frustrated again.

Anna was now sitting with her husband on the couch. It was about as close as she allowed him to get to her. It had been a while since he confessed how he felt about society and she no longer suspected him of trying to trick her but there were years of built up distrust of men to overcome before anything else could happen. She had to admit that she found him to be a sweet guy though. After all the awkwardness the two were gradually getting more comfortable talking with each other, even a simple conversation like this one would’ve been impossible a couple of weeks before.

“I’m just… bored.” Anna finally said, “You have no idea what it’s like sitting in here all day every day. I think like I’m going stir-crazy. The only times I leave the house I end up getting humiliated.”

“Anna…” Ryan started nervously.

“No, it’s OK, I know what’s out there.” Anna quickly continued, “I know it’s dangerous and I really do appreciate what you’ve done for me, more than you can ever know. It’s just me being silly.”

“I don’t think it’s silly.” Ryan said.

“Well, maybe silly is the wrong word.” Anna shrugged, “I feel ungrateful though. Like, you’ve done so much more for me than I could ever expect and yet I want more.”

“I think that’s normal.” Ryan replied, “Everyone wants more than they’ve got. It’s why billionaires strive for more billions.”

Anna looked down at the couch between her legs. It didn’t really matter what Ryan or anyone else said, she would still feel like she was being selfish. When she thought about Jane across the hall and the millions of other women out there in Sallas she knew she should be happy with her lot. She felt terrible that she didn’t.

“And I don’t think you’re ungrateful.” Ryan continued after a few seconds of silence as he slid across the couch towards Anna, “Every time I see you smile when you go to the bathroom or just sit down to relax I can see how grateful you are…”

Anna was listening but she was now looking between herself and Ryan with wide eyes. She saw him look down as well, they both stared at the spot where his hand now rested. He slowly lifted it up to see Anna’s hand underneath. With a gasp Ryan quickly withdrew his arm and slid away from Anna again.

“Oh, I’m… I’m sorry.” Ryan apologized profusely, “I didn’t want… I mean, I couldn’t…”

“It’s alright.” Anna practically whispered. Her cheeks were looking a little rosy, “Thank you.”

The awkward silence that had made up their early relationship returned. Like a couple of young teenagers in love the tiny show of affection had rendered them both far too embarrassed to even look at each other.

“I should put dinner on.” Anna said after a couple of minutes.

Anna stood up and went out to the kitchen. She was still getting used to the lack of huge bulk between her legs when she walked these days. She had been in pull-ups whilst at home for a little while now but after years and years of thick diapers it would take some getting used to. She started getting out the pots and pans when the shrill doorbell suddenly rang. She immediately went into high alert. Ryan got up and tip-toed over to the door. He looked through the peephole and then swore under his breath.

“Hello?” Ryan called out.

“Mr. Manning? It’s Howard from the office.” The voice called out, “May I come in?”

“Erm, yes… Hold on a minute.” Ryan called out. He spun around with a wild look in his eyes. He quickly ran around to the kitchen area where Anna was looking at him with concern.

“You have to come with me!” Ryan practically whispered, “Right now!”

“Ryan? What’s going on?” Anna asked as her arm was taken and she was practically dragged out of the kitchen and towards the bedroom.

“Shh!” Ryan whispered urgently. Anna thought they were going to the master bedroom but her husband pulled her instead to the locked door that hid the nursery.

Anna was alarmed as Ryan fumbled with the lock before opening the door and pushing Anna inside. He looked extremely stressed as he looked around. For a second he gripped his hair and muttered to himself. He only stopped when there was another knock on the door.

“I’ll be right there!” Ryan called out, “I’m just… getting changed.”

“Ryan, you’re scaring me.” Anna said as calmly as she could manage with all the anxiety surging through her. She had so rarely seen Ryan this panicky.

“That’s Howard at the door.” Ryan hissed as if that name should mean anything to Anna. When he saw Anna frown he continued, “He works for my father!”

“That’s… bad?” Anna asked. She was still a little confused about Ryan’s reaction.

“Please trust me.” Ryan said as he ran out the door.

Anna was left watching the doorway wondering if her husband had lost his mind. He wasn’t gone for long though and less than a minute later he was back carrying a disposable diaper and a pink onesie. He ran over and put them on the edge of the changing table.

“Put these on.” Ryan said as he turned back to Anna, “Quickly!”

“I’m not putting on a diaper.” Anna replied simply. After the last time at that party she was keen never to wear that thick padding again.

“You have to.” Ryan walked over and held both Anna’s upper arms, “I will explain afterwards but you MUST get dressed up.”

“After that party you said-…” Anna started. She had been intending to bring up Ryan’s promise that she wouldn’t need to wear another diaper.

“I know what I said.” Ryan was clearly getting impatient and the longer Anna stalled the more erratic he was acting, “But this isn’t a discussion. Put the damn diaper on!”

Anna was about to demand answers but there was another loud knock on the door which made Ryan jump. She looked from the doorway to the hated diaper and then to her husband. She sighed and nodded her head. Ryan blew out a little air and looked somewhat relieved.

“Get dressed really quickly.” Ryan said as he walked towards the hallway, “I’ll try to stall him for as long as I can.”

“OK, I’ll-” Anna was quickly cut off as the door to the nursery was closed and she heard Ryan’s footsteps going towards the door.

---

Ryan was sweating and trembling as he made his way to the living room. He looked around trying to make sure there were no signs that might make Howard suspicious. Anything that was out of place was a potential giveaway and he was sure Howard would see it. He was like a hawk and whether it was searching through endless contracts or scanning a room he rarely missed the little details.

Ryan reached the front door and tried to stop his hand from shaking. He could feel sweat on his forehead as well. The consequences for failure right here were terrible, for both himself and Anna. He reached out to the handle and opened the door at last.

“Howard!” Ryan tried his best at a genuine smile, “What a surprise.”

“Ryan.” Howard didn’t return the smile. Instead he stepped past Ryan and into the living room of the apartment.

Howard was an older man in his sixties. Ryan had seen a lot of him growing up but they had never been particularly close. Howard was one of his father’s closest advisors and as such had been a common visitor to the Manning household. He was balding and what remained of his hair was as white as snow. He had a pair of rimless glasses perched on the end of his short nose and was dressed immaculately in a suit. Despite knowing Howard for all of his life Ryan couldn’t remember ever seeing him smile, he was a very dour man. He wasn’t the type to make social calls and Ryan wondered if he and Anna had somehow been rumbled.

Ryan closed the apartment door and saw Howard looking around. He had to stall for as long as possible. Ryan walked away from the door and towards the kitchen.

“Can I get you anything?” Ryan asked, “Coffee?”

“No, thank you.” Howard replied without looking at Ryan.

“Orange juice? Milk? Tea?” Ryan continued.

“Nothing.” Howard answered shortly.

Ryan busied around the kitchen making coffee but he was spending a lot more time watching Howard. The visitor to the apartment was now examining the living room table in front of the couch. Ryan’s mind went to the nursery and he prayed Anna had listened to him. He had no idea how long she needed.

“It’s a bit of a surprise to see you out this way.” Ryan said with faux-cheeriness, “Didn’t think to call or text first?”

“I’m here on business.” Howard replied, “Your father sent me.”

“Cool.” Ryan did his best to pretend that he wasn’t absolutely freaking out, “And how’s mom?”

“She’s as happy as always.” Howard said as he bent over and moved a newspaper with a single finger as if it might be contaminated.

Ryan felt a darker side come over him. He knew his mom wasn’t happy, or at least if she was it was only because she had been brainwashed into it. The person walking around wasn’t his mom, she was a plaything, a toy for her father. As far as Ryan was concerned the mother he had known had died long ago. His father had modified the poor woman so much she barely looked anything like Ryan remembered as a child.

“And what business did father send you on?” Ryan asked as he cleared the bad thoughts from his mind.

“He just wants to see how you’re getting on.” Howard said.

“Uh huh…” Ryan wasn’t convinced as he poured himself a cup of coffee and sipped it, “And he sent you all the way out here to have a look, did he?”

“Well, he’s received some disturbing reports.” Howard said as he turned to face Ryan.

“Reports?” Ryan faked a laugh, “He has spies here, does he?”

“Something like that…” Howard replied cryptically.

Ryan’s laugh turned to a frown. He immediately started spinning his mental rolodex and wondering who might’ve seen something unusual. It was impossible to say, like old European royal families the rich and powerful were all connected, any of the people he met here could know his father by one or two degrees of separation. It might’ve been a bluff as well.

Ryan knew his father had long been suspicious of him. Theirs was a strained relationship, Ryan desperately wanted and needed that executive job that was dangled in front of him like a carrot yet at the same time he couldn’t forgive his father for what happened to his mom. It was no doubt his sympathies for his mom that made his father suspicious.

As Ryan considered what Howard said he watched him walking over to the balcony. The visitor opened the door and looked around before closing it again. Howard checked a notepad he was holding as he walked back into the living room.

“Maybe you could tell me what you’re here for.” Ryan suggested, “You seem to be looking for something…”

“I’m looking for signs of deviancy.” Howard answered.

“Deviancy?” Ryan scoffed at the word and tried to ignore the sweat he could feel under his arms.

“Where’s Anna?” Howard asked, “I’m not seeing many signs of a baby living here.”

“Well, in all fairness, a baby doesn’t live here.” Ryan replied with a chuckle.

“You know what I mean.” Howard wasn’t amused, “You know what your father expects.”

Ryan sighed. How long had it been? Had he bought enough time for Anna? He wasn’t sure what he could do to stall Howard much longer, not that he had really managed to slow down his apparent investigation at all.

“Where’s Anna?” Howard repeated.

“This way.” Ryan said as he started walking towards the hallway, “She’s in the nursery.”

“She spends a lot of time in there?” Howard asked as he pulled out his notepad and a pen.

“Lots of time.” Ryan lied, “Whenever I don’t need her!”

Ryan tried to channel Paul and let out a bark of a laugh that was meant to warn Anna that he was coming. Inwardly he felt sick at the way he was talking about his wife. He stopped at the door and took his time pretending to unlock it, anything to give Anna a few more seconds…

Chapter 21: Part Twenty-One
Summary:
Anna doesn't know what is happening but with Ryan freaking out she knows she has to play along. The visitor is unwelcome but either doesn't notice or doesn't care. He brings some bad news with him.

Notes:
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Chapter Text
Anna heard Ryan laugh loudly and from nearby. She didn’t really know what was happening but Ryan’s fear was enough to get her to do as she was told. As soon as the nursery door was closed she had stripped down and changed into the diaper and onesie Ryan had brought her. She then got some of the toys out and scattered them in front of her. She quickly dropped down on to her now padded butt just as the handle on the door started to turn.

When the door opened she was sat on the floor with a pacifier in her mouth and pretending to play with some stacking rings. She looked up to see Ryan, looking very pale faced, walking in followed by an older man she didn’t recognize.

“Here she is, Howard” Ryan said as he stepped out of the way and indicated Anna on the floor, “You’ll have to forgive her, she’s quite shy.”

Anna watched as the dour looking man, Howard apparently, walked inside and looked around. As he went over and peered into the crib Anna looked at Ryan who gave her a quick little nod. She assumed that meant she was doing the right thing. Behind her she could hear the sheets and blankets on the baby bed being moved.

“This doesn’t look slept in.” Howard said as he turned around and made a note in his pad.

“Anna knows to make her bed after she gets up.” Ryan quickly lied, “She’s very diligent with her household duties.”

Howard continued looking around. Anna was watching him but when he looked down at her she quickly turned her attention to the toys again. She absolutely hated being treated like this but it was clear it was important.

“The nursery is very clean.” Howard said.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Ryan replied.

“Can I check the bedroom?” Howard asked as he walked towards the door.

Anna saw Ryan freeze and felt her own fear grow as well. She absent-mindedly put a ring on top of another one causing the whole tower to fall over. It briefly distracted the two men.

“The bedroom?” Ryan asked. He swallowed deeply, “That’s a bit personal, isn’t it?”

“Your father requested I be thorough.” Howard replied simply.

Anna watched Howard walk out into the hallway and towards the bedroom. If Howard was already suspicious of the nursery not being lived in he would have it all made clear if he saw Anna had definitely been in the bedroom a lot. She saw Ryan looking utterly terrified and knew she had to do something. It was clear Ryan didn’t want this man going into their bedroom. She acted without thought. On the wall behind the crib there was a large red button. It was a fire alarm button, presumably it was in there for emergencies since a woman in the crib would be trapped if there was a fire or something.

Anna pressed the button and an alarm immediately started blaring. She ran back over and sat down with her toys to make it look like she hadn’t moved. Howard suddenly appeared in the doorway again. He was frowning and cast a look into the nursery.

“What’s happening?” Howard asked with obvious annoyance.

“That’s the fire alarm.” Ryan said, “We have to evacuate the building right away.”

Howard looked at Ryan for a hot minute before let out a sigh of annoyance and nodding his head. Anna stood up in her infantile clothing and walked over to Ryan, she did her best to act like the good little girl she was expected to be. Together the three of them left the apartment and went downstairs. Anna was red in the face for being dressed this way in front of everyone else that was making similar movements to leave the building.

As Ryan, Anna and Howard emerged outside they saw some people were already standing around waiting. There was a low murmur of discussion in the crowd as people discussed what was happening. Anna was happy to hear that most suspected it was a planned drill rather than anything more malicious.

Anna noticed that Howard was looking very impatient to go back inside. He was flicking through the pages of his notepad and tapping his foot. Ryan subtly motioned for Anna to move a little way away from the crowd and the two went to lean on a nearby low wall as if they were just relaxing.

“Good thinking.” Ryan muttered under his breath as he covered his mouth by pretending to scratch his nose, “You saved our asses there.”

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Anna quietly replied.

“After he’s gone.” Ryan answered.

The two of them lapsed into silence as Howard came walking across towards them. He was frowning as he stomped each footstep and looked at his watch. He stopped in front of Ryan and then looked back at the building.

“How long is this going to take?” Howard demanded.

“I don’t know.” Ryan shrugged. Then a couple of seconds later he was struck by inspiration, “Last time they let us back in after a couple of hours…”

“A couple of hours!?” Howard replied indignantly.

“Well, they have to go in and make sure it’s safe.” Ryan reasoned.

Anna knew there had been no previous drills and this was indeed the first time she had heard the alarm go off. Ryan was lying but thankfully he was pretty good at it, after all she had no idea he wasn’t like any of the other horrible men until recently. She watched as Howard looked back to the building and then at Ryan.

“This is nonsense.” Howard said, “There’s no smoke in the sky and the alarm seems to have stopped. I’m going back in there.”

Howard started to turn around but Ryan reached out and grabbed his arm. When Howard looked back at him his expression seemed to suggest “you had better have a good reason to grab me” and Anna could only hope he had some sort of plan.

“Howard, you should let me go in.” Ryan said with a smile, “If something goes wrong I would hate to deprive father of his most trusted advisor. Look after Anna and I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Are you-” Howard started.

Ryan was already marching away before Howard had a chance to respond. Anna watched him go with some trepidation, she always felt very unsafe whenever he wasn’t around. She saw Howard look at her with some disgust before he folded his arms in front of his chest and watched Ryan enter the building.

It was several anxious minutes before he returned. Anna saw him whisper to Paul who was stood near the door and gradually people started going back inside the building. Howard didn’t wait for Ryan to come over and started marching back in himself. Anna, crinkling with her diaper only covered by her onesie, hurriedly followed anxious not to be left alone.

By the time Anna reached the apartment she could see Ryan and Howard going into the master bedroom. She could only hope that Ryan got everything done that he needed to. She went back to the hated nursery and waited. After a few minutes she saw Howard walk past the doorway followed by Ryan. She crawled over to the doorway and leaned out just enough to see what was happening.

“Satisfied?” Ryan asked as he opened the front door.

“Just remember that your father has expectations…” Howard said. He looked over Ryan’s shoulder at Anna, “It would not be wise to fail to meet them. Oh, and before I forget…”

With that Howard handed an envelope to Ryan and left the apartment. Whilst Ryan closed the door Anna immediately started taking off the onesie and ripping off the diaper, she couldn’t wait to get back into her pull-up. When she went into the bedroom to get dressed she saw that all her stuff had been moved, she looked around and when she opened the closet door a lot of her things came tumbling out. She quickly grabbed a new pull-up and got dressed again.

“Sorry.” Ryan said from the doorway. He nodded to the closet where all Anna’s stuff was laying in disarray, “I had to make it look like you never stayed in here.”

“What was that all about?” Anna asked.

“That charismatic man was Howard.” Ryan said as he walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. He seemed tired out, “He works for my father, has done since before I was born. He was here to check to make sure I was treating you properly. Like I’ve said before my father has very exact expectations for the way women are to be treated, if he found out I wasn’t meeting those expectations…”

“I see.” Anna said, “Why would your father think you was letting him down?”

“Howard said they were tipped off by someone.” Ryan sighed as he massaged his temples.

“Who!?” Anna asked.

“I don’t know.” Ryan shrugged, “It might have been an excuse to come in or my father might have someone watching us. Well, I know he has people keeping an eye on us but maybe we have to be a bit more careful about things.”

Anna sighed and lowered her face to her hands. This was all so complicated. She just wanted to live her life, be as free as she could in that cursed society but even the tiny amount of freedom she had was enough to have people asking questions. She was struck by the unfairness of it all as she uncovered her face and looked at Ryan’s hand.

“What’s that?” Anna asked as she nodded to the envelope.

Ryan looked at the white rectangle and then started ripping it open. He took a moment to read the contents and then shook his head in apparent annoyance.

“It seems we have been invited to my father’s home for Thanksgiving…” Ryan said as he handed the invitation to Anna.

Chapter 22: Part Twenty-Two
Summary:
Anna has a huge challenge ahead of her. Going to the in-laws for a holiday can be difficult at the best of times but in Sallas it can be especially difficult. For Anna it promises to be a true nightmare...

Notes:
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Chapter Text
Anna couldn’t stop her foot from tapping on the floor of the car as they pulled up outside a simply massive mansion. Just getting to the front of the house had been a mission. Ryan had to stop at an armed checkpoint where they searched the vehicle and luggage, there had been a huge gate and intercom system along with verification that they had to pass through and then a mile of gravel driveway.

“We’re going to be fine.” Ryan said, “Just try to blend in with the background and we’ll get through this.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to have to put this act on for two whole days.” Anna replied nervously.

“The big meal is tonight.” Ryan said, “Other than that we can hide away. The mansion is huge, we can get lost without it looking strange.”

“This is just… exhausting.” Anna slumped in her seat, “When you told me you wanted me to be equal I pictured having fun, whilst still being careful of course. Instead it’s been non-stop stress. I didn’t know it would be like this…”

“It’s better than the alternative though, right?” Ryan said with a small smile as he looked at Anna.

“Of course.” Anna replied with a sigh, “I just need some time where it doesn’t feel like we’re on the edge of being discovered.”

“We’ll get there.” Ryan said, “You’ve done brilliantly so far. Look how quickly you potty trained yourself!”

“Fat lot of a good that’s done me…” Anna sighed as she looked down at her crotch. The diaper underneath bulged under her childish dress.

“I’m doing my best here.” Ryan said sadly. Anna looked across and saw he looked a little despondent, “You know that we have to do things my father’s way whilst we’re here though.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, you’re doing great!” Anna quickly said. It was true, Ryan was doing everything he could for her but even he had to be careful, “I mean it… It’s just difficult.”

The car rolled to a stop and Ryan switched the engine off. Anna swallowed as she looked out the window and saw her father’s car. Thanksgiving was being used to celebrate the two families being joined together, Anna wasn’t looking forwards to seeing her parents almost as much as she was dreading seeing Ryan’s. The possibility of humiliation or getting caught was so high.

The couple got out of the car and retrieved their luggage from the trunk before lugging it towards the large concrete steps that led to the front door. Ryan pressed the doorbell and after a minute the door opened.

“Ryan, my boy!” Michael immediately wrapped his son in a tight hug, “And Anna, looking even more beautiful than I remember.”

Anna bristled at the comment as Michael came over and hugged her. She jumped as she felt the older man’s hand slipping down to her backside. He seemed to have no compunction about openly groping his daughter-in-law right in front of his son. Anna’s eyes were wide as Michael finally pulled away.

“Hello father.” Ryan said, “Is it OK if we go straight up to our room? We’re pretty exhausted after the journey.”

“Of course, you’re the last to arrive.” Michael said as he held the door open, “Your mother will show you where you’re staying.”

Anna stepped inside the huge house and looked up from the floor just in time to see Ryan’s mom. Annie was just as horrifying as Anna remembered. She tottered over on heels that were far too high, her huge chest jutted out in front of her and her face, full of plastic, seemed almost immovable. Her huge lips forced her mouth into a permanent “O” shape that made her look permanently surprised. Anna couldn’t stop herself from backing away slightly, Ryan’s mother was truly her worse nightmare.

“Hi Mom.” Ryan said. He tried to smile but it came across as more of a grimace than anything.

“Annie, be a dear and take these two to their room.” Michael said without even looking at his wife, “Good girl.”

Annie took the lead on her impossible heels. Anna was terrified that she would topple over with every step but she seemed pretty adept at getting around despite her clear imbalance. Ryan followed next and Anna brought up the rear. They went up the stairs in silence and then down a long hallway lined with massive paintings. Annie held a door open and Anna followed her husband inside. She was going to turn around to thank Ryan’s mom but she was already gone and the door was swinging shut.

The horror of Annie’s situation and how close Anna could be to that sort of life herself crashed upon her like a wave at a remote lighthouse. She covered her face as she tried to stop the tears that threatened to roll down her cheeks. That anyone could be reduced to such an extent felt like an abomination.

“I prefer to remember her from when I was a child.” Ryan said as he walked over and locked the door, “Back when she was…”

Ryan trailed off but Anna knew what he meant. She sniffed back the tears and took a deep breath, it was important that she play her role for the next couple of days. She turned away from the door and looked around the room. It was massive for a guest room and even had things like its own television. Her family had never been overly poor but this sort of wealth was obscene.

“This is why I so desperately want the job at my father’s company.” Ryan said as he walked back over and sat on the double bed, “I adore business for itself but if I could get a fraction of the money my father has we could live comfortably and privately. We wouldn’t have to worry anymore.”

Anna nodded as she went to the two suitcases. She opened Ryan’s first and started to pull out the change of clothes he had brought as well as a couple of books and his toiletries.

“I can do all that.” Ryan said softly.

“No, it’s my job, remember?” Anna smiled at her husband, “If we’re going to keep up this charade we should stay in character. Just in case.”

They stayed in their room for most of the rest of the day. They didn’t even pretend to try to socialize and, true to her word, Anna made sure to stay in the subservient role she had been forced to keep up in the early days of their relationship. She even went so far as to soak her diaper and have Ryan change her. It was strange, it was obviously something he had done before but it seemed more embarrassing now somehow, she supposed it was because they both knew she was capable of keeping herself dry.

Not long after the sun had set there was a knock on the door. It was time for dinner. Anna felt her stomach drop, she wasn’t at all hungry and wondered if she could get away with saying she was unwell and hiding in her room. She was dressed in a very frilly and infantile cream dress, she detested it but apparently Michael had requested it. The thought of wearing something just to satisfy her father-in-law made her feel unwell.

“Come on.” Ryan said, “You’ll be OK.”

Anna knew the reality of their situation meant that Ryan couldn’t really say that for sure but she still felt somewhat comforted. She stood up and took Ryan’s hand as they left the room and made their way back towards the main Foyer area. When Anna could hear her father-in-law’s deep voice she felt her knees buckle slightly. Without even realising she was doing it she clutched herself tighter to Ryan’s arm.

The door to the dining room opened and Anna was confronted by the two sets of parents already sitting down and talking. At the head of the table Michael was seemingly very smug as he listened to Harold telling him some story about a golf trip he had been on. Harold, Anna’s adoptive father, was as loud and boisterous as ever and Anna felt herself tense up. Next to Harold was Michelle, Anna’s adoptive mother, she was smiling politely but her face lit up when she saw Anna.

“Here they are.” Michael said gruffly as he looked over to the room’s entrance.

All eyes turned to Anna and Ryan as they walked inside the dining room. Hall might’ve been a better name for the cavernous space. Above the table, hanging from a high ceiling was a chandelier that sparkled in the light. The large oaken table was laden with platters of food, cutlery and table decorations. The places set for Ryan and Anna were opposite Anna’s parents.

Ryan led the way around the long table. He was about to sit down in the seat to the side of his father but Michael loudly cleared his throat.

“That’s Anna’s seat.” Michael said.

“Alright.” Ryan replied uneasily. He moved down a seat before sitting down.

Anna nervously sat in the seat that had been left for her. She ducked her head down as she felt her adoptive father and Michael’s eyes travel over her. She swallowed hard, she was doing her best to do what she had practiced with Ryan and act as submissive as possible.

“Hello Anna, I hope you’ve been a good girl for Ryan.” Harold said. Anna shuddered subconsciously.

“She’s been great.” Ryan replied, “I’ve barely had to correct her at all.”

“That’s great to hear.” Michael chuckled, “She could be a bit of a wild mare at times…”

Anna clenched her hands under the table. Yet again she was on parade like a piece of meat and all she could do was sit there and take it. It was a long minute before Annie walked in with a tray. The rest of the food was already laid out on the table but Annie placed the centerpiece carefully in the middle. Anna looked up to see the lid of the tray lifted and reveal a magnificent looking turkey. Annie lifted the carving knife and placed it on the top of the meat.

“That’s my job!” Michael suddenly yelled as he jumped to his feet. He continued in a hiss, “Get to your seat.”

Anna jumped at the sudden burst of anger from right next to her. She was tensed up as Annie placed the knife on the tray and quickly retreated. The room was eerily silent as she sat at the bottom of the table separated from the rest of the group as if she was simply an afterthought.

“Stupid bitch…” Michael muttered as he moved around the table and started carving the turkey.

Anna looked at Ryan and could see in his eyes that he was seething with rage but holding himself together. She couldn’t imagine how hard it must be to see the mother you love treated like that, not even Harold treated his wife so badly.

Slowly the atmosphere returned as food was served. Anna continued the submissive role she was forced into and allowed Ryan to dish out her food. She had to admit it looked lovely even if she had no appetite and wished she could be anywhere else. She kept sneaking glances down the table at Annie who had her own plate with no turkey on it.

Anna picked up her knife and fork as everyone began eating. She remained quiet whilst Ryan joined in with the other two men. She didn’t feel hungry at all and was counting the seconds until she could leave the table. As she was pushing the vegetables around her plate she suddenly felt something touching her leg and jumped backwards. She looked down to see a hand holding her knee. It was Michael’s. She looked up and saw her father-in-law leering at her. She had to fight the urge to throw up there and then.

“I… have to go.” Anna stood up and pushed her chair back, “I just need some fresh air.

Chapter 23: Part Twenty-Three
Summary:
The second half of Thanksgiving dinner is as bad (or worse) than the first half. Anna has no choice but to sit and hope for the best when the men around her feel like sharks circling. In the course of sitting with the family she discovers something about herself that leaves her shocked.

Chapter Text
Anna knew she wasn’t acting according to the rules laid out by Ryan but she couldn’t sit there for another minute whilst she was groped at like that. She hurried out of the dining hall and into hallway which headed back towards to the main Foyer entrance. If she could’ve she would’ve kept walking all the way out of the house and then down to the car.

“Anna?” Ryan’s voice stopped her. She could hear him hurrying down the hall until he was stood in front of her again, “What’s going on? Are you feeling OK?”

“Your father…” Anna was trembling slightly, “He… grabbed by knee.”

“I was worried this would happen.” Ryan massaged his temples, “I’m sorry. He’s…”

“An asshole!” Anna exclaimed. Her voice was raised enough that Ryan looked over his shoulder to make sure no one heard her.

“Look, just take your time and calm down.” Ryan said.

“Can’t I just go to our room?” Anna asked.

“My father wants everyone to do as he says.” Ryan replied, “If he doesn’t get his way he gets… angry.”

“Ugh, fine.” Anna finally said, “Just give me a moment.”

“Of course.” Ryan replied.

Anna expected her husband to turn away and return to the dining room but instead he simply backed up a couple of paces and looked at the wallpaper as if there was something on it to interest him. Anna held out her hands to say “what are you still doing here?”

“Sorry.” Ryan shrugged, “My father told me to bring you back and…Wait, are you?”

“Shh.” Anna hissed as her cheeks went red.

Anna had frozen in place and was looking past Ryan and back down the corridor as she relaxed her bladder. She hadn’t been allowed to go to the bathroom so this was, of course, inevitable. She felt embarrassed as Ryan looked down at her crotch before remembering his manners and belatedly turning away.

The splashing warmth spread around the disposable diaper and Anna shivered slightly as she finally finished. The wet padding was so much thicker and spongier than when it was dry, she could feel the outer plastic of the diaper being pulled tight by the new weight she had put into it. With only a short dress on she felt like the bottom of her diaper would now be poking out below the high hemline.

“Alright, let’s go…” Anna finally said when she was done.

“Oh, one more thing… Sorry.” Ryan reached into his pocket and pulled out one of Anna’s pacifiers, “I’ve got to look like I’m in control…”

Anna sighed but opened her mouth. The pacifier was pushed between her lips and she took Ryan’s hand as he led her back to the dining room. All eyes turned to her as she waddled into the room, she kept her eyes down to the ground as she took her seat again. She looked down at the plate of food in front of her and was grateful for the pacifier making a convenient excuse not to eat because she was anything but hungry.

“Do you have something to say to Michael?” Harold asked as she settled in her chair.

Anna frowned. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to say to the man who had just freely groped at her like that. She wanted to ignore the question but people were turning her way.

“You should apologize.” Michelle suggested before quickly looking down at the table when Harold stared at her.

“For… what?” Anna asked around the pacifier.

“I think what she means is…” Ryan started as he seemed to search around for words, “What should she apologize for first. Go on Anna, apologize to my father for making a scene.”

Anna looked at Ryan with hurt eyes. It didn’t matter if she knew that he was only doing what he had to do to keep them both safe it still stung. She was really expected to apologize to the man sexually harassing her at the dinner table. Her whole body shook as the rational side of her brain desperately tried to force the anger back into a box.

“I’m sorry.” Anna finally mumbled around the soother.

“What was that?” Michael asked as if he hadn’t heard what she had said.

“I’m sorry for making a scene.” Anna said louder.

Anna’s face was staring down at the table but she looked out of the corner of her eye to see Michael smirking. He waved his hand like it was nothing, like he hadn’t just seen the whole of the table basically demand she say sorry. A tear fell from Anna’s eye directly on to the food on her plate.

“You need to keep an eye on her.” Harold said towards Ryan, “I’m telling you, if you start letting her think she can get away with these displays you’ll have a big problem. She’s too headstrong for her own good.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Ryan replied as politely as he could manage.

“We should all say what we’re thankful for.” Michael finally said when everyone was settled again. It seemed that Anna’s humiliation didn’t warrant even the barest of acknowledgements from Ryan’s father.

“That’s a brilliant idea.” Howard nodded his head sycophantically.

“I’ll start.” Michael said with a big smile. He looked down the long table to where his wife was sat alone and for a second Anna thought he was about to make a romantic gesture, “I’m thankful for my wife’s excellent surgeon! Hey, son, I can give you his number if you want. Anna here could use a few upgrades.”

Anna turned red as the men laughed. She knew Ryan had to join in to keep up the charade but it didn’t lessen the pain it caused. She shivered as she imagined an alternate reality in which Ryan would follow in his father’s footsteps, a reality where she would end up like Annie. She couldn’t imagine being turned into something like her.

“Well I’m thankful that my daughter’s in-laws are such wonderful people.” Howard’s sucking up to the richer Michael was equal parts pathetic and depressing to Anna, “We couldn’t hope to be connected to a better family… or a better golfer.”

Michael laughed heartily and reached over to smack Howard on the shoulder. Anna was just glad the focus was off herself at least temporarily.

“How about you, Ryan?” Howard asked as he turned to the other side of the table where Ryan and Anna sat.

“Me?” Ryan foundered for a few seconds, “Well, I… I guess I’m thankful for Anna…”

Anna looked up from the table for the first time since sitting back down and she could see everyone else was looking at Ryan as well. Ryan, meanwhile, was looking down at his plate and was looking a little red.

“She is everything I wanted.” Ryan finished with a shrug.

For a second there was silence around the table and when Anna glanced at her parents and Michael it felt like they were trying to decide how to react. She sat there with baited breath and struggled to keep the little smile that was developing from being noticed by the others.

“I think what my son is trying to say…” Michael finally broke the awkward silence, “Is that Anna is fantastic in the sack! I have to say you’ve trained her well, she was like a wild animal when I first met her and now she’s a docile little housecat.”

All the men started laughing again, including Ryan. Anna didn’t mind this time. Even it was their little secret she understood what Ryan’s real meaning. She felt her heart swelling as she smiled. She felt warmth flood through her system as she thought about her husband, she wanted to reach out and hold him. To kiss him…

“Oh God!” Anna thought as she felt a sinking feeling of realization in her tummy, “Am I really falling in love with him.”

Anna almost felt like she needed to excuse herself from the table again. Her face was going red and she was sucking on the pacifier almost subconsciously to calm herself down just a little. Her heart was beating much faster than normal and her mind quickly became a whirl of thoughts. What she really needed something that would break up this situation.

“How about we go through to the lounge?” Michael asked as he leaned back in his seat and drank from his glass, “I’ve got some fine brandy in there and some cigars that were imported just last week. They are incredible.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Howard said with a wide smile, “But what about the…”

“The women?” Michael waved a hand dismissively, “We have something set up for them. Annie is well trained in that department. Come on.”

Anna thought that the way Michael talked about his wife was like an owner who was particularly proud of a trick his puppy learnt. She felt a lurch in her abdomen as she watched Ryan stand up next to her. He looked down and gave her a quick smile before walking away with the other men. Anna looked around at her mother who was still smiling politely, meanwhile Annie stared straight ahead until the men left the room and then stood up. Her movements were almost robotic with how precise they were. Anna wondered how much of her mother-in-law’s personality truly remained.

Annie waved for the other two women to follow her. Anna had to be honest, she wasn’t entirely sure if the poor woman could speak, she certainly wouldn’t have put it past Michael to render his wife a mute.

Anna was the last of the three women to leave the dining room. No one spoke as they made their way out to the hallway and then up the stairs. The only sounds that echoed off the high and wide corridors were the clacking of high-heels and the crinkle of diapers. The women traipsed down a long hallway to a door that had a sign hanging from it that said “Female’s Lounge.”

Annie opened the door to allow the two guests to walk in. When Anna stepped inside she could only shake her head though she didn’t know what else she could possibly have expected. The “female’s lounge” was basically just another nursery, but it was one that had been obscenely set up as if it were a proper lounge. Instead of big leather chairs there were small plastic ones, instead of bottles of alcohol there were bottles of milk and juice, instead of cigars to suck on there were pacifiers. A little play table was set up in the middle of the room with coloring material on it and other toys were scattered around.

“Figures.” Anna mumbled around her pacifier.

Once all three women were in the room Annie closed the door and walked wordlessly towards the table. Anna went to follow when her mother turned and wrapped her in the tightest hug she had ever experienced.

“I’m so glad to see you’re alright!” Michelle sounded like she was sobbing. Emotions pent up for weeks flooding out.

Anna didn’t know what to say. She knew her mother was trapped in this society just like she was but she still felt a little resentment towards her. She let Michelle hug her for a little bit before untangling herself.

“I’m fine, mom.” Anna said.

“I know, I know.” Michelle was wiping her eyes. She was wearing a pair of denim shortalls that bulged with the thick diapers underneath, “How has Ryan been? Are you sure you’re alright? He hasn’t hurt you has he? He hasn’t mentioned… surgery, has he?”

Anna saw her adoptive mother glance warily towards Annie as she asked the last question. For a second Anna laughed before she realised how weird that reaction was. She considered coming clean with Michelle and explaining that Ryan wasn’t all that bad at all, that she liked him and he liked her and that she thought she might…

Anna stopped herself before she got carried away. She couldn’t say anything about the true nature of her relationship with Ryan, she couldn’t tell her mother that she was actually alright for the most part. It pained her to make her mom worry about her but it was the only way they could keep up the deception. Still, she didn’t need to lie necessarily.

“No, Ryan hasn’t mentioned anything about surgery.” Anna said. She belatedly pulled the pacifier out of her mouth.

“That’s a relief.” Michelle said as she sat down on one of the small chairs, “It’s just I know you can be a bit prickly and-”

“Prickly?” Anna felt somewhat affronted even if she knew her mother was right.

“I just mean that these sorts of people… they don’t tolerate insubordination.” Michelle replied.

The next couple of hours felt exceptionally awkward for Anna. Her mother had a barrage of questions about everything going on in her life and all Anna could do was lie. It was exhausting having to keep track of everything she was making up. She had to tell her mother that she was worked to the bone and not shown an ounce of respect, keeping her story straight made it feel like she was being interrogated. In the end she left herself feeling miserable about this fictional alternate reality she had constructed.

By the time there was footsteps outside of the door Anna was very ready to go back to her room. She was tired and her diaper, as much as she hated to admit it, was soaked. The door opened and the men appeared. Ryan quickly beckoned Anna over and the pair of them were soon back in their guest bedroom. It seemed he was in just as much of a rush as she was.

“Are you alright?” Ryan asked as soon as he was sure there was no one in earshot.

“Yeah.” Anna replied as she walked over and sat on the bed, “Just exhausted. Who knew lying all the time was so tiring?”

“I know.” Ryan snorted as he walked away from the door and towards the en suite bathroom, “Don’t forget how this marriage started. I spent weeks having to lie and pretend that I saw you as a baby and maid rather than the beau-… erm, rather than who you are. I’m surprised I could keep the charade up as long as I did.”

Anna nodded. She stretched out as Ryan went into the bathroom. Anna could hear the water running in the sink as she looked around the room again. She reached down to her diaper and felt the thick padding that had expanded massively over the hours since she had been put in it.

“I think I’ll need a change.” Anna said as Ryan walked back into the room.

“I would’ve thought you would’ve done that whilst I was in there.” Ryan replied as he pointed to the bathroom.

“I just thought you should do it.” Anna said as she looked down, “What if someone walked in and I was changing myself?”

“Sure. You’re right.” Ryan said as he went over to the suitcase and pulled out a fresh diaper.

Anna laid back and tried not to smile or blush. It was pretty much impossible though as she could feel the heat rising in her face. Whilst this did indeed keep up the deception she would be lying if she said she was upset with the arrangement. She could barely even believe she was thinking that way, she felt so confused at her thoughts and emotions.

So wrapped up in her own mind Anna didn’t pay attention as baby wipes touched against her private areas she jumped at the sudden touch but couldn’t help a small moan escaping her, the wet wipe felt like it was a source of electricity and when it was pressed against her she felt it surge through her most delicate and sensitive nerve endings.

“Sorry.” Ryan muttered.

Anna’s eyes widened at the entirely unexpected reaction. She dared to look at Ryan but it was impossible to tell if he had noticed that her response hadn’t just been shock. Anna felt more confused than ever, she had never liked a man even as a friend before so the feelings that were now swirling through her mind were strange and confusing.

It wasn’t long before a fresh diaper was pulled up between Anna’s legs and taped closed. Once that was done Anna was happy to crawl into bed. She was exhausted and couldn’t wait to leave the following day. The only negative being that they wouldn’t be leaving until the afternoon.

“Goodnight.” Ryan said as he slipped under the covers as well.

“G’night.” Anna replied sleepily.

Chapter 24: Part Twenty-Four
Summary:
It's finally time to head back to the college but that means Anna has to leave the relative safety of her bedroom. What greets her downstairs is a situation right out of her worst nightmare.

Notes:
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Chapter Text
Anna spent most of the next day hiding in her bedroom. Ryan put in appearances but made it clear he would’ve much preferred to stay up with Anna. Unfortunately Anna couldn’t hide away forever and around lunchtime Ryan broke the unfortunate news that she was expected downstairs. At least it was delivered with the caveat that they would be leaving soon afterwards.

With more than a little trepidation Anna came downstairs. She was in a fresh diaper and a pink skirtall as she descended the grand staircase. She clung to Ryan’s arm and didn’t know if he assumed she was just playing up the act or not, in truth she did it to feel safer.

“There they are.” Michael was stood in the Foyer area and looking up towards Anna, “I was about to send out a search party!”

Anna’s parents were also in the Foyer and they burst into loud laughter at the terrible joke. Harold in particular was putting on a show of how funny he thought Michael was. Anna felt butterflies in her stomach as she reached the bottom of the stairs. The front door was mere feet away and how she wished she could just run out of there and not look back.

“We’ll probably be leaving soon.” Ryan said, “We have a long drive ahead of us after all.”

“Of course…” Michael paused for a few seconds. It looked like he was contemplating something, “I actually have a proposition for you.”

Anna didn’t at all like the way her father-in-law looked at her as he said that. A shiver went down her spine as she suppressed the urge to turn tail and run. Ryan seemed to pull her closer as Howard took a few short steps until he was right up in front of Anna.

“I’ve always taught Ryan to share…” Michael practically whispered to Anna as he leaned in closer, “Perhaps I could enjoy your company before you leave.”

Anna’s eyes widened and as what Michael was saying sunk in she felt a hand reach around and roughly grope her padded ass. She reacted almost instinctively, she didn’t think as her eyes went wide and she looked at Ryan’s father. Her arm went back and before anyone could stop her she swung forwards and slapped Howard in the face.

As soon as her hand made contact with Michael’s face Anna knew she had made a terrible mistake. It felt like time and space had stopped for a second, it seemed like everyone was asking themselves if what they had just seen was what really happened. Over Michael’s shoulder Anna saw her mom covering her mouth.

“You bitch.” Michael growled with fire in his eyes, “I knew there was something wrong with you.”

Michael grabbed Anna by her pigtails and started pulling her to the hallway. Anna’s eyes went wide but there was nothing she could do loosen her father-in-law’s grip. She tried desperately to pry his fingers open but he wouldn’t be moved, it was all she could do to remain on her feet.

“Father!” Ryan exclaimed as he ran to get in front of the pair.

“Out of my way!” Michael yelled as he forcibly pushed Ryan aside and continued pulling Anna until they entered the living room.

Anna was pulled across the room as she cried. She knew she had made a terrible mistake in slapping a man but it was a reaction that was entirely automatic. She was thrown roughly at the table as everyone else followed them into the room. Anna looked up at Ryan with pleading eyes though she knew there was little he could do. He had his hands behind his head and looked on the verge of a breakdown himself. A hand came down on Anna’s back making sure she stayed in place bent over the table.

“Ryan, get your mother’s switch.” Michael demanded.

“Father, I…” Ryan started to protest.

“What!?” Michael looked up at Ryan with fury, “Your wife just hit your father! You should be doing this. What’s wrong with you, eh? Can’t control your woman? Maybe Harold was right…”

“W-What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryan stuttered.

“I thought you could handle a wife but maybe I was wrong.” Michael shook his head, “Maybe I should send her off to Finishing School and tame her for you.”

“That’s… not necessary.” Ryan answered. He was trying to stay calm but the sweat on his brow gave up how flustered he felt, “I have her entirely under control. This behaviour is an aberration.”

“Fine.” Michael growled, “Then go get your mother’s switch.”

Anna watched Ryan hesitate for just a second. His eyes darted down to her. She was filled with terror but had the presence of mind to give him a tiny, almost imperceptible nod. She definitely didn’t want to be punished in any way and yet it was unavoidable, the best they could do was limit the damage. She knew Ryan had to show he was willing to keep her in line.

Ryan turned and left the room. Anna watched him go with some trepidation as she tried to steel herself for what she was sure would be her most unpleasant punishment yet. She exclaimed as Michael ripped at the tapes of her diaper and let it fall to the ground. With a gasp Anna closed her legs together and although she was bent over the table and mooning the room at least she wasn’t showing anything else. Her own parents were in the room watching, even Harold looked a little concerned.

There was a tense silence as everyone waited for Ryan to return. Anna was trembling under Michael’s hands but didn’t dare try to get up, she was in enough trouble as it was. When Ryan’s footsteps approached she felt herself freeze up.

“Bring it here.” Michael demanded.

Anna didn’t look behind her but heard Ryan approach. She dared to look to her side to see a thin wooden stick being handed to her father-in-law, she gulped as she looked forwards again. Ryan moved around into her eye line, she could see that the colour had drained from his face. She looked at him with wide eyes that she hoped conveyed her further desire that he not interfere.

“This switch was given to me by my father on the day of my wedding.” Michael said as he held the stick up to his face, “If I didn’t still need it on occasion I would have bequeathed it to you, Ryan. Would you use it?”

“O-Of course.” Ryan tried to sound confident.

“We’ll see.” Michael said.

Anna shuddered as the Michael lowered the stick to her bare skin and rubbed it against her. She could feel how tough it was, she could feel all the knots and protuberances. She was shaking and clutching the table with knuckles that had turned white. She wished Michael would just get on with it. The anticipation was killing her.

When the first blow came it was a total surprise. Anna had felt the stick rubbing against her and then within a slit-second it was pulled back and brought forwards again. It cracked through the air and then bent as it hit her. It stung like nothing she had ever experienced.

“Watch and learn, Ryan.” Michael growled, “You have to make sure she knows her place. If you give these women an inch they will take a mile!”

Anna screamed as she felt the thin strip of stinging pain blazing across her rear end again. The pain was unlike any other punishment she had ever suffered through. Tears filled Anna’s eyes as she clenched her teeth. No sooner had she managed to get her composure back then there was another whip-crack and another fresh line of stinging pain erupted like an explosion. Anna screamed again and immediately started sobbing, she looked up at Ryan and could see he was desperate to intervene. He had his hands behind his head and was grimacing as if he could feel every blow.

“Spare the rod, spoil the bitch!” Michael exclaimed.

Another hit and another set of nerves screamed in protest. Unlike a regular spanking it didn’t feel like the stinging was subsiding. She was kicking her legs out behind her desperately, she didn’t know how many hits she could expect but she regretted lashing out desperately.

“I’m sorry!” Anna screamed as the switch flew through the air again.

Anna’s mind could only register the pain that was lighting up her butt. She almost found herself wishing she had accepted Michael’s advances to begin with, she was reaching out for anything that would avoid this punishment.

By the time Anna had received the eighth hit she was a sobbing mess. She had laid her head on the table and accepted that this wouldn’t end. It felt like she had been bent over the table for hours. She couldn’t take much more, her whole rear end seemed to be in a blaze of agony. She knew she her ass must be so red, she wondered if she was bleeding.

“You might want to slow down.”

The first voice to speak up since the punishment began was from an unexpected source. The spanking stopped and all eyes turned towards Harold. Anna opened her tear-filled eyes and looked around shakily. Her parents were in the corner of the room and looked almost as shocked as Ryan did. Anna’s head laid on the table again and she felt two puddles on the side of her face, one was her tears and the other was drool and spit.

“I’m just thinking you don’t want to hurt your swinging arm before that golf tournament next week.” Harold continued. He smiled but it was a nervous one, like he half-expected Michael to turn on him with the switch.

There was more silence. A pregnant pause as all eyes turned to Harold. Anna was tensed up expecting the punishing beating to continue. It seemed like the silence seemed to stretch on into eternity.

“You’re probably right.” Harold finally said, “Can’t let those bastards at Simmons show me up!”

Anna felt Harold’s hand leave her back and she breathed a sigh of relief. She heard the two older males laughing and discussing golf as she tried to calm herself down, she didn’t dare move and draw attention to the fact that she was still there.

“Let me show you to the car.” Michael said to Anna’s parents.

Anna stayed against the table as she heard everyone leaving the room. She turned her head just as the footsteps reached the door. She saw Harold look over his shoulder quickly just before disappearing out of sight. The living room door closed and as soon as the footsteps had gone out of hearing range Ryan dashed forwards.

“Are you alright?” Ryan asked urgently.

“Not here…” Anna whispered.

“Just hold on a second.” Ryan said. He ran out to the Foyer leaving Anna alone in the living room.

Anna reached out behind her and hesitantly touched one of the areas on her rear end that was stinging badly. As soon as she came in contact with her skin she rapidly pulled her hand away whilst wincing. Ryan came back in shortly afterwards.

“Here, let me…” Ryan said as he carefully took hold of her arms and started to pick her up.

Anna slowly straightened up. Every small movement hurt her and she leant on her husband for support. She saw him unfolding a fresh diaper and moaned, it was necessary but she was under no illusions as to what this padding would do to her bruised skin.

To Ryan’s credit he was as careful as he could possibly be and taped on the diaper incredibly lightly. Anna felt useless as her diaper was fixed in place and her clothing smoothed out. Almost as soon as the last tape was carefully placed Anna almost subconsciously relaxed her bladder. She freely wet her diaper even as Ryan was still adjusting things. She was too out of it to really care even when Ryan felt the diaper warming and looked at her.

“Come on.” Ryan said in barely a whisper.

Anna felt like a zombie as Ryan took her arm and started steering her towards the foyer. She barely registered that her parents were gone, she barely saw Michael who was still standing by the door. Putting one foot in front of the other was about as much as she could manage as tears continued falling down her face.

“Don’t be strangers.” Michael said as the couple shuffled past him.

As Anna was helped down the steps of the large porch she saw Ryan’s car being pulled up. Ryan hurried forwards and opened the door before freezing. When Anna eventually reached him she saw why. The rear seat was now largely taken up by a big booster seat.

“Do you like it?” Michael called down from the top of the porch, “I noticed you were lacking a seat for Anna. Safety first, Ryan!”

“Yeah…” Ryan turned with a pained smile, “Thanks.”

“Ryan…” Anna whispered.

“I know.” Ryan replied equally quietly, “Just get in it for now.”

The toddler seat was exactly the same as the ones babies would use but was scaled up. The plastic sides had a rough texture and was multicolored in geometric patterns, they were crisscrossed by the black restraints that were draped over the sides. The padding of the seat was a dark red. Anna was helped towards the seat and loathe as she was to get in it she knew that if they gave the game away now everything she had been through would’ve been for nothing.

Anna carefully stepped up and into the car she positioned herself above the new seat and lowered herself gently. She winced painfully as her bruised and beaten butt pressed against the seat. This was going to be an agonizing trip home.

Chapter 25: Part Twenty-Five
Summary:
Anna and Ryan share a moment on their way home from a traumatic stay with Ryan's parents. Then, back at college, Ryan buys his wife some gifts.

Chapter Text
As the immediate pain of her punishment started to fade Anna was left with the humiliation that lingered like a bitter aftertaste. She had to sit there as Ryan haphazardly worked out how the restraints worked and fastened them all together leaving Anna trapped in the toddler seat. Her legs swung uselessly off the floor of the car and her padded rear was forced out in front of her slightly.

At least Ryan wasn’t hanging around. As soon as the straps were all tightened he went around to the front of the car. He gave his father a cursory wave before getting in and the wheels spun on the loose gravel as he rushed to get out of there as soon as possible. The car was silent all the way down the long driveway and through the checkpoint at the gate.

Anna felt the weight of everything that had happened crushing down on her shoulders. As the car started travelling down the public roads she quickly found her composure breaking. The humiliations, the punishments, the unwanted sexual advances… it was all too much to take and it wasn’t long before tears were pouring from her eyes again.

When Anna looked over to Ryan in the driving seat she could see he was struggling to keep things together as well. His hands were shaking and he had one of them pressed against his forehead. The way his chest was moving it was clear to Anna he was crying as well.

Anna felt the car lurching rather erratically until they ended up on a long quiet road that had nothing but fields either side. Ryan pulled the car over in a deserted area and rushed out the door as if the car was on fire. He came around to Anna’s door and opened it. As soon as he pressed the button holding the restraints together Anna darted forwards and pulled Ryan into a tight hug. For minutes they cried on to each other’s shoulders, the only sound being their tearful breathing. Neither said a word for the longest time, they didn’t need to speak.

“I’m so sorry.” Ryan said without relinquishing the hug.

“It’s OK.” Anna replied, “It wasn’t your fault.”

“I should never have brought you here.” Ryan continued, “Can you forgive me?”

“Ryan, hey, look at me.” Anna removed herself from the hug, “There’s nothing to forgive.”

Anna and Ryan looked into each other’s eyes and neither seemed able to look away. To Anna it felt like the rest of the world was fading away, that the recent past was already ancient history. The immediacy of the last few days had passed and now Anna found herself with time to think. It didn’t take long for those deliciously warm feelings she had for Ryan to resurface. She felt so conflicted, should she feel guilty for her feelings?

It was the sort of moment where, in a movie, the two of them would’ve leaned in for a passionate kiss. This wasn’t a movie though. After a minute that seemed to pass in the blink of an eye Ryan dropped his gaze to the ground. His cheeks were slightly red as he stepped back and looked out over the field.

“If you weren’t here what do you think you’d be doing?” Ryan asked.

“What do you mean?” Anna replied.

“If you were in an equal society what would you want to do?” Ryan clarified, “You’re smart. You would’ve gone to college. What would you study?”

“I don’t re-…” Anna paused. She would be lying if she said this wasn’t a thought she had fantasized about for a long time. Living in a society that gave her equal opportunities, it felt cruel to even think about it, “I guess… I think… Law. I’d like to be a lawyer.”

“Really?” Ryan sounded surprised, “I would’ve guessed a lot of jobs before lawyer. My dad’s got a lot of lawyers and they do make a lot of money.”

“I’d want to help the disadvantaged.” Anna continued as she sighed wistfully, “A lawyer for those who have suffered injustice or need an ally. I don’t care about money, I’d work for free if it meant saving people from a life like this.”

Anna sighed as she finished talking and sat back in the toddler chair. It felt almost cruel to be made to think about what she wanted from a future that couldn’t possibly exist. It wasn’t like they could just leave Sallas after all. The government in charge had made sure that emigration was incredibly difficult.

Ryan remained outside of the car for a few more minutes just looking out into the wilderness. Anna watched him from the car and wondered exactly what he was thinking. She felt exhausted and the stinging on her butt seemed to radiate throughout her body painfully. She had to admit that the extra padding on the toddler seat did a lot to help cushion her though.

In the end Anna had no idea if Ryan said anything before getting in the car and driving away. She had rested her head against the plastic side of the safety seat with the intention of resting her eyes and ended up drifting off into a sleep that she didn’t wake from even when Ryan came back and started on the journey home.

---

“Stupid, stupid, stupid…” Ryan repeated to himself as he walked back on to the campus waving his ID card at the security desk.

Carrying a couple of plastic bags of shopping Ryan started down the long central drive towards the accommodation blocks. Usually he did the shopping on campus but he had gone on a walk for this stuff if for no other reason than to have a long think. It had been a week since the ill-fated Thanksgiving trip and Ryan had spent most of that time apologizing though Anna seemed to hold no ill will towards him. The reason Ryan was chastising himself was the reason he needed some time alone.

“How could you fall in love, you idiot?” Ryan muttered.

Ryan couldn’t deny it to himself any longer. Choosing Anna as his wife had been pretty random but the more he had got to know her the closer he felt. He was in love with her. He loved her rebellious nature, he loved how headstrong she was, he loved her humor, he loved her resilience and he loved the way she looked. Everything about her was enchanting and now he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

It felt like a cruel curse. Ryan was in love with someone who could surely never love him back. He wasn’t even sure that she liked him in the slightest, at best he thought she saw him as some kind of prison guard. He was more lenient than others but that was hardly enough to inspire love. He had forced her into this position and though it could’ve been much worse for her he would totally understand if she didn’t see it that way. Ryan was a feminist in a country that shunned such things.

It was a chilly day. The summer and fall had given way to the cold start of winter. To think it had only been months since his wedding day, it felt like a lifetime had passed by. Ryan certainly never foresaw himself in this position. When he was told he had to find a wife before college he had resolved to swallow his feelings of inequality and be the good alpha Sallasian male.

“Fine job you did of that…” Ryan shook his head.

Ryan walked into the foyer of his apartment building and was glad of the warmth. He made his way to the elevator and pressed the button. As the doors slid closed behind him he looked down at his bags. After the Thanksgiving nightmare Anna’s mood had plummeted. She spent most of her time in their bedroom and it felt like all the progress they had made in opening up to each other had been undone. Desperate to pull his wife through Ryan had gone out and bought some special presents for her.

The elevator doors slid open and Ryan stepped out on to the corridor with their apartment at the end. He started walking down thinking of the best way to present his gifts when the door across the hall opened.

“Ryan!” Paul was his usual boisterous self, “Come in.”

“Well I was just…” Ryan started.

Paul wasn’t listening. He had already turned around and headed back inside the apartment leaving Ryan awkwardly standing in the centre of the corridor. He looked longingly at his own front door before sighing and turning to follow Paul inside.

Paul’s apartment was basically the same as Ryan but mirrored since it was on the other side of the hall. It was also immaculately clean in a way Ryan’s place wasn’t. Anna still kept the apartment clean just for something to do if nothing else but things had relaxed quite a lot. Clearly this wasn’t the case for Jane who Ryan could imagine was being worked like a mule.

“Have a seat. Do you want a beer?” Paul asked as he sat down on the large couch and motioned to the armchair opposite him.

“Not really.” Ryan answered. It seemed far too early for drinks.

“Jane!” Paul yelled out. It was so sudden it made Ryan jump, “Get two beers!”

Anywhere else in the world it would’ve seemed absurd. The kitchen was mere feet away from Paul but instead of getting the drinks himself he called for his wife who was somewhere else in the apartment. Jane dutifully came running out from somewhere in the back. She looked worried and her shoulders were hunched up as if she was expecting a punishment just for existing.

“Have you finished your chores?” Paul asked as two beers were placed on the table.

“Yes…” Jane’s eyes flicked to Ryan briefly, “Daddy.”

“Good. Go play with your toys.” Paul grunted and he jerked his head back a little to the playpen that was behind them.

Ryan looked at the playpen in the living room. It was sparse but there were a few toys scattered around. Jane carefully walked into it and locked the gate behind her. Ryan sipped his beer in an attempt to make it look like he wasn’t sickened by the sight. Jane sat down and pulled a doll towards her, she didn’t smile at all as she started combing its hair.

“It’s good, right? I bet you’ve broken out your one.” Paul was smiling.

“Huh?” Ryan frowned.

“The playpen!” Paul responded like he was talking to a very stupid person.

“Oh, right, yeah.” Ryan quickly laughed until Paul looked over to the playpen.

“Keeps them out of trouble.” Paul chuckled, “I keep Jane in there whenever she isn’t doing chores.”

Ryan looked over again. Jane looked miserable but it was clear that this wasn’t an unusual situation for her. Paul started talking about some sports results but Ryan was neither interested nor particularly listening. He simply nodded and smiled whenever it seemed right to do so. The truth was that he thought Paul was a loathsome man that he tried to avoid whenever possible.

“Anyway, I need to go take a leak.” Paul eventually said. He was apparently too self-centered to realise Ryan hadn’t been listening for quite a while.

Ryan watched Paul walk away down the corridor and wondered if he could realistically use the opportunity to leave. He couldn’t be an ungracious guest though, he had to keep up appearances if he wanted to get ahead in the future. Paul was destined for the top and having him as a “friend” would do a lot for his future.

“Ryan?”

The voice was so quiet that at first Ryan thought he had imagined it. He looked around and when he saw Jane looking at him he frowned. He still wasn’t sure she had actually said something but as Jane looked around nervously it seemed she had something to say now.

“How… How is Anna?” Jane asked. She looked terrified but she was apparently a lot less scared of Ryan than she was Paul.

“She’s fine.” Ryan replied with a little smile.

As Jane smiled Ryan was torn between sadness and fear. He felt so dreadfully sad that Jane had to be so secretive when doing something as simple as asking after a friend and wished he could take her home with him. At the same time he was terrified that she somehow knew that Anna was treated differently to her. He hoped that Anna was smart enough to have kept her mouth shut about what they did behind closed doors. Just the thought that he wasn’t as scary as Paul worried him, if everyone was picking up on that it could be a problem.

“So what’s in the bag?” This time it was impossible to not notice that someone was talking. Paul was walking back down the hallway whilst zipping up his fly.

“Huh? Oh, just some stuff I needed…” Ryan said as he looked down at the bag of shopping and pulled it closer to him.

“Oh yeah?” Paul replied as he reached the table, “Something for class?”

“No, these are-…” Ryan started but Paul was already reaching down for the bag.

It seemed very rude for Paul to just grab at the bag like this but at the same time Ryan wasn’t sure if he could stop him. He was trying to appear casual whilst simultaneously feeling as tense as ever. He had an urge to pull the bag away but it was already too late. Paul was reaching into the bag and pulling out what was inside. He frowned as he looked through the books. He looked at Ryan and frowned.

“Law books?” Paul said, “And a laptop?”

“Yeah… mine has been crashing a bunch so I thought I’d get a new one.” Ryan said as he leaned back and tried to pretend that his heart was practically hammering out of his chest.

“Uh huh.” Paul grunted, “And the books? These are law books…”

“Yeah… well…” Ryan felt like his heart rate was going off the chart. If there had been a doctor in the room he would surely be calling him an ambulance, “Just for personal interest.”

“Wait, your laptop has been crashing?” Paul put the books on the table, “You’ve been taking it to class right? I haven’t seen it crash.”

Ryan was floundering. He could feel sweat all over his body. Paul was looking at him with a frown, as if he had never truly looked at him before. The façade was crashing down around them. Ryan became certain Paul was going to find out the truth. He would be kicked out of school and ostracized, his family would disown him and poor Anna would be sent away to Finishing School

“Do you smell that?” Paul asked as he leaned in closer to Ryan, “It smells like shit.”

“I… I…” Ryan’s throat was closing up and his mind was going blank. He thought he was about to pass out.

Paul stood up straight suddenly and sniffed the air. Ryan inhaled through his nose as well and definitely could smell poop. Both men looked over to Jane at the same time. She was squatting in the playpen looking thoroughly embarrassed.

“For God’s sake!” Paul raged, “How can you embarrass me in front of company!?”

Ryan took the opportunity of Paul turning away to slip the books and box containing the laptop back into his plastic bag. He stood up and had to stop himself from immediately turning and sprinting out of the apartment.

“I’m… I’m sorry!” Jane’s eyes were wide with fear.

“Listen, I have to…” Ryan started.

“You bitch!” Paul shouted angrily.

Ryan wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth even if he did feel intense sympathy for Jane. He simply couldn’t stay and in the tumult of everything that was happening he muttered again that he was going to leave and quietly slipped out of the apartment. He could hear Jane frantically apologizing and crying as he closed the front door. He felt very guilty to be leaving Jane but at the same time he couldn’t risk being found out by Paul.

Without wasting a second Ryan walked across the hallway and to the door of his own apartment. In his rush to get his keys out he fumbled them to the floor but it wasn’t long before he was able to unlock the front door and let himself in. When he closed the door behind him he was able to take a deep breath of relief.

The apartment was silent but that didn’t surprise Ryan at all. Ever since the incident at Thanksgiving Anna had spent most of her time staying in bed or generally hiding away. Ryan didn’t blame her but he did want to try and make her feel better. Complicated questions of love aside he wanted to do the right thing by her.

After taking his coat and shoes off Ryan walked through the living area to the hallway beyond. He passed the doors to the bathroom and the nursery until he came upon the master bedroom. He knocked on the door several times but didn’t hear a response. He wasn’t sure what to do next but decided on slowly opening the door a crack so he could carefully look inside. The lights were off and the curtains were closed.

“Anna?” Ryan said softly.

Anna was under the covers. The only thing sticking out was her feet but as soon as Ryan said her name the mass moved and her head stuck out. Her hair was all over the place and it certainly looked like she hadn’t spent much time out of bed recently. Ryan gave her a small smile as he walked over and sat on the edge of the mattress.

“Hey…” Anna said.

“I bought you some things.” Ryan said as he lifted the bag up and placed it next to him on the bed.

“You didn’t have to…” Anna replied as she pushed herself into a sitting position.

Ryan smiled as Anna reached over to the bag and turned it towards her. He had always loved giving gifts but had so rarely had the opportunity. His father had never wanted presents, he would just say there was no point and he could buy himself whatever he wanted. Ryan in turn was given most of what he wanted whenever he asked so nothing ever felt truly special.

“Books.” Anna sounded genuinely excited as she reached in and pulled out the books that Paul had questioned minutes earlier. She perked up even more as she read the titles, “Law books.”

“I remembered what you said abo-” Ryan started but he was quickly cut off.

With a speed Ryan didn’t know was possible Anna suddenly lunged across the bed and wrapped him in a big hug. He was taken aback but slowly put out his own arms to hug her back. It was an incredible experience. She smelt fantastic, she felt even better. He had to work hard to not get lost in the embrace.

“I know you can’t do the courses and stuff but I thought you might be interested in learning here at home.” Ryan eventually said. Ryan heard Anna sniff and realised she must be crying, “You should see what else is in there.”

Ryan wasn’t going to rush an end to this hug but as Anna pulled away her eyes were much redder than they were before. She wiped them with her arm as she turned back to the bag. Ryan watched as she took hold of the much larger box and pulled it out. He could see Anna looked a little confused when she saw the laptop. She already had one after all.

“It doesn’t have all that filtering software installed.” Ryan said, “You’ll be as free online as anyone else is.”

“But… But what if someone finds out?” Anna asked with her brow furrowed in worry, “What if someone traces the information and finds out it’s me.”

“No one is going to do that.” Ryan replied, “If anyone asks we’ll just say it’s mine.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Anna said as her bottom lip quivered.

“You don’t need to say anything.” Ryan replied as he placed his hand on her back, “I know I can’t undo what happened with my father and I’m certainly not trying to buy forgiveness. I just felt you could really do with this.”

“Thank you.” Anna said softly, “These are the best presents I’ve ever had.”

Chapter 26: Part Twenty-Six
Summary:
Anna is playing with her new unrestricted laptop when she brings up something she has been thinking about for a while. The question is whether it is a good idea or not...

Chapter Text
Anna had heard stories and rumors about what the internet was like but the freedom still surprised her. Women could access the internet usually but the filters meant they were locked out of a lot of it. Anna had never been on a news website, she had never been on some of the bigger social media websites either. Now she was making up for lost time.

One of the first things Anna tried to do on her new laptop was visit some websites based in different countries. Sallas had, by and large, locked out the rest of the internet. It wasn’t technically allowed to visit foreign sites but it was one of those rules most people ignored. Getting around the firewall wasn’t the hardest thing in the world and it was rare that someone was punished for it.

Anna saw forums and chat rooms of filled with women from abroad. Some were even part of groups that wanted to fix Sallas and help the women trapped in the country, it gave Anna hope that perhaps one day change would be possible. The temptation to join these groups and speak to these free women was high but Anna knew she couldn’t do it. She knew the government would trawl through some of these places looking for dissidents, she had to settle with watching from afar as if she was looking through a window at a happy party whilst she was locked out in the cold.

After only a couple of days Anna couldn’t even bring herself to look at these forums anymore. It was just too painful seeing people enjoying everything she wanted whilst she was trapped behind an invisible border. It was all well and good that these people wanted to help her but it was mostly just discussion and petitions, there was nothing that would actually make a difference.

The gifts had certainly done what Ryan had intended. Anna was no longer hiding away in her room every hour of the day, now she was back to her old self. She was just glad to no longer dwell on the punishment that had occurred at Thanksgiving. The bruises and welts on her backside healed slowly and she still winced when she sat down but the emotional scars were clearing up under the care of her husband.

It was a Friday evening and both Anna and Ryan were in the living room. Ryan was relaxing in front of the television after finishing his week of classes. There wasn’t even any parties or anything that either of them had to fear. This weekend it seemed would be just for them.

“Ryan?” Anna said as she sat on the armchair.

“Yeah?” Ryan replied from the couch.

“I think we should go out.” Anna said, “Like, you know, on a date.”

Anna saw Ryan suddenly stiffen as he looked across to her. She couldn’t help but smile. It really shouldn’t have been much of a surprise since they were married and married couples went on dates all the time but obviously this wasn’t a normal marriage. This was something Anna had been thinking about for a long time.

“A… date?” Ryan repeated.

“I get that we’ve kind of done things backwards but…” Anna shrugged and looked down at her keyboard in embarrassment, “I like you. I think you like me too.”

“O-Of course I do.” Ryan quickly said. He was sat up straight now as if he would have to leap into action.

“I’ve been cooped up in here so much. Why don’t we go out tonight to get dinner?” Anna said, “I know the rules and everything but I’m sure we can get through it.”

“Are you sure?” Ryan asked, “I don’t want you to feel pressured or anything.”

“What’s the worst that can happen?” Anna asked with a smile.

“Alright then.” Ryan looked nervous. Whether that was because of the idea that this was a “date” or because of the general situation Anna didn’t know.

“Cool, well, I’ll get ready then.” Anna said happily.

Anna put her laptop to one side and stood up. As she made her way to the bedroom she couldn’t help but smile. There were rules she would have to follow but she was excited. A chance to get out of the apartment with Ryan. She found herself feeling giddy, first dates are usually something you first experience as a teenager, she may have been running late but at least she was going to get to experience it.

---

Anna was ready for her date. She had showered and tidied herself up before getting dressed for her big evening out. She had debated whether she could get away with a pull-up or should put on a full diaper, after some deliberation she decided on the pull-up, it made her feel so much more grown up.

“Are you sure?” Ryan had asked.

“Of course I am!” Anna replied, “I’ve been doing really well with that stuff…”

“You have.” Ryan was quick to agree, “I was just thinking that this could be a stressful situation and-”

“I’ll be fine.” Anna smiled. She saw that Ryan was debating with himself if he should push the point before letting it drop. It was both nice and entirely unexpected to have a man trust her judgement.

Over the pull-up Anna had decided on a dress which looked thoroughly grown-up. It was long and dark red, it was something she had actually stolen from her adoptive mother when she was a teenager but apparently no one missed it. She had no idea why her mom had such a dress since she didn’t seem to wear anything like it much.

Anna had never had much practice with make-up. She never had occasion to want to make herself look good but she still had some and she spent time in front of the mirror putting it all on, it took a while but eventually she felt like it looked acceptable. It was clear Ryan thought so too as when Anna walked into the living room she saw her husband sitting on the couch in a smart shirt and pants.

“Very nice.” Ryan said as he stood up and looked at Anna.

Anna couldn’t help but bashfully smile. She had been complimented by Ryan before, of course, but it felt different when she had legitimately put an effort into her appearance. Ryan was looking as handsome as ever, he was very clearly nervous but that seemed to only make him even more appealing.

“Shall we go?” Anna asked when Ryan hadn’t moved for a few seconds.

“Oh, right, of course!” Ryan replied.

Anna watched as Ryan grabbed his jacket. As he turned around he paused for a second and made a face like he was realising he had to do something. With a sigh he draped the jacket over the arm of the chair.

“I don’t want to but…” Ryan held his hands up.

“I know.” Anna nodded as she pressed her lips into a thin line, “Do what you have to do.”

“Sorry.” Ryan commiserated as he reached for the coat stand again.

Far from a nice jacket to complete her look Anna saw Ryan unhooking something that she had been doing her best to avoid. The adult-sized toddler harness had been hanging on the stand since they had got it. Before that evening Anna practically only left the house when heading off-campus and thus was able to avoid having to wear it. There would be no such luck this time.

Anna held her hands out as Ryan walked over. She remained smiling as he put it the harness on her though she felt anything but happy about it. She knew it was necessary but that didn’t make it any less demeaning. She felt the straps across her chests, waist and over her shoulders tighten as they were adjusted on her back. It emphasized her curves and distorted her dress.

“Is that OK?” Ryan asked.

“Uh huh.” Anna replied.

“I just need to attach the-…” Ryan started.

“Don’t say it.” Anna said seriously. She belatedly let out a small laugh to try and make the situation less tense. It didn’t really work.

There was a metallic clipping noise and Anna knew the leash had been attached to the back of the harness. Now, just like a small child, Anna could be led around without needing to worry that she might wonder off. She couldn’t help feeling resentment towards Ryan even though she knew he had no choice. If she didn’t have her pride she would’ve cancelled the whole date idea right then and there.

“One more thing.” Ryan practically whispered.

Anna looked around to see Ryan holding up a pacifier. She sagged visibly as she looked at the little latex bulb attached to a pink mouth guard. It felt like the embarrassments would never end. All of this just to go out on a date like a normal person, the urge to cancel the whole thing became even stronger.

“This is all getting to be a bit much.” Anna said dispiritedly.

“It’s the last thing.” Ryan said, “But we can cancel if you want. I wouldn’t hold it against you.”

Anna was tempted. The idea of cancelling and then just sitting on the couch watching television was something that Anna seriously considered for a few seconds. She looked down at the floor but the longer she thought about it the more she found her mind turning in a different direction. Anna’s rebellious streak was coming to the surface, her refusal to just do as she was told by society created a burning desire in her. She wanted to go on a date with her husband and no one was going to stop her. Why should she hide away from the world?

Anna looked up from the floor at her husband. She must’ve had a fiery determination in her eyes because Ryan seemed a little taken aback. She opened her mouth and nodded a couple of times. Ryan lifted the pacifier and pushed it between her lips.

“I don’t want to do this.” Ryan said as he indicated the pacifier and looked at the harness, “But it’s what everyone else uses on their women when outside. We have to blend in…”

“It’th OK.” Anna replied. She grimaced a little at how the pacifier made her lisp pathetically.

“Ready to go?” Ryan asked.

Anna nodded. As they made their way to the door Anna puffed out her cheeks. Ryan paused as he pulled on the door handle. He turned around and picked up the toddler leash and then belatedly opened the door. Anna followed Ryan outside and immediately felt like there was a spotlight on her. The hallway was empty but that didn’t help her feelings of embarrassment.

It was awkward. To start with Anna lagged behind Ryan but they quickly realised it would be easier the other way round since the leash was connected to the back of Anna’s harness. Anna walked in front of her husband and tried to project a confidence that she didn’t really feel. There was a tense and anxious silence as the couple went down to the ground level and out into the outside world.

The sun was starting to set and there was a chill in the air. Anna looked around thinking everyone would be staring at her and laughing but there weren’t really that many people about. There were some small groups of men going here or there but they didn’t pay any attention to her. As weird as she felt she had to keep reminding herself that this was just normal for a lot of these males. The few females that were out were all dressed in a more infantile manner than Anna was which drew some envious looks from them.

Ryan walked alongside Anna and she almost felt like taking his hand in hers but she knew she couldn’t. Ryan had slipped into his role of alpha male, as he had to, and that meant Anna had to be as out of the way as possible. Every now and then she felt a little tug on the reigns when she was lagging a little too far behind or pulling a little too far in front.

Chapter 27: Part Twenty-Seven
Summary:
A double-length update!

Anna and Ryan go on a date together but no matter how much they wish to enjoy themselves they can't forget where they are. Regardless, it is as close to a "date night" the two are likely to get and they are determined to enjoy it.

Chapter Text
The restaurant was on campus. There were a number of places to get food at the college and they ranged from fast food and takeout to very posh places. The restaurant Ryan was taking Anna to was definitely on the more expensive end of the spectrum. The lighting was dim, there were chandeliers on the ceiling and everything looked very costly. Anna had no idea how such a place could exist on campus until she remembered that status meant everything here. Students and professors would all be willing to spend a lot of money just to be seen at a place like this. The food itself was of secondary concern.

“Table for two, please.” Ryan said as he walked up to a waiter who was standing at the door.

“Of course, sir.” The waiter looked down his nose at Anna, “Will you require a highchair?”

Anna’s fists clenched but Ryan thankfully informed the waiter that a regular seat was fine and he bid the couple to follow him inside. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was quiet, muttered conversation came from the tables that Anna was now led past. There seemed to be two types of diners. There were men eating with other men, in what mostly seemed like business scenarios, and then there were men eating with women. It was these women that were now staring at Anna as she walked past.

Anna kept her eyes down as she followed Ryan and the waiter to the far side of the restaurant. There were mutterings and whispers as Anna passed by. The sudden sound of hollow plastic balls banging together got Ann’s attention and she looked up to stare in wide-eyed horror to a part of the restaurant she hadn’t seen until now.

There was a fenced in area against the far wall which was very out of step with the design choices of the rest of the establishment. It was an indoor kid’s play area but there were no children inside, of course, it was meant for women. The whole floor seemed to be one big ball pit with a climbing frame coming out of it. Anna could see women in there playing.

A yank on the leash forced Anna to stumble forwards and she returned her attention to what was going on in front of her. Ryan was smiling a little awkwardly as he made his way to a table but Anna wasn’t too concerned with that, she was more worried about the whispers she could hear.

“He lets her wear that?”

“Ridiculous! It shouldn’t be allowed!”

“She better be kept on that leash. I bet she has no manners at all…”

Anna could hear all sorts of comments and it seemed like most people weren’t troubling themselves to keep their voices down. She ducked her head and tried to make her way past the tables. It felt so unfair that it made her blood boil. She was following all of the stupid misogynistic rules and it still wasn’t enough for these people. She could feel her pulse quicken as her anger grew.

“Your table, sir.” The waiter said as he indicated a table towards the back of the restaurant. Anna looked around and saw people staring. She ducked her head again and wished she was still at home.

“Thank you.” Ryan replied.

Ryan sat down and Anna sank into the seat opposite him. Her eyes went straight down to the tablecloth as a menu was haphazardly placed in front of her. She heard more whispers and although she couldn’t make out what people were saying she instinctively thought it must be about her. She was hyper-aware of her surroundings and it made her have second thoughts about every movement she made.

“Anna?” Ryan’s voice cut through the background noise, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Anna replied automatically. She glanced to either side and saw people looking at her disapprovingly.

“Come on.” Ryan sounded a little exasperated, “Don’t we know each other well enough for you to be honest with me at least?”

Anna sighed. Ryan was right, he deserved to hear what was bothering her. Anna looked around at the nearby tables and the women that were seated at them. It seemed like all the other girls in the restaurant were dressed in more embarrassing and “little” ways. Frilly dresses, knee-high socks and bulging diapers seemed to be the prevalent fashion. Some had fairy wings attached to their backs, or they had little tiaras and crowns, a couple were in full on ballerina tutus. In other words it seemed almost like that was what “dressing up” meant for these women, it didn’t mean looking nice like Anna had tried to do.

“Everyone is staring.” Anna said quietly to Ryan, “And whispering about me.”

Anna saw Ryan look around quickly. He seemed to catch the eye of a man at a nearby table and he nodded his head with a quick smile. When he looked back at Anna he seemed unsure what to do. Anna knew that he couldn’t stand up and demand everyone stop talking about his wife but that didn’t stop her wishing that SOMEONE could do such a thing.

“I… I didn’t think it would be such a problem.” Ryan finally said, “This is a pretty upmarket place. A lot of the men come here to show off their status as much as anything else. I should’ve thought about it more. I’m sorry… Do you want to go home?”

“We can’t.” Anna replied in a hiss, “We’ve already drawn so much attention to ourselves.”

Anna too wished she had thought more about this before suggesting the date. Everything at this college was about was about proving you were the dominant male. She should’ve realised that would even extend into places like restaurants. Just once she had wanted to look nice for herself and for Ryan but now it was drawing more attention than if she had worn a cartoonish infantile dress. The problem was that now they were being watched and talked about they couldn’t simply leave, they would be the source of gossip on campus, they just had to make sure what was said about them wasn’t too bad. Slinking away in such a situation would be suspicious enough to be a risk.

“Well, we’d better look at the menu then.” Ryan suggested, “I know this isn’t ideal but let’s try to forget about everyone else, eh?”

Anna nodded her head and picked up the menu. With something else to focus on she was actually able to calm down a little bit even if she still felt on edge. She still found it very hard to concentrate on anything she was looking at, every time she looked up it felt like there was someone looking at her disapprovingly.

“May I take your order, sir?” The waiter was back at the table a few minutes later.

By this point Anna was very annoyed. The whispers were like nails on a chalkboard to her and it was getting harder to ignore. The stares too felt like lasers that were trained right on to her. She wasn’t listening to what Ryan ordered.

“And for the girl?” The waiter asked.

“Huh?” Anna was brought out of her thoughts by the patronizing comments of the waiter, “Oh, I’ll have the same.”

The waiter frowned at Anna and then looked to Ryan as if seeking confirmation. Anna didn’t know what the problem was but as Ryan nodded his head and handed over the menu Anna was left hearing more people seemingly talking about her. The urge to scream was growing stronger and Anna’s temper, something she had always struggled with, was being sorely tested. Every little movement was being watched and analyzed by the other tables, she wouldn’t have been surprised to see some of them taking down notes.

“What’s the problem now?” Anna growled to Ryan as the waiter walked away.

“I think they were expecting you to order from the back of the menu.” Ryan replied as he leaned forwards.

Anna looked down at the menu that the waiter hadn’t taken and turned to the back. She pursed her lips as she saw the children’s menu. It was firmly less serious looking than the other pages and it very specifically made mention of being for both women and children. In Sallas the two groups were basically the same.

“Are they serious?” Anna teeth were clenched together so tightly she thought they might shatter.

This date seemed like an increasingly bad idea the longer it went on. Anna had hoped to have a night with her husband, perhaps something even considered romantic. She had hoped that she could get to know him better and have a good time. Instead she felt like an animal at the zoo getting gawked at by men for having the nerve to act like anything more than a child.

It was her own fault, Anna knew that. She had grown comfortable at home thinking she was equal. She had allowed herself to become cocooned in the safety of the apartment and forgot what the rest of the country was like. Anna could see that her hands were trembling though how much was fear and how much was anger was up for debate.

“So… a date, huh?” Ryan said to break the silence, “Pretty weird.”

“Is it?” Anna spat out with rather more venom than she intended.

“I just mean…” Ryan quickly retreated.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” Anna took a deep breath, “I’m just a little on edge.”

“I never thought we’d do things like this.” Ryan said before dropping his voice an octave, “Not as equals at least.”

“Me neither.” Anna replied, “To be honest, when I heard I was going to be married off I thought it was the end of my life. I still did for a while after the wedding. I thought you were going to be an asshole like all the rest of them.”

“Well… I hope I’m proving you wrong.” Ryan smiled.

“You’re doing decently so far.” Anna said as she returned Ryan’s smile.

Anna looked around again and saw more stares. She took a deep breath and the smile disappeared. It was a constant reminder that she had to have an act up the whole time. She took a drink of the water that was on the table.

“Let them stare.” Ryan said as he followed Anna’s gaze.

“That’s easy for you to say.” Anna shrugged. She shifted in her seat and felt the pull-up underneath her shift.

“Forget them. Tonight it’s me and you.” Ryan said, “Don’t worry what they think. Let me worry about that.”

“You’re not the one that will get sent to Finishing School.” Anna replied.

“But it would torpedo my whole career and life if I get labeled a “sympathizer” so don’t think I’m doing anything lightly!” Ryan reminded Anna.

“Fair enough.” Anna conceded, “So what do you want to talk about?”

For a few minutes the date was everything Anna had always wanted. They shared a little conversation about the restaurant and what was happening over in the play area. Every now and then the sound of balls in the ball pit interrupted but it was quiet enough to not cause a problem.

“Your food.” The waiter returned to the table taking the couple by surprise.

As Ryan’s food was placed in front of him Anna couldn’t help but stare directly into his eyes. If she had previously been on the fence regarding her feelings she was now certain that she was in love. It almost seemed like as long as she was talking to Ryan it didn’t matter how much she was stared at or talked about by the other guests.

“And for the girl.” The waiter smile turned to a thin-lipped look of disapproval as he placed the plate in front of Anna.

“Tha-…” Anna started.

Anna fell into silence as she watched the waiter place a cup next to her place. Instead of the wine glasses that all the men had it was a bright yellow sippy cup with a red top. It had two handles on the sides and pictures of fairies printed all around it. Before Anna could even collect her thoughts she felt the waiter move behind her, she jumped as some cloth dropped past her face and on to her chest. She felt it get tugged up and affixed by two long bits that went around the back of her neck. She looked down to see a bib.

“Little Messy Eater!” The bib read as Anna looked down.

“Get this shit off of me!” Anna yelled.

The red mist descended before Anna could control it. The waiter hadn’t even finished tying the bib to Anna before she had reached up and ripped it away from him. She could hear it tear as it came away and she threw it to the ground. The sippy cup became a victim as well, Anna batted it with her hand sending it flying off the table.

Yet again the indignity and lack of fairness had caused Anna to lash out regardless of the consequences. She was an adult and deserved respect, she wouldn’t let anyone treat her otherwise!

The restaurant had fallen deathly silent as Anna breathed heavily. As she looked around and felt that sudden anger abate she was struck with fear. Ryan was still sitting across from her and was staring with wide eyes. Everyone was looking their way and, just like that, the nice evening had become a nightmare. Anna felt herself start to tremble.

“Stupid girl!” The waiter growled as he roughly grabbed Anna’s arm.

“Get off me!” Anna screamed. She was having terrible flashbacks to the punishment meted out by her father-in-law.

“This is why we don’t let them think they are more than they are.” The waiter said accusingly towards Ryan.

“What are you doing with her?” Ryan stood up now. As if at a tennis match all eyes in the place now swiveled across to stare at him, “Let my wife go!”

“I was going to take her to the play area where her kind belongs.” The waiter said. His upper-class accent had disappeared.

“That is not your decision to make.” Ryan countered.

Anna looked around as she continued to struggle but the waiter had stopped trying to pull her away from the table. She looked at her husband with confusion. There were whispers again but now they were directed at Ryan, the whole situation had become some grotesque dinner theatre for the other diners. As her arm was yanked again her dress was pulled up slightly and she inadvertently flashed her pull-up.

“Sir?” The waiter finally asked.

“Let her go.” Ryan repeated, “Her punishment is mine to decide. We are going to eat our meal and I will do what needs to be done later.”

“Sir, this is very… unusual.” The waiter said even as he let Anna go.

Anna pulled away from the stuck up man and rubbed her arm where she had been roughly grabbed. She felt profound gratitude and relief towards her husband but at the same time she thought he was making a terrible mistake. They had wanted to make as few waves as possible and yet now they were sure to be the talk of the campus. It was her own fault, of course, but all the stares and whispers had been burning her wick until finally the waiter touched a nerve and made her react. She didn’t have time to think about what she was doing, the actions exploded out of her beyond her control.

“You will let my wife and I return to our meal.” Ryan said with more authority, “Or my father, Michael Manning, will hear about this. I don’t imagine the college would be too happy if he decided to withdraw his funding.”

The waiter looked shocked but as the cogs turned in his head he understood the threat being made. He nodded his head a little and opened his arms towards the chair to indicate Anna should sit back down. It was a total bluff and both Anna and Ryan knew that, there was no way either of them wanted Michael to find out about this.

“I apologize, sir.” The waiter said. The look he gave Ryan was absolutely piercing, “Please enjoy your meals.”

Anna was left in stunned silence as the waiter finally walked away. She was breathing heavily as she sat back down and Ryan sat down opposite her, the colour had drained from his face and it looked like he was about to pass out. She knew her husband usually had a lot of problems standing up for himself, to see him stand up for her was nearly enough to make her burst into tears. Gradually the people at the other tables went back to their own meals but there was no doubt that most of them were talking about the impromptu scene that had played out at their table.

“That was stupid.” Anna said as much to herself as to Ryan. She was tearing up as she looked down at her food. The indignity of everything was getting to her, “I’m sorry. This was a terrible idea.”

“Hey, look at me.” Ryan said as he leaned forwards slightly, “Forget about it. We’re here to enjoy a meal. To hell with these other people. We’ll act like I’m telling you off and have a nice date.”

Anna nodded her head. Her teary eyes and submissive demeanor did have one benefit. Everyone who looked their way would now see what appeared to be a wife being quietly scolded by her husband. She had to suppress a smile at the deception.

As Anna picked up her knife and fork to eat she looked up at Ryan. Their eyes met and he gave her a little wink, she had to quickly look back down at her food to hide the wide smile that threatened to give the game away.

The rest of the meal went by without interruption. The chastened waiter seemed to now be avoiding the half of the restaurant where Anna and Ryan were. Meanwhile the pretense of being a “normal” Sallasian couple became somewhat of a game. At first Anna was embarrassed but as she realised that both her and Ryan were essentially playing parts she took ownership of it. All of a sudden little comments didn’t shame her, they made her feel like she was getting one over on anyone who might see or overhear them.

“Such a naughty girl.” Ryan would say with a disappointed shake of the head.

It was all Anna could do not to breakdown with laughter. She was soon learning to play her role as well though. She would apologize profusely and when she saw nearby diners nodding their heads she would feel the most subversive thrill.

“I can’t believe all these people think you’re really going to punish me.” Anna said quietly. She kept her face down to make sure her expression was hidden, “And you’re calling ME the naughty one.”

“Don’t make me laugh, you’ll blow my cover!” Ryan snorted.

Maybe it was the wine which both Anna and Ryan were drinking liberally but the longer the meal went the more relaxed they both became. They had a normal conversation whilst keeping up the mannerisms of a chastised wife and her domineering husband all the way through, they even stayed for desert. This time Anna let Ryan order off the children’s menu for her. They couldn’t get too carried away after all.

By the time Ryan was putting his credit card into the machine to pay Anna could confidently say the night had been a success. It had certainly been memorable. If this had genuinely been a first date she was sure she would be asking for a second one soon afterwards, perhaps that was one of the benefits of a first date after already getting married.

“Thank you, sir.” The waiter that had come to take payment was not the same one from earlier in the evening. In fact that waiter appeared to have disappeared altogether, “And I apologize for the commotion earlier.”

“It’s no trouble.” Ryan replied, “I’ll make sure she doesn’t act out again once I get her home.”

“Of course, sir.” The waiter replied, “But as an additional apology allow us to deduct thirty per cent of your bill.”

Anna’s eyebrows raised as Ryan thanked the waiter and completed the payment. With the formalities done they gathered their things and headed towards the exit. As soon as they were out into the cool evening air Anna had trouble maintaining her composure. Ryan kept shushing her until they were a little way down the street.

“I can’t believe they bought it!” Anna exclaimed. The alcohol perhaps making her a little louder than was comfortable, “They even gave us a discount!”

“Maybe I should’ve gone into acting instead of business.” Ryan replied.

The couple practically fell into each other as they laughed. When Anna looked up she saw people looking their way again, just the odd person here and there, probably nothing to worry about. She still felt apprehension running through her though, she wasn’t used to drinking and perhaps she had indeed had a little too much wine.

Anna looked behind her back towards the restaurant. She felt her heart skip a beat as she saw the waiter that had caused such a scene leaning against the wall in front of the entrance and looking their way. She bit her lip and turned away quickly.

“We should get home.” Anna said. She was suddenly very keen to get back to a private setting.

“Oh my, madam, are you inviting me in after a first date?” Ryan joked.

“I’m serious.” Anna replied. All the gaiety of the evening had disappeared. There was nothing quite as sobering as thinking someone was on to them.

By the time they reached their apartment it was dark outside. Anna stretched as Ryan took off his jacket and shoes. Neither of them had expected quite such a dramatic evening but all was well that ends well. Anna went to the fridge and pulled out a small bottle of beer before walking across the living room and out on to the balcony.

There was a chill to the air now but after all the drama the relative quietness of the balcony was very pleasant indeed. Anna looked over the edge at the other blocks around them, a lot of them were illuminated by light. As she had done so many times before Anna looked from window to window and wondered if any of the other couples were living a double life. She surely couldn’t be lucky enough to be the only one. She sipped from the beer and sighed.

“What’s up?” Ryan asked as he stepped out on to the balcony.

“Just enjoying the peace and quiet.” Anna said.

“I’ll go back inside then.” Ryan said tongue-in-cheek.

“Oh no you don’t.” Anna laughed as she waved for him to join her against the wall.

Ryan came up to the wall and took the beer from Anna and drank some. Anna took off her shoes, the heels weren’t too high but her feet ached still. She looked at Ryan and smiled as he watched a pair of men walking past below them in the courtyard.

“Quite a night, huh?” Ryan eventually said.

“Yeah.” Anna answered, “It was nice though. Well, for the most part.”

“I thought so too.” Ryan nodded.

“Do you think anyone was on to us?” Anna asked, “Like, I think the waiter was watching us leaving.”

“We’re fine.” Ryan asserted confidently, “Don’t worry about it.”

Anna saw Ryan turn to face her and she turned to him as well. They looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments before Anna took a step forwards. Ryan leaned down a little and without another word being shared they shared a kiss. Anna felt Ryan’s lips on hers as she closed her eyes. After a couple of seconds they parted again.

“Wow.” Ryan said quietly, “That was… nice.”

Anna smiled and nodded. She could feel herself blushing slightly as she looked down at the wooden floor of the balcony. When she looked up and caught her husband’s eyes again they both giggled a little, like teenagers being amorous for the first time. Anna wrapped her arms around Ryan for a hug. One of Ryan’s hands went lower down her back until it was placed on her butt. He felt the pull-up and Anna froze up a little.

“Are you…” Ryan started to ask.

“We drank a lot.” Anna looked down at the floor.

“It’s alright.” Ryan replied.

Before Anna could say anything else Ryan leaned down and kissed Anna again. When they parted Anna headed back inside, and Ryan followed shortly afterwards closing the door behind him. Anna had wet her pull-up a little on the walk home, she had tried to hold on but failed, she assumed it was the alcohol so wasn’t too upset.

“I’m going to take a shower.” Anna said, “But thank you… for a lovely night.”

Chapter 28: Part Twenty-Eight
Summary:
A bumper update!

Anna is chilling at home when there are some unexpected visitors. Paul and Jane are coming for dinner and Anna doesn't feel prepared at all. When the dinner guests arrive Anna is left speechless, she only becomes more concerned as she gets to speak to Jane.

With Anna's emotions stretched to breaking point there is a spark that starts a wildfire.

Chapter Text
Anna was sat on the couch with her legs up and her laptop resting on top of her. She wasn’t doing anything particularly “subversive” and that almost felt like a waste of her time online. Instead she was simply looking up some recipes. She and Ryan had made a trip together to the store earlier that day. It wasn’t that unusual for them, women were always supposed to be accompanied when out of the house unless they had permission. It had meant another trip wearing the harness and pacifier as she was led around the store but at least it didn’t take long.

Things with Ryan were going well. Anna didn’t feel comfortable going particularly far with her husband but he seemed perfectly content just to spend time with her. They pretty much cuddled together every evening now. It wasn’t something she ever felt she would enjoy when she had first seen Ryan.

Anna was just watching a video on a new way to prepare steak when she heard a key scratching at the front door. There was something about the urgency she heard that chilled her blood. She quickly stood up and placed the laptop on the table. She stood up and started trying to pretend she was cleaning in case it wasn’t Paul.

The door opened and Ryan came in looking very flustered. He closed the door right behind him and breathed heavily. Anna knew something was going on and it made her nervous.

“What’s wrong?” Anna asked. She made a couple of nervous steps forwards towards Ryan.

“Paul and Jane.” Ryan said breathlessly, “They’re coming to visit.”

“OK?” Anna wasn’t sure what was wrong with that. They visited fairly often. It wasn’t fun to have Paul around but she enjoyed catching up with Jane.

“In thirty minutes.” Ryan continued, “They’re coming for dinner!”

“What!?” Anna exclaimed, “You invited them here tonight?”

“I didn’t invite them at all.” Ryan shook his head, “Paul invited himself.”

Anna let out a groan of frustration as she looked up at the ceiling. Visitors meant their schedule was disrupted, it meant she had to play the role of the good wife again. It meant she had to go and get “properly dressed.” She clenched her fists and tried not to let it get to her, she tried not to let the negative feelings overwhelm her and make her lash out. Her temper was something Ryan had repeatedly told her she needed to get in check. The night at the restaurant could’ve been a lot less stressful had she not lashed out.

“I’m sorry.” Ryan said as Anna took a deep breath to calm down.

“It’s alright.” Anna replied, “We’ll get through it. We always do.”

Anna made her way to the bedroom. She had work to do. Her current outfit of a pair of Ryan’s sweatpants and her pajama top would not be good enough. They were hosting, she would be expected to be little more than a maid. She stripped down including her pull-up until she was completely naked. She reached under the bed and pulled out one of the thick diapers that she absolutely loathed.

Not wanting to waste any time Anna unfolded the disposable and laid it out on the mattress. She sat on it and laid back. It took a few moments to get the diaper lined up properly before she lifted the front and brought up and over her crotch. She was impressed with her tape job, it looked very symmetrical.

Anna would have to be the perfect hostess. The model Sallasian wife. She looked through her closet, pushing aside the more grown-up clothes she looked for something appropriate or in other words something that would be utterly demeaning.

The maid outfit. It was something Anna had been given by her father years ago. She felt a shiver as she remembered him giving it to her and saying this would help put her in place. It was after that gift that Anna had been given more intensive training by her mother in how to look after a house. She quickly came to regard her future with horror after that.

Now Anna was reaching into the closet and pulling out the maid outfit. It was still sufficiently infantile, of course. The black and white dress was obscenely frilly and the ruffled bottom left her diaper on display any time she wasn’t stood still. The white apron had “Spank the Maid” stitched on to it, an invitation she hoped no one took up.

Anna pulled on some long knee-length socks and finished the outfit with a large black bow in her hair. When she looked in the mirror she felt revulsion at the version of her that looked back which probably meant she’d succeeded in her task.

When Anna walked back out to the living room she saw Ryan turn to look at her. His face fell and his shoulders slumped. She understood what he was feeling, he was desperate to make Anna feel equal and seeing her dressed like that just made him feel like he was failing.

“It’s alright.” Anna said. Her cheeks were a rosy red with embarrassment as she went over to Ryan and hugged him. Her poofy dress made it harder than it should’ve been.

“I know we’ll be fine.” Ryan whispered to his wife, “I just wished we didn’t have to do all this. One day we-…”

Ryan was interrupted by the doorbell. He didn’t immediately move and Anna was wondering if after everything he would pretend not to be in. After a couple of seconds he released Anna and started walking towards the front door.

Anna took a deep breath and got into character. She remained in the kitchen and started preparing food, the thing any good housewife would be expected to do. Behind her, at the apartment’s entrance she heard Ryan open the door and loudly welcome their guests. Paul’s voice nearly made Anna drop the plates she was carrying.

“I was starting to think you weren’t in.” Paul laughed as he walked into the house.

“Yeah, sorry, I was just getting ready.” Ryan replied, “I see you’ve… brought Jane.”

Anna couldn’t hold back her curiosity. She turned around and felt her heart drop. Jane was indeed there, she was sitting in a large stroller and tied in so tight she could hardly move. A pacifier was strapped tightly to her mouth and various belts held each of her limbs and her body exactly in place. The only thing Jane could move was her eyes and she looked at Anna with sorrow. Suddenly having to wear a maid dress was put into perspective.

“That’s quite a piece of kit you’ve got there.” Ryan said as he nodded towards the stroller.

“You like it?” Paul laughed. Anna winced as he unceremoniously hit the side of the frame, “It’s brand new. Complete immobilization tech. You put a bitch in one of these and she isn’t going anywhere.”

“Yeah, it looks great.” Ryan replied, “How long as she been in there?”

“What time is it now?” Paul laughed as he looked at a very expensive watch, “Oh, I’d say it’s been about five hours.”

Anna felt horror creeping over her. To be strapped down in one position for such a length of time sounded tortuous. She felt her hands shaking. There had to be a way to get her out of this.

“Ryan…” Anna practically whispered, “I… I could use some help in here.”

“Nobody asked.” Paul replied immediately. He looked at Ryan as if questioning whether he was going to let Anna talk to him like that. As if just by opening her mouth Anna was breaking some law.

“Hold on, she might have a point.” Ryan said. He was clearly picking up on what Anna was thinking, “She’s running behind. Maybe we let Jane help, it gets her out of our hands and we can relax.”

“I was hoping to keep her in the stroller for a full day.” Paul shrugged, “She’s been getting so uppity lately. Did you know yesterday she actually said no to me?”

“Wow, that’s crazy.” Ryan replied as convincingly as he could manage, “But still… Wouldn’t it be better to have her helping Anna? We wouldn’t have to keep an eye on her then.”

“Alright.” Paul said, “But she’s going right back in the stroller later. I paid for it and I want my money’s worth.”

“Sure.” Ryan replied.

Anna watched Paul start undoing the straps and felt relief that Jane was going to get at least some temporary respite. It took several minutes to get Jane out of the stroller because she was so tightly restrained in so many places. When she stood up she looked incredibly stiff, just walking seemed to be painful for her. Anna hurried over and put Jane’s arm around her to help her to the kitchen.

“Hey, Paul, while we wait for them to cook why don’t we watch the game?” Ryan suggested as he walked over to the couch. He pointed at the television that was in the opposite direction to the kitchen.

“Sure.” Paul replied slowly. He was watching the two women, when Anna glanced over her shoulder she wondered if the look was lustful or suspicious. She wasn’t sure which would be worse.

Anna managed to get Jane to the kitchen and when she rested her hands on the counter Anna was finally able to let her take her own weight. She still looked very fragile and stiff but Anna was confident enough to go start dinner. Jane was a scary sight, she already looked so different to how Anna remembered. She seemed thinner and haggard, she had bags under her eyes and she generally looked unwell. Anna hated seeing her friend in such a poor state.

“Thank you…” Jane whispered when Anna came back over a minute later.

“Are you alright?” Anna asked, “That looked awful.”

Jane nodded her head but even as she did so her stoicism was falling apart. Her bottom lip trembled and her eyes shimmered with tears. The nod quickly became a shake of the head. Anna ignored the risks as she wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged her. She looked over to see Ryan watching them but thankfully Paul was focused on the television.

Jane’s mental health seemed almost as bad as her physical state. Anna remembered Jane being a lot tougher. Sure she would get scared and anxious but she didn’t collapse like this. Anna wondered just how awful things were across the hall.

“I’m going to take them a couple of beers.” Anna said quietly.

Anna reluctantly pulled away from Jane and went over to the fridge. She took a couple of beers and walked over to the two men, she left the drinks on the table and thought she had got away without any harassment. That was until she felt a hand roughly slap her padded ass. Paul barked a laugh but when Anna turned around he simply waved her away.

Returning to the kitchen Anna was nearly immediately grabbed by Jane. She had more movement but at the same time what remained of her composure was cracking and crumbling away. Anna looked around, she opened the fridge door and pulled Jane behind it, the door meant that the two women were out of sight.

“I can’t take this anymore.” Jane sobbed quietly, “This is hell!”

“I know, I know…” Anna said softly. She didn’t know what she could say or do. As far as Jane was aware Anna’s life was similar to hers. In truth Anna couldn’t imagine what Jane went through behind closed doors.

“You don’t know!” Jane cried out.

“Shush!” Anna quickly said. She popped her head around the fridge door but thankfully the men were still distracted.

“Every day is worse than the last.” Jane whispered, “I knew men could be strict but Paul is the worst of the worst. It’s not like you and Ryan…”

“W-What do you mean?” Anna asked. A jolt of anxiety went through her nervous system.

“Come on…” Jane said as she took some kitchen paper and wiped her eyes, “It’s obvious.”

The anxiety that had been flowing through Anna’s body seemed to suddenly form into a heavy ball and dropped into her stomach. Anna looked around the fridge again to make sure no one was listening.

“Ryan is the dream.” Jane said with a sigh, “It’s clear he isn’t as harsh as most of the men round here. I’ve even heard Paul talking about it.”

Anna was filled with sudden relief. Jane didn’t know she was treated as an equal, she just though Ryan was soft on her. However there was another worrying statement for Anna to agonize over. People knew Ryan wasn’t being harsh and Paul was even talking about it. That could be very bad news for both of them.

“Are you alright?” Jane asked with a sudden look of concern, “You’ve gone pale. Do you need a diaper change?”

“No… no, I’m quite alright, thanks.” Anna said as she tried to pull herself together, “Come on, we had better get this dinner going before the boys get upset.”

Jane smiled and the pair of them got to work. To Anna’s embarrassment it quickly became clear that Jane was much better in the kitchen than she was. Jane was nice about it but it quickly transitioned from Anna asking Jane to help her with things to the other way round. Fortunately the men weren’t paying any attention to what was going on in the kitchen.

Anna couldn’t help being paranoid though. A life spent under the ownership of men, primarily her adoptive father, had taught her to always look over her shoulder and prepare for the worst. She tried to at least look busy in case Paul came over. She also couldn’t help but worry about Jane’s opinion of her. She was apparently already suspicious that Ryan didn’t treat Anna harshly enough after all.

“So how have you been?” Anna asked when they had some downtime. Jane was still trying to stretch her limbs.

“Not too bad.” Jane replied. Anna wasn’t fooled. She could see that Jane was on edge, her earlier outburst was enough to show that. Even as she watched she saw Jane threatening to break down again, she twitched slightly. It was eerie to see a smile on her face even as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Anna wasn’t a therapist but she felt like she had to do something to help the poor girl in front of her. She pointed down and crouched to use the counter to hide herself from the husbands. Following her lead Jane also lowered herself. She covered her face with her hands.

“Come here…” Anna said softly. She did the only thing she could do, she wrapped her friend in a hug.

As Jane started crying Anna could only do her best to offer small words of comfort and keep Jane’s crying quiet enough to not attract attention. Anna felt so guilty. More than anything she wished she could get Jane away from Paul.

“I swear I’m going to snap.” Jane said. She didn’t even sound too angry or upset when she said it. It was resignation, it was like she knew it would happen and had accepted it.

“You can’t talk like that.” Anna said, “You know wha-”

“Girls!” Paul’s voice made Anna jump.

Anna stood up quickly and looked over the counter to the living room. Paul had his feet up on the table, the table Anna had cleaned the previous day. When she looked into Paul’s face she only saw the man who was tormenting Jane. She briefly had wild thoughts like wondering if she could somehow poison the man.

“How long until the damn food is ready?” Paul demanded.

“Just a few minutes.” Anna replied as cheerfully as she could.

“Hurry it up.” Paul shouted. He turned away from her but added, “Bring me another beer.”

Out of the corner of her eye Anna saw Jane had frozen up so completely she could’ve been mistaken for a statue. Anna quickly reached into the fridge and got another couple of beers.

“He’s been drinking all day.” Jane muttered, “He’s always demanding more and I try but he’s never happy. I can’t keep up with everything he wants. It’s never good enough, I cook and clean and… my other duties, it’s never good enough.”

“Jane…” Anna knelt down. She was very scared for her friend who seemed on the verge of breaking. She wanted to cry but she had to remain strong.

“You better take him his beer.” Jane’s response was robotic and emotionless, “He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Everything will be fine.” Anna said. She had no way of making that happen though.

Anna stood up with the beers. She felt shaky as she went around the edge of the kitchen counters and into the living room. She felt like a little doll dressed up as she was. She placed the two beers on the table but as she bent over she felt Paul’s hand on her diapered ass. She immediately had flashbacks to Ryan’s father at Thanksgiving.

“She’s a good one.” Paul said as she tapped Anna’s ass a couple of times, “Not like Jane. You know what I mean?”

Anna stood up and walked behind Paul’s chair. She was looking across at Ryan and when he looked at her she jerked her head in a way to suggest she wanted a quiet word. Fortunately it seemed like Ryan picked up on the cue right away.

“Uh, Anna… Come with me.” Ryan said. He had to make it seem like it was his idea. No woman could ever demand to talk to their man after all.

Ryan took Anna rather roughly by the wrist and pulled her towards the hallway that led to the bedroom. From over her shoulder Anna heard Paul give a harsh laugh that made her shudder. Ryan took Anna straight into the bedroom and closed the door, Anna immediately put her hands on the back of her head.

“I know, I know…” Ryan looked defeated, “We just have to get through this.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about.” Anna replied quietly, “Well, it is, but also Jane…”

“What’s going on?” Ryan asked.

“What’s going on?” Anna repeated snappily, “You mean aside from Jane getting rolled in here like a statue being put on display!?”

“That was pretty bad.” Ryan sighed, “Paul treats Jane like crap but there is nothing we can do.”

“She’s going to snap.” Anna shook her head and leaned forwards so her head rested on Ryan’s chest, “She was on the edge and I think that damn stroller pushed her over. She’s acting like a crazy person.”

Anna heard Ryan sigh and he wrapped his arms around her. She understood, he didn’t need to say anything. Whether Jane was going insane or not there was nothing that either of them could do. The pain Jane must’ve experienced with that asshole as a husband made Anna want to weep.

They must’ve stood like that for a couple of minutes. Anna was trying to get her emotions under control because she knew if she went back out there like this she was liable to say or do something she would regret. As she took some deep breaths she let her bladder go. It had been some time since she had wet herself like this, her potty training was a source of pride but she was never going to be able to get through the whole evening without using her diaper. The spreading warmth was familiar, it might even have been considered a little comforting in some strange ways.

“We should head back out there.” Ryan eventually said, “Come on, we can keep things together.”

Anna nodded and took a step back. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and watched as Ryan left the bedroom, she wanted to wait a few seconds before coming out herself. As she waited she rested her hand on the front of her dress where her diaper was warmest. When Anna finally left the room it was to find Jane in the kitchen finishing up the cooking.

“Jane…” Anna started as she placed a hand on the other woman’s shoulder.

“I’m fine.” Jane replied, “Where ware your plates?”

Anna didn’t believe that Jane was alright at all but she went to the cupboard to get the plates anyway. As soon as she had put the plates down on the counter Jane started serving the food. She remained silent but Anna could see one of her hands trembling.

“You should take a couple of drinks over.” Jane said as she picked up the plates.

Anna nodded her head and retrieved a couple more beers. She followed Jane out towards the dining room table feeling very uneasy. Jane put the plates down and Anna placed the drinks next to them. Unlike the men Anna and Jane had glasses of water and noticeably smaller portions.

“Dinner’s ready.” Anna called out to the men.

Anna sat down opposite Jane and tried to keep her nerves under control. When Ryan sat down next to Anna he discreetly reached under the table and gave Anna’s knee a quick squeeze of support. Anna could see Jane was not getting the same support from Paul who clearly seemed worse for wear.

“Well, you can tell Anna must’ve helped with this.” Paul said. He was slurring his words slightly.

“Why is that?” Ryan asked.

“It isn’t burnt to shit!” Paul barked his loud and obnoxious laugh.

Anna watched Jane but she remained almost completely unmoving. As soon as Ryan started eating she felt it was safe to start herself. Jane was the last to pick up her fork. As expected the men dominated the conversation which Anna was more than fine with, she had no interest in talking to Paul. The one constant during dinner was Paul’s snipes at his wife.

“She’s lazy. I ask her to clean the apartment whilst I’m in class and usually she hasn’t finished when I get back.”

“I would potty train her if I thought she was smart enough to do it. I’d just be wasting my time!”

“I have to punish the stupid bitch almost every day.”

Anna watched Jane feeling helpless to do anything. The other women seemed outwardly unmoved by everything that was said. This was an agonizing position to be in and Jane was aching for a way to help her friend. Her legs were shaking, she didn’t think she’d be able to keep a lid on her emotions for long.

“Hey, Ryan, why don’t you send her to get us another couple of drinks?” Paul said as he tapped his empty beer bottle and nodded at Anna.

The meal was nearly over and it was obvious, to Anna at least, that Ryan was keen to get the other couple out of his apartment as soon as possible. Ryan looked at Anna for a second.

“Actually, I think I’ve had enough.” Ryan said. It was the politest way he could’ve told the guests to leave.

“Fine, just one for me then.” Paul replied. He leaned back in his chair as if to make a show that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Anna looked at Ryan. After a second of hesitation he gave her a little nod and she stood up again. The maid uniform she had been wearing was no longer comfortable at all. Her legs were cold and it was just a little too tight around her waist. The material wasn’t as soft as it may have looked. She made her way around the table and back into the kitchen.

“I wish I could take her back to be honest.” Paul laughed loudly again as he nudged Jane, “Return her as damaged goods.”

Anna bit her bottom lip so hard she thought she was about to draw blood. She didn’t know how Jane could have the patience to sit there and take the abuse she was getting, she hated to think what might happen in private. It was a horrible reality of Sallas and she was aware she was extremely lucky to avoid it. For all the awful things she saw in public whatever happened in the privacy of people’s homes must be worse.

“B-Broken?” Ryan asked, “She seems OK to me.”

“You’d think she’s alright from looking at her but there must be something wrong under the hood…” Paul said. Anna was standing with the beer, she was popping the top off beer and looking to the dining table.

As Anna watched Paul poke and prod at Jane like a schoolyard bully she felt red mist descending. The control she had so desperately tried to maintain was slipping and as if to emphasize that point she let her bladder relax and flood the thirsty diaper between her legs. The urine soaked into the padding causing it to swell.

“Why do you say that?” Ryan asked.

“Well, you think she’d be a decent fuck by now.” Paul exclaimed, “I’ve given her enough practice!”

Anna’s whole body was trembling as she waddled back towards the table. Her composure was gone, she was going to do something she would regret and she knew she couldn’t stop herself. She didn’t want to stop herself. She walked up until she was next to Paul, he completely ignored her.

“You think she’d at least give good head by now!” Paul continued seemingly oblivious to how horrified the other three were, “I guess she must be reta-…”

Anna turned the bottle upside down. She was so angry she had tears in her eyes and she deliberately poured the beer over Paul who wasn’t looking her way. It felt like it was only a tiny amount of the pain Paul deserved to suffer.

“Fuck!” Paul exclaimed as he pushed his chair back and stood up.

As Paul looked down at his soaked clothes Ryan quickly slapped the bottle out of his wife’s hand. Anna stared at Paul with pure loathing but already the thoughts about consequences were starting to come up. Her moment of madness had created a very dangerous situation.

“Anna!” Ryan chastised his wife. When she turned to look at him she could see he was spending more time looking at Paul than her, “You dropped the beer. How could you be so careless!?”

“Sorry.” Anna mumbled recognizing that Ryan was trying to rescue the situation

“That was on purpose!” Paul practically screamed.

Anna felt her blood run cold. She’d messed everything up, she’d lost control and now it could cost her everything. She didn’t know what to say or do, she looked at Jane who was just staring back at her open-mouthed and with a pale face. It seems everyone knew just how much trouble Anna was in. She just couldn’t stand the way the man talked about her friend!

“N-Now… hold on a second…” Ryan stuttered. He reached out to grab Anna’s arm but Paul was quicker.

Anna squealed as her arm was grabbed by Paul. He was practically frothing at the mouth and spitting with rage. She was yanked forwards so that she hit the edge of the dining table, she gasped as she fell over it. The table was pushed to the side and the glasses and cutlery clattered around. Jane jumped back in fright.

“You’re going to regret that!” Paul screamed at Anna.

Anna was trying to get up but she was easily held down. The diaper between her legs was viciously ripped at until the tapes gave way and the wet padding fell to the ground with a thud. Anna was left naked under her short dress.

Without a moment for Anna to brace herself she felt a hand slap across her butt. There was no holding back and she screamed at the sudden painful strike. Before she could even fully register what was happening a second spank hit her, it was just as hard as the first and she felt sure she was already bruising.

Anna burst into tears as she tried fruitlessly to wrench herself free from Paul’s grip. She scratched at the table as blow after blow landed. Paul was only using his hands and yet it felt like she was being beaten by a paddle or something. Snot ran down her face as she tried desperately to get away from the madman behind her.

“This is only just the start!” Paul yelled as he continued his assault.

“Paul, she’s…” Ryan started. Anna could barely him over her own cries.

“Shut up!” Paul replied back only briefly breaking his rhythm to point angrily at Ryan, “Everyone knows you’re too lax on the bitch!”

“W-What do you mean?” Ryan stuttered.

Anna didn’t get a chance to hear more as the spanks started up again. Her legs were kicking out behind her as she desperately tried to free herself. It was futile. Anna looked to the side where Jane was stood, she was staring at the scene with horror. She had endured so much of Paul’s behaviour without complaint but seeing Anna being punished seemed to be pushing her in a completely different way. She was looking from Anna to Paul and then back to Anna.

Desperately trying to protect her friend Anna shook her head towards Jane. She tried telling her not to get involved, to stay quiet and to let Anna get through it. She wanted to talk to her but any time she opened her mouth she could only sob or exclaim in pain.

“P-Paul…” Jane said quietly, “M-Maybe that’s enough?”

“I’ll deal with you later.” Paul said to his wife, “Did you put her up to it? I’ll put you in that stroller for a full week!”

Anna was in a world of pain and turmoil. Despite the situation she still knew it was unfair for Paul to threaten Jane over this. She had nothing to do with Anna’s actions. Questions of fairness, always superfluous in modern day Sallas, were the furthest things from her mind though. She wasn’t sure if she could take much more.

“That’s enough!” Ryan shouted.

Anna turned her head and saw her husband stepping up to Paul. He put his hands on Paul’s arms and tried to push the bigger man away. It succeeded in that Paul stopped the beating to turn to Ryan, he put his hands on Ryan’s chest and shoved him so hard that Ryan ended up splayed on the couch behind him.

“You’re completely pussy whipped!” Paul yelled. His words were slurred, “You think you can be an executive like this? You’re nothing! You’re pathetic! What are you even doing here!?”

Anna turned to see Paul pulling his hand back to spank her again. It felt like it would never end, that Paul would spank her until she passed out or worse. A roar turned everyone’s heads in the direction of Ryan. Anna only saw a blur as Ryan launched himself at Paul, this time he tried to push Paul away but the larger man barely moved.

Anna screamed as she saw Paul suddenly ball his hand into a fist and swing at Ryan. He connected with the side of his head and Ryan fell to the ground. Paul turned back to Anna but before he could spank her again something happened that seemed to stop time.

“Leave her alone!” Jane screamed. She looked wild as she ran forwards.

Anna could only watch in shock as Jane slapped Paul in the face. For once Paul seemed completely taken aback. He stared at Jane and slowly brought his hand up to the side of his face. Anna felt Paul’s hands leaving her, she slipped away and went over to Ryan who was sprawled out on the floor and watching everything with as much shock as Anna was.

It seemed like Paul had broken completely for a few moments. He was frozen in place as Jane seethed at him, she looked like a woman possessed, a wild animal barely contained by her skin.

“That’s your last mistake.” When Paul spoke it was eerily calm. It would’ve been less terrifying if he had screamed.

With a sudden move like a viper striking at its prey Paul reached out and grabbed Jane by the hair. Jane’s hands went up as she yelped but Paul was easily the strongest person in the room. He pulled her back towards the stroller. She was pushed into it with force and it looked like it winded her. Paul quickly fastened a couple of the straps to keep his wife in place.

“You’re going to Finishing School.” Paul snarled. He starting rolling the stroller to the front door.

“No!” Anna exclaimed. She was still next to Ryan and aching herself. She reached out a hand in desperation.

“If Ryan had any sense he would send you with her.” Paul said to Anna as he opened the front door, “Or maybe he should go himself.”

Paul pushed Jane out of the apartment and slammed the door behind him so violently a picture frame fell to the floor. Anna immediately burst into tears and leaned down against Ryan who still seemed a little dazed from the punch he had taken.

“Are you alright?” Ryan asked as he raised an arm and draped it around Anna.

Anna looked up at Ryan and nodded her face. She fell on to him in a long cuddle as she cried into his shoulder. Her ass felt like it was throbbing after all the punishment it had received, apart from the bruising she was sure was going to appear she felt fine physically. Most of her tears were for Jane.

Chapter 29: Part Twenty-Nine
Summary:
After the tumult of the ill-fated dinner party life returns to something tht almost resembles normal. But there are consequences and not all of them are going to be felt by Anna. In an effort to make things up to her husband she decides doing some chores could help.

Chapter Text
The next day was quiet. Anna spent the day in the living room anxiously wondering what was happening across the hall. After all the chaos of the previous evening it seemed very anticlimactic. Ryan had headed out earlier in the day and hadn’t returned leaving Anna to do nothing but worry. She had a strong urge to go across the hallway and knock on the door. It would’ve been a stupid thing to do.

When Ryan finally came home he was looking harried and nervous. He ignored Anna as he walked straight through to the kitchen. Anna wondered if he was mad at her or if he was just distracted. She wasn’t sure what to say.

“Everyone knows.” Ryan finally said as he opened a beer. He had a wide-eyed look as if he had just seen some natural disaster first hand.

“Know what?” Anna asked.

“That I’m a loser!” Ryan shouted angrily. He put his beer down, “Words already spreading that I’m some pathetic beta that can’t keep my woman in line. Paul has told everyone.”

“Oh.” Anna looked down, “What do we do?”

“Why’d you have to do it?” Ryan asked as he looked at Anna bitterly, “Why’d you have to provoke Paul like that?”

Anna kept her eyes on the floor like a chastened schoolgirl. She knew it was her fault really, she had let her emotions get the better of her and she had created an awful situation for everyone. Thanks to her rash actions she had managed to get everyone in trouble. Paul’s reputation was in tatters and Jane was being threatened with being sent away, everyone she cared about was suffering because of her.

“He was treating Jane badly.” Anna replied quietly, “I got angry.”

“You can’t save the world.” Ryan sighed.

“So I’m just supposed to let that bastard do what he wants to Jane!?” Anna argued back. The flames of her anger were being kindled.

“Yes!” Ryan shook his head, “We’re in Sallas! What Paul does with Jane is his own business. It’s only because you’re with me that you aren’t in the same boat. If I was anyone else you’d be off to the Finishing School as well!”

“Finishing School?” Anna repeated slowly. She’d heard him say it but she had thought it was just to scare her, “Paul’s sending Jane to… We have to stop him!”

“Anna… Anna! No!” Ryan shouted.

Anna had reacted to the news Jane was being sent away in a predictably emotional way. Without a second of thought she turned to the door to go and intervene. Ryan hurried around the kitchen island and grabbed hold of Anna before she could reach the door.

“What is wrong with you!?” Ryan exclaimed.

“We have to help Jane!” Anna replied.

“Have you not been paying attention?” Ryan asked with exasperation, “You can’t save Jane.”

Anna could feel the anger descending on her. She pushed off of Ryan and stood back in the living room with her husband warily standing between her and the door. The old feelings of hopelessness and frustration boiled inside her. She looked at Ryan and didn’t see the man that had treated her so well but another male in a system designed to keep women down. Her fists were clenched and shaking by her side.

“It’s easy for you!” Anna finally screamed. She waved her arms in front of her and continued sarcastically, “Oh I’m SO sorry that you’re damn career might be hurt. It must be SO hard for you!”

“I’m not your enemy!” Ryan replied, “God, maybe Paul and my father are right…”

The colour seemed to drain from Anna’s face immediately. She shook her head slowly as she tried to process what Ryan had just said. She could see he was immediately regretting his last sentence but it was too late, the damage was done. Anna turned on her heels and ran to the bedroom.

“Anna!” Ryan called after her, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

Anna slammed the bedroom door and threw herself on to the bed. She immediately burst into tears. She hit the pillows above her head in anger. A large part of her thought about running away, becoming one of the “strays” who wandered the streets until they were picked up and either returned to their men or to a Finishing School. She half-expected Ryan to come in but he didn’t, she was grateful. She needed space.

Anna fell into a fitful sleep after a while. She had no idea how long she had been on the bed before unconsciousness took her and she had no idea how long she had been asleep when she woke up again. The anger had largely dissipated to be replaced by an empty feeling of hopelessness. Outside the window the sun was starting to set.

With some distance from the argument earlier Anna felt a little bad. Ryan had done so much for her and she had been so ready to throw it back in his face. At the same time she still felt a lot of hurt from his comments. She didn’t know what to do, the side of her wanting to avoid confrontation begged her to stay in the room, the rest of her wanted to go out and see Ryan. Eventually she decided she couldn’t avoid him forever.

Anna opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. She was being as quiet as possible as she went through to the living area. She was somewhat surprised to see that Ryan wasn’t there. She frowned as she looked around and felt a little vulnerable. She wanted to clear the air but apparently that wasn’t going to be possible.

“I know…” Anna muttered to herself as she went through to the kitchen.

Since Anna had started being treated as an equal she hadn’t really done much cooking. It wasn’t that she hated doing it but Ryan seemed to want to go out of his way to make sure she knew he was willing to shoulder his share of the responsibility around the apartment. Preparing a nice meal would put them both in a good place to talk like adults.

Opening the fridge Anna was immediately disappointed. There wasn’t a lot in there. She was going to have to do something she never liked doing even in the best of circumstances. Anna was going to have to go to the store.

Back in the bedroom Anna got dressed. It was always strongly encouraged that women wore diapers or pull-ups when outside even if they were potty trained. If a woman was alone it was basically an unwritten rule. It was a rule Anna had no intention of following. She got dressed in panties with a knee-length skirt over the top and a pale pink top, something that could be considered adult or childish depending on who looked at it. Once ready she headed towards the front door and stopped in front of the harness.

The harness was a bigger deal. If women were going outside unaccompanied by their man they were supposed to have a note saying they had permission, they were still supposed to have their harness on. Anna didn’t want to put the harness on, she wasn’t even sure she could since the buckles that fastened it were out of reach on the back. She slipped the harness over her shoulders loosely, indeed she couldn’t tighten it up so she would have to be careful. She picked up a jacket and slipped it on over the harness.

Anna felt nervous about going outside but she had grown so tired of hiding around the home. It was going to be an easy trip, there was a small supermarket on campus just a couple of minutes away and all she had to do was get some ingredients and go home again.

Anna left the apartment and for a few seconds and stared at the door across the hall. She wondered if Jane was still in there and if there was anything she could do to help her. Ryan had been right though, she couldn’t save everyone, she couldn’t even save herself. It was a depressing but devastatingly realistic fact. Before she was too tempted to knock on the door and make matters worse she turned and walked down the hallway. She felt very alone as she went out into the sun.

Reaching into her pocket Anna pulled out a pacifier and slipped it between her lips. She felt like she was undercover, she was dressed like a Sallasian woman but she felt like anything but. As she started towards the store she tried to look as confident as possible, it was only halfway through the walk that she thought she was attracting even more attention that way. Being a woman walking alone she already stuck out like a sore thumb. Fortunately she found a man who wasn’t watching her and followed him a couple of steps behind, it seemed to fool most people that they were together.

The store soon loomed large and Anna stepped away from the random man she had been trying to discreetly follow. There was a notice in the window that attracted her attention. She stood to the side as myriad people walked in and out of the building in front of her.

“Seriously?” Anna muttered.

“New rules coming in to effect immediately.” The sign proclaimed in big bold black letters, “All girls are to be accompanied by their men. No exceptions.”

Underneath that first line was a dozen bullet points listing the other rules of the supermarket. What really caught Anna’s eye was that it wasn’t signed by the manager of the store but the Dean of the college. It felt ominous.

Anna was at a bit of a loss. She wanted to go in the supermarket and being told that she couldn’t only made her want it more. She really didn’t want to return home and have to come back with Ryan. She stood out in the open for a couple of minutes trying to work out what to do. She noticed she was attracting more attention, she had to decide what she was doing soon.

Chapter 30: Part Thirty
Summary:
Anna is in quite the predicament. Caught in the store alone she doesn't know what will happen next, only that she is completely helpless.

Chapter Text
“This is so stupid.” Anna whispered to herself.

Anna’s stubbornness ran right to her core. Despite living in Sallas for so long she had never had that streak stamped out of her. She wanted to buy some food and she wasn’t going to be stopped by a stupid sign with idiotic rules. She stood back and watched the people walking into the store, it was a busy time and she saw an opportunity. Just like on the way there she simply needed to find a guy and tail them close enough to avoid suspicion.

Anna had to wait a couple more minutes until she saw a young man who looked like a good prospective candidate. He had headphones in and was seemingly oblivious of a lot that was going on around him. There was a moment of hesitation where Anna wondered if she was really going to do this, it was certainly a risk. Of course she was going to do it, she wasn’t going to let someone tell her she couldn’t go to the store just because she was female.

When the man walked past Anna turned around and followed him in just a couple of steps behind. She grabbed a basket and walked past the security station, she got stared at but no one questioned her. She chewed on the pacifier that filled her mouth as she hurried followed the man she had walked in with.

It was like being a spy. Anna felt like she was behind enemy lines as she tried to both take the things she wanted to buy and follow the man close enough that no one gave her a second look. Remarkably it felt like she was doing a pretty good job, she had gathered most of the things she needed. It was when she picked up a plastic packet of beef mince that she turned around and saw that she was alone. Very conspicuously alone.

“Thit.” Anna lisped around the latex bulb filling her mouth.

Anna looked around but the only person she saw was a store employee. The young man was looking at her with a frown and Anna’s pulse quickened. She quickly turned away and hurried down a drinks aisle. She’d lost her cool and more people were looking her way as she hurried past. Anna looked over her shoulder for the employee when she nearly tripped over something in front of her. Suddenly the ground underneath her became ice and she fell heavily backwards with her legs flying high in the air.

Anna hit the ground with a thump that winded her. The pacifier spilled from her mouth and tumbled down the side of her face on to the floor. Her eyes were closed and she could feel a wetness underneath her butt, she slowly sat up as she could hear murmuring all around her.

“Are you alright?” The male employee Anna had seen before was now standing over her and looked shocked.

As Anna stood up she saw liquid on the ground between her legs. Her skirt had ridden high enough to show her panties and the harness had visibly slipped down her arms to show that it had never been properly fastened. She looked up at the employee with trepidation.

“You wet yourself!” The employee exclaimed as he pointed to the liquid around Anna, “Why aren’t you in diapers?”

“I… I didn’t!” Anna quickly tried to defend herself. She didn’t know where the liquid had come from but it must’ve been what she had slipped on to fall over in the first place.

“Where’s your man?” The employee asked as he looked around. The people around Anna were all shaking their heads to say they didn’t know her.

“I, erm…” Anna was still breathless from her fall but now she was hyperventilating a little. This was trouble. Really, really big trouble.

The longer Anna failed to answer the more the crowd around her seemed to make up their own minds. She was there alone and everyone was starting to realise it. She was shaking and still sitting in the puddle beneath her.

“Are you here alone?” The employee’s tone wasn’t angry or hostile. It was condescending, like he was talking to a lost child. Somehow that made the situation all the scarier.

“I just wanted to buy some food for my husband…” Anna said. She was too scared to sound like anything except anxious.

“You should come with me.” The employee said as he reached out a hand, “We’ll make sure you’re alright.”

Anna did not want to go with this man, this complete stranger, but she didn’t have many alternatives open to her. She tensed up as the employee’s hand came closer. Her arm shook as she lifted it to meet him, as soon as her wrists came in range the man’s hand grabbed her none too softly. Anna climbed to her feet awkwardly, the wet patch on her behind felt very uncomfortable and she could hear the men around her whispering to each other.

“Everything will be fine.” The employee said. He was smiling which Anna didn’t expect, “My name is Thomas. What’s your?”

“Anna…” Anna replied cautiously, “W-What’s going on? I can just go home and…”

“No, it’s fine.” Thomas said. He was pulling her down the aisle towards the back of the store, “Who’s your owner?”

“Owner?” Anna blanched at the thought.

“You have a husband here, right?” Thomas asked.

“Ryan.” Anna answered. She was bristling from being described as “owned” but she wasn’t going to push her luck when she didn’t know what was going to happen, “Ryan Manning.”

“Just through here.” Thomas said. He clearly wasn’t listening to Anna. It struck the young woman that she was being treated like a distressed lost child, being distracted whilst the adults sorted out the problem.

A set of double doors towards the back of the store was opened by Thomas as he pulled Anna through to a large warehouse like area that was full of stock. There were a few people in luminous vests walking about unloading a large truck. Anna was led to the side and a set of metal stairs.

“Where are we going?” Anna asked.

“We have provisions for lost girls.” Thomas replied.

At the top of the stairs Anna was taken through a door leading to a corridor that looked more like it was from an office block. It was like Anna had gone through a door to a totally different building. There was a room at the end of the corridor and Anna was led inside, the space was quite small and empty except for a couple of tables and chairs.

“Wait here.” Thomas said as he let go of Anna’s wrist.

“But wh-” Anna started. She was cut off as Thomas left the room and closed the door behind him.

Anna felt a shiver go down her spine. Her mind flashed to Jane who had apparently been taken away to that most horrid of places, Finishing School. Was that going to be her fate? She leaned on the table and tried not to panic. She was in a strange place with strange people and had no idea what was happening.

With tentative steps she walked over to the door and pulled on the handle. She found anxiety flooding her system as she found out it was locked. She tried to listen for anything happening on the other side but she couldn’t hear a thing. She tentatively knocked but no one came.

“You’re OK… You’re OK…” Anna repeated to herself several times, “Ryan will find you.”

Anna realised she was trembling as she waited for something to happen. In the end she was only alone in the room for about five minutes before she heard approaching footsteps. She turned around to face the door with trepidation, all of a sudden she didn’t want anyone to come in. There were some voices and the door opened. Thomas walked in with two other uniformed employees as well as a campus security guard who had a bag slung over his shoulder. Anna didn’t like the way Thomas was smiling at her.

“W-What’s going on?” Anna asked as she backed up against the table, “You can call my husband, Ryan Manning. He wi-…”

“All in good time.” Thomas said. He was walking forwards in front of the others, “We need to get you comfortable first.”

“Comfortable?” Anna asked.

Anna was backed up against the table and could only watch as the other two employees walked around to her sides. She was boxed in and like a cornered animal she had adrenaline flowing, she wanted to lash out and escape. When one of the employees reached out to grab her arm she tried to pull it away, when it was clear he wasn’t letting go she swung her other hand at him.

Anna’s open hand slapped the man who had grabbed her arm. If she was hoping for a moment to get her bearings she was left disappointed as the other men lunged for her. She struggled as much as she could but the men were much stronger. One by one her limbs were grabbed and there was nothing she could do except scream and try to inflict damage on her attackers.

“Get off me!” Anna screamed.

Anna was soon horizontal on the table. Her arms and legs were pinned against the wooden top and she started feeling creeping terror at what might come next. Up until now her fear had been of being dragged off to Finishing School now she was realising how vulnerable she was in this quiet room with four men who could physically control her.

“Relax.” Thomas said, “This will be a lot easier if you relax.”

“Just let me go!” Anna hated that she sounded like she was begging, “Please!”

Things were out of Anna’s control. Her skirt was pulled down and her panties followed shortly afterwards. Her top came off a few seconds later leaving Anna naked. She wanted to cover herself up but couldn’t as the employees held her arms down again. Her mind was racing as the security guard put his bag on the table next to her.

“She’s a fighter.” One of the employees holding Anna’s arm said.

“Not well trained at all.” The one holding her other arm nodded.

The security guard took hold of Anna’s legs as Thomas went over to the bag. As she heard the zip being pulled she closed her eyes and turned her head away, she could picture a lot of things coming out of that bag but none of them were good.

Anna heard a rustling noise and then a very familiar crinkling. She froze. Tentatively she turned her head to look at Thomas and saw that he was holding up a large diaper. Her eyes went wide and she started shaking her head.

“I… I don’t need those!” Anna quickly clarified. She flushed red as she continued, “Ryan potty trained me.”

“That’s not what these wet panties say, sweetie.” Thomas replied as he pointed at the soaked underpants.

“That was… I slipped in something!” Anna reasoned.

“Uh huh.” Thomas was smiling and his light tone of voice was getting on Anna’s nerves. He was talking to as if she was a simple child who couldn’t understand anything.

The diaper was noisily unfolded and Anna could feel herself tearing up. This would be devastatingly humiliating for anyone but for Anna, who prided herself on her independence and maturity it felt like the worst thing in the world. She sobbed as she half-heartedly continued to try and fight free. She was completely naked in front of these men and she so desperately wanted to cover up.

Anna looked down her body through her watery eyes and saw the flat diaper being placed between her legs. The two men holding her legs lifted them back over her head bringing her butt off the wooden surface. She had experienced many diaper changes in her past but it had been a while and these were complete strangers.

When her legs were let back down against the table it was with the padding underneath her. She briefly struggled again but she remained as useless in resistance as ever. It occurred to her that this seemed like a routine for these guys, they knew what they doing.

The diaper was pulled up between Anna’s legs and taped tightly closed around her waist. The feeling of thick padding underneath and around her crotch was something she hoped she would never experience again.

“See? It’s not so bad.” Thomas said as he gently patted the front of the diaper, “Now we’ll just get you dressed and you can be on your way.”

“Dressed?” Anna asked.

Looking to the side Anna could see the security guard reaching into the bag again. He used both hands to pull out a ball of vibrantly pink fabric and frills, it took Anna a moment to realise they were actually clothes. As the guard held them up and they unfolded she felt her mouth drop open. It was like the bag had been her mind and the security guard had reached in and pulled her worst nightmare out.

“You… You can’t be serious!” Anna struggled again, “You can’t make me wear that! Just call Ryan!”

“Very prone to tantrums, this one.” The security guard said with a chuckle as he brought the dress over.

Anna couldn’t resist no matter how much she wanted to. She pulled against the grips on her arms and legs without being able to free herself. The dress was brought over and Anna was pulled off the table and on to her feet. She was sniffing back tears in a desperate attempt to not let the men see how upset she was.

“Be a good girl.” Thomas said simply.

Indignation fought with fear to be the dominant feeling in Anna. Her arms were lifted up and the dress was pulled over her head. She felt it get pulled down until her head emerged from the pastel pink collar.

“A perfect fit.” Thomas said.

Anna hated every part of this dress. There were frills all over the cuffs and the hemline, the bottom of the dress ballooned out from the level of frills. Perhaps the worst thing was how short it was. Anna couldn’t see exactly how far down it went but she was sure the bottom of the thick diaper was poking out underneath it. This was exactly the kind of thing she had always desperately tried to avoid.

A pair of pink knee-length socks were pulled on to Anna’s feet. Thomas held out a pacifier but Anna resolutely kept her mouth closed as she stared daggers at the men around her. Thomas sighed.

“Am I going to have to get the gag?” Thomas asked as he tilted his head and raised his eyebrows, “I don’t want to…”

Anna knew there was no choice. If she resisted things would only be made worse. With a reluctance which she hoped conveyed how little she wanted to do this she turned back to Thomas and opened her mouth. Thomas popped the pacifier in and Anna bit down on it aggressively.

“OK, Moe, you can take her away.” Thomas said once Anna was dressed.

“Wait, what?” Anna wasn’t sure she had heard the store employee correctly.

The security guard, Moe, stepped forwards. He was a large guy and his arms showed the bulging muscles underneath. He reached out and grabbed Anna’s arm. Anna had thought, or perhaps hoped, that after this embarrassment they would let her go home but that now seemed a lot less likely.

“Get off!” Anna cried out. Panic gripped her at the same time as the security guard’s hand.

The security guard had no trouble pulling Anna closer to her. Anna’s arms were held to her side as she struggled. She could feel the guard lean down behind her.

“Listen… we can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Moe threatened, “Are you going to come quietly or will I have to get the stroller?”

When Anna thought of strollers she thought about Jane and the horrible contraption she had been strapped into. She shivered and froze up.

“Good girl.” Moe said.

Anna wasn’t able to leave the room right away. A harness, much thicker and sturdier than her one, was slipped on to her. She had to stand there as the straps were tightened around her shoulders and between her legs. Her diaper was pushed up closer to her body so the padding rubbed against her distractingly. A leash was clipped on to the back of the harness, the burly Moe held the other end.

“Alright, Moe is going to take you to a place where you’ll be nice and safe, alright?” Thomas said. His voice was still soft and almost parental in its tone.

Anna knew she didn’t have any choice. She swallowed hard and tried to stop anxiety from spilling out of her. She didn’t know what was going to happen next but she also knew it didn’t matter what she thought about it. She was shaking as she nodded her head. Surely they couldn’t send her off to Finishing School without speaking to Ryan… Right?

There was a yank on the leash and Anna stumbled backwards. She turned around and followed the guard with more than a little fear. She looked back over her shoulder to see Thomas give her a wave goodbye.

Anna felt like she was stunned as she was led back down towards the supermarket. The diaper between her legs was thicker than any she had worn in the past and her legs were forced further apart than she was used to. She felt like she was waddling like a penguin, the diaper crinkled and no matter how much she pulled down the diaper was poking out underneath the dress.

“Where are we going?” Anna asked nervously.

“You’ll find out soon.” Moe replied, “Honestly, I don’t know why they let people bring their wives here, it’s nothing but trouble. You girls just can’t help it, I understand, you’ve got smaller brains and…”

“Are you taking me to Finishing School?” Anna interrupted. She swallowed hard and felt like she was about to throw up.

Chapter 31: Part Thirty-One
Summary:
Anna is taken away to a place she certainly didn't want to be visiting. When Ryan hears about it he rushes to the scene to bring his wife home but finds a nasty surprise as it turns out the punishment isn't a one time affair.

Chapter Text
“Finishing School?” Moe chuckled, “Of course not.”

Anna felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted. The worst case scenario was taken away but that left her wondering what was going to happen. They weren’t taking her home so there must be somewhere else. If they would only let her contact Ryan this would all be sorted out immediately.

Anna was quickly distracted as she noticed Moe was leading her towards the doors back in to the main shopping area. She dug her heels in and though Moe could likely have dragged her out he stopped when he felt the leash get pulled tight.

“Can… Can we go out a back way?” Anna asked as her cheeks went pink. She was looking down at the humiliating outfit she was wearing.

“No.” Moe replied simply.

Before Anna could continue arguing Moe pulled on the leash and opened the door to the store. With a yelp Anna was pulled out into the busy supermarket. As she emerged into the bright artificial light of the main shopping area she saw everyone’s eyes turning to face her. This was the worst thing Anna could possibly imagine. She looked more like a baby than any of the other women in the store. She dropped her gaze to the ground as her eyes shimmered with tears.

“Come on…” Moe tugged gently on the leash a couple of times.

Anna waddled forwards and felt like crowds were lining the aisles to watch her. It felt like some kind of medieval punishment and she was being dragged to the stocks to be pelted with rotten fruit. Her diaper crinkled loudly, it was loud enough to attract the attention of anyone who wasn’t already staring at her.

Shuffling along the shiny floor Anna followed Moe in silence. Her infantile dress was so wide that she couldn’t help but brush people as she walked past. Whenever she dared to glance up she saw other women, most looked sympathetic but some seemed almost jealous of what she was wearing. The men almost universally found the sight funny. Anna flexed her fists but knew she was already in enough trouble, the last thing she wanted was to get into more trouble.

Moe led the way out through the entrance and Anna stepped outside nervously. There were less people around now which was a small mercy but their destination was still a mystery. She was led past the apartments that held all the married couples and eventually she realised they were going to the administrative building. That made her even more worried. She pulled back on the leash until it was pulled tight. Moe must’ve felt the leash stretching because he turned and saw Anna’s face gazing up at the large concrete building nervously.

“Come on, I don’t have all night. Sooner we get in there the sooner we can all go home.” Moe said tiredly.

Anna’s ears perked up at the word “home.” She followed the security guard up the path and through the sliding doors of the office building. She felt even more out of place dressed as she was since the building was staffed with men in suits and work dress. Anna came waddling in with her infantile dress and thick diapers whilst burning with embarrassment.

“What have we got here?” A man at the nearest desk said as Moe pulled Anna towards him.

“Hey, Bob.” Moe said, “Got a lost one unaccompanied in the store.”

“I’m not lost!” Anna finally looked up. She turned to Bob, “Sir, if you let me call my husband…”

“All in good time.” Bob didn’t even look at Anna as he cut her off. He was still looking at Moe, “Take her through to the nursery.”

“Nursery!?” Anna exclaimed loud enough to turn nearby heads, “Wait, wait, wait…”

Anna felt a tug on the leash and she stumbled forwards after Moe. She couldn’t believe she was being taken to a nursery but with how she was dressed it should’ve been obvious. She was led down a corridor to a door at the end, it looked like all the others except it said “Mr. Kenny’s Nursery.” Anna whined pathetically, she hated the way she sounded but she felt like a prisoner being taken to their cell. Moe knocked on the door.

“Come in.” A voice from inside called out.

Moe opened the door. Anna followed him inside and immediately felt sick by what she saw. It was certainly a nursery. It was like a room taken from a completely different building, it certainly didn’t seem like it fit in at the university.

Everything was, in Anna’s opinion, a sickening pastel colour. Pinks, whites and yellows filled the room. Anna couldn’t remember going to nursery as a child but she was sure it must’ve looked like this. There were six cribs placed along the far wall, each had a little chest of drawers next to it. There were two changing tables fully stocked with diapers and the rest of the large space was filled with toys and baby equipment. A rocking horse, a playpen, training potties, activity centres, art areas and even a quiet corner surrounded by childish books. Anna was horrified.

“Take me home!” Anna exclaimed as she pulled against Moe’s strong grip, “I’m not supposed to be here! Take me home!”

“Hush.” Moe calmly responded.

Anna kept pulling but made no headway. She had visions of being locked away in this nursery like a prison cell, never being allowed to leave as her brain turned to mush. She barely noticed as a middle-aged man walked over to Moe. He was handsome looking though age was starting to catch up to him, his hairline was receding slightly and there were tinges of grey on the edge.

“Good to see you, Moe.” Mr. Kenny said he reached out his hand to shake the security guard’s, “To what do I owe the pleasure.”

“Got another one, my friend.” Moe said, “Was in the store unsupervised. Poor thing got overwhelmed and wet herself before we could rescue her.”

“That’s not what happened!” Anna retorted angrily. With her shock subsiding anger was taking its place.

“It’s a bit late for new intake today.” Mr. Kenny said as he looked at his watch, “What were you thinking? Seven days residency?”

Anna wasn’t sure what was going on. The men were talking about her as if she was a child with no understanding of what was happening and for once it seemed warranted. She just looked between the two men as they discussed what to do with her.

“She apparently has a husband on campus so the residency seems unnecessary.” Moe said, “Seven day visits seems about right though.”

“Has her husband been called?” Mr. Kenny asked.

“Yeah, the manager of the store called him. He should be hear soon.” Moe replied.

“Was anyone planning to tell me about that!?” Anna demanded. She was ignored.

“Alright, I’ll get the forms ready.” Mr. Kenny said as he walked over to a nearby filing cabinet that was behind what reminded Anna of a teacher’s desk.

Anna folded her arms in front of her. On the one hand she was grateful that Ryan was coming to get her but on the other hand she hated the condescension everyone was treating her with. She didn’t know what this nursery was about and she didn’t know what her punishment was apparently going to be but she wished someone would talk to her like the adult she was.

“Could someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Anna asked as Moe and Mr. Kenny fell into small talk.

“We’ll tell your husband when he gets here.” Moe said.

Anna didn’t get a chance to retort. Before she could respond she heard footsteps running towards the door she was still standing next to. There was some rapid knocks on the wood before the door flew open. Ryan appeared in the doorway, he was sweating and very clearly out of breath. Anna had the impression he had perhaps run all the way here.

“Anna!” Ryan gasped as he looked around at the odd scene, “W-What’s going on?”

Anna flushed with embarrassment as she saw her husband stare at her with wide eyes. She knew how embarrassingly infantile she looked and couldn’t meet Ryan’s eyes. Thankfully he seemed to realise what he was doing quite quickly and looked away.

“Ah, you must be Mr. Manning.” Mr. Kenny said, “Please come over here, we have some forms you need to sign.”

---

Ryan had a lot on his mind. After the disaster of a visit from Paul and Jane he had been constantly on edge, he kept expecting someone to kick down the door and accuse him of subversive behaviour. It hadn’t been helped when he had heard that Jane was being sent away to Finishing School. It had led to a big argument with Anna but he was in an impossible situation, Paul already thought he was weak, he couldn’t go over there and try to change his mind.

As Ryan tended to do when he had a lot on his mind he had gone for a walk and was now sat on a bench watching people walking past. After Anna had stormed off to the bedroom he knew he needed to give her some space, she was essentially grieving for her friend who almost certainly would never be the same after Finishing School.

It had been a few hours but Ryan was still in no rush to head home. Evening was coming and Ryan knew he would be expected home soon for dinner. He stood up and slowly made his way back to his apartment.

“Anna?” Ryan called as he closed the front door behind him.

There was silence. Ryan sighed and assumed his wife was still mad with him, he couldn’t blame her. He had been decidedly unwise in what he had said earlier. He walked into the apartment and put his bag down. He moved through his home quietly and went down the hallway to the bedroom. He slowly pushed it open a little expecting to see Anna on the bed, when he saw the bed was empty he was even more confused.

“Anna?” Ryan said.

Turning away from the bedroom Ryan checked the only other two rooms in the house. The bathroom was empty and so was the nursery, not that he had ever expected Anna would go in there of her own free will but this raised the question of where she actually was.

Ryan walked back into the living room. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for but he was hoping Anna had left a note or something. There was nothing that indicated when Anna had gone. He felt butterflies fluttering in his tummy as he ran through possible options. He knew his wife was headstrong and that made him very nervous, he prayed she hadn’t done something impulsive like running away. If she had and she was found by someone else there was little he would be able to do to save her.

Ryan paced around the living room unsure of what to do with himself. He remembered how upset Anna had been about Jane’s fate, maybe she had gone across the hall to try to rescue her. If that was the case then they were completely screwed. Anna and Jane would either be locked in with Paul as he called the authorities or the pair of women were on the run, something that would never end well.

Just as Ryan was steadying himself to go across the hall and knock on Paul’s door the phone rang. He was almost on autopilot as he sat down on the couch and picked it up.

“Hello?” Ryan said.

“Hello. Is this Ryan Manning?” The voice on the other end asked.

Ryan took a deep breath. This voice sounded official. There couldn’t possibly be good news coming from this.

“Yes.” Ryan finally responded. His mind was racing through worst case scenarios. Was Anna already in the hands of the authorities? Was she in hospital? Would he ever see the woman he loved again?

“Hi, my name is Thomas and I’m the store manager here on campus.” The voice at the other end of the line continued, “I’m calling to inform you that your wife was caught alone in our store earlier.”

“R-Right.” Ryan felt a massive conflict of feelings. On the one hand he was relieved to know where Anna was and that she was safe, on the other hand this was a tricky situation.

“She must’ve snuck out when you weren’t looking.” Thomas continued. His voice was light but Ryan could definitely detect some menace behind it. It was like he was accusing him of not being attentive enough, “Silly girl.”

“Yeah, I had just noticed she was gone.” Ryan replied hoping there weren’t going to be more awkward questions.

“Not only that, Mr. Manning, but she was without a diaper and, predictably, wet herself.” Thomas continued. The amusement in his voice annoyed Ryan.

“I’ll come and collect her right away.” Ryan said.

“She isn’t here anymore.” Thomas replied.

“Isn’t there?” Ryan asked, “Then where is she?”

Ryan listened as he was told what had happened to his wife. As he heard about everything that had happened he felt his anger rising. How dare these people strip and diaper Anna!

“Thank you.” Ryan forced himself to say. Thomas was trying to reply when Ryan slammed the phone down.

Gathering his shoes Ryan hurriedly slipped them on his feet and ran out of his apartment. He headed over to the administrative building at near enough a full sprint and after getting directions at the desk he hurried down the corridor to a door that had a sign reading “Mr. Kenny’s Nursery.”

Ryan knocked on the door and could hear voices from within. He didn’t wait to be beckoned into the room and turned the handle to push it open. If he wasn’t already winded from his run he would’ve had his breath taken away by what he was seeing inside the room. The first thing he saw was Anna. He had already been told by Thomas what she had been changed into but seeing it in person was so much worse, he knew Anna would be beyond humiliated.

Knowing Anna would be so embarrassed he quickly averted his eyes and looked around the nursery. He tried to catch his breath as he looked at a nursery any infant would dream of. Finally, he looked at the two men in the room. One was a burly security guard who was very similar to Paul in size whilst the other man was smaller but looked to be in control. He was holding a clipboard with some forms on it. He must be Mr. Kenny.

“Ah, you must be Mr. Manning.” Mr. Kenny said, “Please come over here, we have some forms you need to sign.”

“Forms?” Ryan repeated, “What’s going on?”

“Come over here and I’ll catch you up to speed.” Mr. Kenny said as he walked over to a desk on the far side of the room.

Ryan looked again at Anna. He really wanted to just take her home as soon as possible but he had his part to play. If he wanted any chance of having a good future the last thing he needed was to have more rumors spreading about how he was some kind of woman loving deviant. He just nodded his head and followed the other man across the room.

“Hi Ryan.” Mr. Kenny said once they reached the other side of the room, “You can call me Mark.”

“Mark.” Ryan repeated, “What’s going on? I got a call from the supermarket manager and the next thing I know I’m here. Can I take my wife home?”

“Ah, straight to the point.” Mr. Kenny chuckled, “Well, the good news is you can take Anna home and punish her however you wish. The bad news is that you will have to bring her here every morning for the next week.”

“What!?” Ryan blanched, “Why?”

“This is a serious matter, Ryan.” Mr. Kenny replied sternly, “You’re wife was out of the house, I presume without your consent, and broke the rules in the supermarket. The poor thing was so scared she wet herself.”

Ryan nodded her head but felt certain there was more to this story than he was being told. The Anna he knew wouldn’t wet herself in fear. That didn’t matter though, the truth could wait, yet again he found that he and Anna were in a very sticky situation. If he somehow let slip that he didn’t have Anna “under control” and that he had genuinely no idea that she was at the store then the trouble Anna was in would be magnified a thousand times.

“Cut to the chase.” Ryan said. He was trying to project an alpha male. To his internal shame he was trying to act like he thought Paul might.

“You are going to have to bring your girl here every day for the next week.” Mr. Kenny said. He had an infuriatingly condescending smile on his face, “If you drop her off here at, shall we say, eight in the morning and then you can pick her up at six in the evening. Just in time for her to cook your dinner.”

“And if I say no?” Ryan asked.

“Well that would be a problem.” Mr. Kenny nodded his head solemnly, “You see, she was caught breaking rules and if you refuse the recommendation from the supermarket then we will have to escalate things to the Dean…”

Ryan felt a small shiver go down his spine. Going in front of the Dean could be disastrous. He could already imagine the school’s administrator asking why he disagreed with the punishment, he could imagine what might happen next and none of it was good. If he tried to say the punishment was too harsh the spotlight of suspicion would be right above his head, if he said it was too lenient he would have to do something worse.

“I understand.” Ryan said, “Alright, starting tomorrow?”

“Yes.” Mr. Kenny smiled, “Of course we’ll expect her to be dressed appropriately. We’ll also need to put this tracker on her.”

“Tracker?” Ryan frowned.

“An ankle tag.” Mr. Kenny opened one of the drawers next to him and pulled out a small black box attached to a strap, “its waterproof and very sturdy, you don’t need to worry about that. It just allows us to keep an eye on her movements.”

“Is… Is that really necessary?” Ryan asked. He could already imagine what Anna was going to be like when they got home.

“Mr. Manning, Anna was wandering around campus alone. We’re lucky she didn’t get hurt.” Mr. Kenny was talking as if trying to impress upon Ryan how serious the situation was, “Put it on her and switch it on this evening.”

“Understood.” Ryan finally said, “Anything else?”

“Just need you to sign this form. It’s just to say she will be under our care between the listed hours. It’s a waiver, essentially saying you give us permission to change and punish Anna, yadda yadda yadda.”

Ryan looked across at Anna who was still looking halfway between a toddler about to have a tantrum and a vulnerable woman desperate to get out of there. Without hesitation Ryan took the pen and signed the paper.

“Excellent. You may take her home and we’ll be ready for her in the morning.” Mr. Kenny said as he signed the form himself. Ryan was just about to turn and walk away when his arm was grabbed, “And do be more careful with her in future.”

“Thanks for the advice.” Ryan said through a clenched jaw.

“A husband that can’t keep his girl under control can’t be expected to keep his place here.” Mr. Kenny raised an eyebrow.

Ryan stared at the head of the nursery for a couple of seconds before turning away.

“Come on.” Ryan said as he walked over to Anna. He took hold of his wife’s hand and pulled her away from the childish room.

Chapter 32: Part Thirty-Two
Summary:
After the tumult of the ill-fated dinner party life returns to something tht almost resembles normal. But there are consequences and not all of them are going to be felt by Anna. In an effort to make things up to her husband she decides doing some chores could help.

Chapter Text
Anna was mortified. Everything that had happened had been a disaster, she wanted to disappear forever. Inside her head a voice said that she would be better off just giving in, forget who she was and just be the mindless baby Sallas wanted. For a split second she wondered if she should tell Ryan to send her to Finishing School. It didn’t take her long to abandon those thoughts. It would be like being taken for euthanasia and putting her out of her misery. Her body would remain but her personality would be gone.

The walk home from the nursery was horrible. Anna kept her eyes down but could sense people staring at her. The infantile clothes she wore wasn’t too much different from what a lot of women had to wear but the colours and frills made her very eye-catching. The thick padding between her legs was forcing Anna to waddle awkwardly and Ryan’s pace meant she was having to hurry to keep up.

It was a relief to get out of the public and back to the apartment. Anna couldn’t wait to get out of these clothes and back into her normal stuff. Ryan closed the front door and Anna started to immediately pull the dress off herself.

“Hey! What the hell?” Anna exclaimed as she felt a pair of hands yank the dress back down into place.

Anna turned to look at Ryan who seemed to be utterly full of conflicting emotions. He was so oversaturated with feelings they almost seemed to be flowing out of his pores. It looked very much like he was trying to prevent himself from shouting at her and having another argument. Anna wasn’t sure if he was winning the fight or not.

“Keep those clothes on.” Ryan finally said. His voice was a forced calmness which was worse than if he had been shouting.

“Why?” Anna’s question was immediate.

“You just…” Ryan put his hands up in front of him. The frustration was overflowing him, “Do you know how close I came to losing you today?”

“But everything’s alright… isn’t it?” Anna asked fretfully, “Why do I have to keep these clothes on?”

Anna didn’t like that Ryan didn’t immediately answer.

“They decided you have to go to the nursery every day for the next week.” Ryan stated, “I have to take you in the mornings and pick you up in the evenings.”

“What!?” Anna’s eyes bugged out of her head in horror.

“What did you expect to happen?” Ryan threw his hands in the air brought them down against his side, “You went out alone, you broke the store’s rules, you didn’t tell me where you were going and you apparently wet yourself?”

“I did not wet myself!” Anna shouted indignantly, “I slipped in a puddle!”

“That’s beside the point.” Ryan said, “Do you not understand how serious this all is?”

“I don’t need this argument again.” Anna said as she waved a dismissive hand in front of her. She was having flashbacks to their last shouting match, “Now could you help me with this dress and diaper?”

“No.” Ryan replied flatly.

“But…” Anna started.

“You have to keep it all on. Whilst you’re doing this week of punishment you’re going to be kept like that.” Ryan said, “Look, you may not take all this seriously but I’m desperately clinging to the last bit of respect I have left at this college. People know I’ve been soft on you, if I want a career then I need to quash that.”

“Well I’m glad I know where your priorities lay.” Anna muttered bitterly.

“You are my priority.” Ryan replied, “It may not seem like it but it’s true. I’m trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting.” Anna pouted.

“Look, I understand you have problems with male authority figures.” Ryan said as he approached Anna with a little black box on a strap, “But you have to learn that sometimes you need to listen to me. You have to trust that I know what’s best.”

Anna didn’t like what Ryan was saying at all. As much as she fumed at the idea of any man saying they knew what was best for her she still knew he had a point. She had been reckless, dangerously reckless, and was probably lucky that her punishment was as mild as it was.

“What’s the box about?” Anna asked in defeat.

“It’s a tracker.” Ryan replied as he showed the box to Anna. Then pre-emptively added, “Not my idea. The nursery required it.”

Anna nodded a tiny amount as Ryan crouched down in front of her and strapped the device to her ankle. She winced slightly as she felt the strap getting pulled tight and fastened. It felt more like a heavy ball and chain than a lightweight box. With the box attached to her leg Ryan slowly stood up in front of her.

“We can get through this together.” Ryan said as he hugged Anna.

Whether Anna was happy about it or not that was the end of the matter. For the next week she would have to wear the baby clothes and use the diapers, Ryan was keen not to have people talking and Anna could see his point. Thanks to their mishaps they hadn’t exactly kept as low of a profile as they had hoped after all. They would be living as if they were any other couple in Sallas. Ryan promised it was just for the week and Anna believed him.

---

Dread would be the word Anna would use to describe her feelings when she woke up the next morning. She rolled over and felt the thick padding parting her thighs, it was both familiar and yet alien. It had been a while since she had been used to this. Ryan was still asleep but Anna could see that the alarm would soon be going off on the small clock on the bedside table.

It was a Monday morning which seemed to only add to the gloom Anna felt. She laid down on her back and looked up at the ceiling. She wished she could just put her body on autopilot and go on a mental holiday for a week. Let all this embarrassment happen and then wake up on the other side.

Anna needed to pee. Normally she would get out of bed and head straight for the bathroom but that wasn’t the plan for this week from hell. As much as her potty training had taken away her reliance on diapers her body still remembered how to use them. As soon as she felt the need to go in her bladder her body started to relax. She hated that her muscle memory was still strong.

Anna closed her eyes as she felt her urine burst into the waiting diaper. She sighed in annoyance as the waiting padding greedily absorbed her pee. The warmth spread down between her legs and spread over her rear end, the heat tickled her skin and she shifted position. Her knee knocked into Ryan who woke up with a start.

“Sorry.” Anna said as she looked across at her husband.

“It’s… OK.” Ryan said with a yawn.

It looked like Ryan was debating whether to get up or go back to sleep for a few seconds before he rubbed his eyes. When he saw the time he pushed himself up into a sitting position. Anna watched him, she imagined what it would be like if the roles were reversed. If she had been the one with the bright future and career. She liked to think she would be as good to Ryan as he was to her but a nagging voice knew that there was just no way to know. She didn’t know why she was going down this rabbit hole, she assumed it was her brain trying to distract her from the immediate future. There was just no way for her to know if she really was Ryan’s priority.

“We had better get up and get ready.” Ryan said as he swung his legs sideways off the bed. He slept naked and as he stood up Anna got a good look at her husband’s body.

Anna rolled out of bed herself and when she stood up, naked except for her diaper, she saw Ryan admire her the way she admired him. She felt a little bashful but that turned to outright embarrassment when she saw his eyes fix on her diaper and the obvious change in the wetting indicator.

“We should get you changed before…” Ryan trailed off.

“How are we going to do that?” Anna asked, “I know you want everything to be authentic.”

“I think you can change and get yourself ready.” Ryan conceded, “I think we can assume no one is spying on us in the bedroom.”

“I wouldn’t put it past them…” Anna mumbled as Ryan pulled on a pair of boxer shorts and left the room.

Anna went about her morning routine as if it was her last day before being taken to the gallows. It certainly felt that way. She removed her wet diaper and went for a shower. The temptation was to lock the bathroom door and stay under the water forever but the consequences for doing that would be a lot worse. She forced herself to step out of the shower and dry herself off. Then it was back into the bedroom for a fresh diaper.

Anna had to stop herself as she opened the closet door to take out some clothes. She wouldn’t be able to wear those for the next week. With shoulders slumped forwards she walked out of the bedroom and down to the nursery. Ryan had unlocked it last night with the anticipation it would be in use a lot for the next week.

Walking straight over to the closet Anna pulled it open to reveal the toddler clothes inside. She wasn’t sure how to pick an outfit when she found them all equally humiliating and reprehensible. In the end she settled for a pink t-shirt and a blue denim skirt that had straps that went over her shoulder. When she looked at herself in the mirror she found that the skirt just barely covered her diaper.

When Anna walked she crinkled loudly. It was noisy enough that when she went into the living room Ryan looked around from the kitchen. Anna felt very awkward.

“You look…” Ryan started.

“Don’t.” Anna replied.

Anna knew her husband was just trying to help but right now she didn’t want to talk about anything that was happening. She sat at the dining table and Ryan brought over a couple of bowls of cereal for himself and Anna. They ate in silence.

Anna remembered feeling like this before having to go to school as a child. The morning was always full of dread before she was dropped off at the school she hated. She had always been so jealous of the boys who got to learn “normal” and interesting subjects whilst she was stuck being trained for a life of servitude. She was cursed with the knowledge that things had been so much better before she ended up stuck in Sallas. She remembered learning math and history and a whole host of other things that she found interesting.

Breakfast was tasteless to Anna. She had to force herself to eat and even then could only manage half the meal. When she stood up Ryan did the same, he was dressed to go to his classes and a look at the clock told her that her time was up.

Without saying a word to each other Anna and Ryan got ready. Anna’s harness was clipped on to her and Ryan held the leash in his other hand. A pacifier was placed between Anna’s lips and the only thing about her that didn’t look like a little girl was the monitor strapped to ankle. They put their shoes on and finally Anna walked out of the apartment with Ryan right behind her. She kept her head bowed low as they walked back to the administration building and the nursery.

“It’ll be OK.” Ryan whispered as they went down the hallway to the door, “Just keep your head down and in a week we can go back to normal.”

“That’s easy for you to say…” Anna replied quietly.

Chapter 33: Part Thirty-Three
Summary:
Anna spends her first morning at the nursery. She gets a first look at some of her fellow "inmates" and "guards." Is it as bad as she imagined? And will she be able to hang on to her dignity and pride?

Chapter Text
When Anna reached the door to the nursery she hesitated. There were voices inside and she felt nervous. Now she felt like it was the first day at a new school. There were going to be other women in there like her, ones that were dropped off by their husbands and ones who weren’t just being punished like she was.

Ryan reached around Anna and pulled on the handle to open the door. The door swung slowly open and Anna stepped inside. The room was, of course, exactly the same as it had been the previous time she had been in there but now there was movement, there were other people. It made the room feel more alive.

“Ah, Mr. Manning, we were just wondering when you’d be here.” Mr. Kenny was immediately walking from his desk to the door.

“I’m not late am I?” Ryan asked with a frown.

“Not at all.” Mr. Kenny replied with a deep chuckle. He reached out a hand.

Anna watched Ryan reach out to shake. Mr. Kenny smiled and when Ryan’s hand retracted he still held it out. For a few seconds there was a very embarrassing silence as everyone seemed confused.

“The leash, Mr. Manning.” Mr. Kenny said finally.

“Oh, of course!” Ryan handed over Anna in the most literal way as he chuckled nervously, “My brain doesn’t click into gear until I’ve had my morning coffee.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Mr. Kenny smiled as he gave a small tug on the reins making Anna stumble towards him, “If you could just sign a few more forms for me.”

Anna was led over to the desk but stood apart from the two men as they discussed a few things. Instead of listening she looked out at the room. There were only three other women there, Anna somehow expected more. The room was certainly set up for more. She guessed that the number of men that brought their wives to college was quite small and the ones wanting to leave them here even smaller than that.

“OK, Mr. Manning, don’t worry about Anna, she’ll be safe here.” Mr. Kenny said as he clapped Ryan on the back, “We’ll see you this evening.”

“Alright…” Ryan paused as he looked at Anna. For a second she thought he was going to say something stupid, “Be good.”

Anna nodded mutely and then watched Ryan as he turned and left the room. How she wished she was going with him. She stood awkwardly by the desk as Mr. Kenny came over. She winced as she was jerked around a little as the harness was taken off her body.

“We’re a little thin on numbers this morning.” Mr. Kenny said, “There are four frequent visitors at the moment though one is absent today.”

Anna remained silent. She was looking at the other women. She didn’t know who any of them were and she didn’t much care to find out, they could be the nicest people in the world but she just wanted to find a quiet spot to wait out her time. With the harness removed Anna felt Mr. Kenny’s hand going lower until it was placed over her diaper.

“Right, well, feel free to go and play. If you need anything just let me or one of my staff know.” Mr. Kenny said as she patted Anna’s rear end.

It was only as Mr. Kenny mentioned them that Anna saw some other men standing at the far end of the room. They were obscured by the cribs but there were two men dressed all in white back there. In Anna’s opinion they looked mean, in keeping with the rest of this experience they seemed more like prison officers than caretakers.

“Oh, and take this with you.” Mr. Kenny said.

Anna felt something tapping against her arm and she looked down to see Mr. Kenny holding a large baby bottle. She took it with a sigh and walked across the room. She went past where all the other girls were and sat on a bright pink beanbag at the back of the room. To her embarrassment as she sank into the bag a little her meagre skirt was pulled up a little and her diaper became even more exposed. No one paid any attention but Anna felt embarrassed anyway. She picked up a nearby baby book and did her best to distract herself.

The nursery was both better and worse than Anna had expected. It was better in that for the most part it seemed she was pretty free to do what she wanted but it was worse because she was just so, so bored.

For the first few hours that morning Anna stayed in the beanbag seat and tried to distract her mind. It was a difficult task when everything was designed for a toddler. She even had a difficult time reminding herself she was an adult at times thanks to her surroundings. She kept a pacifier in her mouth as she didn’t want to attract attention and it was a good reminder to her that she should stay quiet.

There was no clock in the nursery but after a few hours the men started walking around the room. One of them came over to Anna. He was at least a foot taller than Anna and very wide, it looked like he must live in the gym. He was completely bald and grunted a little as he went down to one knee.

“Hello, my name is Ronnie. Let’s see if you’ve been a little piddle pants.” His voice was gruff but he spoke as if talking to a child.

Anna bit down on her pacifier as she felt the older man press the diaper against her. He frowned when he found her completely dry. Anna supposed that was unusual and looked away, she had been deliberately trying not to use her diaper and the last thing she wanted was to be changed here. The man reached around to the bottle she had been given that morning but remained untouched.

“You must be thirsty.” Ronnie said. His smile only seemed to move one side of his mouth.

Anna shook her head quickly but that just caused Ronnie to laugh. He reached out to the ring on the pacifier and plucked it out of her mouth. He held the bottle up with the nipple pointing at her. Her immediate instinct was to refuse it, she was thirsty for sure but she didn’t want to accept a bottle. At the same time she knew she had to be “good” at least to a certain extent.

“Good girl.” Ronnie smiled toothily as Anna opened her mouth.

The bottle was pushed between Anna’s lips. She reached up to take it herself but Ronnie slapped her hands away, he was really intending to stay there and feed this whole bottle to her. With a reddening face Anna looked away from Ronnie and into the room at large. As she sucked on the baby’s bottle and drank the milk she watched the other inmates at the nursery.

One of the women was already getting her diaper changed. She was lying on the changing table with the other assistant attending to her. Anna felt a mixture of shock and disgust at how the woman was acting. She was giggling and reaching for her feet, when the attendant looked away for a moment the woman even tried to get her foot in her mouth. She appeared to have no shame and it was like watching an actual baby. Watching them felt like seeing a possible future Anna could only hope to avoid.

The other two women were in the middle of the room at a table. One was doing some finger painting and watching them was a curious experience, it was almost like watching someone with multiple personalities fighting with themselves. She would be painting away happily, giggling and playing with the woman getting her diaper changed, then all of a sudden she’d have a moment of lucidity where she realised what she was doing. She’d look away and seemingly cursed at herself. She’d go back to her activity but without the joy, within a few minutes she’d be acting like a toddler again.

The last of the women was perhaps the most striking. Just like Anna she was sitting quietly and refusing to be involved in anything. She occasionally looked up to stare at Anna but would avert her eyes when she saw that Anna had noticed. She was dressed in an infantile outfit but it didn’t suit her at all. The thing that drew Anna’s attention the most though was the woman’s haircut. In a society that valued femininity and infantile behaviour from their women it was very unusual to see a woman with short hair. This woman was sat at the table with uneven hair that was very short and in places almost all cut off, if Anna had to guess it was something she had done herself.

“You’ve finished all your yummy milk.” Ronnie said as he pulled the bottle out of Anna’s mouth, “Now you be good and play with the others, OK?”

Anna simply stared in response. She had been so intent on watching the other women she hadn’t realised quite how fast she had drained her drink. As Ronnie turned and walked away she let herself sink into the beanbag a little. She wasn’t doing anything and yet she felt exhausted, it was like she was in a constant state of vigilance as if she expected someone to leap at her at any moment.

At lunchtime four highchairs were brought into the room. One by one the women were strapped into the seats. Anna was the last to climb into one of the highchairs, she had been sitting on the beanbag the whole morning and was hoping she’d disappear into the background. As Mr. Kenny pulled the straps across her tummy and clipped them into place he took the chance to press his hand against Anna’s diaper.

“Still dry?” Mr. Kenny raised his eyebrows, “I’m told you haven’t been changed this morning. Well we don’t want any dehydrated little girls…”

Anna didn’t say that she needed to pee quite a bit but was deliberately holding it in. Mr. Kenny retreated from the highchairs and when he came back it was with bowls of indeterminate mushy food for each woman. A bottle of milk was placed on each tray as well. As Anna looked down at the food with disgust a large bib was brought down in front of her, it was big enough to cover her whole front. When she looked to the side she saw the other girls were getting similar treatment. Anna noted no one seemed to have any cutlery.

“Tuck in, babies.” Mr. Kenny said with a smile in front of them.

Anna was still looking sideways and she saw wildly different things happen. The woman who seemed to be totally regressed immediately thrust both her hands into the mush and then brought them up to her mouth, she seemed to get much more of her lunch on her face and down her front than in her mouth. She giggled gleefully as she licked her fingers.

Next along was the short-haired woman. She had her arms folded across her chest and was glaring at Mr. Kenny as if she could kill him with her mind. Finally there was the woman that seemed to be trying to fight off regression. As soon as the bowl was placed in front of her she stuck her hands straight in but as soon as they were fully submerged her expression went from joy to confusion as she slowly pulled them back out.

“What am I doing…?” The woman asked herself as she stared at her food covered hands.

“Eat up.” Mr. Kenny said when he saw only one of the women eating.

Anna really didn’t want to have to sloppily eat her mushy food like a baby. She looked down at the food and wrinkled her nose. She was just about to push her fingers in when she heard a sudden clattering.

“Screw you!” The short-haired woman shouted.

Anna looked up to see the bowl on the floor and the food smeared across the carpet. The regressed woman immediately burst into tears and the two nursery assistants stepped forwards. The short-haired woman wasn’t going quietly though. She tried to throw punches until her arms were pinned to her side and she was pulled from the chair whilst spitting and cursing.

Anna couldn’t see what was happening as the woman was dragged off behind her. She tried to twist around in the seat but the restraints and tray prevented her from seeing anything. She could only listen as the woman struggled.

“Be good girls and eat your lunch.” Mr. Kenny called out over the noise happening behind them, “You don’t want to get a black mark on your record.”

Anna looked down at the food again. As she slowly dipped her hand in she tried to ignore the sounds of what was very clearly a paddling. The sound of wood hitting skin and then a scream was all Anna needed to hear to know that the woman’s impudence was being punished. She pushed her hand into the mushy food and lifted them up to her face. There was a rhythm to the noises behind her. A swish of an object moving through the air, a thud as the object his the woman’s behind and then a yelp or curse as a result. Each time Anna heard a thud she winced.

The best thing that could be said about the food was that it was bland. It didn’t really smell of anything, it didn’t taste of anything and it didn’t even really look like anything. No matter how hard Anna tried she couldn’t avoid getting the food everywhere just like the other two women. By the time she had finished she could feel food plastered around her mouth and she could see it all staining her bib.

The assistants came back with wet wipes and started cleaning the women’s faces. Anna tolerated it but when the wipe came away she found that she was holding on to the tray so hard that her knuckles were white. If she wasn’t doing that she was sure she would find herself getting taken for a spanking.

“Right.” Mr. Kenny said as he watched the women drink their bottles, “Nap time.”

The women were let out of their high chairs and led over to the cribs. Anna could see the short-haired woman had already been put in one of the cribs. She was facing away from the rest of the room.

Anna and the others were stripped unceremoniously. Anna was red in the face as she tried to cover herself up but noticed the other women weren’t bothering. A plain white onesie was slipped over her head, it had the college’s logo on the chest but was otherwise completely bare.

The women were put in different cribs and then the lights were dimmed and windows covered by curtains. Anna hadn’t had a nap for a long time, she didn’t feel tired at all. She laid down anyway but her attempts at sleep were somewhat thwarted by the ache in her belly which was getting worse, she could practically feel every drop of urine that dropped into her bladder.

Chapter 34: Part - Thirty-Four
Summary:
Anna's first afternoon at the nursery isn't better than the morning. When she goes into the nursery the next day she is expecting more of the same... but she's in for a big surprise.

Chapter Text
Anna didn’t get any sleep that nap time. It wasn’t long until she heard soft snores coming from the other cribs but she couldn’t sleep. She would’ve liked to say her opposition to napping was ideological but in truth it was purely because of uncomfortable she felt physically. Her bladder wouldn’t let her relax until she emptied it and she was not planning to do that any time soon.

As the assistants came round the cribs and lowered the sides like guards letting inmates out for recreation time Anna sat back up. It wasn’t Mr. Kenny or Ronnie that came to her crib but the other assistant. He had a nametag that read “Ed” and he didn’t say anything as he stepped on the release and let the bars drop to the ground.

Anna scooted forwards warily when he indicated for her to do so. Just before she dropped off the edge and on to the floor Ed pushed his hand against her crotch. When he felt the still-dry diaper he frowned. Once his hand had moved away Anna dropped out of the crib and went back to her quiet corner. She was desperate for the toilet now.

“Here.” Ed walked over with a bottle a minute later. His voice was surprisingly light but it was clear he didn’t use it much.

“I’m really not-…” Anna started.

The bottle was pushed forwards between Anna’s lips and just like earlier in the day Anna was forced to drink. She winced as she swallowed even more liquid knowing where it was all going to end up. She wasn’t allowed to push the bottle away until she was finished with it. She looked up at Ed with loathing.

Things only got worse as time seemed to get slower the fuller her bladder became. She didn’t know how long it would be until Ryan came to pick her up but it felt like too long. Every now and then Ed, Ronnie or Mr. Kenny himself would come over and check her diaper, each time they found her dry they would feed her another bottle.

Anna was practically writhing. She’d watched the other women get taken for changes whether they were happy to do so or not. Her resolve was tested and she wondered if her stubbornness was just making her miserable. She couldn’t expect to go through the full week without using her diaper at the nursery at all. It was entirely her stubbornness that held her back from wetting the diaper.

Despite a growing portion of her brain wanting to give in and wet herself Anna still held out. It was a point of personal pride for her, a way of rebelling and a way to tell the system that she wasn’t giving in without a fight. All her lofty ideals did little to help her as she doubled over on the beanbag though.

“I’m here to pick up Anna.” Ryan’s voice made Anna look up and she wondered just how long she had been on her seat with her head down between her knees.

Anna looked up to see Ryan at the desk and looking over at her. She couldn’t help but smile, she hoped it was interpreted as the smile of a good wife ready to go serve her husband rather than someone who knew things would improve the moment she left the nursery. She stood up and immediately placed her hand across her belly, she was about ready to burst.

“Ryan, you’re fifteen minutes early.” Mr. Kenny had a smile on his face but it didn’t reach the coldness of his eyes.

“Class let out early.” Ryan replied, “Didn’t think it would be a problem.”

“Not a problem.” Mr. Kenny bowed his head a little, “But don’t make a habit of coming here early.”

Anna waddled up to Ryan and stood behind him. As she waited to leave Ryan had to sign yet more forms and then she had to get changed back into the outfit she had arrived in, she had been wearing the onesie given to her before bedtime until now.

“We’ll see you tomorrow.” Mr. Kenny said to Anna when she was ready to leave.

Anna was so ready to leave she walked ahead of Ryan to the door. Normally she wouldn’t be so bold in public but she simply couldn’t wait. She heard Ryan following her as she went all the way down the hallway, through the reception area and outside the building. She stopped dead just to the side of the entrance.

Anna had barely come to a stop when her bladder relaxed. She sighed maybe a little too loudly as she felt the relief of her emptying bladder. The urine poured out of her like a waterfall and she closed her eyes as the warmth rapidly spread around the padding. She spread her legs just a little to give the diaper more room and felt it sag slightly as it dealt with the deluge.

Despite the humiliation of helplessly wetting herself like that Anna had a smile on her face. It felt like a victory against the system that wanted to keep her down.

“It looks like you needed that.” Ryan said as he walked up next to his wife.

“Is it that obvious?” Anna asked. Her cheeks flushed red but she found it hard to care too much bearing in mind she still felt like she had won.

The torrent finally stopped and it wasn’t a moment too soon. Anna had been holding on for so long that just this one release had completely flooded her disposable. Anymore and she would be have pee dripping down her legs in the middle of this public space.

“Let’s get home.” Ryan said when Anna tried to close her legs and found the padding made it very difficult to do so.

---

Anna woke up the next day with the same dread she had experienced the previous morning. At least she knew what she was in for this time. Spending a day desperately trying not to use her diaper and sitting in the corner trying not to be seen was exhausting. It made the minutes stretch into hours and that wasn’t mentioning the humiliation of being treated like an infant.

It was terrifying the way that women were seen by those people. It wasn’t an act. When they talked down to her it was because they literally thought she needed to be treated like a child. After getting home and taking off the soaking diaper Anna had ranted at Ryan about the way they spoke to her, not that she expected much else. She had just needed to vent.

To Anna’s irritation and horror she found that whilst Ryan sympathized with her he also told her she would have to expect that a lot more.

“In college everyone is competing to be top dog.” Ryan explained, “Same thing at school. Everyone wants to be the biggest guy around so they act overly macho. Outside of academia most guys are going to treat you like you have child’s mind. That you have the emotions, temperament and mental capacity of a toddler. Most men in Sallas truly believe that you’re a child.”

At that Anna had gotten very mad and thrown the television remote against the wall. A couple of buttons popped out it left a small dent in the wall. She knew he was telling the truth, she had grown up in Sallas so she knew that men automatically thought she was stupid. More than once she’d had a random man working the cash register pat her on the head. She was just supposed to smile and like it. Well, she refused. She was determined to never end up like the girl’s in the nursery succumbing to the wishes of the men who wanted to keep her down.

Anna rolled over in bed and looked at the clock. She had to get up. Technically she should’ve got up five minutes ago but she decided to skip breakfast for a little more alone time. One of the reasons the previous day had been so tough was that she had so desperately tried to avoid using her diaper. She had a plan to perhaps make that a little easier this time around.

With a sigh Anna finally rolled out of bed. Instead of standing up she stayed in a squatting position with her arms on top of the mattress. She hesitated but she could already feel her digestive system complaining that she hadn’t emptied her bowels for a couple of days. She had her butt pointing towards the door and slowly pushed it out a little more.

Anna took a deep breath and then pushed down. She felt the pressure build until some gas was forced out. She didn’t stop pushing and soon she felt something shifting within her. She took another breath and braced for the inevitable. Almost as soon as she started pushing again she began pooping. The back of the diaper pushed out as the log was forced against it before spreading out over the padding. After holding everything in for so long it felt like there was a lot to come.

“Anna, you’re going to be-…” The door opened. Anna turned to look over her shoulder as Ryan stood in the doorway.

Having started Anna couldn’t stop. Even as she saw Ryan standing behind her she was forced to bear down and fully empty her bowels. She heard faint noises coming from her diaper as it bulged out at the rear. She could feel the warmth spreading out as she continued to push down. When she was finished her bladder released and she shivered as she soaked the front as much as she had dirtied the back.

“Oh.” Ryan said.

“Well, you’re the one that we had to do this “properly.”” Anna said with a bit more anger than she intended.

“I’m sorry. I just didn’t expect…” Ryan was saying.

“No, it’s fine.” Anna winced as she stood up straight and felt the load in her diaper shift with her, “Just… bad timing.”

Anna and Ryan both stood awkwardly for a few seconds. Neither was able to look at the other and neither knew what to say to break a silence that was quickly becoming stifling.

“If you want to jump in the shower and… stuff.” Ryan suggested, “Just be as quick as you can. We can’t afford to be late.”

Anna nodded. She walked past her husband and tried to pretend that she couldn’t very clearly smell herself. She knew Ryan was being polite in not mentioning the stink but there was no way he could miss it.

After her shower and once in a fresh diaper it was time for Anna to pick out her outfit for the day. She went for a white onesie with yellow ducklings all over it. She popped the two flaps together between her legs and then took some shortalls to wear over the top. It was denim and came up her chest to her breasts, two straps went over her shoulders and connected with the back.

At least Ryan had the good grace not to comment on how Anna looked when she came into the living room. Anna sat on the couch in a sulk that she thought was totally justified. After a few minutes Ryan informed her it was time to go and she reluctantly got to her feet. She opened her mouth to accept the pacifier and then lifted her arms so Ryan could attach her harness.

“You do look cute.” Ryan said. As she tightened the straps.

Anna looked daggers at her husband.

“I’m sorry.” Ryan lifted his hands in pacification, “You do though.”

Anna wasn’t in the mood for a fight so told herself Ryan was just trying to be helpful. She waited for Ryan to get ready and then left the apartment. The walk to the nursery was just as embarrassing as the previous day but at least Anna was somewhat used to it. When the reins were handed over to Mr. Kenny all Anna could do was watch Ryan leave and start counting the hours before she could go home again. The fact that this was only day two made it feel like she was never going to get through it all.

“Well, Anna, I hope you’re in a more playful mood today.” Mr. Kenny said as he started taking off the harness, “Because if you don’t behave properly I may have to extend your stay.”

Anna’s eyes bulged but as the harness was slipped off her shoulders and the head of the nursery walked away she was left wondering if he had the authority to do what he threatened. He had been the one who had originally given her this punishment after all.

“You’ll be able to meet our other guest as today.” Mr. Kenny continued as he sat at his desk, “Maybe you’ll get along with her better than the other girls. Now run along.”

Anna was only too happy to turn away from Mr. Kenny and face the room. She walked straight across to the same beanbag she had been practically attached to on her first day. The other girls looked at her strangely but she didn’t as much as glance in their direction.

The morning was almost identical to the previous day. Anna stayed away from everyone and everything unless she had no choice but to interact. It was shortly after lunch that the routine suddenly changed. From where she was on the far side of the room she could only see Mr. Kenny and the two handlers leave the room momentarily. That was strange in itself as it meant the women were unsupervised but when they came back Anna’s heart stopped and she loudly exclaimed.

Mr. Kenny walked in first and behind him was the two burly assistants. In between them was a smaller huddled form in not just the standard harness but with extra cuffs around her arms, wrists and ankles making sure she was completely under control.

“Jane!” Anna could’ve cried as she awkwardly got off the beanbag and stood up.

Chapter 35: Part - Thirty-Five
Summary:
Anna has met a friend she didn't think she'd see again in the nursery. Through her she learns about the other girls and why they're there.

Chapter Text
Jane looked equally shocked to see Anna but to the latter woman’s surprise she saw Jane react not with happiness but what looked like crushing disappointment. Anna kept her distance as the guards started removing the many restraints from Jane.

“You two know each other I take it?” Mr. Kenny asked curiously as he approached Anna with his head tilted.

“She’s my neighbor.” Anna replied quickly, “But I thought…”

As soon as the last restraint was removed Jane pushed past the guards and ran across to Anna. Anna barely had a moment to react before the other woman was embracing her so tightly she couldn’t breathe.

“I can’t believe he’s sending you away too.” Jane whispered. Her voice cracked with emotion.

“We’ll leave you two to catch up.” Mr. Kenny said. His eyes were cold as he watched the two women unblinkingly.

Anna didn’t like the way Mr. Kenny was watching them. When she was finally able to extricate herself from Jane’s hug she led the near-crying girl across the room to the corner she now thought of as her own. They went past the two women struggling most with the regression and the air had a sudden stinky smell.

“I thought you…” Anna started as they reached the corner.

“What did you do?” To Anna’s surprise Jane sounded angry as she interrupted her.

“Huh?” Anna frowned, “Oh, to be here? I went shopping on my own…”

“Ryan is sending you to Finishing School for THAT!?” Jane asked with wide eyes, “I thought he was more… lenient.”

“Finishing School?” Anna shook his head, “No, no, no… I just have to come here for a week.”

“Oh.” Jane looked down at the floor.

At Anna’s prompting Jane took Anna’s beanbag seat whilst Anna sat on the floor with crossed-legs. This was the last situation Anna had expected to encounter but her relief that Jane was alright almost made the week she had to spend here tolerable.

“But what about you?” Anna asked with a smile, “How did you get Paul to change his mind? I bet he’s all bluster, right? Tells you he’s going to send you away and really-…”

“I’m going to Finishing School.” Jane said. Her voice was emotionless. It sounded like she had come to terms with in a similar way a condemned person watching the gallows being built was resigned to fate.

“But…” Anna started.

“There’s paperwork first.” Jane continued, “And apparently a cooling off period. Finishing School is permanent after all, they have to make sure that it is what Paul really wants to do. Then there are health checks, insurance, Paul has to sign over the marriage certificate.”

Anna was horrified. She had always known Finishing School changed women completely and no one who came out of it was the same as those who went in but she hadn’t expected it all to sound like a transaction. The way Jane was talking it was more like discussing the sale of a car than the future of a human being. She felt her blood run cold as she realised that’s basically what was happening. Jane was having her ownership transferred from Paul to the state.

“But Paul doesn’t want me so I’ve been sent here until I’m taken away.” Jane shrugged.

“I’m so sorry.” Anna could feel herself tearing up.

“There’s nothing to be done.” Jane attempted a weak smile, “Whatever will be, will be. Do you want to play for a bit?”

Anna’s immediate reaction to Jane’s suggestion was of disgust. Of course she didn’t want to play like one of the other women. She had no interest in these children’s toys and even less interest in looking like she was submitting to what the men wanted and expected of her. But then she saw Jane giving her a desperate almost pleading look. It clicked for Anna that Jane was just desperate to take her mind off her future for a little while. Anna was almost certainly going to be the last sympathetic face she saw for a long time.

“Sure.” Anna said as she tried to keep a check on her emotions. It would do her nor Jane any good to get upset.

Jane stood up and Anna followed. As she did so she felt her bladder complaining from the various bottles she had been given that morning. With everything Jane had said it suddenly felt a lot less important to do something like holding her bladder all day. That wasn’t to mention how painful and uncomfortable the previous day had been.

Anna relaxed and accepted what was to happen. She stood still as Jane walked away and wet herself. She sighed as the splashing warmth enveloped her crotch. When she eventually stopped she had a blush to her cheeks, she looked out of the corner of her eyes towards Mr. Kenny’s desk and was mortified that he was watching her. She hurried to catch up to Jane feeling ashamed of what she had done.

“The toys here are actually pretty good.” Jane said in way of small talk as they went over to a large pink princess castle, “I thought they’d be extra cheap but nope.”

“Cool.” Was all Anna could think to say. This was an alien topic for her.

Jane knelt down in front of the large castle and opened it up to show the rooms inside. Anna sat down next to her. She had to admit this was something a little girl would love. The castle was big and detailed, it came with a few little dolls and lots of outfits to dress them up in. She felt awkward though, she had always studiously avoided “playing” like the men wanted her to. She had to do it for Jane though. They sat together in silence for a couple of minutes.

“So what’s the deal with the other women?” Anna asked.

“They’re nice.” Jane said with a smile.

“I can’t say I’ve spoken to them.” Anna admitted, “Kept to myself mostly.”

“Well, that one over there is Rebecca.” Jane nodded towards the blonde woman who was acting more like a baby than any woman Anna had ever seen. She was currently lying on the floor on her tummy with her limbs splayed out beside her as she drooled and stared into the middle-distance.

“I take it she didn’t tell you that.” Anna commented.

“She can talk!” Jane chuckled, “A little bit anyway… It’s not easy to understand her. I think she’s basically been kept like that her whole life. She’s a daughter of one of the professors and is left here every day. I don’t think she ever went to school or was allowed to grow up at all.”

“Jesus.” Anna replied, “That sounds like hell.”

Jane looked down at the ground and it took Anna’s brain a moment to process why she might be upset. Suddenly it came to her that the drooling adult baby in the middle of the room could well be a portent of Jane’s future.

“I mean…” Anna started.

“It’s OK.” Jane replied. She didn’t look OK, “The girl next to her, that’s Macy.”

Anna looked back over to the two women who were playing. Macy was the one who seemed in a constant fight between acting like an adult and acting like a baby. She was currently watching Rebecca and sucking on a pacifier.

“She’s someone’s wife, one of the other students.” Jane continued, “Poor girl is struggling. She’s an interesting person if you can catch her in her more… lucid moments.”

“How come she keeps acting like Rebecca?” Anna asked.

“From what she’s told me that’s her husband’s doing. She’s being conditioned. Hypnosis tapes whenever she’s at home, positive reinforcement for infantile behaviour… That sort of stuff.”

Anna nodded slowly. That would explain why she would lapse into long periods of being like Rebecca only to seemingly shake herself out of it again. It looked like her brain was at war with itself because it WAS at war with itself.

“Smells like someone’s stinky…” Ronnie’s gruff voice came from where the other girls were.

“You touch me and I’ll bite your fucking fingers off.” The rebellious woman Anna still didn’t know said.

The woman had been standing near the other two girls and leaning against the wall. She had been so still Anna had almost forgotten she was there. She now had Ronnie advancing towards her causing her to try and back away.

“I just want to check you, baby.” Ronnie said.

“Check this!” The woman replied as she grabbed a wooden block at the floor and threw it at Ronnie’s shiny head. The block hit him square on the forehead and as he exclaimed Rebecca almost immediately burst into loud tears.

“You little… Come here!” Ronnie roared.

The woman tried to run away but as Ronnie chased her she ran straight into the other assistant, Ed. She was still struggling like a wild animal as Ronnie came over.

“That’s Charlotte.” Jane said to Anna, “But don’t call them that. They go by Charlie. They remind me of you actually.”

Anna watched as Charlie’s diaper was forcibly checked and apparently found to be messy. She was lifted off the ground and carried towards the changing tables. As she passed by Anna and Jane she was still struggling and yelling as if she was feral.

“How come they doesn’t like being called Charlotte?” Anna asked once Charlie had been placed on a changing table and restrained into a star shape. When they tried spitting at a guard she had a pacifier strapped into her mouth.

“They want to be a boy.” Jane replied simply. “Apparently they’ve been a real handful for their husband. Getting in trouble all the time, demanding to be treated like a guy, when Charlie cut their hair they were sent here until her husband comes back for them… If he comes back.”

“He can just leave Charlie here?” Anna asked.

“From what I understand the contracts the men sign say that if they don’t come to collect their girls after a little while they just send them away.” Jane said, “So who knows. Charlie’s been here a couple of weeks already and there’s been no sign of anyone coming to pick them up.”

“Shouldn’t we be using male pronouns?” Anna asked, “If Charlie wants to be a guy and all.”

“Not if you want to avoid trouble.” Jane answered, “The men here really don’t like women who get ideas above their station and since men are above women. If you think you might be overheard don’t in any way suggest Charlie is anything but like one of us.”

“Got it.” Anna replied. How sad she felt for Charlie. They were all trapped here but it sounded like Charlie was doubly trapped.

“So if they hear you using male pronouns for Charlie you’ll get in A LOT of trouble.” Jane said with emphasis, “I normally go for gender neutral terms. Charlie seems to appreciate it and the caretakers haven’t noticed.”

Anna looked back over to the changing table. Charlie was still pulling at the restraints but they were powerless to resist the change that was now happening. Charlie’s diaper was already open and the cleaning process was well under way.

“Quite a colorful bunch.” Anna said.

“The other day Macy called us all the misfits and that makes sense.” Jane sighed, “Anyway, come on, let’s play.”

Keen to let Jane forget about the horrors that awaited her Anna agreed and did her best to become immersed in the fantasy world of princesses and castles. She didn’t feel like she was doing a good job but it seemed to be enough for Jane who started to genuinely smile.

As they played Anna kept looking up and over to Charlie. Once they were taped into a fresh diaper they were unrestrained and carried over to one of the cribs. Anna watched in shock as the poor soul was essentially hogtied with arms and legs behind their back and left there. They remained like that for the rest of the afternoon. At no point did anyone go over to check on them and Anna remained with Jane until the door opened and Ryan walked in. She was shocked at how much time had passed. Talking with Jane had really helped the time fly.

Anna had even managed to avoid having her diaper changed and as she stood up she felt it sag below her waist. Jane sadly looked on, unable to hide her dejection that she was going to be left alone again.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, OK?” Anna said to Jane.

“Sure.” Jane smiled in reply and then looked back down at her dolls.

Anna felt awful for leaving Jane again but she didn’t have a lot of choice in the matter. She walked across the room and just a few steps away from Ryan she was stopped by Ed who didn’t say a word. He reached down to Anna’s crotch and pressed the obviously wet padding against her. He took her arm and started pulling her away from Ryan.

“Erm, what are you doing?” Ryan called out. Ed stopped and looked back with a kind of confused scowl.

“I believe my assistant here has discovered that your girl is wet.” Mr. Kenny said as he stepped between Ryan and Anna.

“And?” Ryan asked.

“We wouldn’t want your little girl leaving here wet. We wouldn’t want you to think we were negligent in our care.” Mr. Kenny chuckled.

“It’s fine. I’ll do it when we get home.” Ryan replied quickly.

“Mr. Manning, I really must insist that you-…” Mr. Kenny started.

“I said I’ll do it.” Ryan was clearly losing his patience, “She’s my girl.”

Anna watched as her husband went around Mr. Kenny and grabbed Anna’s other arm. She suddenly felt as if she was a toy being fought over by two dogs. Ed looked confused and turned to Mr. Kenny. After a couple of seconds the nursery boss subtly nodded his head and the assistant let go. Anna quickly stepped away from the quiet assistant and into Ryan’s arms.

“Come on.” Ryan said as he hurriedly attached the toddler harness to her.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Anna.” Mr. Kenny said with a courteous little bow as Anna went past.

Ryan didn’t stop until they were both outside the main administrative area. He looked annoyed but Anna was sure it wasn’t at her. She couldn’t help but feel a tug on her heartstrings as she realised the source of her husband’s annoyance was in the way the people at the nursery were treating her. He was on her side, of course, but it was easy to forget that she wasn’t in this fight alone.

Anna was forced into a slight waddle by the wet diaper which only made the walk home all the worse. That evening she talked to Ryan about seeing Jane and found that he was as surprised as she had been.

“I just wish there was something I could do.” Ryan said with a sigh.

“I take it Paul isn’t likely to come around?” Anna asked rather hopefully.

“I wouldn’t bet on it.” Ryan said, “It’s not like he’d tell me either way. Since the dinner party pretty much all the guys are keeping me at arm’s length.”

“It’s my fault.” Anna said as she closed her eyes, “It’s all my fault.”

“Anna…” Ryan started.

“No!” Anna said loudly, “It’s my fault.”

“It isn’t your fault.” Ryan put his hand on Anna’s knee, “It’s this damn country. Look, it’s a rigged game, you know that. If it hadn’t been the dinner party it would’ve been something else. You saw the way Paul treated Jane, one way or another something was going to happen. He’s just bored of her.”

“But if I was normal and could just… I don’t know, accept things…” Anna sniffed.

“First off, accepting this god damned system shouldn’t be considered “normal” but I love you precisely because you don’t accept things.” Ryan said.

“We should just leave.” Anna said quietly as she slumped down in her seat and looked up at the ceiling, “Go somewhere else. Another country.”

“Good luck with that.” Ryan couldn’t help but chuckle, “Getting out of Sallas is A LOT harder than getting in. They don’t want a brain drain after all. Maybe if I get a good job and rise through the ranks we’d be granted a way out but I wouldn’t count on it.”

Chapter 36: Part Thirty-Six
Summary:
It's Anna's third day in the nursery and things are not getting easier. At least she has Jane who is ready to show just what a good friend she is.

Chapter Text
It was the third day at the nursery and although Anna now had Jane with her she was still having a very difficult time. It was the early afternoon and all the women had just been woken up from their naps. Anna hadn’t been able to sleep though, she had started to experience a problem that hadn’t yet happened at the nursery.

“I’m so stupid.” Anna moaned as she went over to Jane.

“What’s wrong?” Jane asked with concern.

“I forgot to go this morning.” Anna rested her head against the wall and then banged it with her fist, “Stupid, stupid, stupid…”

“Go? Go where?” Jane asked.

Anna winced as she cramped up.

“Oh.” Jane realised Anna’s problem.

“Yesterday I did it in the morning and got changed before coming here.” Anna said, “I was going to do it again this morning but I forgot, we were in a rush.”

“Well… why don’t you just do it?” Jane asked, “It’s not THAT bad and someone will be over to change you sooner or later.”

“I don’t want them to…” Anna winced, “Change me.”

It was a pointless protest and expecting to get through the week without getting changed at all seemed very unlikely. As she looked out across the room she could see the other women. Rebecca and Macy were nearby on the floor whilst Charlie was over by the wall. She looked even surlier than usual.

“Charlotte…” Ronnie said in a sing-song voice, “What’s that I smell?”

“Back off.” Charlie replied.

As Ronnie approached Charlie backed away until they couldn’t anymore. Anna hadn’t smelled anything herself but Ronnie could only be hinting at one thing, it was exactly what Anna was currently struggling with.

“You need a change.” Ronnie growled, “Come on.”

“Piss off!” Charlie shot back.

As Charlie kept backing away they missed that Ed, the other helper, was circling around from the blind side. There was no chance to react as the mostly silent assistant sprang the trap and wrapped his arms around Charlie’s waist. Charlie screamed and kicked out their feet but once Ronnie reached joined in and grabbed their feet Charlie’s ability to fightback was greatly lowered, which isn’t to say they stopped trying.

Anna found herself wondering why Charlie bothered to resist. They were all stuck there. They would be changed sooner or later and the alternative was staying in a messy diaper even longer. Now Charlie was being strapped down to the changing table and no doubt there would be a punishment afterwards. With a start Anna realised she and Charlie weren’t so different. She was needlessly suffering trying to delay the inevitable. It didn’t make it any easier to let go.

“It looks like you aren’t the only one who needs to go.” Jane said.

“Huh?” Anna turned away from Charlie to see Jane nodding her head towards the centre of the room.

Rebecca, completely regressed and babbling to herself, had suddenly stopped playing. She pushed herself up from her hands and knees into a squatting position and almost immediately the rear of her diaper started to bulge out. Even from this distance Anna could just about hear her grunting. No sooner had she finished than she burst into loud tears. With Charlie strapped down one of the nursery assistants, Ed, walked over and took Rebecca’s hand. She was wordlessly led waddling to the changing tables.

“Ugh… You’d never catch me doing that!” Macy’s voice made Anna jump. She was stood just a couple of feet away. She was shaking her head at Rebecca.

“Um, Macy?” Jane said slowly.

“What?” Macy replied.

Anna knew what Jane was talking about. The young woman claiming she would never fill her pants like Rebecca was already in a clearly soiled diaper. Anna could immediately smell the difference when she came close and when she looked down she could see the clearly dark coloring showing the padding was well used.

Anna watched as Macy looked down. She froze up and then reached around with a hand, as soon as she felt the spongy padding she pulled her hand away. Her bottom lip trembled.

“I… I didn’t know…” Was all Macy could say.

Before Anna could say anything or react at all Macy broke into loud childish cries. Anna backed away from the stinky woman whilst holding her own tummy. It wasn’t long before Mr. Kenny himself came over.

“What’s the matter? Do you need a change?” Mr. Kenny asked Macy as he came over.

Macy nodded her head as she sobbed. Anna noticed the person in charge of the nursery look her way as he took Macy’s hand and led her away. Just like that everyone except Anna and Jane were involved in messy diaper changes. It felt like they were in an actual nursery for toddlers with how quickly it had all happened. Anna was hit with another cramp and she bent over until it passed.

“It’s really pointless trying to hold it.” Jane said with concern, “You know you’re going to be here for hours yet…”

“I can try.” Anna said through gritted teeth.

“Do you remember what happened when I first visited you?” Jane asked. It seemed a sudden change of subject, “When I was really worried and you made me feel better. You helped me out, you did something you didn’t want to do just to make me feel better. Do you remember?”

Anna remembered that first visit. When Jane had messed her diaper and been so terribly upset and afraid. Anna had done the only thing she could think of to make her friend feel better she had taken a deep breath, squatted down and…

“Oh no.” Anna shook her head, “No, no, no… You don’t have to…”

“It’s going to happen sooner or later anyway.” Jane said as she pushed her feet further apart. Her cheeks were already going red, “If I can’t help you, I can at least keep you company.”

Anna was still trying to stop Jane as the young woman bent her knees and closed her eyes. She could tell it was happening only from the way Jane moved her butt back a little more and let out her breath through her nose as she pushed. After around half a minute Jane stood up again although she looked rather embarrassed.

“See? It’s not that bad.” Jane said with a pained smile.

Anna felt embarrassed. Not because she knew what was coming but because she now felt like she was making a mountain out of a molehill. Thanks to her pride she was losing sight of the bigger picture. Here she was almost crying about having to poop her diaper, something she had been no stranger to until recent times, meanwhile Jane was going to be sent away and subjected to god knows what and yet was still trying to help her. Anna felt ashamed, her problem was miniscule next to her unfortunate friend.

Anna wouldn’t have been able to keep the fight up much longer anyway. Almost as soon as Anna even thought about giving up her body took over. Before she could even spread her legs she could feel poop almost exploding into the diaper as if every second of holding it had built the pressure up. She swallowed hard as she felt the rush of soft fecal matter fill up the back of disposable and cause it to bulge out. She shuddered as it stopped only to feel her bladder release into the front.

“It’s OK.” Jane said as she rubbed Anna’s back.

Physically Anna felt fine if not a little grossed out by the warm slush that filled her pants. Emotionally she felt defeated. Her head slumped forwards, she had done the thing she had been determined to avoid at all costs.

“We should go over to them.” Jane suggested, “We can get changed right away.”

Anna would’ve preferred hiding somewhere and not coming out until Ryan came to pick her up but that was clearly not an option. Jane took her hand and led her across to the changing tables. It was strange how the tables had turned. Anna had always felt protective of Jane but now it was her friend that was looking after her.

With a sigh of resigned acceptance Anna followed Jane towards the changing tables. She was forced to waddle from the load in her pants and couldn’t take her eyes off the floor. Once at the tables Anna forced herself to glance up just to see the diaper changes for two of the others being finished. She reached around to behind and winced as she felt what she had done. She would not be telling Ryan about this.

“Another two?” Ronnie said with exasperation as he saw Jane and Anna standing nearby, “We need more help… Or a pay rise.”

Anna was having to stop herself reacting. It was Charlie whose diaper change ended first and as soon as the restraints on the table were undone the pouting person sat up and scooted off the side. They looked like they were ready to fight anyone that got in their way. Anna took a step to the side, she had rarely been one to shirk confrontation but there was a time and a place. Charlie looked like she was just begging for someone to step up to them.

“Don’t forget your spanking later.” Ronnie called after Charlie. To which Charlie stuck their middle-finger up at him over their shoulder, “Alright, that’s another ten!”

Anna was still looking over towards Charlie when a hand suddenly clasped around her arm. She was yanked and as she stumbled off-balance she ended up falling down. With the grip on her arm maintained the rest of her went down until she was sat on the ground.

On impact with the floor Anna felt the poop she had so recently pushed out get sandwiched between the floor and her body. She froze up and cringed as she felt the mud bubbling around her. She wasn’t given any time to dwell on the disgusting feelings though as she was lifted back to her feet and then put on to the table.

“About time you were on this table.” Ronnie said, “It’s not good for little cuties like yourself to hold it all in.”

Anna was repulsed by the way the nursery assistant talked to her as if she was a child. She had to resist retorting verbally or physically, she could see the restraints that had so recently held Charlie down, Ronnie would have no compunction in tying her down she was sure.

“Ooh, what a stinky baby.” Ronnie said as he opened the disposable.

Anna’s face was red and she was having to bite her tongue so hard she was almost drawing blood. Jane had been led away by Ed and was presumably being changed as well, Anna couldn’t see because they were behind her. She wished she could see Jane if for no other reason than to have something to distract herself.

All Anna could do was look up at the ceiling and pray that this was over sooner rather than later. She tried to ignore the demeaning comments from the person changing her diaper but it was very difficult to do so.

“We’ll have you clean and dry soon.”

“What a good girl!”

“Lift that bot-bot for me. That’s it.”

Each comment that left Ronnie’s mouth stung Anna like a bee. She closed eyes that were shimmering with embarrassed tears. She didn’t think she’d be able to stop from exploding with emotion, whether that was anger or sadness she wasn’t sure. Just before she reached her limit she felt the used diaper being pulled out from beneath her.

A minute later a new diaper was being tightly wrapped around Anna’s waist before being taped closed. When she was finally allowed off the table it wasn’t a moment too soon. She was just about to hurry away when she felt a couple of little pats to her rear end.

“There you go.” Ronnie said in that sickeningly sweet voice, “Back to playing with your toys.”

It was enough to send Anna over the edge. She spun around and was just about to vent her spleen at the nursery assistant when Jane hurried over. Before Anna could say anything that would’ve got her in trouble Jane was pulling on her arm.

“Come on.” Jane said, “Let’s go play.”

The red mist had descended but Jane’s words seemed to clear the anger. Anna took several deep breaths before turning back away from Ronnie. That emotion had to go somewhere though and as Jane led the way over to Anna’s favourite corner she couldn’t stop the tears streaming down her face.

Chapter 37: Part Thirty-Seven
Summary:
It isn't just Anna in the nursery suffering. Ryan hs his own troubles. With rumours of him being "pussy whipped" spreading amongst the students he has been made an outcast in a country where making connections is priority number one for the students. However, with Anna in the nursery perhaps there is a way for Ryan to get back into everyone's good books...

Chapter Text
Ryan was sat alone in the cafeteria. Around him there were lots of loud and obnoxious males comparing their stories of conquest or talking about whatever they had been doing on their last night out. There was no one at Ryan’s table and he was eating his way through an apple at the end of his lessons. He would be going to pick up Anna in just a few minutes.

On a personal level Ryan couldn’t care less that he was seen as bit of an oddball. He had heard the whispers about him, the rumors that he was a soft touch and that he was “pussy whipped.” More than once Ryan had walked past other men and found them stopping whatever they were saying and watching as he went by. He thought most of them were annoying at best and insufferable at worst so eating alone didn’t bother him.

On a professional level Ryan was panicking. These people, as awful as they were, would be the future of business, industry and politics. They were the children of the elite, his own father had spent a minor fortune sending him here expecting his son to come back with the knowledge and contacts to be a future leader. To be a pariah among these people threatened to strangle his hopes of a career before he could even start.

Ryan really, really wanted to go into business. As much as he disagreed with his father in pretty much every aspect of his life he had to admit that he loved business. It had been all he ever wanted to be. When other little boys wanted to grow up as superheroes or astronauts Ryan was having pretend boardroom meetings with his stuffed toys.

In his weaker moments Ryan wondered if this was all worth it. He considered that maybe he was wrong and that the other men had it all right. There were times where he felt like he was giving up everything he ever dreamed of for no reason. When he thought about that he felt shivers go down his spine.

Shaking his head Ryan tried to get such thoughts out of his head. He was right and the rest of the country was wrong… right?

“What’s up?”

Ryan was saved from further rumination about his status by a most unexpected voice. Looking up from the table Ryan saw Paul standing in front of him along with some of the other guys he used to hang around with. Ryan hadn’t spoken to any of these men for quite some time, to see them all standing around him now was both unusual and a little intimidating.

“May I sit down?” Paul asked indicating the chair on the opposite side of the table.

“Of course.” Ryan replied as he sat up straight in his seat. He wasn’t sure what was going on and it was putting him on edge.

“We heard about Anna.” Paul smiled, “It took you long enough but I’m glad to hear you’ve caught on. It’s better late than never to grow some balls.”

“Well, actually I-…” Ryan started as Paul’s friends laughed.

“We’ve decided to give you a second chance.” Paul said. He held out his hands like he was being magnanimous.

“Oh, right…” Ryan said. Now it all made sense. They thought he had chosen to send Anna to the nursery as a way to punish her or something.

“Welcome back to the fold.” Another of the men said with a confident smirk.

This seemed to solve Ryan’s problems. If they believed he had “grown some balls” then he wasn’t going to correct them. If there was any way he could have both his wife and career he wasn’t going to turn his nose up at it. He didn’t feel comfortable though, it felt like there was something wrong or more to be said.

“Anna told me Jane was in there.” Ryan tried to sound casual as he tried to find out if there was a way to save the woman.

“Yeah, I sent the paperwork off this morning.” Paul sniffed. It didn’t seem to bother him at all that he was sending a woman to Finishing School, “As soon as it’s processed she’ll be off.”

“An eligible bachelor again.” Another of the guys said prompting some laughter. Ryan felt unwell.

Ryan realised that he was better than these people regardless. He occasionally had dark thoughts about what might happen if he acted more like Paul and treated Anna how Sallas said she should be treated but he would never actually do it. He would never do something that could hurt a fellow person like that. As he watched Paul casually sitting amongst his friends after sending a woman to be essentially tortured Ryan felt nothing but loathing.

Despite all of those negative feelings Ryan couldn’t hide the fact that he was also thrilled. If they truly thought he was like one of them perhaps his future wasn’t dead in the water after all. Maybe there was still a way for him to get everything that he wanted.

“It’s your turn to host the big end of week party by the way.” Paul said after a few seconds, “Well, technically it was last week but you were, you know, persona non grata.”

“Oh…” Ryan felt himself deflating a little, “I don’t know, could we postpone it a couple of weeks?”

Ryan’s suggestion was feeble and as he looked around he saw the other men looking at him with furrowed brows. The laughter and joy was gone and now Ryan saw what they were really thinking. They were suspicious. He was being given a second chance to prove himself but it was obvious he was on a tightrope. Ryan had wanted to delay things to give Anna time get prepared but now he saw that wasn’t an option.

“You know what…” Ryan smiled, “It’s fine. End of the week. Looking forward to it.”

“Good man.” Paul said with an approving nod, “Look, we know things have been a bit… tense recently. But it’s nothing that can’t be forgiven, eh? See you around.”

Ryan nodded and smiled something that he hoped looked genuine as the other men walked away. As he watched their backs retreating he realised how tense he had been for the whole time. He relaxed and tried to take a couple of deep breaths.

For all the happiness he felt that he was being accepted back into the fold it was all cancelled out by anxiety and fear. He knew Anna would not like this news and how could he really blame her. After the week she was having he was sure the last things she would want was to have to host a party. That wasn’t even mentioning that Ryan knew what these parties were like. He’d been to many before he had been ostracized. It was full of debauchery and as the men got drunker, rowdier and less inhibited it was usually the woman that was made to suffer unwanted advances. Things always felt like they had the potential to get really dark.

Ryan pushed his food away as he picked up his bag and left the table. He had to pick up Anna and he would welcome the walk giving him a chance to think. The air was cold but thanks to Sallas’s warm climate a cool evening meant little more than putting on a small jacket.

The walk to the nursery was short and Ryan had been so zoned out he had hardly registered his progress towards it. He was surprised when he looked up to see the nursery door right in front of him. He pushed the door open and walked inside, it looked the same as each of the previous days but this time Anna was waiting for him, she was standing as close to the door as Ryan supposed she could without getting in trouble. As soon as she saw him she walked over to stand next to him.

Ryan wasn’t exactly sure how to broach the subject of the party. Anna was quieter than usual which he guessed meant that she had had a bad day. That said he would certainly need to say something to her. He waited until they had got home and she had been able to have a shower.

“So… Paul spoke to me today.” Ryan began. Anna looked suddenly interested and Ryan realised she thought he might have news to save Jane, “It isn’t about Jane.”

Anna became decidedly less interested. Ryan took a deep breath.

“It looks like I’ve been invited back into the fold.” Ryan said with a small smile.

“That’s good.” Anna replied cautiously. Was Ryan crazy or did he get a hint of sarcasm behind the words?

“Yeah…” Ryan grimaced pre-emptively, “I have to host the weekend party.”

“Ryan…” Anna threw her head back.

“I know, I know.” Ryan said, “Look, I didn’t really get much say in the matter!”

“Did you try “no”?” Anna asked. There was no hiding the sarcasm behind those words.

Ryan had to admit that he hadn’t. All he had really suggested was delaying the party and even that had foundered under the merest resistance. Anna didn’t understand the pressure on him to agree though. He really didn’t have a choice, it was the only way he would have a chance at having a promising future which in turn would surely help out Anna.

“Jesus, Ryan, this week of all weeks?” Anna looked angry.

“I know it’s hard...” Ryan said softly.

“Do you?” Anna asked. She was definitely angry, “Do you know how hard it is? Going to that nursery every day, being humiliated, and seeing your friend just waiting to be sent away? Do you?”

Ryan sighed. He didn’t mean to imply it wasn’t very difficult for Anna and he knew that she knew that as well. By the time she had finished talking she had run out of steam, the pressure that had been threatening to burst out had dissipated.

“I’m sorry.” Anna said quietly, “It’s just been a tough day.”

“Want to talk about it?” Ryan asked.

“No.” Anna replied before her shoulders slumped and she felt a tight know of emotion in her throat, “Yes.”

Ryan sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to him. He was pleased to see his wife walk over and sink down into the seat. She leaned sideways against him and put her feet up on the couch cushions, her hear still had a faint smell of the shampoo she had used that morning. She didn’t immediately say anything. Ryan was about to prompt her when he heard her sniff loudly, she was shaking a little as she tried to hide her crying.

Chapter 38: Part Thirty-Eight
Summary:
Anna returns for another day at the nursery. There is some very bad news from Jane but maybe one of their fellow "prisoners" as an idea...

Chapter Text
“A way out?” Anna replied. Her anger disappeared. The faintest flicker of hope was enough to get her interested.

“I was going to make a break for it myself but I could use someone to watch my back out there.” Charlie continued, “Hell, three of us would be even better.”

“Woah, woah, woah…” Anna said as she let go of Jane and turned to face Charlie. She looked around to make sure none of the men were listening, “First of all, how are you getting out? Just walk out the front door?”

“Not the front door.” Charlie replied, “The back door.”

Anna shook her head. She didn’t see how anyone could expect to just waltz out of this place. Even if you could get outside the nursery Anna didn’t see how you’d get much further, it wasn’t like women didn’t run away or try to escape Sallas often. Everything she heard suggested that escape attempts were never successful and if you were caught it usually meant bad things in your future.

“Look, at nap time the quiet guard, Ed, goes out for a smoke. I’ve noticed he doesn’t lock the door. I’ve been chiseling my way through the bars on my crib. Today I’m going to break them, slip out, and run for it.” Charlie said.

“What about the tracking devices?” Anna asked as she pointed to her own leg. All of the women had identical black boxes attached to them.

“Those things?” Charlie scoffed, “The straps on them are cheap. We’ll cut through them and leave them in a ditch or something.”

“That’s it?” Anna replied skeptically, “That’s your plan?”

“It’s pretty hard to predict what will happen once we get out there.” Charlie replied honestly.

“No shit.” Anna snorted, “Believe me I want nothing more than to get out of this country. But you’ve seen the escape attempts on the news… they never work.”

“Well of course they’ll say that.” Charlie said, “You think they’d tell you if women could escape? They want you to think it’s impossible so you won’t bother trying. Look, once we are out there we make our way to the border. We stay away from major roads, we steal what we need and we get out. The countries bordering us all grant women asylum.”

Anna already knew that the neighboring countries offered Sallasian women asylum. She had seen plenty of that on her illegal searches of the internet. There were also a few accounts of women who had made the run and got out but there was no way to verify if they were real or not.

“It’s too risky.” Anna shook her head.

“I’ll do it.” Jane’s quiet voice piped up.

Anna and Charlie both turned to Jane who slowly turned herself around. Her eyes were red and puffy but if she had been crying she had stopped now, she actually had a small smile on her face which worried Anna a lot.

“It isn’t like I have anything to lose.” Jane shrugged.

“Atta girl.” Charlie nodded.

All eyes turned to Anna. She looked down between her legs and tried to think. Getting out of Sallas had always felt like an unobtainable goal, even doing things officially with Ryan it seemed a near impossibility. She truly wanted to believe Charlie was right and that women could get out, but it meant acting on blind faith. Freedom could be outside the door… but it seemed even more likely that the Finishing School was there. She could see herself packed into the back of a van with Charlie and Jane and taken away never to be seen again.

“Think about it.” Charlie said, “Nap time today I will be getting out and both of you are welcome to join me.”

As Charlie backed away from her Anna almost wanted to curse her for giving her a choice. When escape wasn’t an option it was easy to just never think about it. Now that it had been brought up she found her mind obsessing over the idea. She had a decent thing here, she loved Ryan and he treated her well, could she give up a relatively safe life for the unknown?

You think Ryan wouldn’t send you to Finishing School if it helped his career? An unwanted voice in Anna’s brain asked. Ryan’s desire to be a top businessman wasn’t a secret to her, if it came down to a choice between his career and her could she truly be sure he wouldn’t choose his job? She couldn’t help but think how quickly Ryan had agreed to host a party and join in with the other guys when given a chance to rescue his career, who was to say that he wouldn’t give her up entirely if he had to?

For the rest of the morning Anna and Jane sat in mostly silence. Anna was very clearly occupied with the question of escape and Jane was the same way. It was easier for Jane, as she herself said she had nothing to lose. Anna had her meagre freedoms. If she went to Finishing School she would lose herself and that meant losing everything she had. She wouldn’t be killed but her personality would be as good as dead.

When the women were put down for their naps Anna’s heart was hammering like she had been running around all morning. Even as the room fell silent and she watched Ed leave the room with a cigarette she didn’t know what she was going to do. She rolled over whilst still pretending to be asleep. She saw Charlie push against one of the crib’s bars a couple of times before it came away, it hit the floor and made a small bang.

After a couple of seconds when it became clear that no one was coming Charlie slipped out of her crib and landed on the ground. Anna’s wide eyes watched as she ran over to Jane’s crib. She trod on the release and caught the bars before they clattered into the ground. Jane climbed out and looked around fearfully.

They looked ridiculous. Anna saw the two women rushing around with bare feet and onesies covering their diapers. The idea that they could get very far like that seemed absurd and yet she couldn’t help but be drawn to joining them. No matter how futile it might be it almost felt like her duty to escape, to at least try and get somewhere where she could be a normal woman equal to the men around her. Charlie looked like she was going to head straight to the exit but Jane pulled her to Anna’s crib.

“Anna?” Jane whispered.

Anna sat up and looked at Jane. Charlie reluctantly came over though it was obvious she didn’t want to hang around for a single unnecessary second. Anna bit her lip as she looked at the two women in front of her.

“Come on!” Charlie muttered impatiently.

Anna started to get up. She could see freedom and as impossible as it sounded to her the chance was still not zero. Images flashed in her mind of the three of them running through the words hand in hand, stealing clothes, hiding out and finally making their way across the border. On the other side freedom awaited them. A chance to go to college and have a career, a place where she wouldn’t have to be on edge all the time. It was a romanticized vision of what would happen, she knew that.

“We have to go…” Charlie started pulling on Jane’s arm but Anna’s friend refused to be pulled away.

“I… I can’t.” Anna replied with a full feeling in her throat.

No matter how much Anna yearned for freedom she couldn’t ignore how difficult escaping Sallas was. As much as she wished to be with Jane and keep her safe at the same time she couldn’t abandon Ryan. She loved him and didn’t want to run away and leave him in the lurch. She thought about how he would feel if she tried to escape and failed, she’d be returned to him after Finishing School as a different woman.

“Are you sure?” Jane asked. She couldn’t completely hide her disappointment and fear.

Anna nodded her head quickly. She didn’t feel like she would be able to speak without bursting into tears. It wasn’t often that her head won out over her heart but she had to let it happen this time. She reached out her hands through the bars and Jane grabbed them. She held on so hard Anna was afraid she would break them.

“Be safe.” Anna choked out.

Jane nodded her head before Charlie’s incessant pulling finally won out. Anna felt Jane’s grip slip before she let go completely and trailed after Charlie towards the door. Anna crawled to the other side of the crib and watched as they got near the door. Her heart caught in her throat as she suddenly saw the door open and Ed walk back in. Jane and Charlie pressed themselves against the wall where they were hidden from the door but that would only work until it closed. Anna had to react instinctively.

Anna jumped up to her feet and then leapt again at the rails. She had never been the most athletic but the panic seemed to unlock something in her and she was able to pull herself over to the top of the rails. She tipped her bodyweight forwards and fell all the way down to the floor landing painfully on her ass. Normally Anna would do everything in her power not to cry but now she wanted as much attention as possible.

Taking in a deep breath Anna let out the loudest cry she could ever imagine. She banged the floor with her hands and feet and practically screamed. A couple of seconds later she heard two more voices joining the chorus as Rebecca and Macy, suddenly woken up, started crying as well. Anna looked out of the corner of her eye as Ed started walking over with the door still open.

“Did the baby get a boo-boo?” Ronnie asked as he strode across the room towards her.

Anna nodded her head and acted as much like an upset baby as she possibly could. As Ed came over as well Anna looked past him and saw Charlie and Jane disappearing through the door and closing it behind them. Just like that they were gone.

“How did she end up here?” Mr. Kenny’s voice commanded everyone’s attention.

“I think she climbed out.” Ronnie replied.

Anna now had the three men standing around her discussing how she had ended up on the floor. The noise in the room was incredible thanks to the other two women wailing, Anna was thankful for that because with Jane and Charlie out the door she found it much harder to keep up the act.

“Alright, you two sort out the other two girls.” Mr. Kenny said, “I’ll take care of Anna.”

The two assistants walked away from Anna and towards the other cribs. Mr. Kenny then knelt down in front of Anna. He watched her for a couple of seconds before reaching down and pulling her to her feet.

“It’s OK, baby.” Mr. Kenny said in a soothing voice, “What happened? Did you climb out of your crib?”

Anna nodded. Very quickly she saw Mr. Kenny’s face change. It had hardened as he looked from Anna to the crib and back. He pressed his foot on the nearby release and the rails came rattling down. He didn’t attempt to keep the bars from banging as they hit the ground. Anna jumped at the loud noise whilst the other two women cried even louder.

“You know that’s against the rules.” Mr. Kenny said more harshly, “Why were you climbing your bed, little girl?”

Anna couldn’t very well say she was causing a distraction so two women could sneak out and make a run for it. She didn’t have a legitimate reason so she shrugged.

“Well… Let’s get you back in your crib.” Mr. Kenny said as he directed Anna towards the bed.

Anna was just about to climb up when she felt Mr. Kenny’s arm in her back pushing her forwards over the edge of the mattress. She grunted and exclaimed at the sudden harsh treatment. She was just about to ask the caretaker what the hell he was doing when she felt his hand slam into her rear. She let out a little scream from shock as she was spanked over the edge of the crib. A methodical and painful ten swats stung her cheeks.

“Climbing is dangerous.” Mr. Kenny said as he finished the impromptu punishment, “You must listen to the men around you. You must listen to their rules. They exist to protect girls like you from hurting themselves.”

The condescension in Mr. Kenny’s voice was almost enough to make Anna swear at him. She bit her tongue and nodded her head compliantly. As the pressure was released from her back she was allowed to climb back into the crib. Instead of raising the railings Mr. Kenny reached over to the far corner and then grabbed Anna’s ankle, a second later she felt something tightening around the bottom of her leg.

“We have to make sure you’re not going to go anywhere.” Mr. Kenny said as he started restraining Anna to the bed.

One by one Anna’s limbs were placed in the restraints at each corner. Everything was tightened until Anna was forced into a star shape and couldn’t pull her arms of legs back to her body. Anna felt extremely vulnerable like this but at the same time knew she was better off not kicking up a fuss and incurring more of Mr. Kenny’s wrath.

“Enjoy the rest of your nap.” Mr. Kenny said as he pulled up the railings and walked away.

Anna let out a deep breath as her head laid back on the pillow. She could feel herself sweating. Now that the adrenaline was leaving her system everything that had just happened started to sink in. She prayed that Jane and Charlie were already making good progress, getting off campus would be tough. Anna closed her eyes, as the excitement went away she felt drained and to her surprise she soon found herself drifting into sleep.

To say the rest of the day was chaotic would be an understatement. Anna was awoken from her nap by raised voices and as she lifted her head up she saw the three men were around Jane’s crib. Mr. Kenny was on his phone whilst Ed and Ronnie were skulking in the background with brows furrowed.

For once Sallas’s bureaucracy worked in Anna’s favour. It was needless to say that Mr. Kenny believed that Anna was part of the escape attempt.

“You were the distraction.” Mr. Kenny jabbed an accusing finger into Anna’s chest. She was still strapped to the mattress.

“I have no idea-” Anna started.

“You think you’ve helped them?” Mr. Kenny let out a bark of a laugh, “You’ll be joining your little friend in Finishing School.”

Needless to say Anna was terrified but thanks to the need for paperwork Mr. Kenny actually couldn’t do anything so extreme without evidence. He strongly suspected Anna, of course, but even in Sallas suspicion wasn’t everything. He got increasingly angry as Jane and Charlie apparently remained unfound. Anna silently cheered them on and hoped they were putting as much distance between themselves and the college as possible. The further away they got the harder it would be to find them.

Anna remained tied to the crib and basically forgotten for the rest of the afternoon. She relaxed herself and casually wet her diaper as she watched the activity bustling around her. Security guards with guns and stern faces came in and talked to people before leaving again. One even spoke to Anna but she just said she had no idea what happened. It didn’t look like anyone really believed her but that didn’t matter.

When Ryan walked in at the end of the day there was still no news about Jane and Anna had been left neglected in the crib all day. It happened behind the headboard of the crib so she couldn’t see what was happening but the loud voices let her know there was some disagreement. With the intense discussion ongoing Ronnie came over to the crib and lowered the side. He removed the restraints and walked away again without a word.

Anna slowly sat up. After so long kept in the same position all of her muscles complained at being asked to move again. She twisted sideways and sat on the edge of the baby bed as she stretched, her neck cracked loudly when she tilted her head from side to side.

“Mr. Manning, I know you must want your girl back in the home but…” Mr. Kenny said.

“You do not have the right!” Ryan replied.

Anna slipped off the edge of the bed and waddled over to her husband. She still had no idea what the conversation was about beyond she was the subject. When Mr. Kenny saw Anna walk over his lips thinned and pressed together so tightly they turned completely white.

“I assure you I do.” Mr. Kenny said as he looked to Ryan again, “This is my domain and I can do whatever I like. What Anna did today-…”

“You have no evidence that she was involved!” Ryan retorted, “From what you’ve told me you simply found her on the floor. It should be ME getting mad at how you allowed her to end up there.”

“Regardless…” Mr. Kenny shook his head slowly, “In here my word is the law. I may not be able to prove Anna committed a crime in helping two other girls escape, I may not be able to send her to Finishing School but I can and will keep her here until I’m satisfied she has been reformed into a good girl.”

“W-Wait…” Anna stammered, “What are you saying?”

“Or would you rather we went to the Dean?” Mr. Kenny asked, “We can let him decide and believe me when I say he has no qualms about sending girls away.”

Anna was stood just behind Ryan almost subconsciously using her husband as a shield. She could see Ryan shaking and very tense, it seemed like he was about to literally explode out of his skin.

“Perhaps the news would be better coming from you.” Mr. Kenny smirked, “I’ll give you both a minute.”

Mr. Kenny turned and walked away. As he did so Anna saw Ronnie and Ed walking behind her and blocking access to the door. It felt like they were about to be ambushed, as if they had walked into a trap and it was just dawning on them that there was no escape. Ryan turned around and Anna could see he was angry.

“You have to stay here.” Ryan said simply, “You’re not coming home with me tonight.”

“What!?” Anna exclaimed.

“Mr. Kenny says you helped Jane escape?” Ryan muttered quietly.

Anna didn’t say anything or make any movement that might confirm or deny what Ryan had said. It was obviously true. Anna didn’t know how Ryan would react but she didn’t think he would put his hands up to his face. It seemed like he was weary of everything that was going on, his frustration was plain to see.

“Why?” Ryan finally asked, “Do you even understand the risks you run? Do you understand what could happen to you and me if you’d been seen? For the love of god, Anna, I appreciate Jane is your friend but…”

“I don’t need a lecture.” Anna replied. It was her old temper, the one she had been holding back all day finally letting loose.

“I don’t know what to do.” Ryan sighed. His hands dropped down and as his emotions drained away it left a defeated looking man, “I’m starting to think you like making things difficult…”

“I couldn’t let Jane get caught trying to escape.” Anna said.

“Jane is fucked either way.” Ryan stated. His straightness made Anna wince, “Either she got sent away or they’ll send her away when they catch her.”

“She might make it out…” Anna said. She was very aware of how little it sounded like she truly believed that.

“Well, anyway, there’s nothing I can do.” Ryan finally shrugged his shoulders, “You’re being kept here every weekday and you come home on weekends.”

“For how long?” Anna asked.

“A month at least.” Ryan said as sympathy crept into his voice, “Mr. Kenny was angling for the whole semester but I think I’ve talked him down.”

“A… A month…” Anna’s brain had gone blank. She felt dizzy and wondered if she was about to pass out. This couldn’t be right. She was supposed to finish this sentence in a few days but now weeks had been added, “I can’t…”

“You have to.” Ryan put his hands on Anna’s shoulders, “The alternative is much, much worse.”

Anna started crying and unlike earlier in the day she didn’t need to exaggerate her emotions. She leaned forwards against Ryan, he was clearly hesitating to hug her but after a couple of awkward pats on her back he wrapped his arms around her. A part of Anna was worried that this closeness would somehow be used against them but right then and there she needed her husband to offer her some comfort.

“Stay strong.” Ryan whispered, “Keep your head down.”

Anna didn’t ever want to let go but eventually she had no choice. She wiped her eyes as she stepped back and watched as Ryan walked past her and out of the nursery. Before the door had even closed Ronnie and Ed were closing in on her.

Chapter 39: Part Thirty-Nine
Summary:
Anna can only hope and pray that Jane was able to escape. However, when Charlie is unceremoniously brought back to the nursery Anna can only fear the worst.

Chapter Text
Anna had felt like a prisoner before being told she couldn’t leave the nursery but now it felt a lot more literal. She was fed dinner in her highchair and then put in her crib very early in the evening along with the other two women. Both the runaway women’s cribs remained empty which could only be a good thing.

As Anna closed her eyes that night she thought about Jane and Charlie. She wondered how they were getting on. In her mind’s eye she saw them running from the campus and disappearing into a wooded area, she pictured them making food over a small campfire and going to sleep curled up closely for warmth. She felt confident that as long as Jane was with Charlie she was safe. Charlie definitely seemed to know how to look after themselves.

The next morning Anna woke up early. As she stretched out and felt her diaper crinkle between her legs she looked out at the nursery. It took her a few moments to remember where she was. She looked over at the empty cribs and saw they were still undisturbed.

The morning was exactly what Anna expected. She was allowed out of her crib after a little while and given a bottle, unlike when she first came here she didn’t hesitate to drink from it. As she did so she let loose with her bladder, there was no sneaking away to use the bathroom like when she was at home. Of course that wasn’t the end of it. She usually needed to poop in the morning and usually tried to make sure it happened before going to the nursery. That wasn’t an option now.

Without Jane to make her feel better Anna ducked behind one of the changing tables so she was out of sight of everyone whilst she did her business. She crouched down and pushed. It was a well-practiced motion after all these years in diapers so it was all over in a matter of seconds. She held her breath and a second later the seat of her disposable started to bulge out. She sighed in annoyance. How she wished she could be at home doing this in the toilet or at least changing herself to keep a little dignity.

“Finished?” Ronnie’s gruff voice made Anna’s skin crawl.

Looking over her shoulder Anna saw the bald nursery assistant standing behind her and smirking. Anna slowly stood up and felt her diaper sag. Some of the stink escaped as she moved. Ronnie walked up to her and reached around to the filled diaper, without breaking eye contact he pressed his hand against the bulging padding and pressed it against her ass. Anna winced and closed her eyes.

“Need a change, saggy pants?” Ronnie asked with a smirk.

“You know I do.” Anna muttered under her breath.

“I hope it was worth it.” Ronnie continued as he reached under Anna’s arms.

Anna bit her tongue. The nursery assistant was trying to get a rise out of her. After the events of the previous day she had no doubt that both Ronnie and Ed had been given a severe dressing down by Mr. Kenny and they were happy to turn their attentions to Anna since they were as sure as everyone else that she was involved.

“Let’s get that little mush butt of yours changed.” Ronnie growled. The cutesy words sounding even more threatening as they were growled out by this huge man.

Anna was lifted up and before she could even register what was happening she was sat on the edge of the changing table. The depressingly familiar feeling of poop spreading out over the diaper and against her butt made her shiver. She slowly lifted her legs up and turned sideways so the she could lay down.

Whilst she was changed Anna looked out at the nursery. She could see the other two women sleepily playing with each other on the floor. There was only two people less and yet the room felt so much emptier. Anna wasn’t looking forwards to trying to keep herself occupied without Jane here. She looked at Macy, the woman desperately trying not to become the regressed baby that Rebecca was, and swallowed nervously. She was going to spend a lot of time here, she prayed she didn’t somehow end up like her.

Anna closed her eyes as she imagined herself as a baby trapped in a woman’s body. She could picture Ryan’s sad eyes as he had to look after her, she would be a burden rather than a wife. She couldn’t even be sure her husband would keep her. If it came down to it would Ryan really find her worth the hassle when he had his job to worry about as well. She supposed that Ryan could hire a babysitter but...

Anna shook her head. There was nothing good to be gained from going down that line of thinking. The only thing she could do was make sure that she didn’t end up a brainless baby. No matter what happened she had to keep herself occupied even if that meant sitting in the corner and obsessively trying to remember stories, facts and other things that would keep her synapses firing.

“All done.” Ronnie said as he finished taping up the new diaper, “I’m sure there will be many, many more to come.”

Anna was lifted off the table and put back on the floor. She wobbled slightly as Ronnie patted her butt a couple of times and then walked away. After a moment’s hesitation Anna went back to the safety of the beanbag chair in the corner. Since she was stuck there anyway she didn’t feel the need to try and socialize with the others.

All morning she was constantly plagued by a tide of panic that she was only able to keep at bay with a lot of difficulty. She was just trying to get through each minute as it came but if she really was going to be spending all her time here except for weekends for the rest of the semester she was sure she’d go mad.

“Do you wanna pway wif us?” Rebecca shouted to Anna.

Anna was shaken out of her dread as she looked over at the two baby women. Her first thought was, of course, to ignore them but when she saw Mr. Kenny looking on she had second-thoughts. He knew she didn’t want to be here, he knew this was hell for her, so what better way to stick it to him than to not be miserable. Sure playing with the toys would feel humiliating but Anna had to take her wins where she could. Perhaps if she played with the babies she would more easily recognize if she started to become like them.

With more than a little trepidation Anna joined Macy and Rebecca. She certainly wasn’t getting into the games as much as the other two but it was enough to occupy her time at least. She would have a lot of time to occupy since it was only Wednesday and although she was apparently allowed to go home with Ryan for the weekend that felt a long way away at that point. With a jolt of dread Anna remembered the party she was going to have to be a part of that evening when all she wanted to do was relax and enjoy some time away from the nursery.

It was a couple of hours later and with Anna’s diaper getting wet enough to soon need a change that the phone on Mr. Kenny’s desk rang. She didn’t pay any attention until she heard excitement and laughter. She looked up from the doll she had half-dressed to the desk. Mr. Kenny was smiling widely and talking animatedly. After a couple of minutes he hung up the phone and immediately called Ronnie and Ed over. Anna couldn’t hear what he was saying to them but they looked happy and the two assistants left the room together. That was unusual and left Mr. Kenny the only man in the nursery.

Anna had a bad feeling about everything that she was witnessing. An hour later her fears were realised. The door to the nursery opened and the assistants came back in… they weren’t alone. Charlie was led in on a chain. Her upper-half was in a straitjacket as she waddled in behind the two large men.

“Charlotte.” Mr. Kenny walked over and stood in front of the returned prisoner, “It’s good to have you back with us.”

“Bite me.” Charlie replied without missing a beat.

“Take her to her crib and leave her there.” Mr. Kenny spoke to the assistants but was still looking at Charlie, “We'll discuss your behaviour later.”

Anna watched as Charlie was pulled over to the cribs. Even now they were resisting as much as they possibly could. Anna expected the assistants to leave the room and come back with Jane but they didn’t. There was no sign of her. Anna had no idea whether that should be considered good news or not, it certainly left her feeling anxious.

Suddenly the thought of playing with dolls was repellent to Anna and she quickly dropped them. She didn’t think the other women even noticed as she moved back to her corner. She looked over to where Charlie was being manhandled. Ronnie and Ed had taken off the straitjacket and were working on restraining them to the crib. Even after everything Charlie was still putting up a fight. Anna wanted to go over and question Charlie but she didn’t want to risk being seen by the men. She had to wait.

In the end it wasn’t until the evening when Anna finally got a chance to talk to Charlie. They had been left in the crib all day but with things winding down after dinner Anna found a moment where she could sneak amongst the cribs until she was standing next to Charlie’s cell.

“What happened?” Anna whispered.

“Oh, hey, it turns out you were right.” Charlie said with a wry smile, “It isn’t easy getting out of this country.”

“Where’s Jane?” Anna muttered urgently. She was praying that Jane had somehow avoided capture.

Charlie’s expression darkened and Anna immediately knew that her friend wasn’t still on the run or safe. She felt her stomach sink and thought she might throw up. Even Charlie, someone who seemed to only ever display anger, looked like she had tears in her eyes. She worked to blink them away.

“We were caught on the outskirts of town.” Charlie muttered, “Government people in a van suddenly pulled up on us. Someone must’ve seen us and called them. They grabbed Jane before we could even react. I tried to run but didn’t get far.”

“But where is Jane?” Anna asked breathlessly.

“Finishing School.” Charlie replied, “They took her away. Anna, I’m sorry I know you were-…”

Anna wasn’t listening. She dropped back away from the crib bars. Her worst fears had been realised. There was nothing she could do anymore, Jane had been taken and was perhaps already at the Finishing School. A crushing overwhelming guilt fell on her like a boulder.

“I should’ve been there…” Anna said. She thought she would break down but instead she just went numb, “I should’ve gone with you… Helped you.”

“There was nothing you could do.” Charlie said simply before continuing in her no nonsense manner, “Don’t start with that “it’s all my fault” bullshit.”

“I could’ve helped watch out for danger.” Anna shook her head, “I might’ve seen them coming, I might’ve been able to fight them of or…”

“Anna, there was nothing anyone could do.” Charlie’s voice had dropped to a more considerate tone as she looked at the grief-stricken Anna, “Nothing. If you were there you’d just have been caught as well.”

“But…” Anna started.

“I’m serious, Anna.” Charlie said as she laid her head back down, “Now go back to your corner. If they catch us together they’ll punish us both and I’m already in enough trouble as it is.”

Anna was on auto-pilot as she walked away from the crib and made her way back over to the beanbag she had made her own. Her mind still felt frozen. She had experienced a lot of things but few had hit her on such an emotional level as this. Poor Jane, her one friend, was essentially gone. Her body would remain but whenever she came out of Finishing School she wouldn’t be the same woman. Anna would probably never even see her again.

The last realization, that she would never see Jane again, finally shocked her brain back into life. The fogginess that had prevented her absorbing the terrible news lifted and she was faced with crushing despair. She started sobbing and no matter what she did the tears became stronger and more numerous until she was crying loudly. She buried her face in her hands and couldn’t stop thinking about poor Jane’s fate.

Anna had heard what Charlie had said but she didn’t agree with them. She should’ve been there to help. She should’ve thrown caution to the wind and made a break for the border. If she had been there everything would’ve been different. They would’ve made different decisions. Who knows how things might’ve gone? Maybe Anna was the missing piece that they needed to make it all the way.

Lost in her own little world of misery Anna didn’t see nor hear Ed walking across the room to her. She was crying loudly when she felt a hand suddenly grab one of her arms and pull her to her feet. She squealed as she stumbled forwards. She didn’t even have a chance to look up when she felt another hand cupping the bottom of her diaper and pressing it up against her.

Anna’s brain was overwhelmed by everything and only slowly realised it was Ed and that he thought she was crying because she needed a change. She was wet but not enough to need a change and even if she was leaking down her legs she wouldn’t have been pathetically crying like a baby.

After a couple of seconds of prodding and poking Ed turned without letting go of Anna’s arm and started towards the changing tables. Anna stumbled forwards behind her feeling like a ragdoll. Ed represented everything she hated about Sallas. A man who felt like he could do whatever he wanted and didn’t even need to talk to her. Her desolation turned to an explosive anger in a heartbeat.

“Get off me!” Anna screamed wildly.

Ed just pulled Anna forwards again. He didn’t say a word and Anna stumbled forwards as his strength proved difficult to resist. Anna twisted her arm in an attempt to pull it free, she only managed to get Ed to look at her with confusion.

“I don’t need a change!” Anna shouted into his face as fresh tears ran down her cheeks, “I don’t need you to help me! I don’t need any of you to do anything!”

Ed just stared at Anna and the tearful woman wasn’t even sure he understood her. After an awkward couple of seconds he turned towards the changing area and started pulling her again. All rational thought had left Anna. She didn’t care anymore. She couldn’t take what was happening, she refused to quietly go along with everything.

Anna pulled her arm and yet again Ed stopped. This time when he turned to look at her he seemed frustrated. His mouth was open and he may have been about to say something but Anna would never know.

There was no conscious decision made. Anna was simply a woman at the end of her tether and she lifted her arm into the air. She let out a loud scream as she swung forwards and slapped Ed in the face. Ed didn’t react even as a red patch appeared on his cheek. Anna slapped him again but when she went for a third one Ed grabbed her arm.

Ed bent down and Anna yelped as he found herself over the much stronger man’s shoulder. Her legs kicked and her hands beat uselessly on Ed’s lower back as she was carried over to the padded tables. Her face was red from crying and embarrassment.

“Put me down!” Anna exclaimed, “I’m an adult!”

Ed did indeed put Anna down but only on to the changing table. Anna continued to struggle but Ed ripped at her diaper until he could pull it out and throw it to the floor. Anna tried to sit up but her legs were lifted into the air and rolled back until her feet were over her face. Her hands tried to hit Ed but she couldn’t reach any part of him.

“You… Bastard!” Anna screamed.

The first spank landed directly on her left cheek. The next one landed on the right. These weren’t soft either, almost immediately Anna felt stinging pain radiating throughout her ass. Here tears had never stopped but now they became desperate as Ed methodically punished her. She didn’t want to let him know how much his spanks hurt, she grit her teeth and balled her hands into fists as she tried to absorb the blows.

The spanking kept going and Anna’s desperate attempts to appear composed started to fall apart. Her whole butt felt like it was ln fire as she started letting out little moans with each spank. It felt like her flesh was being tenderized and she started kicking her legs in desperation to get away.

Soon Anna’s moans became louder. Then they became pleadings. Then they became a garbled mess of crying and screams. She could feel nothing but pain and she was completely incapable of coherent thoughts. Soon she was just screaming as she begged for the spanking to end. She had no idea what she was saying but she was apologizing and begging for forgiveness, the exact words were lost amongst her screams and cries.

“Ed.” Mr. Kenny’s voice came from very close by. Anna had no idea how long he had been there, “That’s enough.”

The spanks stopped but that barely helped Anna. The residual pain and stinging was terrible. Her legs were lowered but the fight had been beaten out of her. She cried out in pain as her battered butt laid on top of a fresh diaper which was swiftly taped on to her. She was so limp that she had to be carried to her crib and dumped inside.

For Anna everything was pain. Physically, mentally and emotionally she was in agony. The one thing she wanted more than anything else was Ryan. She wanted her husband to hold her and tell her it would be alright, to assure her things would get better. But she couldn’t have him. She was staying in the nursery until Friday evening.

Anna reached behind herself and gingerly touched the back of the new diaper. She winced and sharply inhaled, even the slightest touch caused a renewed burning pain. She was exhausted and started to wonder if she hadn’t had everything wrong. If she just gave in and did as she was told she wouldn’t have to experience such agony. If she just became like Rebecca she wouldn’t have to worry about anything anymore…

Anna curled up into the fetal position as she tried to recover from the most traumatic half an hour she had ever experienced.

Chapter 40: Part Forty-One
Summary:
Ryan has to prepare for the party and as he does so he receives an unwelcome call. Anna is glad to go home for the weekend but with what is coming would she rather stay at the nursery?

Chapter Text
Ryan walked around the supermarket with a shopping cart in front of him. The party was tomorrow and he was buying the things he would need. He was dreading it and couldn’t wait for it to be finished so they could go back to “normal.” He would have almost no time to prepare Anna to the ordeal she might face.

Thinking about Anna made Ryan’s heart ache. He had no idea what was going on and wouldn’t be picking her up for another twenty-four hours. Even then it was only for the weekend before she went back. He hadn’t thought this separation would be as painful as it was turning out for him.

“Beer, food, cigarettes…” Ryan was looking down into the cart. He didn’t want to forget anything.

These parties were not just normal events. Ryan had been to a few before he had been exiled and to say they could get wild was an understatement. Some of the things he had seen, if he had told Anna about them in full he knew she would be dreading the party even more than she already was. He only wished there was some way to protect her, in all honesty he would have very little control over the situation.

How Ryan wished he could cancel the party. He had racked his brain trying to think of a reason to postpone without there being any consequences but had come up empty. He knew this party was more than just the regular end of week celebration, this was a test. Paul and the other men weren’t going to let him back into the fold without proving he belonged there.

Ryan pushed the cart along as he looked at the shelves. His mind was wandering elsewhere until he came upon the condom section. His jaw hardened and he swallowed hard. He didn’t think Anna understood just how wild these events could get. He KNEW Anna didn’t understand how crazy things could go. At some of the past events he had witnessed the other men’s wives being taken to the bedroom and the guys would take turns. It almost seemed like a rite of passage for the men, something Ryan had managed to avoid.

The thought of Anna being put into such a position made Ryan’s skin crawl. She would never forgive him for allowing that to happen and he couldn’t blame her. The problem was that if the other guys decided that was what they wanted it put him into a position he desperately didn’t want to be in. This was his second chance at having a career, there wouldn’t be a third.

Ryan turned away from the shelves and made his way over to get some more snacks. As he rifled through the various choices of chips he reflected on how strange the last couple of days had been. Ostensibly he had been welcomed back into the “alpha” group of men but there was still something separating him from the others. They were wary of him. He felt like a wolf who had stumbled on to a pack, the others were allowing him to stay but he hadn’t been welcomed yet, not until he earned his keep.

Every time Ryan was with the other men he saw their glances his way. He heard the way conversation shifted slightly when he was in the room. He was desperate to be one of them again. It truly was all or nothing. As one of them he would soon be climbing the ladder and becoming the powerful businessman he had always dreamt about. A position where he could afford anything he wanted and keep Anna safe. If he didn’t become one of their friends he could kiss it all goodbye.

Ryan wheeled the cart to the checkout and started putting everything on the conveyor belt. As the food was being scanned he looked at the man working at the cash register. He looked miserable, it was a reminder of where Ryan could end up if things went badly at the party.

Once he had paid Ryan pushed the cart back to where he had collected it and pulled the bags out. He had barely taken a couple of steps when his phone rang. With a sigh he put the bags down and reached into his pocket, his phone let him know that it was his father calling him. A rare occurrence and one that worried Ryan considerably.

“Hello?” Ryan said as he answered. He hated how nervous he sounded.

“Ryan! My boy!” Harold’s voice boomed through the phone so loudly that Ryan had to hold it away from his head, “How are you doing? Keeping those grades up?”

“I’m fine. Classes are-…” Ryan started.

“Great, great, I’m glad to hear it.” Harold interrupted, “And Anna?”

“She’s… fine.” Ryan replied with hesitation. He wasn’t sure he wanted his father to know exactly what had been happening.

“Don’t you worry about her.” Harold said, “A spell in that nursery will do her some good. Help her learn her place. Old Trent, on the board, he had his wife sent to that very same nursery back when he was in college and it straightened her right up.”

“That’s… Wait, how do you know about Anna?” Ryan asked.

“You don’t think I wouldn’t be keeping an eye on you, did you?” Harold let out a loud laugh that made Ryan wince, “I have to admit I was getting worried about you. You know I want to retire soon and I need to know the family business is in safe hands.”

“I know.” Ryan replied.

“I’d heard you were being a pussy.” Harold laughed again. This time Ryan heard an edge to it, a note of warning, “I’m very happy that I heard wrong.”

Ryan didn’t know what to say to that so he didn’t say anything. He heard his father breathe a couple of times. It seemed like he was waiting, almost daring his son to say something back to him. The silence seemed to stretch on but Ryan wasn’t going to say a word. It felt like a game of chicken where the first person to speak would lose.

“Alright, well, I’ve got to go.” Harold finally said, “You’re making me proud son.”

Ryan felt bile rise up in his throat but he forced it back down. He said his goodbyes and hung up as quickly as he could. It was only as he put his phone back in his pocket that he realised his hand was trembling and he was dripping sweat despite it not being warm. Ryan picked up his shopping and hurried home, he couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder several times wondering if someone was watching.

---

Anna’s hand moved across the paper but she was barely paying any attention to what she was doing. It was the afternoon and she knew she would soon be picked up but Ryan. With what awaited her that evening she didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. She couldn’t stop thinking about poor Jane either. Thinking about what her friend was going through right then made her want to break down and cry. She was in mourning for a friend who hadn’t died.

“Aww, that’s a pretty picture.” Mr. Kenny’s voice made Anna jump, “Is that you and your Daddy?”

Anna frowned and looked down at the paper. Her mind had been elsewhere all day so she was rather surprised to see she had finger-painted two people holding hands surrounded by big red hearts. One was clearly her and the other, she realised now, definitely was Ryan. The painting was rough since she was using her fingers and not paying attention, she had never been much of an artist. Hearing someone refer to Ryan as her “Daddy” made her feel unwell.

“This looks perfect for going up on the wall.” Mr. Kenny continued as he picked the drawing up, “I bet your Daddy will love it when he sees it.”

“Don’t call him that…” Anna muttered. She shivered as she heard the words.

“Come on, Anna. There’s no need to be cranky when we’re making so much progress already.” Mr. Kenny reached down and ruffled Anna’s hair.

Progress? Anna had been sat at the table with the other women after nap time and when told to paint she had painted. With a start Anna realised she had just sort of switched her brain off. With everything going on it was so much easier to try to just not think about anything. She turned to look at Macy and Rebecca and shuddered. She had to be better than this. She couldn’t lose herself like that, it was a very slippery slope. She had paint everywhere from her hands to her face to the apron that protected the nursery’s clothes.

Anna felt the old combative spirit igniting in her a little. The men here wanted her to regress to little more than a useless baby, they wanted her to fail but she would be damned before she gave in to what they wanted.

Fortunately Anna was saved from much more embarrassment when Ryan walked in. After the last few days he was a sight for sore eyes and Anna quickly jumped to her feet, pulled the apron off and hurried over. By the time she reached Ryan’s side he was already in conversation with Mr. Kenny.

“You must have her back here Monday morning.” Mr. Kenny was explaining, “And then you’ll be able to pick her up again next Friday… that is unless you want to leave her here for weekends as well.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Ryan replied stonily.

Anna tried not to show the horror she felt at the idea of being left at the nursery practically permanently. These weekends were the only thing keeping her sane. She swallowed as she looked up at Ryan. He seemed to be avoiding her gaze which surprised her after these days they had spent apart.

“Oh, and I thought you’d like to see this.” Mr. Kenny picked up the picture he had taken off Anna earlier and handed it to Ryan, “Adorable, isn’t it? Your baby has quite the artistic streak.”

Anna was blushing violently as Ryan looked down at the picture with a frown and then turned to look at her. He didn’t say anything but his eyes conveyed both surprise and worry. Anna supposed he was scared she was losing her grip, it was a fair concern to have and she felt the same way.

“I was going to put it up on the wall here but if you’d rather take it home…” Mr. Kenny trailed off.

“I’ll take it, thanks.” Ryan replied, “Is there anything else?”

“That’s it.” Mr. Kenny smiled as he rubbed his hands together, “I’ll see you on Monday, Anna. Stay out of trouble.”

Anna was saved from having to reply by Ryan taking her hand and turned her away from the desk. The thick diaper between her legs had only recently been put on her, it was still dry but its sheer size made walking difficult. Anna wasn’t helped by the pace Ryan was keeping up as he walked down the hallway, through the lobby and outside the building. It very much seemed like he was trying to get away from the nursery as quickly as possible.

“I’m so glad to see you.” Anna said as soon as she was sure they were out of earshot of anyone else.

“Are you alright?” Ryan asked anxiously.

“Mostly.” Anna replied with a shrug.

“That painting.” Ryan started, “I was worried they were doing something to your mind…”

“Don’t worry.” Anna cut him off, “I was just distracted. Thinking about you and Jane and…”

“Wait until we get home.” Ryan cut her off.

Anna was left surprised by her what her husband had said but fell silent anyway. It was a short trip back to the apartment and when Anna stepped inside she was ready to go for a long bath. When she saw snacks laid out and the furniture moved she was reminded of the party that would be happening that evening.

“How long have I got?” Anna asked dejectedly.

“About two hours.” Ryan replied, “But I need to-…”

This time it was Anna cutting Ryan off. She stepped forwards and wrapped her arms around him. She could feel he was tense but after a few seconds he slackened and his arms went around her. She sighed.

“They took Jane.” Anna said quietly.

“I know.” Ryan replied, “I heard it from Paul. He was crowing about how they had found her after the escape attempt.”

“I should’ve been there.” Anna said.

“I’m very grateful you weren’t.” Ryan responded quickly. He pushed himself out of the hug before Anna was ready to let go, “But we need to talk about tonight.”

“Yeah, I know, it’s going to suck.” Anna’s shoulders slumped.

“No, I don’t think you know how much it will suck.” Ryan replied. The look on his face was deadly serious.

Anna knew the party wasn’t going to be a good time but when Ryan sat her down and told her what he had seen happen at other parties she was horrified. All of a sudden the nursery didn’t seem quite as bad. She swallowed nervously as she heard about the sexual harassment, the derogatory comments and, in some cases, the women being taken to the bedroom.

“You… You wouldn’t let that happen, right?” Anna asked anxiously.

“Of course not.” Ryan replied, “But there will be a dozen people here. I’m going to do my best to keep an eye on you but it’s going to be difficult. I’ve laid out what you’re expected to wear on the bed.”

“C-Can’t you cancel?” Anna asked nervously, “After the week I’ve had…”

“I… can’t.” Ryan put his hand on Anna’s knee, “Believe me I would love to but this is really make or break for my future. For our future.”

“You care about your career more than me?” Anna asked.

“No. Of course not.” Ryan replied, “But this doesn’t have to be a choice. I can have both.”

Anna looked at Ryan for a few moments and suddenly felt more anxious than ever. She had never been sure what he would choose if it came down to her versus his hypothetical career. If what Ryan was saying was meant to be reassuring it wasn’t working.

“You should get ready.” Ryan said, “It’ll be OK.”

“Alright…” Anna stood up and swallowed, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Ryan smiled.

Chapter 41: Part - Forty-Two
Summary:
It's the penultimate part of the story!

It's the day of the party and Anna is very nervous. She has every right to be as well, the guests show up and very quickly things start to degenerate. She doesn't know for sure if Ryan truly values his future prospects over her and as things go south she finds herself surrounded by wolves.

Chapter Text
Anna could hear people arriving. The door would open and then more deep male voices would join the fray. She was still in the master bedroom trying to delay walking out for as long as possible. After her bath she had gone to the bed to see what Ryan had left her to wear. The fresh diaper was unsurprising but the maid outfit wasn’t something she had seen before. Calling it an outfit felt a little too grand for the small amount of material that had waited in front of her.

Now dressed Anna looked into the mirror and hated the woman looking back at her. Her hair was drawn back into a ponytail with a large white hair tie. Further down she had done her make-up in the way Ryan had requested. A bold red lipstick and a lot of mascara. She had a gold colored choker necklace that she could feel constantly pressing slightly against her throat. As her eyes continued downwards she saw her breasts were exaggerated and pushed up, the line of the maid dress only just covered her nipples with the top of her breasts totally bare.

The black and white dress was made of very thin material and the bottom was practically in line with the bottom of Anna’s diaper. She felt less like a maid and more like some kind of stripper, she supposed that was the point. The last thing she wanted to do was to leave the bedroom and be seen by anyone like this.

As Anna tugged at the various parts of the clothing in a desperate attempt to make it cover more of her up she wondered why Ryan had chosen this. She wanted to trust him but she couldn’t help a part of her thinking that maybe Ryan WANTED her to be dressed like this. What if he was walking her out into a den of lions?

“Anna?” Ryan called through the closed door, “Get out here.”

Anna shuddered at Ryan’s hard voice. They had already discussed this. With so many men here they would have to stay in their proper roles completely, even if they thought they were alone they couldn’t let anything slip. That meant Anna felt the same way she did at the beginning of their marriage, like a toy to be played with. An order was an order and Anna couldn’t ignore it. She turned from the mirror and wobbled on the high-heels she had been required to put on. She went across to the bedroom door and pulled it open.

Ryan was stood with a can of beer in his hands. When he saw Anna he was visibly taken aback. Anna stood there with a fake smile plastered across her face as he looked her up and down, if this was what she had to look forward to that evening she didn’t know how she was going to stop herself from going mad.

“Come on.” Ryan said when he had regained his faculties.

Anna’s heart was hammering as she went down the hallway and into the living area. Almost immediately she heard catcalls and whistles. She was the only woman there and everyone was staring at her.

“What are you waiting for?” Paul was sat on the couch that had pushed back against the wall. He was sneering, “Bring out the drinks.”

Anna had thought she had felt hate before but as she looked at the man that had sent Jane away she felt a burning anger like nothing else before. She managed to compose herself after a few moments and turned away from the man whose very existence seemed to provoke her. She tried her best to ignore the stares as she went to the kitchen area. A tray was waiting on the table which she loaded up with drinks from the fridge.

It was utterly humiliating. As she walked around the room with the tray she had to endure men casually commenting on her appearance and her work. All she could do was keep a fake smile plastered to her face as if she couldn’t hear what they were saying. On one trip to the kitchen to fill her tray with more drinks she glanced to the side to see Ryan sat next to Paul, he looked very natural.

As the evening wore on a layer of smoke started to hang in the air below the ceiling. Many of the men were smoking, mostly cigars, and Anna’s eyes were watering. Of far more concern to her was how the party was getting increasingly rowdy as the young men drank. The comments about her were getting more lurid and some people were starting to lose inhibitions that were barely contained to begin with.

A hand brushed Anna’s leg, someone gave her rear end a couple of hard pats, another person called her over to feel her diaper under the guise of checking her. Anna was getting increasingly uncomfortable but there was nothing she could do.

“After everything I’d heard I expected someone a bit wilder.”

“Like all women if you give them a little discipline they become nice and timid.”

“I prefer them to have a bit of fire.”

Anna walked past the men talking about her as if she was some animal and went to the relative safety of the kitchen. Once behind the counter she put the tray down and tried to take a quick break. As she relaxed her muscles she also released her bladder. She had been holding on for as long as she could in the hope she would last to the end of the party but that wasn’t going to be possible. She shuddered as she felt the warm liquid flow into her diaper.

“Slacking already?” Paul’s voice made Anna jump. He was right behind her.

Anna turned around and faced Paul. He was holding a beer and staring at her. He was uncomfortably close and Anna tried looking past him towards the rest of the party hoping that Ryan was going to come to her rescue, he wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

“I asked you a question.” Paul said as he stepped closer.

“I… No, sir.” Anna tried to be as deferential as possible.

“Then what are you doing out here?” Paul asked. He lifted his free hand and brushed some stray strands of Anna’s hair over her shoulder.

Anna shuddered and fought the urge to scream. She was shaking and had no way to back up to. She leaned backwards and the table slid along the floor slightly. She swallowed and tried to keep up the pretense that her skin wasn’t crawling, that this was normal and she accepted it.

“You don’t fool me.” Paul said quietly.

Anna turned her face away as Paul leaned in closer. She could smell the alcohol on his breath.

“This is all killing you, isn’t it?” Paul said in little more than a whisper, “You haven’t changed at all. I wish I’d found you first. Jane never had enough fight for me. If she had half of your fire maybe I wouldn’t have thrown her on the trash heap.”

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Anna choked out. She could feel herself shaking, “Sir.”

Paul lingered a moment before barking out a laugh and leaning back. He took another sip of the beer Anna had given him a few minutes beforehand. Anna wished he would go away, she felt like she was about to burst into tears and just needed a few minutes to compose herself.

“The beer you got me was warm.” Paul finally said as he swirled the drink around in the glass.

“Erm, sorry…” Anna replied. She was sure it would’ve been cold when she took it to him. It had come straight out of the fridge.

“I’ll just have to get rid of it.” Paul said.

Anna stepped to the side to get out of Paul’s way to the sink. Paul instead stepped right up to her. Anna wasn’t sure what was happening as Paul put his hands on her arms and turned her around. She wanted to ask what was going on but she was too scared she had her back to Paul when she felt the back of her dress being lifted.

“Paul, I…” Anna started.

“Shush.” Paul interrupted.

Anna closed her eyes as the back of her diaper was pulled away from her skin. A second later she felt a room temperature sticky liquid getting poured down her back. She tensed up as the recently moistened diaper was made even wetter by Paul’s beer.

“There we go.” Paul said. The amusement was clear in his voice, “Now you can go and bring me another drink. There’s a good girl.”

Anna felt two hard pats on her rear end before she dared to look over her shoulder to see Paul walking away. She let out a shuddering breath that she hadn’t even realised she had been holding. She leaned against the counter as she felt the wetness going down the back of her diaper spreading through the padding. In truth she had feared something worse might happen.

Once Anna had calmed down a little she returned to the fridge to get a new beer for Paul. As she walked through the crowd of men she felt acutely intimidated. The men were all bigger and stronger than she was and as the beer flowed they were getting noisier and less careful. She felt like she was walking amongst sleeping giants and she was desperate not to wake them.

As Anna walked through the room she could feel how the padding in her diaper had swollen up dramatically from the beer that had been dumped into it. She was forced to waddle with the back of her diaper swaying behind her like the hind parts of a duck.

The atmosphere felt dangerous. Anna was now feeling more people grabbing at her as she made her way through the men. People patting her butt or brushing her bare arms. She felt one person grab at her chest and then burst out laughing with the men around him. Anna wanted to run away and hide, her every instinct was telling her to get out of the situation but she couldn’t.

Paul was on the couch and when she reached him. Ryan was sat next to him and talking about something related to one of their classes. She bent over to place Paul’s beer on the table in front of the couch. Just as she was about to stand up Paul’s hand came out and grabbed at her wrist. She squealed as she was pulled forwards. Anna tried to stop her momentum but she hit Paul’s legs and fell over his lap.

“Now this is a better position for you.” Paul laughed.

Anna’s face was blazing as she heard wolf-whistles and shouts coming from the other partygoers. She tried to stand up but Paul placed a hand on her back. She felt her dress getting lifted up exposing her soaked diaper to the party. As people laughed Anna looked up at Ryan. He appeared a little tipsy and although he wasn’t laughing with the rest he wasn’t stepping in to help either. Anna prayed he was just keeping up the necessary façade.

“Ah!” Anna yelped as Paul’s hand smacked into her rear.

“I knew she was a screamer!” Someone joked to the laughter of the crowd.

Spank. Spank. Spank.

Anna couldn’t help but exclaim with each strike. Paul wasn’t holding back and her rear end, which was still bruised from her punishment in the nursery, quickly started to burn and sting in equal measure. With little squeal of pain the crowd cheered as if this was some S&M show. She winced as her hands grabbed hold of the couch cushion and squeezed desperately.

“Does she make this much noise in bed?” Paul asked Ryan loudly.

Anna didn’t hear Ryan respond but she did hear him laugh loudly. Whether he was being genuine or not it hurt that she was being humiliated like this and the one person on her side wasn’t lifting a finger. The logical side of her brain knew that he had to maintain his cover of a proper “alpha” Sallasian man but she wanted nothing more than for him to jump up and help her no matter what the consequences. She didn’t even want to consider that he was turning on her.

The spanking carried on for another couple of minutes. Occasionally Paul would stop and Anna would hear another person walking behind her to give her a few smacks. The padding of the diaper offered her a little protection but she felt like her poor rear end must be all shades of blue and purple.

“Please no more!” Anna cried out.

“Maybe she’s ready for the main course.” Paul growled menacingly.

“Main course?” Ryan finally spoke up and said something. Anna noticed a tremble in his voice.

“I think it’s time for the after party!” Paul called out to the room to cheers.

Anna felt as if her whole body stopped working. She knew Ryan had talked about what can happen at these parties but she didn’t think it could possibly happen to her. The atmosphere in the room seemed to change, all of a sudden Anna felt like she was surrounded by a pack of wolves and she was a helpless prey animal in the middle of their pack.

Hands grabbed Anna’s legs and started pulling her off of Paul’s lap. She screamed and tried to kick her legs free but there was little she could do as more men moved forwards and grabbed at her. She was roughly pulled back until she slipped off the couch and hit the floor. The men were cheering as if they were hunters bringing back a prize catch. Anna saw Ryan getting up with a look of worry but two men stood between him and Anna. As she was dragged out of the living room she lost sight of her husband.

Chapter 42
Summary:
With Anna being dragged into the bedroom the situation is dire. There is no way for Paul to try and juggle both sides of his life and he has to take a stad, one way or the other. The repercussions of whatever he does could echo for the rest of his life.

Chapter Text
“Help!” Anna screamed as she lost all her composure, “Ryan! Help!”

Anna struggled but there were just too many men around her. They leered at her as they forced her down the hallway towards the bedrooms, Anna couldn’t regain her footing as she was buffeted this way and that. She was sobbing as they reached the bedroom door.

“No!” Anna cried out as she was pushed inside.

Anna stumbled and hit the bed. She quickly scrambled to her feet and looked around at the drunk men that were filing in. They were circling the bed until there was no way out. They were all in various states of drunkenness but the one thing they all had in common was how they stared at her hungrily. Ryan wasn’t among them. With a sinking feeling Anna imagined Ryan waiting in the living room waiting for the others to finish. Was this how he was going to be welcomed back into the group? Was she the price he had to pay?

“I want the first go.” Paul said as he sauntered forwards, “I’ve had my eyes on this one since the first day…”

As Paul walked up to her Anna backed up as far as she could. The drunken bully was unbuttoning his shirt as he stepped forwards. Anna was pressed against the wall as her neighbor, Jane’s husband, stood so close to her that she could smell the alcohol on his breath. He reached forwards towards her breasts.

Anna acted without a second thought. She brought her knee up as hard and fast as she could. She hit her mark between Paul’s legs causing him to scream out and fall to the ground. She looked down at the man who was now retching on the floor. She would’ve felt wonderful vengeance if she hadn’t been so terrified about what would happen next.

“Bitch!” Paul wheezed out as he grasped his injured genitals.

The other men started coming forwards. With the pack leader down it looked like it was about to be a free-for-all. There was no way Anna was going to be able to fight them all off. She raised her hands, if they were going to take her down she wasn’t going to go without a fight.

“Stop!” Ryan’s voice suddenly came from the doorway and a second later he burst into the room.

Anna turned to see her husband push two men out of the way to reach her. He stood in front of her and Anna gasped as she saw he’d actually armed himself with a knife. She was shocked, completely sure he had abandoned her she had given up hope but like a knight in shining armor Ryan was stood in front of her brandishing his sword.

“Get out of the way Ryan…” Paul gasped from the floor.

“No.” Ryan answered surprisingly calmly considering the situation, “This has gone too far.”

Paul gradually made his way back up to his feet. His face was red and he looked angrier than Anna had ever seen. She felt pretty sure that if Ryan wasn’t there something terrible would happen. She wasn’t sure it wouldn’t happen even with her husband trying to protect her.

“Don’t pussy out on me, Ryan.” Paul growled, “Be a fucking man.”

“A man?” Ryan repeated with a shake of his head, “You’re not men. You’re animals. She is a person just like your sisters, mothers, aunts and cousins. Have some respect.”

Anna heard various men mumbling and none of it sounded good. Anna and Ryan very literally had their backs against the wall and it felt like they were about to make a last stand. She felt fingers against her hand and looked down to see Ryan holding her with his free hand.

“I knew it.” Paul smirked, “We should never have given you a second chance. You’re weak. You’re no one. Do you know what happens next? Because I can tell you what won’t happen. You won’t be working with any of us. You won’t be getting that executive salary and you’re going to be on the government’s blacklist. You’ll be lucky if you can even afford a cardboard box for the two of you.”

“It’s time for you to leave.” Ryan replied with eerie calmness.

There was a tense few moments as no one moved. Anna barely dared to breathe as she looked around. The men were all looking at Paul to see what they would do. If they wanted they could overpower Ryan but it might not be without casualties.

“I bet you don’t have the balls to use that.” Paul sneered as he nodded towards the knife.

“How much are you willing to stake on that?” Ryan asked, “For Anna I’ll take every one of you down.”

Another silence but Anna could see that the mood was shifting. The men were looking at each other nervously, none of them wanted to end up getting hurt for what they saw as a little bit of fun. Paul and Ryan hadn’t broken eye contact for a single solitary second.

“It was nice knowing you, Ryan.” Paul said as he took a step back, “Just let me know when you realise how badly you messed up and maybe I’ll give you a job cleaning my company’s toilets.”

Anna watched as Paul continued to back up until he reached the ring of men. He paused for a second before nodding his head to the side and left the room. One by one the others followed him until Ryan and Anna were alone. As soon as the last one was out of the bedroom Ryan let go of Anna and went to the door himself to make sure they all left.

Anna heard the front door slam closed. Immediately Ryan dropped the knife and hurried across the room to her. They wrapped their arms around each other in the tightest embrace imaginable. Anna was sobbing from the pent up emotions finally getting released as well as the pure relief that she was coming out the other side of the ordeal unscathed.

“I’m so sorry.” Ryan whispered, “I wanted to stop them but they blocked me off.”

“It’s alright.” Anna replied through her tears, “I’m OK.”

“I thought I could control tonight. At least to stop them from doing… this.” Ryan finally pulled back from Anna and she saw that his eyes were shimmering with tears too, “I was a fool.”

Anna raised a hand up until it was touching Ryan’s chin. She leaned in close and kissed her husband with a passion that she had never felt before. When she finally broke it off she smiled. She wiped her eyes a little as she tried to regain a little of her composure. The adrenaline was wearing off.

“What about your career?” Anna asked. She knew how important it was to her husband. It was something he talked about practically every day.

“Fuck my career.” Ryan replied emphatically.

Anna couldn’t help but let out a little laugh before sniffing. Ryan chuckled as well. It felt like a gigantic weight had been lifted off them. Everything was out in the open now, for better or for worse they weren’t going to be able to close Pandora’s Box.

“What happens now?” Anna asked.

“I have no idea.” Ryan shrugged, “It doesn’t matter. With you by my side I can face anything.”

“I love you.” Anna said. It felt like if she didn’t say the words her heart would burst.

“I love you too.” Ryan replied.

---

Things moved very quickly. Anna and Ryan fell asleep in each other’s arms that night and were woken the next morning by a loud banging on the door. It quickly became apparent that whoever was out there wasn’t going away no matter how much they tried to ignore them. Ryan stood up and left the room, Anna propped herself up on her arms and watched the bedroom exit nervously. After a couple of seconds she walked across and leaned out just enough to see what was happening.

“Mr. Manning?” A gruff male voice asked.

“Yes?” Ryan replied slowly.

“The Dean wants to see both you and your wife.” The voice said.

Anna saw a letter being thrust into Ryan’s hands and before he could say anything the man was walking away. Ryan closed the door slowly as he looked down at the letter. Anna walked out to her husband, she found herself looking over her shoulders a bunch like someone might suddenly jump out at her.

“Well, this should be interesting…” Ryan muttered.

“What does he want?” Anna asked.

“I’m guessing it’s not a social call.” Ryan replied with a sigh, “It’s this afternoon.”

From that point on it was impossible to have a normal day. Everything had changed. Ryan sat on the couch on edge, the television was on but he wasn’t looking at it. Anna tried to keep busy but she was very jumpy, every unexpected noise had her on maximum alert.

As the pair got ready for their meeting Anna asked if she should wear something “appropriate” but Ryan told her to dress how she wanted. Anna smiled and nodded as she dressed in the most grown-up way possible. The one concession she made was wearing a pull-up, after her recent time spent in diapers she didn’t want to risk anything.

The Dean’s office seemed as grand as Anna had imagined it. A whole floor of the administrative building was dedicated to the Dean. Ryan and Anna sat down in the hallway outside the giant oak doors. Along the opposite wall was portraits of a load of stuffy old men, Anna assumed they were previous Deans. Eventually the door opened and a particularly snobby man stepped into the hallway.

“You may go in.” He said as he held the door open.

Anna was nervous. She couldn’t discount the possibility that in the office they would both be dragged away or something, they were known as dissidents now after all. It was a precarious position to be in. Ryan took her hand and they walked into the office together, side-by-side.

The office was huge and yet seemed cluttered by pieces of furniture. It would’ve looked fine as a living room in a stately home but as an office it felt strange. Towards the back of the room was a large desk and behind it sat an old man who was writing something down and didn’t look up once as the married couple walked in.

“Sit.” The Dean said without looking up.

Anna’s heart was racing as they got closer to the desk. There were two chairs opposite the Dean and she slowly lowered herself into one of them almost expecting it to be a trap. The Dean had a very stern expression as he continued to write, still he hadn’t looked up. He didn’t say anything and the silence stretched on for a couple of minutes. It was deeply uncomfortable. Finally he pushed the paper to the side and without looking at Anna or Ryan he picked up the phone on his desk.

“Send them in please.” The Dean’s voice had more power than Anna would’ve thought possible. He looked rather frail but his voice was anything but.

The grandfather clock in the corner ticked. Another minute went by without a word being spoken and Anna was feeling exceptionally self-conscious. Quite suddenly the door opened and Anna jumped as the metal handles moved and the doors creaked. She twisted around in her seat and gasped.

“W-What are you doing here?” Ryan asked as his eyes grew wide.

It was hard for Anna to know who the question was aimed at. She hadn’t expected either of the two men now walking across the office to be there. Paul was still limping slightly and she felt a flash of satisfaction that he was still experiencing the effects of her self-defense the previous evening. Walking in next to Paul was her father-in-law, Harold Manning. His face looked grey and he stared at his son with the utmost seriousness.

“Mr. Manning, Mr. Jupp, good to see you both.” The Dean said.

“Father, I…” Ryan started as Harold and Paul reached the desk.

“Quiet.” Harold hissed.

“Mr. Manning, as you are aware your son is accused of some most serious misdemeanors. As such a valued benefactor of our school I thought you would like to be here when this matter was discussed.” The Dean continued.

“Thank you.” Harold nodded his head towards the Dean in a bow, “I’m grateful you called me. I’m sure we can straighten all this out.”

At the last of those words Anna heard Paul snort with derision. He walked over to an armchair to the side of the desk and sat down, he didn’t hesitate to put his feet up on the table in front of him. It seemed Anna’s attack had bruised his genitals but not his ego.

“Paul, would you like to elaborate on what has been happening?” The Dean asked as he leaned back in his chair.

“It’s like I told your staff last night…” Paul said impatiently, “Ryan’s been acting strangely for a long time. We thought there was something going on so we distanced ourselves from him. When I heard he sent his bitch to-…”

“You watch your mouth.” Ryan quickly interrupted.

“Please, Mr. Jupp, can we try to tell the story without profanity?” The Dean asked wearily.

“Fine.” Paul sighed and rolled his eyes, “We heard Ryan had sent Anna to the on-site nursery. I know now that I was wrong, it wasn’t his decision. Anyway, we decided to give him a second chance thinking he had grown a pair of balls… Sorry, testicles.”

Anna saw Paul smirk. He clearly thought he was very clever.

“Last night we were having a party at Ryan’s place.” Paul continued, “You know how these things go. It got a little wild. We were going to have some fun when Ryan pulled a knife on us.”

“You were going to attack my wife!” Ryan shouted.

“Ryan!” Harold barked, “For god’s sake shut up.”

“We had only the most innocent of intentions.” Paul smirked. He looked at Anna and winked causing a shiver to run down her spine.

“Ryan? Is this true?” The Dean asked.

Anna turned to look at her husband. He had his hands in his lap and was staring down at them. She couldn’t say for sure what he was thinking. In the end he remained silent long enough that his father spoke up.

“It was a party, hmm?” Harold nodded. He looked at Paul, “Was alcohol served?”

“Yes.” Paul confirmed.

“Then surely we can put all this down to drunken hijinks. A lesson to all involved that to drink responsibly.” Harold raised his arms as if daring anyone to say differently.

“They were going to rape Anna.” Ryan finally said quietly. If the room hadn’t been silent his words would’ve been lost.

“You can’t rape property.” Paul said casually.

“How dare-…” Ryan started as he looked up with fire in his eyes.

“He’s right.” Harold said, “Son, I think we all appreciate you’re… protectiveness of Anna. But perhaps the alcohol meant you took it too far. It sounded like they were just going to have some harmless fun.”

“Harmless?” Anna spoke for the first time and all eyes turned to her, “You people are sick!”

“This is what I mean!” Paul exclaimed as he pointed at Anna, “Ryan has been soft on that bitch for too long. She’s getting ideas above her station. Last night confirmed it to me. Ryan is a goddamn women’s sympathizer. He should be sent to the Finishing School right next to his wife.”

“You mean I’m a human being.” Ryan shot back, “With empathy and morals.”

Silence fell again. Anna knew they were fighting a losing battle. Trying to appeal to ethics and good consciousness in Sallas was doomed before it even started. She still didn’t know what was going to happen next, she wouldn’t have been surprised if there were police outside the door waiting to arrest them.

“Yes… Well…” The Dean was the one to break the silence as he looked up at Harold, “There are very serious allegations. There are witnesses backing up everything Paul says. Quite frankly I have a duty to inform the government about what has been happening here.”

“Now hold on a minute…” Harold held out his hands, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“Of course, Mr. Manning, these things are never black and white.” The Dean continued barely acknowledging the interruption. He turned to Harold, “Mr. Manning, you are one of our most successful alumni, you’re generous contributions to the school have been very welcome. It would be a shame to jeopardize the connection your family and our school has over something that could be solved quietly.”

Paul shook his head and snorted. It was clear what he thought about this. Anna had no doubt that if Harold didn’t donate money to the school this meeting wouldn’t even be taking place. Things were starting to come into focus and the reason for this meeting was becoming clearer. This was an opportunity to sweep everything under the carpet. A chance for an embarrassing episode to be quietly shelved.

“I’m glad you’re willing to be sensible about this.” Harold smiled, “It’s qualities like that which made me recommend you for your role in the first place.”

“That may be but this is a serious situation and there will need to be consequences.” The Dean said.

Anna didn’t like where this was going. The Dean was now sorting through the papers on his desk until he pulled one out. He scanned it before looking up again. He held the paper out, Ryan went to take it but Harold grabbed it first. Now it was his turn to silently scan the page, the further he went the broader his smile became.

“Does someone want to tell me what’s going on?” Ryan asked.

“What’s going on is the Dean offering you a second chance.” Harold said as he roughly thrust the paper into his son’s hands.

“Ryan, we are prepared to overlook these irregularities and allow you to continue your education.” The Dean said, “All it will require is Anna here being sent to Finishing School and an intensive course for yourself on proper male behaviour.”

Anna had been half-expecting it from the moment she knew there was a meeting happening. She swallowed and looked at Ryan who was still staring at what appeared to be a contract.

“Sign on the dotted line.” The Dean said, “And the slate will be wiped clean.”

Ryan stared at the paper for a long few seconds. Anna could feel every second fraying her grip on Ryan. The longer he looked the more likely it seemed that he might abandon her after all. Ryan finally sighed a deep breath and turned to look at Anna. He smiled.

“No.” Ryan said simply as he placed the contract back on the desk.

“Ryan, your emotions are high but-…” Harold started.

“No.” Ryan said again.

“Ryan!” Harold was shouting now. His face turning red and a vein in his neck bulged alarmingly, “You will sign the contract. Do not make the biggest mistake of your life.”

Ryan stood up and a second later after a little prompting Anna did the same. She was in shock but for once it was because something good seemed to be happening. She took Ryan’s hand again, as long as she was holding her husband’s hand she felt safe.

“I think we’ll be leaving now.” Ryan said as if he was saying goodbye to some relatives at a family gathering.

“Ryan, I will not have you sacrificing your life for this… this whore!” Harold roared.

Ryan moved so quickly Anna almost didn’t see as he swung his free hand and connected with his father’s face. Harold, despite, his size fell to the floor where he started rubbing his cheek in shock. He was staring up at Ryan as if he had never seen his boy before.

“Come on.” Ryan said as he looked at Anna. He was still smiling.

With a cacophony of noise and chaos behind them Anna walked next to Ryan as they left the office. There were no police waiting for them outside the Dean’s room, there were no guards back at their apartment. They remained unmolested as they packed their things and went down to the car.

“Where are we going to go?” Anna asked as Ryan turned on the engine.

“I don’t know.” Ryan replied, “But as long as I’ve got you, I know we’ll be fine.”