Page 31 of Mindy
Mindy couldn’t stop grinning as Nurse Kay fixed her hair in the usual pigtails that stuck up all spiky. For once Mindy didn’t care. Tricia said she liked Mindy’s hair. She thought it was adorable. That was all that mattered.
The next hour was a whirlwind of excitement as Mindy took her morning bottle before Theo settled her in an upright stroller and wheeled her to Dr. Farwell’s office.
Dr. Farwell’s brow was furrowed as he sat down so the two of them were eye to eye. “Are you happy, Little one?”
“Yes, Sir,” she insisted, wondering where her Mommy was.
“I’m very careful about placing Littles with their forever caregivers. Even though all of us have suspected Tricia was the best fit for you for the past two months, you only acknowledged this fact yesterday. I want to be certain you aren’t feeling pressured or coerced. Being adopted and moving into a forever home is a huge step. There’s no going back.”
Mindy kicked her feet. “I’m ready, Sir.”
A few seconds later there was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” Dr. Farwell called out.
Mindy twisted her head around to find Tricia stepping inside. She beamed as she came forward. Tricia was wearing white slacks and a peach shirt that matched Mindy’s dress.
“Mommy!” Mindy called out, the word feeling so very certain and perfect in her head. “You look so pretty. We match.”
Tricia came to her side, leaned over, and kissed her temple. “I thought we’d stop at the park and take a few pictures to commemorate our special day.”
Mindy kicked her feet again. “Can we?” She glanced down at her legs. “I don’t think I have the strength to stand up yet though.”
“You don’t have permission to stand either, Baby girl.” Tricia gave her a narrowed look. “You’ll stay on your bottom or hands and knees until Mommy says otherwise, understood?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Theo is getting Annie out of the daycare for a few hours so the two of you can catch up. She’s not permitted to stand yet either,” Mommy reminded her.
Mindy was downright giddy as she and Tricia signed all the paperwork. And then it was done. She had a new Mommy. Someone who looked at her like she was the most important person in the world.
Tricia bent down in front of Mindy to tuck her arms into shoulder harnesses before securing her tightly into the stroller with a strap that came up between her legs. “I live only a few blocks from the back of The Center. I don’t even drive to work. It’s nice outside today. I’ll push you to the park before we go home.”
Home… That sounded so nice.
When Tricia wheeled Mindy out into the hallway, Mindy was surprised to find nearly everyone she’d met who worked at The Nurturing Center standing along the wall clapping and congratulating the two of them. One of the staff was holding Mindy’s favorite stuffed tiger and tucked the fluffy animal into Mindy’s arms.
Mindy was speechless as they passed all these people she’d come to think of as her family. She knew she’d see them all often. After all, she’d been told repeatedly that regular visits to the clinic were part of regression. She knew she’d see everyone again soon.
As Tricia pushed her down the block, Mindy looked around wide-eyed. It looked like a regular neighborhood, but Mindy knew it wasn’t. The only people who lived in this gated community behind The Center practiced age play. The homes were owned by caregivers even if they hadn’t all found their special forever Little.
It was sunny outside, and the weather was perfect, adding to Mindy’s excitement. Suddenly they rounded a corner, and Mindy could see them—a bunch of Little girls waiting for her at the park. Some were standing. Some were sitting on a blanket. They were all bouncing up and down with unleashed energy.
Mindy felt that energy even before she got close enough to see their faces. The first girl she made eye contact with was Annie, her bestie from the nursery. As soon as the stroller stopped, Mindy lurched forward before she came up short, remembering the harness.
Tricia laughed as she came around to unfasten the buckles. “Calm down, Baby girl. I know you’re excited, but remember the rules. No standing. Stay where I can see you at all times. Be polite.”
Mindy nodded. “I will, Mommy.” She smiled up at her new caregiver, torn between wanting to hug the woman close and never let her go and wanting to see all her friends again for a while.
Mommy cupped her face and lifted her chin. “We’ll stay an hour so you can see your friends and take some pictures, then we’ll go home so I can have you all to myself.”
The suggestion made Mindy squirm, and she reached up to adjust the smocking of her dress as it pressed against her hard nipples.
Tricia circled Mindy’s wrists with her fingers and pulled them away from her chest. “What’s the rule, Baby girl?” she asked loud enough for everyone around to hear.
Mindy’s face heated as she licked her lips. “I won’t touch my titties,” she murmured.
Mommy kissed both sets of knuckles and then helped Mindy out of the stroller.
