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:
If you enjoy my stories please consider following me on Twitter. I post art I commission, updates from other places and other miscellaneous bits and pieces that cross my mind:
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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:
If you enjoy my stories you may want to check out my Twitter. I post art commissions I've bought, things I like and updates that get posted to other websites:
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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:
If you enjoy my work and would like to see more plus see the art I get commissioned and other random bits and pieces consider following my Twitter :
https://twitter.com/Elfy881
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:
If you enjoy my stories and would like to see updates from other websites, blog posts, commissioned art and random ABDL musings feel free to follow my Twitter 🙂
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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:
If you like my stories and want to see very occasional mini-stories, commissioned art pieces and random ABDL thoughts consider giving me a follow on Twitter 🙂
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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:
If you enjoy my writing and would like to see my inane (usually diaper related) thoughts, commissions and other fun stuff then consider following me on Twitter:
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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.”