“Well – Alex told me she and Jordan received invitations for a sleepover slumber party at Georgia Yates’ house maybe 3 weeks ago – it was sort of last minute but that’s kind of how these kids do things. Anyways, Jordan told Alex she wasn’t going because she’s been wetting the bed? Or something? And Alex was extremely upset about her decision because she was worried that rejecting it would cause her to be a social outcast at school – or be picked on more or something. I guess Jordan gets teased quite a bit.”
“Jordaaaan…mmmmm…” Sally said aloud shaking her head, “her dad is gonna be so pissed. Mr. Yates is the chair of the School Board and he’s one of the biggest givers to Hope Seattle. It’s a pretty big slap in the face to that family for them to invite my daughter over for a party and then to have her turn around and say ‘no’. UGH!!! That girl!!!”
“Well – like I said, I’m just bringing you the message and getting out of it. Alex was concerned about her social stock and that’s a different issue than your concerns. But apparently this all happened and is true…so do with it what you’d like.”
Oh I’ll do something – you can bet your brastraps on that!! Sally thought to herself.
The evening had ended with hugs and friendly commitments to one another to stay more connected in the coming weeks and months. Sally with thankful and surprised by Jo’s grace and felt hopeful that perhaps she might’ve struck gold. Jo was hopeful of the same.
Ted, Melissa, and the girls spent the day hanging out at ‘his’ apartment and bopping around downtown bundled up in the rain. The next day, Ted had been offered corporate box seats to see the Seattle Seahawks. At the time, the old Kingdome had been destroyed and the new stadium was still under construction; so the team was temporarily playing at the college field in the “U District” on lake Washington (actually nearby the site of Jordan’s sleep study). Everyone was excited about the event but before it could happen, Saturday night sleeping preparations had to be made.
“Come let me help you get ready for bed Jordan.” Melissa said standing in the apartment’s bedroom doorway with a twinge of cheer in her voice but primarily with pragmatism. The teenage bed wetter sat on the living-room couch and gazed into a book assigned for English class.
What did she just say to me? There’s no way I’m letting that lady touch me!
Jordan ignored the request.
“Jordan…now…please?” Melissa nagged.
Again, still no response.
From the couch, Ted chimed in. They had strategized about this confrontation earlier in the day. “Jordie,” the girl cringed a bit as he used the term of endearment she had grown accustomed to hear exclusively from her Mom, “last night you didn’t do a very good job of putting your night…protection…on and we just can’t have you leak on our bed…I mean on my bed again. So Melissa is gonna help you with it tonight.”
Jordan immediately felt utterly alone. How was she to respond? How could she argue her way out of this? She wished her mom would come and take them home. She wished she never had to see that woman again…let alone allow her to…diaper me? A tear streaked down her face.
“Oh it’s not that bad.” Said Melissa as she noticed Jordan’s distress.
“Obey me Jordan.” Said Ted firmly.
The girl sloughed up and shuffled into the bedroom as Melissa closed the curtained glass door behind them.
“Where are your diapers Jordan?” the older but smaller woman asked.
“In there” said the tall teenage girl, pointing toward her suitcase but acting as though she was something more like 3 or 4. Melissa rummaged through the luggage until she produced a purple diaper.
“Ok, get over here.” She said motioning to the bed in front of her.
Jordan sauntered over with little commitment, looking straight down.
