Pretend to Be a Child

There was no way she could let slip who she was, Lauren decided. It would be embarrassing enough for a total stranger to catch her in this situation. For someone she had tormented in high school...no. Who knew what she would do to her? No, she’d have to lie. Pretending to be a child would be embarrassing, but it would only be for a little bit. Then, she could go home, and pretend that none of this had ever happened.

“I-I’m Lily,” Lauren said hesitantly.

“Well, hello Lily!” Rachel said warmly. “I’m sorry a mean person stole your clothes! Are you here with your mommy and daddy?”

If she said yes, Rachel would undoubtedly try and find them. Worse, when she couldn’t, she’d probably take her to the front office. The last thing she needed was for somebody to call her parents, and tell them to pick her up like this. “N-no,” Lauren said, biting her lip. “I-uh. I’m-on a field trip!” she said, inspiration striking. Plenty of schools took trips to the zoo!

“Oh, how exciting!” Rachel said, patting her on the head. Lauren had to **** herself to not to shove her hand away. “Do you know where your class is now, honey?”

“Uh...no,” Lauren said frustratedly, glancing around. If only there was a class nearby she could have pointed to! She didn’t want to walk around the zoo topless and wearing a diaper, but the longer she stayed here, the bigger the chance Rachel would figure out who she was. Maybe she could get her to just leave her somewhere private. “I think-”

“Well, don’t worry!” Rachel interrupted her, getting up and pushing her forward. “You can come with us while we look! Amanda!” Rachel said, turning to the older girl. “Be sure to keep an eye on Lily! Okay?”

“I will!” Amanda said cheerily, while Lauren had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. I don’t need a younger twerp looking out for me; I’m twenty-three!

“We’re going to see the snakes next!” Amanda said excitedly, grabbing Lauren’s hand. “I’ll hold your hand so you don't get scared.”

“I won’t get scared!” Lauren said exasperatedly. “But...I can’t walk around like this!”

“Oh, it’s okay, sweetie,” Rachel reassured her. “Nobody will say anything. You don’t have to worry about wearing a shirt till you’re a little older.”

Lauren wanted to scream. She knew she didn’t look as mature without her padding, but this was ridiculous! Surely people wouldn’t really mistake her for a child young enough to wear a diaper! Would they?