Little thing

by Secretspysub

Summary:

When a 21 year old woman's life becomes to overwhelmed with stress of living in a big city, what will happen when she's offered the opportunity of a lifetime?

Join Stella on her journey of self discovery and age regression, as she overcomes the challenges of adulthood and mental health.

Chapter 1: One

Notes:

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Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? Hiding somewhere within the tree lines, secretly observing your every move? Waiting, but for what?

Have you ever stood in line waiting to ring up your items while a group of people talk behind you. Of course their words are too muted and muffled for you to understand, yet you still think they must be speaking about you?

If you have, or experienced anything similar to this then you have a slight idea of what it's like inside my mind on a daily basis.

My name is Stella Morello, I'm 21 years old and live in small studio apartment in north Las Vegas, I have a decent job and by decent I mean it pays the bills and keeps me fed, but the environment was enough to make nearly anyone quit.

I cannot afford to quit so for now I deal with the tumultuous environment. I graduated high school about three years ago and soon after my parents kicked me out claiming it was time to be an adult and have my own things.

I know it's really because of my diagnosis, I have borderline personality disorder and with it comes a lot of bad days. Good days too don't get me wrong but let's just say I didn't make things very easy for my parents growing up.

In and out of psychiatric hospitals instead of being in school. It made things hard academically, not being around enough to understand the material. To be honest I'm not sure how I graduated my last two years of school were strictly online and I hardly did any work.

Being eighteen and on the streets wasn't fun, I spent a lot of drunken nights crashing at friends or wherever I happened to blackout at. This of course led to more than one undesirable experience, and it was around the third time I decided to get my life together.

Get a place of my own and get a job, I still drink nearly every night and I'm never going to pretend that I make good decisions, but I have a place to stay and that's important to me right now.

I don't really hang out with the same friends as before and because of that I'm usually at home watching tv or reading until it's time for work. Speaking of which I have to begin getting ready soon and that thought alone fills me with dread.

~•~

Soon enough I was in uniform and on my way to work, another grueling 10 hour shift at the paper factory, I know how it sounds but my work was easy and repetitive. Move one stack of paper to another and so on, all day, for ten hours.

I walk for about an hour before I arrive at the door. Once there I quickly begin clocking in, I flash my card at the security man, Harry and after a brief wave I'm allowed through.

I hurry to my station and slip on my gloves ready to begin yet another race around the rat trap. Slowly reaching for a stack I'm interrupted by a tap on the shoulder.

Turning around to face my friend, Alicia I greet her with a smile.

"Hey Alicia how are you today?" I ask trying to cover the frustration in my tone.

"Hi Stella, I'm doing good now that you're here, I was a bit worried you wouldn't be coming in today." She admits.

At this I grow confused, I've had the same schedule for well over five months now I see no reason I wouldn't be here.

"What do you mean Alicia I'm here every Thursday?" I ask trying to not sound too harsh.

"Well if you don't know then it really isn't my place to say, just a whisper in the wind really, don't think too much about it."

Before I could reply a loud whistle rang out signaling the start of yet another day, cutting our conversation short. I side eye her silently letting her know the conversation was far from over.

~•~

Not even half way through my work day and my boss, Evan was already beckoning me to his office. He was a creepy man who had undoubtedly made a pass at every single young woman that worked here. Me included, which is most likely what's going on now.

Bracing myself I take a deep breath and slowly walk up the spiral metal steps and through the multiple dark hallways until I'm met with his office door.

Mr.Miller

His name plate was shiny and bold, displayed nice and neatly on his large oak desk. He was a distinguished young man, in his mid thirties. He had taken over the business after his father had unexpectedly passed last spring. We all had our suspicions, an on going joke told amongst coworkers that he had killed his father for the company and multi million dollar will.

I sat on one of the large black leather chairs he had set up in front of his desk. He looked up from his computer screen for a moment only to hold out one finger to me, signaling he would be ready in a moment. How rude, I thought. To request to speak with me only to have me wait, a calculated power move no doubt.

Eventually he seemed to finish up his work as he looked towards me. He had round glasses that framed his big brown eyes, a sharp nose that complemented his face nicely. Today he wore his hair down letting it flow down to his shoulders, the thick black waves were almost hypnotizing. He was definitely conventionally attractive, but god was he an asshole.

"Ella, how are you today?" he asked, allowing his gaze to drop towards my breast.

"It's Stella sir and I'm doing okay I suppose." I cleared my throat which seemed to be enough for him to stop gawking at me.

"Stella, yes of course how could I forget, I called you into my office today with some rather exciting news." His eyes brightened as he spoke, exemplifying his excitement.

"Well do get on with it." I said, wanting to return to work.

"I can see why they show an interest in you" he mumbled but quickly continued before I could question it.

"Some close friends of mine have gifted me with a rather important decision, you see they are faced with a tragic reality, that being that they cannot have children of their own. Being as wealthy as they are should have made adoption easy, and it did but they seek a.... How could I put this...different type of child. One that won't grow up too fast." He spoke calmly and calculated. I sat there confused.

"I'm not sure I understand what it is youre talking about Sir." My voice was soft as I spoke

"Are you familiar with the term 'Age Regression'?" He asked folding his hands together, letting his head rest on them.

I shook my head in response.

"Well, How about I give you this." He
pushed a large folder towards me before he continued.

"I'm going to give you the rest of the night off and in return I'd like for you to read everything in this folder, please dont just skim the pages, it's important that you are thorough." Evan spoke as if he didn't just spew a bunch of nonsense at me.

"So let me get this straight, you want me to take the rest of the day off just so I can read some paperwork for your friends?" I was beyond confused at this point.

"Something like that, yes and don't worry I'm still paying you for your time lost today." it sounded all too convincing, what was the catch?

However, paid time off sounded amazing. Slowly I took the folder and nodded my head. I'd do it and he knew that.

Soon after I said goodbye to Alicia and began my hour-long journey back to my apartment. My feet kept a constant speed as I meticulously placed my feet so only one would touch a square of concrete at a time. This forced me to take wide strides down the road, I glanced towards my left when I noticed an older woman looking at me.
Judgment etched into her face, I stopped immediately and began walking at a normal pace.

It pained me that my feet were no longer even with their steps, so I instead focused on the road ahead, thinking about the folder. I wanted to stop and grab my phone, quickly search 'Age regression' and be done with this, but stopping to check my phone on this road wasn't a very good idea. So instead I kept walking, turn after turn and a few crosswalks later, I had arrived.

I sighed as I looked at the bleak gray building that stood before me, shrubs that had since died planted in the only grass plot the entire apartment complex had.

Cigarette buds and broken glass littered the floor, distant arguments and dogs barking could be heard. All of which I chose to ignore as I made my way to apartment 301.

Once inside and having locked the door I sat on the floor eager to open the folder that allowed me this day off. But first of course I need to pour a shot, to celebrate that is. Although I didn't need an occasion to drink it made it easier morally to get away with. On today's menu, Vodka with a lovely watered down juice I found in the fridge to chase it down. Yummy.

Now I know that most people would advise you to not drink on an empty stomach, however I find that I prefer it that way. Alcohol hits the bloodstream quicker, then I don't have to wait and waste booze for my desired buzz. I reach into my cabinets and grab one of the only dishes I own, a shot glass. With my supplies ready I make my way towards the bed.

After I'm comfortable and have found something to watch I finally open the folder. It reveals a multitude of paperwork and articles, contracts and legal terms I don't yet understand. This is when I realized a system of organization would have to be used to break all of this down. Evan was right, I'd need to be thorough.

I began with a pile of articles and definitions, then made another for anything I'd have to sign or anything to do with the legality of what I'd have to read. Lastly, I had a small pile of handwritten letters each addressed to me.

Shots first then I'd dive into the complex task at hand. Swiftly I poured the clear liquid into the glass and without hesitation tilted my head back and drank all of the contents, this went on for a couple of minutes. Me refilling the cup only to empty it into my mouth once again. With well over half the bottle gone, I decided to start reading the articles as it seemed most logical.

Confusing words about babytalk and bottles were half way read and halfway slurred as I read outloud to no one. Mentions of mommies and daddies that I didn't quite understand in my state of drunkenness. Apparently there were benefits to this behavior, mental relief, a break for work and stress. It was all fine and everything but how any of this had anything to do with me I don't yet know.

This led me back to thinking of how these strangers knew me well enough to have addressed the letters to me as well as have this bizarre task be handed to me in the first place. I went for the letters next. They read as follows.

Dear Stella Morello,
My wife and I have recently had the privilege of overseeing you at your place of work. As well as having a few conversations with some of your colleagues, we believe that you are the perfect match for what I am going to offer you. As I'm sure you're aware, my wife and I cannot bear children and although this saddens us greatly we have refused to lose hope. With all that being said I do understand that what we are asking you is a serious decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly................

 

Growing bored I move back to my liquor eagerly filling the tiny glass yet again. I continue to skim read through the letter, something about wanting a child or looking after one maybe? What I did notice was that I would not have to pay rent and all meals and necessities would be provided. I also noticed they did not live in las vegas, as a matter of fact their address was in Maine.

I couldn't bring myself to care about that detail, a change in scenery would be nice, and my family hasn't reached out in years. I have no ties to this place, nor am I a tree.

I don't bother reading the other letters, most likely from his wife. I assumed they consisted of the same topics. A babysitting job for some rich people didn't sound too bad, moving away didn't sound too bad either. I looked up at my 600 square feet room I called home. I knew my decision.

This led me to the contracts I had yet to even glance at. At first I was fully intent on going through them all the way, not missing a single word, but this is easier said than done when you're drunk. I ended up just signing everything. I figured there were so many pages because they're rich and most likely had safety measures in place for their child.

I put the papers back into the folder after I was done. I was going to give it to Evan tomorrow during my shift when he inevitably calls me into his office. I was glad to get it over with although I will say I didn't really look it over all the way. I get up and sit just outside my front door, allowing the now cool breeze to glide against my face.

I grabbed the vape I had forgotten was in my pocket and took a long puff. Slowly I let the vapor out of my mouth as I thought about what exactly I had done. I could just not turn this in and then I wouldn't be agreeing. But my desire to move to a seemingly better place was stronger. Besides, how hard could watching a child be?

Chapter 2: 2

Summary:

Stella continues to dig her hole deeper.

Eventually sleep did find me and I crashed somewhere in between my bed and the kitchen floor. The headache was evident when I woke up, blurry memories of last night's events invaded my mind. The contracts I had signed and the new beginnings that awaited me. After a quick glance at my phone I realize not only am I late for work but I also have several missed calls from Evan.

Still I decide not to call back and instead I head for my shower. I turn on the cold water and allow it to slowly cascade around my body. The cold did wonders for my headache and woke me up a bit too. As I dry off my long brown hair, I also work on grabbing my work outfit so I don't waste anymore time, besides I still need to walk there.

Once I'm done and what I would consider ready for work, I contemplate if I should have a shot before I leave. On one hand, it would be seriously unprofessional and I needed to talk to Evan and turn in these papers, but on the other hand I really didn't care and there was no way I'd still feel the effects by the time I got to work.

With no real hesitation I swiftly take a shot and then another and before I know it the bottle is gone. I'm not drunk but not sober either, I'd say it's a happy medium that'll dissolve by the time I get there. I do one more look over at my apartment and when I'm sure everything is in place I leave and head down the stairs to start my long walk.

When I reach the bottom of the steps, folder in hand I can't help but notice a brand new Escalade parked in the parking lot, normally I would think nothing of it but for starters almost no one had a car in this apartment and on the other hand the few that did definitely did not own something as luxurious as this. I kept my head down while walking past but suddenly the driver side window rolled down revealing a man I hadn't seen before.

"Miss Morello, yes?" he asked, I stopped walking and looked towards him.

"That depends on what you want from her." I replied keeping a distance from the car.

"I was instructed by the Johnsons to take you to work today, I do believe there is a rather important meeting that's been scheduled for today." The driver said while glancing at his watch as if checking the time.

Now it could be the alcohol or the fact that i'm not really good at decision making, but not walking in the hot vegas sun sounded a lot better than sweating for an hour so I got in the car. The backseat to be more specific. The car's AC had already been blasting, sending shivers down my spine, making goosebumps surround my arms and face. The black leather seats did not help to warm my body and the windows were tinted, keeping the hot air outside rather than in.

When I first entered the back of the car I noticed a large carseat and I only say large because honestly I think I could fit in it comfortably. Placed in the window seat it left me with two options, the middle which no offense was by far the worst seat in any car. My obvious choice was the other window seat, however this meant I could no longer see the driver since I was behind him, reluctantly I sat in the middle.

I had never had a car in my adulthood, simply choosing to walk to where I needed to go, besides I don't have a license and have no intention of getting one. This also made me realize that my job was only a 20 minute drive away, of course the highspeeds of the highways here definitely helped that fact.

I hadn't noticed until we had pulled to the large factory that I never made an attempt at conversing with the driver, instead I fiddled with the folder until the car came to a stop.

"We're here ma'am." He said kindly before looking at me through the rearview.

"Thank you sir, I appreciate it." It was the only thing I could think to say given that I'm still tipsy. Opening the door I slowly stepped out not forgetting to grab the folder too, then securely closed the door again and made my way towards the front door. Before I was there however the driver called out to me again.

"Oh and Miss Morello I would recommend freshening up before the big meeting, the Johnsons aren't too fond of drunken behavior." He seemed genuine like an older family member simply giving advice.

Still I just nodded and continued on my way, now to the bathroom rather than my work station.

Once there I was quick to rinse off my face and spray the cheap air freshener that was in there all over me to mask the lingering vodka smell. I popped a piece of gum in my mouth and went on my way to stack paper all day.

Today would just be me, Alicia never had work on Fridays, something about custody and her kid. I never asked, I figured it wasn't my place. After placing the dry white gloves on my hands I turn ready to begin my work knowing it'll just get interrupted. Today it seems I'll be dealing with printer paper, yay. It is a change from the usual notebook paper or cardstock I had to separate. But they stuck together a lot more than those two which made the printing paper harder to sort.

My job is to make sure that each paper passed inspection, in order to pass they needed to meet three requirements: No marks or visible defects, No wrinkles or folds of any kind and they needed to meet size requirements. If the paper was even a centimeter off I had to discard it which seems wasteful but I hear they recycle them all.

Soon enough my name was being called over the loud intercom, Evan no doubt. A part of me was excited to turn in the folder and begin my new life, but a bigger part of me was nervous. It all seemed too good to be true, the red flags were everywhere and yet I couldn't bring myself to leave or say no.

I went up the stairs and again through the dark hallways, this time noticing the torn rug I was stepping on. I wasn't paying much attention to where I was going and unexpectedly tripped over a small bump in the rug. This set me forward and through a door, into a very quiet room.

Once I regained my balance and had the chance to look around I realized that I was in Evans' office, of course it had to be this room. I groaned and held a hand to my head as I slowly stood up, reaching for the folder that was just a few feet in front of me. But someone had gotten to it before me, I knew it couldn't have been Evan when I saw the light pink nail polish shining on a freshly manicured hand.

My gaze continued up until I was met with one of the most if not the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my entire life. Her long curly blonde hair went well past her shoulders, light brown highlights mixing throughout blended perfectly. She has dark green eyes that look almost like the forest. Her makeup was done to a perfection highlighting her natural features.

Suddenly she cleared her throat.

"See something you like sweetheart?" she asked, her voice was smooth and sweet, almost calming.

"No..i..um..i" I stammered out not knowing what to say.

"I was only teasing, don't fret. Is that for me?" she gestured towards the folder, that's when I pieced together that she must be Mrs.Johnson. God I should not have taken that many shots because she's making me nervous and nauseous.

"Yes this is you, or sorry I meant this is for you." I nervously laughed as I mentally facepalmed.

Luckily she didn't mention it nor did the two men in the room, one I knew was Evan but the other was unfamiliar.

I studied him while he spoke with Evan and Mrs.johnson read through the folder. He was a tall man, with a muscular build, dark brown eyes went well with his short black hair. He was clean shaven and I can't help but think he might look better with a beard. He wore a suit which I now notice matches his wife's dress. Cute.

"She said yes." Mrs.Johnsons voice was barely above a whisper.

"What dear?" Mr.Johnson finally spoke from across the room. Turning his body, giving her his full attention. But her eyes were on me.

"She said yes, did you really say yes? Please tell me you did." she had a desperate look in her eyes and she leaned forward waiting for my answer.

"I said yes." I didn't realize they needed a babysitter so badly.

"Oh my goodness I cannot believe it, did you hear her Apollo? She said yes! Oh my I cannot wait to go home we simply must go back as soon as-"

"Please venus dont scare the poor girl, we've only just met, and not even properly." he interrupted his wife who i now know is named Venus, that's pretty I thought.

He then turned his attention towards me, a warm smile on his face, his eyes held more excitement than he let show.

"Please forgive my wife, she can be a bit excitable, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited as well. We've waited a long time for this." He cleared his throat before continuing.

"My name is Apollo and that beautiful woman is my wife Venus, as i'm sure you know we live in Maine so relocation is necessary for this to work, when are you able to move?" His tone was even but had an underlying impatience to it.

I Looked at Evan, almost expecting him to have an answer but he just threw his hands in the air looking away. I should not have taken those shots, it's almost like I can feel the alcohol's effects amplify every second I'm in here.

Venus looks at me catching my attention, she looks almost worried?

"I can move in like you know a couple hours maybe I just need to get back to my place and pack and trust me that wont take too long." Saying that took all of my energy and I'm more than positive half those words were slurred, judging the looks on Venus and Apollo's face I'd say I'm right.

They exchanged a look I couldn't recognize before Apollo began whispering to Evan, in the same moment Venus spoke to me, gently placing her hand on my arm.

"Are you feeling okay dear, you look a little flush." She seemed concerned, not mad.

"Yeah i'm fine, just a little um excited is all, new state and everything." I had hoped it was convincing enough.

She squinted her eyes as she looked at me over, then she stood up and suddenly held my hand. It took me by surprise and I tried to pull my hand back, but she is a lot stronger and I'm tipsy.

"As I'm sure you're aware there is a part in your contract that states the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden." She spoke without looking down, just walking to wherever she was leading us.

"Yes I know that, I don't drink." I lied.

Venus stopped walking, but only for a moment before she continued walking.

"I don't like being lied to." She seemed disappointed and it made me feel slightly bad.

I wasn't given any time to respond because before I knew it we were outside and in front of the same car as before.

"Where are we going?" I stopped walking with her causing our hands to separate.

"To your house, to pack of course. This way we can all go home and get you settled." Venus spoke so confidently as if she had everything planned beforehand.

"You don't know where I live though." I argued, she couldn't see my apartment then she'd know I drink. And that I lied.

"Oh, but I do, how do you think I was able to pick you up silly." I tried to ignore the way she talked to me, and also the fact that I had no way out of this.

I nodded rather than verbally reply which seemed to displease her but she didn't say anything about it. Around that time Apollo caught up with us, he opened the door for us and I got in first, and went to sit in the middle.

"Oh, we'd prefer if you sat in the
carseat honey, it's much safer, and it's not too long of a drive." Venus said suddenly.

Had she lost her mind? There's no way in hell this woman actually expected me to sit in that thing. Clearly the smartest thing to do was to ignore her comment all together. I just slowly sat down in the middle and reached out for the seatbelt but was stopped.

"Stella, it's rude to ignore those talking to you, and like I said I'd much rather you sit in the car seat." Her tone was sharper, but still held tones of patience.

"No offense Venus but I'm 21 years old"
I couldn't help but chuckle as I said it, this whole situation seemed silly to me.

Apollo didn't seem to like that very much as he glared at me from the passenger seat.

"Did you not read the contract you so willingly signed?" He questioned a hint of annoyance in his tone.

It caused me to look down towards my feet, feeling rather intimidated by his six foot stature.

"I read a bit of it." I admitted.

"How much is a bit to you?" Apollo didn't seem angry, just surprised.

"Like a couple paragraphs." I mumbled tying to avoid eye contact.

"It's super irresponsible to sign your life away and not know it. You do realize what you signed right?" Apollo said as Venus got into the car and tried getting me to sit down in the car seat.

I shook my head no, not wanting to talk to him anymore. I also gave in and finally sat down which pleased Venus. She helped with the straps and I say helped but she insisted. As soon as the car doors were closed we began our drive back to my apartment and on the way they both did their best to explain what I had signed.

Chapter 3: Corner

It's official, I'm in way over my head. At first I didn't even believe the Johnsons, how could anyone believe the request they were asking of me. It was more like telling because I had already agreed to it. Drunkenly mind you but I left that detail out when I explained the night.

The contract was perfectly legal there was practically nothing I could do, the contract doesn't end for 10 years and even then the Johnsons had told me they intended to renew the contract at the end of the 10 years.

Being their baby, the idea itself was hard to process. What would that even require of me, more importantly how could I do that? I'm an adult, Venus said that she would help me, whatever that meant.

They also read the contract to me, in full this time so I fully understood what was going to happen. For starters I wouldn't be allowed to pack most of my things since they'd be deemed as contraband. Even some of my clothes were not acceptable because they showed skin or they had inappropriate phrases or pictures.

The Johnsons had promised to place all of my items I couldn't bring in a storage unit near their house until the decade was up. I had tried explaining that it wasn't necessary on account of me not having that many things to begin with, but Apollo insisted I needed one.

I tried taking my mind off of things, but there isn't really anything scenic happening outside the car as we drove by. Just the usual buildings and people. There was certainly a lot to think about but I'm still not sober and my thoughts were becoming clouded.

To my dismay we did eventually get to my apartment. The couple tried their best to hide the shocked expression on their faces before they got out of the car. Venus helped me with the carseat straps before she held her hand out to me. Reluctantly I took it, afterall I did agree to this.

"Well, lead the way, little one." Apollo said with an encouraging smile.

I nodded my head and led them up the stairs and to my apartment, Venus never letting go of my hand. I had to rummage through my bag before I found the keys, though admittedly I'd rather them be lost. Then the Johnsons couldn't see inside, my secret would be safe. My hand hovered over the knob after I had unlocked it.

"You guys could just stay out here while I pack, It's really no big deal I don't have a lot of stuff so I won't be too long." I nervously stared at them, silently hoping they'd agree and let me go in by myself.

Venus chuckled before answering.

"I'd prefer if we went with you, then Apollo and I can make a mental list of the things we need to get you. And I can make sure you're not bringing anything on the no list. Truly you have nothing to worry about sweetheart so come on."

Without any other options I slowly opened the door, trying to kick some of the bottles that littered the floor out of the way. This of course only caused them to clink together making one loud sound that seemed to grab Apollo's attention.

"I don't think it's very healthy for such a little thing to be drinking such toxic beverages so often, don't you agree, Venus love." His tone was calm and somewhat amused as he spoke to his wife completely disregarding me while he did so.

"Oh I completely agree with you honey, this is no environment for our baby to live in." Venus's voice held more of a firm tone than his did, making her sound upset not surprised.

Suddenly both of them turned to face me but it was Venus who spoke to me first.

"Stella, how often do you drink? You're not in any kind of trouble, we just need to know, it's important." Venus said crouching to my height so we were making eye contact.

"I fail to see how it's any of your business." I hadnt meant to say that, it just came out before I could stop it.
I could see her jaw clench and her eyes narrow slightly before she regained her composure, smiling just as before. Apollo had a harder time hiding his anger towards my words.

"As your caregivers, it's our responsibility to make sure you're happy and healthy, this includes making sure you're not drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis. I understand that you're a legal adult and this concept might be a lot to handle, however this is what you agreed to. So once again, how often do you drink?" This time her voice wasn't nearly as soft and instead she sounded firm in her word, like a silent threat letting me know I needed to answer.

Instead of answering like the stubborn person I am, I used this time to look for Apollo, but he wasn't anywhere I could see, which caused me to grow anxious. There are things in my apartment far worse than the alcohol and I didnt need Apollo snooping around finding it.

"Where did Apollo go?" I asked Venus while still looking around.

"Don't avoid the question Stella, I won't repeat myself." She seemed to be getting irritated, losing patience every second, but still I have no desire to tell her so she can ask a million times if it's what she wants.

"Okay, I see how this is going to be Stella, you can choose to stay there and refuse to answer my question if that's really what you want."

"It is what I want."

"Okay then, while you stand there pouting, Apollo and I are going to pack a few things for you so we can get going, you're more than welcome to help, but only if you answer my question." Venus got up from her crouched position and made her way towards my kitchen.

"That's not fair!" I shouted but didn't mean to, immediately feeling embarrassed by my own childish behavior.

Venus didn't say anything though, just choosing to ignore me while she looked through the cabinets and drawers. Before I could protest or complain about the unfairness of this situation, Apollo arrived.

"I think we should sit down and discuss the rules and punishments we have set for you Stella, If we're going to be moving forward I'd like for you to know what to expect. And what we'll allow in our household." He didn't seem upset, so I nodded my head then slowly made my way to the table where he had taken a seat.

"Do you have any paper and a pen, little one?" Venus asked me from next to Apollo.

Once again I nodded my head before quickly disappearing into my closet where I kept my art supplies. It didn't take long to find them so I used the extra time to hide a few bottles and other things like my vape and penjamin in an old pillow before I went back to the dining table and handed Apollo the supplies.

He gave me a small 'thank you' before he began writing everything down on the paper. He must have them memorized because it took him no time at all. When he was done it was handed to Venus and she began to read them out loud for me.

"Okay stella, just remember that the rules are to keep you safe, You're going to have questions about them and that's fine but please wait until im done before you ask them, okay sweetheart?"
Once again I nod, no longer wanting to talk.

"Okay, so your first rule is bedtime, which will be at 8:30pm on the weekdays and 9:00pm on the weekends. Sleep is important. Next there is a strict no cursing policy, We don't want to hear any naughty words come out of that little mouth. No running inside the house, I would hate for you to fall. If you would like to play outside you need to ask either myself or Apollo for permission. You will be eating three meals a day, and we expect you to finish those meals as well, maintaining a healthy weight is good for you and no offense bug, but you're quite the little thing. No phones, at least not for you. If it's an emergency we will allow you to use your phone but any other time it will be put up, babies don't need phones. Say please and thank you is also a pretty big rule for us, we want you to use your manners. I think that pretty much covers all of the basic rules, of course if you do something we find displeasing or we don't approve of, we'll let you know and correct the behavior. Now do you have any questions about the rules before we move on to the punishments?" It took me a while to process everything Venus had told me.

" I guess I'm okay with everything, but I don't understand why I need a bedtime, or why I can't have my phone, or curse." Okay so maybe I wasn't okay with everything but still, who would be? Apollo hummed in understanding before he spoke up.

"I can see why a bedtime might seem a little redundant since you're an adult, but I shouldn't have to remind you that you signed a legally abiding contract in which you agreed to be our child. This also extends to you acting like our child, and children have bedtimes. Most children are also not allowed to curse, and if you've ever been to a daycare you'll notice none of the little ones have a phone. Like Venus said if it's an emergency we will give you the phone but other than that it's a no." He looked at me with a face that meant business, keeping me from objecting as he made a valid point. I did agree to it.

"Okay, I understand." I said in defeat.

"Good girl, now I think it's best if we discuss your forms of punishment, and please remember that we would only punish you if we feel that your behavior needs correcting." Apollo reminded me but it did very little to soothe my nerves.

"Okay, so for starters you might have to do a timeout, which will most likely be your go to punishment. We may also have you write lines although I will admit I'm not a big fan of that one. You may lose privileges like television or electronics, no sweet treats or an early bedtime. Last and we truly mean last as in this will be used as a last resort or when you're extremely misbehaved. With that said if we feel it's necessary we will spank you. I don't want you to get nervous about that because like I said we won't be spanking you often, so long as you're behaving. Do you have any questions Stella?" Apollo waited for me to answer, giving me enough time to process it all while Venus rubbed soothing circles on my back.

I honestly didn't know what to think, on one hand I thought this was all funny, I mean something as silly and childish as a spanking? They can't be serious? On the other hand a very small part of me was genuinely nervous about being spanked, I was never labeled as a good kid.

"Do you have to spank me? I've never been spanked before and I don't think I would like that." I told the two honestly. Only for Apollo to chuckle at my response.

"Well kiddo, if you liked your punishment then it wouldn't really work." He continued laughing as he spoke but Venus was quick to slap his arm signaling for him to stop.

"Ouch what was that for?" he complained.

"Be nice, what he means to say sweetie, is that you shouldn't worry about being spanked because I know you plan on being a good girl for us, so I shouldn't have to spank you." Venus tried to reassure me.

It did very little to calm me down, as I said I wasn't well behaved as a child, but there was also very little done about my behavior. Usually I was just sent to a hospital and deemed mentally unstable.

"Okay I guess." Admittedly there wasn't much I could do.

Venus smiled at me before she had me sign the rules and punishments paper. She then placed them in her purse being careful not to rip them.

"Okay little love, how about you pick a room and we can start packing things up in there so we can still make this flight?" Venus asked or more so told me. Her nicknames made me feel embarrassed but I did my best to ignore them.

Looking around I noticed that Apollo must have brought in some boxes when Venus and I were talking earlier. I decided to begin in my living room since it had the least amount of things in it.

"Can we start in the living room and then the kitchen and do my bedroom last, please?" Having to ask permission to pack my own apartment was degrading, but I have no choice.
Venus seemed pleased by this as she clasped her hands together, a big smile on her face.

"Very good job using your manners little one, and of course we can, right honey?" she said, moving her attention to Apollo who was busy looking in my fridge. He stopped and looked up at us before making his way over to us.

"That sounds like a brilliant plan, love." he said enthusiastically.

Venus went to open up the boxes for us, along with a sharpie because according to her, we needed to organize and label every box. It didn't take long for her to finish and before I knew it we were sorting through it all. Apollo had set two boxes out for each room. One for the things I'd be allowed to bring and the other for the storage unit.

We had finished the living room, with most of its contents ending up in the storage unit box. They said not to worry about the furniture because they would hire a moving company to put them in the storage unit as well. That made me feel slightly better since my things wouldn't be completely gone.

The kitchen took a bit longer and Venus stopped multiple times to tell me the amount of liquor bottles in my apartment was alarming. I ignored her comments, even as she threw them away explaining to me how I wouldnt need them anymore. I guess she was right, plus I have some in that pillowcase so it isn't a total loss.

I got to keep some of my cups, the plastic ones of course and some of my snacks that wouldn't go bad but practically everything else was boxed up for storage. It was weird seeing my apartment empty, I had worked hard to get here and now I was just walking away. Hopefully I'm leaving for a better situation, a better place. The Johnsons seem like a nice couple, but they are strangers.

"Are you ready for the bedroom now, sweetheart?" Venus asked, pulling me away from my thoughts.

"Can I do the room by myself? There's private stuff in there." I lied, well kind of lied. There is personal stuff in there but my main concern was the weed and alcohol hidden throughout the room.
Apollo looked at his wife, silently having a conversation with their eyes.

"Listen honey, I understand that, I do especially as a woman. But as your caregiver I'd like to make sure that everything you bring to your new home is appropriate and safe. So I'm going to have to say no sweetie, but if you'd like I can have Apollo wait in the kitchen while we pack." The way she spoke made it hard to say no to Venus.

Besides, it'd be easier to sneak things if only one person was watching me.

"Okay Venus, that's okay with me." I smiled at her to erase any suspicions she might have had.

She took time to explain to her husband what was going to happen, then the two of us went to my bedroom to begin the packing. This time I was able to bring a lot more things with me rather than keeping them in storage which I was grateful for. She let me bring my blankets and luckily the pillow too, most of my clothes and a few extra things I had in there like chargers and notebooks as well as my playstation and switch.

"Okay baby, we're all done now. I'll have Apollo move all the boxes to the car for us. Are you hungry at all, little one?" Venus had once again crouched so her and I were eye level, this made it harder to lie. Maybe that's why she does it.

"I um I ate this morning actually, so i'm still kind of full." I lied, my 'breakfast' was vodka.

"Oh, did you eat here?" she asked. Still she never broke eye contact and it made me feel...small. Height wise I mean.

"Yes." Another lie.

"Okay, what did you eat?" Her expression never changed which made it difficult to tell where she was going with this.

"I just had some cereal, it's simple and I was in a time crunch because I woke up late." Lie number three.

"Hmm, well no offense bug, but I find that hard to believe, we packed the kitchen together remember? I saw the sink and there weren't any bowls or spoons, not to mention. You don't own any cereal love." Although she sounded amused, her face certainly did not match the tone, she looked disappointed and angry?

"I'm going to count this as your first warning, but after this lying will cost you a punishment, am I understood?" Her gaze was intimidating, almost making me wish I had chosen Apollo instead.

"But that's not fair, I've only lied once and it's just about eating, it's not even something serious." I was quick to point out, plus she can't punish me this soon. Could she?

"That's another lie, you also lied about not drinking today when I asked you at the factory." Venus pointed out.

I looked down towards my feet, I had been so stupid to think she would believe me. Part of me knows I'm in the wrong, especially since up until now she's been so nice to me. But the part of me that refuses to admit when I'm wrong is bigger right now. So instead of responding I ignored her.

She stopped crouching and stood up all the way, clearing her throat before she suddenly grabbed my upper arm. It didn't hurt, she was actually being quite gentle but it startled me, making me flinch. She noticed and loosened her grip before she led me to the living room, where Apollo was.

I am more confused than angry at the fact that she's pulling me around, but before I can think about it any longer she stops walking and lets me go. I look up, locking eyes with Apollo.

"What's going on babe?" He asked Venus while looking at me confused. He was sitting on the couch, on his phone which he put down to give us his full attention.

"What do you think the punishment should be for lying? Stella here has lied to me three times now and I think it's important for her to know to be honest. Don't you agree?" Venus told him.

What a traitor, she wasn't supposed to tell him that! Much less let him decide my punishment, a punishment that wasn't going to happen. No way in hell.

"Well since it's the kids first punishment, I'd say a five minute timeout should do the trick, and a promise to be honest as well afterwards." He said in a confident voice as he stood up and took my hand in his.

"As for you kiddo, lying is a horrible habit and one your...my wife doesn't like very much. It'd do you some good to just be honest. Now I want you to stand here, look at the corner and think about what we've talked about okay? When your time is up Venus or I will come and get you, then you can apologize." He seemed kind, he wasn't mad, just disappointed and I could live with that.

I wanted to protest but the thought that they'd change their mind about me and make me stay, was on the back of my mind. So I stayed put and did as told. Plus I'm an adult, how bad could a timeout be?

Chapter 4: Timeout

As it turns out, being put in timeout was awful. Not to mention there was no way that I was here for only five minutes, this felt like an eternity. And it was embarrassing to say the least, everytime I tried to peek behind me, Apollo would gently place my head back in the corner. It was a frustrating experience to say the least, and I was meant to apologize after this?!

If anything they should be saying sorry to me, this is torture and should be outlawed. I'm mature enough to realize that the only reason I'm in this predicament is because I lied. But in my defense, the Johnsons never said lying wasn't allowed.

"Stella, come here please." Venus spoke from across the room. I was torn between wanting to get out of this corner and not wanting to confront venus. When I realized how childish it all seemed I sighed and turned to walk towards her.

When I reached her she was sitting on the couch and gently pulled me into her lap. I tensed up but didn't move honestly I was too surprised to do anything. I suppose my fight or flight is broken. She didn't acknowledge my hesitation and instead did her best to make us both comfortable.

"Do you have something you'd like to say?" Apollo asked, I felt like something was caught in my throat. It's a simple apology yet I can't bring myself to do it. It was childish and im an adult, adults lie all the time.

"I'm sorry that you caught me in a lie, I'll be more careful next time." I know it's not what they wanted to hear but it's what I wanted to say.

Venus looked visibly pissed off at my antics. Apollo laughed though he did stop immediately after venus gave him a look. I smiled back, finding myself rather amusing.

 

Venus's Point of view-

Great, now they are teaming up on me, just a preview of what's to come. I will say I am happy they seem to be getting along but I don't tolerate disrespect, or nonsense. I can also tell the only reason Stella is acting like this is to get a rise out of me. Like most children she's trying to see where the boundaries are or what she'll get away with.

As much as I don't like her attitude right now, I also don't want our first moments together to be filled with punishments. My husband and I have waited for far too long to waste it repremending our little one for every little thing she does wrong.

"Thank you for apologizing baby, now what would you like to eat, we can go anywhere you want as long as it's on the way to the airport." Being a child psychologist made things easier when it comes to understanding how her mind works and how to get things to go how I want it to.

She looked confused by my words, seemingly thrown off she scrunched her face and tilted her head slightly to the right. How cute. She looked at Apollo for an answer. Gosh I hope she's not a daddy's girl, granted I'm just happy she's comfortable with one of us, still I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit jealous.

"How about some fast food? Do you like raising Canes? That's my favorite." my husband suggested but I was quick to cut him off.

"Don't you think we should get something a bit more healthy, baby?" If he had it his way he would eat out every meal.

"Awe come on lighten up a bit of love, it's our first meal with her, and it'll be quicker." I was going to protest again but stopped when I heard the quietest "please" from beside me.

I looked over at Stella, she was looking at me with big brown eyes, pleading with me. How could I not give in? She's so adorable, but she won't be getting her way every time.

"Okay canes it is I suppose. But we should really get going so we don't miss the flight, honey why don't you start putting the boxes up and I'll call Howard and let him know he can pick up the rest of the stuff and start moving it to the storage unit for Stella." I said while standing up ready to call the moving guy.

"This is why we should have bought the jet when I suggested it, then we wouldn't have to rush to the airport." my husband said, sounding arrogant. I scoffed at him.

"I'm not wasting my money on such unnecessary things, we can ride the same plane as everyone else, it goes the same speed and we get to the same location. You're lucky I let you get the first class tickets even though you know how much I dislike that." I said feeling irritated that he would even suggest such a thing.

We are wealthy, don't get me wrong but that doesnt mean I need to walk around like a buffoon, flashing my riches everywhere I go. Not to mention an airplane we share with everyone is better for the environment.

"I was only joking, I'll get started on the boxes." Good boy, I thought but instead I simply smiled at him. Then I turned to face Stella.

"Why don't you play some games while I make a few phone calls?" I asked although there wasn't really anything else to do but this way she feels like she has more control.

She nods her head before she pulls her game out of her backpack to play something. I wish she'd talk more, but she'll warm up to us. With time and trust, My sister who I dont speak with anymore is a caregiver as well although her methods of punishment are far worse than mine.

She's my older sister, the eldest as there were only three of us. Still I know she likes to pretend she's an only child. The last time I heard from her was when my little sister passed away, it was a tragic accident, one that shouldn't have happened but the people in my family had ways of dying mysteriously. My mother died while at work, just a normal day, until it wasn't.

But enough about that, for now i'm calling my old friend who just so happened to own a moving company. He had agreed to come down and pack up Stella's belongings and have them shipped to our storage unit. I was grateful for that, just one less thing I needed to worry about. Now my main priority can be getting Stella comfortable enough to regress.

"Okay little love, how about we see if Apollo is done doing the manly stuff so we can go eat." I said, directing my attention towards Stella as I ended the call. She didn't look up from her game, instead ignoring me. That's getting irritating.

"I asked you a question Stella." I said a bit louder.

Again she said nothing and just kept playing. Walking over there I looked down, on her screen was a very violent game, one I know for a fact Apollo would not approve of. Quickly I grab the game from her, causing her to whine.

"Hey I was playing that!" she had her hands reaching out trying to grab the electronics from me.

"And I was talking to you. What is it that you're playing anyways?" She didn't stop trying to grab it from me as she spoke.

"It's just red dead now give it back!" she shouted. At that moment Apollo came in through the front door, hearing the commotion. His eyebrows arched and his jaw clenched slightly.
"What's going on here?" He had a firm tone, meaning business.

Stella continued trying to grab her electronics from me. I handed it to my husband, but the height advantage made it hard for her to reach.

"She's playing an inappropriate game and ignoring me." I said wanting to move on but still needing to address the situation.

"What game, oh my. Well I will say your starts truly are impressive, and you even have a moonshining business that's-"

"Apollo, honestly sometimes I think I have a son, focus." I scold losing patience. He shrank down before he continued.

"You're right honey I'm sorry, like Venus said kiddo. It's inappropriate." He said before he covered Stella's ear with his hand and whispered something to her. Like I said they are teaming up on me, great.

I sighed, rubbing my temples with my hand. Still at least they are getting along.

"Let's get going, children." I said earning a giggle from Stella. I made her laugh!

Everything was going smoothly, Stella was chatting with Apollo While we walked towards the car, keeping the atmosphere calm. That is until he opened the door and once again tried getting her in the car seat.

"I'm old enough, I don't need one." She argued, I stayed back letting Apollo take the lead.

He got down on his knees ( my husband is quite a tall man so simply crouching wouldn't work) and looked her in the eyes just as I had taught him.

"Stella, you're not an adult anymore, I mean mentally you're meant to be our child." he stood there with that stupid smug look on his face as if he didn't just bomb that whole thing.

She looked shocked to say the least so I walked towards the door holding her hand in mine, this time she didn't flinch.

"Silly man, he didn't mean to say it like that love, I think what he meant to say was that we want you to be safe." I tried to explain but this just made her more upset.

"I'm safe in regular seats because I'm an adult." She said, this little one sure does love to argue.

"A skinny adult, sorry I don't mean to be rude but you are quite thin kiddo, and the places we go have laws put in place to keep you safe. If you aren't a certain weight you need at the very least a booster seat." Apollo said, making us both look towards him.

"Fine." She said after a moment. I was happy because now she was safe in her car seat and she even let me buckle her in without a fuss this time.

"Would you like me to put a movie on for you, it's a long drive to the airport." I asked Stella, She looked at me nervously. It makes sense though, going to a new place with people you don't really know is scary, so is regression if you don't know what to expect.

"Yes please." she said after a moment of thinking. I grabbed the dvd storage case so she could flip through the endless DVDS Apollo had bought in case we ever found our little. It was filled with disney and pixar movies, even some nickelodeon and pbs. A general mix of any child show or movie you could think of. As she flipped through the pages I got myself situated in the passenger seat while Apollo started the car and got directions.

"Can I watch this, please?" Stella asked from behind me. She's such a polite little one, always using her manners. I let her know how proud I was of her by smiling big at her which she reciprocated by smiling just as big at me.

Looking down I saw what she was pointing at, 'Barbie and the twelve dancing princesses' It's not something I'd expect her to pick on her own but I tried to hide my excitement.

"That's a great movie, little one, I'll get it started for you and you just make yourself comfortable." She smiles back at me patiently waiting for the film to begin.

When her movie starts, Apollo also starts driving. He chose a Canes rather close to the airport so we'd have to wait a bit to eat. With it nearing 3:00pm I wish I could have made sure Stella ate something this morning, anything but she wasn't officially mine at the time so I have to let it go.

The long ride gave me the perfect opportunity to make a list of things I need to get for my little one, as well as some appointments I need to set for her. Just simple check ups to make sure my baby is nice and healthy.

An hour later and we still had about half an hour left of our drive, but we had stopped and grabbed food. This pleased Stella and Apollo and they both silently enjoyed their meals while I tried to get to know Stella a bit more.

We all talked about many things like her favorite color which i've learned is gray. Her wants in life and what she had been through. Apollo shared the same concerned look as I did when she told us about her years since turning eighteen. She was even honest with her drinking habit and that she had admittedly had a few shots this morning.

I'd expect some people to feel mad or upset to learn this but I was honestly relieved. Now I know she needs our help and I am more than willing to give it to her.

Chapter 5: Moving in

Stella's point of view-

We arrived in Maine about a half hour ago. The sudden change in temperature when we had first got off the plane still shocked me but alas Venus was quick to cover me up with a fuzzy blanket she had hidden somewhere. We all talked during the flight about what I should expect and what their home looked like. Apollo reassured me that I didn't necessarily need to do anything I wasn't comfortable with but that I was encouraged to try to 'fit into my role'.

My role of course being their child, but honestly after they had told me everything that was to come it didn't seem all that bad. I mean they would not only clothe and feed me but house me as well and above all they would care for me. Offer me an entirely new connection, one I feel I was robbed of in my youth.

I had briefly touched the subject of my own parents to the Johnsons, after Apollo had asked about my upbringing. There wasn't really much to say since most of my time was spent away, in hospitals and even when I was graced with the privilege of being home, my parents were both preoccupied with other arrangements far too busy for me. This led to me finding comfort and connections elsewhere, first it was in sharp things that made me feel something, anything.

But of course I grew bored, not to mention it just led to more hospital stays. That's around the time I found a new friend and she introduced me to everything, from weed then molly then shrooms and of course everything took a turn one day when I tried something I swore not to. I spent weeks searching for it, doing it. Luckily that was a while ago and I no longer hear it calling for me at night. But all of that I neglected to tell the couple, deciding that knowing about my parents and job was enough for now.

Sometime in between landing and my inner monologue we had ended up in the car with me in the damn car seat. What surprised me the most was the fact that we had already arrived at their house. How could I have not paid attention that much? I need to start trying to stay focused. My door was opened revealing Venus, she was smiling brightly at me and helped me with the pesky straps before she lifted me up onto her hip.

It wasn't something I was used to but we had talked about stuff like this on the plane ride so I tried my best to relax and also not fall. Surprisingly Venus is actually pretty strong, that or I'm just really light. Regardless, I'm actually kind of comfortable.

"We're home little one, so what do you think?" She asked to draw my attention towards the house in front of me.

Now I mean no offense but I sort of assumed people with such great wealth would have a mansion or something. In reality they owned a two story cottage, don't get me wrong it was breathtaking like something out of a studio ghibli film, it's just not something i'd expect them to have picked out.

The landscape was just as beautiful with lush hills running along it with an assortment of trees and shrubs. A wooden fence bordered the large perimeter of the home. The house being mostly wooden too was a neutral cream color with a cedar shake roof, giving it a nice whimsical look.

"It's amazing." I said honestly. This earned a laugh from venus.

"Thank you sweetheart, Apollo and I designed it ourselves, we wanted something that would bring us close to nature, and now I can live like a fairy." she joked and I giggled, finding her rather amusing.

So far Venus is definitely my favorite but I'll never tell her that.

"You guys did a good job, I like it a lot."

"Well, how would you like to see the inside, more importantly your room?" Venus asked while tickling my sides.

The mention of my own room made me excited trying not to laugh, I nodded my head and she walked us into their home.

We had spent the next hour touring the house, which had been a lot larger than it initially seemed. Most of the interior was a forest green mixed with different shades of sage. The house looked cozy, something you'd want for a family. I didn't pay much attention to the kitchen, only noting the lack of alcohol. The living room had a huge fireplace I was immediately drawn to but Apollo made it clear that I was not allowed too close to it.

The rest of the tour was pretty much the same, Venus would show me a new room, telling me details and functions of each while Apollo brought in the boxes and suitcases we had in the trunk. The backyard had a multitude of outside toys and structures, even a treehouse. I've always wanted one but growing up in north las vegas sort of crushes that dream.

Venus seemed to pick up on my excitement because she set me down and gestured towards the tree house.

"Go on little one, you have some time to play before dinner is ready. I'll be inside but the door is staying open. You can see me from that window over there okay?" Venus said, pointing at the large kitchen window that looked over the backyard.

"Can I unpack my things instead, please some of my um coloring things are in there?" Although I didn't sound at all convincing, Venus seemed pretty set on making me happy at the moment so she agreed, so long as I checked in every 15 minutes. This was perfectly fine with me for two reasons.

1- I could see my room alone and not have to put on a front or act happy if im not and

2- I could drink.

Now I know the risk is rather high but so is the reward. Besides I had already been caught and It's only my first day so the odds of them punishing me again are slim. When I made my way up the stairs to where Venus said my room would be I couldn't help noticing that mine was directly next to theirs. No late night smokes for me.

I knew what to expect, Apollo had described my room to me in great detail on the plane ride here, but the shock was still evident. Pink walls were decorated with pictures and shelves all equally colorful.

This, to my knowledge, is also the only room in the house with carpeted floors. There is a huge bay window that overlooks the property below, still I could see the locks on them, preventing me from opening them. I was confused by this but overall ignored it.

A large chest contained an assortment of toys and costumes. Where the bed should have been was a crib, once again I found myself shocked over details I already knew about. My boxes that were allowed over here instead of in storage were all placed neatly by the closet. I was curious but my main goal was far greater.

Quickly I rummaged through my things to find the hidden liquor. This turned out to be a lot easier than I thought due to the lack of things inside the boxes. Without hesitation I opened the bottle of whiskey, deciding to switch things up. I glanced over my shoulder, not seeing any one coming and I quickly began drinking the alcohol.

The relieving burn traveled down my throat, warming my belly in seconds. I was feeling amazing, greedily gulping down more. I had to stop myself before I finished the remains, knowing it may be a while before I can find more. Some juice or a soda would have helped with the burning in my throat but I suppose I can't be too picky.

The thought of smoking crossed my mind but was quickly brushed off, can't get too cocky too soon. Plus it's probably time to check in with Venus by now. I do remember to grab the coloring supplies, just so I don't seem too suspicious, plus I am rather bored and this will give me something to do.

Venus's point of view-

Stella had been in her room for the better half of an hour so I decided to make my way upstairs and check up on her. I know she hadn't been gone long but the mommy in me  just needed to make sure she was okay. I made my way up the stairs towards Stella's room but when I reached the top I ran into someone, a rather small someone.
Looking down I'm met with a flustered looking stella. Reaching out a hand I try to pull her up but she refuses.

"I like ittt down here thhank you verry much, the floor is cold." She slurred as she spoke. Logically I knew there was no way she was still feeling the effects from earlier.

"Fine, then stay on the floor." I say as I try not to sound too stern. It's not a good idea to punish your little one when you're upset, it could lead you to overreact.

I grab my phone and decide on calling Apollo to handle this situation. He of course answered and I quickly told him about what was happening, we hung up and it wasn't long before I heard his footsteps approaching us.

"What's going on up here?" His voice was raised but held no anger.

 

Stella's point of view-

Apollo stood above me acting all serious and manly, what a joke. This whole thing is kinda funny when you think about it, they're upset because a legal adult is drunk. I laugh aloud thinking to myself while the Johnsons talk to one another. I'm growing bored and the once calming floor is now too cold.

I tried to stand up and slowly walk away unnoticed, but Venus paid more attention than I thought and grabbed my arm before I could get away.

"No, you stay here little one, we have things to discuss with you." she said looking rather upset. Who does this lady think she is, my mom or something?

"No, I think I'll get going. This is pretty boring." I admitted which earned a pointed look from the both of them.

Apollo approached me as Venus let my arm go, he crouched in front of me and held my chin in his hand, forcing me to make eye contact with him.

"Where is the alcohol?" he asked in a clear yet calm voice. Something about the way he interacted with me was different from Venus. She was always strict yet loving but Apollo could be fun and then really mean when he needed to.

But what do I know? I've only been with them for like a day. Something about his demeanor makes it easier to listen to what he's asking. Venus is almost too nice to listen to or take seriously if that makes sense.

"Stella, I asked you a question. Don't just stand there ignoring me." His voice brought me back to the moment, and I realized what he was asking.

"Don't have any." I lied as I jerked my head from out of his hand, now looking down instead of at him.

At that I felt myself being lifted and placed on Venus's hip. Damn she's strong. I looked up but noticed she was focused on the hallway ahead and not me. Without another word she began walking us towards her and Apollo's room while Apollo stayed behind.

I tried to get out of her grasp but she just held me closer to her while she opened her door.

"Put me down Venus, I can walk by myself!" I yelled feeling my anger at this situation grow, I only wanted a drink. What's so bad about that?

She remained silent and walked us to her bed where she lifted the blankets and carefully got in. With me still on her but now instead of on her hip I'm sitting on her lap, facing her.

"Let me go." I said after she began digging through her drawer for something.

She did and once her arms were no longer around me, I suddenly missed the sensation. Still I got off her lap and sat down next to her. She had found whatever she was looking for and sat back up leaning to face me. There was no anger on her face, not even disappointment. She just looked worried.

She smiled at me and I did the same.
"You need to get some rest pumpkin, we have a big day tomorrow." she said as she rubbed my arm and moved to turn off the lights.

But I didn't want to sleep, it would be a waste to drink all that alcohol only to sleep away its effects. But she was so sweet and kind. I was drunk though and my drunk mind wanted to make her happy so I nodded my head getting more comfortable in their bed.

"Good girl Stella, thank you." Venus spoke from beside me, I wasn't sure if she'd be staying here or leaving but I didn't mind. My friends and I used to have sleepovers all the time. Plus she smells good and her voice is pretty. I smiled to myself and closed my eyes letting the events of the day replay in my mind.

 

Venus's point of view-

After I was sure Stella was asleep, I carefully made my way out of the bed and out of the room. Slowly I closed the door so any noises wouldn't disturb her. I wasn't worried about anything happening to her though, our home is very safe and I had set up a baby monitor on my dresser and had the other in my pocket.

I knew action needed to be taken but there's no point in punishing a person who is clearly intoxicated, not to mention she can't necessarily give us permission at that point. First things first Apollo was looking for any alcohol or anything else she may have brought over here. This also means we'll need to monitor her better and make sure she knows there are other safer options of escape, like regression.

Sighing, I make my way back towards my husband. He was in Stella's room going through everything.

"Find anything?" I ask which causes him to jump a bit, I guess he didn't hear me come in.

"Sheesh love, give a man a warning next time." he laughed, I walked over to where he was sitting on the floor and gently rubbed his shoulders watching as he visibly relaxed.

"What are we going to do babe? I don't want to give up on her just because she has a problem but I don't know how to help her." He admitted to me. I continued to rub on his shoulders, gently sliding my hand through his hair.

"So I'm guessing you found something then?" I ask.

"Something? No, I found everything. This little girl had more alcohol than I've seen in most college frats, not to mention the marijuana I found. How could she have even gotten it through tsa I don't really understand. I just....I don't know what to do." Apollo spoke with frustration.

"I know this wasn't what either of us had planned. Things were meant to be going a lot smoother, but I think the universe has a weird way of making sure everything works out. She needs our help baby, we can't just leave her out there on her own knowing she is struggling. She told us a little bit about her borderline personality disorder so I think it's best if we discuss possible therapy options with her, and although we wanted to ease into the regression with her. I'm now thinking it may be a better idea to get started on that as soon as possible, she's using alcohol as an escape or maybe a way to cope with her feelings but she needs a better alternative." I tried to explain to him.
He nodded his head and slowly stood up, turning to face me.

"Thank you, so much Venus. I love you." He said before stealing a quick kiss from me. I playfully rolled my eyes at him giggling, his such a simp.

"I love you too baby, now shall we finish up here before we throw everything not allowed away?" I began to look through the clothes Apollo left for me since he didn't know how she'd react to a man going through her clothing.

 

We spent the next hour or so going through the boxes and suitcases, even her room itself just in case she had hidden anything without us knowing. In total we found about 8 bottles of mixed alcohol mostly consisting of whiskey or vodka. Of course we had also found all of her weed and various smoking devices including a vape. I'm disappointed in her dishonesty and willingness to hide things and keep stuff from us.

I had Apollo deal with getting rid of all the stuff, he said he'd have it moved to her storage unit but if it were up to me I'd throw it all away. I needed a distraction and starting Stellas regression plan seemed like the most logical thing to do.

My plan mainly consisted of three phases, of course there might be more depending on my stella but that's okay with me, every little is different.

Phase 1- Implementing subtle things like the television being set to child shows and movies. Having her eat off children's plates and drink out of sippy cups or bottles. Childish outfits and babytalk stuff like that.

Phase 2- Get her to start regressing for longer durations of time, introduce the option of pull ups or diapers. Have her sit in a highchair during meals. Go to parks or little events nearby and play dates with our friends littles.

Phase 3- Have her regressed full time unless of course she feels like she needs to come out of headspace. Ask if she needs help during bath time, ask to start skin to skin. Put baby gates in front of the staircase and front and back doors. By this time she should feel comfortable and confident in her headspace.

If everything goes smoothly I see no reason why she shouldn't be fully regressed by the end of our first year, but still this is all up to Stella's pace and comfortability.

Chapter 6: Mom

Stella’s point of view-

I wake up still in Johnson's bed, their enormous blanket draped over me while my head rests on what has got to be the softest pillow in the world. Stretching out while I yawn I decide I'm not entirely ready to wake up and instead cuddle further into the pillow beneath me.

But when I do that the pillow shakes and giggles.

“It’s time to get up, baby girl. We can cuddle more later.” Venus’s voice caused my eyes to shoot open, I quickly got up and spun around so I was facing where my body had just been. Right on top of Venus.

I was using her chest as a pillow. When the realization hit I felt a mixture of confusion and embarrassment no doubt causing a blush on my cheeks. I averted my gaze from hers avoiding any eye contact not sure how to respond to her.

“Awe, there's no need to be embarrassed baby, I quite like your cuddles, but it is time to get up.” She said sweetly as she too stretched the sleep away.

I pouted at that, the tone of voice she used made me feel things I wasn't sure how to process. It made me want to hide my body under the blankets and cover my ears in hopes of the feeling going away. Instead, I did what I did best and ignored her comments altogether.

Looking around I couldn't help but notice that Apollo wasn't in here with us and that I never really got to see this room but now that I can, I'm not too upset about having to wait. The room itself was nice, I suppose just not my style. It was what you'd expect a mom and dad's room to look like.

A massive bed smack in the middle of the room, the headrest up against the wall furthest from the door. They also had another fireplace but this one was smaller and didn't seem to be in use. Where you’d expect to see a TV was a large bookshelf instead with a fish tank that went in the middle, almost like an entertainment center but modified.

I noticed a closet closer to Venus’s side of the bed but the door was only slightly opened so I couldn't get a good look. On Apollo's side was a master bathroom with a massive bathtub I could see from my spot on their bed. They had a ton of framed photos across the walls but they were placed in a way that didn't make it seem overcrowded.

Next to Venus on her dresser were more photos and jewelry, a candle, and her phone charger. As I said it was what most adult bedrooms looked like. Suddenly, a gentle hand was placed under my chin, and directed my gaze toward Venus.

Her green eyes seemed brighter when she looked at me, and her lips displayed a beautiful smile. She's so pretty.

“Your little mind sure does like to wonder huh, baby?” She asked in that same soft voice she seemed to use with only me. I nodded my head, not able to find any word at the moment.

“Such a cute little thing hmm? Well, how about we get you dressed and ready for breakfast so Apollo and I can talk with you?” She asked.

This made me grow nervous as the previous night's events flooded my mind. Venus of course noticed this and was quick to pull me onto her lap, wrapping me into a warm hug.

“Shhh, it’s okay honey, You're not in any trouble and we’re not upset with you. We just need to talk about a few things, that's all.” She reassured me before placing a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Promise?” I said but immediately regretted it, internally groaning at the childish statement.

“Of course my love, see?” Venus asked, sticking her pinky out for me.

I giggled at her attempt to make me feel better but still interlocked her pinky with my own, sealing the promise.

“Now it's official, everyone knows you can't break a pinky promise.” She said tickling my sides which of course made me laugh. It's not my fault I'm ticklish.

When I had begged her to stop in between fits of laughter she eventually did. Both of us now out of breath and smiling, she lifted me out of bed and again I was placed on her hip.

“Where’s Apollo?” I asked only just remembering that I hadn't seen him yet. Venus’s eyes lit up at my question, seemingly excited that I had asked about him.

“He slept in the guest bedroom last night, said he didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable with a man in the bed, but not to worry little one I'm sure he's up by now.” She explained as she carried us to my room.

That made me feel guilty, I had already caused this couple a lot of stress and I've only just met them.

“You could have asked me to sleep in here. I wouldn't have minded, I'm sure Apollo would have liked to sleep in his room with his wife.” I tried to reason with Venus as she placed me on my bed.

“Oh hush, please if anything that man was elated, I’m a blanket thief, I bet he was relieved to have a warm night's rest.” She explained with a chuckle before disappearing into my closet.

Somehow she had a way of calming me down, like she knew what to say every time. There was a war going on in my head. I wanted to be an adult or at the very least resist the change happening around me, to keep my independence and not become reliant or comfortable scared this would not last. But on the other hand, the idea of now having to make decisions or worry about what to happen next seemed amazing. Even being a child didn't seem that bad. It's just my ego simply refuses to let me act like that.

Soon Venus reemerged from inside the closet holding out two outfits for me. She stood a few feet from me, with a big bright smile. I couldn't help but smile back, admiring how her blond hair seemed to glow in the morning light.

“Pretty,” I said, not meaning for the word to leave my mind. I looked at Venus hoping she hadn't heard me.

“Which one do you think is pretty, baby? The dress or the skirt and top combo?” She asked rather amused. I was relieved she didn't know what I was talking about.

Looking at my options I saw a pink collared dress that had a white lace trim around the bottom that matched the white collar. To me, it was as if Wednesday Adams was a Barbie. It came with long white tights and a pair of black Mary Janes.

My other option was a light pink skirt with a matching top, both with embroidered strawberries on them, a pair of white socks with frills, and some tennis shoes.

I wanted to make Venus happy and I also wanted to start trying the whole baby thing, so despite my inner conflict, I pointed at the dress. Venus practically screamed when she squealed in excitement. I reached and covered my ears with my hands still smiling because she was so happy.

“Sorry pumpkin I didn't mean to be so loud I just got a little excited, that's all, let's get you dressed then.” She said apologetically as she laid the dress out on the bed for me. I looked up at her waiting for her to tell me what to do next. She smiled at me before placing a hand on my shoulder.

“Would you like me to help you, little love?” Venus asked me in that same baby voice that was starting to grow on me.

“Yes please, thank you, Venus,” I said remembering to use my manners.

 

Venus’s Point of View-

 

Stella is letting me help her! I can't believe it, I thought it'd be a while before she was this comfortable but I'm still grateful of course.

“Okay, little one raise your hands for me,” I said, trying my best to make sure she was comfortable with everything.

I lifted her shirt and tank top making a pop noise as I did so which earned a few giggles from Stella. Gosh, I love that sound, my happy baby. Once I had stripped her of her shirt, I swiftly pulled the dress over her head making the same pop noise as she giggled yet again.

“Okay baby, stand up for mo- for me okay so I can help with your tights,” I instructed hoping she wouldn't notice my slip-up.

She just hopped off the bed and stood there holding her dress up so I could help with her pants. Now I know I should give her a bath given last night's events but right now what's important is getting some food in her tummy and making sure she knows boundaries and most importantly that we are here for her.

It didn't take long to finish getting her ready. I decided to keep the shoes off for the moment since we’d be staying home most of the day. Looking at my little love Stella looked adorable, her face was blush and her dress fit perfectly which was a win for me since I knew her size now.

“Why don’t you look just adorable, my pretty baby hmm?” I cooed at her.

Stella blushed more if even possible before she unexpectedly hugged me burying her face into my chest.

“Stop Mom.” She mumbled, catching me by complete surprise. My body was physically tense, shocked by the new nickname. I looked down at the little thing grabbing onto me and instinctually hugged her back.

“Okay, baby I'll stop,” I said happily. Honestly, I'd do just about anything if she called me that. I've waited so long and still didn't expect to react this way. My little love cuddled up to me, calling me her mom. This is what I've longed for. A child of my own, something to care for and protect to guide. Being a mom has been an achievement I've looked forward to my entire life, I know it sounds corny but I've always wanted to be a mother and Stella has made it all possible.

When Apollo and I discovered that I could not bear any children, we were distraught, to say the least, but we didn't give up too soon. It wasn't until multiple rounds of IVF and years of disappointment that I finally stopped trying. My mental health was suffering greatly and I couldn't handle seeing another negative pregnancy test.

We moved shortly after that, deciding the city was too much and the quiet forest might be nicer. I’ll never regret that decision, it was here that I met a good friend of mine, and she introduced us to age regression.

At first, Apollo had been all for the idea but I was reluctant. I had nothing against it, I just wasn't sure how the whole dynamic worked and I didn't want to mess up. I was on the fence until my sister, Victoria, called unexpectedly one night. To announce none other than her engagement, Of course, I was surprised but my sister was always a secretive woman so I understood.

Still, she was in the middle of telling me everything about her fiance when I heard someone calling for her in the background, not just calling for her but calling her, mommy. I grew confused, surely my sister would have told me if she had a child.

She spent an hour or so explaining that she is a caregiver and has a little, so I asked all sorts of questions. What was it like? Was she happy? Is it confusing or hard? How did they meet? Most of my questions were answered but some she ignored. It gave me a new perspective on things, if this could make Victoria happy then it would work for me.

Not that I wasn't happy, just incomplete.

“There you two are, I was nervous I might not get to see you guys until after work.” Apollo half-jokes as Stella and I enter the kitchen. I playfully rolled my eyes at him before placing a soft kiss on his lips, making Stella whine.

I gently placed her down on the living room couch, turning on some cartoons for her which she didn't seem to mind.

“Be a good girl for me while I make breakfast okay?” I asked hoping for a verbal answer this time. She looked away from the TV before looking at me, slightly turning her body to give me her full attention.

“Okay Mom I will, can I play on my switch instead though?” She asked nervously, fidgeting with the end of her dress.

“Okay baby, I'll have Apollo bring it in here for you, oh, and before I forget, do you have any allergies?” I meant to ask her yesterday but it must have slipped my mind.

Stella thought about it for a moment before giving me a little head shake.

“No I'm not allergic to anything, actually I am allergic to every single vegetable.” She told me with a cheeky grin and a shrug.

“Well, I guess it's a good thing Vegetables don't exist then huh?” I asked and she looked at me confused.

“Yes they do, like carrots,” she stated.

“Those are roots dear.”

“Well then broccoli, that's a vegetable.” She argued, sounding less confident.

“Technically those are flowers, little one.” Equipped with a chuckle. I had studied botany in my spare time and although she is sort of right. The term vegetable is only used in culinary and even then it's an umbrella term.

Stella pouted at me, arms crossed over her chest, eyebrows furrowed.

“That's not fair.” She sighed.

“Do you just not like them or are you allergic?” I asked her, trying to reason with her.

“Don't like them, I guess I've never really had them that much, my parents didn't usually cook much, and when they did, I’d just have cereal. When I had moved and gotten my place I didn't bother buying any since I know I don't like them.” She explained before going back to watching her show.

“Thank you for being an honest little pumpkin, I’ll try not to put too many veggies in things until you're used to them,” I promised her.

“Okay Mom, thank you.” She said dismissively, probably just eager to keep watching her cartoons.

Deciding not to address her tone right now, I make my way to the kitchen where I meet an upset-looking Apollo. He's preparing his work lunch looking somber as he avoids my eye contact.

“What's wrong, mi amor?” I ask him before wrapping my arms around his waist, softly kissing the back of his neck. He sighed before turning around to face me.

“You're going to be her favorite.” He mumbled.

“What dear? I'm afraid I don't speak mumble.” I teased although I heard him.

“You already have a nickname, a cute one and I'm still just Apollo, plus you saw the way she looked at me when I kissed you earlier.

I chuckled with a playful eye roll, how sweet.

“She's just arrived, babe. Give it time; she’ll start calling you ‘dad’ or some cute nickname. Remember, you were a mama’s boy too.” I gently poked fun at him.

“I know, I know it's just. I'm jealous.” He admitted to me.

“There’s no need to be, love. I am yours and you are mine. I promise she’ll warm up to you.”  I told him.

Chapter 7: Heptad

Summary:

Stella learns a new word.

Stella's point of view-

I have been staying at the Johnsons' house for about two weeks now. So far I could tell that a schedule was very important to Venus. Every morning they would wake up before me to do boring adult stuff like get ready for work or make breakfast. Usually, after breakfast is made dad is already ready for work. Mom wakes me up.

Oh yeah, I also started calling them mom and Dad, it just seems fitting and besides they've earned the title. Mom is still my favorite but Dad's pretty cool, he lets me get away with all kinds of things unless Venus finds out then he acts clueless.

Most of the time we stay home. I mean at their house and we do small activities throughout the day. Today Mom said if I'm good, which I always am, then she'll take us out for dinner tonight with Dad and I even get to pick the place.

When I woke up this morning I just knew it was going to be a good day. It's the first day I woke up and didn't feel like crap.

I talked to Apollo about it a couple of days ago and he says it might be because of my drinking habits but I choose to not believe him. But since getting caught on my first day and having to write 50 lines I've decided not to drink, at least not for a while. I've also had plenty of time to learn about age regression and what that means for me.

I hate to admit that I'm enjoying it and I'm excited about doing more things with the couple, but I'm not sure how to tell them that. So far I eat off baby plates and utensils and I like that, I also like my bedtime stories with Apollo. I love how Venus treats me, Apollo, too but especially Venus.

I guess I'm just waiting for the change she keeps talking about. I'm nervous I won't be able to regress like they want but it's a big change and it's kind of hard to do when you're not sure where to start. Calling them mom and dad is a start and I've been trying to do everything they implement like the car seat and nap times and stuff like that but I still feel like an adult.

"Stella, where are you, baby?" Mom called out from somewhere downstairs.

I had run from her earlier because it was someone's nap time and when I suggested that someone was Venus she gave me that look, so I ran. Dad wasn't even here to save me because he had work. Mom has worked sometimes too but mainly in her office so I'm not alone.

Trying to be super quiet, I sneak over to my closet and open the door, carefully climbing in. The clothes on hangers shuffle around a bit but settle after a while. I could hear Venus coming up the stairs and it made my heart race.

"Stella." Mom called out, drawing out each letter as she did so.

"Where are you baby, it's n-a-p time lovey." Mom is so silly, thinking I don't know what she's spelling.

I tried to contain my giggles when I could see the shadow of her feet under the door.

"Hmmm, where could my little pumpkin be? She's not in the closet is she?"

Oh no!

Before I could think the door swung open and I screamed as mommy grabbed me and pulled me onto her hip, covering me in tickles.

"I got you, little love, you're all mine now." She laughed and I laughed too. I love this feeling, am I happy?
She stopped tickling me and then gave me a soft kiss on my forehead.

" I missed you, mom," I admitted, smiling up at her.

Her eyes held so much love when she looked at me, I can't understand why but I won't complain.

"I missed you too love, are you ready to cuddle now?" She asked and this time I didn't see the point in running so I nodded my head and cuddled into her as she walked us to her room.

This is where we usually have nap time but sometimes if I'm really good, I get to sleep on the couch and watch cartoons.

She laid me down on my back like she usually does and helped me get into more comfortable clothes. Today it was a big shirt and some fuzzy shorts.

"There we go, now you're nice and comfy huh baby?" Mom asked.

"Mhm, thank you, Mommy." The name came out before I could process what I said or even why I said it.

I looked at her and panicked but she was smiling so wide it made all my worries wash away.

"I've always wanted to hear that." her voice was barely above a whisper, and her eyes were glistening like she might cry. Knowing that it meant so much to her made me want to say it over and over again.

I sat up and gave her a tight hug. She laughed a bit or maybe she was just relieved, I'm not sure but soon enough she had us both wrapped up in the big soft blanket. The fireplace was lit and the shades were drawn, mommy hummed a melody I couldn't place, but still enjoyed.

 

I must have fallen asleep while she was singing because when I woke up, mommy was gone. I was still in her bed though, but now the bed seemed too big and the fireplace was too hot.

I wanted to call for her but also didn't want to seem too needy. I know what I agreed to and I know if I try to keep pushing it off they might not want me to stay. I need to make a decision, either I give in or give up.

I breathe and look out at the room, I feel safe and cared for here so I'll give it a try. But I never said I'd behave, what's the fun in just giving in so quickly? I have to make sure to spread out my misbehavior though just to avoid punishment.

Plus I don't see the point in changing my entire personality just because I'm regressed. I understand I'll be feeling and acting differently but I can still be me. Part of me wonders if I would have signed the papers if I read them that night, probably not. Still, I'm happy that I did.

I finally decided to take this as an opportunity to explore all of the restricted areas of the house. If I stay quiet Venus might not even notice I'm awake. Now all I need to do is choose which place to begin with. Of course, my first thought was the liquor room both adults claimed to not have, but I've seen Apollo have a glass or two after work.

I've been able to narrow it down to three possible locations and I'm fairly confident that it's somewhere near the kitchen since I had paid the least amount of attention there. This left me with one problem, mom or Venus was always in that damn kitchen.

It was almost like the woman couldn't function if she wasn't cooking or baking something. I've probably gained 10 pounds since being here. If she isn't in the kitchen then she's either in her office or she's reading somewhere. I guess I have no choice if I want to find out where they keep the liquor.

Carefully I get off her bed and slowly make my way out of their room and towards the staircase. Immediately I noticed no smells in the house so she's most likely not cooking right now, that or she's just prepping.

Once I make it to the bottom of the steps I'm relieved to find out that Venus is nowhere to be seen, lucky me. Now that I can somewhat roam without detection I go to the kitchen looking for any signs of the liquor, not that I intend on drinking any. At least not until after dinner.

Once I checked nearly everything and was about to give up. I noticed a cabinet high up that I had never seen before. It's most likely because of my height, I climbed onto the counter to be able to see it so I'm not shocked it went unnoticed.

Leaning forward and trying not to fall seemed harder than I had thought and I almost fell multiple times, but eventually, I was able to reach it, just enough to peek inside. When the door was almost all the way open I could see it.

The holy grail of alcohol, Apollo had good taste and from what I could see he also had a shit ton of fun money, that or he just liked collecting. Either way, the fact that this was left unlocked still surprises me.

I had my eyes set on his Hennessy because it seemed the easiest to replace. Before I could chance getting caught I closed the cabinet and got down, just in time actually because when my feet had landed, Venus had just finished going down the steps.

"Why are you down here all by yourself baby?" She asked.

"I um, I was thirsty." I tried to sound convincing.

"Why didn't you tell me, I would have gotten you something love." Mom reasoned with me.

"I'm an adult Venus I can do it myself," I explained. She smirked as she bent down to look at me.

"If you say so, love," Mom replied then helped me by grabbing a sippy cup from one of the cupboards I was next to.

"What do you want, pumpkin, apple juice or grape..." She dragged on, but I was focused on other things like that Hennesey I saw.

Furthermore, I recall seeing a few cigars in there as well, and while it's not my first choice, I suppose it'll have to do.

"Stella, are you even listening to me?" Venus said with a sharp tone, she had never used that voice before.

"Not really," I said honestly, now feeling irritated she had spoken to me like that.

Venus sighed, placing her hand on her temple before she bent down so we were eye to eye.

"I don't like when you ignore me, or give me an unnecessary attitude for trying to help, all I was asking is what drink you wanted." She explained to me as if I wasn't there when everything happened.

"Most people don't like to be ignored, Venus." I spat out regretting it the moment I had said it.

"I'm done with this attitude young lady and it will stop now, I only was trying to be nice and help you." She scolded.

Then Venus grabbed my hand and walked me toward the infamous time-out chair. I was going to resist or tell her to stop, do anything to get out of the corner but part of me felt bad. I don't think I like Venus to be upset with me.

 

Venus's point of view-
I don't understand what's going on with Stella today, one moment she's happy and complacent and the next she's combative and hostile. I do have a suspicion that it could be her BPD, but I also know that she might not want to address that right now. She did mention that although she has been prescribed medication in the past, she doesn't take them.

On a good note though, she didn't do anything too bad so I just put her in timeout for five minutes so she can calm down a bit. I hope she isn't like this all night because I would hate to have to stay home tonight but at the same time I don't like nor tolerate disrespect.

It's times like this that I wish Apollo was here, don't get me wrong I love having on one time with Stella, but sometimes it's hard to be stern and I'd just rather him deal with punishments and stuff like that.

Trying to distract myself from a very sad-looking Stella, I fill her sippy cup with some juice before I start getting everything I need out for lunch. On today's menu, we are going to be having some chicken quesadilla with a side of rice and beans. It's simple enough to make and it's a decent-sized meal which is important to me because Stella is still so thin.

By the time the chicken is cut and ready to be cooked and I have the rice started my timer goes off, letting me know my baby girl is done with her timeout. Of course, I still feel bad for having to put her here in the first place but I do believe it's what was needed at the time.

"Stella baby, come here," I said from across the room where I had sat down in my reading chair.

She quickly turned around and marched towards me, looking down at her feet as she did so.
When she got to me Stella tried to crawl into my lap, so I helped her up and got her comfortable.

"I'm sorry mommy," she said sheepishly, I could see a faint blush appear on her cheeks. It's still crazy how quickly she can change her mind or I guess her mood.

"It's quite alright love, mommy just doesn't like it when you speak to me that way. Especially because I know you're mommy's good girl and you just made a bad decision and I'm not upset with you baby but next time we get upset how about you just tell me what's getting you worked up and I promise I'll try my best to help you." I explained to her making sure she was looking at me this time and paying attention.

Stella nodded her head in understanding as her hands played with the ends of my hair.

"I understand Mommy and I won't do it again I promise." She said holding out her pinky. I smiled at her antics, remembering our first days together.
I locked my finger with hers and then kissed her hand, sealing the promise.

"There now it's all done with baby, how about you play with some of the toys your dad got for you last week while I get to work on lunch, I bet that little tummy of yours is hungry," I suggested and to my surprise, she agreed.

As of late, I've realized that Stella doesn't like to be away from me or at the very least she doesn't like to be in a different room. In short, I think she may be a little velcro baby, but I don't mind at all. It's more cuddles for me. Plus Apollo had gotten her some Barbies and a dollhouse a few days ago that she had yet to even glance at.

Once I was sure that my baby was nice and set up the playpen I kept in the living room, I turned the television on for her and put on some Sesame Street.

Reluctantly I made my way back to the kitchen and away from my baby, but not to fret. I have a monitor in nearly every room just in case. Besides it's not like anything could happen.

Chapter 8: Strange things

As Venus continued cooking lunch for the small family, Stella was trying her hardest not to slip into her regression. The feeling was new and not something the woman had experienced before, she wasn't even entirely sure what she was feeling just that it was different.

It was like she didn't have to care anymore or act so put together or tough all the time. She could feel herself wanting to slip, but she wouldn't let it happen. Some small part of her still felt like she may not be able to do it right.

She sat there in front of the huge dollhouse her dad set up for her, inside the playpen. It also came equipped with all the furniture you could need as well as about 3 dozen outfits and accessories for her 3 barbie dolls. Two girls and a boy, which she couldn't help but think of as the three of them.

Stella's point of view-
As I was sitting here, internally debating on what I should do, I felt like all of my senses were heightened. The smell of mommy cooking in the kitchen made me reflect on how nice and caring she had been since I arrived.

The sound of Cookie monster talking could be heard from the tv besides me, unknown to Venus this used to be my favorite as a child and even now I can't help but giggle at the blue muppet. He has been my favorite as well, I mean who doesn't love cookies.

Looking down I was wearing pastel green overalls with a matching top, my hair had been put in two pigtails, adorned with white bows. I looked like a child, and was now starting to feel like one as well. Maybe it's the show, or the barbie I haven't put down but I can feel it, what mommy had tried to describe to me. But now I wasn't nervous about it at all.

This is such a relaxing feeling, I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding, all of the weight lifted off my shoulders. I could breathe, and I'm so comfortable and feel so safe. Then out of nowhere I got an idea, I was going to play with my barbies, and it would be fun.

Grabbing the shorter barbie I decided to start with her outfit since right now she was just wearing regular blue jeans and a shirt. While I grab the box of clothes and doll shoes I carefully move the dollhouse too, so I could still see, cookie monster. I looked through everything until I had come to a crossroads.

I had two very cute outfits picked out for her but for some reason I couldn't decide on which one she would like the best.  One was a pink dress with flowers on it and the other was a lilac romper with daisies. I thought about asking mommy since she picks all my outfits but I didn't want to stop playing.
I felt vulnerable and frustrated, feeling small is still new to me and I just wanted to play barbies. Why can't I just pick one?!

Venus's point of view-
By the time I had finished making and serving lunch a faint cry could be heard from the baby monitor on the counter. Logically I knew it had to be Stella, but she had never cried before, at least not around us. I wonder what could have gotten her so upset. In a hurry I wash and dry my hands before making my way to the living room.

That's when i'm greeted with the sight of my poor baby, sitting on the floor, she had moved her dollhouse and still had cartoons on. The only difference was that she was now crying, and holding her doll. I moved to stand in front of her before crouching down to be at her eye level.

"Stella baby, what's wrong?" I asked, pulling her into my lap.

Instead of answering me all she could do was point to the floor where she had just been. There were two Barbie outfits much like the ones Stella had to choose from not too long ago.

"Are you having problems deciding what your doll should wear baby love?" I ask my Stella as I gently wipe all of those sad tears away.

It can be frustrating for some littles when they're faced with options, but sometimes they just need a little help.

"Mhm mommy, I not know which one to pick." Stella mumbled, her voice was soft and sweet. It held a certain innocence to it, I knew she had slipped or at the very least she was close to.

It was hard to hide my excitement, Apollo and I wanted to move at Stella's pace in order to make sure she was comfortable but I was beginning to think she might not ever regress. I position her so that we are now both facing the outfits.

"Okay little one, why don't we just put both outfits on her and then decide which one you like the most hmm?" I suggested but it was to no avail because my idea only seemed to upset her more. Stella cried even harder if possible before she threw her toy down and turned back around to cuddle into my chest.

"Oh i'm sorry love momma didn't mean to upset you babygirl, it's okay I'll fix it." I apologized frantically not really knowing what to do and not wanting to upset her further. But to my surprise she had stopped crying, almost as soon as she began.

Looking down at my little I noticed she was looking at me too, her tear stained cheeks now red with a blush, she was smiling. I don't understand, she was just so sad and now she's just randomly okay.

"My momma?" She asked me in that same sweet voice, pointing to herself as she asked. Then I remembered what I had said, we had never used that nickname before and it seems she quite likes it. I held her little hand and placed it on my cheek.

"Yes love, i'm your momma, and you are my babygirl, isn't that right?" I cooed at her, she eagerly nodded her head saying "yes" over and over.

Sometimes I wish I hadn't married, so I could have stella all to myself, and not share. I know it's selfish and I love my husband but the thought does cross my mind.

"Momma I can play now?" Stella's question pulled me from my thoughts.

"Of course babygirl, i'm going to go get you some lunch, can you be a good girl and stay here for mommy?" I told her but she had already begun playing, this time she didn't fuss about the clothes and instead put one outfit on each barbie then started dressing the boy in a nice suit.

I make sure the playpen is nice and secured then go back to the kitchen to finish up lunch. I put Stellas on the usual baby plate and put matching utensils, today I decided to use her little mermaid plates and sippy cup.

Stella's point of view-

I love barbies! They're so much fun, right now I'm making them play survivor because they crashed their plane into an island and now they're lost. It's kinda hard though because they need to cross the river but there is no water here and I can't go outside without permission, but I really wanna play.

"What do you guys think I should do?" I asked my dolls.

"Take us to the river Ellie, your mamas not even looking right now." My man doll, David said.

Looking back, he's right and mommas still in the kitchen but I don't want to be in trouble, her mean face is scary. But the living room is getting boring and mommy is taking forever. I look at my dolls and then back at the kitchen, I've made up my mind.

I grab all of my barbies and stand up, ready to conquer the babygate thingy. I throw my toys onto the other side, along with the raft I made out of their table. Then carefully stepped up and over the gate only tripping a little bit but I caught myself before I could fall.

After I grab all of my dolls I make my way over to the back door. Using my tippy toes so i'm as quiet as a mouse I do eventually get to the door, I have to put my stuff down so I can grab the door knob.

But it's locked, so now I'm trapped here and I don't even know how else I could get outside. Before I really start to freak out I remember that most doors lock from the inside and upon further inspection I noticed the lock and easily undid it, now ready to play I opened the door.

*BACK DOOR OPEN*

The house yells from I don't even know where, which scared me and also pissed me off, who knew houses could snitch? The worst part is that I can't even complain about it because momma quickly came over to me and lifted me up onto her hip.

"What on earth are you doing over here little one?" Mommy asked, She had a serious looking face and was using a stern tone. I should have never listened to David, of course momma was always watching me.

"Wanna play outside mommy, pleaseee?" I ask her using my best puppy eyes, but she just closes the door, locking it. All of my hard work and sneaking for nothing!

"You know you need to ask for those things first, baby girl. I need to keep a better eye on you, it seems, anyways love, it's lunch time." Mommy said walking us to the kitchen, but I didn't want to eat, I wanted to play and I let her know that by trying to wiggle down.

"Stop squirming baby or mommy will drop you, and we don't want you getting hurt right?" She asked in the same baby voice she reserved for only me.

"But I wanna play momma, pleaseeee." I try to sound as little as possible when I ask, hoping it'll be enough to get her to agree with me.

But all she does is set me down in my highchair, how unfair! She's supposed to be on my side, mommy almost never says no to me.

"I'm very glad that you're finally having fun with your toys honey but it's time to eat, we don't want your food to get cold now do we?" She had already put my food on the tray, along with my sippy cup and was now sitting next to me.

I shook my head no, I guess cold food isn't fun, especially when it's meant to be hot. Still I would rather play so I do the next thing I can think of.

"I'm not hungry." I half lie, I was hungry but I just don't like eating and I still have barbies to save.

Mommy sighs and rubs her temple with her hand, putting her fork down as she turns to face me. Then without another word she picks up my spork, scoops some food up and then moves it towards me but before it gets to my mouth, I quickly close it.

"I guess we're having one of those days then." Momma says to herself rather than to me.

Suddenly she starts tickling my sides and I try my hardest to hold in my laughter but It was no use, I've always been super ticklish and before I can stop myself, I'm laughing like crazy.

Momma then stops and quickly puts the spoonful of food in my mouth, NOT FAIR!

I go to spit it out but mommy gives me a look so I start chewing instead, I hate to admit that this is actually really good.

"Good girl, baby." She praised me, which I really liked.

The rest of lunch went like this, mommy would eat some of her food and then feed me some of mine until we were both done, and that's around the time that daddy got home, yeah daddy feels right. My Mommy and Daddy.

I think I like being their little girl, I can feel strange things happening to my mind, but it's a good strange, like a piece of a puzzle coming together.

I could feel my mind finally shutting up, the constant loud thoughts now being drowned out by the sweet loving voices of my mommy and daddy.
I didn't need to be angry or defensive, they've never given me a reason either.

It sounds crazy but I don't even feel like drinking the Hennesy anymore, babies don't need alcohol and besides I used it as a coping mechanism I knew that much. But now I had a new one, a better one.

And I am finally home.

Chapter 9: Lily and the rainforest

The rest of their afternoon was filled with much needed bonding time, Apollo and Venus had been busy catching up on work affairs and felt that Stella wasn't receiving enough attention. That's why Venus had suggested going out to dinner.

Admittedly the woman was a bit nervous, it'd be the first time they went somewhere as a family and today Stella had regressed and they didn't know if she would be that way at the restaurant.

Of course this is exactly what they wanted, a little who would be regressed most of the day if not all day. But it'd be bold to assume that Stella would remain like this, especially since it was the first time she had slipped.

Apollo was with her now, teaching her different things she could build using the legos he had bought her on his way home from work. Venus argued that the little might try to put the small pieces in her mouth but he was quick to assure her that with his supervision she'd be fine.

This left Venus time to get ready for their night out as well as pick an outfit for Stella and her husband as well, she liked to match. They planned to take her to the rainforest cafe in hopes that the setting would help encourage her little space.

It was a long drive from their house to the restaurant however, so Venus started getting a diaper bag ready for her little one just in case anything happened during the drive.

 

Venus's point of view-

I was about halfway done getting everything ready when my phone began to ring, an unknown number appeared on my screen. Now usually I would have just turned off my phone and gone on about my day but the area code was in New Hampshire, so I answered.

The other line was quiet as I waited for a greeting and I nearly hung up but a soft voice spoke finally.

"Hello? Is this Venus? Venus Johnson?" The woman asked me in a worried tone.

Her voice was unrecognizable and I had no idea who I was speaking with.

"This is her, may I ask whom I am speaking with?"

"Sorry I'm well my name is Lily, I'm V's um daughter I guess you could say, I need to talk to you about Victoria, it's important." The girl, who I now remember is my sister's little, rushes out in a nervous hushed voice.

My sister has always been strong, much stronger than I ever will be. The thought of something happening to her made me stop dead in my tracks. The world felt like it had stopped moving, of course we had our ups and downs but I love my sister dearly, she's the only family I have left.

"Lily, what are you doing with my phone? You know you aren't allowed to have those, give it to mama now." Another voice rang out from the other line, then the call ended.

I immediately called back, needing to know about my sister. It rang and rang, endlessly for what felt like an hour before someone finally picked up. The same person who had taken the phone earlier.

Jane, I've come to learn, explained to me that it was Lily's nap time and that's why she hasn't called back. She went on to explain her relationship with both Victoria and Lily before explaining the car accident.

The news shattered my reality, I couldn't breathe or think, talk about anything. I was sobbing trying my hardest to quiet down so I could actually hear Jane but it was no use. She was hurt badly and would need a lot of time to rest.

To top it off she had cancer, but luckily it was caught in time and after multiple surgeries and radiation treatments it was gone, for good hopefully. This still left my sister in critical condition however as she was recovering from an amputation as well as multiple broken bones.

As you could imagine this made things rather difficult when it comes to looking after their little. As Jane had spent nearly all of her time devoted to looking after Victoria.

When I mentioned coming down to visit she was delighted and hesitant all at once which raised a lot of red flags. Then she asked me something. She needed my husband and I to look after Lily for a couple of months, just until Victoria was well enough to care for her, nothing permanent.

"I'll have to talk with my husband about this," I explained which didn't seem to bother her, she had said she understood and we solemnly ended the call.

I had taken a seat on my bed, no longer motivated to go out for dinner or pack. My sister needs my help but so does Stella. Of course I'll have to talk to both Apollo and my baby and make sure that everyone is okay with it but as far as i'm concerned lily can stay here with me as long as needed.

In fact I think that if Stella is around someone who is already little all the time it'll be easier for her to regress, or she will feel more comfortable about the idea. I haven't seen my sister in some time so I'll admit that i am nervous, but more excited and worried than anything.

After a few moments and a couple more tears, I collect my thoughts and finish packing for dinner while mentally preparing for this talk.

 

Apollo's point of view-

Stella and I had built a little farm with legos, she was quite fond of the horses and I was busy building all of her stalls and barns. It was pretty cool if i'm being honest, we had a huge house Stella built with mostly pink bricks and we both added a fence and about 5 different areas for the multiple barn toys she had.

I'm glad she likes animals so much, I just know tonight is going to be good for us, I mean it's already the best day because my little girl has regressed. I've always wanted to be a dad. I know how to mow lawns, and I'm good at sports. I'm funny and dont mind playing with my princess.

I'd be there for her no matter what, even if we had to do timeout together. I'd protect her and spoil her, teach her things about the world. Show her new things. Hold her when she cries or she's upset.

I looked down to admire my new little love, but when I did she wasn't there.

Shit.

Venus told me to put up that damn baby gate. If I just find her before my wife does I should be fine. Starting in the living room I called out for Stella.
When I got no response, a nervous laugh escaped me.

"Okay Stella, daddy doesn't want to play hide and seek right now, it's time to come on out now."

Again I got nothing in response, worry began to set in. Not only for Stellas well-being but my own as well, Venus had grown quite proactive about the little thing and I'd rather not explain that I had lost her.

"Looking for something dear?"

Fuck.

I turn around and am faced with my wife, holding Stella in her arms. They made their way to me from the top of the stairs.

"I swear I looked away for one second, honey." I tried to explain but was cut off.

"It's alright love really, Besides I have more important matters to discuss with you."

Knowing Venus I knew it had to be serious, of course we talk all of the time but talking and discussing are different and the last time we had a discussion we decided on having a little. Not to mention our dinner was meant to start in two hours and we had to head out soon so it must be urgent.

I explained that I understood, and she led all of us into the living room, where we got situated and comfortable on the couch. From there, she tried her best to explain the phone call she had with her estranged sister's fiance.

How Victoria was in a bad situation and that she also had a little girl, one she would need us to look after for a while.

I had nothing against my wife's family, but I'd be lying if I said I liked Victoria even in the slightest way possible. I honestly can't stand the woman.

The pain and heartache she caused Venus throughout the years was reason enough for me. Even now, she has only contacted her because she needs something from us. Not because she wants to rekindle the broken relationships she has with us.

Not to mention the countless rumors about how she chose to treat the people in her life, including how she decided to discipline her little one. I know it isn't any of my business but it simply isn't right.

I knew Venus was looking for my input, a yes or no on the idea. I was on the fence, I needed more time with Stella to bond and strengthen our relationship but I knew what kind of person Victoria is, whether my wife wants to admit it or not.

I bet some time away from the craziness that is V would help her in some way, and her fiance can spend time healing the monster.

"I want Stella to be comfortable with all of this first, assuming she is. I see no reason my little lily couldn't stay here for a few months." I say moving my attention to Stella who had cuddled into Venus during our talk.

"That's amazing love, thank you so much you have no idea how much this means to me. I'll talk to Stella about it tomorrow if she's feeling big and then work on flights." Venus was going on but I had to interrupt.

"Stella's going with you right, I have meetings booked for the next couple of weeks, it's imperative I attend them."

Being head of a company was never easy work, especially now with the year coming to a close, I had a bunch of paperwork and spreadsheets that needed tending to.

My wifes excitement visibly faltered when I said this. She gave me the same look she always does when she's hiding something or isn't saying the full truth.

"You haven't told her have you?" I asked now growing amused at the frantic expression Venus has.

"I was a little caught up on the fact that she was in a car accident honey, the opportunity to tell them about Stella never really came up."

I could understand that, The two don't often talk to each other. I smiled at her, letting her know I was only joking. We had started our dynamic some years ago, I being her submissive and she as my dominant.

What can I say, I like taking orders from attractive women. But part of that dynamic meant I was to please Venus and make sure she was happy, this meant I never really had a choice when it came to lily.

She knew I'd never say no to her. Unless it was for another pair of shoes, lord knows that woman has enough of those.

"So you don't mind having Stella tag along with you then?" I ask to confirm the plans we half decided on.

"No of course not, besides this will be the perfect opportunity for her to meet her aunty Victoria, and get to know Lily a bit better. Besides, I'd never turn down more time with my little one." She admitted.

"Our little one."

 

Stella's point of view-

Mommy and Daddy are talking about some boring adult things, normally I love to snoop but for some reason their entire conversation was very boring to me. Cookie monster was no longer playing on the TV and no matter how much I fussed or moved Momma wouldn't put me down.

I don't know why she didn't understand that I was bored, or why I was so bored. I just knew that something had to change and nothing was.

I could feel myself growing frustrated at my current predicament, I looked around for some form of comfort but I didn't want to cuddle, I wanted to put down.

I stretched my legs trying to get out of her lap but she just shushed me, how rude!

"I want down." I whine, but she isn't even paying attention, just talking to daddy. I'm starting to hate when he's home, I've learned that I don't really like sharing my mommy.

Then I realize if I get down then he'll have her all to himself, so reluctantly I stay put on her lap. Snuggling further into her chest, keeping eye contact with him, so he knows she's mine now.

Now that I'm not trying to escape, her embrace it's actually very comforting. The perfume that she wore everyday never grew old to me, enveloping me in soft warm tones of vanilla and oak. Her makeup was light but perfectly placed to highlight her natural features.

The outfit I now noticed was different from the one she wore for lunch, now she was wearing a floral sundress, with sandals showing off her freshly painted toes. She did her hair as well, this time leaving it down, in loose curls.

My mommy is the prettiest woman I have ever seen in my life.

I quickly made up my mind that Venus would be my favorite parent forever and that Apollo was simply going to have to deal with that.

Sure I had favorites in my life before, my therapist did a thorough job explaining all facets of my disorder, even little things like 'favorites'.

She had explained that unlike most people, because I have Borderline personality disorder. My Favorite person is much more than that, they're my savior, my god, my happiness, just being around them makes me feel good.

My last favorite had left me and I thought I'd never recover. I cried constantly, begging the universe to give her back to me, but it never did. And for good reason I suppose, we were not healthy for each other. Still I knew the same intoxicating feeling that I felt around Venus, had once again entrapped me.

Now all I could think of was her, what she might be doing, if she was happy with me or upset. I needed her around me constantly, feeling like I was simply idling by until she instructed me on what to do. My therapist also warned me about behaviors like this.

Codependency can become comforting and familiar in a way. I knew not to become too reliant on my other people but with Venus it felt different, like she didn't mind attachment.

She never pushed me away or raised her voice. Part of me wishes she could have a baby, she'd be a perfect mother, but then she wouldn't be my mommy so I suppose everything happens for a reason.

After my internal monologue I didn't feel very small anymore and the never ending thoughts once again filled my head. I sighed deeply, missing the calm quietness that I had just experienced. Everything was different now.

A few hours ago I would have told you that I loved being an adult, that it was fun and filled with vast opportunities, but now I couldn't stand it. My brain wouldn't shut up as I became acutely aware of all the things I had said and done. I hated myself for remembering the alcohol I had seen or the fact that I actually wanted some.

The grasp it has on me, the feeling of relief that would no doubt cascade over me the second the burning liquid hit my throat. Its invisible voice that only seemed to speak to me, telling never ending promises of happiness only it could give me.

I hated how much I loved it, how I searched for it everywhere I went. Or the fact that it was constantly on my mind. I will admit though, that since being here with the Johnsons, I find that they are on my mind as well.

Mainly Venus of course but Apollo too.
I liked how they made me forget, made me feel safe and comfortable. It was crazy how much things in my life changed since moving in with them on a whim.

Best decision i've made to be honest. The two of them had helped me so much, even figuring out my lease and job back in vegas.

Venus had set up a multitude of appointments for me as well, claiming it was time for an overall check up. I tried to get her to change her mind but very quickly learned that arguing with her is pointless. She always gets her way. I don't mind though, her way is usually easier and makes the most logical sense.

"Babygirl are you even listening?" Venus said in an irritated tone, I know she hates being ignored but it wasn't intentional.

"No, sorry, what did you say?"

Looking up I could see the sad expression she had at my change in headspace. I was disappointed too, I quite liked being her baby.

"Well, that's okay I guess. I was only asking if you were ready for dinner, that is if you still wanted to go."

I had completely forgotten about dinner, the sudden realization dawned on me and shifted my mood instantly. The voices quieted down as my body relaxed. I hadn't been out of the house since my arrival, not even the backyard. I didn't mind, I suppose but I did miss the feeling of fresh air in my lungs.

"Yes, I still want to go, please." I had turned around in moms lap so I was now looking at her. The smile returning to her face made me happy that I had pleased her.

"Well what are we waiting for little one, lets go get you dressed then hmm?" she asked or more so told me before getting up with me still on her but now I was comfortably placed on her hip.

When we got to my room, the nursery, she was quick to get me dressed and ready. While she was getting me dressed mom explained that she and I were going on a very special trip to visit her sister so I guess my aunty.

She also told me that my cousin I suppose is going to stay with us for a while too, just until her mommy is better.

I didn't like the idea of her staying here, not yet realizing how much I disliked sharing until the idea of having too was presented to me. She reassured me multiple times that it was all temporary but it did little to calm my nerves.

I was wearing a light green dress that came with white stockings and mary janes. It seems venus is very fond of this color, she always dresses me in it. Now we were downstairs waiting for dad to finish getting the car ready. I couldn't imagine what for, we were only driving to a restaurant, no big deal.

After a while I was being placed in my car seat, mommy delicately secured my straps making sure they were nice and snug.

"Okay love bug" mommy started staying as she got in the passenger seat, closing her door as daddy started backing out of the driveway.

"It's going to be a little bit of a drive so i bought things for you to make sure you're nice and situated, momma can put a movie on for you or you can also play with some toys like your barbies, everything is in the bag next to you okay love?" She never took her eyes off me, waiting for my answer to make sure I was okay. Like I said she'd be a great mother.

"Okay mommy, thank you, and you too daddy." I made sure to include him although I didn't feel like doing so. The nickname 'daddy' was new and saying it still felt somewhat forced but I liked it, it felt right.

They both smiled at me through the rearview mirror, then we began our journey to the unknown restaurant. I flipped through the now familiar dvd case until I had made up my mind, this time choosing to watch, Mars needs moms.

After I handed the movie to Venus and she happily started it up for me. I was lost in the film, feeling like his mom may not ever come back. It made me think about myself and Venus. I don't know what I'd do if she were in outer space. I definitely would not want to share.

Ever so often I would look outside only to be met with unfamiliar sights, the state was still unrecognizable to me.

The thought that this was now home and one day I'd look back and smirk at my unfamiliarity. I'd laugh at my hesitancy towards the couple. At least that was the hope that I'd be more comfortable and fit into my role better.

My movie had come to an unexpected end but I was happy that it all worked out at the end. Even before I was introduced to age regression, I'd preferred animations. Most of the time the plot lines were easier to deal with.

It was this reason that I hated action movies. It was too much for me. I felt the car coming to a stop, looking up I could see that we had arrived. I cannot believe it! They took me to The rain forest cafe! I had always wanted to go but money among other things kept me from that.

"Are you excited honey?" Apollo asked me from the front seat, gesturing towards the large building. I nodded my head yes excitedly, smiling at him.

"Fuck yeah, I've always wanted to go!"

Venus had turned around so fast I thought she might fall out of her seat.

"Language Stella, this is your first warning." She scolded  me in a firm tone. I hated whens he spoke to me like that, like she was angry with me, disappointed almost. It made me nervous. I could almost cry.

"I'm sure she didn't mean to darling, she was just a little excited is all, right Stella?" Daddy tried to convince her.

She didn't seem too convinced that It was just a slip of the tongue but she nodded her head but still repeated that it would count as a warning. This was meant to scare me but if anything all that meant was I could cuss two more times without repercussion.

"I'm sorry mommy, I won't do it again I promise." Once again holding my pinky out for her, we sealed the promise. After that Daddy helped me get out of my seat while mommy was busy getting her purse and my bag ready.

They both held one of my hands in their own, it made me feel safe and cared for. Doing very little to help me feel like an adult, but this wasn't something I was opposed to. The moment the doors opened, an oasis of plant life and animatronic animals covered the entire restaurant.

This has got to be the coolest place anyone has taken me. You could easily convince a 5 year old this was real.

Dad told the hostess his last name and we were escorted to a table a little bit away from everyone, which I appreciated, nearly forgetting I was dressed as a child.

They had us sit next to an elephant, I looked around for a few minutes while the adults talked about menus and drink options.

I couldn't help but notice it even sounded like a rainforest, with different birds and other creature noises playing from various speakers. The ceiling had also been painted to resemble a stormy canopy. Luckily for me it wasn't actually storming, I hate the noise.

 

Venus's point of view-

We sat and talked to Stella about all of the different animals here and Apollo took extra time explaining how each one would live in nature. In the middle of his giraffe tangent the waiter had come to the table and I quietly told him our order, making sure not to disturb my love's conversation.

Soon after the drinks and appetizers had arrived Apollo and Stella had begun playing a game of eye spy.

"It's your turn momma, daddys not playing fair." my little one began to fuss while turning to face me, pointing an accusing finger at her daddy. It was adorable honestly.

"Okay baby girl, momma will play with you, hmmm lets see." I began while scanning the room for an easy enough target.

"I spy something with my little eye, something red." I spoke in my mommy voice while tickling her sides, she happily started giggling along with me.

A few people had looked in our direction but Apollo looked at them right back. Stella looked around, eyes scanning every corner of the room.

"The parrot?" She pointed to the large bird across the restaurant.

Honestly I was talking about the red and yellow snake but the hopeful look on her face made me change my mind.

"Yes! Good job baby girl, mommas so proud of my little seeker." She smiled so big at my praise wrapping me in a big hug as she did so, I returned the hug looking at my husband, smirking.

"Hey that's not fair there's not even that much red in here." He quipped, causing Stella to let me go so she could turn and pout at him.

"Is too fair." She told him, maintaining her pout.

"Is not, my color wasn't even that hard."

"Apollo dear, honestly you're worse than the baby, she won fair and square, besides there isn't a winner in eye spy. what was your color anyways?"
He held his head down shamefully before smirking.

"Green."

I couldn't even scold his childish antics because our food had arrived. Apollo had got the Rib, steak, and shrimp trio. I wanted something a bit lighter so I went with the tribal salmon with a side of jasmine rice. I had ordered Stella, a castaway kids pizza with a side of fresh fruit.

I looked towards my little one when it was all arranged on the table, normally meal time was a bit tumultuous but it was gradually becoming easier. To my surprise she was already eating a slice, happily chewing the pizza before grabbing some fruit as well. I'm so proud of her.

"Very good girl baby, are you having fun?" I asked as I wiped her face with a napkin, this time she didn't squirm away.

"Thank you mommy, i'm having so much fun this is the best day ever!" Apollo and I cooed over her cuteness.

I'm so glad we did this, Stella was right even though it had a bit of a rough patch, today was the best day ever.

Chapter 10: Car rides and tantrums

A few days had passed since the adventure at the ‘rainforest’ and Stella was as clingy as ever, more so now, if that was even possible. She had slept in the couple’s bed most nights, even when put in her crib, the little one would simply grab a pillow and blanket and march over to her parent’s room to cuddle with Venus.

Recently, she had been slipping more often, not even meaning just finding herself feeling younger. More carefree and happy. Apollo and Venus guessed her headspace to be around two to five years old, but they gave themselves wiggle room, just in case they had been wrong or she was feeling extra little one day.

LIke today, which just so happened to be the day her and Venus were meant to travel to New Hampshire to collect Lily.

Stella woke up in the middle of the night, her heart racing. She glanced at the clock that rested on her wall; it was 2:30 AM. she felt the dampness beneath her and realized with horror that she had an accident. Panic set in as the thought of Venus or Apollo finding out.

Quietly, she slipped out of her crib and began to strip the sheets, trying to figure out how to clean up without waking anyone. She hadn’t had an accident in forever, far too long ago to even remember when.

As she tiptoed to the laundry room, her mind raced with excuses and plans. Just as she was about to start the washing machine, she heard footsteps behind her. Stella turned around to see her mommy, Venus, standing in the doorway, concern etched on her face.

“Stella, honey, are you okay?” She asked softly, stepping forward.

Stella’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“I…I had an accident,” She whispered, looking down at the floor. “I didn't want you to find out.”

Venus knelt down and gently lifted Stella’s chin.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Accidents happen. Let's clean this up together, and then we can get some rest before our big trip, hmm?”

Despite her embarrassment, Stella felt a wave of relief wash over her. She nodded and let her mommy help her, grateful for the understanding and support. Venus gave Stella a reassuring smile and together they worked quietly to clean up the mess.

Stella couldn't help but feel a bit better with her mommy by her side. Once the sheets were in the washing machine, Venus led Stella back to her room and helped her get into fresh pajamas.

"Why don't you try to get some more sleep, honey? We have a big day ahead of us," Venus suggested, tucking Stella back into bed.

Stella nodded, feeling the exhaustion from the night's events. "Thanks, Mommy. I'm sorry about this."

Venus kissed her forehead. "There's nothing to be sorry about. Just rest now."

As Venus left the room, Stella closed her eyes, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation for the trip to New Hampshire. She drifted back to sleep, dreaming of the adventures that awaited her.

 

The next morning, the house was abuzz with excitement. Stella's daddy, Apollo, was busy loading the car while Venus prepared a hearty breakfast. Stella joined them at the table, feeling more at ease after the night's incident.

"Are you excited to meet Lily?" He asked, handing Stella a plate of pancakes.

Stella nodded enthusiastically. "I can't wait! We're going to have so much fun."

For some reason the girl had found herself excited to go, despite her previous jealousy about having to share Venus.

Venus smiled, watching the two of them. "It’s going to be a great winter, and we'll make sure to have lots of adventures."

With breakfast finished and the car packed, the family set off on their journey. Stella looked out the window, her heart filled with excitement and a sense of comfort knowing her family was there for her no matter what.

 

The car had been moving steadily along the highway for hours. Stella stared out the window, watching the trees blur by. She shifted in her seat for the hundredth time, trying to find a comfortable position. Nothing seemed to work. She sighed loudly, hoping someone would notice.

"Are we there yet?" she groaned, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Not yet, sweetheart," her mom replied patiently from the front seat. "We still have a few more hours to go."

Stella huffed and crossed her arms. "This is taking forever! I'm so bored!"

"We'll get there soon," Venus added, trying to sound reassuring.

Stella's eyes caught a glimpse of a sign for a waterpark up ahead. "Can we stop there?" she asked, a hint of desperation in her voice. "It looks fun!"

"No, honey, we need to keep going if we want to get to New Hampshire before dark," her mommy said firmly.

"But I want to stop!" Stella's voice rose, her frustration boiling over. "I can't sit in this car any longer, it's boring!"

"Stella, please calm down," Her mommy said, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "We'll take a break soon, I promise."

"No! I want to stop now!" Stella shouted, her face turning red. She kicked the back of the seat in front of her, tears of anger welling up in her eyes.

Venus was now having second thoughts on the trip. But still she did her best to ignore the tantrum that was starting. When they finally pulled into a rest stop, Stella refused to get out of the car. She sat stubbornly, arms crossed and eyes glaring out the window.

"Stella, come on," her mom coaxed gently. "Let's stretch our legs for a bit."

"No," Stella said defiantly. "I’m not moving until we go to the waterpark."

Venus sighed, knowing she had to pick their battles. She decided to give her a moment to cool down, hoping she would come around.

“Okay then little one, mommy is going to go inside the gas station and grab a few snacks and candy, you have fun with this pity party.” Venus stated sternly before closing and locking her door.

As they walked away, Stella felt a pang of guilt. Maybe she had overreacted. She watched her mommy from the car, feeling a mix of anger and regret.

Stella’s point of view-

Mommy was taking forever and I was growing more and more bored and irritated. I'm not stupid though, I am in between feeling big and wanting to be little. I took this time to try and get out of this carseat, then I’d be able to get out of the car and go to that waterpark.

The only problem with my plan is that these straps are impossible! I've tried to push the button about a hundred times before I noticed a little switch on the bottom side. The moment I hit the switch my carseat wasn't so restricting.

I'm finally free! I quickly rush over to my door, but it doesn't budge, stupid child lock. Making a last second decision, I crawl into the front seat. Although I had never owned my own car, I had driven several, so unlocking it was easy.

Soon the door opened and I was outside. Looking around, I couldn't see the water park anywhere near me but I could see Venus marching towards me. I tried to turn back around and make a run for it, but she had already grabbed my arm.

“What in the world are you doing out of the car?! Do you have any idea what could've happened to you?! How did you even get out of your car seat?” Mommy lectured, but I ignored her.

For some reason, I wasn't listening, it was a habit that I had formed at a young age. Whenever I was being scolded, I’d just ignore it and dissociate, thinking about anything else. For now it was the waterpark.

Although there were a few water parks in Nevada, I had never been to one. One year my class went on a field trip to ‘Wet and Wild’, I'm aware the name is weird. But my mother never signed the permission slip or paid the fee so I didn’t go. I can still remember that afternoon when all my classmates had returned. The amazing time they had, how fun all the slides were.

“Are you even listening to me, Stella?” Venus’ voice drew me out of my thoughts and I refocused my attention towards her.

Slowly, I shook my head ‘no’.

“Sorry, I wasn't doing it on purpose, I promise.”

She sighed loudly, voicing her frustration. But still, she said nothing and instead brought me back to her car, then settled me into my car seat. Mom glanced at me but still opted out of speaking, closed her door then filled up the car with gas.

I could see she had brought her phone out and was calling someone, this made me feel conflicted. I knew well enough she was most likely talking to Apollo, telling him about my actions. It was….embarrassing, I suppose, I don't like the idea of him knowing or the things that he would have to say about it.

The other part of me really didn't care, There wasn't much either of them would do to me, much less while on the road. No offense to Venus but I doubt she would actually punish me. Mommy has this rule about punishing me while she's upset. Something about overreacting.

Within a few minutes mommy was back inside the car, ready to begin driving again, but we were still in park?

“Babygirl, I need to have a talk with you.” She started, turning her body to face me.

“Your behavior recently is unacceptable. Now, I will admit this is only the first time I've given you a warning today, but it will be the last. Don't think that because I'm driving, I won't hesitate to pull over and spank that bottom of yours. I want a peaceful road trip, do you think we can do that?” She was pleading with me.

I sort of hate when mommy is so calm and put together all of the time. It's like she's incapable of being angry or losing her patience. She's almost too nice, I suppose it's only because I grew up in the complete opposite way.

Still feeling rebellious, I decided to ignore her, since I know she hates it when I do that. Just like I hate when she stops me from going to fun places. Maybe next time, she’ll take me, or I’ll just ask my daddy because he almost never says no to me. Unlike Venus, she's mean and remembers too much.

“I guess you and I are just going to have a silent ride there then, that’s quite alright with me little love. We were supposed to stop at an ice cream shop, but since you've decided that throwing a tantrum because you didn't get your way is a better option, we’ll just do that instead.” Mommy says from the front seat, now starting to drive.

“That's not fair!”

“Oh, so now can you talk to me? I thought you were too busy pouting?”

I thought about that, then decided that I simply wouldn't talk to her no matter what she said. This led me to start going through my bag, finding all of the fun things daddy packed for me, including a secret candy bar with a little sticky note.

-Have a sweet time today and be good for your mommy
-Daddy

 

Great, now I feel bad for acting up. Not bad enough to pay attention to what mommy is saying or to apologize. Instead, I opened the chocolate bar and silently indulged, I didn't need mommy's stupid ice cream.

While I munched on the treat dad had left for me, I rooted around the bag finding something to do. That's when I stumbled upon a few markers and a coloring book, but I had other plans for the markers, one that doesn't involve a book.

Peeking over, I see that mama must have given up on trying to have a conversation with me, and is instead focusing on driving. Slowly, I take the cap off the marker, never taking my eyes off mommy. Once it's done, I look for a spot to draw something on, deciding that I could only really reach the side of my door and the seat next to me thanks to this stupid car seat.

Soon enough, I've drawn myself a beautiful landscape with trees and butterflies, of course. I even practiced writing my name a few times but at this point I had run out of room and was growing tired. I was going to try and get comfortable enough to take a nap, but the car stopping forced me to look up and see that we were now outside of a giant gate, guarding a large community.

Chapter 11: The almost punishment

Summary:

Stella meets a new friend.

Venus was talking to the man that worked at the gate, giving him a long password needed for getting in. Her sister, Victoria had sent it earlier as well as her address and house number, all of which including her own name had to be given in order to enter. Venus found it amusing that her sister would have such high security protocol but decided to ignore it for the most part.

After a while Mr.Brown the security man, handed Venus her ID and let her pass through the copper gates. Upon entering the rather large community Venus couldn't help but notice the amount of littles running around, regressors of course but the sight caught her off guard.

Apollo and Her had spent countless months searching for a community just like this, somewhere where their future family could live without fear of being judged. If they had known one was only a few hours away, they might have chosen differently. There was an array of houses, all looking unique and welcoming, a community pool was being worked on and as they drove further, Venus also caught a glimpse of a school.

It seemed like they had everything here, even her sister. Venus would be lying if she had said she wasn't nervous, Of course she was, not only had it been a few years since last seeing her but they never really got along. Victoria always kept to herself which made it difficult to bond with her.

She was so busy with her internal battle that she hadn't realized her own little one had taken it upon herself to completely cover the entire backseat with markers, staining the once white leather. In Stella’s defense parents shouldn't own white anything, it never stays that way for long. And Apollo shouldn't have packed markers, it was honestly a rookie mistake.

One he’d definitely learn from.

Stella was now glancing out the window, watching everything go by all while hoping her mommy wouldn't see the giant mess she had made in the back seat. Yes she was angry at her for not taking the girl to a closed water park, but nonetheless she had regretted drawing everywhere the moment she stopped to think about the possible punishments for it.

Soon though the car had stopped and was now parked in the driveway of a very large very distant house. It was the furthest away from the others but by far the largest. Venus couldn't help but roll her eyes at that, her sister was different from her in that way. Victoria didn't mind showing off her money while Venus preferred not to boast.

 

“We’re here little pumpkin, why don't I-” The Mommy had begun to say, turning in her seat to face Stella. But was immediately cut off by the sight of her now ruined car.

Her eyes scanned the scene silently while her mouth hung open in shock. Stella was avoiding her gaze which only angered Venus further. Again the woman attempted to speak only to find nothing to say. It was against her morals to punish her little one while she was upset, else she might overreact leading to an overtly painful punishment.

Silently she exited the car, making sure to put it in park and turn it off beforehand. She leaned up against the car, feeling the cool air against her face. Venus had brought her purse with her and was now looking through it in search of something.

Little Stella was watching intently from the backseat, a mixture of nervousness and confusion filled her body. Soon enough it seemed that her mommy had found what it was she was looking for and walked towards stella.

After taking a deep breath she opened the car door and knelt to be at her little one's height.

“I am going to try and stay calm when I say this, because I understand that you're just a little tiny thing who doesn't fully understand what she's done, but you are in so much trouble young lady. However I cant and dont want to punish you right now so for now you will be on your best behavior and I mean Best behavior, do you understand me Stella?” Venus asked or more so told Stella sternly.

 

Stella’s point of view-

Mommy stood there waiting for a response from me, but I’d never seen her this upset before and for some reason the look in her eyes made me extremely upset. She was my favorite and was now angry with me, I hate the feeling.

I nod my head yes trying to stop the tears from escaping my eyes, my bottom lip quivered and my face felt flush, I hate this feeling.

“You know I need a verbal response, little one.” Mommy pointed out. I looked up at her not wanting to but knowing I needed to.

“Yes mommy, I'll be a good girl.” I tried to sound convincing but speaking only made it harder to not cry and before I could stop them I was in full blown tears.

My body felt fuzzy and I just wanted her to hold me and make me feel better, I wanted to make her feel better too. Feeling guilty about what I did to her car and for running off and scaring her.

I could feel mama taking off my seal belt straps and picking me up, She was warm and smelt like home.

“Shhh, It’s okay my love, Mommy isn't upset with you dear, just a little disappointed is all. You're not a bad girl, you just made a bad decision.” She explained to me but her words didn't make much sense to me at all.

I did like her voice though and the small circles she drew on my back, the now familiar feeling of regressing took over my body, and I let it happily. I didn't want to be an adult, big Stella gets me into trouble I've decided.

 

Third person point of view-

Venus looked down at a now regressed Stella, part of her was relieved that she had slipped as it would be easier for her to meet everyone but she also knew that little Stella hated sharing her.

Soon the front door opened revealing a tall brunette woman, she was wearing a green sundress that matched perfectly with the emerald ring on her left hand. She must be Jane, Venus assumed.

Jane made her way over to the pair, politely making introductions.

“You must be Venus, I’m so glad that we finally get to meet, I thought my wife might never let me meet her family.” She spoke in a friendly tone, taking Venus’s hand in her own.

Venus chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Yes my sister can be a bit hesitant towards family affairs but i'm happy we've gotten to meet as well, this little one” She said gesturing towards Stella who was hiding in her mom's chest. “Is Stella, she’s a bit shy but I'm sure she’ll warm up soon enough.”

The two continued their interaction while Victoria and Lily secretly watched from inside the home. Both hated the idea of being apart, Especially since they had never been away from each other longer than a few hours, since Victoria took Lily over two years ago.

The way the two met isn't what one would call practical or normal or even legal, but still. Lily had grown to love Victoria and accepted her as her Mommy. Victoria was obsessed with the 23 year old, and was still not so sure on sending her away. She knew she needed rest and time to heal so she could better take care of the girl, but certain fears still lingered in her head.

It wasn't her sister that made her hesitant, Venus had always been a more nurturing person. But Lily was regressed all of my time, 24/7 thanks to a medical breakthrough that allowed her to remain in her regressed headspace permanently. It made caring for her harder, she's practically a toddler in an adult's body.

Jane had agreed to talk with Venus about the details of Lily’s care so Victoria didn't have to go into any detail with her sister. At least that was the plan. In reality the moment Venus was told about the situation she demanded that her sister be honest with her and explain everything.

Venus, Stella and Jane were now all in the living room, waiting for the other two to join them. Venus had given Stella a pacifier which she surprisingly took without putting up a fight then she set her down in the playpen Jane had set up in the room.

Soon Victoria was seen, struggling down the steps while Lily followed closely behind her, hiding from everyone. Once at the bottom of the steps Jane was quick to pick up her little one and introduce her to Venus before also setting her in the playpen next to Stella.

Stella did her best to ignore Lily, trying to focus on where her mama was so she could leave. But Venus was busy reconnecting with her sister and discussing everything with the couple. Lily on the other hand was excited to meet a new friend, she had plenty of little friends at school so she was used to it.

“I'm Lily and I'm 5, what's your name?” She asked nicely.

Stella looked at her, she had beautiful blonde hair, put neatly into two pigtails. She, like Jane, was also wearing a green dress but hers had sparkles on it. She seemed nice enough.

“My name is Stella.” She said hesitantly not yet used to speaking with other regressors.

“That's a really pretty name, so is Aunty Venus your mommy?” Lily asked, picking up a doll that was next to her absentmindedly, handing one to Stella.

“Yeah, she’s my mommy. Is Jane your mommy?” Stella asked, feeling slightly more comfortable now, helping Lily place the furniture in the dollhouse.

“Not really, I like to call her Momma and Victoria is my Mommy.”

“So you have two Mommies?” Stella asked as she leaned in closer to Lily.

“Mhm” Lily had this conversation in the past at school but it didn't end very well and the other little girl was eventually kicked out of the school.

“Thats super cool, I wish I had two mommies but I got a daddy and he does annoying boy stuff.” Of course she had grown used to Apollo and did not necessarily want him gone, she’d just prefer not to share Venus.

“Yeah having two mommies is fun plus I get milky all the time too so I'm happy.” Lily smiled to herself not yet fully understanding that she wouldn't be able to nurse while she was away.

“Milky?” Stella asked while the two slowly began to play with their barbies in between conversations.

“Yeah, like from mommy’s boobie, ya know?” Now Lily was confused, did Venus not have milk?

“So like breastfeeding, does any milk actually come out, and what does it taste like because I heard that it's sweet.” She asked rapidly, forgetting to breathe in between words.

Lily laughed at her enthusiasm, finding her new friend amusing. Like a baby that doesn't know how to be a baby.

“Yes milky comes out and it does taste really super good but it makes me sleepy like magic milky.”

The two were now whispering not wanting their moms to overhear them.

“Is your house fun? Like what can we do when we get there?” Lily was a bit nervous about everything, but was hoping the promise of something fun would help her relax.

Stella thought about it for a moment. There was lots to do at her house, Apollo and Stella made sure of it. But she never had a little friend to share anything with or to play with and now her mind was racing with the things the two of them could get into.

“Oh yeah there's tons of fun stuff for us to do, Mommy made me a playroom and we have a treehouse in the backyard. Have you ever gotten into trouble Lily?” Stella asked, now more focused on the hell the two would raise.

Lily turned red with embarrassment before she quickly glanced behind her to make sure no adults were listening. When she saw both her mommies were still talking with Venus, she crouched forward towards Stella whispering to her.

“One time I painted on mommies walls and blamed it on the puppy and then momma had to clean it up. And then one time I ran away but only one night because mommy found me in the morning. I don't think I like to be in trouble, I don't like punishments, they aren't very fun.” She admitted.

“I dont think Ive ever really been in trouble before, well I did draw all over mommies car on the way here and she said I'm in trouble but I still didn't get punished, my mommy never punishes me.” Stella reveals, earning a shocked look from Lily.

“My mommy would have spanked me if I did something like that, you're pretty lucky Ellie.”

Stella wasn't expecting the sudden nickname but still found that she liked it. She didn't however, like the idea of her mommy spanking her for her incident in the car.

She wasn't given time to dwell on her future punishment because soon enough she was being lifted into the air and rested on Venus’s hip. She whined not wanting to be away from lily, they were having fun.

“Oh I know, mommy is so mean to make sure you don't have an accident.” She said despite the whines that left Stella at the mention of what happened that morning.

“Victoria, where did you say the bathroom was again?” Venus asked, turning to face V who was holding Lily, getting her ready to nurse before the trio left for Maine.

“Down the hall to the left, you really can't miss it, oh and everything we um spoke about is under the sink on the right.” Victoria tried not to give too much information knowing the little one was most likely listening.

Venus soon got to the bathroom and gently placed Stella down on the floor. The little one took this as an opportunity to use the bathroom but was stopped by her mommy.

“Let me help you, Love.” On any normal occasion she’d decline stating that she was an adult who didn't need help. However Stella knew she was already walking on thin ice so she complied.

Venus helped her little one use the bathroom then helped her wash her hands. Stella was going to pull up her tights but was stopped yet again.

“Stella baby, I think that we should try pull ups, I know that you’ve one ever had one accident and that it was at night but this would just be there in case.” Venus had crouched in front of her little so the two were eye to eye, but at the mention of pull ups Stella looked down, avoiding any eye contact.

“But i'm not a baby, I can use the bathroom just like you can and it was only one time mommy I promise I won't do it again.” She was frantic, believing that this was a punishment.

“Well, you are my baby. Besides, Lily wears diapers and her mommy thinks she's happier knowing that she has protection just in case she forgets or can't make it there quick enough.”

Stella didn't respond and instead stood there thinking everything over. She knew that a part of her contract meant that eventually she would be made to do more childish things. It should be expected and especially after she had an accident but her pride wouldn't let her make a choice.

The choice was beginning to make her overwhelmed, why couldn't Venus just make the decision for her? Looking up at her mommy Stella slowly pointed at Venus with a pleading look in her eyes.

“Oh, would you like Mommy to pick for you?”

Stella nodded her head and the smallest “yes please” left her mouth, nearly inaudible but her mama heard her and was quick to select a dinosaur pull up, carefully guiding Stella’s legs through each hole before lifting it up her waist. Making sure all of the sides were secure and comfortable.

After, Venus simply tossed Stellas old panties, concluding that that part of her life was over now and pull ups would be used primarily. She stood up then took a step back to admire her handiwork.

“Well don’t you look just adorable hmm?” She cooed which only made Stellas blush deepen.

Swiftly picking up Stella and placing her on her hip the two exited the bathroom and made their way back to the group. It could be that she had a new friend to be little with , or that there were now three women cooing over her or even the pull up. But it was all just enough to make her regress deeper and quicker than before.

Chapter 12: Treehouse trauma

The car ride home wasn't nearly as boring, for Stella that is, because she now had someone to play with. Venus gave them limited options as far as toys went in order to avoid another marker incident. Right now the two were playing eye spy. Lily was winning, which bothered her new friend.

Venus was quiet for the majority only speaking every so often when the girls would ask how far away they were. Her mind was somewhere else at the moment, she knew that upon arriving at home, she’d have to punish Stella and she hated nothing more than that.

In a perfect world Apollo would carry out the discipline, but it's important for Stella to understand that both parents have boundaries. It's weird to Venus now, that she's having second thoughts on punishments. She had always been the more dominant person in her and Apollo's relationship.

She’d never had a problem punishing him when he acted out or forgot a task, but she couldn't help but feel hesitant when it came to her little Stella. She's just a baby after all, her baby.

Still even Venus knew that sometimes babies have to be corrected, regardless how cute she found them.

“Mommy, are we there yet?” Stella questioned from the backseat for what felt like the hundredth time. She took a deep breath, then glanced at Stella from her mirror.

“Not yet little love, we have about fifteen minutes left okay bug?” The woman was trying to be patient but everytime she glanced at her back seat she was painfully reminded why she had to punish her baby.

Then it finally hit her, she knew what punishment Stella would have and she felt better about going back home. Ready to get everything over with, she still had so much to do now that Lily was here.

 

Lily’s Point of view-

Hearing Aunty Venus say we were almost there made me nervous, and sad. I knew my mommy wasn't feeling good but I missed her. I bring my hands up to my neck where my necklace is resting, playing with the jewel that hung from it.

My mommy had given it to me the day after my failed escape plan. I've never taken it off and not just because I'd be in trouble if I did, It also reminded me of her. I'm scared to be honest, I've never been away from my house unless I am at school or the park. My moms wont even take me to the grocery store. And now I'm miles away and I'm scared.

I don't even remember how we met, it’s like one day I must've been doing something and then all of a sudden the only thing I can remember is only ever being with her. Like my entire life up until 2 years ago is a blur. I don't mind though, you can't miss something you can't remember.

“Are you okay?” Stella asked from next to me, scaring me out of my thoughts. I hate when people do that.

I turned to face her, well as much as I could while being in a car seat.

“Yeah, I'm okay Ellie. Just miss my mommies.”

“That's okay, I bet tonight Venus will let you call them.”

She can call her mommy by her first name? Looking up, Aunty Venus didn't seem to mind, she just continued driving. That's odd.

“Yeah, maybe.” Not really feeling like talking anymore I decided to keep my answer short, Stella seemed to pick up on it and stayed quiet after.

I played with my hands before putting my thumb in my mouth, looking for comfort.

I hope mommy packed my stuffies.

—-------

The inside of Auntys house is a lot different than mine, hers was more fun and looked at the inside of blueys house. They had toys in every room and it was all very cozy.

I had already been shown around the house and now I was ready to play, getting bored of just sitting here while Aunty Venus and Stella do whatever it is they are doing upstairs. I may just be a baby but I know the sounds of someone getting a spanking when I hear it.

Anyways I guess that has nothing to do with me and since Uncle Apollo isn't home yet I have the entire house to myself. And I know where I'm going to start. I quickly march back to my shoes and do my best with the laces before I eventually give up and just walk to the back door, trying not to trip.

I'm surprised when the door just opens, no lock or alarm, just an open door.

Her house is so weird. She has no cameras or secret doors you're not allowed into. No cages or locks in the nursery, no leashes when Stellas outside.

A bird begins singing his tune, reminding me of why I had come out here.

The tree house.

It was so freaking cool, and super high up in the trees, you could tell whoever built it had fun in mind, a giant slide was attached to it so you could slide all the way down. I could see a toy chest from my spot on the grass.

Why am I still standing here, let's play!

I'm practically sprinting towards the ladder when I trip and nearly fall but luckily I regained my footing before that could happen. Luckily it's not too hard to climb and before I know it, I've reached the top.

It's a lot bigger once you get closer to it, the toy box still holding my attention, I quickly dig into it finding binoculars and my excitement grows with my new opportunities.

I walked towards the small fence that surrounded the treehouse then placed the binoculars to my eyes, slowly my eyes adjusted to the lens and I could see everything! At first I had tried to spy on Venus and Stella but immediately decided against it.

Instead I settled on the driveway, the exit, the way back home. I leaned in a bit more, hoping for a better view when I slipped,

 

Third person point of view-

LIttle Lily fell towards the ground fast and hard, landing with a scream of pain before she quieted down, realizing she’d be punished for sneaking outside where she shouldn't have been. Stuck with an internal battle she sat there at the bottom of the tall tree, fresh tears rolling down her face.

Lily was in pain and wanted nothing more than to be held, but she didn't want to be in trouble. The whole situation was so stressful and overwhelming for her and she could feel the melt down begging to stir up in her.

“Hey, what's wrong little one? Why Are you out here all by yourself?” Apollo asked, having just come home from work.

LIly was startled by the sudden voice but calmed down a bit when she pieced together that this must be Apollo and that Stella said he was nice. Hesitantly she told the man about how she ended up on the ground, flinching as she did so which both confused and worried Apollo.

He was quick and gentle when looking her over for any obvious wounds, when he found none Apollo carefully lifted the little one onto his lap and walked the two of them back into the house and towards the bathroom, where Venus kept the first aid kit.

 

Upstairs in the parents bedroom Stella was also crying but for very different reasons. Her bottom was sore and her thighs ached. Venus had not gone easy on the girl when spanking her, wanting her to not repeat this behavior she knew the consequences had to be severe enough to not want to do it again.

The markers were one thing honestly but getting out of the car and standing alone in a busy gas station is another, that was dangerous. Venus couldn't have her doing anything even remotely close to that again.
All of that led to where she is now, bent over her mommy’s knee, bottom red and sore with a tear stained face as she pleaded for forgiveness repeatedly. The same sentence being told to her over and over again as the once gentle hand came raining down on her viciously.

“DO NOT EVER DO THAT AGAIN.”

It was simple enough but seemed to be getting her point across. Believe it or not Venus hated this just as much as her little one but knew it needed to be done, it was her first real punishment and would hopefully be the last for a long time.

Venus raised her hand one last time making this one the worst the landed her final spank before immediately reassuring Stella that it was over and she was forgiven. The mommy guided her up and into her lap before standing up with her in Venus’s arms. She then walked the both of them to her bathroom in search of some soothing cream.

Thanks to her ocd it was relatively easy to find because it was always in the same spot. Once she had all of her supplies, Venus went back to the bed and laid Stella down on her stomach.

“Shhhh, it’s okay little love, it’s all over i promise baby.” Venus repeated reassuring words while applying the cream. Stella was no longer crying as hard just laying there regressing further with each sweet word being said to her. She knew her mommy wasn't mean and she finally understood why it had been done.

It was because Venus cared for her. The realization that someone would care for her safety this much was foreign and overwhelming for her but in the best way. She finally let go of everything holding her back from loving the two people who’d changed her life so much.

“I love you mommy, I promise to be a good girl for you.” Venus paused momentarily not expecting the quiet confession but was quick to gather her words before the girl felt rejected.

“I love you too baby girl, do you want to cuddle with mommy?”

Of course both knew the answer and so they silently got comfortable in the large bed, Venus sitting upright while Stella clung to her side like a baby koala, her head resting on her mom's chest. For the first time Stella found herself thinking about milk, more specifically, her mommy’s milk.

Chapter 13: Lenience

Stella’s point of view-

It's been seven days. A week, 168 hours of hell. At first, I'll admit that the prospect of playing with a new friend sounded like a great idea, brilliant even, but in reality - that little girl is the devil. Not only is she little allllll day long but it's like she's rubbing it in my face. Not to mention the fact that now I need to, no had to, share MY mommy and daddy. The whole situation is fucked.

I’ve let myself get too comfortable, believing I could let my guard down, knowing this (well whatever this is) has a time limit. I know that sounds dramatic given the contract is ten years long, but my own parents have known me my entire life and they seemed pretty enthused to see me finally move away.

I'm changing, I don't even think the same anymore and I hate it. I liked the old me. I'd even like to believe we had fun, I'll admit most of that fun was alcohol induced but, god, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my fermented friend.

I crave it, I'm not proud of it but for a while now, vodka has been somewhat of a vigilante of mine. Taking time to kill any problem I have in the night time, that liquid courage got me through more than one bad day and I have no doubt it would feel amazing to get drunk right about now.

Then maybe I can rationalize that Mo- Venus and Apollo are just temporary and nothing to get too used to. I can think about why being little feels so goddamn good and right and safe and, ughhh, stop it Stella! We need to figure this shit out.

Great, now I'm arguing with myself.

I really do need to drink, but first a few precautionary steps need to be put in place, it’d be no fun going through all of that trouble only to get caught. Especially if it was Venus who had caught me, now that I know she was serious about the whole spanking thing. She only spanked me the one time for my car incident but that was enough to make me try and avoid that at all costs.

Well, obviously not right now, but if my desire to be tipsy wasn't so strong I'd probably still be behaving. Well, not for long but hey, nobody is perfect. Anyways back on track, which means I need to make sure no one is in the kitchen and then I need an excuse to be alone somewhere for a while, my room is no longer an option since I was forced to share with Lily.

The bathroom is a no go as well since Venus had recently replaced all my panties with diapers and pull ups; and she fully expects me to use them so me being in there would be suspicious. That leaves me with, like, actually zero options, come to think of it. That alone was enough to make me want the forbidden substance even more.

You know what? Fuck it, I’ll just down the shit in the kitchen and pray no one walks in, but of course, I’m getting ahead of myself again. I decided that I should locate everyone first, well really only Venus since Apollo, like most days, is at work. Walking towards the living room, I'm greeted by the familiar sound of the television playing cartoons. I guess I know where Lily is, but to make sure, I'll head in there. Just in case.

To my pleasure, she is there, sitting on my spot on the couch but still she's in here, not the kitchen. Next is Venus, if she's not already down here with this little shit then she's most likely in her study. I was about to head towards the stairs when that thing started speaking.

“Ellie, can you watch TV with me, peas?” She asked me, in her usual baby voice.

I tried not to roll my eyes, really I did, but she's insufferable.

“Not right now, lizard, I'm looking for my mommy, have you seen her?”

Lily looked visibly upset at her new nickname but didn't mention it. Instead, she just sadly pointed at the back door, letting me know she was outside.

Without another word, because honestly there was nothing to say to her, I walked towards the backyard in search of Venus.

Normally, I'd have to wait for permission to go outside, but since Venus is already outside, I don't think she’ll mind. Once I'm outside, I can see Venus, cooking something on her grill, which is normally a job reserved for Apollo.

I wanted to get back inside as soon as possible but her cooking right now was a risk, what if she needed something from the kitchen? It was also a good thing for me though, it meant I could drink in my room without worrying, since both of them were busy.

“Stella, love, aren't you supposed to be taking a nap? Are you okay, little thing? Did you have a bad dream? Is that it?” Mommy fussed, rushing over to check on me. She moved my body in every direction, as if looking for a broken bone.

“Nooo mommy stop, I'm fine. I just woke up early, let gooooo.” I tried to pry her hands away, but her grip only tightened.

“Are you sure, baby girl? You seem a bit flustered.” She had let me go at this point, but was now looking at me skeptically.

In order to avoid any eye contact, I glanced down towards my feet, shuffling them slightly as I thought of a reason to leave and keep her outside.

“I'm sure mommy.” Another lie.

 

“Well if you say so, what do you need, baby?” Mommy had moved back to face the grill, now placing a few burgers and hot dogs onto it.

“Just wanted to know what's for dinner.” I lied.

“Mommy’s just making some burgers and hotdogs, we also have fries and, of course, some chopped vegetables. If you're hungry, I'm sure Lily wouldn't mind sharing some of the Goldfish I gave her.”

“Yeah, no thanks, I'm going to go play now, bye mommy.” Then I left before Venus could begin yet another lecture about how to treat Lily.

Once safely inside, I made my way to the holy grail, the kitchen. Now, from what I remember, the super not so secret cabinet is just above the fridge. And not only does it contain my favorite liquor but also some cigars as well.

Not bothering to check if the coast is clear, I haphazardly climb up onto the counter and lean forward so I can reach what I so desperately want. It's in my sights, a full bottle of white rum and I can swear in tiny golden letters it reads.

-Stella’s-

With absolutely zero thought, I grabbed the bottle and a cigar as well before I closed the cabinet and hopped off the counter. Sprinting to MY room, like a mad man, before anyone got the chance to catch me.

Third person point of view-

Stella nearly slammed the door in anticipation for the impermissible treat. Eagerly, she opened the rum, quickly taking a swig. However, it had been a while since she had it, the once soothing feeling of relief was now replaced with a suffocating burning sensation.

She stood there doubled over, coughing harshly as she simultaneously tried not to throw up the liquid that had been so hard to get. Instead, she foolishly doubled down and hurriedly took several more swigs from the bottle.

Stella struggled but found that in past experiences the alcohol works its way into her system quicker when she drinks it fast. She did not take into account that, unlike before, her body was much healthier and had a lower tolerance now.

“Fuck this is amazing” Stella said to no one in particular while the battle in her head slowly ebbed away.

Clarity replaced the pain, an unfamiliar feeling filling her body, guilt. It was not something she had anticipated feeling when planning her rebellion. Yet there she stood, the bottle now a little less than half way full, cigar in between her fingers, waiting to be lit. Stella had a string of drool running down her chin.

Tears had made their way down her stained cheeks during some point. The bedroom door had been closed for the duration of her regrettable acts which Stella was thankful for. Unknown to the girl, quite some time had passed since she first arrived in the kitchen, an hour to be exact.

Venus had since finished with dinner preparations and just sat Lily down in her highchair when she realized that Stella was missing or simply not where she was supposed to be.

“Lily, do you know where my stella has run off too, I can't seem to find her.” Venus questioned in a sing-song voice, not angry, just curious.

The woman was allowed to roam her house as she pleased, Venus and Apollo didn't have a problem with that. However she was supposed to be napping and she knows after naps to wait in the living room, which is why Lily had been in there.

The younger woman placed the sippy cup she had been drinking from down and turned to face Venus.

“Ummmm not really Aunty V, Ellie came down here and said she was looking for you but then I did not know after that, was watching spongebob.” The little one rambled in half coherent sentences, clearly confused why this would be something little lily would know.

Venus chuckled to herself before patting lily's head,

“Okay then little one, you stay put until I come back downstairs, and if you're a good girl, tonight we can have a movie night with Stella and Uncle Apollo, how does that sound?”

This earned an excited scream from the girl who repeatedly said “yes” over and over, explaining just how fun it'd be.

Upstairs Stella was feeling more than tipsy and was doing her best to come up with yet another plan destined to fail, this time focusing on acting sober until bedtime. The task proved harder said than done however. The girl reeked of alcohol, changing clothes wasn't an option and she had already doused herself with a majority of the perfume Apollo had bought her.

In what one can only describe as a brief fit of panic, Stella had crushed and hid the cigar in her toy box. She for one time in her life, actually regret drinking. It wasn't something she was exactly used too, the feeling foreign in her body. But the moment she was finished with her no thought behind it plan, the thought of Venus finding out flooded her mind.

What would happen to her? Would she be spanked? No doubt but would it be harsh? Would certain privileges be taken away? Her mind was a tornado swirling around with all the possible outcomes. Never once thinking of the possibility that maybe, just maybe Venus would understand.

The thought that something might actually understand her pain, her desires. Well that was impossible to fathom.

Stella rested her hand on the crib she slept in, trying to steady the swirling feeling building up in her body and mind. The room was suddenly too hot, she felt funny, fuzzy like static electricity was running through her. She had made a mistake, and it was causing the girl to panic.

She wasn't lucky enough to be blessed with time to think about her actions. The sound of her door opening forced her to turn around and face who she feared was there. Venus stood in the doorway, the same smile she always has still present on her face.

The older woman had opened her mouth, about to explain that it was nearly time to eat when Stella interrupted her.

“Ididsomethingnaughty.” She rushed out in one quick incoherent mumble. This earned a confused look from the older woman.

“You’ll have to repeat yourself if you want mommy to understand what you're saying Little love.”

Venus had yet to notice the bottle of liquor on Stella’s dresser, instead choosing to focus on the frantic little that stood before her. The smell of alcohol was faint in the air, but the overwhelming smell of cinnamon honey body spray was far stronger.

“I..I um I did something… something naughty.” she admitted in a shameful whisper. Not able to look her caregiver in the eye, Stella opted for staring at her feet, slowly moving them around. Her heartbeat was through the roof, palms sweaty. She felt sick, like she may pass out but honesty was always Venus’s motto.

Being truthful had gotten Stella out of a multitude of punishments, why would now be any different?

Venus had bent down at this point, her and Stella now the same height, gently placing a finger under Stella's chin, lifting it to make eye contact. Still the little one refused to look into her gaze, tears now forming in her eyes.

“Look at me baby.” Her voice was smooth, but held no hint of anger lingered in her words.
Obediently she looked up, her tears had since fallen as she silently cried.

Venus was quick to wipe the tears away, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Why don't we go sit down and then you can tell mommy what happened, okay?” At this point she wasn't angry, mainly because she was not fully aware of what Stella did.

With a shameful nod of the head, both women walked towards the rocking chair usually designated for story time. Venus got situated on the chair before grabbing her baby and carefully placing Stella in her lap.

Stella tried not giving into the woman's touch, wanting to not get too close. Her subconscious had other plans, and almost as if it was instinctual Stella got comfortable in her spot, cuddling into Venus. Instantly she felt calmer, her breathing steadied as her tears slowly came to a stop. Venus gave her time to get it out, whispering encouraging words every once in a while.

When she was sure the girl was calm, Venus began the conversation after noticing Stella was still a bit apprehensive.

“Would you like to tell Mama what happened now baby girl?” Venus had begun stroking Stella's hair in hopes of calming the girl. It did.

“You're gonna be mad at me though.” Her voice was proof enough to the older woman that Stella was teetering on the edge of her adult headspace and her little headspace. She needed to hurry with this because Little Stella wasn't yet fully comfortable in her headspace and wouldn't tell her.

“I promise that I'll try to be as understanding as possible and I won't yell. However mommy cannot promise or predict what my emotional reaction will be, just know we all make mistakes sweetie.” Venus was being honest with the girl, which Stella appreciated.

“I well sort of kinda maybe, um I found daddys secret cabinet in the kitchen.”

“What did you find in there, baby?” Venus said after a few moments of silence, encouraging the girl to continue her confession.

“Um…Something I'm not supposed to have.” The girl was sure she would have a heart attack, she wanted nothing more than to go back in time and erase this whole ordeal.

“And what would that be, honey?” Still no anger was mixed with her words, just curiosity.

“Alcohol a..and a cigar.” Stella’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“Hmm, I see. Well what did you do after you found your Daddys secret cabinet.?”
Stella bit her lip, she silently prayed time would somehow stop, saving her from this.

“I.. I took some and then I drank it but I didn't smoke I promise.” She was frantic but still Stellas hand never stopped with the gentle touches.

“And when did this happen, love?” Venus' calm demeanor did little to calm Stella’s nerves.

“A few minutes ago.” She admitted quietly.

“You did this understanding that it is against your rules to drink alcohol at any time, correct?” Her tone never faltered, instead staying light and comforting.

“Yes momma.” The tension was thick and made the girl feel small under the presence of Venus, who radiated power and authority.

Venus took a deep breath in before sighing loudly, voicing her disapproval.

“I am not angry with you baby, but mommy is very very disappointed with your choices and actions. I just don’t understand what’s gotten into you but I need you to know that I'm here for you and I'll always be here for you, to listen and help you. I love you Stella and I hate that you're going through whatever it is you're dealing with.” The older woman tried to empathize with her little. Her degree in psychology definitely helped situational awareness.

“I'm jealous.” The moment the admission left her mouth Stella regretted it immediately.

“I'm sorry I didn't mean to-.”

Venus interrupted her apology simply placing a finger against her lips.

“There is no need to be sorry, if I didn't think you might break the rules I wouldn't have made it a restriction in the first place.” Venus admitted which admittedly made sense to Stella.

The older woman had mumbled under her breath, something along the lines of “your daddy shouldn't have kept it so easy to reach.”

“I’m still sorry momma, I knew it was bad to do it and still did, I was thinking about it and I'm sorry, really I am.”

Venus took time to look over the girl. Part of her wanted to access the current intoxication level but the other part of her wanted to be sure her little thing was okay.

“Jealous of what love?” Venus questioned, having just now processed what Stella had said.

Stella shifted in Venus’s lap, unsure of how to explain her feelings. “I'm jealous of Lily.” She blurted out unexpectedly.

Venus couldn't help but chuckle at that, now the woman was really confused.

“Baby love why on earth would you be jealous of Lily, I thought you liked her.”

“She's good at being a baby and I'm not and you're going to want her and not me anymore and.. And in ten years you're gonna leave me and then I'll be alone again.” The girl was unraveling, tears spilled from her eyes as she gripped Venus’s shirt tighter, burying her face into her mommy’s chest.

Venus wasn't expecting something like that at all, the confession taking her back for a moment before she composed herself for Stella’s wellbeing. The thought that this was something that was a worry for Stella never occurred to the woman. Of course she expected a little push back because of the new transition but not something like this.

“My poor little love, you're thinking much too hard about all of this. Your daddy and I only put a ten year restriction to make you comfortable, in case you found out that this isn't something you like. It was never my intention to make you feel temporary, baby. I love you very much and I promise I want to keep you. You’ll never be alone, love, you have me and Daddy okay? And besides Lily has two mommies that i'm sure she misses very much, don't compare yourself to others, Stella. There are things that happened to Lily, bad things and that's why she's always little, I'm sure she could use a friend and I know you could.”

Stella soaked in Venus’s words, allowing them to repeat in her mind. She is loved and wanted and it's all the girls ever dreamed of. She sighed not realizing she had been holding her breath.

“I love you Momma, thank you for making me feel better.” Her words were genuine, she had been grateful for the reassurance.

After placing a kiss on Stella’s head, Venus mentally prepared for the next part of their conversation.

Clearing her throat, she began. “Now babygirl, I do appreciate your honesty and I understand why you did it, but I'm afraid that your actions simply cannot go unpunished. Now I'm going to be lenient with you since you've been so honest with me, so instead of the spanking you were going to receive, I think you'll be placed on momma watch.”

Stella grew confused at that. “What’s momma's watch?”

“I'm glad you asked sweetie, that’s where momma watches you all the time since you're too little to be trusted making good decisions when you're by yourself.” Venus spoke as if she was explaining the concept to a small child.

Stellas cheeks turned a deep pink at the implication that she was ‘too little’.

“Oh.” is all the girl seemed to be able to come up with. Now too embarrassed to reply, instead she opted for hiding her face in her mommy’s neck, keeping it there even after Venus had stood up, holding Stella in her arms.

She walked the two downstairs to where she knew Apollo would be, most likely helping Lily with dinner.

Chapter 14: Little love

Stella was days into her punishment and couldn't help but realize, she had almost preferred it this way. Venus’s focus was always on her, constantly showering her with affection and attention. Not only was she rewarded with cuddles all of the time but she also got to sleep in her mommy’s bed. At first, the girl was a bit frustrated by the constant monitoring, feeling as though someone was watching her every move because in truth Venus was.

As the days progressed, she grew accustomed to it, craving Venus’s comfort. Maybe that was the older woman's intention, to make her little one so dependent. So needy. It made the girl feel like she was a pendulum, her mind slowly swaying back and forth, one part of her wanting the connection while the other craved a disconnect.

Luckily for her, Venus and Apollo came equipped with an immense amount of patience, they didn't mind her back-and-forth thinking. Or that it somehow felt like they were always going one step forward and two steps back. Venus specifically, as she enjoyed understanding the minds of others.

It was Apollo who had suggested to his wife that she might want to consider trying some of her techniques with Stella. Given her current substance abuse problem, After Stella's last incident, the two had discussed the need to amplify Stella's treatment plan to ensure she recovers safely and healthily.

Currently, Stella was sitting on her mommy's lap, a position that had become standard for the pair. She was meant to be watching a movie, a last-ditch option to get the little one down for a nap. Venus had already got Lily to sleep, she was used to nap time and rarely put up a fight.

The same could not be said for Stella however as she was not yet used to having to take one, and in her words was “too old to need naps”. Of course, Venus simply ignored her comments, but Venus was losing patience and needed to begin prepping dinner.

“Stella baby, it's nap time love and mommy has to start dinner so can you please close those pretty eyes for me?” The woman was practically begging at this point but she was desperate.

“Not sleepy.” Her eyes were glued to the screen, afraid she might miss something if she so much as blinked. Besides, she hadn't realized she was slipping into her headspace.

Venus had noticed it immediately but did her best not to mention it.

“I don’t know little one, you sure do look sleepy, why don't you just give it a try hmm?” Lies, all of them. She knew Stella looked like she was fresh off of a cup of espresso.

“Said not sleepy momma shhhhh!” She was growing frustrated and was growing sleepy.

“Try that again little girl,” Venus said with a hint of sternness in her tone. She can admit that Stella does get away with quite a lot of bad behavior, but disrespect wasn't something Venus was lenient about.

The little one visibly cowered at the correction, her eyes no longer on the screen and instead focused on her lap. Slowly she slipped her fingers into her mouth, that's new.

“Not sleepy momma, I sowwy for yelling,” Stella spoke around her fingers before Venus gently pulled them out which earned a small whine from the girl.

“I accept your apology baby girl, now it’s time for some sleep.” Before the girl could begin complaining, she had repositioned Stella so she was now lying in Venus’s arms, cradled by her mommy.

Like magic Venus grabbed a pacifier and popped it into Stella's mouth, prepared for resistance. She was pleasantly surprised to see that Stella eagerly began suckling on it, a smile displayed on her face.

“There you go little love, just relax momma’s got you now, you're safe.”

The reassuring words continued until Stella had fallen asleep, pacifier still in her mouth, a sight that surprised Venus but overall pleased her. Once she could detach herself from her little, Venus swiftly moved into the kitchen.

 

Apollo, who was across town, at work. Couldn't seem to focus on his objectives no matter how hard he concentrated. His mind was elsewhere, which honestly did affect his work. The man longed to be home with his wife and littles, but of course, he had obligations and therefore couldn't leave.

Apollo is a smart man, or at the very least a man who is smart enough to realize he doesn't necessarily need his job as far as income goes, it was more of a hobby that paid. Paid well, and besides that, he took great pride in his work.

A trust fund baby, most would call him which isn't necessarily false. However, unlike most, his parents still insisted that he was successful. Paved his way, they would tell him. And despite what everyone anticipated on his eighteenth birthday, Apollo was cut off.

From that midnight until the one he's living, Apollo has paved his way and accordingly is proud of such a feat.

Still, his business was doing well enough that he could easily retire, not to mention the fact that Venus was also wealthy on her own so the two of them would be more than well off. Yet in the back of his mind, Apollo couldn't help but worry about Stella, if she would be okay if something should happen to them.

Would Stella have enough, and despite knowing she would, Apollo still worried that she wouldn't. And besides that Venus and him were the perfect bill of health, surely nothing would happen so long as they were safe, and Venus made sure they were safe.

When the phone rang, Apollo was pulled away from his worried thoughts and instead refocused his attention towards his work. The phone call in question was just like any other call he had gotten that day or any other day. Routine business affairs about a vast amount of data he no doubt had to keep track of.

Still, he was diligent and did what he was meant to before eventually hanging up the phone. This time instead of resuming his work, Apollo stood and walked to his makeshift bar. The one Venus doesn't know about, the one Venus specifically told him not to get, yeah that's the one.

Well like most submissives, sometimes he doesn't listen. It was rare of him to be intentionally disobedient, but the minibar was on sale so he’d be losing money if he hadn't bought it now, he was sure Venus would understand girl math and let him get away with it.

Regardless of his punishment waiting to happen, the man still poured a glass of whiskey, slowly swirling the burning liquid around the glass, temporarily mesmerized. Happily, Apollo brought the glass to his lips then slowly he drank the contents.

A content sigh left him, which was almost immediately interrupted by yet another phone call. He took his time to answer however, no longer as motivated to deal with work.

“Mr.Johnson speaking, To what does this conversation-” Apollo had gotten halfway through his usual script he’d ramble to anyone who called his office.

“It’s just me, my love, no need for all of the formalities.” The fact that Venus rarely called his office made the man nervous, did she have cameras in here he wasn't aware of?

“I wasn't doing anything!” He blurted out before he could rationalize how suspicious it all made him seem.

“Mmhm, while I'm almost positive that you are most definitely up to something, I don’t feel the need to figure out what that is at the moment. For now, I'm just calling to let you know that a certain little one has been asking for you.”

This piqued his interest.

“Oh really? You wouldn't happen to be referring to my Stella would you?”

“Our Stella, love. But yes, she’s been talking about her daddy all day and although I do find it endearing, Lily and I are growing tired of her constantly screaming for you or asking when you'll be home, so do be a good boy and come home, yes?”

Of course, he once again knew that like most requests, he didn't have a choice, it was merely a test of obedience.

“Of course dear, I just need to tie up some loose ends over here, then I'll be home as soon as I can.”

The two continued their conversation and shared part of their day before they ended the call. Apollo was content, no longer worrying about the things he could not control. Instead, he was excited and happy.

As promised he finished his work and promptly left the building, ready to return home to his wife and little.

Just like any other day, he had arrived only a short twenty minutes later. Unlike most days, this time he was pleasantly surprised to open the door, immediately he was wrapped in a giant half tackle half hug from Stella. After steadying himself, chuckling the whole time, he was able to swoop her up and place her onto his hip.

“Well hello princess, did you miss me today?” He had an amused look on his face, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. To this, she giggled happily back at him.

“Miss you Daddy and you was gone for a long time and Ella has to wait forever!”

Apollo looked towards his wife, who had been quietly watching from afar.

“She’s been struggling with her words today, but that's to be expected when she's as little as she is.” The casual mention of Stella's regression, as if she had ever slipped this far.

“Is that so, are you just a little thing baby?”

Stella just nodded her head, a big smile displayed on her face.

 

Stella’s point of view-

Daddy’s home! It's like he has superpowers because I was just crying to mommy and then like magic, he was there! I love my daddy, he's strong and smells nice like whiskey, plus sometimes he gives me candy. Even when mommy says no and she always says no, something about cavities.

“I missed you a lot today Daddy.” I try to explain to him but he just laughs at me!?

“Oh you are just so cute, but daddy doesn't speak baby, so I don’t know what you're saying, love.” He looked at Mommy who just smiled at me, how rude!

“Yeah she's been like that all day, sometimes she can make a sort of half sentence but I think today my Stella is feeling very small,” Mommy speaks to Daddy about boring things that are in no way entertaining or fun.

“Our Stella.”

They keep talking for basically forever, which is very boring and I want to play. I try wriggling around, in hopes of daddy putting me down since speaking isn't something that seems to be working out for me right now.

He just keeps repositioning me, shushing me ever so often, that's not what he's supposed to do! Maybe Mommy will help me though, since she helps me with everything. I make grabby hands at her but she makes no effort to pick me up, that’s never happened before.

Doesn't she love me? Why won’t she pick me up? I don’t even wanna play anymore, I'm gonna run away and never come back, then she’ll miss me and hold me.

“Down!” I say or at least hope that’s what I said since I've been speaking all day and no one seems to understand me.

“Oh okay princess, Daddy didn't mean to hold you hostage baby, you're free to go now.” Yes! It worked and soon enough I was placed on the floor where he tried to place me on my feet but they weren't working and the thought of walking tired me out so I opted for crawling instead.

Once my balance is figured out I slowly crawl my way over to the stairs hoping to go to my room so I could pack before I run away but there's this giant grey thing in the way. When did that get here? What even is that?

Why does it have these weird bars? And it's somehow attached to the wall like it was always there. I was going to give up when a beautiful idea crossed my mind, what if I simply climbed over it? Surly with the carpeted floors the landing wouldn't hurt too much. Right?

Well, it's worth a shot, without much thought I grab onto the top of the bars and slowly try to lift my body until I'm finally able to stand. Then I try to lift and launch my legs up and over the gate. But quickly find out that my balance isn't as well as I had hoped and instead of climbing up I fall back, landing harshly on my back as my head practically slammed onto the floor.

I couldn't stop the tears or screams that left my body as I hit the ground. It felt as though I had cracked my skull and the whole thing made me want mommy even more. I didn't have to wait long because like always, she was there and suddenly I was in her arms sitting in her lap as she placed soft kisses on my forehead.

Momma smelled amazing, and her warmth traveled to me, making me nice and cozy, pressed up against her. She shushed me and told me I was okay all the while Daddy asked me constantly if I was okay, and what happened.

I guess Mommy pieced together that I was trying and failed to climb up and over the weird bar thingy because she shook her head lightly as she expertly opened the gate and led us upstairs. The whole time I was still crying and clutching onto her, afraid that if I let go she might not be there at all.

Sooner than later my head did stop hurting and a cold soothing feeling was replaced with the previous burning one. I think mommy must have put the cold thing from her freezer on me, she always puts that on my owies all of the time.

“Are you alright my love, you're just such a little thing, your daddy should have known better than to let you roam around unattended, but it’s alright now baby girl, mommy’s got you you're safe.”

The sweet words never stopped, even after we had reached my nursery and she sat us down on the rocking chair, Still crying.

To my surprise mommy hesitantly lifted her shirt, exposing her chest. I had a split-second thought to look away but felt I wasn't uncomfortable, it was just me and my mommy, nothing unnatural.

Then she unhooked her bra and slowly slid the fabric off and onto the floor. I had no time to think in between my cries as her hand was pressed against my head and carefully guided me to her boobie.

My face was pressed against her skin, my nipple nearing my mouth, I knew what was expected, my role. Above all, I knew what I wanted, and I for some reason wanted to nurse. So despite the lingering idea that I shouldn't, I did.

I tried to get a good latch but was failing and growing frustrated when mommy slipped her finger in my mouth and guided me to the correct position, only then taking her finger out and instead rubbing my cheeks.

I took slow thoughtful suckles but suddenly a warm sweet familiar liquid filled my mouth. It can only be described as love. She is my mommy and at that moment I understood, everything made sense and I knew she was my mommy and I her baby and that is what we both needed.

Each other.

Chapter 15: Plenty of fish

Venus had become selfish. Well, not really, but Apollo certainly thought so. Now that Stella and her had begun breastfeeding, they were practically inseparable. If Stella wasn't in her lap or on Venus's hip. She was holding her hand or simply just behind her, like a little shadow.

At first, Apollo had thought it was endearing but a day or more like 2 weeks later, he was over it. The man never had a problem sharing his wife with their little one, but it was beginning to get on his nerves. He thought perhaps he could push the feelings aside, but that was quickly proven wrong when Stella began shoving him away from his wife, claiming Venus was her mommy and she wasn't going to share.

The only time Apollo really had alone with her, was when both littles had been put to bed. By then, however, Venus was exhausted from caring for the children all day, and usually went to bed after a small conversation.

He was jealous, and lonely. Not to mention his workload had practically doubled, and his deadlines seemed to shorten. The stress was beginning to pile up, he was stubborn. A trait that would eventually be his downfall, for now however he opted for keeping all of his emotions to himself.

Not once telling Venus how he felt or how Stella’s actions made him feel. He was the one who had suggested getting a little to begin with, so complaining about it now would be beyond rude.

And, in truth, the man wasn’t looking to get rid of Stella by any means, he simply needed a break or more time with Venus. He understood that the two of them have different relationships with Venus. He is her husband but Stella is her daughter and that connection seemed more important to him.

So, despite knowing it would be in his best interest to tell his wife, he didn't. Instead, deciding to drown his worries in alcohol and secret cigars. Apollo wasn’t, and would never drink too much, just enough for a buzz. He hadn't been drunk since college and had no intention of reliving that moment.

Currently, he was sitting in his car, parked in the garage, yet he had made no moves to enter the home, hesitant. Today, Apollo got off of work early, a rare but excitable occurrence. One he no longer felt excited for, it only meant more sharing.

A deep sigh left his lips before he begrudgingly opened the car door. Briefcase in hand, keys in the other. He opened the garage door, expecting nothing.

Upon entering the home, he couldn't help but realize it was quiet, no giggles or screams, not even the sound of a television, nothing.

“Hello?” He spoke while taking his shoes off, placing his jackets and other belongings in their correct spots.

It didn't take the man long to find his wife. Venus was always in one of three spots so narrowing it down was simple. She stood in the kitchen, preparing lunch it seemed. Most importantly she was alone.

“Sorry, love, I must not have heard you come in.” She explained before placing a kiss on his lips, one he reciprocated.

“You're home early today, what's the occasion?” Her curiosity was genuine, in truth, Venus was always happy when he was home sooner than expected and this afternoon was no exception.

“No reason, love, I just finished up quicker than expected. So where's little Stella and Lily?”

It's not that he was being rude but his tone didn't go unnoticed when regarding the whereabouts of the children. Still, Venus did not acknowledge it.

“Well, either way I'm glad you're home, puppy, I've missed spending time with you, the little monsters are having a playdate over at the William’s, Theodora said she didn’t mind dropping them off after dinner, so it looks like we have the afternoon to ourselves.”

The excitement was visible, the man lit up a big smile displayed on his face. Before anyone could react he had wrapped his wife in a giant hug and twirled the two of them around the room.

“YES, THANK YOU!” He continued chanting, until he eventually stopped spinning before the two of them could get dizzy, although it was way too late for that now.

Venus giggled at him while placing loving kisses on his lips, secretly she had missed the time together as well.

“So, what do you want to do, my love? Your choice.”

Now, this was a special occasion, rarely did Venus grant her submissive the privilege of choice, of course in his day to day life he had all the choices but, alone when it was just the two of them, he knew she was in charge. He loved that fact, still being able to decide was a gift and he knew just how much it meant for her to have offered it to him.

“May we please, if it's okay with you of course, please go fishing?”

Now, he was testing a limit, since this particular hobby had been recently banished from things Venus was willing to do with him, when she caught a Catfish and got poked by the spine, she hadn't gone since.

He studied her face, but it gave no clues. She still had the same goofy smile from before, her arms still firmly wrapped around Apollo’s shoulders.

“Okay, since you've been such a good boy sharing your mistress, I suppose we could go, but I'm not packing the car.”

“DEAL!”

 

______

 

The pair had been driving for the better half of an hour when they arrived at Sebago lake. Naturally, Apollo’s favorite spot, his ‘honey hole’ he’d call it. Once he parked the car, like a gentleman, he had opened the door for Venus before also setting her pole up as well as his own. The whole time a giant smile was present.

“You’re so cute when you get excited like this, come love, you have fish to catch.”

They walked for roughly 15 minutes before they got to ‘the spot’ Apollo had marked it with a little yellow rubber band years ago, and had successfully caught fish there since. Today was perfect as a storm was meant to come soon so the barometric pressure was lower than usual and drew the fish in, or at least that's what Apollo had lectured Venus about on the way there.

She knew the drill and soon the both of them had set up poles and chairs, Apollo never used his chair and it usually was used as a makeshift table, Venus was sitting down the pole layed lazily in her hand, sunglasses on.

She didn't do this for her, she had done it for her husband, as long as he was happy. And by all means, that man is happy. That's all that mattered. Apollo rambled on about different lures and rigs and how each would attract a different species of fish.

She listened to him intensively, truly interested.

“So, if I was aiming toward bank fishing for rainbow trout during, hmm, I don't know, let's say the spring season, what setup should I use?”

Venus knew exactly which words to say, because she truly loved him and did actually listen to his rants. The woman knew what would make him happy.

“Well, if you're looking to catch locally I’d aim towards late spring, that time of year, honey, the fish are simply breathtaking, not to mention, they tend to be bigger. And you know I hate to say it but I would personally use a slip bobber rig, honey, because you know when it comes down to it…”

“OH MY GOD!” Venus screamed while trying to catch the pole that had somehow flown out of her hand, luckily, she had caught it just in time. The pole was bent over, line tight, but moving. She had hooked a fish and from the looks of it, the fish was rather large.
—--

Meanwhile at the William’s, Stella had a new best friend and surprisingly it wasn't who any of the caregivers would expect. They had all assumed she’d cling to Oliver because he’s new and he was more of a middle.

However, that simply wasn't the case, Oliver was rude. Or more so just a boy and played rougher than either girls were used too. So, instead of playing tag on the trampoline, Lily and Stella had been playing ‘hide from Oliver’.

In between the running and hiding, they had discovered Theodora’s vanity. After asking for permission, of course, the two spent most of their morning playing with makeup and dressing in different dresses. Throughout this, the two had gotten close and shared different stories about their lives before being little.

Lily had learned about Las Vegas and all the vast things that happened there. Stella described her apartment, or tried to, but found that the memory was now faded. Lily had shared what she could recall before meeting her mommy.

Most of the story was filled with red flags, she had practically been abused and beaten into regression rather than the loving approach Venus had given her. The worst part was how casual Lily had been during everything, as if that's how she was meant to be treated.

“Lily, your mommy doesn't sound like a very nice lady.” Stella had started at some point during the day, which caused a small argument, one that quickly stopped when Oliver heard the two, so they relocated to the living room, now playing with Barbies instead.

Stella had a change of heart at the new information she was given, no longer feeling the need to be mean to her cousin, instead, she almost felt bad for how she had been treating her. Stella made a mental note to bring this up with Venus as soon as possible, but for now she needed to get more information, somehow.

“Hey Lily, do you want to maybe play a different game, I don't really want to play Barbies anymore.” The girl half lied, she truly didn't want to play with the dolls anymore but it wasn't the only reason to stop the game.

“Sure Ellie, what sorta game did ya wanna play?”

“A question game, trust me it’ll be fun.”

The two had discarded the toys at this point and were now sitting faced towards each other.

“Okay sure, but you have to go first.” Lily had agreed and Stella couldn't help but smile, her plan was working.

“That's fine with me, little lizard, so basically you ask me something and then I’ll ask you something and we just keep going like that, easy right?” This time the nickname didn't annoy Lily. She almost found it cute.

“That sounds easy enough, so I get to ask you something first then right?”

Stella nodded.

“And I'm allowed to ask anything right?”

“I’m not a cop Lily, just ask and if it’s too much, I just won’t answer, okay?”

“Okay, um, what’s your middle name?”

“I don’t have one.”

“You don't have a middle name?”

“It’s my turn to ask a question, remember.”

This time it was Lily who nodded. Stella had to be very careful, if her question was too personal too soon, Lily might end the game before any useful information is revealed.

“How old are you, like adult Lily, not little Lily?”

The girl grew visibly uncomfortable at the relatively easy question before looking up at Stella, a confused look displayed.

“I don’t remember.”

“How do you not remember how old you are? That doesn't even make any-”

“My turn now.” Lily cut the conversation short before deciding to ask Stella questions that made her flustered, if only to even the score.

“Do you know where they hid all of the stuff after you got caught that night?”

“N..no they.. They never told me and I don't want to know, I promised Venus I’d change.”

Lily simply smirked at the lies escaping her friend.

“My turn again, do you ever get in any trouble at your house?”

“I don't want to play anymore.” Lily had stood up and tried to walk away when Stella noticed, A long scar that went up nearly all of Lily's calf. She hadn't seen it before, Lily refused help with getting dressed and most of the time she was wearing tights or something that would cover the scars.

They matched, one on each of her legs, the back of them where the knees bent. She needed to ask about them, or at the very least knew that she should ask about them. But found that words couldn't form and before she had the chance, Lily was gone.

—---

Across town, Venus and Apollo had just arrived at home. Apollo was in the kitchen, cutting and seasoning the giant trout his wife had caught. As promised, as long as he had been the one to cook and clean, she’d allow it. Venus focused on the sides of the dish which she had chosen, of course.

With the fish in the oven, only a few minutes later, Venus had meant to start the rice when her phone started ringing, the now familiar number illuminating on her screen. Eagerly, she answered.

“Hello?”

“Hey, this is Venus right?”

“Yes of course, is this Jane?”

“You caught me” The two shared a semi forced laugh before continuing.

“Yes, well I wanted to be the first to let you know about your sister's progress.”

“Please tell me she’s getting better.”

“More than better, she’s nearly fully recovered, the doctors think she’ll be back to her usual self by the end of the month.”

“Yes! Oh my goodness that is amazing to hear, do you really think she’ll be okay in two weeks?”

“I could hardly believe the news either, but her vitals are all normal and she's passed all of her blood tests. She just needs a few more days to monitor her and make sure it’s a permanent thing.”

“This is just the best, does this mean you’ll be picking up Lily soon? I'm sure she misses the two of you.”

“Yes absolutely, I've missed my little bug sooo so much. Has she been behaving herself? Is she there now? Can I speak with her?”

Venus mentally screamed at herself, of course the one day they called Lily was gone.

“I'm afraid not, she went with Stella to a playdate, at a friend of mine and Apollo’s.”

“Oh... Well I suppose that's okay, do have her call me when she arrives, yes?”

“Of course.”

The two women caught up and eventually said their goodbyes before the call ended.

“Was that Victoria?” Apollo questioned from the table where he was watching.

“No, it was Jane. Victoria seems to be doing a lot better. So much better that they’re coming to get Little Lily in a few weeks so that's good. I'm sure she's home sick.” She turned back to face the rice.

“Am I meant to be excited about that?” He couldn't hide the annoyance in his tone, he didn't try to.

“Watch your tone dear.”

“No, I don't think I will. I refuse to sit here and act happy that Lily is practically being forced to return to that house, with those people.”

“Watch yourself, one of ‘those people’ happens to be my sister. Nobody is forcing her. I'm sure she wants to go home.”

“Yeah, no offense, but your sister is a terrible caregiver.” He needed to calm down, but was also valid in his reaction.

“Enough. Do you understand what it is that you're insinuating? Acting as if she's some type of monster.”

“I understand that she's family, but you aren't stupid. Lily is not okay and it's not completely crazy of me to assume it might have something to do with the people responsible for taking care of her.”

“I’m done with this conversation Apollo, go to the room, I don't want to cook with you anymore.”

Angrily, the man stormed off towards their room, he wanted to slam it shut but thought it best to not. The last thing he needed was a punishment on top of the pending lecture.

Still, he was stubborn, and one day he’d figure out everything that's happened to Lily, he’d do the same for any little. All of this made him secretly miss Stella, maybe it was Venus he had been jealous of this entire time.

Chapter 16: Frustrated

Summary:

The Johnsons learn more about Lily.

Stella and Lily had arrived home about an hour ago, tired and hyper all at the same time. The lingering effects of all the sugar Oliver's mommy had given them before leaving. The younger of the two (Lily) was the one who was currently hyped up and running around the house.

Stella had crawled into Apollo's lap the moment she had gotten home. She did try to nurse from him, an act that had everyone laughing, well not Stella but she was soothed with a pacifier as quickly as possible.

Now content in her daddy's lap, she drifted off to sleep, forgetting completely about her mission to tell Venus about Lily. Instead, she dreamt of unfamiliar apartments and cities she no longer recognized.

“I think she fell asleep babe.” Apollo had spoken to his wife, who was no longer upset with him since she refused to do that in front of Stella.

“Yes, I see that.” It’s not that the woman didn't care, she was just busy chasing Lily so she could call her mommies.

“Well, what am I supposed to do now?”

Venus tried and failed to catch Lily but the little one just ducked down and continued running away, a frustrated sigh left her.

“Just put her in her room.” She was losing patience.

Apollo had stood up with Stella in his arms, he meant to walk towards the kid's room but suddenly grew confused.

“Hey, um honey which bed do I put her in because lately it’s been ours but you said her room so I’m just-”

“Apollo! I don’t have time for this, I need to settle Lily down and make them dinner. Just put her to bed. I don't care which one, now go.”

Speechless the man slowly went upstairs, to his room. Did he not know what to do?

He hadn't thought he spent that much time at work, but the more he thought the more he realized how long Stella had been with them and how little time he spent with her.

Once they reached the room, he quickly got the pair comfortable in the bed. Stella was still curled up against him, sleeping. Apollo was sitting while looking down at his little one who felt more like just Venus’s right now.

“I’m sorry I haven't been around much lately baby girl, daddy didn't mean to.”

The apologies didn’t stop, how could he be mad at Stella for finding comfort in Venus? If it wasn't for that connection she'd be left alone and it was because of his actions that they got so close.

He hadn't seen his wife this happy in a long time, and there he sat, complaining about spending time with her. The whole thing seemed ridiculous now that Apollo had sat down to dissect it all.

—
Downstairs, Venus had finally caught a particularly fast little one.

“Lily please stop trying to run off, it’s time to call your mommies, that's exciting huh?”

Lily continued to squirm away, now pouting as she whined.

“Let go, I don't wanna talk to them.”

Venus thought she might just be tired from the long day, or the large amounts of sugar she had consumed. She ignored the lingering feelings that Apollo might be right about her sister.

Still, she knew how Victoria would treat her when they were children, how cruel she could be. But her house was clean and her wife seemed nice enough, they lived in a gated community.

“Why don’t you want to call, I thought you missed them?”

“No.”

Venus couldn't ignore that, regardless of how badly she wanted to.

“Lily, do you want to see a special room, it's a secret though so you can't tell Stella about it okay?”

This got her attention, and she stopped trying to fight Venus’s hold.

“Okay, Aunty and we won't call?”

“No love, we won't call unless you want to, I promise.”

Lily nodded and the two walked to Venus’s office, it was near the garage but towards the left behind a bookshelf, hidden. Inside was a cozy room, it wasn't small but not unnecessarily large either. Big windows covered most of the walls and the ones not occupied by them were instead covered with a multitude of books. To the side was a small desk and laptop, neither woman paid much attention to that.

Lily was more focused on the center of the room, which had two comfortable couches along with a few bean bag chairs. Venus had a pastel table in the center which was filled with toys and board games, it wasn't what she had expected.

“This is where I go to talk sometimes or to play, it depends on the mood really,” Venus spoke the truth although she neglected to mention she was usually accompanied by a client.

“I love it here, it's super pretty Aunty V, what kinda games do you play here?” The little one had plopped herself onto the beanbag at this point, snooping through some of the games.

“Well I'm glad you asked little Love, one of my favorites is the color game”

Venus had sat on the couch next to Lily and was quietly observing her moves. Lily had picked up a small fidget toy and was playing with it, trying to figure out how it worked.

“What's that game?”

“Well, you pick a ball from this jar and tell me what emotion the color reminds you of, plus at the end, you get to keep the bouncy balls.” Venus had a way of making therapy seem like a game and today she desperately needed answers.

“Okay that sounds fun but can we listen to music while we play? It's quiet here.”

“Of course, is there anything specific you like to listen to?” Venus had moved to her desk now typing in whatever song Lily would tell her.

“I like um I… well I don’t know, mommy doesn't let me listen to music a lot.”

Venus made a mental note of that before continuing.

“Well that's okay dear, I’ll just put on some bluey songs, I know you and Stella seem to enjoy that show.”

Lily just nodded along, now looking at all of the different things in the room she didn't know was an office.

“So, whenever you're ready just pick one out and we’ll start.”

 

—
The two of them had spent about three hours playing a variety of games and they all led to the same unfortunate conclusion. Venus couldn't let her return to that house, to her sister. She had been wrong and so desperately wanted to be right.

How could even half of what Lily had told her be true? Why would anyone do the thing she described? She had to contain her emotions, for Lily's sake. When they had eventually made their way back to the living room, Stella was awake and Apollo was making dinner, which was new.

“And what is going on here?” Venus had asked with an amused smile, gently placing Lily down to join Stella.

“I just thought since you were busy in your office, you might appreciate the help.” He had only made a meal twice and one time he proposed so the sight was rare.

“Momma has an office?” Stella questioned from the coloring table she and Lily were currently at.

“Thank you for that honey, and yes baby girl momma has an office, but I don’t use it for that anymore. Normally I just go in there to think or talk.” Venus did her best to explain it to her little one.

“And we play there too!” Lily added which caused Stella to scoff.

“That’s not fair, you never play with me in your office, I've never even been in there before.”

“You’ve never really needed to be their baby.” Apollo tried to soothe the situation with his usual word vomit.

“What's that supposed to mean!” She had tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes.

“Okay okay, that’s enough of that, mommy will take you there tomorrow okay baby?” Venus spoke softly while effortlessly picking Stella up and placing her on her hip. This time Apollo smiled at the sight.

“Promise?” Stella asked while holding her pinky out, a now familiar sentiment.

“I promise.” They had sealed the promise, intertwining their fingers but not before Venus placed a kiss on the both of them.

After that the small family seemed to settle down, cuddling around the TV in the living room. Stella was silently nursed by her mommy while Lily watched the movie from Apollo's lap. Tonight they decided to watch Doctor Dolittle, a movie the couple had discovered both thoroughly enjoyed.

 

Both little ones had been fed, although Stella had not finished her food, Apollo mentioned that nursing might help fill her up. This all led to where they were now.

Eventually despite Stella's protest and whines, one of Venus’s breasts had run dry and it was time to switch over to her other breast. Something Stella hated because of the two seconds it took.

“Ella baby, you know that you have to switch over now, I promise it won’t take long and then you can suckle as long as you want.”

Usually, Stella hated that name, but when it came out of Venus’s mouth for some reason it felt right. Safe and natural so reluctantly she did switch and once again found the familiar relief.

—-----

A few days later Apollo had told his job he was going on vacation. It wasn't a lie exactly, they did intend on going somewhere but it wasn't far by any means. The plan was nearly perfect since Venus had told Apollo about everything she discovered during her and Lily's meeting.

One thing was clear to them, she could not go back to Victoria's house, but Victoria would never let her go. It was a hard situation to deal with honestly. They needed a break, to return to normal family fun.

In an attempt to do just that, Apollo had bought rooms and tickets to a great wolf lodge for four days and three nights, the only problem was. The nearest location was in Boston, which was near where Victoria lived.

Despite all of that, they remain hopeful. After all, there was practically no reason that Veuns’s sister would be there. Apollo had got the ‘Wolf Den King suite’ and was confident they would all have a good time.

It not only allowed him and his wife to have much-needed privacy but Lily and Stella could have fun playing in their room. Not to mention the water park and a multitude of other attractions they had.

Venus made a point to remember the build-a-bear they had, saying they needed to go. Something about memories and whatnot, all he agreed with and made a list for.
They had everything packed and ready to go for the morning, it was a surprise naturally.

“Do you think they’ll have fun?” Apollo questioned while they loaded everything into the car for the morning.

“Of course they will, my love, it's a waterpark in a make-believe forest. What kid wouldn't have fun?”

“I suppose when you say it like that, it does sound like a silly question.”

They laughed before sharing a kiss.

“I'm glad we made up, love.” He admitted.

“As am I.”

In truth, they had made up, about thirty minutes after the children had gone to bed, when the wine had begun to take effect and things got intense. But that’s adult business, and regardless right now they were sitting in their hot tub, one Venus had insisted on.

The pair had bought one a few years ago but had only used it a multitude of times. Tonight was one of those times, as they had worn themselves out packing and hauling bags, all the while trying their hardest to not wake the children.

“I can’t believe we haven't used this in a year,” Apollo admitted as the jets expertly massaged his back.

“Well, it’s been a busy year love.”

“I guess you're right, as always.” he laughed while sipping his glass of whiskey. One Venus had allowed him. She slowly took a drink from her glass, but hers was filled with orange juice rather than alcohol, on account of Stella, of course.

“Thank you, Apollo, really for everything. You've let me be who I want guilt-free and accepted every aspect of my life. You make me happy and I.. I just love you.”

“I love you too baby, truly I do.”

—-

In the morning when both littles had woken up, Venus did her best to get everyone ready while Apollo made sure everything was paid for and packed.

Stella was still on Veuns’s hip while Lily stood in front of the woman both groggy and half awake, confused.

“Okay girls, we need to get everyone dressed and ready for our little trip today alright?”

Neither responded and Stella instead tried to pull her mommy’s shirt down, only to be stopped by a hand.

“Not now baby, we have to get you changed and dressed first, okay?”

That didn't seem to please her little because Stella instead just began crying, loudly.

“Of course, you're tiny when we have a big day planned, that's okay little thing mommas still got you hmm?” The woman cooed at the girl before turning her attention to Lily.

“Okay, so how about we get you changed first since you're feeling a bit bigger?”

“Okay Aunty V but can you do it today, I'm sleepy.”

Venus was waiting for this and at the same time felt this moment couldn't have come at a more inappropriate time. She didn't have time to dissect. Still, she agreed to help because how could she refuse and reject the girl?

Luckily most of the preparations had already been made, including their outfits as Venus had picked them out the night before. Everyone matched, of course. The little ones wore a camo patterned skirt with green long-sleeve onesies underneath, and if they were cold a matching green jacket was also available. Mary Janes were a must as they were the only part of the outfit Apollo was allowed to help with and they were his favorites.

“Okay Lily, we’re going to start with you and then you can play while Aunty gets Ella ready,” Venus said but it fell on deaf ears as Lily was still trying not to fall asleep and had not been paying any attention. With a sigh Venus placed Stella on the floor, not worried about anything she could get ahold of since the nursery was the safest room in the house.

Mentally preparing herself for anything she might see, the last thing Venus wanted was to make Lily feel insecure.

“Alrighty arms up.”

—--

About an hour later both little girls had been changed and dressed. Apollo packed both diaper bags and helped with the car seats while Venus typed in directions. With the two of them, everything always ran smoothly and today was no different.

After the last car ride Stella was allowed to join, the two had only provided a movie and some fidget toys as entertainment. Lily was okay with it, she even got to choose the movie. Mainly because Stella was still deep in her regression and had already fallen back asleep. In no time the car rolled forward and they were on their way to the next adventure.

Notes:

If you want to know more about Lily and her story, then please read my other work ‘Obsession’

Chapter 17: Bad dreams

The sun had risen over an hour ago, the morning dew now long gone and replaced with the calm afternoon breeze. The car drove smoothly over the asphalt, any outside noise blocked out by the constant nursery rhymes being played. Lily happily chewed on her snacks as she eagerly watched the movie.

Playful banter was shared between the two adults as they navigated their way to the lodge. At some point they needed to pull over at a rest stop, I suppose Venus had a little too much water. Apollo of course didn’t mind because he would use this time to fill the car's tank with more gas.

Check fluids, or whatever else needed to be done to ensure everyone arrived safely. Lily was still watching her movie, oblivious that they had even stopped moving. Stella was still fast asleep, dreaming of past troubles.

It wasn’t often that the woman would have bad dreams let alone nightmares, but there are times even the Sandman cannot ease a worried mind. Memories of hospitals and the nurses within them, the things they had done to her. The things she had done to herself.

By the time everyone had returned to the car and once again headed towards their destination, Stella was covered in a cold sweat as she mumbled incoherent sentences. Most of this went unnoticed due to the radio on while a movie was also being watched plus Apollo and Venus speaking. It was hard to hear the little cries.

In all honesty Stella wouldn't have wanted them to hear. She was never really fond of the idea of sharing her feelings, it was something she struggled with even in her adult life. Stella would only ever open up to Venus of course and even then the woman found herself unable to fully go into any detail.

Eventually, after Lily’s movie had ended out of curiosity, she had leaned over to check on Stella.
She looked troubled, tossing and turning while faint tears fell on her cheek.

“Umm, Aunty V?”

The older woman had momentarily stopped her conversation to fully turn around and give Lily her full attention.

“Yes little flower, what is it?”

“I think there's something wrong with Ellie.”

Before either of them could help, she suddenly woke up. A mixture of embarrassment and gratefulness. She hadn't been expecting to wake up with practically everyone looking at her like some wounded animal. But a small part of her was glad they had been there with her.

The dream was still fresh on the girl's mind, it replayed as she slowly became more conscious. Stella could see the sweat dripping from her, she hadn't woken up feeling little and instead, she allowed her mind to return to its normal state. That's when things went south.

The realization of what she had done, and what she was wearing. It made her feel… childish and right now that wasn't what she wanted.

For some reason she couldn't quite place yet, being an adult seemed like the safest option. When Stella was little, she wanted to be clingy and let her caregivers fix her problems. Being open was easier then.

In her adult headspace, it was simple for her to deflect or lie to avoid explaining her past.

“Stella? Are you even listening?” Venus had asked from the passenger side of the now parked car.

“No, I wasn’t.”

“Well that's okay baby, I suppose you're still a bit tired from your nap. Mommy just wanted to make sure you're okay.”

The woman seemed genuine but Stella could feel the attitude in her slowly start to grow, she didn't want to talk to anyone right now, not even with Venus.

“I’m okay, I just don’t want to talk right now, is that okay?”

“Of course, that’s okay love, if you’d like you're more than welcome to pick the next movie, I believe the one Lily is watching should be ending here pretty soon, and whenever you're up to talking again I’ll be here to listen okay?”

Stella simply nodded, a small smile finding its way to her lips. Venus had listened to her and respected her wants. Even though she had been living with them for a few months now the feeling was still something the woman was getting used to.

She didn't mind the childish treatment from the older two and even found herself rather enjoying it now, but right now she just needed a little break.

 

Stella’s point of view-

Now that Lily and I were what we could consider friends, I didn’t feel as irritated around her. She was pretty cute, but not in an I want to fuck her way more like a school crush kind of way. She's just always smiling and her hair is so beautiful.

I couldn't help but notice she was watching Doctor Dolittle again, but I couldn't complain since the movie was practically over and Lily seemed happy. I took this as my opportunity to flip through the endless movies Dad had packed.

This time I had a better idea of what I felt like watching since logically I knew they would all be children's movies. I don’t mind, though I'd rather watch American Horror Story. I doubt Mom would let me watch that. That's why I just go with Zathura, at least it's not animated.

The moment I see the credits roll I make my move to change the DVDs but Lily stops me with her hand, wtf?

“What are you doing? Let me put the new movie on.”

“No, it's not over yet.”

“Dude it’s just the credits now move so I can change it.”

At this point, both of our hands were grabbing for the eject button. Lily was desperately trying to keep it closed while I was trying to pry her fucking hand out of my way but the little thing is stronger than I had expected.

“Stop Stella im still watching, the movie.”

“Who are you talking to? Like deadass it can't be me, you do realize the movie is over right like-”

To my disbelief Lily hit me, it wasn't very hard and she had only slapped my arm but I wasn't about to let that shit slide.

That's why I hit her back but she had moved during the scuffle so I just barely hit her shoulder.
We continued to try and hit each other while also trying to get the movie.

“Lizard in serious fucking move, the movie is over You're being ridiculous.”

“The both of you need to knock it off, we’re nearly there and I'll still turn around.” Apollo had scolded us from the front seat but honestly even Lily knows it's bullshit.

That man would never and anyways we don't even know where we're going, so not being able to go isn't the worst thing in the world. Still, I refused to let him discipline me because of an issue Lily started.

“Bruh, Lily started it. I was just trying to change the movie and she won’t let me.”

Mom only sighed, refusing to inject herself into the disagreement.

“First of all, do not ever refer to me as your ‘bruh’ My name is Daddy or dad to you, got it little one?” `

“Got it.” Yup, Venus is still my favorite, especially now. What's up with old people getting mad about that word?

“Good. Now moving along, you two need to get along. Being argumentative will get you nowhere. Lily be a good girl and let Stella watch her movie, it’s her turn.”

Reluctantly Lily did eventually move out of my way but not before rolling her eyes at me, I returned the favor by sticking my tongue out at her, I had gotten my way so I wasn’t upset.

Happily, I had removed her movie and then put it away before I started my movie, however the moment the shit started playing. We arrived, a glance let me know that we were at the Great Wolf Lodge.

But I didn't care about that right now, despite how excited I was. Lily had ruined my chance to watch my movie, and it wasn't fair! I didn’t have time to protest because Apollo had turned off the car and my door was soon opened with Mom looking at me expectantly.

“Common baby love, it’s time to go.” But I didn’t want to go, well I do but I’d rather watch the movie that took me legit forever to pick out and even get to watch.

“I wanna watch my movie, It’s not even fair, Lily got to watch hers and then she wouldn't let me watch mine!” I hadn't meant to raise my voice but the whole situation is bullshit.

Mom just continued to unbuckle my car seat before crouching down and looking me in the eyes while gently grabbing my hands.

“Look at me Ella, I understand that it's frustrating for you, I do. And I agree that it isn't fair that you had no movie time, but I promise we're going to have a really fun time here with everyone and tonight you can pick the before bedtime movie, does that sound fair baby?”

I shook my head, no longer feeling like talking.

“Well why don’t you tell me what I can do to make you feel better I’ll do my best to get it done for you.” She tried to reason. It did work though and despite wanting to seem grown up I knew what would help.

Slowly and albeit a little embarrassed, I lifted one of my fingers and pointed at her boobs hoping she’d get the hint.

Chuckling, she shook her head playfully at me.

“I should have guessed that's what you needed, silly mommy forgot you like your milk after naps hmm?” All I could do was nod my head and smile, This is why she’s my favorite.

Chapter 18: Pizza

Although the sun shone brightly and there was no promise of snow, the winter air was still harsh and cold. Suddenly Stella grew grateful for the jacket her mommy had forced her to bring along. The holidays were around the corner with only a few weeks left before Christmas.

That was why the lodge had been decorated to fit that theme. Big Christmas trees filled the lobby, each expertly decorated. The staircases had garland going up the rails, holiday music could be heard from the loudspeakers as the group entered the building.

The sight was almost too much to handle for the girls, they simply stood there at the entrance, mouths hanging open in awe. Admittedly even the older two were shocked by everything. In all honesty, it was the couple's favorite holiday and they've waited for years to have a little one to spoil for Christmas. Venus had been secretly buying presents for Stella since she had signed the original contract.

Apollo was doing the same but not nearly to the same degree, instead of the usual toys or books he went ahead and got Stella and Lily an actual pony, one who lived on a ranch nearby. Of course, he'd love for the girls to get to visit him every day but they simply didn't have the supplies or room for a pony, so he’d remain living at the ranch. It was a small price to pay for the happiness it would bring to them, or that's what he thought.

Soon the Adults had everyone checked in and ready to head up to the rooms, Apollo was holding Lily's hand while Stella refused to be put down from her spot on Venus' hip. A few odd glances from strangers were made in their direction but no one ever said anything so it wasn't a bother to them. They were nearly at the elevator when a staff member politely stopped the group.

The bright bubbly girl had offered everyone a pair of matching wolf ears, upon further inspection Lily noticed everyone seemed to be wearing one so she quickly took hers as well, Stella followed and after a few pleading looks even Apollo and Venus had put them on.

Now equipped with their new lodge attire, everyone finally reached the elevator toward their room. It was a short walk to get there but of course with children nothing is a simple task, every couple of minutes the girls would stop and point out some type of decoration in the hallway or stop to look out of the big windows on every floor.

Eventually, they did reach the room, much to the girls' excitement. Apollo took his time unlocking and opening the door, wanting to build anticipation for the moment, but his wife was growing tired after carrying their little one around so he didn't linger for too long before allowing the others to see.

“So what do you guys think?” He asked timidly, his hand rubbing circles on the back of his neck. An anxious tick he had since childhood. One venus recognized immediately.

“I love it, dear, you've truly outdone yourself, just look at them,” Venus said gesturing to the girls who were running around the rooms screaming while checking everything it had to offer.

“Oh my goodness this is amazing!!!” Stella had shouted from across the room where she was flipping through the endless movie options, and Venus was quick to grab the remote before she could pick anything deemed inappropriate. Lily was still exploring the other room, fascinated by the decorations and views.

“Well I'm glad everyone likes it, so what do you girls want to do first?” Apollo asked now more at ease. He was now working on unpacking everything.

“Well I think we should eat and then we could go to you know where while we wait for tummy’s to settle and after I say we hit the pool,” Venus suggested from the couch.

“Please don't tell me you made an itinerary.”

Venus ignored his question, after all, he knew the answer, she made one every vacation and he hated to admit that they did help.

“THEY HAVE A POOL!!?!” Stella was standing up on the couch fully turned around looking at Venus for an answer.

“Yes baby, they have a couple of pools actually but let's remember to use our inside voice okay?”

“YAYYYYYY! Oh sorry mommy, yayyyyy.” Stella was ecstatic, she had only been to a pool a handful of times, Las vegas was almost always hot outside and surprisingly there was an extreme lack of pools available to the public. Stella wasn't even really sure if she remembered how to swim.

Lily shared the same enthusiasm, she loved the water and had just recently gotten back from a cruise with her caregivers. However, that was a private cruise and the little one was still so used to being sheltered from the public that the thought of so many people around her, made her grow anxious.

Still she didn't want to worry anyone and ruin the fun, so Lily kept those feelings to herself. She wasn't given much time to dwell on anything because Venus was trying to stay on schedule.

“Okay girls, what would you like for lunch?” Venus asked while trying to get Stella to sit down from where she was currently bouncing on the couch. When her attempts failed, Venus simply kept an eye on her little instead. Just in case she slipped.

Since Stella hadn't been listening, that only left Lily to answer. The only problem was that she didn't know what she wanted, or she did but was afraid the couple would reject her request. So she lied.

“I dunno.” she shrugged before turning her attention to Apollo. He and Venus shared a glance before he took over.

“Okay well then I guess that means it’s my turn to decide then huh? Let's see, what does a handsome young man like myself feel like indulging in this afternoon? Oh, the possibilities are endless, I must sit here for a very long, very boring amount of time to think about it, but I'm sure you girls don't mind the extra wait for the pool, do you?” He was grinning at Lily playfully. His statement seems to catch both girls attention.

“No, that's going to take forever!” Stella had screamed a little too loud so Venus just slowly placed a pacifier into the little mouth in hopes of muffling some of the noise. A light blush covered her cheeks at the gesture but overall found that like most things her mommy suggested, it helped.

“Well if you guys don't want to wait for me to pick you're going to have to figure it out amongst each other.” Apollo reasoned although this was his goal.

“Fine, I want pizza.” Stella was the first to answer the original question she was previously too busy to answer. Then everyone seemed to look at Lily all at once, waiting for a response.

“Go on, just let us know what you'd like and we can try to get it for you, okay?” Apollo urged.

“I want some ice cream, please?”

Now it was everyone's turn to look at Venus, the notorious health freak who no doubt would say no to both of the littles suggestions. This time was different though, because now she had two sets of puppy eyes on her and it was more than enough to make her cave in.

“Okay, fine, pizza and ice cream it is you little gremlins.”

So as promised the Woman called room service and placed the order, a pizza for the girls with a side of strawberry ice cream. A salad for herself and a Streak for Apollo. While waiting for everything to get there, they took the time to get the girls dressed for the pool. Well Venus did but still Apollo helped with the bags needed for the pool so I suppose he still helped.

Just like any other time, they matched. Both wore a pink one-piece covered in flowers, it wasn't necessarily childish but wasn't too mature either so it seemed like a safe route. Once done with that, she simply placed their prior outfits over the bathing suits, telling them they had a few places to visit before anyone could swim.

 

About fifteen minutes later the food had arrived, as well as some water Venus ordered to balance out to junk food. They talked about all of the vast things they could all do here, all the things Venus had planned for everyone. Apollo and Venus finished their meals rather quickly giving them time to help the children with their plates.

It was Lily who had finished next which left Stella, she had only eaten a few bites of her pizza and hadn't touched her ice cream at all.

“What’s wrong baby, I thought this is what you wanted for lunch?” Venus asked when she noticed how little her baby had consumed.

“I’m full.” The girl lied and Venus could see right through it.

She wondered for a second, remembering a few case studies she had researched at the beginning of her career. Some children find it difficult to continue eating if no one else around them is, it stems from trauma due to food restriction or certain forced body image issues. Sometimes it’s as simple as just not wanting to be left out.

Either way she couldn't help but notice Stella only stopped eating when everyone else had too.

“Babe, can you go help Lily clean up her hands and face before we head out, please?” Again it was one of those no-option questions that weren't questions at all.

“Of course, common little Lily let's get you all cleaned up and ready to go.” He answered knowingly before picking the little one up and walking back towards the bathroom.

With everyone but the pair, out of the makeshift dining room, Venus moved to face Stella once again.

“Little thing, I know you're still hungry so why aren't you eating? Is it because you don't want to eat by yourself, baby?” Stella looked up, almost shocked at the correct guess, could the woman read minds?

Feeling sheepish, she just nodded her head yes rather than giving a verbal response. On the inside Venus was jumping up and down at the fact that she had been right but on the outside, she did her best to compose herself for the sake of the little one.

“Well Mommy only had a salad and I'm still hungry so how about I just make a quick sandwich and you and I can finish up eating together, how does that sound?”

Stella smiled at the gesture, venus was all she had ever wanted and she sure as hell wasn't going to let her go.

“I like that idea Mommy, thank you.” Venus returned the favor with a gentle kiss on her temple.

“I love you, little love.”

“I love you too Mommy.”

Chapter 19: The calm

Notes:

I’m growing frustrated in real life and fully plan on taking it out on Stella in the chapters to come…

The first few days of the family's vacation are going amazing, despite Lily's prior worries, even though she had enjoyed the pool and the many things she could do. Most of the time consisted of the little ones running around the various pools, only ever stopping to check in with Apollo or Venus when they had gotten hungry or thirsty.

Every night Venus would take their girls to get yet another stuffie from Build a bear, they had three each at this point. Apollo didn't mind however, he had taken them for secret ice cream any chance he had the entire time they were there. It wasn't until the last day there that the mood would change.

It was a little while after lunch, the girls were trying their hardest to avoid naptime but Venus was persistent in getting it done, claiming they needed rest for the evening to come. The scene was cut short though, when an all too familiar phone number suddenly appeared on Venus’s phone signaling that Jane was calling.

Apollo was the first to notice while his wife quickly followed his glance. The two looked up at each other sharing the same look, an angry irritated look usually reserved for very few people in their lives, certainly not for family.

“Girls it’s nap time and I haven't much patience left so please behave and go to bed, I won’t say it again.” Stella could see the frustrated look on her mommy’s face, it almost always was followed by a punishment so obediently she closed her eyes, trying to get Lily to do the same.

“Good girls, thank you, sweet dreams little bugs,” Venus whispered as she slowly left the room and closed the door, but not before making sure that both the baby monitor and white noise machine were on and working.

Once in the living room with Apollo, she called Jane back and put her phone on speaker, so he could hear and chime in if he wanted. They both waited silently seething as the phone rang.

“Hello? Are you there?” Jane asked, sounding irritated for having to wait.

“Yes I'm here Jane, sorry I was just putting the girls down for their nap when you called earlier.” Venus was doing her best to remain calm during whatever this would turn into.

“Well could you wake her for me, we haven't spoken to our little one since she left, surely you understand.”

“I’m not entirely comfortable with waking sleeping children but if you insist I'll have her call the moment she's awake.” Venus stayed firm, and Apollo watched, waiting in case he was needed.

“Are you serious? I think as her caregiver I can decide what's best for her, so do be a dear and wake her for me.”

“I’d like to speak with my sister now, I have some rather important business I have to attend to with her,” Venus spoke while placing a hand over Apollo's mouth, stopping him from whatever he was about to say.

“Fine, I'll go get her but I do expect a call from Lily this evening.” Jane was quiet for a few moments before Venus could hear her sister on the other line.

“Hello?” Victoria answered, sounding a lot better this time, more put together and less lethargic.

“Hey, I need to talk to you about the way you’ve been treating Lily.” Venus went straight to the point not wanting to waste time on the matter.

“I haven't the slightest clue what you’re referring to little sister but I certainly don't appreciate the implications.”

“You should know that lying to a psychological professional isn't the brightest idea, I’d hate to get anyone else involved so do tell me what it is you've been up to.”

“I’ll be there in three days to pick my little one up and return her home. I appreciate you caring for her in my absence but the gesture is no longer needed.”

“Yeah about that…I’m not okay sending Lily back to you, at least not until you've explained why she’s telling me the things she is.” Venus spoke calmly though inside she was furious.

Apollo had left the room the moment Victoria's voice echoed from the phone. He couldn't handle the heavy conversation without his emotions getting the best of him.

“Well luckily for me, I don't exactly need your permission, Venus, like I said I'll be there in three days.”

“Lily is legally an adult and she can decide where to go and who to be with.” Venus was losing her patience.

Victoria let out a loud dry laugh, which one might find disturbing but Venus had grown used to it over the years.

“She may be over the age of eighteen, but she is no adult in the eyes of the law. I have rights over the little one and if I need to I can and will get my lawyers involved, see you in three days baby sis.”

Before Venus had the chance to reply, she had hung up. Leaving Venus there frustrated and confused. She was aware that in some cases, an adult won't have legal say over themselves, she even had a few patients over the years that fit this category.

Maybe she had Stockholm or she was just too traumatized to leave. Either way Venus wasn't going to just let Lily leave, and lawyers simply didn't scare her, after all her husband was the CEO of one of the biggest law firms. But she didn't want to take legal action on one of the last living family members the woman had.

She’d do it though, she knew how evil her sister could be at times. Above all, she trusted what Lily had told her. Despite her thoughts, the girls had fallen asleep, lucky her because the moment they woke she'd have to bear the bad news and start all over again.

Both of them, admittedly, don't want to let Lily go, especially to go back to such a harmful environment.

“I don't know what to do.” She finally admitted.

“I know exactly what I’d like to do but I'm afraid you won't quite like it.” Apollo had said, an evil grin on his face.

“Is it legal?” Venus asked in return.

“Perfectly.” He was serious, he never joked about his business.

The two would spend some time discussing legal terms and the unfortunate steps they would have to take. They spoke about many things during the improvised nap time. Mainly how they would even bring this up to either of the girls, what if Lily wanted to go back to Victoria?

If that was the case there would be very little the two could do to help. Not to mention the fact that both had an inclination that Lily wasn't meant to tell anyone about the things going on at that house.

Would there be repercussions? Would Lily be punished because they let Victoria know that they knew? How would Stella feel about the change in plans, at having to share everything? Including Venus…

Sooner rather than later, an alarm had gone off, indicating the end of naptime, the end of the discussion. Reluctantly Apollo stood from his place on the couch, making careful movements towards the girl's room.

Opening the door revealed two girls in the same bed, secretly having their conversation and it would appear that Apollo had interrupted. They had shared the same annoyed expression.

“Daddy, go away!” Stella had demanded in a tone she knew neither of her caregivers would approve of.

 

“I’m not sure if you're just sleepy or you don’t feel good, but that isn't how you speak to me, do you understand?” The man tried to stay stern but it came out more hesitant than he wanted.

“No, go away, we talking n is important so go away.” She had slipped which didn't surprise Apollo anymore, she was little nearly all day every day now.

At this point, he was losing patience and the prior phone call did little to help his irritation. Still, he knew that the call was what had angered him, not Stella’s sudden outburst although that certainly did not help the matter.

“I’m not going away, and you do not demand things from me either, you're being a bad girl.”

Instant tears fell from Stella's eyes, she got herself worked up rather quickly which shocked everyone in the room. He tried to pick her up but when he reached out for her, Stella scurried away and backed herself up into one of the corners of the bed.

“I’m sorry Daddy didn't mean to upset you dear, But you cannot speak to me like that.”

Stella just continued to cry, ignoring him completely. It was around this time that Venus had magically appeared in the doorway. She seemed amused and slightly annoyed. She made expert movements towards the bed then swiftly grabbed her little one, and carefully cradled Stella whispering reassuring words.

“Apollo, what have I told you about that name?” She was calm, trying to not further upset Stella.

He remained silent, pretending to not hear her. Everyone knew that he had and no one knew why.

“What your daddy meant to say, love, is that you're making bad choices not that you are a bad girl, now Mommy needs you to apologize to him for how you decided to talk to him. You know better than that my love and your daddy gave you multiple warnings yet you continued and that was naughty, am I understood?” Stella's tears had subsided but were still present, cuddling further into Venus.

“Okay mommy, I'm sorry Daddy for not being nice.” She spoke in an incoherent mumble as she refused to move from her spot.

“I accept your apology little one, now who's ready for some ice cream?!”

“ME!!!” Lily screamed, reminding everyone that she had been there the entire time. Everyone chuckled at her reaction before Apollo picked her up and walked the pair to the makeshift living room.

“We just need to get ready and make sure everyone has shoes and jackets then it's ice cream time okay girls?”

Lily had agreed eagerly, quickly placing her shoes on and trying her hardest to tie the lace.

“Mommy I don't want ice cream,” Stella whined from Venus’s lap.

Venus had sat herself and her little one down on the couch in an attempt to get her ready for the outing but now grew confused, Stella loves ice cream.

“Why not babygirl, does your tummy hurt?”

Stella shook her head, Apollo did his best to keep Lily distracted in case the conversation made his little one embarrassed.

“Well what is it little one, how can mommy help?”

She just continues whining and squirming around in her mommy’s lap. Venus sighed, rubbing her fingers against her temple.

“Babe, I um well I think she might want a different type of cream, ya know…” He motioned towards his wife's breast earning a giggle from Lily and a whine from Stella, though he was right.

“I guess it's time we worked on that feeding schedule, the Johnsons were talking about,” Venus admitted while adjusting her shirt so her little one could do what she pleased.

“Well it wouldn't hurt to try it out and besides it's not like Stella will mind being able to nurse more often.” He had turned both him and Lily around to give the two privacy.

“I think you're right love, why don't you two go ahead and go get ice cream and Stella and I can just hang around here until you guys get back or she's feeling less well fussy.”

Apollo turned around but kept his eyes tightly closed. Hands over Lily’s just in case.

“Darling, you've seen my breasts before, this is no different than when I'm getting dressed, there's no need to be so bashful, our baby is just getting a drink that's all, and yes I'm sure go have fun, don't let us hold you back.”

With that, the group said their goodbyes before separating. For now, the older two would let the littles live blissfully unaware of the impending changes coming their way. They had time, though it was very little time, they still had it. Everything would be okay and Venus and Apollo would make sure of it.

Chapter 20: Rose

Notes:

I honestly don’t even remember writing this chapter, crazy how being manic works huh?

Today was going to be an especially hard day, it was time to go home and face the reality that soon Lily might have to do the same. The couple had decided before they left the lodge that Venus would be the one to let the girls know a certain someone was on the way while Apollo did anything he could to ensure Lily was in a safe environment.

They had made a deal that as long as Victoria could prove that she would be safe and that Lily wanted to be there without coercion, they'd let her go. As long as she was allowed to visit whenever she could.

The two would try to be there for her in any way they could. But Lily needed to agree or it would be for not. Apollo had woken up early to pack everything and load it into the car. He did so slowly not feeling at all motivated to return to his normal routine, one that would now include an unwelcome visit.

In the room, Venus had woken the girls up to get them bathed and dressed for the trip back to Maine, though thinking about it now it does seem more logical to just have Victoria meet them here rather than have her drive all the way there, but Apollo and Venus wanted more time to plan, and did not necessarily care about the long trip she’d have to make.

Venus turned the white noise machine off and slowly lifted the curtains, signaling the beginning of the day. Stella had grown used to it at this point, finding comfort in the small routine. She knew what to expect and that gave her peace of mind, no longer having to worry about what's to come next.

So naturally Stella had woken first, nothing new of course because she was used to everything.
Venus noticed immediately, an almost sad look on her face as she approached her little.

“Good morning little one, it's time to get up and ready for the day, aren't you just such a cute little thing hmm?”

Venus tried her best to maintain a poised and calm demeanor for the sake of the littles but somehow faltered and seemed just as unprepared as she had been. Something that never happened, was Venus not being prepared.

“Mm sleepy momma” Stella spoke in a soft sleepy voice.

“I know my love, but it’s time to go home baby, don’t you miss your toys?” Venus questioned.

At this Stella perked up, the promise of playing with her familiar toys seemed like an amazing time to her once-adult mind, something she could look forward to. So slowly, she peeked her head up from out of the blankets giving Venus a cheeky smile.

 

“Hi, momma.”

“Hello princess, did you sleep well? Have good dreams?”

Venus had already lifted Stella up and out of bed, walking towards a mat the woman had placed down for an easier setup. Like most days her outfit had already been placed on the ground next to the matt. Stella smiled softly when seeing what she’d get to wear, mainly because she noticed they’d be wearing the same color.

Still feeling somewhat sleepy Stella just nodded while trying to rub the remaining sleep from her eyes. It did little to help.

“My my, what a sleepy baby you are this morning. But mommy needs you to stay awake so you can eat breakfast and get ready for the ride home.” Venus did her best to explain everything to her little but it didn't seem to register to the younger woman. Who was too busy suckling on her thumb while twirling around a piece of Venus’s hair, admiring how the blonde curls were styled today.

“No, no babygirl, fingers are much too dirty.” Venus said while gently taking the thumb out of Stella's mouth, then she replaced it with a clean pacifier.

“There, I bet that feels much better hmm?”

“Thank you, momma,” Stella mumbled around the pacifier while being placed down on the mattress, growing slightly irritated at the loss of contact with Venus.

“You're very welcome dear.”

With expert hands, Venus carefully undressed her little, making quick work of removing the dirty diaper, replacing it with a new one after she had cleaned Stella of course.

“Fishy’s!”

Stella was pointing at the diaper as her mommy taped all of the sides snuggly to her waist. This one was decorated with an assortment of cartoon fish, something Stella found excitement in as usually it was just plain white.

“Yes, such a smart baby, those are fishy’s Ella, such a good job love you should be proud of yourself baby.” Venus continued to praise the small act and Stella enjoyed every minute of it.

Before the both of them knew it, she was dressed and one step closer to being deemed ‘ ready for the day’. Now in the bathroom, where Stella was sitting on the counter waiting for her mommy to decide on a hairstyle.

Today she’d be styled with pigtails, a seemingly popular choice for Venus seeing as how she picked it most of the time. Like any other morning, when the pigtails were finally in place she adorned them with long ribbon bows.

She placed a soft kiss on her forehead before finally telling Stella what she wanted to hear.

“All done sweetie, you can go play in the other room while I help Lily, okay?”

“Okie momma.”

Like a good girl, Stella did as told for once and went to go play, well for her that meant bothering her daddy but as long as she let Venus get everyone ready in peace no one minded.

Once she was sure her little one was being watched, Venus turned her attention towards Lily. Today she’d have to tell her about the possibility of going home. In all honesty, the woman wanted Lily to be able to go home, she just needed to clear a few things up first to ensure Lily would be safe there.

Cautiously she tried to wake the sleeping little, slightly confused at the fact that she hadn't woken up while she was getting Stella ready. Luckily, Lily woke up the first time Venus nudged her.

“Good morning little one, it’s time to get up, it’s a big day.”

 

In the lobby, Stella was following her daddy closely, not wanting to get lost or lose him. But he was taller and therefore walked with bigger strides making it hard for the little one to catch up. Before the girl knew it she had inevitably lost him.

One minute she was right by his side, trying and failing to grab ahold of his hand and the next minute she was easily distracted by the now-familiar smell of the chlorine-filled pool. The pool was fun and the girl wanted to have fun so the pool seemed like the best option.

Before Apollo could even notice she had left, and was now on her way to what she believed to be the pool area. Her daddy was unaware and so he kept walking towards the car. While Apollo was preoccupied with packing the car and talking to who he believed was Sella but was just the bellhop.

By the time Stella had reached where she had thought she was going, Apollo was so far behind it’d be near impossible to find her without help or hopes of her coming out of headspace. What Stella believed to be the pool was a hot tub, occupied by around 4 other adults.

 

Three men and another woman, all of which appeared to be familiar with each other as they shared mutual conversations. At some point she had walked close enough to hear the conversation, the warmth of the hot tub pulling her in. It wasn't a very ‘child-friendly’ conversation but regardless, she listened intently.

Eventually one of the men stopped talking altogether, faced Stella and introduced himself. A gesture any other adult would be able to mimic, she wasn't allowed to speak with strangers however so she remained silent. This inevitably caused a thick awkward atmosphere to transpire.

The man whose name she had learned was George, spoke again, this time the entire group listened, now interested in the small woman who sat silently.

“Said my name's George, what's yours again?” He had this cocky smile on his face while the other men snickered at his antics.

Stella fidgeted with her shirt, she shouldn't have come here and should not be even attempting to speak with anyone here. Her eyes were faced down, looking at the shoes Venus had made her put on before she left the hotel room this morning.

“What’s wrong, I don’t bite. Just a simple question really, what’s your name? What do people call you?”

All eyes were on her yet again as she fumbled to say her name, not wanting to get in any sort of trouble with her caregivers.

“My um my name is uh my name is Stella.” Her hesitation earned a few laughs from the men but the woman stayed silent, ignoring the entire ordeal.

“Stella… I like the sound of that, it’s a very pretty name for a very pretty young lady. So Stella, why are you here all alone? Your man pissed you off or something?”

Her eyes widened, why would he think such a thing?

“Just ignore him, I certainly try to.” The woman spoke from the opposite side of the hot tub, now moving closer to be in between George and Stella.

“Oh come on now Rose, I thought you liked me?” George quipped.

“In your dreams lover boy, now go play fetch or whatever it is you boys do and leave the girl alone.”

Surprisingly he listened and went back to whatever it was he was doing beforehand. Stella just watched as Rose exerted the tub and wrapped a white towel around her torso. She quickly put her sandals on and then sat on the stool, right across from Stella.

“So Stella, where are you supposed to be?” Rose had asked while attempting to dry her hair.

“Um. I don't know what you're talking about.” Of course she did but Rose was still a stranger so Stella wouldn't just give out any information.

“Listen, I'm not trying to sound rude or assume anything… but you might as well get ‘little’ tattooed on your forehead.”

“I um I don't.”

“Oh, it’s okay, I'm not judging or anything. I have a little but he’s sleeping this morning. So where are you meant to be?”

Stella was floored, had it been that obvious? Could everyone tell she was regressed? Rose must have picked up on the internal panic because she just got up and took Stella's hand in hers before trying to get Stella to follow her out of the pool area.

“Don’t worry, I'm just going to help you find the person in charge of you.”

“Okay, but I'm not holding your hand.” Stella reluctantly followed Rose ignoring the fact that the woman still held her hand regardless of her request.

“I just don’t want you to get lost again is all.” Rose felt the need to explain as she walked the younger woman towards a front desk.

Soon they arrived at the desk and Rose quietly explained part of the situation to the receptionist. Then she turned to face Stella, crouching slightly so they were eye to eye.

“What is your caregiver's name?” She whispered trying to not embarrass the girl.

“Ummm, Venus and Apollo but I don’t remember their last names.”

“That’s alright, I'm sure we can still find them with just their first names.”

Rose continued speaking with the lady while Stella fiddled with her shirt. Soon a phone call was made which only made Stella grow more nervous. Of course, she knew she wasn't going to be punished but she couldn't keep the thought that they might be out of her head.

“Okay well, it looks like your mommy will be here soon to pick you up okay?” Rose tried her best to calm the little nerves.
As promised, Venus had shone up just a few minutes later, Lily was holding her hand struggling to keep up with the women's fast pace. Venus looked worried as she frantically scanned the area for any signs of her little one.

When the two made eye contact Stella couldn't help but cry, the whole ordeal catching up with her. Venus quickly grabbed her and wrapped her in a tight hug, Apollo had shone up around the same time, standing a few feet away from the trio. Guilt etched on his face.

“I was so worried about you when I got that phone call, I didn't know what to think.” She spat out rushed while trying to console herself as well as Stella.

“I’m okay momma I promise, Rose took care of me and helped me find you.”

At this Venus finally let the girl go and turned to face the stranger who had helped her baby. She extended a hand out to the woman who politely took it, shaking it slightly.

“You must be Rose, thank you so much. Truly I cannot express how much I appreciate you making sure my little one here is safe.”

“Oh really it was nothing at all, I hope someone would do the same if my little boy had wandered off. I just found her over by the hot tubs, though I should bring her over here before she falls in or gets lost again.” Stella’s cheeks burned at the realization of her actions.

All eyes were on her yet again, a feeling she was getting used to.

“What were you doing over by the water without your daddy, little one?” Venus asked Stella but was looking at Apollo.

“Wanted to swim and got lost.”

“Ella you know better than to go places like that without an adult, you could have gotten seriously hurt, do you understand?” Apollo reprimanded, now joining the group. Venus stared daggers at him, ignoring his comment together and instead, she bid Rose goodbye after saying thank you about seven more times.

She didn't address him until several minutes later when they were checked out and inside the car, bucked in and on the way to Maine.

“Care to explain how you managed to lose sight of her in the fifteen minutes I was gone?” She spoke once Venus was positive both Littles had fallen asleep. After All, this is an adult conversation.

“It’s not like I was trying to lose her baby, it's like one second she was right next to me and the next I'm getting a phone call that she's at the front desk.” He tried his best to explain while also trying to navigate the roads.

Venus sighed, nodding her head.

“You're right, I'm sorry I was just so worried Apollo, what if something happened to her?”

“Nothing did love, let's focus on the fact that she’s okay instead of worrying about if she’s not.”

“Okay, but if it happens again I won’t be so forgiving.” She half joked and the two laughed.

For now, they’d listen to music and attempt to forget all of the responsibilities that awaited them.

Chapter 21: Fish

Three days seemed to have gone by faster than anyone would be able to predict. Lily had been made aware of her caregiver's visit to collect her and bring her home. Surprisingly the little one was thrilled, as she and Stella had been plotting for a way for her to return home since the little one confided in her cousin about feeling homesick.

After an extremely thorough and very detailed session with Venus, Victoria's house was deemed ‘safe’ although she still held a grudge against her sister for things she had done to Lily in the past.

Apollo was still reluctant when it came time to say goodbyes, threatening to take legal action against the two if anything were to happen to Lily under their supervision.

Victoria laughed at his statements, she talked to no one but Lily and Stella when collecting her little which was eerie but on brand to the woman so Venus did her best to ignore it.

Opting to speak with Jane instead. Stella was also quiet, everyone had assumed she simply didn’t like goodbyes but it was honestly because Victoria frightened her. Every once in a while she would catch the woman looking at her, a coy smile displayed on her lips, desire written in her eyes.

“Be careful little mouse, I hear there's a big angry cat on the loose, looking for little things like you.” Victoria had whispered to Stella while hugging her goodbye. But before the girl could bring it to anyone's attention, the trio were in their car and on their way back home and since the scary lady was no longer around, Stella didn’t feel the need to mention the strange words.

The couple did their best to distract Stella from the ongoing changes occurring around her. They had spent the afternoon playing an arrangement of games, it had started simple enough with a light game of hide and seek. By the end of the night, they had a ton of games scattered throughout the home, none of them finished to completion as the girl could never quite focus on a task for long.

Still, she was giggling and happy and distracted above all. Stella had cried when she and Lily had to be separated so the fact she was seemingly unbothered at the moment was a blessing Apollo nor Venus would ignore.

Soon though, the sun had gone down and everyone had grown tired from the emotional day. With warm full bellies and heavy eyes, the family decided to start the bedtime routine. Which meant Apollo was too clean while Venus bathed their little one and got her dressed.

The trade-off made sense to the two of them, Apollo was still so hesitant to see any of the women in any exposed situations. They had pasta that night, upon Stella's request. This of course led to her being covered in red sauce and noodles so regardless of her complaints a bath was in order.

Venus had taken her little one into the upstairs bathroom, the bath was warm and bubbly. The Mommy had added some Epsom salt as well to help the girl sleep soundly after such a strenuous day. But even with all of that her little one refused to get into the bathtub and Venus was not only confused but losing patience.

“Stella love, it’s time to get all cleaned up. Why don’t you want to get in?” She questioned.

The little one simply squirmed around in her spot, playing with her fingers as she stared down at her toes. Ignoring the question although she knew just how much Venus despised that.

A loud sigh was heard from the older woman, why now did her little one decide to act up? She had been good all day.

“Momma too?” Stella asked so quietly the woman might not have heard it at all, but she did. She would always listen when her baby spoke.

“What do you mean little love?”

Again she ignored her mommy and instead pointed to the tub, refusing to look up. Soon the older of the two caught on and smiled down at her baby.

“You want mommy to be in the bath with you baby?”

This earned an enthusiastic head nod and a bashful smile from Stella. With only slight hesitation, Venus gets herself undressed before she turns to Stella, to help her undress as well. Thereafter she slipped into the water and motioned for her little one to join. Of course, now she had no problem with the forsaken bath and happily plopped herself in.

The water was warm and soothing on Venus’s body. Stella wasn't paying too much attention to anything in particular, simply lying against her mommy while she absentmindedly played with a few bubbles. The mommy hummed an unrecognizable tune while she watched the scene before her, slowly playing with Stella's hair.

There wasn't any room for awkward space in this house and Venus made sure to keep it that way. Nothing about the bath was inappropriate or sexual, instead, it was a nurturing and loving feeling. Something Stella hadn't realized she craved. Skin-to-skin was still relatively new to the girl and yet this felt natural to her.

At some point after Venus had scrubbed the girl clean, the little one had turned herself around to face the older of the two. A pleased smile on her lips as she played with the necklace Venus seemed to never take off.

“Momma?”

“Yes, my little love?”

Stella had visibly faltered, trying her hardest to figure out the right way to word her question. Her eyebrows furrowed and her tongue stuck out slightly in concentration.

“Aunty Victoria said something to me but I don’t know what it means.” She finally admitted in one rushed breath.

This piqued her interest.

“What did she say, love?”

“That I'm a mouse and a big kitty is gonna get me.”

Venus had stopped her movements momentarily, lost in thought before she continued to lather the girl's hair with soap.

“Perhaps she was only playing with you little one, I wouldn't linger on the words my sister speaks, sweet thing.” She lied although she was more than positive she understood what her sister had threatened when saying that.

It seemed to ease her little one, however, so she would drop the topic for now. If only for the sake of Stella.

 

Downstairs Apollo had since finished cleaning and was now trying to distract himself from the unpredicted loneliness he felt. Sure the man knew eventually sooner than later Lily was going to have to return home. Still, it was a hard thing to adjust to. So slowly, begrudgingly he sat down in his room before grabbing his laptop to attend to any business needs he might have to catch up on.

As it turned out quite a few things had transpired in his absence. Nothing the man couldn't fix or return to normal but it was still something that would take time. The time he’d rather spend with his family, it wasn't often he’d complain about his workload or what it required of him but today more than ever the thought of retirement filled his mind.

He’d never do it though, he had worked too hard and for far too long to simply give it up. So like a responsible CEO, he did his work, and silently prayed he didn't have to. It was then that his wife and little seemed to finish up the unusually long bath, as they both made their way back into the master bedroom.

He wasn't sure if Stella was going to be sleeping in their bedroom or in the crib she never used. During the holiday she had slept in her bed and for that reason, he thought tonight might be the same. It would surprise the man to find that Venus’s hair was as equally wet as Stella's and that his wife was in a towel.

“Fall in?” He joked while putting his laptop away, for now.

The woman smirked at his antics, gently placing a now sleepy Stella on the bed.

“No honey, she just wanted company while she was taking her bath, so I hopped in with her.”

“Oh, well I suppose that makes sense then, love.”

He then turned his attention towards the baby, cooing as she stretched out on the mattress.

“Did you have a nice bath with your mommy, little one?” he asked but all he got in return was an incoherent baby mumble.

“She’s been like that for pretty much half of the tub time, I think the salts helped her to relax,” Venus mentioned from inside the closet.

This excited the man he loved when his little one slipped this deep. She was always so clingy, mainly to Venus but on the odd occasion, she’d ask for him. Tonight it seems wouldn't be one of those times because soon enough she was back to whining for her ‘momma’.

“Such a mommy’s girl.” He half-joked.

“Stop teasing the baby because you're jealous, dear.” His wife quipped though she was only kidding.

“Well if I had ‘milky’ I'd be her favorite too.”

Suddenly a pillow was thrown towards him but he dodged it before it could make any contact. Then they both laughed, soaking in the enjoyment of the moment. A calm while an unknown storm brewed.

Oh, it’d be torrential rain, a hurricane of sorts. Nobody would be able to predict, but that's for later. For now, everyone had settled down into a more comfortable position on the rather large bed, Stella included.

She had fallen asleep while nursing from Venus a little bit after her mommy had gotten dressed and in bed. Shortly after the other two had followed suit. The house was quiet and sleepy, a low light illuminated from the hallway, the nightlight the couple had given Stella when she admitted to her fear of the dark.

A slight breeze filled the home, someone had left a window open, letting the cold winter air in. Luckily it wasn't predicted to snow tonight so it shouldn’t be a problem.

 

A few weeks would pass before everything eventually slid back into place, and the house felt ‘normal’ again. Stella had stopped moping around complaining there was no one to play with the moment Christmas had come to town. Thanks to the countless weeks and dollars that both of her caregivers were willing to spend on her.

Her favorite gift was the necklace Venus had given her, it matched the one she always wore. The only difference was the small engraving of “V, A, S” on the back and the fact that Venus had a tracker installed to it, in case of emergencies.

Oh and of course the pony Apollo adopted for her. One she had quickly named “Stanley” No one is quite sure why but they didn't mention that. As it would turn out the girl was a natural, of course she couldn't go very fast but was happy the entire time.

For New Year's day, both caregivers agreed to let Stella stay up for the countdown. Apollo had bought fireworks while Venus spent hours preparing dinner. By around 9 pm Stella had fallen asleep but neither of the older two minded, if anything it granted them some rare alone time.

That leads us to now, January 8th. Exactly twelve days away from Stella's birthday. She’d be turning twenty-two, a specific birthday she had looked forward to since she was a child. One summer around the age of 11 she had spent nearly every day listening to “22” by Taylor Swift and had since then imagined herself singing it the day she would become that age, drink in hand, all of her friends surrounding her.

Of course this wouldn't be as achievable now on account of her new lifestyle. Another very important detail that would prevent this is the fact that neither Venus nor Apollo knows her birthday.

It isn't that they don't care or hadn't asked, Stella simply lied. Said it was July 22nd instead to avoid the whole ordeal in case the contract didn't work out.

 

Stella’s point of view-

Twelve days? I only have twelve days to figure this birthday shit out and so far I have no plans on how to go about doing that. Mommy would kill me if she knew I lied to her but she would also hate it if I didn't tell her time to celebrate.

This is why I hate waking up ‘big’. My mind always has to come up with a million scenarios that could go wrong during the day. Little me would probably just go tell the two of them I lied and get it over with. Honestly, I should just tell them in July and laugh it off. I can’t say I'm necessarily looking forward to getting older or not being able to drink while doing it.

“Stella baby, are you okay?” Mommy had asked from the kitchen where she was preparing some type of meal on the stove, I had forgotten I was meant to be reading.

A new task she had assigned me for when I was feeling ‘bigger’ although I don't see the point because nearly all of them are picture books with no more than a few pages. Still I didn't complain, she's too nice to be upset with.

“I’m okay Mommy, just looking at the picture.” I lied.

She smiled at me, seeming to be pleased with my answer.

“What's the picture of, baby?”

Shit. I quickly stole a glance at the page but did it too fast so it ended up just looking like one pink blur.

“Ummm a uh a pig, I think?”

“Are you feeling okay Stella? Are you sick? She was beginning to walk towards me so I shut the book, only making her seem more concerned.

“No, I just um I’m bored Mommy.”

“Oh, okay little one. Well, what would you like to do today?”

I hadn't thought about anything other than telling them about my birthday or not so when she asked I could only look up at her. Confusion and no doubt a blush covered my face.

Mommy just looked at me skeptically before sighing.

“Would you like to see Mommy’s old office?”

I have never been there before…

“Really?”

“Yes really, and besides I think it's time for you to see it.”

She held her hand out for me which I took before she led us to the mystery office. I found that even when I was feeling more adult-like, I’d always cling to Venus. I mean why wouldn't I?

Soon we entered the office, the whole thing was breathtaking and exactly what you'd expect her office to look like. The only confusing detail was the lack of dust. I know that she's never in here because I'm always with her so unless Apollo cleans it I just don’t understand how it’s so tidy.

—

Venus spoke with Stella for around two hours before she finally slipped. A victory in Venus’s mind, big Stella always worked herself up too much or tried to get herself into unnecessary trouble. Still, the older woman couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with her impromptu therapy session. Stella still hadn't told her what was bothering her other than the obvious “I miss Lily.”

She was hoping that little Stella might be more inclined to share but all that seemed to be on the little one's mind right now was playing. It was partially to be expected due to the plethora of games Venus has in the room.

This all led them to where they were now, in the backyard playing ‘hide and seek’. The youngest was counting this round while her mommy hid in a nearby bush, trying to make her spot easy to avoid meltdowns. Earlier in the game her little one was growing frustrated after Venus decided to hide underneath the bench outside.

Since then, she has tried to make it simple for everyone. Slowly her little walked around the yard peeking and prodding until she was standing inches away from the bush. Looking around a few more times before her mommy could see the slightest and smallest of frowns. Naturally Venus “sneezed” so her baby could win the game.

However it had the opposite effect and scared her instead, but when Stella was scared she couldn't scream or run but instead, she’d freeze. Frozen in place like a deer in the headlights she stood and stared at the bush, terror written in her eyes. Her mouth hung open like she wanted to scream but couldn't.

Immediately Venus spoke soothing words trying to de-escalate the situation.

“Baby it's just me, it’s Mommy.”

The little one's face scrunched up in confusion.

“Momma’s a bush?”

Venus couldn't help but chuckle at her girl's response before she crawled from behind the bush, a look of relief filled Stella’s face at the discovery.

“No little love, your momma isn't a bush. Just hiding behind one.” She chuckled before getting wrapped into a tight hug.

“I thought you turned into a bush momma, then I can't cuddle you anymore.” The little one tried to explain. Her mommy frowned at this.

“Oh my love, even if momma did turn into a bush, I'd still find a way to cuddle my baby.” She promised while picking the younger of the two up and expertly placing Stella on her hip.

Stella said nothing in response and instead snuggled deeper into Venus. As usual. A satisfied and amused humm left Venus as she guided the pair towards the back door and into the living room.

“Are you hungry little one?” Venus asked from the kitchen after she placed her baby into her playpen.

Stella just shook her head, an act that immediately raised several red flags for the mom. It had been at least a few weeks since the girl refused a meal or even a snack, usually only saying ‘no’ to vegetables.

Normally Venus might have been able to ignore this, try feeding her later or offer a drink instead. However today was different, Stella's behavior today had been worrying and that mixed with the fact that she never told her mommy what was bothering her led Venus's mind to wonder to more extreme reasons for the current mood.

So she left the kitchen and moved back to the playpen to further her investigation. Deciding that this time she wouldn't stop until her questions were answered.

“We haven't eaten since breakfast little one, surely you're hungry by now?”

“Nu-uh.”

Venus sighed, again.

“What’s going on Stella?” Her tone had changed into a more stern one, needing to get to the bottom of things. Her little cowered in response but not out of fear, just guilt.

“Nuffin.” She lied, trying to avoid the conversation altogether. This earned a raised eyebrow from her mommy, a silent warning to stop doing what she knows is wrong.

“You know I don't appreciate dishonesty.”

The statement was supposed to encourage Stella to tell the truth and be upfront about how she was feeling. But instead, it only made the girl more apprehensive at the idea of revealing to Venus that she had been lying about something so simple for so long.

“I don't wanna talk about it.” A last-ditch effort to change the subject.

“I promise you’ll feel a lot better if you just tell momma what's bothering you, love. It’s not good to hold onto frustration like that.”

—

Apollo had finished his shift a little more than half an hour ago. He had been contemplating ways to cheer up his little one. This led him to a pet shop. Talking to one of the employees about possible options for the small family. He wanted a pet that Stella could care for without it being too much of a responsibility.

He and the man whose name he’d learned is Terrell had it narrowed down to three options.

“I’m telling you, man, little things need little pets, it only makes sense.” Terrell had tried convincing Apollo the moment the man had brought up the idea of a dog.

“My wife has an allergy to hamsters and I can't stand the noise that wheel makes.” He laughed out but was overall being honest.

“Ahhhh okay then, that helps now that leaves us a few options. Maybe your kid likes snakes or lizards?”

“But she’s a girl, I'm not sure how enthusiastic she’d be with a snake.” Apollo voiced his concern which caused Terrell to roll his eyes.

“I didn’t ask if she was a girl, I asked if she likes reptiles. My little girl is crazy for them. The wife and I got her a ball python last month and they've been best buddies since, I'm just saying it might be a good idea.”

“Wait, don’t you have to feed them like live rats?” The man suddenly remembered.

“Ohhh, yeah well sometimes, otherwise you can just get the frozen ones.” Terrell had a knowing look on his face so he instead guided the man towards another aisle.

“I take it your girl isn't too keen on violence.”

“No, not really, she's kind of a softy.” Apollo joked knowing the look both women would give him if they had been here.

“So soft, no rodents and no live feeding right?” The employee asked to make sure to get all of his notes right.

Apollo simply nodded along begging to believe it was a lost cause.

“I know just the pet for your little girl, follow me, man, they are right over this way.”

The two walked throughout the store, past the birds and beyond the bearded dragons straight to the fish.

Chapter 22: Brat

Summary:

Stella doing Stella shit

The idea of a pet fish seemed so simple in Apollo's mind that he had grown a bit envious that he hadn't thought of the idea himself. A fish should be easy to maintain and besides that, he wouldn't have to take it for walks or clean up after it too often.

First he of course wanted to look at the type of fish the store had for him, but the man was swiftly informed that most people set up tanks and add fish the same day. It’s really Recommended that you wait at least a week for the tank itself to filtrate and get nitrate levels at a constant level.

This led him to buy a 40-gallon tank, a bag of substrate, sand and gravel. He also bought aquarium water before heading to the decoration department where he also picked out a castle, some plants and a few bubblers with filters.

By the end of the experience Apollo had come to one conclusion, adopting a dog would have been easier.

It wasn't until he had arrived home that he thought of how to tell Stella he had planned on getting fish but only grabbed the tank. Surely the little one would understand?

With a sigh, the man gathered what he could before heading inside the house. It was eerily quiet, unlike most days when Stella was usually running around driving his wife mad. Today was different, almost calm which with all things considered was a change he hadn't expected.

Nonetheless, Apollo moved towards where he assumed Stella's room was. This proved to be more difficult than it should have been due to the tank now obscuring his vision. The plants he had purchased along with the multiple bags he practically shoved into the tank did little to help him see through the glass.

Somehow, despite not being able to see, regardless of the weight he had to hold in that awkward position, he’d made it. In his little one's room, the man quickly deposited the supplies onto the rug with a tired groan.

It wasn't easy and close to being over but damn was he close. With zero hesitation and no time to catch his breath, Apollo began the meticulous job of placing and then filling the tank, making sure to wash the sand and gravel out before adding it.

Not to mention anything else he had planned to add. Nearly an hour later and he was finished to his liking with all of the filters and bubblers working, the different nitrate and oxygen levels seemed to be stabilizing as well. Most of the dirt and gravel seemed to be settled, in no time he’d have this tank looking just as precise as the one in his room.

He’d please Venus while making his little love happy. What more could he want?

Deciding the work for today was done, Apollo cleaned the room before heading to where he believed his wife and child were, the obvious answer. Their room.

Through the half-closed door was one of the most precious sights the man had ever seen. Both women curled into each other. One ball of cuddled mess, Venus on the bottom of the pair, arms wrapped tightly around Stella who was on top, equally melting into Venus.

Light snores and muffled sounds of joy could be heard now and then. The two would shuffle around, trying to get… closer, if possible.

Not wanting to disturb them, Apollo left yet again, before retreating to the living room.

It wasn't often the man felt jealousy, much less for something as simple as a nap. But still, he was disappointed, looking for recognition, and praise for the work he had done. All of that would have to wait.

Pushing his disappointment aside, Apollo turned his PlayStation on. He hadn't gotten an opportunity to play anything since the little one had moved in, too busy with the ups and downs of parenting to do so.

Happily settling himself on the recliner, drink in one hand, controller in the other. Today's drink of choice is Hennesey. This afternoon, he’d allow himself to indulge, a small reward for the work he had done.

It wasn't a stressful day, necessarily but regardless he had finished the drink in record time, then placed the now empty cup on the coffee table. A comfortable silence breezed through the living room, much like the breeze outside, cold yet content. Apollo would choose to busy himself with yet another shooting game, most guy's first choice.

However, he liked Fortnite, it was easy enough to catch up on and the layout was fairly simple. Now to mention it was one of three games he had found on Stella’s Nintendo Switch, Venus had deemed ‘Appropriate.’

He had since bought and gifted his little one countless skins and emotes, unknown to her of course since her mommy still viewed the game as ‘Violent.’ He at the moment didn't care for such details, the game was owned by Disney, so how bad could it be?

The first round was awful, as imagined the man had no practice, a fool on the battlefield. The second time around Apollo was no better, it wasn't until he joined a random squad, one consisting of mostly 30-year-old men.

From the sounds of the chat, they had also indulged in some after-work activities. The gamertags were vulgar and reflected everything you'd expect from said age group. It was the change he had since been unaware he needed, a guy's group to have fun nights with.

 

They all ended up playing seven rounds of the battle royal, switching to zero build a little while after deciding that might be easier. The night had ended near dinner time when all of the men including Apollo had decided it was time to get off of the game and check in with reality.

For Apollo, this meant checking in on both women upstairs.

Who was still fast asleep it's not that he had anything against making dinner it was just that for this instance he simply didn't know how to go about making the meal Venus had set out for tonight.

It was an oxtail stew, something Apollo knew nothing about. Today was not going to be the day to figure it out either because a loud knock from the front door caught his attention while waking the sleeping beauties upstairs.

As it would turn out, a delivery had been made. Well, several technically, professionally wrapped presents, all adorned with bows and name tags.

All were addressed to Stella.

With a confused half-smile, Apollo signed the paper a delivery boy had held out for him. Which led him to another list of tasks and questions. The first is, what to do with all of these presents.

 

By the time he had hauled the final gift into the living room, closing the front door behind him, Apollo realized Venus had come down at some point and was now looking over the small mountain of things.

“Please tell me you did not buy all of this? You've already gotten her a fish tank.” She was quick to point out which only excited the man.

“Oh, so you saw it. Do you like it? Think she's going to enjoy it, babe, I spent so long picking everything out and wasn't sure what you guys would think, of course I still need to buy some fish but the salesman said it's best to let the tank settle or something.” He rambled endless nonsensical half-sentences.

Venus smiled, finding his excitement cute.

“I thought everything was beautifully displayed, especially the variety of plants you've picked out. Our little one is going to love it.”

He frowned at the statement.

 

“You mean, she isn't awake yet?” He asked, a certain disappointed tone underlining his words.

“No, love I think she’s having a rather… off day. I tried to get her to tell me what was going on but nothing seemed to be working, that's when I suggested we take a nap.” The wife did her best to explain the afternoon.

“Perhaps she's just sleepy is all, littles ones do tend to love their naps. Even if they don't like to admit it.”

Venus was going to agree with the man, but a familiar voice stopped her from doing so. Stella had woken up and in doing so, discovered the new addition to her room. She rushed down the stairs before finding her caregivers, quickly wrapping the two of them in a big hug.

“Thank you so so much for the birthday fishies.”

Confused looks from the couple were shared between the two, it was Apollo who had spoken up first.

“Stella baby, your birthday isn't until July, are you feeling alright, princess?” He asked while placing the back of his hand on the little one's head. She didn't feel any warmer than usual.

“No, it's not daddy.” The little one said confidently.

Before anyone could elaborate on what she had said, Stella had a new question in mind.

“What's that stuff?”

“Oh well, um I'm not entirely sure little one, it seems someone sent you a few gifts.” Apollo did his best to explain while also trying to fill Venus in on what had happened.

“For my birthday?”

“Why are you so insistent that your birthday is coming up? It isn't for months, baby girl.” Now it was Venus’s turn to ask the questions and more importantly, inspect the presents.

“Hmm, it seems as though your Aunt Victoria wanted to wish you a… happy birthday.”

 

Stella’s point of view-

As it turns out, lying to mommy and daddy about something as simple as my birthday, was a huge deal. At least for mommy, dad didn't seem to care as much. He was busy preparing for the birthday party I “absolutely need.”

Right now I'm meant to be writing lines about telling lies, but I can think of so many things much more entertaining than this. Like opening the gifts Aunty V had sent me. Unfortunately, mommy said I’d have to wait until my actual birthday before I could. Which is stupid considering Victoria is rich and meant to send them to me early.

How did she even know my birthday? It was a question mommy and Daddy seemed to be talking about a lot when they thought I wasn't paying any attention. It had been about three days since the gifts were sent and the cat got out of the bag.

Almost every day I've been able to somehow get out of all the punishments Mommy mentioned giving me. Until today of course when I accidentally called her a not-so-nice name after she brought up the fact that I'd have to wait a few more days for the presents.

So now with a slightly sore bottom, I'm forced to copy the same sentence over and over. I have been here a while, or at least I think so although only four lines have been completed. Honestly, you can't blame me for not wanting to write them, it's extremely boring.

I sneak a quick peek behind me to see if Mommy is paying any attention to me, but like usual she’s just cooking something in the kitchen. I hope she's making pizza, it's been forever since I’ve had any and besides who the hell eats vegetables every day?!

Well since Daddy is nowhere to be seen, I decide to use this opportunity to escape my punishment yet again. This time I won't abuse my freedom with alcohol, no I'm going to truly enjoy it this time.

It's PlayStation time!

This time I was able to get out of the room undetected in record time. Once I quietly left the dining room, I made my way towards the living room where I knew all of the electronics were kept.

I only had one problem, The PlayStation had to be played on a TV and that increased my odds of getting caught. My only real option was to grab my Nintendo switch instead, it’s way more discrete and this way I'm able to bring it up to my room so I can hide.

Soon I'm running into my room, well more like speed walking with my switch in hand ready to play. This time though I’ll hide behind the door since I usually hide in my closet and I think Mommy starting to catch on.

Once I get as comfy as possible and turn on my switch I'm left with one final obstacle, what to play? I used to have a ton of games on here but Momma said most of them are too violent for me, total bullshit if you ask me but still I guess it could be worse.

After what feels like forever, I've finally decided to play. Animal Crossing, the game is simple enough plus I love the graphics. Since I hadn't played in some time, unfortunately, some of my villagers had moved away, but honestly I wasn't too upset. Most of them were annoying anyway, besides, now I get to decorate new homes.

It was easily my favorite part of the game, decorating especially since my old apartment barely had any. A perk that comes with minimum wage. I don't want to think about my past anymore, not now anyway. It wasn't something I have to worry about anymore so I see no point stressing myself out thinking of it.

I haven't had to worry about much since I moved here, mommy and Daddy do a good job making sure of that. All I ever worry about is what dinner is and if there are any vegetables in it. But enough of that, back to the game.

I start with the living room area, placing nice couches and other things my characters might need. Then I decide to move onto the kitchen and finish up decorating the bedroom. Before I know it the entire house is finished.

This goes on for some time, me decorating various houses and completely forgetting anything else, fixated on the game at hand. It was a behavior I repeated now and then, one I never thought to bring up in therapy. I'd get lost in almost a trance, no matter what it was I was obsessed with at the time.

One time I binge-watched ‘Super Nanny’ for months before my parents eventually forced me to watch anything else. It was that weird stage in life where you have no control over it yet in a few years you'll be in charge of the rest of it. A living paradox.

I didn't have much time to dwell, I could hear footsteps rushing up the stairs. Here I thought we weren't allowed to run up them, I suppose those rules only apply to me. Like the alcohol rule, and smoking rule and essentially all of them.

“Stella Marie, come out here this instant!”

Fuck, I forgot about Mommy and the lines, very quickly I turn the volume on my Switch down and hold my breath.

I can hear her walk through my doorway, she's moving towards the closet I brilliantly did not hide behind, she's too predictable. Or perhaps I am since it was my hiding spot. That's a debate for another time, for now, I focus back on the other person in the room.

 

One thing was certain, I was NOT coming out from behind the door, especially when she's this upset. I can still hear her rummaging through the room, frantically searching for me. Now and then a curse would escape her lips, adding to my nervousness.

“I am going to count to three. And when I reach three you had better be in front of me with one hell of an explanation young lady!”

As if counting was going to get me out of this spot and into trouble.

“One..”

She's eerily calm but still she wouldn't do anything, would she?

“Two..”

No, there's no way she'd get to three, it was just a threat like when daddy counts to three but never really makes it there, right?

“Three!”

The door was pulled back revealing a VERY upset Mommy, I screamed and tried to run, but I was too slow and she was too fast. She had caught me and there was nowhere to go. The prospect of the impending punishment fueled my anxiety as I tried anything to break free, accidentally hitting Mommy in the process.

I cried and begged to be put down and was rewarded with silence in return. Without a word I was practically dragged to the closest corner, forced to stare into it.

Notes:

Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far, please let me know any suggestions or requests you might have for any upcoming updates:)

Chapter 23: Mouse trap

Summary:

Stella tries to no open her birthday presents.

Stellas point of view-

I’ve been thinking, dangerous I know but that's what mommy always tells me to do when i'm in the corner. To think about what I've done. I've come to one conclusion during my time here, Aunty Victoria is the best! She really knows how to make someone feel special, even if that means doing things in secret.

I glance over at the pile of presents I could see from the corner, each one sending a silent plea to be opened. Discovered. There's a big one shaped like a dollhouse, another that jingles when I poke it, and a soft, squishy one that I bet is a giant plushie. I wonder if there's a unicorn in one of them? Or maybe a real life mermaid? Okay maybe not a mermaid, but a girl can dream.

I sigh and try to focus on my punishment, but my mind keeps drifting back to the presents. MY presents. Maybe if I just peek? No, mommy would know. She always knows. It’s like she has eyes on the back of her head.

But… What if I was super sneaky? I could wait until after dinner when they’re watching Tv. I’ll tiptoe into the living room, grab the smallest present, and run back into my room. I'll open it super quietly, and then hide the evidence before they even know I'm gone.

It’s a super risky plan, but the temptation is too strong. I have to know what’s inside those boxes! And besides, what's the worst that could happen? More lines? A time out? A slightly sore bottom? It’s a small price to pay for a glimpse into Aunt Victoria’s world of surprises.

With newfound determination, I finish my time, and lines. Each stroke of the pen is fueled by the promise of forbidden treasure. As soon as dinner is over, Operation Birthday Surprise will commence. And nothing, not even mommy’s watchful eyes, will stop me.

Soon mommy called me over to where she was sitting on the couch, this time I didn't hesitate or show signs of any type of attitude. I can't risk her ruining my plan. I’m not sure if I climbed into her lap or if she lifted me up but I didn't mind.

Mommy's hand found its way under my chin, slowly lifting my head so our eyes could meet. She didn’t look upset anymore, a fact that soothed some worried part of me. Though she’d never be upset with me too long. I smile trying to show my remorse without actually having to verbalize it.

“Use your words, sweetheart.”

God how I hate that sentence, it has some kind of hypnotic super power in it. Forcing me to listen to mama's words, to speak.

“I’m sorry, mommy,” I mumble, the words feeling like a dead weight in my mouth. “I won’t do it again.”

Her eyes soften, but there’s still a hint of steel in them. “I know you didn't mean to, baby. But sometimes, even little fibs can turn into big messes.” She pauses, looking me over as if thinking of how to continue, “Aunt Victoria is very excited for you to open those presents, but she wants you to learn patience.”

Patience? Easier said than done when a mountain of gifts is practically begging to be unwrapped. But I nod, trying to look convincing.
“I understand, Momma.”

She smiles, finally relenting. “Good girl. Now, how about we read a story before dinner?”

A story? That could buy me some time to refine my plan. So I happily nod my head and in return mommy smiles brightly at me.

I’m carried into the Living room after mommy had found a book she deemed suitable. Unfortunately this only positioned me closer to the presents.
“Are you all ready now, little love?”

Hoping a nod of the head will do I snuggle into her side, pretending to be engrossed in the book, but my mind is already racing. Maybe I could ask for my paci as a distraction? Or perhaps create a diversion with a loud noise? The possibilities are endless. The whole ordeal is nearly as thrilling as drinking.

As she reads, I carefully study the layout of the living room, noting the location of each present, the position of the TV, and the blind spots where I might be able to sneak past unnoticed. But then there's Mommys iron grip, which only seems to tighten when I move to escape her hold.

“Shhh sit still little one, we’re nearly done.” She slowly rocks us, back and forth until I'm reluctantly calm. Nearly drifting to sleep. But it’s not what I want to do right now, It's not what I want to do ever, I hate naps!

I make one last effort to wriggle free, whining slightly as I do. This time instead of trying to convince me to settle verbally she simply began unbuttoning her shirt, then unclasped her bra and allowed her breast to lay freely. Mommy's hand laid in my head, slowly directing me until my mouth was snug against her nipple, expertly suckling. Almost on instinct, because at this point it was natural for us.

“There you go sweetheart, It’s okay, mommy’s here.” Now how could I resist that? The sounds of her reading mixed with the soft suckling noises all made for a relaxing environment. Thoughts of how I was going to steal my own birthday raced through my mind and before I could register that this was Mommys plan the entire time, I was fast asleep.

 

~~It was cold and dark, the faint sound of mechanical gears working together was audible. But where was it coming from!? Then click clack click clack the sound grew closer as I tried and failed to move my limbs, to speak. Nothing.

“You look so much prettier all tied up and vulnerable, scared no doubt.” Where do I know that voice from?!

A cold hand grips my chin, nothing like how mommy does it, not at all like that. This was rough and filled with hate. Where is Momma?

“I'm going to have so much fun playing with you, but all in due time, little one.” ~~

Then I woke up, coughing as I did so. Covered in sweat and desperately trying to claw my clothes off, finding them far too restricting now. I made no effort to look around or call for help, distracted with the hem of my shirt. I couldn't stop the tears from falling or the whines that escaped my mouth,maybe that's why Mommy heard me so quickly.

It was fast, one moment I was alone and scared and then I was in her arms again, head burrowing into her neck, my hands gripping on her shirt instead of my own. All in an attempt to get closer, if possible.

Mommy continued to whisper reassuring words in between the strokes on my back, a slight sway as she walked us to nowhere in particular. She wasn't upset that I didn't respond to her words, or that the tears seemed endless while I overreacted to my bad dream.

Eventually after I calmed just the slightest, She asked the dreaded question.

“What happened, babygirl?”

And that's all it took for me to tell her everything that happened, how it looked, felt. What I heard, the things I couldn't do, the worry. Everything. Mommy didn’t interrupt, just listened and waited, still swaying, still close.

“Dreams can get pretty scary sometimes, hm little one?” She gently wiped the remaining tears from my cheek before continuing. “I used to have bad dreams when I was little too baby, I promise it’s only that, a dream, and mommy and daddy will be here for you always.”

I smiled up at her, unable to gather my thoughts anymore or words for that matter. Mommy smiled back at me, seeming to understand my predicament. Staying put on her hips I was carried into the dinning room, where dinner and yet again no daddy awaited.

“Would you like to sit in your highchair tonight, or with Mommy?” What a silly question, of course I'd rather her lap than that damn chair. Slowly I nuzzled back into her, earning a laugh as she nodded her head in understanding. “Okay baby, Mommy it is then.”

The two of us sat down at the table and began to eat tonight's meal, this time consisting of vegetable soup and bread. It took longer than usual, with mommy alternation between feeding me and herself while trying to minimize the mess made while doing so.

As usual I was made to finish all of my food, a task that only gets easier as time goes on. It still irritates a small nagging part in the back of my mind. The part of me that believes basic necessities need to be earned and rewarded, not simply given. But that's ridiculous, and I know that now. After supper was cleaned up to mommys standards, we headed upstairs for bathtime.

The warm water of the bath did little to soothe the lingering chill from my dream. I clung to Mommy like a koala, my hands gripping her as she washed my hair. Every shadow in the bathroom seemed to hold a lurking monster, every creak of the house sent shivers down my spine.

“Mommy?” I whispered, my voice barely audible above the splashing water.

“Yes, baby?”

“Can I sleep in your room, please?” Of course I had been sleeping in there anyways, I felt the need to make sure.

Mommy’s smile was soft and reassuring. “Of course, sweetheart, Don’t worry I will always be here to protect my little one.”

But even her words couldn't completely chase away the fear. As she dried me off and dressed me in my pj’s, I couldn't shake the feeling that the monster from my dream was still lurking, just out of sight.

When we finally settled into bed, I snuggled as close to Mommy as possible. Her familiar scent and the warmth of her body were comforting, but I still couldn't relax.

The present in the living room seems to mock me with their cheerful colors and enticing shapes. But they are no longer a source of excitement, but a reminder of the dangers of the unknown. I didn't want to open them, remembering how aunt V spoke to me, how she made me feel. What if the monster was hiding in one of them, waiting.

Sleep was a long time coming, and when it finally arrived, it was filled with whispered fears of the unknown woman. I woke up several times throughout the night, each time reaching for Mommy, needing her reassurance that I was safe.

 

The next morning, the sun was shining, and the house seemed brighter, less menacing. But the fear still lingered. I knew that the dream was just a dream, but it had changed something inside of me. The world felt a little less safe, a little more uncertain.

And as I looked at the pile of presents inside the living room later in the afternoon, I knew Operation Birthday was off. For now at least until I can figure out who the woman is, and why she wants to get me

Notes:

Imma be honest I haven’t written anything since march and admittedly I should’ve have been making more of an effort writing my story. I’ve just been regressed most of the time and surprisingly (not really) little me is a horrible author.

But with summer approaching I should have more time to update chapters on both my works so please bear with me!!!

Okayyy byeeeeeeee

Chapter 24: The storm

Summary:

Bpd sucks.

Notes:

This chapter contains depictions of self harm and other related topics! If that is something you find triggering please do not continue reading!!

It is a universally unspoken rule that on your birthday, you get to decide how the day goes. The theme, the events. The day is yours to seize, everything else around you simply, follows your lead.

It was Stella Morello’s favorite part of the entire ordeal, she could do practically anything and use her birthday as an excuse, people around her would simply have to accept that and move on.

In the past she’d spend the day abusing alcohol and weed, anything the girl could get her hands on. Her parents would make a routine 10 minute call wishing her a happy birthday while simultaneously blaming her for the current predicament her life was.

For the past two years Stella was either too drunk or too high to answer the call, she hadn't planned it this way of course it just always seemed to work out like that. Dumb luck.

This year was different, without the distractions of substance the woman was left to face the day, to allow everyone to celebrate her. Her birth. Her life and the fact that she was still living it.

The thought kept her up at night. She even requested to sleep in her own room again, afraid of bothering the couple with her restless stirring. They had been dealing with enough things, she surmised.

Afterall Stella is still an adult physically, so hiding inner conflicts was more difficult. And besides that Venus and Apollo argued more frequently. The man stayed out late longer and the woman cried more often.

It was all so overwhelming for everyone, Stella especially. Nobody took the time to explain the problems to her, so naturally she thought she must be one of them.

She spiraled. Became reclusive. Spent less days regressed and more days hiding behind a mask. Pretending everything was alright and that she was simply not feeling well.

Apollo had openly believed everything she said, if only to spite Venus. She was the complete opposite, constantly checking on Stella. Asking if she was alright, if her stomach was hurting her or perhaps it was head.

All of which Stella denied.

It wasn't until the day before her 22nd birthday that Stella thought very briefly about telling Venus what she was dealing with. She didn't.

Instead, she requested to take a shower, by herself.

“I started my period.” She lied and so how could anyone argue with that logic?

She was nearly all the way up the stairs, when a hand gently pulled at her slounder. It was Venus of course. She looked worried yet apprehensive, like she knew about something and didnt know how to address it.

“Yes?” Stella asked, trying her hardest not to sound too irritated.

“I… I just wanted to show you where all of the hygiene products are, so you have everything you need, that's all love.”

If venus was upset or suspicious, she didn't let it show.

“Oh, well thank you.”

A quick nod of the head and the two of them were walking towards Venus’s bathroom closet. There Stella was given just about anything a woman might need during her time of the month. All The While she dodged Venus’s questions, unless they were about her period or the shower.

“Enjoy your shower little one, yell for me if you need anything okay sweetheart?”

“Thank you Mommy, I will.” A bright smile, innocent voice. Venus was none the wiser.

The bathroom door was closed, Stella locked it and began to run the water. Waiting for it to warm up. She sat down on the counter where she dug the razor she had stolen from Apollo’s garage earlier in the day from out of her shoe. Surprisingly there were no accidental nics.

Gently Stella placed the forbidden object next to her before she hopped off the counters and began to undress. She took her time, another unspoken ritual she’d never forget.

Undress. Shower. Sit. Spill.

The shower curtains were opened, she stepped in allowing the hot water to flow through her hair and down her body. Almost changing her mind when the thought of Venus finding out crossed her mind.

Almost.

Stella spent 15 minutes scrubbing her body, every inch of flesh left clean. Like she was desperately trying to get rid of any evidence the old her existed. The broken Stella.

The one living in a nearly abandoned apartment with a dead end job. The one desperate enough to agree to any of this in the first place. Though she didn't regret her decision.

She was just feeling a lot of things all at once. Her emotional bottle was full and the only way she knew how to deal with it was to let it spill.

The last remnant of soap circled around the drain before unceremoniously swirling down into it. A deep breath, a last ditch effort to sort things without the deathly crutch.

She stepped out of the shower. Grabbed the blade then sat on the shower floors, water pouring down on her, blurring her vision more than the tears already were.

Memories of her past raced through her mind, the abandonment. The hurt. The loneliness.

She was ruining Venus and Apollo’s marriage, she thought as she stared at her thighs.

Constantly needing to sleep in their bed, never allowing them the space married couples might need. All because of her own dreams. Her mind is playing tricks on her yet again.

She cried about her parents and the truth that they probably wouldn't call this year.

God they don't even know she’s left the state. Do they care?

The bpd spiral was consuming her, suffocating her brain with only negatives. With her failures. Her mistakes. Stella was hyperventilating, the mirrors on the walls fogged with steam as the water continued to drown out any noises she was making.

She needed it to stop. To gain some form of control in her life. She wanted to feel something, anything other than the guilt that coursed through her.

Her hand shook, only slightly as she raised the blade to inspect it once more. No rust.

The same shaky hand brought the razor down onto her once healed skin.

Once. Twice. Until Stella had a perfectly neat row of seven little lines. Her blood mixed with the now lukewarm water, she felt the familiar dizzy sensation as her hand fell beside her.

It hurt like hell. The water dug into the fresh cuts as she laid back.

But she could breathe again. The voices of hatred had stopped. The bottle was no longer full.

Ten more minutes passed before someone knocked at the door, pulling Stella out of the trance she was in.

“Stella honey? Are you okay there?” It was Venus.

The water stopped. Stella got up and quickly wrapped a towel around her body.

“Yeah! Sorry mom, I got a little carried away with the soap!” The blade was hidden inside the wrapping of a menstrual pad.

“Well that's quite alright dear, but I'm afraid it’s time to come out now love, I've ordered pizza, I know it’s your favorite.”

She nodded her head before realizing Venus couldnt see through doors and gave a quick response about how she’d be out as soon as she finished getting dressed.

Another thing Venus usually helped her with.
Another red flag.

Stella did her best to clean up the damage she had done to her leg, wiping them with hydrogen peroxide before carefully placing bandages over them. Then when she deemed it all done, she placed a kiss over it all.

Just like Venus would.

With long pajama pants on and a pink tee shirt, Stella finally joined everyone downstairs. This time Apollo was actually home for dinner.

Tonight it would seem, Venus had lost her mind and was actually allowing everyone to eat in the living room, on the couch even. While the TV played!

Naturally the not so little one sat at the dining room table trying and failing to sit herself in her highchair.

An amused smile formed on Apollo's face when he realized what she was doing.

“Little one, we're eating out here tonight, dont worry its okay. Mommy probably won't kill us for this later.” He playfully winked at her and for the first time that day she smiled. A genuine smile, one that reached her eyes.

Because it was true, Venus would probably regret this decision when a stain appeared in the morning but for now, this was heaven. A slice of normalcy to split up the non stop schedule that is her life.

No rules, no expectations. Just pick a movie and eat the pizza. This is something she can do.

When she asked her caregivers if she could pick any movie, they agreed. So with zero hesitation she put on ‘Thirteen’ . It was her go to comfort movie when she did regrettable things.

Venus had immediately disapproved but eventually changed her mind when both Stella and Apollo reassured her that Stella wasn't feeling little and could handle the film.

They were wrong, but Stella did a good job at maintaining a neutral expression, as to not alarm anyone to her recent behavior.

When the movie ended and Apollo declared it bedtime the girl was more than ready to comply, wanting to put the day behind her.

“Are you going to read to me tonight Daddy?”

It wasn't something they had done together in a while, something Apollo did feel sorry about.

“I'm afraid not Princess, I have a few loose ends I need to tie up in my office.”

Stellas disappointment was written all over her face; a nearly silent “oh” was her only response.

“I’m sure your Mommy will read to you if you ask nicely, hmm?”

A nod of the head and the man seemed satisfied, then turned and walked towards his office.

Venus was waiting upstairs for the girl, who took longer than usual getting there with the pain now radiating down her thigh.

At first she had tried to lay in the bed, but was silently stopped by her Mommy.

“We’re going to read on the rocking chair tonight baby.” This was one of those commands disguised as an option, and Stella knew it.

Obediently, she waited by the chair until she was lifted and placed on Venus’s lap.

A shirt was lowered. A bra unclasped.

Stella nearly jumped at them, anxiously trying to get a good latch. She needed the distraction, needed an excuse to not talk, not accidentally give her secrets away.

Calm fingers guided her lips around the breast until the milky substance was coating Stella’s mouth and the sweet taste of distraction filled her.

Venus read another childrens book, just like any other night. And before the end Stella was fast asleep. Placed on her bed. Tucked in, and bid goodnight. Not before receiving a kiss of course.

 

—

 

The house was still in the cold midnight air. The promise of a party was looming in the distance with Stella's birthday a mere hours away. The married couple finally slept together without a fight and the girl wasn't disturbed by her usual nightmares.

But the universe had other plans for tonight. Real nightmares. The kind you can't wake up from, can't escape.

A fence was opened. A window was opened. Someone came in and no one noticed. The hallway night light turned on as the intruder made their way towards the bedrooms.

A door was opened and then there was a struggle. Muted but violent. One person came in and two came out. A necklace was strategically placed on the bottom step. Then?

Nothing.

The night continued without missing a beat. No witnesses. No trace. Just gone.

A van that sped out of the driveway. Everything was different and no one knew.

The birthday girl had been taken.

Chapter 25: The masked man

It was cold. Dark. Deathly silent, and Stella was alone. Without the protection of Venus and Apollo she was left defenseless. Stella hadn't woken up yet. She wouldn't for a while. Her captor had hit her head in the middle of the bedroom struggle.

Preparations were made. This was planned, a spider web carefully spun. Stella was stuck in the middle of it. A revenge plan coming into action. Venus had taken something from Victoria and in return she’d do the same.

The woman of the new house walked around it as if she was a goddess. She stared at the younger woman curled up on the floor, a wicked grin forming on her face. Soon she’d wake up and then Victoria could play with her.

She checked the windows, the doors making sure they had not magically become unlocked since she last checked. They didn’t. Before exiting the room, Victoria made sure to fasten a new golden collar to Stella's neck, making sure it was locked too.

“Sleep well little mouse, in the morning you become mine.” Then, just as quietly as she arrived, Victoria left.

In the Ashford house things were vastly different. There would be no tree house, no dessert, and absolutely no goodnight kisses.

This was not and will never be a house filled with love. Instead the foundation was laid with manipulative concrete, a crawl space filled with skeletons from the past.

Stella was thrown into the middle of it, surrounded by dark cold walls that held no promise of escape. Her room sat in the middle of a long hallway, right next to Victorias.

Not in a basement or some medieval dungeon, instead Stella was out in the open. Her captor didn't care about others discovering her whereabouts. She was confident and calculated.

Or maybe just cocky.

After All this wouldn't be the first time a woman found herself locked in the cage that was this room.

—

In Maine, Venus had woken up after sleeping through a most undesirable nightmare. Her nightgown clung to sweat soaked skin, her breathing was frantic as Venus tried to focus on her surroundings.

In reality, not some dream. A quick glance at her husband would confirm that he had slept through her interrupted nightmare.

The woman shook her head, in disappointment.

Or was it anger? Disdain perhaps, or maybe even regret.

She didn't let the thought linger for much longer and instead got out of bed and headed towards Stella’s room. Today is her birthday after all and Venus would like for her to wake up with her gifts in her room, waiting.

The hallway was colder than usual, a fact Venus picked up on. Still she blamed the sweat still on her pajamas. Sweaty pajamas, she had nearly forgotten about the state she was in.

In a half walk half sneak, she eventually made it to her closet, trying to be quiet. Though she didn't necessarily care if she woke Apollo. It was simply out of habit.

Within a minute the woman had stripped her nightmare nightgown and replaced them with shorts and a long sleeve shirt. This time adding socks, to combat the cold hardwood floor.

A door opened, at first it was a quick glance. It must be a trick of the lighting or a bad angle. Surely Stella was just hidden under the shading of the room.

The woman was frantic, peeling all of the linen off the bed before rummaging through the rest of the room. She turned over furniture, destroyed the closet looking. Venus’s voice was becoming coarse with all of the screaming she did while looking.

Apollo had woken up during this, though he seemed more annoyed than worried which angered his wife.

“I’m sure she’s around here somewhere Venus, don't freak yourself out.”

He must've seen the look on her face and decided his health was important too.

“I just think there might be a more logical reason for her absence, calm down.”

That did it, the woman couldn't predent the feelings toward him were remotely close to love, no. That ship had sailed. Just leaving the safety of the port, now facing the raging waters.

“Who are you anymore? Because this man.” She paused gesturing at him.

“This isn't the person I married.”

Apollo retreated downstairs while Venus frantically scoured the security footage for any clues.

That's when she saw it. The abduction. The robbery of what was hers.

Everything stopped, the world stood still. Not a single breath was taken, she couldn't move. Couldn't think, frozen with shock.

How?
Who?
Why?

The screen illuminated, the same scene playing on repeat.

Her body moved before her mind had the chance to catch up. At first the numbers were typed in incorrectly.

#21
812
614

Then finally

911.

A dial tone, faint but deafening in the silence.

A voice, calm. Professional.

“Where is your emergency?”

“Do you need medical assistance?”

“How long ago did the break in occur?”

“Wait outside until the police arrive.”

“You said her name is Stella Morello?”

“Age and birthdate if you know.”

“Don’t worry ma’am we’re going to do our best to bring her home for her birthday.”

Now THAT was something the women shouldn't have said, a mistake.

A lie.

–

The house was searched, no clues were found. Police littered the property calling a name that would never answer.

The couple were asked endless questions, they answered all of them. The camera footage of the abduction helped expedite the process of starting a small search team. Something Venus was grateful for.

Apollo was distant, seemingly shocked by the situation.

It infuriated Venus to no end but she didn't have time for his games, her little one is missing.

Her necklace was the only hope they had and that was found in the crime scene, and was taken as evidence.

Luckily the van that took Stella parked in front of the cameras beautifully. Leaving a full license plate.

Stolen. A few months ago from the looks of it, and from new hampshire of all places. Too close to home. Too suspicious.

No one put the pieces together though, too frazzled to think further or shift blame on anyone other than a masked person in the night.

The neighbors, as far as they were, helped. The Williams drove over in search too. Everyone working together to help bring Stella home.

Everyone except, Apollo.

Sure he lingered in the distance and looked worried when people asked him questions but it was a performance. An illusion carefully cast onto the onlookers.

But what was he hiding?

Notes:

I haven’t fully figured out what I’m going to do with Stella yet… but I’d love to hear your theories.

Chapter 26: Tea Party

Summary:

Venus unravels while Apollo drinks away his guilt.

Hope is a fickle thing, it can lead to so many possibilities. So many ideas. Fantasies.

It's the kind of thing that makes you believe you just might find a missing person by the end of a dreaded, unspoken 48-hour deadline.

It's the kind of thing that makes you believe your husband is just in shock and not that he's somehow involved. Because honestly, it's such an absurd indictment, who would believe it, let alone entertain the notion?

Hope. It's what led Venus to search endlessly for hours, covered in mud and snow. Frozen in fear and actual frost. Police had advised her to return home, take a break.

How?

During a time like this, rest was the last thing on Venus’s mind.

No. She had to find Stella, she’d search every corner of the world for her little one.

 

—

 

The sun had since risen, cascading over the land like a blanket of light. She couldn't be hidden in the shadows of the nighttime anymore. At least for the rest of the day, anyway.

A silver lining, the kind of thing she needed to hold onto, to give hope to.

The police were kind. Slow, but overall proving useless. At least in Venus’s opinion. It had been hours, and nothing but a necklace had been found.

The necklace. It had brought a lot of questions to light, the main one being. Who would know how to take it off?

They hadn't told Stella, no. Venus hadn't told Stella. Apollo, however, had accidentally but still.

Who else had he told?

Venus is a smart woman, there is no doubt about that fact. She knew something felt off. Wrong. But her mind was foggy with panic and desperation. She couldn't think straight.

Needing a distraction, or rather something to feel grounded by. An anchor. Apollo would prove useless at a time like this.

“I’m going to head back to the house.” He explained to no one in particular.

“I need a drink.” So he did. Left and went straight to his bar, pouring a glass of Johnnie Walker. Blue label.

His favorite, one usually reserved for celebrations.

—

The woman wasn't left with many options, so she called her sister. Because at times like these, she should be able to rely on family, no matter how distant they had become.

A contact was selected. The phone rang.

And rang.

And rang.

And rang.

Until finally, a voice.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Little sister. I thought you were still upset with me.”

She was, but despite times.

“Stella's missing, someone took her in the middle of the night, police have been searching for hours, I…I don’t know what to do, Apollo is drinking himself stupid, I feel so lost, V.”

A pause, then a large inhale like she was soaking in every word Venus spoke.

Then? The performance of a lifetime.

“What terrible news, and on her birthday of all times. Surely you have some sort of security measures in place? When did you say this happened? I'm sure I could have my private investigator look up any leads that have come up. Stella is such a beautiful girl, I’d hate for anything to happen, if I can help it.”

Information was exchanged, and the details of the break-in were discussed. A video was sent over, which Victoria watched repeatedly.

Ted, the PI. He would help, Victoria reassured over and over that he was the real deal. Any hopes of Victoria finding out who did this, Ted would be able to bring to reality.

“I can't thank you enough, seriously, I owe you, and I am sorry for how I acted towards Lily, I just wasn't sure.”

A laugh, not full, just a snicker, almost like a scoff but not quite.

“Of course, I’d do the same for my little Lily.”

“Oh, and Venus?” Her tone had dropped into something more sinister, less welcoming than hers.

“Consider it water under the bridge, dearest little sister.”

The call ended, and a new one began.

This time with Ted.

 

—

 

In New Hampshire, Stela was beginning to stir, the phone call no doubt having woken her.

The light hit her eyelids first. Gentle at first, too gentle.

Stella stirred, her head a dull, throbbing mess.

Her limbs felt heavy, like she’d slept for centuries underwater. A blanket of fog clung to her thoughts as she blinked groggily, trying to make sense of the strange ceiling above her.

This wasn't her room.

This wasn't anyone's room.

She sat up slowly, the motion sending a sharp sting down her neck, and then? A sound.

Click

Her fingers flew to her throat.

Cold. Hard. Smooth metal.

A collar.

A collar.

Panic shot through her chest like a lightning bolt. Fast and violent.

The memories came crashing in with it, soft blankets.

Warm room, a Struggle.

A voice she couldn't place but hated instantly.

She scrambled to her feet, stumbling back into the wall behind her.

The room was sterile.

Empty.

No windows, no.. wait, there was one. It was barred, and a thick golden latch clung to the door.

The kind you were in the safe.

Or in prisons.

Someone had gone to great lengths to make sure she didn't leave.

Where was Venus?

Where was anyone?

Her breath hitched, ragged and uneven as the terror slithered through her spine. She wanted to scream, but something deep in her not to.

Someone was watching.

Waiting.

Listening.

 

—

 

The door made a sound like a sigh, soft.

Almost gentle, before the latch turned with a heavy metallic clunk.

Stella froze.

She didn't blink, didn't breathe.

Every muscle in her body locked in place as the door creaked open, spilling a golden pool of light across the floor.

And then she entered.

Victoria.

She was dressed in a robe too elegant for someone so cruel.

Silk.

Gold embroidery at the edges. Her hair was perfectly styled, like she’d just come from brunch with royalty.

In her hands, she held a porcelain tray.

Two teacups.

Delicate. White. No doubt expensive. One was pink with roses. The other, a smaller one, was a pale blue.

She smiled, but it wasn't kind.

“Good morning, sunshine,” she purred, voice syrupy and slow.

“I thought I'd find you awake. You've been sleeping so long… I was starting to worry I gave you too much sleepy medicine.”

Stella pressed herself harder against the wall, her fingers clutching the collar like it might snap under pressure.

It didn't.

“W-Where am I?” Her voice cracked, betraying her fear.

Victoria placed the tray gently on the side table, brushing invisible dust from the air like she was in a dollhouse. Then, she turned to Stella with a tilt to her head.
“You're home, darling. Your real home. With me.”

Her eyes were wide. Bright. Too bright.

The kind of brightness that wasn't light at all, it was fire. Controlled, waiting to spread.

“I know this is scary right now. Change always is,” she cooed, walking slowly toward her.

“But you’ll adjust. They all do, eventually.”

They.

Stella’s heart dropped like a stone into her stomach.

“I don't belong here,” She whispered.

Victoria blinked, almost as if disappointed. Then her smile deepened into something crueler, colder.

“You belong wherever I say you do, little mouse.”

She reached forward, brushing a piece of hair from Stella’s cheek with a motherly tenderness that made her skin crawl.

“You’re mine now. And don't worry, soon you’ll understand why that is such a blessing.”

She leaned in close, lips near Stella’s ear, and whispered,

“They never came for the others either.”

She turned, set her teacup down, and sipped like it was just another lovely morning.

Because to her, it was.

—

Victoria didn't leave after her tea. No, she made herself comfortable. She settled into the velvet chair by the wall with the grace of someone used to being obeyed.

Stella still hasn't moved from her corner. She couldn't.

Her knees were jelly. Her breath came in short, panicked bursts.

And Victoria? She sipped her tea with one pinky up, like this was all some afternoon etiquette lesson.

“Well,” she sighed.

“I suppose now is as good a time as any to go over the rules.”

She set her teacup down, no clink, not even a sound. Folded her hands in her lap like a woman hosting a tea party for ghosts.

“There are only a few rules. I like to keep things simple,” She began, smiling sweetly.

“But they are very important. Life-saving, even. Especially for you.”

She held up one finger.

“Rule number one: You will call me ‘Mother’ at all times. Not miss, not ma’am, and certainly not Victoria. That name is for my enemies.”

“And trust me, little one… You don't want to be them.”

Two fingers now.

“Rule number two: You stay in this room unless I say otherwise. You do not open the door. You do not knock. You wait.”

Three fingers.

“Rule three: Meals are at specific times. You eat what you're given. Refusing food is not tolerated. I’m sure you don't want to be punished for something as silly as picky behavior, do you?”

She tilted her head, as if genuinely asking. Stella didn't respond.

“Thought not.”

Four fingers.

“Rule four: No secrets. No lies, you answer my questions when I ask them. You obey.”

She pressed her hand flat against her chest, like a nun reciting a prayer.

“And the most important rule of all: You belong to me now. Your thoughts, your body, your future.”

“Everything you are, everything you were, is mine.”

She stood slowly, walking over to the trembling girl like a shadow with heels.

Stella flinched as she approached, but Victoria didn't touch her this time. Instead, she knelt.

Softly, gently, like a loving guardian. Her eyes were bright. Almost tender.

She whispered.

“This house… It only works if we both believe in the roles we play. I am the provider. The protector. The teacher.”

She leaned in close, lips just beside Stella’s ear again.

“And you.. Are my precious little things.”

She reached out and lightly tapped the golden collar.

“This is a promise, not a punishment. You’ll learn that…soon.”

And just like that, she stood up, adjusted the tray, and fixed her robe. And smiled as though she’d just finished a casual chat.

“Rest up. We’ll have your Welcome dinner tonight. I'll pick up your dress. You’ll look so sweet at the head of the table.”

And then she was gone. The door clicked shut behind her. The locks turned. And Stella was alone again.

But now…she knew.

She wasn't a guest.

She was a pet.

She is a possession.

A doll in a golden cage. And Victoriaaa?

She was God in this house.

Notes:

Let's all collectively agree that we don't like Victoria...

 

Jk, I LOVE her.

Chapter 27: lessons

Summary:

Stella deals with her new life while two sadists relish in the delight of a new pet.

Notes:

two chapters today because I needed a distraction from reality or I was going to have an episode...

The table was absurdly long.

Ornate.

Fit for royalty, but the kind of royalty who might poison your wine and toast in your memory.

Candelabras flickered, casting dancing shadows along the dark cherrywood walls. Everything was pristine. Like a museum display, not a home.

Stella sat at the head of the table.

Or rather, she perched there, stiff and out of place in the pale pink dress Victoria had picked.

It itched.

Everything about it felt wrong, too tight. Too childish. The collar was still locked snug around her throat, glinting under the candlelight.

Victoria entered like a queen arriving at court, sweeping across the room in a black velvet gown that shimmered like spilled ink. Her lips were painted a dangerous red, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Following behind her was Jane.

Tall. Striking. Older than Victoria by a few years. Her hair was dark, slicked back, and her expression unreadable.

Stella didn't know what she expected.

Jane sat across from Stella with precision. Her eyes did not wander. Her hands didn't fidget. She simply… watched.

Dinner began

Food was served, perfectly plated like something from a five-star restaurant. Victoria kept the conversation light at first, talking about nothing and everything with terrifying grace.

“Stella dear, you haven't touched your asparagus. Is something wrong with it?"

“We always aim to please in this house.”

Stella clenched her fists in her lap. She was tired of playing with the doll. Tired of being a thing. Something snapped.

“You drugged me. You kidnapped me. And now you expect me to sit here and play house?! I'm not one of your little toys.”

Dead. Silence.

Victoria's smile didn't waver.

Jane's eyebrow arched, just barely. Victoria slowly put down her wine glass.

“Oh darling… I had hoped tonight would be special. Your first night as mine.”

“But it seems you're not ready to be grateful.”

Stella stood. “I'm not your's and I'm not scared of you.”

The moment the words left her mouth, the air in the room cracked like a whip.

Victoria stood so slowly, so calmly, that it made the room colder.

“Jane,” she said softly, never taking her eyes off Stella. “Would you please excuse us for a moment?”

Jane didn't argue. She rose gracefully and exited the room, her heels echoing down the hallway.

Then… Victoria turned.

And she smiled.

“Rebellion is healthy, little mouse. Expected, even. But it must be…corrected.”

She moved like a wave, fast and fluid. Before Stella could run, Victoria had her arm twisted behind her back, the other hand grabbing a fistful of that lovely pink dress.

“Let’s get one thing clear, in this house, pain is not a punishment.”

“It’s a lesson.”

She was dragged from the room, not screaming, not crying. But breathing like fire, rage in her chest, the only thing keeping her warm.

Jane watched from the shadows of the hallway.

“Don't end up like Lily." whispered.

 

—

 

Lesson one- Obedience isn't given, it's taken.

The room she was dragged to was not a dungeon. It was worse.

It looked like a nursery, not like a home. This one lacked the comfort of love. Venus.

Soft pastels. Cushions. A rocking chair in the corner. Dolls lined up on a shelf, each one pristine, glass eyes staring blankly.

The walls were lined with padding, not for her comfort, but for silence. Victoria shoved the door shut behind her and let Stella fall to the plush rug.

“This,” She purred, circling her like a lioness.

“Is where we start peeling you back.”

Stella scrambled to her knees, hands trembling.

“You can't just keep me here-”

“Oh, but I can.” Victoria cooed. “You belong to me now. You don't get to scream. You don't get to say no.”

“You will beg, eventually.”

She knelt, brushing Stella's hair from her face with a gentleness that felt like poison.

Then her hand struck across her cheek, open and sharp. Not hard enough to bruise, just enough to sting.

A gasp.

A flinch.

“First rule, you do not speak unless spoken to.”

“Second rule, you smile when I look at you.”

“ And third…” she leaned in close, lips brushing Stella's ear, “you never forget who you belong to.”

She snapped her fingers. Two buttons on the wall clicked, and Straps slid from the padded walls, emerging like mechanical vines.

“Arms up, little mouse.”

Stella hesitated.

So Victoria grabbed her by the jaw, forcing her to look up, forcing her to listen.

“Refuse me again,” She hissed, “And I'll make you watch me break your neck with my heel.”

That did it. The resistance cracked, not shattered. Not yet, but chipped just enough.

Arms raised. Straps secure. The silence in the room grew louder, wrapping around Stella like a shroud.

She wasn't screaming. Not anymore. Her chest was rising too fast, too shallow. Victoria watched with delight.

“Good girl.” She whispered, pressing a soft kiss to Stella's forehead like she was a child.

Then the lesson began. It wasn't violence. Not the kind that spilled blood. It was psychological.

Soft restraint, repetitive phrases. Conditioning tactics whispered like lullabies.

“You are safest when you're mine.”
“Obedience feels better than pain.”
“Doesn't it feel nice, not having to think?”

For every wrong answer, she was denied water. Denied touch. Denied words.

For every right answer, “Yes, mother.” She was praised. Caressed, given a treat like a dog learning new tricks.

Hours passed like lifetimes. Her voice grew hoarse from being forced to count the rules aloud. Her legs trembled. Her stomach growled. But something shifted.

The edges of her defiance began to fray. Just a little. The tiniest flicker of desire to be told what to do, because being told what to do meant she didn't have to fight. Not tonight.

Victoria smiled at the sight of her trembling, wide-eyed little mouse.

“We’ll do this every night until you don't remember who you were before I found you.”

Then came the final blow. Jane opened the door quietly. Calm.

“Is she ready?” Jane asked, arms folded.

Victoria turned to look at her wife. “Not yet,” She said, brushing Stella's cheek.

“But she’s cracking, and soon. She’ll be perfect.”

Jane’s eyes lingered on Stella. And for the first time…there was a flicker. A glimmer of something that might have been pity. Interest maybe?

“Let me know when she starts begging to be good,” Jane said, and turned away. “That's when I'll play too.”

The door shut. Stella exhaled shakily, head lolling to the side. Victoria smiled.

“Sleep tight, little pet. Tomorrow we start over.”

“And every day after, until you're mine in mind, body, and soul.”

 

—

It had been three days. Stella didnt speak or move. Not because she couldn't. Because if she did, she was punished with silence.

No sound. No warmth. No touch.

She was placed in the “softbox”, a closet with pillows lining the walls and floor, no light, no company.

Only her thoughts.

The rules were clear now.

-Smile when Victoria enters.
-Speak only when asked.
-Kneel when Janes are in the room.
-Eat everything you're given.
-No escape attempts. Ever.
- Do not talk about Lily.

Stella had broken most of them. Especially that last one.

Day five:

It was during “garden time.” Victoria called it enrichment, like she was some exotic pet.

They led her out, silent, into a small enclosed courtyard. Fresh air. A single gate, locked.

But today… Jane had forgotten the secondary lock. She is always double locked. Always.

Except today.

Stella’s heart raced. Her mind screamed. Her legs, weak but driven by something ancient and wild.

She ran.

Slamming through the gate. Down the back path. Screaming, wheezing, and begging the wind to carry her further.

But the yard was fenced. Thick steel and surveillance. Victoria wasn't far behind.

She didn't yell. She didn't call. She simply walked. And that was worse.

 

—

 

Stella was dragged back by her ankle. Literally.

Like a ragdoll.

Victoria didn't speak, not until they were back in the padded nursery.

Jane stood in the doorway, arms crossed. Watching. Cold.

Victoria tied Stella down, not gently. Arms over her head. Ankles secured.

“You broke a rule.” She whispered, brushing hair out of Stella's streaked face.

Stella spat at her.

A last ember. A final flicker.

Victoria didn't flinch.

“Good, I wanted to know there was still a spark left in you.”

Then she picked up the riding crop.

Black leather. Smooth. Clean.

“Count,” Victoria said.

“No.”

CRACK

The sound was worse than the pain. At first.

“Count, Stella.”

“...One.”

“Good girl.”

By the sixth, she was sobbing.
By the tenth, she was begging.
By the fifteenth…she said thank you.

And that broke something in her.

 

—

 

That night, Victoria sat beside the bed. Humming softly. Stella lay curled up, back raw, face blank.

“This is how we learn," Victoria whispered.
“Through pain. Through bidence.”

Stella didn't answer. She blinked slowly. Foggy.

She wasn't thinking about escaping anymore. She was thinking about dinner.

About how warm Victoria's hands were when she bathed her.

About how good it felt when Jane brushed her hair.

About how safe it was when she was good. And she hated herself for it.

But hate takes energy. And she didn't have much left.

 

—

 

Day Nine:

Mornings start with music.

Not loud, not jarring. Something soft, classical. Like a lullaby.

Stella wakes in the nursery. A real one, pink wallpaper, frilly sheets, a mobile that spins even though there’s no breeze.

She's not allowed to dress herself. Victoria usually handles that, but today Jane was there instead.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” she calls. “I hope you're ready for our special day.”

She brings a white sundress with lace at the sleeves and tiny bows down the back. No shoes. Just socks with ruffles.

“Pretty girls don't need to walk far anyway.”
She hums.

Breakfast is served at the tiny table with the pink plastic dishes. Stella doesn't ask what the food is anymore. She just eats.

“Open wide, baby bun,” Jane says with a smile, holding a spoonful of oatmeal to her lips.

Stella opens. Without thinking.

Jane claps.

 

—

After breakfast, they color. Jane places a picture in front of her, a house. The sun. Girls with long hair.

“Draw yourself here,” she says, “in our family.”

Stella blinks.

“What about my real family?”

Jane leans in, smiling wider.

“Sweetheart, this is your real family. They left you, we saved you.”

She says it like it's a fact. Like its history. Like it's always been true.

And the scary part?

A tiny voice in Stella's mind agrees.

Just a little.

 

—

 

After lunch, Jane brings her to the long hallway. One side is covered entirely in mirrors. Floor to ceiling.

She stands behind Stella. Hands on her shoulders.

“Look at her,” she whispers. “Who is that?”

Stella doesn't answer.

Jane tilts her head slightly, still smiling.

“She’s mine,” she says. “She looks happier now, doesn't she?”

Stella stares at the reflection. She does look different.

Softer.

Smaller.

“Say it, bun. Say you're mine.”

Stella shakes her head. Jane's grip tightens. Not painful. Just firm. Like a leash.

“Say it.”

Silence.

“Say it, or ill have victoria deal you.”

That word sent ice down her spine. Victoria.

“...I’m yours,” she whispers.

“Louder.”

“I'm yours,” she repeats.

Jane kisses the top of her head.

“Good girl. See how easy that was?”

 

—

 

That night, it’s Jane again.

She tucks Stella into the crib and strokes her hair gently.

“Do you miss them?” she asks. Your old family?”

Stella nods.

“Good, that means you're still learning. But don't worry, sweet pea. One day, you won't remember them at all.”

A kiss on the forehead. Soft, almost motherly. You'll only remember us.”

Lights out. Doors locked. Alone in the dark Stella doesn't cry.

She just hums the song Jane sang earlier.

Notes:

I'm feel so bad about what I'm putting Stella through!!!

Chapter 28: Mutt

Notes:

Sorry this took so long to write, I have no idea how I want to progress with the current story line while making sure it’s accurate with ‘Obsession’

Day twelve:

Today started the same. Dress. Breakfast. Coloring. Mirror games. Jane even braided Stella’s hair into two little pigtails with ribbons that matched her sundress.

But Jane was busy today. A meeting, some grown up thing. So Stella was left in the “playroom” alone. Just for a little while. With one warning.

“Be a good girl and dont touch the drawers, alright bun? Only naughty girls go snooping.”

Naughty girls.

The phrase echoed.

But curiosity? That screamed.

 

—

 

There it was. A small vanity tucked into the corner. Most of it was locked tight, but one drawer was slightly opened.

Stella’s hand trembled, but she pulled it open anyways.

Inside was a photo, a real one. glossy , slightly worn.

It was her and Venus.

She was smiling, her real smile. The messy eyes crinkle kindly, and Venus had her arms around her. Safe, warm.

Stella’s breath caught in her throat. Her fingers trembled as she touched the edge of the photo.

“I remember this,” she whispered. “I remember-”

“Do you?” came the voice from the door.

Victoria.
She was leaning against the door, watching. Waiting.

Feeling a sudden burst of courage Stella stood, confronting the woman.

“I'm not yours,” She hissed, voice sharp and thin like breaking glass. “You can't make me forget.”

Victoria didnt move. She just walked forward, heels clicking against the hardwood.

“Oh baby,” she purred. “You just proved how much you need me.”

She snatched the photo from Stella's hands after she cleared the room.

“Little girls shouldn't hold onto lies.”

She ripped it.

Right down the middle. Venus’s face torn in two.

Stella screamed, and lunged.

It was fast. Brutal. Ugly.

Stella clawed and kicked like a cornered animal, but Victoria? She didn't flinch.

She grabbed Stella by the amr , spinning her around. A blur of motion. One moment she was standing, next she was over victoria's lap.

“You were warned about snooping, warned about what would happen if you forgot your place.”

The first strike was an open palm. Sharp. Loud. Stella yelped.

Not from the pain, but from the realization that her rebellion did not free her. It only fueled her captor.

“You will learn respect.”

Smack.

“You will not EVER try to leave me.”

Smack. Smack. Smack.

“You will learn obedience.”

SMACK!

Stella sobbed.

Was Victoria right? Has Venus even been looking for her? Surely she would figure out who took her? She’d be rescued, Venus would save her… right?

 

—

 

Later, she was curled up in the nursery bed. Face red, body trembling.

VIctoria sat beside her. Calm. poised. Stroking her hair with a hand that had just delivered punishment.

“There, there,” She whispered.

“It hurts because you fought it. But you’ll feel better once you stop fighting me.”

She reached into her coat pocket. Pulled out a new photo. The same one, but edited in the worst way.

Venus’s image was replaced with a cut out of victoria, taped in so neatly it made stella want to scream.

She placed it on stellas nightstand.

“Let's try this version instead.”

 

—

 

Maine, Venus. Day Thirteen:

She hadn't slept. Not really. She closed her eyes, sure but her body never rested. Her limbs twitched in phantom search, her heart beat too loud in her ears, and every breath tasted like ash.

Stella’s room was untouched since the search. The covers were still thrown around, the dresser still overturned. It smelled like her.

The cops had moved on. The scent had gone cold. People stopped calling.

Even Jane had not sent her an update. And Victoria, that lying Bitch, radio silence since her “helpful” offer.

Venus’s nails were bitten to the quick Her once perfect manicure chipped and raw. Stacks of papers are a littered on the breakfast table now. License plate registries, maps, copies of the security footage.

Red string. Real red string. It felt absurd at first, but now? It made sense, it all had to connect somehow.

She had theories, too many.

“The necklace was a message,” she muttered, circling the crime scene photo. “They wanted me to know she was taken. Why? Why leave a calling card unless–”

Unless they wanted her to know. To suffer. And that's when the first whisper arrived:

Apollo knew.

It was faint. But it clung to her brain like ivy.

The man was useless, more than useless he was off.

He didn't cry. Not once. He paced. Drank. Spelt in late and avoided her eyes.

“You act like she's gone forever,” he said one night. Venus snapped.

“Wouldn’t that make things easier for you?”

His silence afterward said more than words ever could.

She started watching him, tracking his movements. What time he left, what time he came home. Who he called, what he deleted.

There were gaps. Mysterious messages. Voicemails with no sound. Credit card charges in unfamiliar places.

“What aren't you telling me?” she asked.

Apollo laughed. Cold. hollow.

“Grief makes you paranoid.”

“Paranoia keeps people alive,” she spat.

 

—

 

She needed someone to vent to. To whisper theories about. Apollo clearly wasn't an option, most of her friends were already trying to find Stella, to her knowledge.

Somewhere between too late and too early in the day Venus came to the conclusion that she’d go to her sister, victoria. KIll two birds with one stone, ask about ted and apollo.

 

—

 

The Ashford estate in New Hampshire was a sprawling masterpiece of control, every inch polished. Staged and quiet, too quiet. The kind of quiet that hums under your skin if you sit too long in it.

Victoria stood in the doorway, arms open.

“Venus. You look… exhausted.”

The younger sister nearly collapsed into her arms. Victoria's embrace was warm, practiced.

“I am exhausted. I've been driving since six. Apollo’s useless. He's not even pretending anymore.”

“Come,” Victoria purred. “Let's sit. I made tea. And if tea can't do it, I have something a bit stronger.”

They moved through the house. Venus’s eyes skimmed over the immaculate furniture, the spotless floors, the air of pristine normalcy.

Stella pressed her body against the back of the closet. It was lined with fur coats, soft enough to smother a scream. Her heart pounded loud enough she feared it might echo through the walls.

She heard her name.
Venus’s voice.

So close. But Victoria had left her a parting whisper before shoving her inside.

“You want her to leave happy, don't you? Be a good girl, or she won't be leaving at all.”

And so, Stella stayed quiet.

Back in the parlor Venus clutched her teacup, staring into it like it could tell her the future.

“I don't know what's happening to me, V. I can't sleep, I can't eat. And Apollo just… drinks. He's fine. It's like he doesn't even miss her.”

Victoria leaned in, brushing her fingers across her sister's knuckles with practiced sympathy.

“Some men aren't made to endure loss. But you… you always were stronger.”

Venus blinked rapidly, swallowing a lump in her throat.

“You don't think… he would have known something? About the break in?”

Victoria’s lips twitched. Not quite a smile.

“If he did, he'd never admit it. But no, dear. That man is many things, but subtle is not one of them. If he took her, he'd have left a note saying ‘thanks for the kid.’”

They both laughed, though Venus was cracked and unsure.

Venus sipped her tea again, eyes scanning the room.

“Where's Lily, by the way? I thought I'd get to see her.”

A beat. Just a breath too long.

Victoria stood, walking over to the fireplace and fussing with a candlestick.

“Oh, lilys at her boarding program. She had a rough few months, poor things. Jane insisted she stay in their mental wellness retreat through the winter.”

“Oh, well I do hope she’s okay.”

“She’s… adjusting.” Victoria's voice took on a strange distance. “ We all are.”

 

—

 

Venus had settled in with her tea, curled up like she used to in their childhood home, warm for the first time in days. The fire crackled low, but the quiet was heavy.

Too heavy.

“It's so peaceful here,” Venus muttered, staring into her cup. “Almost too peaceful.”

Victoria, lounging with practiced elegance, arched a brow.

“Do you miss the chaos?”

“I miss Her.” Venus’s voice cracked, just a little. “Even her tantrums.”

In the walls, beneath the floorboards, behind the closet door, Stella twitched.

She hadnt meant to, her leg cramped from the awkward position, the pain sharp and quick. A low thunk echoed, just a whisper of sound.

But in the deathly quiet room?

It was everything.

Venus froze.

“Did you hear that?”

Her eyes narrowed. Her senses kicked into overdrive, like prey detecting the hunter. Victoria didn't flinch.

“My god, yes Orion!”

She sprang up with speed that surprised even her.

“He’s always sneaking into the guest closets. It's awful. I should've had him kenneled while you visited.”

Before Venus could move, Victoria was across the hall, heels tapping just loud enough to drown any sound. She flung open the hallway door, an actual closet, and clapped her hands.

“Out, orion, out!”

No dog came, but she slammed the door anyway and returned with a sigh.

“Honestly, that mutt will be the death of me. Always scratching things.”

Venus blinked. Something didn't feel right. No bark. No tail thumping. But Victoria was already changing the subject.

“Tell me more about Apollo,” she coaxed. Gently. “About what he said last night…”

 

—

 

The sun was lower now. Venus gathered her coat, eyes scanning the hallway one more time.

“Hey… Where’s Orion now, anyway?”

Victoria's lips curled ever so slightly.

“Sleeping in the garage. He always knocks out after a good scolding.”

“Huh. I guess I didn't see you guys let him out.”

“Some things just stay hidden,” Victoria murmured, brushing invisible lint off her coat.

The atmosphere had changed, Venus feeling more on edge.

 

—

 

The door clicked shut behind Venus, the sound hollow and final.

Silence swelled in the room like a tide pulling Stella under. She stayed curled in the closet, limbs stiff and breath shallow, waiting. Hoping the noise wouldn't bring Victoria back.

But the soft tap of heels on hardwood shattered the quiet. The closet door creaked open.

Victoria’s eyes glinted in the dim light, sharp. Unreadable.

“Well, that was a charming visit,” she said smoothly, voice, but every word was a razor wrapped in velvet.
Stella swallowed har, heart hammering like a frantic bird trapped in a cage.

“You think she’ll come back?” Stella’s whisper cracked like dry twigs.

Victoria crouched beside her, the smile fading, replaced by something cold, precise.

“Oh, she’ll be back,” Victoria said. “But not before you learn exactly what happens to naughty girls who make too much noise.”

Notes:

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Send me a message and I’ll send you the invite to the story server 💕

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Chapter 29: Temptation

Summary:

Stella slowly falls into a path Victoria has been carefully laying.

Stella was beginning to feel hopeless. The days were beginning to blend into one another, and her thoughts no longer felt like her own. And the worst part, she began seeking comfort from Jane, even from Victoria on the odd occasion. She was disgusted with herself, but it felt soooo good to lean on someone, to be held and pretend for a moment that Venus was the one doing it.

She was unaware of the outside world and rarely even knew what time it was, let alone the day. She had fallen into a routine carefully selected and set by Victoria.

-Wake up at an unknown time, usually, this is the step Jane helps with.

-Bathtime with Jane.

-Get dressed in an outfit Venus would hate.

-Eat breakfast, which usually consists of some type of fruit and vegetable mix.

-After breakfast, Jane and Victoria usually eat their meal and discuss things in their adult lives while Stella “plays” in the living room.

-Immediately after the two were done eating, it was morning nap time.

-Then lunch.

-Playtime with Victoria while Jane prepares dinner.

-Quiet time/ snacktime.

-Nap.

-Bathtime with Victoria.

-Dinnertime.

-Bottle and storytime.

-Bedtime.

Every single day was like the one before, a never-ending loop of fake love and confusing boundaries. It was tiring to say the least, and was taking its toll on the girl.

It had been weeks since Venus last came over; she hadn't called or anything. It was like she vanished from the world Stella knew, and she was slowly being replaced with Victoria.

 

–

Stella pressed her back against the cold wall, heart thudding as Victoria's gaze swept over her. Every tiny movement she made seemed magnified, every hesitation noticed. She had promised herself she would escape; she would never let herself be tamed by this woman. But the truth was creeping in, like soft shadows in the corners of her mind.

Victoria's voice was gentle, almost too gentle, but it carried the weight of command. “Come here,” she said. And Stella obeyed, though a part of her screamed to run. She didn't understand why a small thrill ran through her veins as her body moved closer without resistance.

The room smelled faintly of vanilla and something darker, intoxicating, and Stella found herself breathing in it deeper than she intended. Her hands twitched, wanting to fidget, to do something rebellious, but Victoria's eyes caught every flutter, every microexpression, and Stella froze.

“You're learning,” Victoria murmured, her hand brushing lightly over Stella's arm. It was barely a touch, but it made Stella's knees weak, her thoughts foggy. She wanted to pull away, to remind herself she could still leave. But even as she tried, the corners of her mind whispered, maybe I don't want to.

Minutes stretched, soft and torturous, as Stella felt herself sinking into a strange, reluctant comfort. She hated it. Hated that part of her was beginning to crave the control, the guidance, the presence of Victoria. Yet every instinct to resist seemed dulled, softened by the subtle pressure and the quiet, almost patient, of the women before her.

And just like that, Stella realized: she wasn't running today. Not fully. Not yet.

Victoria stepped closer, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. “You're trembling,” she said softly, tilting her head. “Not with fear… not all of it, anyway.”

Stella's chest tightened. How did Victoria always notice? How did she always seem to see everything? Her throat felt dry, and words caught halfway as she tried to speak. I should run. I should fight.

But her body refused. It was as if the closer Victoria came, the heavier her resolve to escape became, sinking into a soft, uncomfortable comfort.

Victoria's hand found Stella's, brushing her fingers lightly across her palm. The contact was minimal, but it sent shivers up Stella's spine, a reminder that she was under someone else's complete attention. “You don't have to fight me all the time,” Victoria whispered. “You can let go, even a little.”

Stella's jaw clenched. I won't let go. I can't. Yet her hands were still in Victoria's, and her resistance felt weaker than it had this morning. The idea of fighting, or running, suddenly seemed exhausting, like swimming upstream against a current she was slowly starting to trust.

Victoria's gaze softened, and Stella caught a glimpse of something almost tender behind the dominance. “You're mine, Stella,” she said. Not harshly, not cruelly, just as a fact. And the strange, fluttering, guilty warmth in Stella's chest betrayed her.

Minutes passed, silent and heavy, punctuated only by Stella's shallow breaths. She hated that part of her liked this. The guidance, the attention, the undeniable pull towards surrender. But she did. Every instinct she had to be free was slowly, inexorably being softened, molded into a new rhythm that she couldn't yet admit she craved.

By the time Victoria stepped back, Stella felt a hollow sort of relief and a pinch of guilt. She hadn't given in fully… not yet. But she also hadn't run. And that tiny failure, that small, dangerous comfort, made her heart pound in ways she couldn't quite name.

Victoria’s eyes lingered on Stella, patient but piercing. “Sit,” she said softly, and Stella obeyed almost instinctively, her knees folding beneath her. She wanted to resist, but the weight of Victoria's presence made her body betray her mind.

“You’re learning to follow,” Victoria murmured, circling slowly around her. Every subtle movement, every glance, felt like a strange allure of compliance. She hated that it felt… soothing.

“Your hands,” Victoria said, gesturing. Stella held them out reluctantly. Victoria lightly pressed a fingertip against each palm, tracing delicate lines. “Feel that? That’s control, Stella. That's guidance. You can fight it, or you can let it teach you.”

Stella clenched her fist for a moment, swallowing hard. Her body relaxed despite herself, her shoulders softening, her breath easing. She hated herself for it, and yet.. It was comforting, almost addictive.

Victoria crouched slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper only Stella could hear. “Even a little compliance is progress. You're not running away today. And that's okay.”

Stella’s eyes fluttered down, cheeks hot. She should be furious, resistant, determined to escape, but every instinct to flee felt dulled by the slow, meticulous pressure of Victoria's presence. It was as if her defiance was being softened, melted into something pliable, something hers to mold.

By the time Victoria stood, a silent, silent smile played at her lips. Stella’s chest heaved with confusion: a mix of guilt, thrill, shame, and something dangerously close to relief. She hadn't surrendered completely, but she had stopped fighting so fiercely. And that small, almost imperceptible crack in her armor felt like both a defeat and a temptation she couldn't yet name.

Victoria’s gaze softened, though her authority never wavered. “Come closer,” she said, and Stella moved without thinking, drawn by a need she couldn’t name. Every step felt heavy, weighted with the tension of her own conflicting feelings.

Victoria guided her gently, pressing her small body against her. “It’s okay,” she whispered, her hands steady, grounding Stella. “You don’t have to fight right now. You can just… be.”

Stella’s heart thudded, a mix of shame and relief coursing through her. Her chest rose and fell against Victoria’s, her small hands curling lightly into her clothing. The warmth, the scent, the weight of Victoria’s presence—it all wrapped around her like a soft, binding tether.

Victoria lowered her hand to Stella’s cheek, brushing hair from her eyes. “You’re safe here. You’re mine,” she murmured. Stella’s resistance faltered completely as she let herself sink into that comfort, into that soft, overwhelming feeling of being completely claimed.

And then, almost instinctively, Stella leaned in, pressing herself closer. Victoria guided her carefully, holding her steady, and Stella found herself suckling at her breast—small, hesitant, trembling—each heartbeat amplifying the intimacy, the surrender, and the undeniable pull of belonging.

By the time Stella rested back, eyes half-closed and chest fluttering with soft relief, she felt a dangerous mixture of emotions: guilt, submission, and a longing she couldn’t yet name. She had not fully surrendered, not yet—but a tiny, irrevocable thread had been woven between them, tying her closer to Victoria than she had ever imagined.

Chapter 30: The reshaping of Lily

–Several months ago–

The door clicked behind her, the cold, metallic sound slicking through the tiny room like a warning. Lily froze for a moment, clutching her bag, taking in the space that would be her world again: Victoria's world. Everything was sharp, precise, and controlled. Nothing felt safe.

Victoria's eyes swept over her, calm, calculating, yet with a hint of that terrifying maternal possessiveness. “You’re back,” she said softly, almost tenderly, “but you belong to me now.”

Lily’s stomach twisted. She wanted to scream, to run, to fight. But the walls themselves seemed to hold her back. Every object, every shadow whispered that there was no escape. Her defiance flared once, twice, but each time Victoria was there. Redirecting, correcting, folding her little world into an invisible cage.

Days bleed into weeks. The routines were strict, relentless: meals, toys, lessons, punishments, and moments of forced comfort. Victoria had an almost surgical precision in shaping, balancing fear and attachment, control and care. Each correction twisted a piece of Lily's defiance into submission. Even the things meant to soothe, such as soft blankets and whispers, were tools of molding, not freedom.

The little victories Lily clung to. The tiny sparks of independence faded under the weight of unyielding authority. She shrank into herself, her mind a storm of confusion, despair, and longing. Nights were the worst. Alone in her thoughts, she could hear Victoria’s voice echo: “You are mine. You belong to me.”

It became too much. Every whispered command, every glance, every gentle but strict touch added weight to her chest. The small, defiant parts of her little self began to fade. She craved the connection they once had. Before she had told Venus anything.

She wished she had never gone to Venus’s house. That Victoria hadn't gotten into the accident. She wished Jane would do something to help, to stop Victoria.

Nights were the hardest. Victoria's room was silent, almost too quiet, leaving only Lily's own thoughts echoing in her mind. She lay curled in her small bed, trying to follow the routines, trying to be good, trying to obey, but the fear and the weight of control pressed down on her chest so tightly it was hard to breathe.

Every rule felt like a chain. Every correction, every glance, every gentle whisper that carried authority reminded her that her freedom had vanished. She tried to hold on to small sparks of defiance, humming under her breath, fidgeting with a toy. But each act was noticed and subtly crushed, leaving her smaller, quieter, and more unsure.

The hopelessness swelled inside her like a storm. She couldn't talk to anyone. No one could help. Victoria's presence was inescapable, even in her thoughts. Lily’s small hands shook as she clutched her blanket. Tears rolled silently down her cheeks. She wanted to scream, but even the thought of making noise seemed dangerous.

And then came the thought, a dangerous, terrible, impossible thought. If she could just end the pain, if she could just make the control stop…maybe, somehow, she could escape. Her heart raced as she looked around the room, eyes darting to anything she could reach.

Her hands moved shakily, trembling as she tried to grasp the implements around her. Every small motion was deliberate, driven by desperation. The weight of everything, fear, exhaustion, hopelessness, the suffocating control. Pressed down harder than ever. Her breath came in shallow, panicked bursts, and she could feel herself shrinking, whimpering inside, desperate for comfort that wouldn’t come.

But before she could complete her plan, something intervened—an instinct, a sound, or simply fate. The moment ended abruptly. Heart pounding, tears streaked across her cheeks, Lily collapsed onto her bed, shaking, broken, utterly defeated. The realization hit her that she could not escape, not this way, not yet.

The next moments blurred into chaos: white walls, voices she didn’t recognize, cold hands checking her, and the sterile scent of antiseptic. She was taken to a hospital for treatment, the world outside Victoria’s control now replacing the world she had tried to flee, yet still holding the echoes of her trauma. Lily’s body was safe, but her mind carried every memory of fear, every correction, every creeping moment of Victoria’s influence.

—

The hospital smelled like bleach and antiseptic, but beneath that sterile surface, Lily felt unease curling through her stomach. Nurses moved around her in mechanical precision, whispering instructions she couldn’t quite understand. Pills were offered with gentle smiles, told to calm her, to help her heal—but each dose left her head foggy, her thoughts dulled, her defiance slipping away.

She had been told she was safe here. That she could rest, recover, and maybe, one day, be herself again. But even in the quiet of her hospital room, Lily felt the shadows of Victoria’s control stretching over her. Every correction, every rule, every lingering memory whispered in her mind: You belong to her. You always have.
The nurses—so sweet, so professional—didn’t seem like monsters.

Yet there was a precision in the way they administered medications, the way they monitored her reactions, the way they gently discouraged any independent thought. It was subtle, almost invisible, but Lily could feel it. Every thought she tried to have that wasn’t approved, every spark of defiance, faded under the fog the “medication” brought.

Days blended into each other. Meals, monitored activities, quiet therapy sessions—everything seemed designed to keep her compliant. But Lily noticed the pattern. She was being molded, shaped, made into something soft, obedient, and ready for Victoria. The hospital wasn’t healing her; it was breaking her.
Even now, lying in her small bed, the sunlight barely reaching through the blinds, Lily couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t safe—not ever. Not since she left Venus, not since she returned to Victoria, not since the world had decided she belonged to someone else. Every thought, every moment, every pill brought her closer to the version of herself Victoria wanted: quiet, small, compliant, unresisting.

And yet, deep inside, there remained a flicker—a tiny spark of rebellion. A little Lily, whimpering softly, wishing someone, anyone, could save her from the slow, relentless control. But no one came. And Victoria was still out there.

Lily swallowed, her throat dry, hands trembling on the thin blanket. She realized, with a shiver of fear, that her life had not been safe since she left Venus. And it wouldn’t be safe until she found a way to escape Victoria’s reach—or until Victoria herself decided she was ready.

—

Every day Lily woke to the quiet hum of fluorescent lights, the faint smell of antiseptic pressing into her nose. The sunlight barely reached her bed through the blinds, casting long, thin shadows across the room. For a moment, she felt safe—almost. But the fog in her mind from the medication lingered, dulling her thoughts, making her smaller, quieter than she had been even the day before.

A nurse appeared at the door, soft voice, sweet smile, clipboard in hand. “Good morning, Lily. Time to get up.” She handed Lily a small tray of breakfast. Every bite was monitored, every sip counted. Lily chewed mechanically, swallowing slowly, trying not to notice the way the nurse’s eyes flicked to her, judging her reactions, noting every hesitation.

The routine began: breakfast, hygiene, therapy, exercises, quiet activities. Each movement was directed, timed, and measured. Even her bathroom breaks were supervised. Small rules, seemingly gentle—yet every moment chipped away at the little sparks of rebellion still flickering inside her.

The medications came at regular intervals, in sweet little cups of juice, “to help you feel better.” Lily hated them—she could feel her thoughts slow, her energy sink, herself fading. Yet she had learned quickly: struggle meant correction. Compliance meant quiet. And compliance, over time, would mean molding into what Victoria wanted: small, soft, obedient, pliable.

Hours passed in a haze. Quiet play, drawing, puzzles, and occasional therapy sessions designed to “teach her coping skills” and obedience exercises. Every prompt, every correction, every gentle nudge reminded Lily: she was not free. Even in this place, supposedly a sanctuary, Victoria’s reach stretched invisible, tightening slowly.

Lily’s thoughts wandered. Memories of Venus, of Stella, of fleeting moments of real comfort, swirled in her fogged mind. Those memories reminded her of a world that had been safe—briefly. But now, here, under this careful, almost invisible control, she realized the truth: she had not been safe since she left Venus. Not for a moment. Victoria’s shadow followed her everywhere.

By evening, Lily curled under her thin blanket, crying softly to herself, trying to hold onto some fragment of autonomy. Tiny Lily, small and scared, flickered weakly inside. But the medication dulled her resolve, the routines sapped her strength, and the constant supervision left her feeling trapped. She was being reshaped, brick by brick, into the perfect little girl for Victoria.

And Victoria… Victoria would soon have exactly what she wanted.

Notes:

How much do you guys love Victoria???