Crossing Worlds

The ship’s library was a cozy, quiet haven tucked away on one of the upper decks, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling energy of the vessel. Hannah and Emily lounged there, nursing bottles and reading from the collection of silly children's tales on offer. As they boarded, dinner was still an hour or so away. Thomas needed a nap, and the girl’s ‘surprise’ was after dinner. With the many options available, Hannah wanted to escape from the throngs of crowds and relax. 

The library walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with various books, from classic literature to picture books with thick, colorful pages that were baby-friendly. Plush, oversized chairs and comfy beanbags were scattered throughout the room, providing the perfect spots for passengers of all ages to settle in with a good book. More minor, cushioned seating areas were designed for younger guests, their seats lower to the ground, and the tables filled with interactive books and toys. Hannah found herself here, her selection of books slim with Daddy's guidance on staying low and under the radar. 

The ship's horn, far quieter inside, reverberated through the boat, and Hannah glanced out the many windows to see the dock slowly slipping away as the ship left port. Daddy was in the Amazon section of the library, reading a thrilling fantasy novel and leaving the girls to their own devices. 

“What do you think the surprise is?” Hannah asked, drawing Emily’s attention away from the book she was halfheartedly reading. 

Emily shrugged, “I’ve seen almost everything on this ship; it could be anything. But, he seemed genuinely excited about it; he seemed to think we would also enjoy the experience, so… that leaves me with zero ideas.” 

Hannah giggled, “That was my thinking as well. What, will it be coins for the arcade? A movie? A trip to the candy store?” Hannah asked, realizing that they had won treats from the adventure park, which they had never redeemed.

“Adult fun time,” Emily said with a grin.

It took Hannah a few moments to process precisely what Emily had said, and she blushed, “The real question is, with him, with each other, or by ourselves?” Hannah asked, grinning as she leaned into the joke.

“Which would you prefer?” Emily asked, giving Hannah a wink.

“Him, obviously,” Hannah said, sitting back and returning to her book.

Hannah looked over the top of her book to Emily and grinned, giggling as they laughed. “But seriously, what could it be!” she said, closing her book, keeping their voices down to not disturb the other passengers in the library.

“It’s got to be on the boat, right? Especially now that we are out at sea.” Emily said, closing her book.

“What are you two talking about?” Daddy asked, stepping up beside them and kneeling. 

“Oh, just our books,” Hannah replied defensively, an automatic response.

Emily grinned, “We were talking about what special reward you had planned for us. We are dying to know!”

Daddy grinned, ruffling their hair, “You’ll find out after dinner. I promise you’ll like it.” 

“It isn’t, like, Amazon-themed?” Emily asked hesitantly.

“Like, I’m not going to be injected with nanites and turned into a cat with no bladder control, right?” Hannah asked.

Daddy let out a healthy laugh, grinning, “No, nothing like that, nothing that Amazons designed exclusively to torment Littles. Why don’t we eat, and then you two can find out? Are either of you particularly hungry? I was thinking to stop by and get something small.”

“That’d be great.” Hannah said, climbing from her chair, “We ate a lot in port.”

“Yeah, I’m still pretty full.” Emily chimed in as Daddy took and stowed their books away.

“My thoughts exactly: there’s a small outdoor restaurant just around the corner that looks good,” Daddy said, offering a hand to either girl as he led them from the library.

The restaurant was a quick-service diner, allowing passengers to order food and take it to a table, reminding Hannah of a fast-food restaurant. They approached the counter, and Daddy asked what either girl wanted. Their order was placed, they were quickly served, and Daddy carried the food tray towards a vacant table, the late afternoon sun warming their skin as they sat. Daddy set down the food and helped either girl into the booster seats provided, pulling straps across their laps. Hannah squirmed; her diaper was getting soaked, and she was surprised Daddy hadn’t changed her. She had felt his fingers poking and feeling her diaper, seeing exactly how wet she was, but hadn’t said anything.

Dadd had elected something that resembled fish and chips while both girls were served small sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables, reminding Hannah of brunch and tea. The meal was simple but delicious nonetheless, and Hannah eagerly washed it with a fresh bottle of what tasted like sweet tea. 

“Do you know when we arrive in the city? The, you know…” Hannah trailed off.

Daddy glanced around and nodded. “We’ll arrive in port tomorrow afternoon,” he said in a hushed voice. “Most of my documentation is on reintegrating myself back into society; we must figure out you two. We will have a place to stay but not much else.” 

Emily nodded, “We’ll figure it out together.” she said with a smile.

Daddy returned her smile, “I don’t know what I did to deserve you two.” he said with a chuckle. “I’ve never met more well-behaved Littles who didn’t need…” Daddy trailed off, not finishing his sentence, “Well, I appreciate you both.” 

Hannah felt a shiver running through her body. She wasn’t sure what Daddy’s initial sentence had been, but she was sure she wouldn’t like the answer. The table lapsed into silence as they finished their meals, nursing bottles as Daddy sat back, relaxing. 

“Well, you two ready for your surprise?” Daddy asked with a smile, standing.

“Yes!” Emily said immediately.

“What is it?” Hannah asked, grinning as Daddy lifted her from her high chair.

Daddy chuckled, “You’ll see!” he responded, taking both girl’s hands and leading them from the dining area. 

Daddy led the girls up several decks to the Tiny Tots Tranquility Spa. Hannah and Emily’s eyes bulged with surprise. “A Spa?” Hannah asked.

Daddy grinned, nodding, leading them to the check-in desk. “Yup! It is designed for Littles, but it’s more upscale, replicating the Amazon facilities. I figured you two may appreciate some massages and relaxation.”

Emily and Hannah embraced Daddy, wrapping their arms around him as he knelt. “Thank you,” Emily said, turning back to the spa.

“Of course, sweethearts, you two behave; I’ll be here when you are done,” Daddy said, ruffling their hair and leaving. 

Hannah and Emily nervously stepped into the check-in area. The area was a beautifully designed reception space, with pastel-colored walls, soft lighting, and a warm, gentle fragrance of lavender filling the air. The receptionist, dressed in a crisp uniform, greeted the girls with a smile and handed over two plush robes. Above the desk, a sign with soft, twinkling lights read, “Tiny Tots Tranquility Spa: Relax, Rejuvenate, Refresh.”

The crew member scanned the girl’s bands, gathering names, room numbers, and reservations. A small bell chimed, and the girls were directed to a plush waiting area where other Littles, dressed in robes, waited for their treatments. The spa had large glass windows, offering a tranquil view of a private, walled garden filled with colorful flowers and a soft waterfall that trickled down into a lily-filled pond. Gentle, calming music played softly in the background, setting the mood for complete relaxation. The time soon came, and an attendant led the girls through the spa. The facility was stunning, airy, and open, with soft, padded floors designed for tiny feet. Beautiful murals of baby animals frolicking in nature decorated the walls, enhancing the calm, playful atmosphere. The treatment rooms had soft, glowing lights that could change color based on the mood. 

The attendant led the girls to the first stop of their therapeutic journey, which turned out to be a bath. The attendant turned to them, “Who would like to go first? We need to get you two changed for your spa to begin.”

Hannah blushed, begrudgingly offering herself up. The attendant helped Hannah strip, laying her on a changing table and stripping her of her diaper before fitting her into a swim diaper. Hannah opened her mouth to complain, wanting to argue that she only needed a swimsuit, but the attendant cut her off. “Every Little is treated the same way,” she said simply, lifting Hannah and lowering her into the suddsy waters. 

The bathtubs were filled with warm, soothing bubbles. Soft, lavender-scented water enveloped Hannah as she was lowered into the tub, and she let out an involuntary moan. The waters were warm, and whatever else was added to the water helped Hannah relax; tension flowed from her as Emily was added to the tub next to her. It took Hannah only a few moments to completely forget about the swim diaper encasing her lower half as she drifted into the waters. Her eyes drifted closed as she leaned back, simply enjoying the experience. The girls were allowed to soak for some time, enjoying the serene experience, and the soft music furthering their relaxation. 

The attendant returned, helping both girls from their baths and re-wrapping them in their robes. The next room contained what Hannah thought were changing tables, but it turned out to be changing tables slash massage bench hybrids. The attendant helped Hannah lay face down as a Masseuse stepped up beside Hannah, removing her robe once more. Hannah blushed as her swim diaper came into full view, but they didn’t say anything as Hannah felt lotion being applied to her skin.

Hannah was in bliss as the massage began; the Amazon fingers were experts as she worked knots from Hannah’s body; she hadn’t even realized the knots were there. They worked Hannah’s back, neck, arms, and legs, leaving Hannah in utter, relaxed bliss. Unfortunately, their massage ended, and as Hannah was wrapped once more and shown the next room, she was offered a bottle to rehydrate herself. The drink contained a creamy formula of oat milk and chamomile. It was an odd beverage, but Hannah was thirsty and eagerly drank. 

The next room contained heated stone benches for the girls to lay upon. As they were helped up and laid down, a mud mask was applied to Hannah’s face, followed by cucumbers over her eyes as she relished in the warmth of the stone bed. Both girls were blissful, their bodies relaxing far more than ever before. Hannah forgot about her troubles for the moment; she forgot about trying to escape back home, running from the law; she was content and happy, relaxing with her sister. Their masks were eventually removed, and Hannah was wrapped in an ultra-soft, plush blanket before being placed in a reclined, rocking chair, gazing out at the ocean. The rocking and the wrap's warmth helped Hannah feel relaxed and cozy, lulling her into a restful state. 

Their final stop was the rainfall showers. Attendants deposited both girls on their feet, undoing diapers and leaving them naked as the showers cascaded over their bodies. A lathering of sweet-smelling soaps washed away any remaining grit or grime before they were dried and swaddled in thick diapers. A final touch, the girls were wrapped in their robes and offered fluffy slip-on shoes and a goody bag containing spa essentials and their clothes before returning to the main ship. 

Stepping forth from the spa, Daddy saw them and immediately scooped both girls up. Hannah felt like her entire body was relaxed, utterly content to lay there and do nothing. Daddy grinned, “How was it?” he asked. 

“Amazing,” Hannah said, her eyes blissfully unfocused as he carried them out onto the quiet sundeck.

“I feel like a new person,” Emily added, grinning.

Daddy chuckled, kissing both girls’ foreheads, “I’m glad you enjoyed it; I wanted to reward you both for being such good girls.” Daddy said, depositing them on lounge chairs out on the deck.

The sun had gone down, and the air was crisp, contrasting with the muggy and hot mid-day weather. Hannah relaxed back in the lounger, enjoying the warmth of the robe as Daddy handed them both fresh bottles to drink. Hannah happily nursed hers, enjoying the relaxation that still filled her body. 

“I don’t think you’ll have a problem with that,” Emily said with a smile as she was laid beside Hannah, Daddy taking his lounger.

“Yeah, I’ll be a good girl,” Hannah giggled. 

Hannah could practically feel Emily grinning at her as she said it, but Daddy simply laughed, “I’m glad to hear it. There’s a fireworks show going on fairly soon; I figured we could enjoy it before going to bed.”

“That sounds lovely,” Hannah replied, letting her eyes close. 

Hannah could relax and forget her troubles for the duration of her spa treatment. Tomorrow was going to be a big day for both girls. They arrived in the foreign city and then began having trouble returning home. Hannah knew they would need to return to the school for a day to live out their contract. What could they possibly do to Hannah in one day? Sure, Hannah would have to put up with being in preschool again, but if it meant she could return home, she would do it. 

The thought of returning home, however, troubled Hannah even more. A large part of her didn’t want to leave Daddy behind; she had grown close to him. The idea of going and never seeing him again deeply saddened Hannah. On the same token, Hannah knew she couldn’t stay here forever; she had a life back home, a family that loved her, and a job and bills. The more Hannah thought about her life, the less and less she wanted to return to it. Hannah found that while she didn’t agree with everything, most of what Amazons did to her, the ability to exist and have all her needs cared for simply was appealing to her.

Hannah found herself enjoying that her most considerable daily trouble was possibly getting stuck with a meal she didn’t like or being forced into an activity she didn’t want to do. At home, she had the infinite freedom to do whatever she wanted. But, with that freedom came many responsibilities and problems she had to deal with. Hannah felt genuinely torn; she wanted aspects of her life to live in unison. Was that so much to ask for?

Abandoning Daddy, her mother or father, back home terrified Hannah. How could she possibly choose between them? It was impossible; she couldn’t have both and would have to break someone's heart to follow her passion. Was there an option in between? Was there some way that Hannah could somehow have both? Hannah didn’t think so, and the thought tore her up. 

A sudden boom echoing overhead startled Hannah as the fireworks show began. Music flittered across the deck as fireworks rocketed into the sky, cascading down in colorful shapes and patterns. As much as it pained Hannah, she knew she would have to make a choice; she would have to choose between her real family or Daddy. Whose heart was Hannah going to break?

End of Chapter 46