We stopped for some lunch and the boy who’d wet himself was directed the changing room where I’d been battled into mine. At least ten others followed him, including the girl from our group. I figured everyone does have to wear one which somehow seemed more bizarre than just some of us. I remember in primary school, there was one boy whom the teacher claimed kept going to the toilet to get out of class… she got into big trouble after making him wear nappy one day and refusing to let him got to the bathroom. She may have felt justified in doing what she did even if it was wrong. The boy really did have a weak bladder. Why we have to wear nappies I’ve no idea. Making us boys wear dresses makes sense because as Mother said, there’s no way I’m going to run off dressed like this.
We dine on triangular sandwiches with the crusts cut off, washed down with weak cordial in spill proof plastic beakers. Afterwards, we played balloon relay which is more fun that it sounds… but after an hour of country dancing, anything would be an improvement. Another sit and listen session followed, which was long and tiresome and wasn’t helped by the fact that we had to sit on stools with no backrest. It was during this session that I timidly raised my hand and told the woman that I’d wet my nappy. She told me to wait until the end of the session. I could have cried as I sat for twenty five minutes in a wet nappy, but I didn’t.
Having a wet nappy removed at the age of eleven is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever endured… far worse than having to wear a dress. The lady who changed it was very nice though. She told me that I was far too old to be put into a nappy like a baby, and showed me how to put one on like a big boy should. “Why do we have to wear nappies?” I asked after fastening the humiliating garment around myself. This one has a picture of some flowers on the front. “We’re not babies.” I added as she gave me a dry pair of rubber knickers.
“Why do you have to wear a dress?” she asked. “You’re not a girl.” she added. I sighed and shrugged and said I didn’t know. “Oh I think you do… you didn’t end up at Sunday School for doing well at school did you?”
“No Miss.” I reluctantly replied. I pulled on the rubber knickers. Their tight elasticated leg holes bit into me. These were followed by my big baggy knickers with their rows of lacy trim on the bum and even more ruffled lace around the legs. They’re not so baggy over my nappy. I returned to the main hall where the others were playing lava floor. A variety of mats, benches, tables and chairs had been arranged in a maze formation and the game is to go all the way around, stepping from mat to table to bench to chair without touching the wooden floor. The whole point is that it’s tricky and that’s what makes it so much fun.
“Have you enjoyed yourself?” my mother asked when we were dismissed. “You looked like you were having fun.” she added, having watched the last ten minutes of us playing lava floor.
“You must be Perry’s mother.” one of the staff members asked.
“Yes.” Mother replied. “How’s he got on?” she asked.
“Oh, fine for a first timer.” the woman replied. “He’s been trying to skip with a rope but needs a bit more practice… I suggested he ask you to get him a skipping rope to play with at home.”
“Oh, er yes… of course.” Mother replied.
“He’s got a book to read too, so he’ll be able to actually participate in the book group next week.” the woman said to my mother. She turned to me and added. “…so you need to make sure you read it.”
“Yes Miss.” I meekly said.
The woman turned back to my mother and made me blush by informing her that I’ve had one nappy change and that I should still be dry, before asking me if I was. I gulped and blushed and nodded. “…and he’s been shown how to put his own nappy on so next week, we shouldn’t have to put him in one.” she said.
They said their goodbyes and we left. I didn’t even notice that I’d been holding my mother’s hand until we got to the car and she told me to let go. “Can I put my own clothes on when we get home?” I asked as she started the engine. “Oh mu-um.” I whined. “I’ve worn this all day!” I said.
“And you’ll wear it for the rest of the day.” she replied… and that’s exactly what I did.
