Sarita sat on her couch with an amused expression. Nero was on the back of the couch, meowing at her. He’d been at it for a good five minutes. He’d always been a little complainer, but Sarita was pretty sure she was feeling outright lectured by her kitty for the first time.
“Nero, you’re repeating yourself. I don’t speak cat, but you did that same meow a minute ago.”
The answer to Sarita’s gentle rebuke was an indignant yowl. Tired of being chewed out by her cat, Sarita grabbed the little black kitty by the scruff of his neck and put him in her lap. He gave a few half-hearted meows before switching to cuddle mode.
Nero’s first order of business was to rub his cheek all over Sarita’s new clothes. With a few circles to make sure that both blouse and skirt were properly shed-on, Nero sat down to make biscuits. Laughing at her industrious pet, Sarita checked her phone. Surprisingly, it was before eight am. An early morning on a day off demanded a nap, and Sarita had no intention of resisting.
An hour later, Sarita was rudely pushed back into consciousness by the need to pee. Her foggy mind sapped her limbs of energy in protest. She’d just gotten super comfortable on the couch. Furthermore, Nero was a warm ball on her lap, purring as he snoozed.
Technically I don’t have to get up. I’m still wearing the diaper Astra put on me. It was an absurd thought – wasn’t it? Sure, she wasn’t playing with Astra at the moment, but she’d used several diapers on dates with her Angel. Would wetting another one be any different?
There was enough justification for Sarita’s sleepy mind to relax her bladder and return to napping. The warmth in her diaper only increased her coziness, making sleep come easier than it had the first time.
—–
Waking up with a clammy diaper was not nearly as fun as falling asleep with a warm one. The squish on her butt when Sarita sat up made her bits tingle. That’s confirmation then. The diapers are sexy by themselves. Good thing I know at least two hot ladies who like diapered girls.
It’d been distressingly easy and convenient to use her diaper. Sarita considered texting Astra to tell her, but decided to save that tidbit for the next time she saw her Angel. It’d be an easy way to get her girlfriend’s motor going and earn some praise. Or maybe I’d get a spanking? I’m still not clear if I’m supposed to be in trouble for using the diapers or not.
A shower, a fresh outfit, and lunch were on the schedule. The first two Sarita managed easily. On her way to item three, she caught Nero sleeping on the pack of decorated diapers. Moving him resulted in a lot of meows and a trip to the litterbox so that he could stare accusingly at Sarita.
No sooner had Sarita provided clean litter for her kitty than there was a notification on her phone. Astra had a list of reminders for her, including a prompt to not forget lunch. That one was really useful, as she’d completely forgotten about food.
Also on the list was a reminder to unpack her laundry, so she’d have something un-wrinkled to wear to work. Reasoning that the earlier she could get a work shirt hung up, the better, Sarita dumped her laundry duffel out on her bed. She was proud to have three work shirts hung up and lightly misted so that the wrinkles would relax out.
The skirts were wrinkle-proof, which meant they got shoved in the dresser. Sarita had finished organizing her bra drawer when a text came in from Nohemi.
Nohemi
Hey girl! You still off work?
Sarita
Yeah. Just doing chores and getting yelled at by my cat.
Nohemi
Can I steal you away? Don’t tell Nero it was me.
Sarita
No promises, he’s been in a mood. :3 Where do you want to meet?
Nohemi
My place, if that’s okay.
Sarita
I can’t wait to see it. Send me your address.
Clothes could obviously wait, especially since there were enough of them put away for a few days at work. Sarita gave Nero some extra scritches in the hopes that he’d forgive her for leaving again so soon. Giving her kitty attention until he wanted to be left alone was usually good for a happy Nero when she came home.
—–
Sarita climbed the creaky metal stairs that had been an obvious rush-replacement for an original wood stairway, in one of Ardenthill’s historic apartment buildings. The stairwell even smelled old, with hints of smoke and mold in the ancient brick. There were a lot of stairs. No wonder Nohemi’s butt looks so good.
The building Sarita lived in got out of having an elevator by topping out at three stories. Nohemi’s was five stories, but likely used its historic status as an excuse for lacking an elevator. Building codes weren’t a usual topic for Sarita, but Nohemi’s fifth floor apartment was giving her a lot of time to think about them.
Panting, she took a moment to catch her breath on the fifth floor. The hallway wasn’t worth five floors of stairs, but it was cool enough to make Sarita envious. The carpet was old, well taken care of, and woven with a beautiful pattern. Unlike the cheap spartan aesthetic of a modern building, the walls were decorated with carved wood moldings and chair rails.
Even Nohemi’s door was cool, it was solid black and looked like oak under the stain. There were worn spots on it from generations of hands and feet holding it open. Nohemi had the door open moments after Sarita knocked.
“You made it! I hope the stairs weren’t too much of a pain.” Nohemi was looking dapper in a button-up shirt and a blue vest.
“They were okay. You look fancy. What’s the occasion?” Sarita gave Nohemi a hug, noting the soft fabric of her vest approvingly.
“I got a wild hair and cleaned my whole apartment. It was fun to dress up a little after. You’re looking cute too.”
Sarita looked down at her midi skirt and single breasted blouse with horizontal and vertical stripes meeting at the buttons. Dressing on autopilot had resulted in an outfit very similar to what Astra had put her in. She’s going to have me dressing like a 50’s housewife if I don’t pay attention. I wonder if that’s the look she likes, or if she got a deal on those clothes.
“Thanks! I’m not sure why I dressed up, I didn’t do anything ambitious like clean my apartment.”
“Then you can enjoy mine. Let me show you around.”
Though it was cleaner than Sarita’s apartment had been since she moved in, Nohemi’s apartment didn’t have the white-glove feel of Astra’s. Part of that was the sheer age of the building. There was only so much cleaning you could do on old brick and wood. Overall the feeling was comfy, even homey.
Nohemi’s kitchen looked well used and cared for, with familiar spices and a tortilla warmer that saw enough use to never be put away. The bathroom had wonderful old tile who’s funky pattern set Sarita’s mind spinning with design possibilities.
Her favorite part of the tour was the deep-cushioned couch in the living room. With built-in pillows on the arms, it was the perfect spot for curling up. Sarita wasted no time getting her shoes off and doing exactly that.
“You got comfy fast. Is that going to be your spot?”
“I like that idea! Yes, this is my cozy spot.”
“You’ll have to come over a lot to establish residency.” Nohemi winked.
“Oh no, how will I manage?” Sarita scooted closer to Nohemi. “I love hanging out with you.”
“I like it a lot too.” Nohemi fell quiet, watching Sarita’s face.
“What have you been up to?”
“Mostly work. The ABDU is opening a new building and there’s miles of wire to pull. What about you?”
“I had three days off! It’s been really nice. Usually I work six days a week and it’s super stressful.”
“That’s great! What’d you do with your extra days?”
“I went on a couple of dates.” Sarita blushed. “But that’s not all I do!”
“Relax, you go on as many dates as you want. Are you still with Astra?”
“I’m not with anybody. I’m dating two girls right now, and Astra is one of them.”
“Oh?” Nohemi’s interest was clearly piqued.
“Do you know Pauline? I went on a date with her too.”
“Yeah, I know her. She’s a nice girl.”
“She is. I don’t know if I feel the spark with her though.”
“Oh yeah? What makes you spark?”
“I wish I knew.” Sarita completed her scooting journey to Nohemi’s side of the couch and leaned against her friend. As she’d hoped, Nohemi drew her into a hug. “Stuff went really well with Astra on our last date but there were still like – bumps.”
“What do you mean by bumps?” Nohemi’s arms felt tense around Sarita.
“I’m sorry, I know you have stuff with her. We don’t have to talk about her.”
“Mija, it’s okay. If you want to talk about your date with Astra, I’m here for you.”
Nohemi’s voice sounded strained. Details were out of the question, Sarita decided. I’ll just ask the most important question. Then we can get off the topic so that Nohemi doesn’t have to be annoyed.
“The bumps aren’t that important. There’s always bumps. The thing I’m really having trouble with is – I think she wants to say the L word. I don’t know if she’s waiting for me to say it first, or if she wants me to be more comfortable first, but she was super amped last night and almost said it a bunch of times.”
“Is the L word Love, Sarita?” Nohemi asked sarcastically. “Girl, if you can’t even say it talking to me, no wonder Astra is nervous.”
“Why do I let you be so mean to me?”
“Because you like me.”
“I like you a lot, Mimi.” Sarita smiled and cuddled in closer, resting her head on Nohemi’s shoulder.
“I’m sure you know it’s a bad idea to say you’re in love before you are. What’s the big worry? Astra hasn’t said it yet, she’d probably waiting until she feels it too.”
“She’s said everything else though. The whole night and morning it was over the top stuff about how I’m the best Little Girl ever and that I’m her princess.”
Nohemi held her breath. “She called you Princess? Like a nickname?”
“Yeah, why? What’s up?”
“Did you go home on your own or did she need to work?”
“She took me home early, it was probably for work. What’s going on?”
“It’s nothing – I shouldn’t say anything.”
“That doesn’t sound like nothing!” Sarita wiggled around in the embrace until she could look Nohemi in the eye. In the process she found herself sitting on Nohemi’s lap.
“It’s nothing bad for you. It’s great for you. I don’t want to be causing you and Astra a problem with rumors.”
“You’re starting to freak me out. Please, Nohemi, tell me what you’re hinting around.”
Nohemi sighed and closed her eyes. She put her hands on Sarita’s hips to balance her, thought better of it and moved her hands to Sarita’s thighs. For some reason, that still didn’t sit right with her, and she let her hands drop to her sides.
“Look, it really isn’t a bad thing for you. I shouldn’t have even asked those questions. It’s just – you’re so comfortable with this stuff and you know everyone from the Munch Group, it’s hard to remember that you don’t know everyone’s history.”
“You keep saying it’s not bad for me. Who’s it bad for?”
“Fuck. Okay, I’ll tell you. Do you know that Astra plays with other Little Girls?”
“Yes. Oriana told me and Astra and I had a conversation about it. Is that it?”
“No.” Nohemi raised her eyes to the ceiling and crossed herself. “Look, Astra can be a lot of fun to date. She’s high energy and she makes a great Mommy.”
“But?” Sarita frowned, watching Nohemi’s face intently.
“She has some – patterns – that people in the local scene picked up on over time. If she’s calling you Princess, then yeah, she does want to say she loves you.”
“I’m so confused. How is that some big problem thing? I mean, I’m not ready to say I love her, but it’s sweet that she wants to.”
“I told you it’s not bad for you. It means she’s going to break up with Jenevieve.”
“What!? She said she wasn’t dating Jenevieve.” Sarita wobbled on Nohemi’s lap. Her friend caught her by the waist. There was a sick feeling in Sarita’s stomach.
“She’s not exactly – damn it, Sarita, I’m screwing this up. Seriously, Astra is into you. She’s one hundred percent on team Sarita.”
“Then how is it a breakup with Jenevieve?”
“Because Jenevieve wants to be Astra’s full time Little Girl more than anything. So much, that she pretends she’s dating Astra even though she knows they’re not really dating. When Astra meets somebody she really likes – she stops playing with Jenevieve.”
“Oh. They’re just going to stop playing at the Green Fairy? Why did you call it a breakup?”
“To Jenevieve, it is. To Astra, it’s just letting a play partner know that they can’t play anymore.”
“You make it sound like Astra is abusing Jenevieve.” The sick feeling in Sarita’s stomach was growing rapidly.
“She’s not! Astra could – probably be more careful, but she’s not malicious. If you’ve spent the night with her a couple of times you know how she is. She gets so excited to play that she just goes for it when she has someone to play with.”
That’s not wrong. Actually that description makes me feel better about the bumps. I understand where they’re coming from a little better. Sarita’s stomach calmed, though she could feel her body holding the nervous energy in reserve for another bad revelation.
“Mimi, you’d tell me if Astra was some kind of manipulator or abuser, right?”
“I absolutely would. She’s not, to the best of my knowledge, and I know her pretty well. This is why I didn’t want to get into this with you. I’m sorry I dredged up all the scene gossip. It’s not fair to put that on you, when you weren’t here for it happening.”
“So Astra doesn’t do any scary or cruel stuff to the girls she dates, is what you’re saying? On God?”
“There’s no serial killer or psycho stuff in her, on God.”
Sarita searched Nohemi’s face. Something in her friend’s expression didn’t sit right. There was an uncomfortable truth that Mimi wasn’t telling her. If it was something from Nohemi’s own past with Astra – then Sarita didn’t need to know. But if it was something else…
“On God? You’re being honest with me?”
“On God! I’m not lying.”
“Bitch, if you’re about to tell me you don’t believe in God…”
“Mija, I go to mass. Why do you think I never reply to your texts before ten on a Sunday?”
“Oh.” Sarita hung her head guiltily. “I don’t go to mass anymore.”
Nohemi laughed. “That’s fine, I’m not upset with you. I’ll even cover for you if your abuelas are after you about it.”
The ball of nervous energy untied itself, which helped Sarita’s tummy but sent nervous energy into her arms and legs. On impulse, she leaned in and hugged Nohemi tightly. “Thanks for telling me. I’m sorry I freaked out. I’ve had bad relationship stuff and I get scared.”
“It’s okay. Like I said, I’m sorry I brought it up. None of this is your drama. I’m friends with Jenevieve and I got worried for her. My mouth got ahead of my brain.”
“I just want to be happy.” Sarita was surprised at the sadness in her voice. From the way Nohemi’s breath caught, she was surprised as well.
“I want you to be happy too.” Nohemi squeezed Sarita tightly and rubbed her back. “If you believe anything I say, believe that.”
Tears sprang into Sarita’s eyes. She sat up and wiped them away. “You’re such a good friend, Mimi. You know you can vent to me too, right? I’ll always listen.”
Nohemi’s mouth crooked sadly. Ugh, poor Mimi. I always drop my drama on her. I’m the worst friend.
“That means a lot, Sarita. I’m sure I’ll need that sometime.”
“It’s kind of hard to imagine. You seem so – good at stuff. You’re winning at life.”
“I am?” Nohemi looked at Sarita incredulously.
“Compared to me you are. You’ve got a good job, lots of friends, you’re really smart and kind. You’re not some big emotional mess all the time, you’re all – cool and – I don’t know, mature?” Sarita looked away bashfully before adding, “I look up to you.”
Nohemi shifted, looking uncomfortable. Belatedly, Sarita realized she’d been on Nohemi’s lap and up in her space way more than was probably okay for their level of friendship. Quickly, she scooted onto the neighboring couch cushion.
“Sarita – you might be the sweetest girl I know.”
Nohemi stroked Sarita’s cheek and brushed away her tear-trail. It felt wonderful to get such a caring touch after she’d imposed on Nohemi so much. She’s such a great friend. I have to make sure to take care of her too. I want her to be happy.
“Thanks. Sorry for the crazy emotional afternoon. I don’t know why I got so spun up.” Sarita’s stomach punctuated her sentence with a raucous growl.
“When did you last eat?”
“I made lunch before I came over – wait, no I didn’t, I got distracted with the kitty litter and the laundry.”
“Sarita, it’s almost four. Did you have a big breakfast at least?”
“Um – I had two pieces of toast.”
Nohemi shook her head. “Get your butt up, we’re making an early dinner.”
Meekly, Sarita followed her friend to the kitchen. “What are we making?”
“Arroz con pollo.” Nohemi opened her cupboards to pull out rice, tomato sauce, and chilis.
“Doesn’t that take like – an hour?” Sarita’s stomach grumbled again.
“I have leftover chicken we’re going to use, it’ll be twenty five minutes tops. Do you know how to chop an onion?” Nohemi put a cutting board and knife in front of Sarita.
“What kind of question is that? You think I’m a little kid who doesn’t know how to cook?”
“I’ve seen how many taquitos are in your freezer. We barely got the tamales in there.” Nohemi gave Sarita a playful swat on the rear. “Onions are in the basket at the end of the counter. Get chopping.”
“Okay, fine.” Sarita laughed and grabbed an onion. As she chopped, she kept watch on Nohemi out of the corner of her eye. The look on her friend’s face wasn’t too disapproving. Sarita smiled. She might not be the best cook over, but she could chop an onion without cutting herself.
Cooking with Nohemi created an instantly easy rhythm. Sarita chopped garlic after the onion, and chilis after that. Nohemi adeptly managed the pan and prep for the leftover chicken. While the rice and chicken simmered, they leaned on the counter and chatted.
Nohemi had poured herself a glass of the white wine she’d put in the sauce, and Sarita asked for a glass without remembering her empty stomach. She put the glass down as soon as she realized she was getting giggly and silly. Luckily, Nohemi didn’t seem to mind. She was a attentive and smiling a ever.
I wish Nohemi and I could hang out all the time.