Page 19 of First Class Feelings

The anxiety that would normally be tearing through me right now is nowhere to be found, and I don't know if it's his touch or his proximity. I feel like I'm going to be okay no matter what.

The guy I remember from the day before pops up in front of us out of nowhere, a big grin on his face.

“You made it!” he shouts before pulling us into a hug.

I hug him back because I'm not really sure what else I'm supposed to do right now. When he steps away again, he points to me.

“Now I don't wanna make you uncomfortable, but we do have an entire collection of swimsuits that you might like more than what you have on. There are some for all. If you don't see your size, I have guy who can fix right way. He a wizard with the fabric.”

I blink at him, unsure what alternate dimension I've entered. I look down at my outfit and then to Daddy, he shakes his head and says, “You can do whatever you want, little one. I will support you either way. Do you want to see what they have?

The boy in front of us bounces on his toes. “Yes, let me show you. Please, please, please.”

I nod and bite my lip.

“Oh, and by the way, my name is Edward. This is my best friend's house. He said I can invite anyone I wanted to my party. So here we are.”

Daddy asked what I've been wondering. “What's the party for? Is it your birthday?”

Edward shakes his head. “No, it’s my Little day.”

When we give him confused looks, he says, “It’s the day I realized I was Little. We celebrate it every year. It's exciting. I know my other friends don't mind taking the day for me. Some people don't really know when theirs is, so it’s kind of a group thing really. Mine hit me like a ton of bricks. It's on my calendar on repeat every year. We do a big party where everyone gets to be a Little all day long.”

He says the words as if it's as easy as that. Like being Little isn't taboo or subject to scrutiny.

Maybe it's not here.

Maybe I just live in the wrong country or the wrong city.

Maybe I need more friends who understand.

And then I feel bad because I do have friends who understand. Just not this many.

Edward tugs me away before I can think of anything else. The minute I'm separated from Daddy, I can feel the anxiety return.

But then I look over my shoulder and see him following us with hurried steps, making sure he can keep up as I'm dragged away.

We end up in a room inside the house that’s quite literally full of swimwear. Everything from bikinis and one pieces to Speedos and wetsuits.

Edward waves a hand around the space. “Go through the racks. Whatever catches your eye, just try it on behind the curtain over there. We'll keep your normal clothes safe until you're ready to leave, but you can keep whatever you wear too.”

With a clap, he disappears again, leaving me and Daddy to explore. A few minutes in, I realize it's not going to be as easy as everything else has been.

Because for as much as I like some of the suits, they aren't what I would feel comfortable in. I want to be comfortable with these people. I want to walk around as boldly as Edward does, embracing my Little side without worry.

And then I come across it.

I come across the one.

“This is what you want, isn't it?” Daddy asks when he steps up beside me.

I stare at him with wide eyes. He has to see the fear etched there. There's no denying that I am completely out of my element.

He pulls it off the rack and holds it up to me. “I think this one actually might fit you as is. Why don't you go try it on?”

I shake my head as anxiety spikes again.

“Help, Daddy,” I beg.

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