That would be worse than anything.
“It’s personal,” she whispered through gritted teeth.
The look of confusion gave way to a look of understanding on his face.“Do you have your period, baby?”
She tilted her head, pressing her face into the pillow.
She heard him sigh, and then he turned her head to face him.
“Baby, there will be no secrets between us, ever.Having a menstrual cycle is a very natural process.There is absolutely no reason to be embarrassed.”
She nodded, unsure of what to say.She did think with time, she would get used to telling him everything, but at the moment, it was nearly impossible.
“Now, tell me about the cramps you’re having and if you have the things you need?”
“I don’t have anything.”
“Then I’ll make sure you get the things.I’ll ask Daisy if she has any until they come.”
“I’m using toilet paper.I rarely have the money or a way to get the things.”
“From now on, you’ll have them,” he said.
Another cramp began to build, causing her to whimper.
“What can I do to help with the pain?”he asked.
“I don’t know.I usually just curl into a ball and try to breathe,” Angel said.The pain hadn’t receded enough for her to reach up and wipe the tears streaming from her eyes.
“Hold on,” Thomas said, and walked out of the room.
Angel didn’t care where he went because all her energy was focused on getting through the next cramp.She was lightly dozing when he came back with his arms full of things.
“I talked to Daisy,” Thomas said.“She wants you to know you can go to her for anything.”
“I didn’t want to bother her.”
“Neither of us wants to see you in pain, especially if there is anything we can do to help.First, we need to get some medicine in you.Can you sit up?”
She nodded and struggled to sit upright.
He set everything on the nightstand and lifted her against the headboard.When she was settled, he sat on the mattress, facing her, and reached for the bottled water and pill bottle.He shook out two and handed them to her.“Here, take these.”
He opened the bottle of water.
She got the pills down and then sat back and sighed.
“Daisy found some pads that should get you through the next couple of days, but I’ll make sure you have more.Or would you rather have tampons?”
“I ...no.I’ve never used them.I’m scared to.”
“Why, baby?”
“The nuns forbid them.They didn’t believe in putting anything up my ...women’s secret place.”
“Well, if you ever want to try them, I’ll find someone to help you.”
“I’d rather have pads for now.I’ve never touched myself down there, you know, inside.”
