I arrived at my friend's house late on Friday night. They'd be leaving early the next morning, so we'd all agreed this was best.
I'd packed a bag this time, along with my own clothes, pajamas, and toiletries. Needless to say, I couldn't count on Sandy offering me a free pull-up again. Why would she? If I actually wore them to bed, then why wouldn't I pack my own?
"Want to go in the pool?" I asked Britney soon after I arrived. Maybe I could somehow recreate the circumstances from last time? Maybe, by some miracle Sandy would realize I hadn't packed any pull-ups of my own, and then she'd offer me one?
Britney gave a lopsided shrug. "Eh, it's kinda late. I don't really feel like swimming."
My heart sank at her words, but I tried not to show it on my face.
Sure enough, bedtime drew nearer, and Sandy popped her head in the living room while we were watching TV.
"Can you girls get ready for bed, please?"
"But it's only seven," Kaylee complained.
"I'd like you to get your pajamas on first," Sandy said with her usual, no-nonsense tone. "Then you can stay up for another hour."
Britney and Kaylee dragged their feet as they headed to their respective rooms to change.
Okay, time for plan B.
A part of me had always known the pool idea wouldn't work. I'd just have to tell Sandy the truth. Well, a version of the truth, at least. I'd spent weeks going through this conversation in my head, mentally rehearsing my lines.
I was scared, but I wanted this more than anything in the world. Especially since Britney and Kaylee wore their pull-ups on long car rides. I couldn't be the only kid on the trip without one!
Once my friends were out of sight, I grabbed my bag and made a grand show of looking through the pockets. This went on for several minutes as I unzipped each zipper, and tripple checked every side pocket.
I'd hoped that Sandy would notice my struggle and ask what was wrong. No such luck. She was too busy packing the suitcases on the dining room table.
I cleared my throat as I approached her. "I, uh—didn't pack any pull-ups."
You have no idea how much courage this took, just to say the word "pull-up" out loud. Yes, Sandy had given me one before, but that was totally different. All I had to do was accept it and put it on. This time, I actually spoke the word aloud and passed a doorway of no return.
"Oh." Sandy glanced down at my bag. "That's okay, you can wear one of Britney's." She reached into another suitcase and pulled one out. "We're actually running low, but that's okay. We can stop at the store and get you your own pack."
My own pack? Yes please!
My cheeks burned as I accepted the pink undergarment, and my stomach flipped at the thought of her telling my mom. I'd gotten lucky last time, but I doubt Sandy would keep this to herself.
But I didn't worry about that now. We were going on a trip, and I would get to wear pull-ups for several days. Nothing could ruin the joy of this moment!
