Page 9 of Examining Ella

“Hi,” Ella said, fighting back the bashfulness she felt welling up inside her. “I’m Ella.”

“Is there something I can help you find?” the captain asked.

“Is it that obvious I’m lost?” Ella said with a grin.

“These ships can be overwhelming,” Captain Regan said. “Truth be told, this is my vessel and sometimes I get turned around, too. Where are you headed?”

Nervousness once again gripped Ella. This was a big moment for her, outing herself as a Little to another person. It was the first time.

But she’d come too far to get cold feet now.

“The Littles’ store,” she said.

“Ah. I figured you were a Little but didn’t want to assume,” he said.

Just then, Ella realized that the captain had had no way of knowing whether she was a Big or a Little. Why had he figured she was the latter rather than the former?

As if reading her mind, he said, “Daddies just know. Littles have a certain air about them. Please don’t take that as an insult. It’s quite the opposite, actually.”

Ella giggled.

If Littles had an air about them, then maybe Bigs did, too. Meaning, perhaps her fantasies about Dr. Kirk weren’t too far off the mark. Was she actually picking up legit Daddy vibes from him?

“Do you have a Daddy or Mommy, honey?”

“No, sir,” she said.

“Well, there are plenty of Bigs on our cruise this week. So, if you’re looking for one, perhaps…” He let his words trail off with a slight shrug and suggestive smile.

Ella giggled again.

“As for the store,” the captain said. “It’s on Deck 4. It’s sandwiched right between the arcade and ice cream shop. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you!” Ella said.

“You’re quite welcome. And if you want someone to play with, track down Little Nelly. She is always eager to make new friends.”

Nelly waved and then reached into her pocket, pulling out a friendship bracelet. “Do you want one?”

“Thank you!” Ella said.

“I love making them and I have all different colors. I’ll give you some more when I see you next.”

Ella thanked Nelly and the captain again before setting off to find the store.

Well, you did it. You had your first encounter with another Little. And a Daddy. And you survived. Just relax and enjoy this. You’re in the middle of the ocean. No one from back home is going to see you.

She took a deep breath, plastered a smile on her face, and went inside the store.

It was time to stock up on supplies.

And have some fun.

Chapter Seven

Back in her cabin, Ella was trembling as she looked at the Little gear she’d purchased.

She had a pink two-piece bathing suit with frilly lace around the leg holes. She had a couple of baby doll dresses—one pink and white gingham, the other all pink with lots of ribbons and ruffles. She had panties to match the dresses. She had some shortalls and a couple of t-shirts, one reading LITTLE CUTIE and the other saying SPOIL ME. And then there were the diapers.

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