The next few days were filled with a strange mixture of excitement and anxiety. Jake had worn his new diapers a couple of times, always in secret, always when he knew his parents wouldn't be home. But he couldn't shake the paranoia that somehow, some way, he would get caught.
One afternoon, after school, he decided to put one on while he did his homework. The quiet of the house was comforting, and for a while, he lost himself in his work. But then, the sound of the front door unlocking sent a jolt of panic through him.
His mom was home early.
Jake's heart pounded as he jumped up, scrambling to take the diaper off. His hands fumbled as he pulled it off and shoved it under his bed just as his mom called his name.
"Jake? You home?"
"Yeah, Mom! Just in my room!" he called back, forcing his voice to sound casual.
She appeared in the doorway a moment later, setting her purse down on the dresser. "How was school?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room.
Jake shrugged, trying to act normal. "It was fine. Just got some homework."
His mom sighed and sat on the edge of his bed. "I left work early today. Thought I'd pick up some dinner on the way home. You hungry?"
Jake nodded quickly, hoping she would leave soon. "Yeah, that sounds good."
Then his phone buzzed.
A text from Alex: Hey man, I'll be over after dinner! Ready for the sleepover?
Jake had completely forgotten about it. Two hours later, Alex arrived. The boys played video games while their moms talked downstairs. Before long, Alex's mom called up, "Bye, hon! See you in a week!"
At 11 PM, Jake's mom told them it was time for bed. As they started getting ready, she pulled Alex aside briefly. Jake didn't question it, instead putting on his Goodnites and pajamas. A few minutes later, Alex returned, now in his pajamas, and climbed into bed, ready for the sleepover to begin.