Page 6 of Layla

A dozen thick, disposable, plastic-backed diapers.

“Those are Mountainville Supremes,” Beatrice said proudly. “Hey, if you have to wear ‘em you might as well look cute.”

Some of the ladies voiced their agreement.

One chimed in, “I’m in one right now.”

A few laughed good-naturedly as she raised her hand.

“What are those?”

Everyone looked to see the source of the question. An angry looking Courtney was standing in the large room’s doorway, shaking her head, her eyes trained on the gift Layla held.

Layla sat the diapers on the floor and hurried to her bestie, throwing her arms around her neck in a tight hug. “You came!”

“I came because I didn’t think it would be too weird but I can already see that was a mistake. I think I should leave.”

Courtney pulled from the embrace without having returned it. She spun on her heels and started marching out.

“Wait!” Layla said. “Courtney, please.”

Courtney walked a few more paces but finally stopped with a heavy sigh. It took her a few seconds before she turned back around.

“This is weird for me,” she said.

“I’m sorry,” Layla said, stepping closer and taking her friend’s hands into hers. “I didn’t mean to weird you out. I just wanted you to be here to celebrate this with me.”

“Celebrate what? That your husband is going to turn you into his slave?”

“That’s not it at all,” Layla said. “Here. Let me explain.”

She kept ahold of Courtney’s hands and tugged her toward the group. No one knew quite what to say. They were used to people not understanding their lifestyle, but usually those people stayed out of Brennan County. It was awkward to have someone among them who so clearly did not agree with their choices.

“I’m not going to be Kirk’s slave,” Layla explained. “It’s just that, for the first few months of our marriage, I am going to be regressed in some respects. It will teach me trust. Establish a bond between us. As weird as it might sound to you, I’m actually looking forward to it.”

It wasn’t a lie, though Layla did have a bit of nervousness swirling around her core. Giving up her panties and being put into diapers wouldn’t exactly be fun, but it would be worthwhile. She knew that, even if she did feel a bit of humiliation and trepidation. She wasn’t about to tell Courtney that, though. Not right now.

Margo was on her feet now, approaching with a warm smile.

“You must be Courtney Henner. I’m so glad you came. Layla has told us so much about you.”

“She has?” Courtney said.

“Of course I have. You’re my best friend,” Layla said.

Courtney’s stance softened a bit. She looked at all the other women and then finally nodded. “I guess I could stay for a while.”

“Get something to eat,” one of the women said.

“Yeah. There’s plenty left. And we’re going to have some cake after she opens her gifts,” another added.

“Thank you,” Courtney managed to say, though she didn’t go toward the food. Instead, she took a seat and watched along with everyone else as Layla continued to open the gifts.

Most were average, run-of-the-mill gifts typical of any wedding shower. There was a toaster, some pots and pans, and a few home décor items.

But the last one was quite unique.

A paddle, signed by all the women. Bestowed to Layla with great honor.

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