Chapter 14: The Baby Sister
However, as he finished setting the table, Don, Johanna, and Mauranne gathered around with a mixture of amusement and mischief.
“Ludo,” Johanna began, “we’ve decided that tonight you’ll spend the evening as our little sister, not as a maid.”
Ludo’s eyes widened in surprise. “But… but I’ve prepared a special meal for you all,” he said, a hint of confusion and disappointment in his voice.
Mauranne, with a teasing smile, added, “Yes, and we’re going to dress you up and feed you like a little girl. No more grown-up duties tonight.”
Johanna and Mauranne led Ludo to a bedroom where they had prepared a set of childlike pajamas for him. The one-piece pajamas were a pastel pink, adorned with cute animal patterns They helped him into the pajamas, which had a snap-up front and a hood with little bear ears.
He was led to the dining area where, instead of the delicious meal he had prepared, there was a plate of pureed green vegetables waiting for him. The cutlery was tiny, along with a bib that read “Sweetie Pie” in large, colorful letters.
As Ludo sat down at the table, his face fell at the sight of the pureed vegetables. He had a difficult time hiding his displeasure. “But… I really don’t like these vegetables,” Ludo whined, his voice taking on a tone of a petulant child.
Mauranne, with a smirk, said, “Well, Ludo, you’re going to eat them anyway!”
Don said with irritation, “You’re going to eat every bite of that meal, Ludo. No complaints. If you don’t, there will be consequences.”
Ludo’s face flushed with embarrassment and distress. He glanced down at the pureed vegetables, feeling a lump form in his throat. His eyes began to well up, but he tried to hold back tears. The sight of Don’s stern expression made him shiver with apprehension.
“Please, Mr. Don,” Ludo begged, his voice quivering. “I really can’t eat this.”
Don’s expression hardened. “No, Ludo. You will eat what’s in front of you. If you don’t, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
Ludo, trembling, picked up the tiny spoon, his hands shaking. He began to eat the pureed vegetables, each spoonful making him gag slightly. He tried to hold back his retching, but the disgusting taste made it difficult. Tears streamed down his face as he forced himself to eat.
When he thought he had finished Don grabbed him by the neck. “Lick the plate! I don't want to see any more green. Lick it clean until it shines!“
He then wiped his mouth with the bib, his face red from the effort and embarrassment.
Ludo stood up and, with great effort, performed a deep curtsey. His eyes were still damp, but he managed to look up at Don, Johanna, and Mauranne with a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude.
“Thank you, Miss Johanna, Miss Mauranne, and Mr. Don,” Ludo said, his voice trembling but sincere. “I’m very grateful for this delicious meal.”
“Ludo,” Johanna said, her voice gentle but firm, “while we clear the table, we want you to play with your dolly. We’ll join you soon.”
Ludo nodded obediently, his face still slightly flushed from the difficult meal. He walked over to the play area they had set up for him.
He sat down on the soft rug and picked up Ludivine. He cradled her gently in his arms. His fingers brushed through the doll’s synthetic hair as he whispered softly, “Hello, sweetie. Mommy’s here.”
Next, he arranged the girl's stuffed animals in a circle around him. There was a teddy bear, a bunny, and a puppy—all with friendly, stitched-on smiles. He began to pretend they were having a tea party, using his imagination to fill in the gaps.
“Mr. Teddy,” Ludo said in a high-pitched, childlike voice, “would you like some tea? Oh, of course you would! Here you go.”
He mimed pouring tea into an imaginary cup and handed it to the teddy bear. He then moved on to the bunny and the puppy, offering them tea and cookies in a similar fashion.
Meanwhile, in the dining area, Don, Johanna, and Mauranne chatted quietly among themselves, occasionally glancing over at him to ensure he was immersed in his play.
Despite the childishness of the activity, he found a strange comfort in the simplicity of playing with the dolls and stuffed animals.
“Now, Miss Bunny,” Ludo continued, picking up the stuffed rabbit, “it’s your turn to speak. What do you have to say?”
He made the bunny nod and pretended it spoke in a squeaky voice, “Thank you, Ludo! This tea is wonderful!”
Ludo giggled softly, his earlier discomfort fading away as he immersed himself in the playful scenario. The act of nurturing his doll and engaging with his toys brought a sense of calm and contentment.
Once the table was cleared, Johanna, Mauranne, and Don returned to the play area.
Ludo looked up at them, his face lighting up with a smile. “Thank you, Miss Johanna, Miss Mauranne, and Mr. Don,” he said. Despite being in his pajamas, he stood up and performed a deep curtsey, his movements graceful and practiced. “I’m very grateful for this evening and the chance to play like the good girl I am.”
Johanna, Mauranne, and Don settled onto the large, comfortable sofa in the living room.
Johanna patted the spot next to her and said, “Come here, Ludo.”
She wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. Mauranne, sitting on the other side, did the same, creating a warm, secure cocoon around him. Don, watching with a fond smile, leaned in closer to join the embrace.
“Yes, you’ve been such a good girl tonight, Ludo,” Mauranne said softly, stroking his hair. “We’re very proud of you.”
Ludo, feeling the gentle caress, closed his eyes and sighed contentedly. “Thank you, Miss Mauranne. I’m happy to make you proud.”
Johanna kissed the top of his head, and Don reached out and began to caress it. His large hand provided a comforting touch that made Ludo feel safe and valued. “You’re a good girl, Ludo,” Don said, his voice deep and reassuring. “You’ve done well.”
Ludo snuggled close. “Thank you, Mr. Don,” he said in his soft voice.
For a while, the room was filled with the quiet sounds of contentment. Ludo, enveloped in the warmth and affection of his master and mistresses, felt at peace. Johanna and Mauranne continued to stroke his hair and back, while Don’s hand rested protectively on his shoulder.
Eventually, they shifted positions slightly. Ludo found himself lying down with his head resting on Johanna’s lap, his legs stretched out over Mauranne’s.
Johanna gently stroked his cheek and said, “Close your eyes, Ludo. Just relax.”
Ludo obeyed, closing his eyes and letting out a soft, contented sigh. The soothing words and gentle touches lulled him into a state of blissful relaxation.
He whispered, “Thank you, Miss Johanna, Miss Mauranne, and Mr. Don. I’m so grateful for your love and care. I’ll always do my best to make you happy.”
“Alright, Ludo,” Johanna said softly, “it’s time to get ready for beddybye. Let’s get you all set for a good night’s sleep.”
Ludo, feeling relaxed and content from the cuddles, nodded and sat up, still nestled between Johanna and Mauranne.
Johanna started by getting his toothbrush ready, putting a small amount of toothpaste on it. “Here you go, Ludo,” she said, handing it to him with a smile.
Ludo took the toothbrush with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Miss Johanna,” he said, beginning to brush his teeth. Mauranne filled a small basin with warm water and laid out a soft washcloth. “Once you’re done brushing, we’ll wash your face and hands,” she instructed gently.
With his face and hands clean, they led Ludo back to the bedroom, where his bed was already prepared with soft, plush bedding and his favorite dolly. Ludo cradled Ludivine in his arms, feeling a wave of affection.
Don helped him into bed, Johanna picked up a picture book and sat beside the bed. “Would you like a bedtime story?” she asked.
Ludo nodded eagerly. “Yes, please, Miss Johanna.”
As the story ended, Johanna closed the book and leaned in to kiss Ludo’s forehead. “Goodnight, Ludo. Sweet dreams.”
Mauranne followed suit, giving Ludo a kiss on the cheek. “Sleep well, little sister. We’ll see you in the morning.”
Don, with a gentle smile, leaned down and ruffled Ludo’s hair one last time. “Goodnight, Ludo. You’ve been a very good girl today.”
Ludo, feeling overwhelmed with affection and care, whispered, “Thank you, Miss Johanna, Miss Mauranne, and Mr. Don. I’m so grateful for everything. Goodnight.”
Later that night, Ludo had an urgent need to pee. He waddled to the hallway, feeling the constraints of his one-piece pajamas. He tried to unzip them but quickly realized he couldn’t do it on his own. Panic started to set in as he fumbled with the zipper.
Just as he was beginning to feel desperate, Don emerged from one of the rooms. “Ludo, what are you doing up at this hour?” he asked sternly.
Ludo looked up at Don, his eyes wide and pleading. “I’m sorry, Mr. Don. I need to go to the toilet, but I can’t get my pajamas off by myself,” he explained, his voice trembling.
Don sighed, clearly exasperated. “You should have called for help instead of wandering around. You know better, Ludo. This kind of behavior will have consequences.”
Tears welled up in Ludo’s eyes as he clutched his doll even tighter. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Don. I promise I’ll call for help next time. Please don’t be too angry with me.”
Despite his annoyance, Don gently unzipped the pajamas, helping Ludo out of them. “Alright, let’s get you to the toilet,” he said, guiding him to the bathroom.
“Thank you for helping me despite my bad behaviour Mr. Don,” Ludo whispered.
After Ludo had finished, Don helped him back into his pajamas, zipping them up carefully. “You need to remember to ask for help, Ludo. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss your punishment,” Don said firmly but not unkindly.
“Yes, Mr. Don. I’ll be good. Thank you so much.”
Don led Ludo back to his bed, tucking him in securely once more. He brushed a hand through his hair and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Goodnight, Ludo. Sleep well.”
Ludo, still clutching his doll, looked up at Don with a mixture of relief and gratitude. “Thank you, Mr. Don. Goodnight.”
Don turned off the light and quietly left the room. Ludo, now feeling both the weight of his mistake and the comfort of Don’s care, drifted back to sleep, clutching his doll close. He knew that tomorrow would bring a discussion about his punishment, but for now, he was safe and cared for, ready to rest until morning.