Madison’s Big Secret: Copyright 2007-2018 by Shattered
Chapter9: Daddy’s Home!
The car pulls in to the driveway. Madison immediately notices that her Dad’s car is parked out front. This is a very rare occasion. The man works a lot and often refers to work as his 2nd home. Madison smiles and bounces up and down in her seat, like a little girl.
“Mom! Daddy’s home?! I thought he was working all night. Did he get fired?” Madison says quickly.
“No, sweetie. He’s home because he told me he misses us. I knew all day but I wanted it to be a surprise. He got someone else to watch the business for a while. We’re all going out to dinner tonight. Brittney too. Can you girls get dressed into something nice? Brittney can borrow one of your dresses, okay?” Mrs. Ludke explains.
“Oh this is so cool. I love going to fancy places, they have the best desserts. Let’s go get dressed. How long do we have?” Madison asks.
“About thirty minutes. I’ll get Alyssa ready while you girls are getting dressed. Go inside first and give your Dad a hug.” Madison runs to the back door and opens it up as fast as she can. She completely forgets who she is at the moment or that she’s wearing a wet diaper. She sees her father in the living room. He is standing up looking at the mail. She runs towards him and jumps up into his arms, leaving him no choice but to hold her and carry her. Something he has not done since she was about seven.
“Daddy! You’re home! How are you? I… I missed you. Sometimes… it’s like I think I don’t have a Dad. Please, can you not work so much… please?” Madison says as tears begin to roll down her cheeks. She is completely in the moment and doesn’t even care if she’s being a little immature right now. She hasn’t seen her father for more than five minutes in the past two weeks.
“My goodness, Maddie. You haven’t wanted me to carry you like this since you were a little girl. It’s nice, but you’re also not as light as you used to be. I love you, sweetie-pie. I’m sorry I’ve been at work so much. I swear that place would fall apart if I wasn’t there so much. But I am trying to fix that. We are going to hire someone who can oversee things. All this business talk means is… I will be home more, pretty soon. Did you have fun at the fair, today?” Mr. Ludke asks his eldest daughter. Madison just keeps hugging her father and doesn’t say a word. More tears fall and she just enjoys this moment like it’s the best thing in the world. A girl doesn’t realize how much she needs her father … until he’s gone. Brittney is standing in the kitchen, looking in. She is happy for her friend, but at the same time feels deep sadness inside. She doesn’t have a father. He’s been gone since she was five. Suddenly, she begins to cry. She decides to go back outside and see if Mrs. Ludke needs help with Alyssa.
“Hey.. Umm, do… you need any help getting Alyssa ready?” Brittney says. Mrs. Ludke is holding Alyssa in her arms and the diaper bag in another.
“Sure, but don’t you need to get ready with Madison? Oh, can you grab the bag from Wal-Mart? It’s in the trunk.” Brittney nods and grabs the bag of her Underjams.
“Yeah. Madison is kind of having a reunion with her Daddy. She’s crying. I don’t want to get in the way of that. I can get ready after she’s done in the bathroom,” Brittney says as more tears roll down her face. Mrs. Ludke, being a mother, can sense something is wrong.
“Let’s go inside and talk while I get Alyssa changed. You need someone to talk to, and I am here. Okay? “ Brittney just nods her head and follows Mrs. Ludke into the house. They pass by Madison and her father. She is still in his arms, sobbing and holding on tight for dear life. Mrs. Ludke just smiles. “Hi honey. We’ll be in Alyssa’s room for a while. This is Maddie’s friend, Brittney. “ Mrs. Ludke explains. Brittney waves at him shyly.
“Hi Brittney. We just need a moment here. Madison will be up to get dressed soon.” Madison doesn’t even notice anyone else is in the room. She also wets her diaper a little bit, without even feeling it. Brittney follows Mrs. Ludke upstairs to Alyssa’s room. She closes the door as Mrs. Ludke places Alyssa on her changing table and begins to undress her. Brittney sits down at the end of Alyssa’s bed. She tries to hold back more tears, but is unsuccessful. She sits and cries, silently as Mrs. Ludke begins to change Alyssa’s diaper.
“So, what’s the matter honey? You can tell me anything. I won’t even tell Madison. Think of me as a therapist. Actually I have a PHd in psychology. Many people don’t know that. “Mrs. Ludke says.
“You don’t have to. It’s not a big deal. Really, I don’t want to trouble you with my stupid issues. I’ll be okay,” Brittney says softly. Mrs. Ludke finishes taping up the new diaper and tosses out the old one. She leaves Alyssa on the changing table for a moment and goes and sits next to Brittney.
“Nonsense. You are a very special friend to Madison. Any friend of hers is like a daughter to me. I already am grateful to you for being such a great friend to both Madison and Alyssa. They both need you in their lives. And I want to help in any way I can. No problem is stupid. Please don’t talk like that. “Mrs. Ludke says as she rubs Brittney’s back.
“I love Madison and Aly like sisters. And I wish they really were. Your family is awesome. I don’t care what Maddie says, but you guys are so cool. Even if her Dad is at work a lot. At… at least he… he’s here in her life. And… he, he cares. And he… doesn’t---“ Brittney begins to cry and is unable to finish explaining. Mrs Ludke gives the sad girl a hug.
“I think I understand. You just look so hurt. Does your Daddy hurt you?” Brittney takes a few moments to try and calm down. She starts to speak again, reluctantly.
“He used to. But he’s been gone since I was five. Just left one day and never came back. He could be in jail right now I don’t know. It still hurts, though. I only have a Mom, and she’s just as mean. She doesn’t beat on me but she’s always yelling at me and making me… feel like I’m … Like I’m some idiot. I… I’ve been a bedwetter since… since Daddy left. And she always makes fun of me. Keeps saying if I can’t stop wearing dia..diapers at night… that she’s gonna get me a crib and make me act like a baby. She, she tells me… when she gets really mad… That…. Uhh, I’m sorry… this is too hard. I can’t say anymore. She’s gonna find out and I’ll be in more trouble.” Brittney says while trembling.
“My gosh. All of this is going on and you’re still such a strong girl and great friend. I’m not going to say anything to your Mom. I feel so bad for you, though. No one should have to live like that. What does she say when she’s really mad? Are you ever scared to go home?”
“Ki…Kind of. Not cause she will hurt me but because of what she will say. She hates me, I swear. When she gets real mad she’ll tell me that my Daddy was right when he said I was a … mis…mistake… and I should have never been…born.” Brittney says. She immediately begins to cry again. What she doesn’t know at the moment, is Madison is standing by the doorway, listening to this. She went upstairs to go get changed but couldn’t help but hear Mom and Brittney talking. Mrs. Ludke continues to comfort the sad girl.
“That is horrible. I don’t understand how anyone could say that about their own child. Honey, your Mom may not be physically abusing you, but emotional damage is far worse. What she is doing right now would qualify as child abuse.” Mrs. Ludke explains.
“Sometimes I just want to run away. I’ve thought about coming here, but she’d find me. I’m sorry. I know that’s wrong. But that’s why I wanted to stay here another night. I just don’t want to go home. I’ve only known you a short time and already I feel like you know me better than my own Mom. And you just… got me my night diapers like it was… nothing. Why are you so… nice?” Brittney says while wiping tears off her face.
“Well, there are some things I did when Madison was just a tot which I am not so proud of. I used to work just as much as her Dad and I think Madison saw more of her nanny than she did me. I can’t take those years back, but I’m trying to make up for it, now. So when I hear about girls like you being treated this way, it just breaks my heart. And you wetting the bed – I just don’t know why anyone would get mad about it. You can’t help it. “Mrs. Ludke says.
Brittney thinks real hard for a moment. She wants to tell Mrs. Ludke ‘part two’ of her little secret: that she sometimes has accidents during the day. She would like to wear a diaper when out tonight, just in case – and she’s getting tired of having to lie about it. She wonders if Madison would be mad at her for telling and is unsure of what to do… Just then, Madison knocks and walks in.
“Hey, we have to get ready. Is everything okay in here? I heard crying,” she asks curiously.
“Oh, we were just talking. Lost track of time. I need to finish getting Alyssa dressed. Brittney, we can continue this talk later, okay sweetie?”
“Yes, tha… thank you. Madison, your Mom is awesome,” Brittney says to her. She stands up and goes into Madison’s room as Madison follows. They close the door. Madison goes over to her closet and pulls out a fancy purple dress.
“Do you like purple? I think this will fit you. We’re built the same.” Madison says while handing her the dress.
“Yeah, love it. Oh my….umm, I better get this diaper off I think it’s finally leaking.” Brittney gasps. She quickly takes her shorts off and rips the sides off the Underjam. It has just started to leak a little. She puts it in the trash and puts a towel around her waist. “I need to take a shower quick.”
Madison giggles. “Hey look, your first leaky Underjam. I think my Luvs is about there, too. I’ll get dressed while you shower. Umm, are you gonna wear one to the restaurant tonight? I’m not sure what else Daddy has planned.” Madison says with excitement in her voice.
“Yeah, the bag is on your bed. I’ll grab one quick. You can wear one, too – if you… if you want,” Brittney stutters.
“Hey, are you okay? You seem sad. What were you and my Mom talking about?” Madison asks.
“I’m okay. Just a little sad about something but… I don’t want to spoil your excitement. Your Daddy is here and I am happy for you… I am. It’s just… hard for me cause…” Brittney stops because she doesn’t want to make her friend sad.
“Cause why? You can tell me, we are BFFs, remember? “
“Okay, cause I don’t have a Daddy. Really, it’s okay. We can talk more later. I Just want to have fun now. I’ll be back in 5.” Brittney says as she runs off to the bathroom. She puts her Underjam on the counter and places her towel over it, then gets in the shower. Madison is in her room picking out what to wear. She wonders what exactly her friend talked about with her mother. She only heard part of the conversation. The thought vanishes when she realizes she’s still standing in a soaking wet diaper. She kicks her shorts off and puts them in the clothes hamper. Then un-tapes the saturated diaper. It is not leaking, but very soggy. She then wipes her area clean with baby wipes that she stole from Alyssa’s room. She takes an Underjam from the bag, unfolds it, and pulls it on. It fits perfectly, of course. She smiles and looks down at herself. “Daddy’s home, my best friend is here, I’m wearing an awesome diaper, and we’re going out to eat. What a great weekend!” She thinks to herself.
Meanwhile, back to getting dressed…
Madison finally picks out a cute, red fancy dress. It is not a skirt, but rather short for a dress. Therefore, in case of any accidental exposure, she decides to wear purple tights, to hide the fact she is once again in a diaper. She wonders if Brittney will do the same. She is now brushing her hair as Brittney walks in wearing her purple dress.
“Do you think I should wear tights, just in case?” Brittney asks. Madison giggles.
“I was just thinking about that. Yeah, I’m wearing tights. You can borrow another pair of mine. Here,” she says while tossing a pair of white tights over to her friend. Brittney smiles and puts them on. They help each other with their hair and are now ready to go. They walk into Alyssa’s room. She is dressed up in a cute pink princess dress and her hair braided. Brittney immediately smiles.
“Aww, you are so pretty, just like a princess,” Brittney says to Alyssa.
“Tank you! I like being pretty. You is very pretty, too,” Alyssa says while blushing.
“Thanks. So is Madison. We’re all ready to eat. Are you happy your Daddy is home? Did you give him big hugs yet?” Brittney asks. If there’s one thing that makes her feel better, it’s this. Alyssa can hardly contain her excitement.
“Daddy home!! I’m gonna go find him!!” Alyssa blurts out while running down the stairs. She finds him sitting in his easy chair. She toddles at full force and jumps into his lap. “DADDY!!!!” Alyssa cuddles in her father’s lap and keeps saying his name over and over again.
“Aww, there’s my princess. You look so cute today. I missed you so much, too,” Mr. Ludke says while hugging his youngest daughter tightly. “All ready to go out, sweetie?”
“Yeah Daddy. You gonna be home tomorrow, too?” Alyssa asks after kissing her father’s cheek.
“Yes, princess. I’m going to try and be home more often, real soon,” he assures. Alyssa smiles and continues to cuddle until everyone else comes down. It’s now time to get in the car. Brittney and Madison walk out to the car and get buckled in next to each other. Brittney is not used to going out to dinner at such fancy places and hasn’t been this dressed up in a long time. She is a little nervous about it, and is glad to be wearing protection.
“Brittney, you okay?” Madison asks as they wait for her parents and little sister to get in the car.
“Oh, yeah I… I’m fine. Just never really done this before. My Mom doesn’t have much money. When she gets any extra money she never spends it on me,” Brittney says while frowning a bit.
“That sucks. Well, it’s nothing to be nervous about. You’ll have a good dinner, that’s for sure. And hey, if you do get nervous it’s no big deal, right?” Madison says while pointing at her legs.
“Yeah, that’s true. I’m going to drink a lot of iced tea. I love iced tea. “ Brittney giggles.
“Really? So do I! I wonder what we’re doing after dinner. Daddy won’t tell me. Oh well, guess we’ll find out,” Madison says. Just then Alyssa runs up to the car as her mother helps her in to her car seat. She is excited and is swinging her legs up and down.
They arrive at the restaurant. The girls walk out. Brittney walks up the parking lot slowly. She is awe-struck over the size of the restaurant and how elegant it looks. Once inside, everyone is dressed in suits or dresses. Children are allowed, but must be with adults at all times and must also be dressed appropriately. The host seats them at a large, fancy booth. Brittney and Madison sit next to each other. Alyssa gets a booster seat and sits between her Mom and Dad. The server passes out menus to each of them. Brittney begins to look at hers and is again amazed; not only at the dinner selections, but the prices. $34.99 for a steak dinner! “So, I can order anything I want?” Asks Brittney.
“That’s right, sweetie,” Mrs. Ludke smiles at her. Brittney examines the entire menu for a while. She is unsure what to order as the menu is so complex. She’s used to the typical Mom and Pop diner where there’s maybe six items to choose from. After some time, a waiter wearing a formal suit comes over and introduces himself. He begins to take drink orders. Both parents order a glass of fine wine. Madison orders a large cranberry juice while Brittney decides on a large iced tea. The drinks arrive not even a minute later. Both Brittney and Madison begin taking big gulps of their drinks, like they haven’t had water in hours. Alyssa is happily drinking from her large sippy cup filled with juice. Finally, it’s time to order. Madison chooses a breaded pork dish, while Brittney decides to go for a nice steak; medium well.