Getting Little (Chapters)

Astra grabbed a tissue from the decorative box on Sarita’s dresser and blew her nose. Astra bought those for me to pretty up the room. Or to make it more like her apartment. Sarita realized she could hardly recognize her apartment after all of Astra’s changes.

Sarita’s brow furrowed as she stared up at Astra, aka, Sarita’s Angel. Their relationship had always been a roller coaster. She couldn’t remember a single date or day together that didn’t have some deeply uncomfortable moments. At the same time, the joys had been incredible.

Now her Angel was staring at Sarita with real pain in her eyes. Sarita wasn’t ready to go back on her statement that she didn’t love Astra, but she was surprised by how much she cared that she was the cause of that pain. Guilt crumpled Sarita’s spine and sent her staggering back on the bed.

Reflexively, Sarita wet herself. That was something that always made her Angel happy – but it won’t help this time. More than anything she wanted to cry, fall back on the bed, and let Astra change her diaper. Change her diaper, her life, her apartment, and take away every hard or expensive problem she had.

The only problem with that fantasy is that it came with a leaden heart. Months or years of having her feelings minimized or ignored was what she had to look forward to as Astra’s baby. That, on top of being a baby to a degree that she wasn’t sure she could manage. Remembering Astra’s plans for a crib steeled Sarita’s resolve.

“Princess, if you just sit there silently I can’t fix whatever’s…”

“I’m sorry, Angel. I had to get my thoughts together.” Sarita sighed. “I’m sorry you came to the apartment like this. It wasn’t nice of me to not tell you. I – I thought you were coming later, because you had to work late.”

“I did – I still do. I wanted to see you on my dinner break.”

I’m the worst. The absolute worst. Sarita hung her head. “That’s so nice of you. You’ve been amazingly good to me, and I don’t always thank you like I should.”

“I’m still going to be good to you. Princess, baby girl, I’m sure this can be fixed. Please, tell Mommy what’s the problem. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“That’s the problem…” Sarita braced herself for a storm. “A relationship isn’t a you thing. It has to be both of us fixing it, not just you.”

“You want to be my baby girl. That means I take care of things for you. It’s not a regular relationship, but the diapers aren’t regular either.” Astra crouched down next to Sarita. “Princess, please, tell me what’s going on. Did Nohemi bully you into all this?”

“Nohemi has never bullied me.” Sarita put a hand on Astra’s. “She gave me a choice. You – don’t give me enough choices. If I move in with you, you’ll take the ones I have left away.”

“That’s what makes it so beautiful! No choices mean no worries. You can be happy every day, without a crease in that pretty forehead. It’s all for you, baby girl, it’s all about you.”

“No.” Sarita shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. “It’s all about you. What you want. That you’re the best mommy ever. I love it when you take care of me – but I don’t want no choices at all. I don’t want to be your baby girl.”

Astra’s jaw dropped. Her face looked hollow, pained like Sarita had physically struck her. Weaving dangerously on her high heels, Astra stood and took a step back.

“I’m sorry, I really am, Angel…”

“Don’t call me that!” Astra pressed her hands over her heart. “Don’t call me that unless you mean it. If I’m your Angel – then you can say it. If not – say my name.”

“Astra…” Sarita watched Astra fall apart before her eyes. The tall blonde fell to her knees, sobbing wretchedly.

“This is it. You’re breaking up with me.” Astra looked desperately at Sarita through a mask of tears. “Why, Princess? Why? All I want is for us to be happy.”

“I can’t do it the way you want. It’s too much.”

“Then I’ll change it! Whatever you want! I’m sorry I didn’t do it right, but I’ll do it perfectly this time, I promise!” Astra lurched over to Sarita and grabbed her hands tightly. “Please! Please Princess. Give me another chance. I’ll be the perfect mommy, you’ll see.”

“It’s not – Astra, I don’t want the perfect mommy, I want a girlfriend that I can be Little with but…”

“I can do that! I was doing that, and you loved it. We had so much fun together. This is coming out of nowhere, I don’t understand. I did everything right!”

Sarita shuddered, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I can’t – what if we did break up at some point? I’d be back where I am now, no job, no apartment, no money…”

“I’ll put twenty thousand dollars in your account.” Astra squeezed Sarita’s hands. “That’ll fix it.”

“Wha – what?”

“You can leave the money there, you won’t need to pay for anything. I’ll be Mommy and you’ll be my Princess. We won’t break up – but if we did you’d be safe!”

Sarita blinked her tears away. The room was spinning around her. Technically that would solve the money thing. I wouldn’t feel like I couldn’t break up with her.

“Say yes and I’ll put the money in right now, before you ever move in, so you know it’s there.” Astra’s hopeful smile was heartbreaking. “See? I can fix it. You wouldn’t expect me to be able to do something like that, but I can. I’m a top saleswoman, I’m on the Green Fairy board, and I can be the most perfect mommy you’ll ever have.”

Astra leaned up to kiss Sarita. Salty and anxious, the kiss was as awkward as it was comforting. “Just say yes, Princess. I can make it work no matter what the problem is, you see?”

“It’s still not we.” Sarita shivered. She felt acid rising in her throat, there were sparkles in her vision. If she hadn’t already been sitting, leaning against Astra, she’d have been on the floor. “It’s always I. There’s no We when you talk. I’m not there – your princess could be any baby girl, and it wouldn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters! You’re the perfect baby girl. I’ve never seen a girl take to diapers and being Little like you. You’re beautiful and adorable – a perfect Princess.”

“No – I’m a Sarita.” Her limbs trembled like she was sitting in snow. “I’m sorry – Astra – I can’t be your Princess. This is – we have to – I don’t think we should see each other anymore as girlfriends or as Mommy and Little.”

Astra stopped breathing. For a long moment – too long – she stared breathless at Sarita. Finally she gasped, coughed, and fell away from Sarita to sit on the floor. “Why? Why won’t anyone love me? I give everything. All I want is a Princess of my own. I really thought – Sarita you were the one. I love you.”

“I’m so sorry. I should never have called you when I did. I was scared, I knew you’d protect me. Being your baby was something I thought I could do – until it was happening.”

“I don’t know how much harder I can try.” Astra got clumsily to her feet, grabbing a handful of tissue and scrubbing at her face. “What more can I do? Please, Sarita, what did I do wrong?”

“You didn’t let me be me.” Sarita said in a tiny voice. “I was supposed to go in the princess mold you already had – and I didn’t fit.”

“I thought you fit.” Astra sobbed. “You’ve been upset about this for a while. I wish you’d told me earlier.”

“I tried. Remember the sugar packets?” Sarita shook her head sadly. “They lasted one date, then you were back to deciding who I was.”

“I suppose – I should go.” Astra made a whimpering noise in her throat. “There’s nobody who wants me here. I’m sure most of the people here are excited for me to be gone.”

“I’ll open the door first.” Sarita wobbled to her feet. “Tell them to be nice to you.”

“Thank you pr-Sarita.”

Sarita gingerly stepped past Astra. The space between them was a fresh wound that was too painful to reach across.. She put her hand on the doorknob and turned back to Astra. “Astra – I hope you find your Princess someday.”

“Don’t do that.” Astra set her jaw and wiped at her eyes. “Don’t pity me.”

“Sorry.” Sarita nodded and opened the door. She was greeted by a line of people across her living room, all staring at the door. That’s pretty intimidating. I’m glad Astra didn’t walk into that.

“Hey everybody – Astra’s going to go. Please uh – stand down or whatever. I’d appreciate it if everyone was nice to her while she’s leaving.”

“Of course.” Nohemi nodded firmly. Everyone else seemed to agree, though Oriana and Pauline seemed to have reservations. At Nohemi’s direction – Nieves, Paul, and Oriana sat on the couch. Pauline retreated to the kitchen.

“Okay Astra. Um – if you want to talk later we could…”

“Goodbye Sarita.” Astra pressed her copied apartment key into Sarita’s hand. She took a moment to stand up straight and fix her hair before boldly stepping out into the living room.

As Astra reached the door, Nohemi moved to join her. “Astra, I’m sorry.”

“What for? You won.” Astra looked sad and irritated, but mostly she looked tired. Even her best bravado wasn’t enough to restore her trademark shine.

“No, I didn’t. Nobody won today.” Nohemi shook her head. “You know, I wish we were still friends. I miss the Astra I knew when we first found out about the Fairy.”

“Why?” Astra frowned. “After – everything, why?”

Nohemi shrugged. “I’m a fool, I guess.”

Astra shook her head and opened the apartment door. She stepped through, but hesitated. “We could get coffee. Next week, maybe.”

“You have my number.” Nohemi smiled sadly as Astra nodded and closed the door.

“I’m sorry, everybody.” Sarita waddled into the room, wincing at the extra bulk in her already thick diaper. “That was so much drama – and it was all my fault.”

“No, it wasn’t all yours.” Pauline wrapped her arms around Sarita from behind. “You are not blameless, but Astra did a lot of line-crossing stuff.”

“Not for the first time either!” Oriana said.

“Let’s not all pile on Astra. She got carried away, but she’s not evil.” Nohemi sighed ruefully. “Sarita did a dumb thing, but that doesn’t make her a dumb baby. Her wet diaper is what makes her a dumb baby.”

“Mimi!” Sarita had meant to shout her protest, but it came out as a squeak when Pauline squeezed her.

“Are you really wet? Oh my god, what a total baby.” Nieves snickered and hopped off the couch onto the floor. “You better come sit on the floor with the other babies.”

“Yeah!” Paul quickly joined Nieves, scooting over to leave a spot for Sarita. “We’ve all had a bunch of big emotions and now the Bigs have to make us hot chocolate.”

“We have to do what now?” Nohemi’s eyebrows shot up.

“I’m holding a pretty sad Little girl – we should probably humor them, or the condition might spread to the other Littles.” Pauline walked Sarita over to Paul and Nieves, gave her diaper a big squish, and sat her down with them.

“Way to throw us under the bus, Pauline.” Oriana smirked. “You’ve got a lot to learn about Big solidarity.”

“I know where Sarita keeps her chocolate.” Nieves laughed and got out a pan.

“You’re really not mad at me?” Sarita looked around at her friends. “I know I made a lot of trouble – oh god, the next Green Fairy night is going to be a nightmare.”

“No it’s not.” Nieves firmly grabbed Sarita, pulling her over for a hug. “We’re going to have a great time. It’s the Fairy! We’re going to dance all night.”

“You dance?” Sarita asked hopefully.

“Who doesn’t?” Paul flopped onto the hug, pinning Sarita to Nieves.

“Um, a little personal space, Littles?”

“Nope.” Nieves shook her head. “Not until the cocoa gets here.”

“This is Little therapy.” Paul threw a leg over Sarita’s lap. “Enforced snuggling.”

“Th-thanks.” Sarita shuddered and clung tightly to her fellow Littles. Paul’s Little therapy was ridiculous – an unbearably corny joke. It was also exactly what Sarita needed. She felt the sad void inside her close a little.

It’s so sad that Astra is going home to an empty apartment. What am I going to say to Pauline? This is such a mess. Paul is right. We need hot chocolate for this kind of situation.

~~~~*~~~~

An unspoken agreement between the group kept the conversation light. The most anyone would discuss the evening’s drama was to tease Sarita for being a dramatic queer. Of course, Nohemi had to mention Felisa – which lead to Sarita re-telling the Taco Truck Fire story to Nieves, Oriana, and Paul.

Drunk on chocolate and laughter, Sarita felt peace inside herself for the first time in a while. It was great to have her apartment full of friends, laughter, and Nero who was somehow in a good mood with the rest of them.

Nieves and Oriana were the first to go. Pauline stayed as long as she could – longer than she should have, likely. Nohemi stuck the evening out, declaring that someone had to keep an eye on the Littles until Tanner arrived.

When Tanner did arrive, he had a hug for everyone and a diaper bag for Paul. After co-opting Sarita’s bedroom to change his Little, he pressed an envelope full of big bills into Sarita’s hand.

“So that you don’t have to ask for it.” Was all Tanner would say on the matter. Any attempt of Sarita’s to discuss repayment was put off, “Until the crisis is over.”

With more hugs, Tanner and Paul were gone. The city had gone quiet, except for the occasional siren. Nohemi and Sarita sat on the couch, Nohemi’s arm draped over Sarita’s shoulders. Nero seized the opportunity to be on not one but two laps, purring like mad.

Finally, Nohemi stretched, dislodged an indignant black cat, and sighed. “I’ve got to get back to my place. Are you going to be okay?”

Sarita struggled to her feet. She’d wet again after the hot chocolate – deliberately that time – and was chagrined at how soggy her diaper was. “I’ll be fine, thank you. Um, Mimi, would you…”

Realizing what she was about to ask for, Sarita shook her head. “Never mind, sorry, I can’t ask you to…”

“You need a diaper change?” Nohemi smiled, patting Sarita’s padding. The bulk had long since popped the snaps on her onesie, and was hanging low between Sarita’s legs.

“No, you don’t have to – I didn’t mean to ask.”

“It’s a lonely thing to do it yourself after you’ve had someone to do it for you. Believe me, I know.” Nohemi took Sarita’s arm and guided her back to the bedroom. “You don’t need any lonely feelings tonight.”

Hardly believing it was going to happen, Sarita wiggled back on her bed. Nohemi was gentle, peeling Sarita’s diaper off with confidant hands. She chucked it in the pail Astra had purchased, and wiped Sarita down with slow strokes.

“Do you want me to put you in another one?”

“I have to be an adult for my interview tomorrow but – I was kind of thinking of curling up with Nero and my mom’s old blanket and…”

“So yes.” Nohemi smiled and slid a fresh diaper under Sarita.

Nohemi was casual about changing her,  Sarita was blown away at how comfortable Nohemi seemed as she patted the powder into place. That’s my Mimi. I doubt I’m her best friend, but she’s mine for sure. I knew she wouldn’t make it weird.

“Get some rest. It’s really late, and you need to be fresh for your interview. Do not get up later than nine am, promise me.”

“I promise! I really want the job.”

“Good girl.” Nohemi kissed Sarita on the forehead. She lingered, looking into Sarita’s eyes and caressing her cheek.

A little bubble of excitement bounced around Sarita’s chest. What would have happened if Astra hadn’t been at the Fairy that first night with Nohemi? Would we have ended up together?

Naw. She doesn’t see me that way. She makes a great mommy anyway. “Goodnight, Mimi.”

“Goodnight mija.”

~~~~*~~~~

“Tell me how many colored squares are on this card.” Colleen looked like she was in her mid forties, impeccable in a sandstone colored dress, with a perfectly color-matched cardigan.

Sarita took the color sample from Colleen and carefully scrutinized it. She turned the heavy cardstock over in her hands, wondering if she’d been asked a trick question. So far, the interview had been very straightforward. Colleen had dismissed Sarita’s work history right away, since none of it pertained to graphic design. They’d talked about her portfolio, and why Sarita had made certain choices with her designs.

The office was bright and cheery – a nice distraction from the card that was making Sarita so nervous. She forced her eyes away from the collage of framed art pieces behind Colleen and looked at the card again. Five distinct shades of pink were arranged in blocks, from warmer to cooler shades. There was no space between the blocks, nor outlines around them. Am I supposed to say it’s just one block, because they’re arranged like a gradient?

“Um, five, right?” Sarita smiled nervously at Colleen. “I’m sorry, I don’t really get the question. Do you want me to talk about how they’re arranged from warm to cool?”

Colleen beamed. “Not at all, though I’m glad you noticed that. Five is the correct answer. You look at the card and see five shades. I look at the card and see five shades. The rest of my designers can pick out four at the most. The average person sees only three.”

“What?” Sarita frowned. Is she messing with me?

“Some people can see more colors than others. You’re one of them. I’ve been looking for someone with that talent for a while.”

“Oh – um, thanks! Does that mean I get the job?”

“Not the designer job, no.” Colleen held up a hand as Sarita’s face fell. “Your portfolio shows promise, but it’s amateur work. You don’t have any formal design training, do you Sarita?”

“No, I wanted to go to classes but – I never got a chance to save up the money.” I should have known I was too under-qualified.

“I want to offer you a job – as my apprentice.”

“What – what does that mean?” Dangerously intoxicating hope began to rise in Sarita’s chest.

“I’d hire you on full-time. You’d work under me or another designer until you complete some basic design courses. I estimate your apprenticeship would last between six months and a year, depending on how fast you learn.”

“That sounds amazing, but I wouldn’t be able to start the classes right away. Getting laid off wiped out my savings.” Not that I really had savings but – close enough.

“Don’t be silly, my company will pay for your classes. You’ll be on the clock for them too. I don’t want to hear about you skipping class, even if they make for long days.”

“You – you’ll pay for them?”

“Of course. They’re mandatory for your job, so they’re working time. You should never pay for mandatory training, Sarita.”

Colleen slid a beautiful red leather binder across her desk and opened it to reveal a notebook in fancy stationary. As she spoke, Colleen took a pen and wrote in the notebook. “Now, I can’t pay you a designer’s salary during your apprenticeship, that wouldn’t be fair to the other designers. While you’re an apprentice, I can offer you this wage. After you’re working on your own as a designer, the entry level wage is this…”

Colleen turned the notebook to face Sarita. She felt like she was floating. The apprentice wage was more per hour than she’d ever made at Grrl Power, even on her best commission month. The designer wage was half-again the apprentice wage. And that’s to start? Full time?!

“I know the apprentice wage is low, but we’re investing a lot in you with the classes, and you’ll get some overtime on days when you have class.” Colleen smiled apologetically. “Will that work for you?”

“Yes! Yes, absolutely. Thank you! This is a dream come true, really. I’ve wanted to be a graphic designer since – since middle school I guess.” Sarita was keenly aware that she was grinning like an idiot, but it was the only expression her euphoria would allow.

“I love that energy – you’re darling!” Colleen grinned. “Very good, now, it’s a forty hour week, eight to five, with an hour for lunch and two breaks. This is all in the employee handbook, but I like to go over it with new hires myself. Medical insurance is free for you, but you’ll need to take a deduction from your pay if you want to add any dependents…”

It took every ounce of Sarita’s willpower to keep from sobbing for joy as Colleen casually outlined benefits that had been a pipe dream for Sarita’s entire working life. By the end she was so overwhelmed she almost told Colleen she didn’t need the vacation days.

After all the forms had been signed and Sarita had her first day scheduled, she stepped out into sunshine that was beaming down especially for her. Her first act was to call Tanner and thank him in a series of happy squeals that she hoped he was able to translate. Her daddy-friend seemed happy for her, anyway.

Bubbly like a fresh glass of champagne, Sarita skipped down the street to meet Pauline. As she went, she gushed about her new job to the Munch group chat. Nohemi and Oriana’s polite congratulations were utterly drowned by Paul and Nieves’ flood of excited gifs.

~~~~*~~~~

Sitting in a corner of the Munch’s coffee shop felt weird. Sarita realized she’d never been in the shop without going to the back room. The gorgeous girl across a little table from her more than made up for the weirdness. Pauline looked radiant in a marigold-yellow sundress. The tantalizing flashes of skin Sarita was able to see strongly suggested that Pauline was wearing the sundress and the sundress only.

I have never wanted to be in a public place less, Sarita agonized, as she gave up on keeping her gaze respectful. “Did I tell you about the vacation time?”

“Yes cutie, you did, but you can tell me again.”

“I’ve never had vacation time before.” Sarita took a big sip of her coffee and looked at Pauline sincerely. “I want to spend it with you – I want to be a better girlfriend.”

“Thank you for being the one to bring that up.” Pauline took Sarita’s hand and kissed it briefly. “We have a lot to talk about. More than one coffee date can handle.”

“I know.” Sarita took a deep breath and nodded seriously. “I’m sorry again for running to Astra. Are you okay?”

“Honestly? Not really.” Pauline sighed. “I was on a high, taking care of you during the drama and after. Everything hit different when I went home last night.”

“Was it too much?” I’m the Felisa now. Poor Pauline.

“No sweetie, it wasn’t. I still love your silly butt.” Pauline put her fingertips on her coffee cup to slowly rotate it. “Can we do a bit of a reset? I’d like to start over with no Astra. I want to be the only girl in your life.”

“I’d like that.” Sarita took a nervous gulp of her coffee. “And if you don’t want to do the Little thing, that’s okay. Of course!”

“I’d be sad if I didn’t have a Little Sarita sometimes. It’s not something I can do all the time though.”

Sarita nodded. “I don’t want it all the time. Do you think that um – Subby Pauline might turn up sometimes?”

Pauline pushed her coffee cup away, blushing. “She just might. Ugh, you meanie.”

“That sounds fun. Help me out if I’m being dumb – but what else do we have to talk about if we’re both okay with that stuff?”

Pauline rolled her eyes, smiling good-naturedly. “Everything, dummy. We have to communicate all the time, to make sure we’re both happy and okay with how things are going.”

“Oh.” Sarita ducked her head – it was her turn to blush. “Right. Like an adult relationship and stuff. I know how those do.”

“Fuuuuuck, why are you so cute?” Pauline scooted her chair around the table and pulled Sarita in for a kiss. Sarita sighed happily, wrapping her arms around Pauline.

“Hi Sarita, I’m Pauline.” Pauline nuzzled Sarita’s cheek. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Hi Pauline.” Sarita giggled. “I’d love to be your girlfriend. Will you be Little with me sometimes?”

“That sounds perfect.”

“No, don’t say that. Nothing is perfect, ever.” Sarita caught Pauline’s eyes with a serious gaze. “Astra wanted perfect all the time.”

“You’re right. It won’t be perfect. But it’ll be wonderful.” Pauline smiled. “See? That was communication. Oh! We could do a little board where you get gold stars every time you communicate plainly.”

“That’s – that’s – Pauline!” Sarita whined and bit her lip.

“When’s your first day of work?”

“This coming Monday.”

“So we have a weekend where I can baby you a little?”

“Yes please. But save some time for me to boss you around.”

“Mmm, I like that.” Pauline leaned in for another kiss. More than a minute later, the girls pulled away with bright pink cheeks.

“They’re going to kick us out of the coffee shop for PDA.” Sarita smiled shyly.

“My apartment is closer.” Pauline hopped up and gathered the coffee cups.

“Thank god.” Sarita grabbed her purse and new-employee binder. “I’ve wanted you out of that sundress since I saw it on you.”

“Then let’s go, love.” Pauline took Sarita’s hand.

~~~~*~~~~

The Green Fairy was bumping. Most people wouldn’t think an ABDL party could bump, or slap, or do any other cool thing, but Sarita knew better. She was dancing her heart out in Pauline’s yellow sundress. The dress was long enough on Sarita to cover her diaper no matter how much she danced. Just across from her was the sundress’ gorgeous owner, wearing a maternity dress that was devastating over a push-up bra. Nobody could hear Pauline crinkling under the heavy bass, but Sarita was sure her girlfriend was not only padded, but wet as well.

Paul and Nieves were dancing around the two of them, alternating between gagging and making kissy faces. Nieves managed to shout, “K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” in singsong loud enough to carry over the music. Sarita had to laugh.

Eventually, Paul and Nieves’ antics drove the lovebirds off the dance floor. In reality, it was sweatiness and thirst that sent them looking for the lounge, but Sarita let her Little friends have their victory.

They found Nohemi, Oriana, and Tanner in the lounge – with snacks at the ready. Three Littles raided the table, nearly toppling it. It took several minutes for their respective bigs to get the Littles under control while Nohemi looked on in amusement.

“I finally got to dance!” Sarita enthusiasm had her spitting graham cracker across the table. That earned her a swat on the thigh from Pauline and a trip onto her girlfriend’s lap to be fed the rest of her snack.

“You danced before.” Nieves rolled her eyes. “At the one where you got the big spanking.”

“Snowbaby, that wasn’t a great night for Sarita, it’s not nice to bring it up.” Oriana poked Nieves in the side.

“It’s okay.” Sarita snuggled back into Pauline. “I don’t mind. But that night doesn’t count anyway because the only person I danced with was Jenevieve. She got weird on me.”

Paul swallowed a big wad of graham crackers and looked around. “Where is Jenevieve anyway? She never misses one of these.”

Nohemi’s face fell. “You didn’t hear? She poured her heart out to Astra – and the fallout was so bad she quit the club. She’s moving to Boston.”

“Damn, really?” Tanner shook his head. “She’s leaving town?”

Oriana nodded. “The breakup was here in the club. It was too much to recover from, even for her.”

“There’s Littles in Boston. Maybe she’ll be better off there,” Nieves said sagely.

“I’d never heard of ABDL before you guys. I’m still blown away by how many Littles there are everywhere.” Sarita accepted a cracker from Pauline and munched happily.

“It’s hard for new people to enter the scene, but it’s worth it.” Oriana smirked. “Even if they cause a bunch of drama.”

Sarita stuck a cracker-covered tongue out at Oriana, taking another thigh-swat for the privilege. Worth it!

“Hey guys, can I join you?” Inka waved at the group. She was in a cute unicorn onesie – with no diaper. Wearing a onesie like lingerie was a surprisingly hot look. Sarita resolved to show off that way for Pauline – or get her girlfriend into it soon.

“Of course, stranger.” Tanner smiled and scooted aside to make room for Inka.

“I know, I haven’t been to the munch in ages, my B!” Inka shrugged. “I have someone for you all to meet. She’s a good friend of mine from high school who’s back in town – and agreed to try this crazy thing.”

A sandy-haired girl stepped up to the group at Inka’s insistent wave. She had her hair in pigtails and was wearing a pair of overalls. The frog t-shirt under the overalls was super cute, and Sarita coveted it immediately.

“Hello everyone. I’m Milana.” Milana had a Slavic accent and a shy blush. She looked at least as nervous as Sarita had been at her first Munch meeting, and that had been at the coffee shop!

“Welcome!” Sarita bounced on Pauline’s lap. “You can sit by me if you want. I was new just a few months ago.”

“I don’t want to make everyone re-arrange.” Milana looked as awkward as she sounded, with her feet pigeon-toed.

“It’s no bother at all.” Tanner got up and grabbed a chair while Paul helped Oriana and Nieves shift over. Inka and Milana took their seats next to Sarita and Pauline. The first was hyper and the second quietly drawn in on herself.

Sarita studied Milana, trying to decide how best to welcome the girl to the group. She had strong Little energy for sure. As Sarita considered, Inka was listing off names and pointing people out for Milana. When Inka got to Nohemi, Sarita was shocked to see a blush on her friend’s face.

As Nohemi stammered out a greeting, Milana replied just as clumsily. Both girls fell silent, their blushes spreading to their ears. Oh. My. God. Sarita turned gleefully to Pauline, who was already smirking. Pauline nodded to Sarita and put a finger to her lips.

Right. Nohemi doesn’t need my help. Or if she does, the best way to do it is to help Milana get comfortable. Turning to Milana, Sarita held out a hand. “Hi, I’m the Taco Truck Fire Girlfriend.”

Milana had to laugh at that, along with the rest of the table. “That must be some story.”

“You’d think so, but wait until you hear how Sarita joined our group…” Nieves chuckled.

“Snowbaby, be nice.” Oriana bopped Nieves on the nose.

“Sarita brought it up, she has to tell the taco one at least!” Paul said with a wicked grin.

“I’ll tell both stories.” Sarita folded her arms across her chest. “Then Milana will know if she’s ever embarrassed, at least she hasn’t done what I did.”

Milana nodded. “This sounds like a good plan. Please, continue with humiliating yourself.” Nohemi laughed so loudly she snorted, drawing a smile from Milana.

“You asked for it.” Sarita took a gulp of apple juice and leaned back on Pauline’s lap. “A year and a half ago, a girl named Felisa and I were regulars at the Plush Pony…”

Fin