Published: March 7th 2022, 9:39:28 am
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8
Note: A surprise from the polls, many of you voted on a continuation for this story set in the world of Back to School and Babied by Billy. The events of this story happpen a bit further into the future when the Fresh Start regression program has gotten big enough to become an option for anyone entering the adult world for the first time - an alternative to college and adulthood. Is this the easy way out for our protagonist, or will he come to regret his decision to give up on adulting?
The words of Ms. Frazzle, our Detransitional Kindergarten teacher rang true in my mind.
"Why are you fighting yourselves? It's my hope to help you find that answer, and to show you how being little can be a lot of fun. So what do you say, everyone? Are we ready to learn?"
Here I was in my overalls, along with Trevor in his romper, and Amanda in her girly purple dress. We had all come here of our own volition, knowing we would regress to some degree. What could we say but yes?
Having confirmed our readiness, our redheaded teacher clapped her hands and smiled a big toothy grin.
"Great! Let's go over a few of the rules, talk about what a typical day in class might look like, and then take you into the classroom proper. Let's start with rules!"
She pulled down a Virtual screen which showed a glowing list of rules that hung in the air, facing me directly. I assumed the others had the same view from where they sat, since we were all wearing our own headsets.
"The first rule is that all students must follow the rules," said Miss Frazzle, giggling. "I guess that's one's obvious. But the second rule is about why we follow these rules. The second rule is to respect the teacher, the staff, and all the other students in the program. That means no hitting, yelling, cursing, interrupting, etcetera. Disrespect is a sure sign of immaturity, and can lead to punishment and a demotion in level."
"I have a question," asked Luna.
"Yes, Luna?" asked Ms. Frazzle, with a smile.
"Are participants punished for being immature? And is going to a lower class a punishment? I thought that was the whole point."
Ms. Frazzle laughed.
"Yes, you are right, that is confusing, isn't it?" Ms. Frazzle appeared to really consider what Amanda had said, rubbing her chin for a few moments. "Well, spoken, Ms. Amanda. Dear me, we may have to reconsider the wording of that rule, or we might discourage students from detransitioning. We certainly don't want students to feel shame around being little. Oh, no. No, we use positive and negative reinforcement here for anti-social and disobedient behavior, but being immature is not a bad thing here, nor is going down a level. On the contrary, that's your goal! It's just important that you learn appropriate behavior along the way." "
"It's understandable," said Luna. "I mean, that kind of shame around failing to 'grow up' is embedded in our culture so deep, it's bound to show up in unexpected places. Even the designers of this program grew up in the same culture, don't you think? I'm sorry, I hope I wasn't being disrespectful... I was just thinking aloud," said Amanda, suddenly looking a bit embarrassed over what she had implied.
"Oh, Amanda, such a considerate young girl you are," said Ms. Frazzle. "But in this program, you won't find the authoritarian school structure you may have been used to from your hometown. If you can find a better way to help you and others feel and behave more little, I welcome it! Little ones are often very creative with just how they manage to get there and it's so fun and cute to see just what they do to become the babies they can be! It's one of my favorite things about teaching in this very unique program!
Now the next rule is about your physical and mental state. If at any time you regress to a physical or mental level below that of a transitional kindergartener, you will be moved to a lower level. Though, considering Amanda's astute observation, maybe we should start calling them higher levels!"
I rolled my eyes and looked at Amanda, annoyed. Great going, poindexter. You're giving them ideas.
She continued with a few examples. "Being unable to walk, talk, feed yourselves, and trouble using the potty could all be indications that it's time for you to go to the next level. And speaking of the potty..."
Oh boy, I thought. Here it comes.
"Students must use the training potty in the classroom, and they must find an adult to help them go. No going on your own!"
"H-help us go?" I stuttered out, horrified. "I-I don't know if I can handle that..."
Ms. Frazzle looked sympathetic, her eyes creasing as she smiled down at me. "It takes some getting used to, I know. Everyone has to go through it. But they all do get through it, and so will you!"
I didn't find Ms. Frazzle's promise very encouraging.
"And if I can't make it to the potty? You know, like if I have an accident?"
"Well," said Ms. Frazzle, bringing her hand down to light up the fourth rule. "Any student who has an accident will have to wear training pants from then on. It's one of the ways we determine when students are ready to detransition down to preschool!"
She said it with such excitement, it almost sounded like a good thing, which here in this topsy turvy world, I guess it was.
"And that's pretty much it," she said. "Some questions?"
"Wait, that's it?" I asked, shocked. I looked over to Amanda, who seemed to be watching Ms. Frazzle intently, and then to Trevor, who seemed to be busy swinging his legs and looking around some more.
"That's all we need, really," said Ms. Frazzle. "It all boils down to respect, good behavior, and your age-appropriate abilities, so rather than a long list of rules to memorize, we prefer to just stick to those general ideas. You'll soon learn on your own just how to be the best student you can be in our classroom!"
"I have a question," asked Trevor, looking restless as he continued squirming in his seat. "When do we get to start?"