Fara was still huffy in the car as they continued down the freeway. Riley was steadily becoming her number one source of stress. She sighed and leaned back into her car seat, drinking from another sippy cup.

“Trouble in paradise?” Rachel asked, knowing full well the answer as she watched the whole conversation go down.

“Yeah that’s one way to say it,” Fara finished the sippy cup. “You know it’s ironic. She’s on my case about diapers so much, I bet she’s the one causing it.”

“Pull-ups dear,” Rachel corrected. Though it was nice to see Tara saying the word she wanted there to be an impact when she eventually did move to diapers. “You’re in pull-ups dear, Sarah is in diapers.”

“Yeah don’t be taking all of my glory,” Sarah smirked.

“Remember what I said. Just try not to think about it. The Brightside is that now that she knows so you don’t have to worry about hiding it anymore.”

“Well only Riley knows.”

“Sweetie I’m pretty sure everyone heard that little conversation,” Sarah chimed in.

“And if they didn’t I assume she’s probably told them all by now anyway,” Rachel added. Fara huffed again.

“She’s just so,” Fara paused for a moment and then violently shook, which looked adorable with her confined in the car seat.

“I know Riley isn’t being that great of a friend right now,” Sarah comforted Fara. “But you just gotta roll with the punches.”

“She’s just worried about me I know, but she doesn’t have to be so annoying about it. I’m just frustrated at her right now. I know she’ll come around.”

“And if she doesn’t you always got us.”

“Sarah pet,” Rachel chided. “Let’s not try to be pessimistic about our friend’s relationship with Riley. Though she is right dear, we will always be there for you.”

“Well thanks I guess,” Fara sighed and leaned back in her car seat. It dawned on her that she basically just threw a temper tantrum. She couldn’t be more childish. “Look at me I’m a child.”

“Well you did kind of throw a tantrum,” Sarah commented with a giggle. “But it made you feel better right?”

“Yeah I can see why kids do it so much,” Fara giggled back.

“Well a lot of people do take comfort in embracing their childish side. Who do you think those cute diapers I put Sarah in were made for,” Rachel was playing a dangerous gambit in exposing Fara to the idea of littles earlier than they intended. But this was a flexible process and she knew she could use this to help Fara get closer to the baby girl mindset they wanted. A quick glance in the rear view mirror to Sarah confirmed this. Sarah gave a small nod a signal to continue. Sarah was the one who knew more about manipulating people, she knew if a move was right or not. It seemed she agreed with Rachel on this one.

“So is that what you are Sarah?” Fara asked curiously.

“No, mistress just likes to humiliate me as much as she can. I’m not a little. That’s what they’re called by the way.”

“Oh is this all the stuff that goes on in Little Land.”

“Well yeah actually, that’s what their therapy was based off of.”

“I get the name now,” Fara laughed a little. “I guess you guys are right if they’ve got a whole facility for it.”

“I mean a little tantrum never hurt nobody,” Sarah smiled giving Fara a loving tap on the arm.

“You better not be endorsing tantrums back there pet,” Rachel playfully scolded.

“Only for Fara.”

“Mmhmm,” Rachel smiled. “Obviously what you need is structure and discipline. No tantrums for you.”

“Different therapies work for different people,” Sarah gave a coy smile.

“Well Fara is welcome to tantrum a little if it helps her to not stress, but you are to behave.”

“Yes ma’am.” Fara giggled at the exchange.

“You guys crack me up sometimes.” Fara looked out the window. The conversation had distracted her from the fact that she needed to go again. She honestly didn’t want to deal with requesting another stop, she needed to not stress. So she just let go. It was getting easier and easier to do so. She sighed with relief as she filled the pull-up. Rachel and Sarah were right about this being way less stressful. Additionally spiting Riley, while petty, did make her feel better.

With Fara committing to using her pull-ups the group made much faster progress. Even when they passed through more populous areas with plenty of stops, Fara continued to use her pull-up, and made a point to let Riley know when they did stop that she was changing. Sarah and Rachel did not expect this particular attitude but it was a welcome surprise. Fara wasn’t falling exactly into the role they needed but her spiteful wetting could be easily steered into the right direction.

“All right my turn,” Annabelle said loudly out of the back seat of echoes. “I gotta piss like a race horse.”

“Same here,” Patty echoed. “We’ve been riding it pretty hard, we’ve made up all of our lost time.”

“How much further til we’re there?” Riley leaned up to ask.

“This should be the last stop if we keep pace,” Tara said while she reached for the walkie talkie. “Echoes to Hocus, requesting a stop.”

“Roges Echoes we’ll veer off at the next exit,” Was Rachel’s reply. “And I’m sure both of my girls are in need of a change.” Rachel said to Sarah and Fara in the back seat. They both gave snide giggles. “Fara your attitude about this whole thing has certainly improved over the course of our journey.”

“Well you were right,” Fara said happily. “It is way easier, plus I’ll admit it’s great to see that look on Riley’s face. We are almost there though aren’t we?”

“Yes dear,” Rachel had pulled off of the interstate. “I believe this will be the last stop before our arrival.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah I’m ready to be out of a car for a while,” Sarah replied. As she said this Rachel had pulled into the gas Station. Echoes following close behind her. Rachel was quicker to get Fara out of her seat, since she had been so compliant lately there was no reason to keep pushing her into using her pull-up. For once Fara made no attempt to talk to Riley but just silently grabbed changing supplies with Sarah and the two made their way inside. Rachel followed to purchase more snacks and eventually use the bathroom for herself.

“You guys think they’re gonna keep this up when we get there?” Riley asked leaning against echoes. Everyone in the car had gotten out to stretch except for Annabelle who had rushed inside. The rest were waiting for others to come out and stalls to free up.

“What’s it matter if they do?” Patty asked. “It’s not like they’re hurting anyone. You gotta chill Riley.”

“Ugh not you guys too,” Riley sighed.

“You know if you’re the only one that sees a problem,” Tara chimed in. “You might be the problem.”

“Whatever,” Riley was tired of this and her irritation was showing. “At least we’re almost there.”

“Yeah I think some relaxation will take all this edge off,” Patty said with a sigh.

“Yeah I hope you’re right.” Annabelle had just come back from the bathroom.

“Tag out,” Annabelle said slapping Tara on the arm. Tara then quickly moved toward the bathroom. As she made her way in Fara and Sarah made their way out. Notably Fara went straight back to her seat.

“Ouch,” Annabelle said sympathetically to Riley. “I think you really touched a nerve on her.”

“Yeah,” Riley sighed in defeat. “It feels like I’m losing her over to, whatever Rachel and Sarah are.”

“May be something she’s in to,” Patty shrugged. “You never know with people. When presented with something new they may discover something about themselves. Oop that’s Rachel leaving so my turn to take a leak.” Patty ran off into the store.

“I dunno. Fara just isn’t that kind of person. I know her better than anyone.”

“You think you do,” Annabelle pointed out.

“Yeah I guess I thought I did.”

“Look I’m saying this is a friend. You seriously need to let this go. I know it hurts when you think you know someone and they turn out different, but you fighting her on it every step of the way is just going to push her away from you.”

“But Rachel and Sarah.”

“Are her new friends,” Annabelle stopped Riley from ranting again. “It sucks I know. Fara has new best friends, and it sucks that you don’t have that relationship anymore. But she’s a grown woman. She can make that decision for herself and you don’t get to choose for her. You can fight her and loose her completely or you can let her move on from you, but still have something positive there. That’s the situation you’re in.”

“Well,” Riley scoffed. “Then she sucks for just leaving me like that. How the hell can she just move on from me without saying anything? I dunno what I even did wrong.”

“You’re not wrong,” Anabelle was sympathetic. “Maybe later you guys can talk that out and you can tell her that yourself. Assuming you don’t burn that bridge in the meantime.” Patty and Tara were making their way back to the car. “I think we’re about to head out. You good?”

“For now, Thanks A.J.”

“All right lets hit the road,” Patty shouted happily. “Momma needs her R&R.”

“For real,” Tara yelled back. “Let’s get this over with.” With that everyone loaded up and began the routine procedure of getting back on the road for hopefully the last time.