Lizzie - Chapter 12 - The Wardrobe Fiasco

Author's Note

Hello everyone, it's been a while. In fact, it's been over 2 months since the last chapter, and I sincerely apologize for that.

I actually had the first draft of this chapter finished a while ago, but couldn't bring myself to edit it properly. After my vacation, I found myself in a bit of a slump. Writer's block paired with a busy personal life meant writing became more of a chore than fun. And I didn't want to publish something even I myself didn't enjoy.

On the bright side, I've been healthier recently, finally exercising more regularly after a few years of being a couch potato. So, while I don't regret it, it does mean I have to be more careful with my time.

I don't know if this chapter is any good, but I decided I need to grind it out and continue the story otherwise I'd be stuck in this rut forever. So, I pulled myself up and managed to edit through it last week. I could edit it more, but I know that would just build more excuses for me to procrastinate.

But back to the story, this is the penultimate chapter for this arc. And soon we'll move onto some of the other characters outside the extended family. In hindsight, I think this arc may have dragged on a bit too long, and I actually have cut one of the next chapters (as I don't feel like it progressed the story), but I think it's best to finish it to my original design, and continue on from there.

Lizzie is a difficult project for someone of my caliber. It was definitely not a good "first project" given both its scope and length are beyond my current expertise. But I think it's been a really good learning experience, so I want to keep learning as much as I can while hopefully providing a story that you will continue to enjoy.

I'm not sure how many people are still waiting for this story. But for those that are still here, I really want to thank you for your patience, and hope you continue to enjoy this story. As always, eager to hear your thoughts and comments below. They really are what keep this story going!

---

A few minutes after the lights turned off, Charlotte rolled out of bed.

“Where are you going?” Lizzie whispered.

“The washroom, not that it’s any of your business.”

Lizzie got up to help, but Charlotte’s comment caused her to reconsider.

“Have fun,” she said, hiding a smile as she rolled over.

Charlotte paused for a bit, as if contemplating Lizzie’s remark before stepping into the washroom.

Soon, she was going to find out that she was well and truly stuck in those pajamas, and would have to come out begging her or one of the adults to help. That was unless of course, she decided to actually use her diaper.

Lizzie stared at the bathroom door, a faint light glowing around the edges of the frame. A few minutes passed, but the door remained shut. Perhaps Charlotte was still stubbornly trying to unzip herself. A futile attempt as Lizzie knew from experience.

As she strained to hear what was going on, she heard the toilet flush and the sound of water running before Charlotte stepped back into the room, her phone’s flashlight catching a glimpse of Lizzie staring.

“What are you looking at?”

“Nothing,” Lizzie said, breaking eye contact.

“What’s your deal? You seemed extremely interested in me using the bathroom.”

“I said it was nothing.”

“You’re disappointed… but why’s that? All I did was use the washroom…” She pondered.

As Lizzie remained silent, Charlotte continued, “You were anticipating something. Something embarrassing… You thought I was going to use my diaper? But that’s silly, why would I…?”

“Can you just let it go, Sherlock? I’m trying to sleep.”

“Maybe you thought I’d be forced to use it, if I couldn’t take off my pajamas like Lucas? But why would you think that, I’m not special needs, I’m also not a little kid. Unless…” Lizzie held her breath as the room fell silent.

“Unless you can’t take off yourself.” Charlotte concluded with a sly smile. “You’re stuck in those pajamas of yours aren’t you.”

“No… No, I’m not.”

“Oh yes… Yes, you are, that explains everything!” Charlotte said with glee. “If you can take them off then prove it.”

Was this all a ploy? Surely, the only way Charlotte knew was because she was stuck as well. Maybe she faked going to the bathroom just to pull this stunt. Was she really that cunning? “Why don’t you prove it first?”

“Sure.” Charlotte shrugged, putting her phone down, hands moving behind her, she quickly reached the tab and pulled at it.

At first, Lizzie was hopeful when it didn’t immediately come loose. But after a few tries, the tab popped open.

A second later, she twisted her nimble and flexible arms behind her back, and in one fluid motion, pulled the zipper down.

It was then that Lizzie realized that, as a gymnast, Charlotte was far more flexible than the average person, and a zipper on the back was nothing to her.

“There, your turn,” Charlotte taunted as she zipped herself back up with ease. “Unless you can’t of course.”

“Can you two quiet down, we’re trying to sleep,” Noah grumbled.

Lizzie seized the lifeline, flipping over and burying herself in her sheets, simply ignoring Charlotte’s request. But, despite Noah’s aid, this round had been lost. Charlotte now knew the secret about her pajamas.

The thought kept her awake as she tossed and turned in bed. The fact that they were all wearing matching sleepers was less comforting knowing that Charlotte could get out of hers whenever while she couldn’t.

She toyed at the tab in the back with one hand as the other tugged at the fabric covering her diaper. Again, the feelings of being that untrusted little child haunted her, and it took a while of rolling around until she eventually fell asleep.

***

Lizzie was the first to awake the next morning. However, her good mood was almost immediately spoiled by a foreign the weight between her legs.

She had wet. And by the amount her diaper sagged as she stood up, it’d been a lot. Cursing herself, she quickly went to get changed.

Rubbing her eyes in the bathroom, she glanced in the mirror to see Rosalina staring back at her. Cursing again, she rushed to find her parents.

Skipping up the stairs, Lizzie began to feel the bulk of her full diaper. The expanded padding forced her to spread her legs just enough to feel awkward as she climbed.

The main floor was empty, it seemed everyone in the house was sound asleep. Lizzie half-walked, half-waddled up the second flight of stairs, heading to her parents room, where she knocked quietly before entering.

“Mom, dad, wake up, I need you to help me get these off,” Lizzie whispered, but her dad continued snoring.

Her mom stirred, so Lizzie shook her gently, repeating her request.

“Lizzie, it’s 6am, what are you doing up?” Jennifer eventually asked.

“I need you to let me out of these pajamas.”

“It’s too early to be up, you should go back to bed, you can change out of them later.”

“No mom, I wet, I need to get this stupid freaking diaper off now.”

“Watch your language young lady,” her mom said sternly.

“I’m sorry,” Lizzie quickly corrected, “but please can you take it off, it’s really uncomfortable.”

“My my, I can see why, your diaper looks pretty full,” her mom said as she grabbed under Lizzie’s crotch. “Yup, definitely full.”

“Mom!” Lizzie said, but her mom pulled back quickly.

“Sorry, bad habit,” Jennifer said, before beginning to work on the tab.

As soon as the zipper was halfway down, Lizzie ripped free from her mom, not wanting her to check her diaper again.

“Wait Lizzie,” her mom called, causing her to freeze. “Put this fresh one on and come back after you’re done, I’ll zip you back up.”

“But I’m not going back to bed,” Lizzie complained.

“It’s six in the morning. We’re not leaving for church until nine, what are you going to do for the next three hours?”

“I’ll read books and play with my Switch. I’m not sleepy, I promise!”

When Jennifer didn’t immediately respond, Lizzie prepared to argue.

“Fine.” The answer caused her head to perk up. “But if you feel like sleeping you promise me you will come get a diaper before, okay? Even if it’s just a tiny nap.”

“Thanks mom, I promise!”

After cleaning and changing herself, she hopped back down the stairs with glee, the process much more graceful without the bulk between her legs.

Back in the basement, the other kids were still sleeping soundly, so Lizzie grabbed herself a book and headed for one of the empty rooms.

The stars were still glistening in the night sky as Lizzie situated herself under the window. The reading went on for a little while, but eventually, she caught herself yawning in the quiet morning.

Not wanting to be put back into the diaper and pajamas, she needed a distraction. Grabbing her switch, she booted up her new game, Super Mario Bros.

The game immersed her for a while, as she focused on progressing from level to level. However, eventually she got stuck on a particularly tricky level in world three. The boos kept surrounding her, causing her to miss her jumps.

She was just about to ragequit when there was a gentle knock on the door.

“Come in,” Lizzie said. The door opened to reveal Noah still dressed in his jammies.

“Good morning, could I join? The others are still sleeping.” He asked as he rubbed his eyes.

“Sure, let me grab another controller, can you connect it to the TV?” Lizzie asked before hopping out.

Back in the room, the other kids were sound asleep. As she pulled out the controller from her luggage, her Rosalina mittens fell out. Lizzie suddenly had a mischievous idea…

***

“What did you want to play?” Lizzie asked as she returned to the room a few minutes later.

“Smash? Battlefield, three stock, no items?”

“You’re on,” Lizzie said.

The competitive game got her adrenaline flowing, and she quickly lost track of time. The two were entering their fourth game, with Lizzie in the lead, when the bedroom door swung open.

“Take them off!” Charlotte stormed up to Lizzie, her face a steaming red.

“Take them off!” She repeated, holding out her hands. On each of their hands was a light blue mitten, the white bow tied in a neat double knot.

Lizzie chuckled, “But they look so cute on you!”

“I need to pee, take them off, now!”

“What’s wrong, you can just go in your diaper.”

“Fine, Imma just go tell mom,” Charlotte turned to leave.

“Okay, okay, calm down, it was just a joke, give me your hands.”

Lizzie struggled with the ribbons, the knots had been pulled tight.

“Hurry,” Charlotte said, hopping from one foot to another.

“I’m trying, but you pulled them really tight,” Lizzie said, noticing bite marks on the ribbons.

“Well, I was trying to get them off,” Charlotte said angrily.

“There,” Lizzie eventually said, as her first hand came free. She had hardly even untied the second mitten before Charlotte sprinted out of the room.

Shrugging, Lizzie resumed the game with Noah. They played on, unfortunately the distraction caused Lizzie to lose the next game. They each won one more to bring their series to a final game seven.

As her Rosalina fell off the map, Lizzie took a deep breath. They were both down to one stock and Lizzie had to focus. Unfortunately, right as she respawned, they were again interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Kids, hurry and get changed, we’re leaving for church in fifteen minutes,” Mira said.

“What fifteen minutes? What about breakfast?” Lizzie asked.

“There’s some food at the church after the service, but we need to hurry.”

“Okay, we’ll just finish this game, I’m all dressed anyways,” Lizzie said.

“In that?”

Lizzie looked down at her clothes, she had jean shorts over her leggings, and a white v-neck top. “What’s wrong with this?”

“That outfit is fine for a normal day, but perhaps a bit too revealing and cold for church dear.” Mira herself was dressed in a warm white sweater with a long red skirt. “Do you have anything else more appropriate to change into?”

This was revealing? Lizzie rolled her eyes, she’d even put stockings on. If only her aunt could see what her classmates wore to parties.

“Let’s continue our game tonight,” Noah whispered.

Lizzie nodded, before following her aunt back to her luggage.

“How can you have so many clothes but nothing aside from leggings, short skirts, and ripped jeans?” Her aunt shook her head. Lizzie’s luggage had been overturned, and all her clothes laid sprawled on the bed, yet none had met her aunt’s standards.

Because they’re in style and I don’t want to look like a dork. Lizzie thought to herself. Are my skirts really that short?

“Anyways, none of these will do, we’ll have to figure something else.”

Lizzie rolled her eyes. Why did what she wear even matter? They were only going to church.

“What’s the problem?” Jennifer asked, appearing downstairs.

Mira explained the situation with the clothes. Unfortunately for Lizzie, her mom agreed that the clothes were a problem, and pondered for a solution.

“I have just the thing…” Her mom vanished for a couple minutes before returning.

“Here!” She presented the others with her findings, revealing a short-sleeved hoop dress. It was a light blue decorated with fancy lace. The dress had a fitted top that flared out under the waist in many layers of sheer fabric.

Lizzie recognized it almost immediately, it was one of her many princess outfits she had as a child.

She remembered those days, dressing up in pretty clothes and sitting down at her little table with Terry and the others. Her dad, their waiter, dressed up in a suit as he brought juice and snacks for their royal afternoon tea.

But the last time had to have been years ago, and Lizzie had long outgrown the childish style.

In fact, she’d only tried this one on briefly. Her mom had gotten it for her eleventh birthday, hoping Lizzie would still enjoy playing dress-up. It had come as a massive disappointment compared to the PlayStation she had actually wanted. She’d buried it deep in her closet after that day, but evidently, not deep enough.

“There’s no way that will fit!”

“Well, why don’t you try it on at least, we don’t really have any better options,” Mira said.

“Well, it’s a size 11/12, and besides, you haven’t grown too much since then,” Jennifer said. The innocent comment only served to irritate Lizzie.

“Fine.” She took the outfit out of her mom’s hands. She just had to prove to them it wouldn’t fit so they could get on with their day.

In the bathroom, she slipped into the dress. The fabric pulled tight around her, as she pulled her arms through the sleeves. With a bit of struggling, her head popped out the top. And just like that, it was on, much to her disappointment.

She checked herself in the mirror, smoothing out the dress around her. The light blue and sheer fabric fell around her in a series of cascading waterfalls, forming a wide circle around her.

It was bulky, it was heavy, it was annoying. But, staring into the mirror, Lizzie had to admit it was also quite pretty.

She once again recalled the days at the table, playing pretend. Laughing with her parents and her stuffies, not a single worry on her mind. Sometimes, she really did miss those times.

Normally, she’d rather be caught dead than wear this in public. But, hours away from home, with no risk of being seen by a classmate, Lizzie decided she could stand being cute for church. It would all be over in a few hours anyways.

As she prepared to leave, Lizzie realized a minor annoyance. The dress didn’t have any pockets, so she’d have to carry her phone in hand.

When she returned, her mom’s face instantly lit up. “You look wonderful sweetie.”

“Thanks,” Lizzie said, not sure why she was blushing. She picked out her large winter coat, ready to use it to cover herself if needed.

With her aunt’s nod of approval, the family was finally ready to head to church.

As she headed to the van, she caught a glimpse of the twins. They were both wearing pale blue dress shirts and khakis. Calvin kept tugging at the collar, clearly irritated by the outfit.

She, along with Charlotte and Alice had been assigned to the other car, and she went to take a seat beside them.

Charlotte was dressed in a plaid dress with a white shirt underneath. It looked formal, like a school uniform. And Charlotte’s expression made it clear that she too wasn’t happy about her dress.

Alice on the other hand also wore a dress, but hers was a light red, with long flowing layers.

“Well, would you look at that, since when did we get a second set of twins?” Uncle Joseph asked as he hopped onto the driver’s seat.

Lizzie glanced down at herself, only then realizing how similar her dress was to Alice’s. She blushed, pulling her jacket tighter around herself.

The snow from the night before covered the city in a layer of snow. Lizzie smiled, staring at the rooftops blanketed with the fine white powder as a few flakes continued to fall.

Arriving at the church, the families grouped up and headed in for the sermon. The church was massive, the main hall had three sections and even a balcony level.

The families walked by rows upon rows of benches, settling down near the front of the left section. Lizzie sat between her parents as the church quickly filled up.

“Merry Christmas, everyone,” A man dressed in a black suit said as he walked onto the stage. “I’m glad that, despite last night’s snow, so many of you were able to make it to join us today to praise and worship our Lord.

“As you know, Christmas is a special time for us. It’s a time to celebrate the birth of…”

Lizzie tried her best to stifle a yawn as the pastor continued to drone on. The effects of the early morning were beginning to take a toll on her and the pastor’s soothing voice only worsened the issue. She yawned again, this time her mom nudged her.

“Lizzie! Don’t be disrespectful,” she whispered.

“But I’m tired,” Lizzie whispered back. She still didn’t understand why the everyone had to come to the church today. It’s not like she was Christian.

“I warned you about not sleeping enough,” her mom said, shaking her head.

“Try your best to stay awake soldier, the sermon won’t be too long,” Philip whispered.

After the initial segment, the church choir stepped onto stage. Lizzie stumbled to her feet as everyone around her rose.

The choir led the crowd in songs of worship. Lizzie didn’t know any of the words, but thankfully the lyrics were projected onto a big screen at the front.

The combined voices of everyone caused waves of energy to cascade throughout the room, and Lizzie found herself singing along.

However, the singing soon ended, and the pastor began his long speech. Lizzie soon grew bored of the story of people she hardly knew, and found herself yawning again.

“If she’s bored, does she want to join some of the other kids downstairs?” Aunt Mira whispered.

Lizzie looked pleadingly at her mom. Anything to get her out of this boring lecture. When her mom nodded, Lizzie practically leapt out of her seat, and followed her aunt out the side and into the hallway.

They wound around the maze-like corridors and down a flight of stairs, eventually ending up in a reception area. Mira chatted with what was presumably the coordinator, before turning to Lizzie.

“This is Chloe, she’s in charge of the daycare here. We’ll come pick you up after the service,” Aunt Mira explained. Putting a sticker on Lizzie’s chest as she did so.

Did she just say daycare? But by the time Lizzie had processed it, her aunt had already left, leaving her with Chloe.

“Come on Lizzie, let’s go meet the others,” she took Lizzie’s hand and began leading her to the back.

Lizzie stared at the sticker on her chest. It was a large white sticker with a small cross at the top, her name had been written across.

“So the other kids are just getting started with finger-painting, maybe you could grab some paints from over there by the window and join in?”

Finger-painting? She hadn’t done that since kindergarten.

“Lizzie?”

Lizzie turned to see Alice, sitting in front of an easel, her hands full of paint. She’d put on an apron over her dress, which was covered with splotches of paint. Behind her, a bunch of kids were sitting in a circle, who all seemed to be around her age.

A feeling of dread welled in Lizzie’s stomach as she realized that when her aunt had said, other kids she had really meant, kids.

“Hey everyone, this is Lizzie,” Chloe said

All the eyes in the room turn to her as the kids murmured a hello. Lizzie could feel their stares, likely wondering why someone twice their age was at the daycare.

“Did you not want to join in?” Chloe asked, holding out an apron.

“I…” Lizzie began.

“Come look at my painting,” Alice interrupted. Grabbing Lizzie with a paint-filled hand.

“Careful there, Alice, we don’t want to get Lizzie’s beautiful dress dirty.”

“Sorry Ms. Chloe,” Alice said with a smile, a speck of green paint on her cheek.

Lizzie sat by Alice for a bit, glancing around to check the others. She caught a few stares, but the kids quickly seemed to lose interest.

Lizzie sat, quickly growing bored. The paints on her fingers soon dried and grew itchy. Looking for a sink, Lizzie got up and headed toward the doorway.

“Where are you going, Lizzie?” Chloe asked, appearing from behind.

“Washroom, I want to wash my hands.”

“You’re going to need a hall pass then. And we always go in pairs to the washroom.”

Lizzie frowned, she might’ve been closer in age to Chloe than she was to Alice. Yet, Chloe was treating her like one of the little kids.

“I’ll be fine.”

“I’m afraid I have to insist. You’re not allowed to leave this room unless it’s in pairs to the washroom or your guardian comes to get you,” Chloe reiterated, this time in a firmer tone.

“I…” Lizzie started, but decided it wasn’t worth the fight, dragging Alice to go with her instead. Chloe gave them a hall pass, a card hanging on a string, which she slipped over Lizzie’s head like a necklace before she sent them off hand in hand.

Lizzie felt her cheeks glow as they walked, despite the empty hallways. Alice wouldn’t let go of her hand until they reached the bathrooms.

Fed up with the daycare, Lizzie decided she’d camp out in the stall until the sermon was over. She reached for her phone, only to remember her dress had no pockets, and her jacket was nowhere to be found.

No worries, she would rather twiddle her thumbs on the toilet for an hour than go back to painting with the other kids.

“Lizzie, are you almost done?” Alice asked.

“You can go back yourself first, I need to poop,” Lizzie lied.

“But Ms. Chloe said we always have to go in pairs.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon, you can tell her I sent you back first.”

“But…”

“Just go Alice, don’t be a little baby.”

Alice left. Finally, some peace and quiet. Lizzie sat on the toilet, but quickly found herself bored without her phone.

Deciding her best course of action was to just return to the sermon, Lizzie got up and started heading around.

However, after a few turns, Lizzie realized she had no clue where the grand hall was. There were no signs or arrows showing where to go, and Lizzie began taking random turns.

She walked, poking her head into several small rooms, finding a kitchen, a room filled with books, and even a gymnasium, but she still couldn’t find her way back to the sermon.

Another turn, and Lizzie realized she was back in front of the bathroom.

She was lost.

“Lizzie! There you are young lady!” Ms. Chloe ran up to her, Alice in tow. “I told you not to run off!” She said, grabbing Lizzie’s hand firmly with hers.

“I had to use the washroom,” Lizzie said.

“But that doesn’t mean sending Alice back while you stayed in the stall alone!”

“But-” Lizzie turned to see Alice, noticing her eyes full of tears. Suddenly, Lizzie felt bad.

“No buts. You gave Alice here a huge scare. She thought she’d lost you! She should have known the rules, but being the older one, I expected more from you…

“Come, we’re going back to the room. And your aunt will definitely be hearing about this.” Chloe’s grip tightened around Lizzie’s hand, and she began marching the two of them back to the room.

For the next hour, Lizzie sat huddled in the corner of the room. She could feel Chloe’s watchful eye staring into her back.

Lizzie hadn’t decided what was worse, being asked to go to washroom in pairs like kindergarteners, or actually getting lost like a little kid after not following the rules. She just hoped her aunt wouldn’t tell her mom about what had happened.

She buried her embarrassment behind one of the children’s books on the shelf. They were far too simplistic, but they gave her an excuse to ignore the others.

Eventually, the sermon ended, and Jennifer and Mira picked them up. Lizzie was happy the ordeal was finally over.

The families were gathered in the gymnasium. There were food and snacks laid out on several tables, and people were mingling about. Her parents began socializing with a bunch of the other adults. Lizzie nibbled on a piece of bread while trying to stay hidden behind her father.

“Why hello there, what’s your name young lady?” A middle-aged women asked.

“Lizzie,” she mumbled, tucking herself further behind Philip.

“No need to be shy. I just wanted to introduce you to my daughter, Stella, I think you’re around the same age.”

A little girl appeared from behind her mom. Lizzie narrowed her eyes, the girl looked not a day over ten.

“Stella’s in the church choir,” Jennifer nudged Lizzie out from behind Philip.

With that, the adults left, leaving the two to mingle.

“Hi…”

“Hi,” Lizzie replied, staring at the floor as she twiddled her thumbs.

“So… what music do you listen to?”

“Pop.”

Stella looked at her, but Lizzie didn’t feel like elaborating. Instead, she noticed Noah and Calvin walk by, and quickly excused herself to join them.

Catching up with them, she noticed they had changed. Both were now wearing snow pants and sweaters. They also had winter coats draped over their shoulders.

“Why are you guys dressed for a blizzard?”

“We’re going straight to tobogganing after,” Charlotte said, appearing from behind, she too had changed to a purple snow pants. “You didn’t know?”

“No,” Lizzie said. “How am I going to go in this?” She pointed at her dress.

“What’s the matter kids?” Joseph showed up.

“Lizzie forgot to bring snow clothes,” Calvin said.

“That’s not good. No way you’re going tobogganing in that. Did you pack any? We could swing by the house to pick them up.”

Lizzie shook her head. She explained she’d brought a winter jacket and boots, but she hadn’t packed her snow pants, thinking she wouldn’t need them.

Her parents hadn’t mentioned anything about tobogganing. Right?

“What’s wrong?” This time, it was Jenny and Grant, each carrying some of the bags for the donation drive.

After Joseph explained the situation, Jenny spoke, “I might have just the thing, come with me Lizzie.”

The two went to a small room where Jenny dug through one of the clothing bags, before eventually pulling out a navy blue bundle.

“Here, they’re Lucas’s old outfit, it might not be the exact size, but it should fit. Why don’t you try changing into it, and I’ll see if I can find a pair of gloves for you too.”

Left with no other options, Lizzie hopped into the bathroom. Already there, she decided to quickly use the toilet before she changed into Lucas’s old snow wear.

The bundle turned out to be two pieces of clothing. The first was a navy blue sweater, which she slipped into. The second turned out to be a pair of overalls. The outside was made of a tough, waterproof material, but the inside was soft and smooth.

As she pulled the straps over her shoulders, the overalls pulled a bit against her crotch. Lizzie fiddled with the buckles. They looked like they could adjust, but she couldn’t figure out how. She’d have to ask her aunt about it later.

She pulled the zipper up to the top of the bib which ended high up her chest. The overalls hugged tight around her body. Although, Lizzie presumed that was a good thing, as it would help keep the warmth in and the snow out.

She did feel a bit awkward wearing an all blue snow suit. The overalls felt like something a seven year old might wear. And the small, cute girl in the mirror did little to ease that feeling.

As soon as she stepped out, Lizzie was whisked away as they left the church. Lizzie could feel the stares as the others observed her outfit. Thankfully, no one on the car commented about her new outfit.

The cars drove up a small mountain to a large park, where the families rented toboggans and took a short lift to the peak.

The view at the top was spectacular. Down below was the main log cabin, a thin trail of smoke coming out of its chimney. Beyond that, Lizzie could survey the entire city, last night’s snow blanketing the canvas in white. In the horizon were tall mountains, their blue and green layered with streaks of white.

Trace snowflakes drifted about in the serene scene as Lizzie felt the chilly winter air across her face. She was glad to be dressed so warmly.

“Wheee!” The scream interrupted Lizzie as Calvin slid down the hill.

“Lizzie, you coming?” her father asked.

“On my way!” Lizzie exclaimed, running over to the edge.

They pushed off. Lizzie couldn’t help but scream as her sled picked up speed, the icy air picking at her cheeks. She caught up to the others at the next section, where some of them were taking a short break.

“Race you to the bottom!” she yelled at Noah and Calvin as she picked up her sled and blitzed past them.

“Hey!” they yelled back, chasing after her.

“Careful now,” Mira called out, but made no effort to actually stop them.

Lizzie rushed to the next slope. At the edge, she held the sled in front of her, leaping into the air as she propelled herself forward.

Her hair flew behind her as she felt gravity take its hold. She sped down the hill, narrowly beating the twins to the bottom.

The kids went up and down several more times, each ride as exhilarating as the last.

Eventually, some of the kids went to play elsewhere, and Lizzie felt an urge to pee.

She headed to the cabin, brushing snow off of her body. The suit had done a great job keeping her warm. The overalls left fewer openings than snow pants, preventing any snow from creeping in. Perhaps she’d ask her aunt if she could keep it.

Lizzie stepped into a stall, hanging her jacket on a hook. She tugged at the zipper, only for her fingers to slip right off.

That was odd. Lizzie removed her mittens, grabbing the pull, she tugged down, but the zipper didn’t budge.

No problem, the zipper was probably just stuck. Lizzie fiddled with it, attempting to tug it up and down, but it didn’t budge. That was odd, there didn’t seem to be any fabric stuck in the pull.

A few minutes of tugging later, and Lizzie realized it was futile. She instead tried at the buckles, hoping they could release. However, the buckles seemed to be fixed, and she couldn’t even figure out how to lengthen the straps to slip them off her shoulders.

Lizzie ran back out, perhaps Jenny would know how the zipper worked. However after minutes of searching, her aunt was nowhere to be found. As she was about to give up, she saw Lucas in his green overalls.

“What’s wrong Lizzie, you look out of breath,” Uncle Grant said when she arrived. The two were building a snowman.

“I need…,” Lizzie took a breath. “I need help, I borrowed Lucas’s old snowsuit but the zipper is stuck. I need to use the washroom!”

“Let me take a look,” Uncle Grant stepped up. After a moment, he facepalmed before pulling out his cellphone and dialing. “Honey, did you bring any of the zipper keys? The overalls you gave Lizzie have the locking zipper.”

“Yes, it’s an emergency… Yes, we’re at the west side… Okay, I’ll meet you at the cabin.”

“Come with me Lizzie, I’ll explain along the way. Lucas, you come too.”

“No, me make snowman,” Lucas pouted.

As Grant tried his best to convince Lucas, the pressure in her bladder began to grow. Lizzie clutched her stomach as she hopped from one foot to the other.

Eventually, Grant picked Lucas up, ignoring his complaints, they sped-walked back toward the main cabin.

“I’m so sorry Lizzie, the overalls you have on have a locking zipper. Some of Lucas’s clothes have them to prevent him from taking them off when he’s not supposed to. His newer snowsuit doesn’t have it, so your aunt must’ve not realized when she handed them to you.”

Lizzie nodded, having figured as much from context. She wanted to ask more questions, but kept her mouth shut, focusing instead on clenching her bladder as they waited in front of the cabin.

Just as she was about to burst, Jenny showed up around the corner. “I’m so sorry,” she said, as she tried to catch her breath. The two walked into the bathroom where she fumbled in her purse before pulling out a small key. The key fit into a small hole of the zipper, which Lizzie hadn’t noticed earlier. With a half turn, the zipper was unlocked.

Lizzie didn’t wait a second longer, rushing into the stall. Relief washed over her as she emptied her bladder, with not a minute to spare.

“Why Lissie need bathroom so fast?” Lizzie overheard Lucas’s question as she returned.

“She needed to pee, Lucas,” Grant explained.

“Why Lissie no use diapee, like me? No scary then,” Lucas reasoned.

“Maybe I’ll do that next time,” Lizzie said. Not that she was serious, she wanted nothing less than to wear a diaper in public. “Now, did you want to go finish that snowman?”

Lucas nodded.

“One second Lizzie, can you turn around for a second?” Aunt Jenny asked. Lizzie turned around. “Oh no, that won’t do.” Jenny pointed at her.

Lizzie traced her gaze, looking down, Lizzie noticed her overalls had unzipped halfway.

“I was worried that might happen. The one disadvantage of these zippers is they’re prone to unzipping when unlocked. Since the overalls are a tiny bit small on you, there’s enough tension that the zipper is coming undone.”

“What can we do? I don’t want snow getting in.”

“I could lock it, then we won’t have to worry about the zipper coming down.”

Lizzie frowned, she didn’t feel like the idea of being locked into her overalls again.

“Can I at least have the key?”

“Of cou—,” Jenny began, but paused. “Actually, do you have any pockets that zip up?”

“Oh.” Lizzie felt around, her jacket pockets were only secured with a small button. Something small like a key could easily fall out.

“I can’t really risk you losing this key as it’s the only one I brought with me today. I have more at the house, but if you lose it here, you’d end up being stuck in the overalls until we got back. How about this, I’ll carry the key in my purse, and you can come find me if you need to use the washroom.”

“But…”

“We really can’t have you running around in the cold with the zipper down. It also would be a bit indecent. The only other option I can think of is I can give you the key, but you also have to wear a diaper in case you lose the key and get stuck in them until we’re home. Which would you prefer?”

Lizzie sighed, part of her wanting to scream. But her rational side knew her aunt wasn’t at fault. She was even trying to think of alternative options. “Okay, you can hold onto the key,” she muttered.

Jenny locked the zipper before pulling it up. Once it reached the top, she tugged on it to confirm it had been secured. Lizzie shivered, it felt weird knowing she was stuck in the suit until her aunt released her.

The group journeyed back to continue with the snowman. As they were rolling the snowballs, Lizzie played with the zipper.

Despite knowing the result, she couldn’t resist the urge. As expected, the zipper held fast, not moving an inch. She imagined what she looked like, a cute little kid wearing overalls playing in the snow.

How did it always end up like this?

Thankfully, the rest of the day was filled with more snowy activities, and Lizzie soon forgot about her predicament. Lizzie helped Lucas finish his snowman, before joining the other kids in making a snow fort. The day ended with the entire family engaged in an epic snowball fight.

It was only when throwing the snowballs that Lizzie realized another problem with her outfit. As her arm reached up and out to throw, it tugged on the straps going over her shoulders. This in turn pulled the entire overalls up, which caused the part between her legs to drive up into her crotch.

This was by no means painful, but it was certainly distracting. It happened while running around as well, as the tight overalls hugged closely around her body, restricting her movement ever so slightly.

Behind her fort, she tugged at the fabric, trying to relieve herself from the self-applied wedgie. Had it been this tight before? Why hadn’t she noticed it while tobogganing? Funnily enough, she realized that wearing a diaper probably would soften the pressure on her crotch.

She tugged at the zipper pull in vain, knowing that she wasn’t taking them off anytime soon. She felt herself stretching, feeling the unrelenting fabric strain against the movement as the soft inner lining slid gently over her skin.

Lizzie was pulled back to reality as a snowball crashed into the barrier in front of her, the ball disintegrated into a shower of powder that rained onto her face. She looked up to see Calvin’s mischievous smile from the other end.

It was no time to worry about her clothing, she had a war to win.

The snowball fight lasted for what felt like forever, and by the end everyone was laid in the snow, exhausted, but also laughing and giggling all the same.

As the sun began to set, the kids made snow angels in a fresh field of snow. One thing Lizzie had to admit was that the suit certainly did a great job keeping her warm. Even after a long day of play, she was still comfy and dry.

On their way back to the car, Lizzie wanted to use the washroom.

“Aunt Jenny, can I have the key?” Lizzie whispered, careful to make sure no one else overheard.

“I’ll go with you,” Jenny said.

“I can go by myself,” Lizzie pouted.

“I’m sure you can, but it’s dark and I don’t want you getting lost. You don’t even have your phone with you, right?”

“Fine,” Lizzie said, turning to run. However, she’d barely gone two steps when she felt herself jerked back. Lizzie turned to see her aunt holding onto the strap at the back of the overalls.

“Not so fast. I don’t mind you running on the snow, but let’s not run by the concrete, you might slip on the ice,” Jenny warned.

“Okay, but can you let me go please, it’s uncomfortable.” Jenny’s tug on the shoulder straps had inadvertently given her the biggest wedgie yet.

“Oops, I’m sorry, bad habit with Lucas,” Jenny said, letting go.

At the restrooms, Aunt Jenny unlocked her overalls. Lizzie was a bit irritated that her aunt didn’t just give her the keys, but decided not to make a fuss.

When she exited, her aunt told her to stop for a moment. Before Lizzie realized, her aunt locked the zipper again.

“Hey, why does it need to be locked?”

“Oh, I think we’re grabbing dinner before heading home, and it’s not like you’ll be taking it off until we get back, right?”

“I could change into the dress.”

“Sure, if you want to change, you can go grab your dress now.”

Back in the parking lot, Lizzie learned that Aunt Katherine had fallen in the snow, and she and Uncle Joseph had already gone back. Unfortunately, they had taken the car that Lizzie had put her dress in, which means she was left without a change of clothes.

And so, they headed to a local diner, with Lizzie still wearing her blue snow overalls. As they stepped off the car, Lizzie pulled her jacket tightly around her.

Unfortunately, the diner had the heat cranked up, and Lizzie soon began sweating in her ultra warm outfit. Eventually, she was forced to take off her jacket, revealing her blue uniform to the world.

“Aww, do we have two sets of twins today?” The server asked, making a motion to Noah and Calvin as well as Lizzie and Lucas with their matching outfits.

Lizzie didn’t even bother responding, instead sinking into her seat in the corner, letting Charlotte snicker.

She felt herself squirming as they waited for the food. She’d realized earlier that sitting straight pulled on the straps as well, so she slouched low in her seat.

“Lizzie, why are you sitting like that?” Her mom asked as she brought food over from the adult table. “Have some manners, sit up straight.”

Cursing under her breath, Lizzie sat up, feeling the fabric pull tight around her butt.

After the embarrassing dinner, Lizzie was glad to be on the ride back. As soon as they arrive home, she got her aunt to release her. It felt amazing to change back into her loose fitting sweats.

“Here, auntie, thanks for letting me borrow it,” Lizzie said, holding out of the folded bundle.

“Oh Lizzie, no worries, just keep it. It’s far too small for Lucas and we already donated all of his other clothes.”

“But…”

“And here.” Jenny handed her a two keys. “This way you can use it just like a normal pair of snow pants. I have plenty of these little keys so don’t worry. Just don’t lose them after you put them on!”

“I…” Lizzie started, but decided it was impolite to reject her aunt’s kindness. “Thanks.” She eventually said. It’s not like she actually had to wear them. Bringing the bundle back, she stuffed it deep into her luggage in a plastic bag.

Lizzie walked back upstairs, where she noticed her mom and dad putting their shoes on.

“They’re going to the casino, and leaving us kids home alone,” Charlotte answered before she could ask, not even looking up from her position on the couch.

“Well, we can’t let you kids have all the fun,” Uncle Joseph said with a wink.

“And you won’t be home alone. Your Aunt Katherine is upstairs resting, but your Aunt Mira will be watching over all of you tonight,” Samuel said as he tossed on a coat.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” Jenny asked Mira as the two walked to the door.

“Oh no worries, Lucas is in safe hands. You and Grant go out and have fun. It’s like you forget I used to run the church daycare!” Mira said, ushering Jenny out the door.

“Well, thank you so much,” Grant said.

“Just don’t come home too drunk. I signed up to take care of kids, not adults!” Mira shut the door behind them. “Well then,” she said, turning around to the kids, “I’ll mostly be watching over Lucas and doing some chores in the kitchen, but come to me if there’s any problems. You kids are free to do whatever until bedtime, but no fighting. Especially you two!”

“Yes mom,” Noah and Calvin replied, the latter rolling his eyes.

“Let’s play Clue!” Alice said, holding the board game in hand.

“Sure.” The kids went on to play Clue and other games. Calvin even managed to convince them to play hide and seek tag again.

They were about to start playing Mario again when Mira knocked on the door.

“Lizzie, Alice, it’s time to shower and get changed for bed.”

“What? How about them?” Lizzie asked, pointing to Charlotte and the others.

“They will be next. There’s only two showers, so we have to take turns. In the meantime, you three can go brush your teeth in the kitchen sink.”

Lizzie groaned, getting up. As the eldest, she didn’t understand why she had to get changed before the others. She stated such to her aunt as they left the room.

“I needed you to get changed into your diapers for bed.”Lizzie cringed at the word, but Alice didn’t seem to react, grabbing her things and going to the bathroom.

“Why do I need to change into them now?”

“It’s only an hour and a half before everyone’s bedtime Lizzie, I don’t think I’m being unreasonable here.” Mira held out the fresh diaper.

“Fine.” Lizzie grabbed it.

“Also, please wear your Rosalina sleeper tonight.”

“What?!”

“Lizzie, you’ve already shown that you can’t be trusted to keep your diaper on at night. But I can rest easy knowing you won’t have a chance to touch them if you’re wearing those back-zip pajamas.”

“But I…” Lizzie was bewildered. She’d already been punished yesterday, why was she being punished again?

“I know you kept your diapers on yesterday, but that only proves my point. And before you whine any more, it was your parents that insisted you wear them again to make sure you’ve learned your lesson. If you’d like, we can call them and if you can convince them, you can wear a normal sleeper for tonight.”

Lizzie threw her hands up, picking up her sleeper and trudging to the bathroom upstairs. After showering she slipped into the diaper, before picking up the sleeper.

The soft fabric did little to comfort her as she slipped it on. She didn’t even bother with the zipper, instead opening the door to let her aunt in.

“Let me just check that diaper. Looks like you taped it up correctly this time. Good job!”

Lizzie rolled her eyes. Could she be any more condescending?

“And let me just pull up the zipper up to make sure there’s no diaper fiddling tonight!”

Lizzie left as soon as the snap was secured, not even bothering to thank her aunt. She made sure to grab a hoodie and slip into it before joining the others.

“You’re wearing those again?” Charlotte asked, easily seeing through the cover. Her tone sounded innocent, but Lizzie knew her true intent.

“Charlotte, stop, unless you want to wear the sleepers again,” Noah warned, his eyes focused on the game.

“I was just asking an innocent question!” Charlotte said, acting shocked.

“God you’re an annoying jerk sometimes,” Noah muttered under his breath.

“What did you say?” Charlotte asked, standing up.

Thankfully, Aunt Mira knocked on the door at that moment. “Charlotte, Noah, Calvin, your turn. Calvin and Noah you two can share the upstairs bathroom.”

The others got up, leaving Lizzie with Alice to continue the game, but Lizzie decided she wasn’t in the mood anymore, instead asking Alice if she wanted to watch a show.

As the two sat down on the couch upstairs. Alice was wearing a one-piece sleeper too. Her sleeper had a noticeable bulge, but Alice didn’t seem to mind as she scrolled through Netflix. Sometimes Lizzie wished she could be as carefree as the little girl.

Lizzie wondered if Calvin and Charlotte would be getting the sleepers again too. It made sense that if she was still being punished, then they would still be as well. The thought brought her some consolation.

But, her hope was soon shattered when the kids returned, dressed in their normal PJs. Lizzie pouted, evidently, her misdemeanor warranted stricter punishment then theirs, which seemed grossly unfair to Lizzie.

No longer wanting to stay with the others, Lizzie grabbed a book and found a little corner to huddle in.

“Lizzie, time for bed.” Her aunt appeared a while later.

Lizzie checked the time. “But it’s still thirty minutes until my bedtime!” She looked at her aunt pleadingly.

Her aunt checked the time before responding. “Fine. You can stay up for another thirty minutes. But before I forget, give me your hands.”

Lizzie looked at her aunt questioningly as she lifted her hands. Her aunt didn’t reply, and instead, began slipping something over her hands.

Lizzie pulled back, realizing it was the Rosalina mittens.

“Why do I have to wear those too?” she asked, unable to hide the spite in her voice.

“Firstly, I don’t see any harm in making extra sure there won’t be any naughty hands prying at the zipper tonight.”

“But…”

“And secondly, I was told that someone played a prank on Charlotte this morning, and put the mittens on her. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

There was a snickering from behind, and Lizzie turned to see a shadow as Charlotte ducked back into the stairwell.

“It was just a prank!” Lizzie defended herself.

“And what have we talked about pulling pranks on your cousins? You should know better.” Mira replied sternly.

Lizzie sighed, her aunt was right, it had been a stupid stunt, and she’d known she’d get in trouble for it. She held her hands up and watched as her aunt secure the mittens, tying the ribbons for each in a neat bow on top.

Lizzie eyed the mittens. The knot her aunt had tied seemed loose, she could probably pull it off with her teeth if she had to.

“And I know the knot is loose. But I better see them still tied neatly tomorrow morning unless you feel like getting a worse punishment tomorrow.”

“And come with me, you’re going to apologize to Charlotte.”

Lizzie got up, head down as she followed her aunt.

“Charlotte, Lizzie has something to say to you.”

“Oh what is it?” Charlotte asked innocently.

“I’m sorry.”

“What did you say? I didn’t hear you,” Charlotte smirked.

“I’m sorry!”

“Lizzie, what are you sorry for?” Mira prompted.

“I’m sorry for putting the mittens on you while you were sleeping, it wasn’t a funny prank,” Lizzie said before letting out a sigh.

“Apology accepted, just don’t do it again. You should know better, being the eldest and all,” Charlotte said, shaking her finger.

“Alright, now I don’t want to hear about any more stunts between you two for the remainder of the trip, or Heaven knows what punishment you’ll both get. Understood?”

Charlotte’s eye’s widened. “Am I understood?” Mira repeated herself.

“Yes, Aunt Mira,” both girls murmured. Mira’s tone seemingly knocking Charlotte down a peg.

Satisfied, their aunt left the two alone.

“The mittens do look cute on you. I’m glad to know you won’t be pulling any pranks on me tonight,” Charlotte teased once their aunt was out of earshot.

“Oh shut up.” Lizzie rolled her eyes and returned to her book. However, the slippery mittens meant she had a difficult time turning the pages.

Flexing her fingers, Lizzie felt the mitten stretch a bit before pushing back. If she tried really hard, she could almost fully extend her fingers, but even the minor restriction was more than sufficient to prevent Lizzie from doing plenty of things like play with her phone or her Switch.

Irritated, Lizzie paced around the house. The smiles of the joyous elves seemed to mock her predicament.

Eventually, she settled on the couch, and began scrolling through Netflix, an act made difficult by her ability to grasp the remote.

Lizzie yawned, the endless options whizzing by on the screen in a blur. She sighed, deciding it was probably time for bed.

She headed downstairs, where the others had already been tucked in, and scurried quietly under her covers.

“Sleeping already?” Noah’s voice asked, having just stepped out of the washroom.

“Yeah, I’m tired,” Lizzie said. And bored out of my mind, she thought.

“Did you want to wake up early to play Smash tomorrow morning? We need to finish our match,” he whispered.

“You’re on,” Lizzie said, smiling. “But get ready to lose, I won’t go easy on you.”

“We’ll see about that, good night, Lizzie.”

“Good night, Noah.”