“Lizzie?… Lizzie?…” The voice sounded far away.

“Five more minutes,” Lizzie stirred.

“Good morning, Lizzieeeeeee,” the voice sang, getting louder. Lizzie ignored it, pulling the covers over her head. There was some shuffling along the foot of her bed but the voice stopped. Lizzie relaxed, drifting back to sleep.

“Ah!” Lizzie yelped, as something crawled under her covers, the warm bundle squirmed up, wrapping around her. “Hey, that tickles!”

Alice appeared from underneath the blanket, her smile wide.

“Let’s see how you like it.” Lizzie began her revenge, running her fingers along Alice’s sides.

“Ahh!” Alice half-laughed, half-screamed as she squirmed. Arms flailing to try and protect herself from Lizzie’s assault.

“Do you surrender to the might of the tickle monster?” Lizzie began tickling Alice’s stomach through her sleeper.

“I surrender, I surrender!” Alice exclaimed.

Lizzie stopped her attack, wrapping her arms around the little five year old in a gentle embrace. Alice returned the hug, snuggling her head against Lizzie’s chest.

“Good morning, Alice.”

“Good morning, Lizzie.”

“What time is it?”

“Seven thirty?”

Lizzie sighed, rubbing her eyes. Now that she had been jolted awake, it would be difficult to fall asleep. Not that Alice would let her. “Well, since we’re up, do you want to get something to eat?”

Alice nodded, and so Lizzie flipped over her covers and the two stumbled out of bed.

“Hey, you changed pajamas!” Alice said.

Lizzie looked down. Last night’s events came flooding back as she realized her outfit.

Lizzie brought her hands around her chest, in a futile attempt to cover the blue sleeper. “I… Well you see… They’re not mine… I borrowed them from Lucas actually. And uh… I was uh… cold last night and these were just warmer,” Lizzie stammered.

“Yours have feet too! We’re twins!” Alice replied, not seeming to care about the explanation. Footie pajamas don’t seem weird to a five year old, Lizzie realized. Still, she wanted to change out of them before Alice noticed the zipper.

“I guess we are.” Lizzie relaxed a bit and gave Alice’s head a rub. “How about we go get changed and I’ll meet you downstairs.” Alice nodded.

“Wait,” Lizzie called out as Alice was exiting the room. “Did you… need someone to change you?”

Alice stopped, turning around, she pulled down the zip of her sleeper, revealing her diaper. Lizzie was somewhat taken aback, but Alice didn’t seem to mind showing off her diaper. It was a light purple, decorated with various dancing ponies and rainbows.

“Nope!” Alice said happily, pointing to the stars in the front. The blue outlines were clear, indicating she hadn’t wet.

“How often do you wet?” Lizzie prodded, curious to her cousin’s bedwetting situation.

“I’ve been dry for…” Alice took a moment to think, “five nights in a row now!” She beamed.

“Wow, great job!” Lizzie said, somewhat disappointed at the fact that, despite being over twice her age, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d stayed dry for that many days in a row. “I’m going to take a quick shower, I’ll meet you downstairs in a bit.”

Lizzie was eager to step under the steaming water. It took some effort, but Lizzie managed to reach behind her and unzip herself. As she peeled off her goodnite, Lizzie realized with dismay that she had managed to wet again. It was barely damp, but the smell was unmistakable.

She threw the goodnite against the wall. That was her last one. What was wrong with her? She sat on the floor of the bathtub, face in her hands as she let the water run over her hair. Even Alice had a better time staying dry at night.

What if it never stopped?

The thought had crossed her mind more than a few times, but she’d always pushed it away.

I only have a few accidents. I am still small, I’m sure it will stop by next week.

But soon, weeks became months, and months became years. And with each passing day, that tiny sliver of fear had grown. Now, Lizzie felt that pent up anxiety weighing her down. In every other aspect, Lizzie was maturing and becoming an adult. Yet, this little problem stuck out like a sore thumb. It labeled her as a little baby, someone who couldn’t even control their own bladder.

Why can’t I just be normal?

She slapped her hand against the floor, causing the pooled water to splash about as she cried out in frustration. Life was so unfair. Tears welled in her eyes.

No. Lizzie got a hold of herself. She wasn’t going to cry. That was what little kids did.

Instead, she stood up, washing the tears out of her eyes. She took slow, deep breaths, letting the water cleanse her. She didn’t know how to deal with her problem now, but she wasn’t going to let it define her.

With a calm mind, she made a plan. She’d wash her clothes before heading out. Then, she’d buy a pack of goodnites at the mall using the allowance money she’d brought. Finally, she’d dry her clothes when she got back home.

Lizzie dried off, tossing her used goodnites, sealed within a couple ziplock bags, into the bathroom trash before bundling it. She swallowed her meds with a sip of water and tied her hair into a sleek high ponytail. She loved the way her hair swayed from side to side as she hopped down the stairs.

She first snuck out the front, where she was blasted by a gust of the icy winter wind. It took a few minutes to find the family trash bin, where she promptly disposed of the evidence before joining Alice in the kitchen, shivering slightly.

Alice was seated at the kids table, still rocking her Frozen jammies as she watched some YouTube on her phone.

“Hey, what took you—” Alice turned around to see Lizzie, “hey, you changed!” she curled her lips into a pout.

“Well, I showered and wanted to change. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you still want to be twins,” Lizzie explained. Alice crossed her arms. “But isn’t my outfit cute?” Lizzie tried to cheer her up, twirling around, letting her white skirt flare out. She finished with a cheesy pose, showing off her new top. The white and red striped shirt had mid-length sleeves and left her shoulders exposed. It was a bit chilly for the weather, but Lizzie was more than willing to bare with it for the look.

Lizzie flashed a few more poses, finishing with her fingers pointed at her cheeks with an innocent look on her face. This one got a chuckle from Alice, and soon she was posing too. Lizzie quickly switched to become the photographer, holding her hands in a mock camera to snap pictures as Alice posed.

“Gimme some more flare. Yes, yes, that’s it. How about a cute one? A bigger smile… There we go, beautiful. Now a crazy one.” The two were barely able to hold in their giggling.

“What are you two doing?” The nasally voice interrupted their party. Lizzie sighed, turning around to face Charlotte. She was surprised to find her dressed in a light purple leotard. The long-sleeved garment was tight around her body, accentuating her thin arms. White tights covered her long legs. A thick winter coat, resting only on her head and shoulders, finished the outfit.

“What are you doing?” Lizzie bounced the question back.

“I just came back from practice,” Charlotte said, lifting up her hand, revealing a pair of ballet slippers. Her nose and cheeks a rosy pink from the chilly outdoors.

“Wow,” Alice hopped down from the table and went over to Charlotte. “So you’re a ballerina?” Charlotte nodded. “Can you do the splits?” Again, she nodded. “Show us, show us!”

“Fine,” Charlotte grunted, dropping her belongings onto a chair before walking over to the carpeted living room. There, she dropped onto one knee. Using her arms, she carefully lowered herself until her legs were in full splits.

“That’s so cool!” Alice clapped her hands, “You’re so awesome!”

“It’s nothing,” Charlotte said, looking away, her rosy cheeks turning a darker shade of red. Even Lizzie had to admit that it looked impressive. With her legs stretched out, Lizzie grew even more envious of Charlotte’s long, slim figure.

“Can I touch?” Alice didn’t wait for an answer before stroking Charlotte’s outstretched leg. When Charlotte didn’t immediately stop her, Alice got a bit more brave, and began poking at the taut muscles.

“Hey, that tickles!” Charlotte said, rolling away and standing up quickly before Alice could begin a full on assault.

“Did you have practice this morning? I thought it was Thanksgiving weekend,” Lizzie asked.

“Well, our teacher is pretty strict. She makes us practice every Monday and Friday morning, even on holidays.” Charlotte undid her hair, letting it fall from the neatly kept bun around her shoulders.

“Technically the Friday one is only for the students that need the extra practice, like you.” Aunt Katherine appeared at the doorway, dropping off a couple bags on the kitchen table.

“Mom!” Charlotte whined as Alice and Lizzie giggled.

“Oh, it’s alright, Ms. Sylvia said you’re improving very quickly!” aunt Katherine brushed a strand of Charlotte’s hair to the side. “Anyways, what are you two doing up so early?”

“Well, Alice woke up and then woke me up too. We were about to make some breakfast.”

“You know how to make breakfast?”

“Well, I was going to look for some cereal and milk,” Lizzie admitted.

“That won’t do. Let me teach you how to make my special omelet. Charlotte can help out too after she changes.”

“But mom—”

“No buts, I want to make sure you remember how to make the omelet too,” Katherine interrupted. Charlotte sighed before leaving to get changed.

“I can help too!” Alice piped up.

“Of course you can,” Katherine patted her on the head.

The four got to work, and the kitchen became filled with the delicious smell of eggs and bacon.

“Wow, what smells so good?” Lizzie turned around to see her dad and uncle Joseph enter the room.

“Your daughters are busy making their papas some breakfast,” Katherine said, giving her husband a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Well, perfect, because I’m starving,” the two fathers said in sync. The girls laughed, and each brought their prettiest omelets over to the table.

Other family members soon began piling in as well, drawn by the delicious smell from the kitchen.

“Thanks for helping you three, I can finish up here, go sit down and eat.” Lizzie nodded, and went to enjoy her meal.

As they finished breakfast, each of the parents thanked Lizzie and Charlotte for the delicious meal. Lizzie couldn’t help but blush at the compliments. It was only an omelet after all.

“What a great way to start the day,” uncle Samuel said with a happy sigh as he finished his coffee. “Really gets us all ready for the busy day ahead of us! Now, we are already a little behind schedule, so let’s hurry and get ready to leave.”

With that, the parents helped quickly clean up and everyone headed to prepare.

“Make sure you change into a sweater or something warmer,” Jennifer told Lizzie as she was leaving the kitchen.

“But it’s not that cold, and we’ll be inside most of the day, can I just wear a jacket?”

“Sure,” Philip jumped in to the rescue, cutting off Jennifer before she could respond, “but hand me one of your sweaters. I’ll keep it in my backpack so you can change into it if it gets cold.”

Her mom sighed, “And put on some leggings,” she said. Lizzie nodded, satisfied with the compromise, quickly leaving before her mom could change her mind.

***

Lizzie rushed out the door. She had waited for people to begin stepping outside before sneaking back into the basement laundry room. There, she happened to find her Fanta-stained pajamas in the hamper and so she tossed them in with her load before starting the cycle.

“Alright, looks like everyone’s finally here,” uncle Samuel said. Aside from the grandparents, who had decided they would stay at home, the families had all gathered outside.

Lizzie had put on her relatively thin, but puffy, red winter jacket, and a pair of black leggings under her white skirt.

“The kids, aside from Alice, will go in Jenny and Grant’s van. Alice and the rest of the adults will go in mine,” uncle Samuel announced.

“But I want to sit with Lizzie and Charlotte,” Alice complained.

“You need to sit on your car seat, and we’re already running late.” There was no room for discussion in Samuel’s voice.

“It’s okay, we’ll be at the mall soon,” Lizzie comforted the little girl. With that, aunt Mira swooped in and picked Alice up, taking her into the vehicle.

The remaining kids followed uncle Grant and aunt Jenny to their car. As Grant slid open the door, he stopped. “There’s a small problem. Someone will have to sit in the extra car seat.”

“Can’t we just remove it?” Lizzie asked.

“It would take too long to get it removed, and like uncle Samuel said we’re already running late.”

“What if someone switches with Alice and we remove her seat instead?” Noah suggested.

“The seat is too big for her,” Grant replied, shaking his head. “One of you will have to use the seat.”

“How about we let Lucas choose?” Charlotte suggested.

“Hmm, that sounds like a good idea,” Jenny said, and the others began either nodding or shrugging at the suggestion. Lizzie shrugged, it seemed somewhat fair at least.

“Okay, seems like everyone agrees. Lucas, who do you want to sit with you?”

“I want Lissie,” Lucas blurted out almost immediately.

“Wait, but I—” Lizzie started, but a look around told her she would have no support from the other children. “Never mind,” she grumbled.

“Alright, that’s all settled then,” Jenny said, and began helping Lucas onto his seat.

Lizzie sighed, hopping into the now familiar seat. She shifted the straps around, but didn’t bother to buckle herself, letting Grant take over.

As Lizzie felt the straps tighten around her body, she began to wonder if Charlotte had suggested letting Lucas decide on purpose. Had she anticipated that he would choose her given yesterday’s events?

“The red really suits you,” Charlotte’s smirked, taking her seat between Lucas and Lizzie. “How does it feel, strapped in safe and sound?” Charlotte gave Lizzie’s leg a poke.

“Stop that.” Lizzie said, noticing Calvin and Noah giggling at her situation.

“Oh, what are you going to do about it?” As if to prove her point, Charlotte reached through and pinched Lizzie’s arm.

“Why you,” Lizzie tried to kick Charlotte, but she ducked away. Lizzie then tried to slap her, but leaned back in the seat as she was, it was impossible to reach her.

“Aunt Jenny, Lizzie’s trying to hit me,” Charlotte called out.

“She pinched me first!”

“Settle down back there, both of you,” Grant said as he settled into the driver’s seat.

With that, the vehicles rolled out of the driveway and they were onto the road.

The ride took around half an hour, but thankfully, Charlotte had quickly gotten bored of teasing Lizzie and had spent most of the time browsing her phone. Lizzie had been content to do the same, chatting a bit with Ivie.

As they arrived at the mall, Calvin unfastened his seatbelt and stood onto his seat to get a better look outside the window.

“Calvin, sit down and fasten your seat belt,” Jenny said, peering over her shoulder. “Right now,” she added sternly.

The boy sat down, but was still bouncing in his seat as Grant drove around the parking lot. Lizzie looked at the massive outlet. The large store fronts were a pale yellow, with white roofs and some brown accents. Lizzie spotted several designer brands. She couldn’t wait to try on some new clothes. Off to the side, there were several other big-box stores, including a Target. They would have goodnites in stock.

The kids leaped out as soon as the ignition was turned off. That was of course, aside from Lizzie and Lucas. Lizzie tried to play it cool, acting nonchalant as she fiddled with her jacket, pretending to be busy.

“You need help getting out of your baby seat?” Charlotte asked, leaning her head back into the car.

“Uh… No… I’m just…” Lizzie stumbled to find a good excuse.

“Charlotte, Calvin, Noah, let’s go meet up with your parents,” Grant interrupted. Shuffling the three toward the mall entrance.

Jenny released Lizzie, allowing her to adjust her jacket, before moving to exit the car.

“Wait one second Lizzie, let me get Lucas first and we can walk over together.”

“But I can see them still, I can just run over.”

“I don’t think so, the parking lot is too busy. Just give me two minutes.”

Lizzie frowned, she wasn’t a little child like Noah, Calvin, or Alice. She was more than capable of navigating the parking lot on her own. Lizzie hopped off the car.

“Lizzie!” Jenny called after her, but Lizzie sped away, running after Noah and the others.

Lizzie questioned if she’d made a mistake. But Jenny wasn’t her mom, plus, it wasn’t like going across the parking lot was dangerous. Her aunt was probably just used to being overprotective from taking care of Lucas.

The rest of the group was gathered by a massive fountain at the entrance. Alice gave her a wave as she joined the group. Lizzie waved back, picking up a map of the mall along the way.

“Alright everyone, since a lot of people are out for lunch right now, we will go get our shopping done first.” This was met by the groans of many of the kids. “But…” Mira waited to regain the group’s focus. “We will meet back here at three and then go to play some fun games!” This elicited many cheers from the younger half of the group.

Unlike the other kids, Lizzie couldn’t wait to go shopping. She browsed the map, finding all of her favorite stores. Just as she was about to leave, she heard a voice from behind.

“Woah there soldier, where are you heading off in such a rush?” Philip asked, appearing from behind and putting a gentle hand on Lizzie’s shoulder. “So where did you want to head to first?”

“Oh, oh, how about Lululemon? I want some new leggings, my old ones are getting… well, old!” Lizzie said, tugging at her existing ones to emphasize her point.

“Sure, but that’s a ways away, let’s stop by Tommy Hilfiger first, your father hasn’t gotten new shirts in ages.” Jennifer said.

“I can go to Lululemon first and meet back there with you at Tommy’s later,” Lizzie said, not exactly eager to go shopping with her parents.

“No, you will do no such thing. The mall is too busy today and I’m not ready for you to get lost.”

“But mom, I have my phone.” Lizzie held it out proudly.

“And what would you do if you lost it, or if you got picked up off the streets?”

“But…”

“No buts. Unless you want me to rent one of those for you.”

Lizzie followed her mom’s gaze. To their right, there was a family of four. There was a boy that looked around ten or eleven, and his younger sister. But what stood out were the harnesses they wore.

The harnesses had a primary strap that encircled each kid’s upper body, joining together at the chest. Connected straps went over each shoulder, joining again at the back with a stuffed animal. The boy’s was a playful monkey whereas his sister’s was a yellow fox. The final piece was the lead attached to the back, its other end held by the parents.

The little girl ran around, her mom struggling to rein her in and prevent her from running into the crowd. She was clearly having fun. Her brother on the other hand looked more tamed, following idly beside his father.

Lizzie almost laughed, they looked ridiculous strapped up like dogs on a leash. There was no way that they rented those in her size, and even less likely her mom would actually go and rent one.

However, the look on her mom’s face began giving Lizzie second doubts. She decided not to test her hypothesis. Besides, Lizzie realized she’d need her parent’s money to buy her clothes, so it was a good idea to be on her best behavior for now.

“Okay, mom,” Lizzie said, and the three made their way toward Tommy’s.

Her parents browsed for half an hour before they finally left the store. However, Lizzie’s hopes of going to straight to Lululemon were shattered when they took another detour to Ralph Lauren. This happened a couple more times until Lizzie realized they had begun going the long way around. She thought about speaking up but bit her lip. Stay on her good side, Lizzie thought to herself.

After another detour to Nike and a kitchen store, the family finally made their way to Lululemon. Lizzie practically sprinted into the store, having quickly forgotten her exhaustion. Racks of leggings flanked either side, with more along the walls. There were plain ones, colorful ones, and even ones with fascinating designs. Lizzie ran a hand through the stretchy, soft fabrics, enjoying the sensation.

Half an hour later, Lizzie sat down in her changeroom and admired the pile of clothes sprawled in front of her. Her mom had promised her a pair of leggings for her good behavior, but there were just too many to choose from. She picked through the pile, taking out any that weren’t perfect. She finally settled on a perfect pair of burgundy leggings, and headed to join up with her parents.

As they joined the lineup, Lizzie caught sight of Charlotte and her parents walking up to the cashier ahead of them. She bit her lip in envy as Charlotte dumped her basket of new clothes. Her parents not even batting an eye as their order rang up to a couple hundred dollars. Why did she have to work so hard to buy even a single pair of leggings whereas Charlotte got whatever she wanted? Lizzie clutched her Lululemon bag tightly against her chest as they exited the store.

After a while, the families regrouped, and they headed to the Target next door. Lizzie had Operation Goodnite all planned out. They would enter the store as normal and she’d shop with her parents for a bit, while secretly locating where the goodnites were. Then, as everyone got ready to leave, she’d ask to use the restroom and sneak off to buy them, meeting up with the others outside. No one would be the wiser.

“I’m going to check out the toys!” Calvin declared, and began to run off, but uncle Samuel immediately chided him for running, and instead took him and Noah by hand toward the toys section. Lucas wanted to check out the toys as well, and he and his father followed the twins. Charlotte strolled into the store, heading separate ways from her parents, who didn’t seem to mind.

Just as Lizzie was about to step into the store, her mom called out, “Lizzie, come here for a second.”

That tone couldn’t be good. She turned to see her parents standing with aunt Jenny by the entrance. She walked over, a pit beginning to grow in her stomach.

“Your aunt told us what happened in the parking lot. Why did you ignore her and run off like that?” Philip asked.

“I… didn’t think it was that bad.” Lizzie looked down, twiddling her thumbs.

“What do you have to say to your aunt?” Jennifer asked.

“I’m sorry aunt Jenny, I won’t do it again.”

“Look up at someone when you apologize.”

“I’m sorry aunt Jenny.” Lizzie looked up, face red as a passerby glanced in their direction. Jenny nodded, thanking Lizzie before entering the store.

Lizzie’s parents took her and picked up a shopping cart. “You can hold onto the cart while we’re in Target,” Jennifer said plainly.

“What?”

“Clearly, you need to learn that running off isn’t okay. If your hand leaves the cart before we leave the store you’re going to be in a lot more trouble, am I understood?”

“It’s only while we’re at Target,” Philip said, gently placing Lizzie’s hand on the side of the cart. “We know you know better, but actions do have their consequences.”

Lizzie tried to make herself as small as possible as they strolled around the store. Her eyes darted from left to right, trying to find anyone who could be judging from afar.

The shopping went painstakingly slow, as her parents looked at random items. Lizzie felt her hand glued to the shopping cart. In a way, this was more humiliating than the car seat. With the seat, at least she was physically forced to sit in place. However, here, there was nothing technically stopping her removing her hand from the cart, yet, she knew she was still ruthlessly bound to it. Lizzie’s ears burned as a couple strangers glanced toward her.

Stuck to the cart, there was no way for her to get her goodnites now, and Lizzie wasn’t in the mood to tell her parents, fearing her mom would chew her out further.

Partway through, Philip strolled off on his own, leaving Lizzie stuck with her mom. They walked around in silence. Not that Lizzie really minded. Sometimes, she didn’t really know what to talk to her mom about. Her mom was a boring accountant for some large firm, and the two didn’t exactly share many hobbies or interests.

As they walked near the toy aisle, Lizzie noticed Alice and Charlotte in the distance. She crossed to the other side, trying to hide behind the cart. However, she was too slow.

“Lizzie!” Alice ran over. Lizzie wished with all her might for the ground to swallow her whole. Unfortunately, there was no such luck.

“Come look at the Barbies with us!” Alice tugged on Lizzie’s sleeve.

“Sorry, I’m not interested right now, maybe next time.”

“Why not?” Alice asked, to which Lizzie struggled to come up with a response.

“Sorry Alice, but Lizzie promised to check out some new bedsheets with me, we’ll come check out the Barbies later,” Jennifer explained to Alice.

Lizzie nodded, taking the lifeline and allowing her mom to redirect the cart away. “Thanks,” she muttered once they were out of sight. Not sure why her mom had gone out of her way to help.

“The punishment is to teach you a lesson, not to humiliate you,” her mom replied, reading her mind.

“I learned my lesson. I’m sorry, I won’t do it again. Can I go now?” Lizzie asked hopefully.

“Nope. The punishment lasts until we exit the store, that’s not changing. But, since you’re stuck with me for a bit, I wanted to apologize to you.” Lizzie’s sadness immediately turned to confusion.

“I’m sorry for yelling at you in front of your cousins yesterday. While you did deserve some scolding, I should have done it in private, and after I’d let you change. I lost my temper, and for that, I’m sorry.”

“Thanks. And I’m sorry as well, I should’ve known better and been more responsible. Both yesterday and today.” Lizzie hoped her mom could hear the sincerity in her voice.

“I forgive you, and I know you’ll try your best. You’re getting older now, but you will still make mistakes. That’s expected. As long as you keep up your good behavior, I promise I’ll start treating you more like an adult. But of course, the reverse applies as well. Okay?”

Lizzie nodded. It was all she’d ever wanted. Jennifer reached a hand out, leaving it dangling in the air. After a few seconds, she let it come to rest on Lizzie’s shoulder.

Jennifer let her hand slide off. “Well, I’m basically done shopping, is there anything you wanted to see? How about I let you pull the cart around for a bit?”

Being in charge of the cart restored some of Lizzie’s confidence. For the remainder of the trip, Lizzie was in a better mood. She began talking to her mom, gossiping about school, fashion, and even boys. Jennifer followed along, asking questions to keep Lizzie going.

“Brandon? The one from the hockey team? He’s no good,” Lizzie said, “I guess he’s sporty, but he’s so obnoxious during class, all the teachers hate him.”

“But you’re not a teacher, and don’t a bunch of the girls in your grade fan over him?”

“Yeah, a lot of girls like him. I guess he has a pretty face,” Lizzie admitted. “But he’s not my type!” Lizzie quickly corrected. Jennifer raised an eyebrow. “I’m serious! I mean he’s tall, and… Wait, I mean… I don’t…” Lizzie felt herself blushing.

“I’m just teasing you,” her mom chuckled. “Besides, if you brought someone like him home, your father would freak out.”

“I would what?” Philip ambushed the two from behind, grabbing everyone together in a big hug. “So, are you two fine ladies almost done? The others are checking out already.”

“What do you mean, we were waiting for you to finish browsing all the camping and fishing equipment!”

With that, the Cooper family headed toward the checkout. And soon, they were out the door, Lizzie was happy to finally let go of the cart, putting her earlier indiscretion behind her.

As promised, the rest of the afternoon was spent on fun activities. After a short ten minute ride, the families arrived at Noah’s Adventure Park.

The small adventure park had several games, from minigolfing and laser tag, to arcade games and bumper cars. It was a paradise for all of the kids, Lizzie included. What kid wouldn’t enjoy ramming their bumper cars into their parents’?

They played on for several hours, finishing the adventure with some trampoline dodgeball. By the end, Lizzie was exhausted.

The families eventually left the park and walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Before leaving, Jennifer had made Lizzie change into her sweater. She had sweat and her mom didn’t want her to get a cold. Lizzie hated to admit it, but with the sun down, it was indeed chilly, and her mom had been right to bring the extra clothes. But Lizzie didn’t mind much, she was too busy chatting with the other kids about the evening. It’d been ages since Lizzie had been to an adventure park, and now she couldn’t wait to go again.

After a delicious dinner, it was time for the families to head home. As they got back to the car, Lizzie began auto piloting toward the car seat.

“Hey Lizzie, I think we can let someone else ride the seat on the way back,” Jenny suggested. “Charlotte, I think it’s your turn.”

“What? Why me?” Charlotte looked up from her phone.

“Well it’s a bit big for Noah and Calvin, it would take a while to adjust it properly,” Grant said. Lizzie frowned, it didn’t seem that complicated to adjust, but she wasn’t about to complain.

“Plus, you seemed quite fond of teasing Lizzie earlier while she was in the seat. Perhaps once you experience it you’ll realize there’s nothing wrong with sitting in a seat that helps keep you extra safe,” Jenny added.

“Yay! Sharlee sit with me.” Even Lucas approved of the decision.

Charlotte, for once, seemed at a lost for words. With a large pout, she was strapped into the seat. Lizzie could hardly believe her luck, quickly snapping a picture on her phone while the others weren’t watching.

As they drove back, Lizzie spied on Charlotte, watching as she squirmed about in her seat. Lizzie could understand exactly what was going on in the girl’s head. Charlotte tested the straps, tugging and twisting. But eventually, she gave up, pulling out her phone and shifting around trying to find a comfortable position.

Lizzie wanted some revenge. A little pinch or poke felt more than justified, but she caught Jenny occasionally sneaking glances back at them, as if waiting to see if Lizzie would retaliate for earlier. She decided not to push her luck.

“I think the red suits you too.” Lizzie settled on the witty remark.

“Oh shut up,” Charlotte said, pretending not to care. However, glancing over, Lizzie could still see Charlotte testing the straps from time to time.

When they arrived home, Grant helped release Lucas as Jenny moved over to help unstrap Charlotte.

“Thanks, but I can do it myself,” Charlotte said, hands going toward the chest clip.

“If you say so,” she exchanged a knowing glance with Lizzie, who sat back down to enjoy the show.

“Hmm,” Charlotte muttered as her fingers fiddled with the release. Lizzie tried her best to suppress her laughter.

“You sure you don’t need help?” Jenny asked. But Charlotte shook her head. “Okay then, I’ve got to help Lucas change, I’ll let Lizzie help you when you need it.” Charlotte didn’t seem to pick up on Jenny’s peculiar choice of words.

Jenny walked over to Lizzie, passing her the key, which Lizzie quickly palmed. “Don’t be mean now, okay?” she whispered, to which Lizzie quickly nodded. She stepped off the car, shutting the door behind her and leaving the two girls alone.

Eventually, Charlotte gave up on the chest clip, shifting her focus to the buckle. Her hands going over the buckle guard’s surface to no avail. Charlotte was getting visibly agitated. Her normally neat hair a fraying mess as she jerked against the straps, trying to get a better angle.

“What’s so funny?” She asked, finally noticing Lizzie.

“You need this to get out.” Lizzie held the key up. “It’s the key to the car seat.”

“You’re lying.”

“Why would I lie about it? They designed it so the person sitting can’t escape on their own. The chest clip and buckle are locked, that’s why you can’t release yourself.”

Charlotte extended her hand expectingly, but Lizzie ignored it. “Well?” Charlotte asked.

“What?” Lizzie feigned innocence.

“Give me the key.”

“Not unless you say please.” Lizzie was having too much fun.

“Screw you,” Charlotte lurched forward, but Lizzie was ready, stepping just out of reach. Charlotte reached out again, but the straps did their job, keeping the girl firmly seated.

“Give it to me you lil—”

“Little what? Maybe I should let you cool off for a bit and come back later.” Lizzie put her hand on the door.

“No wait,” Charlotte called out. “Please…” she muttered.

“Please what?” Lizzie dangled the key in front of her.

“Please give me the key,” Charlotte whispered. Her eyes downcast, she looked close to tears.

Lizzie handed it to her, it’d been fun to make Charlotte beg and squirm, but now she felt a bit bad.

“Do you want some help?” Lizzie asked as she noticed Charlotte was having trouble with the buckle despite using the key. Charlotte gave her a glare. “I’m being serious.”

“Fine.” Charlotte handed back the key and sat back as Lizzie expertly unlocked her seat. “Thanks,” she muttered as she hopped off the car. Lizzie picked up her Lululemon bag and hopped off as well.

“I’m glad you didn’t go overboard.” The voice startled Lizzie as she turned around to see Jenny standing by the car door. “Grant and I thought she deserved a little payback for all the earlier teasing, but I was worried you’d take it too far.”

“I did want to tease her a little, but I didn’t want to make her cry or anything,” Lizzie said, handing back the key. “Also, sorry again for earlier. I should have listened to you. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course I forgive you Lizzie. I know you’re a mature girl, I wouldn’t have given you the key otherwise. But you’re still only thirteen and have a lot to learn.”

“I wish I was a grownup already, they get to do whatever they want.”

“Oh, you really shouldn’t be in such a hurry to grow up. Trust me, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Once you’re older you’ll miss the freedom of being a kid.”

“If you say so,” Lizzie said, not entirely convinced.

“I don’t expect you to understand me now. I sure didn’t when I was your age,” Jenny chuckled, “But you will one day… Now, hurry along and get inside, you don’t want to catch a cold.”