Josh answers every random question the kids throw at him for the next forty minutes. He describes his life, his path to success, and even agrees to let the kids interview for internships or jobs on his next shoot. We wrap up with a discussion about the pitfalls of Hollywood and the challenges he’s faced. They quickly learn that not everything is as it seems.
As he speaks, my abdomen begins to cramp. First, the pain is dull and achy, but it builds, slowly morphing into the sharp stabbing pains that accompany my period.
Just my luck.
“Alright,” I call, finally bringing the session to a close. “Your homework tonight is to work out what you need to succeed in life. I’m not talking money—even if this is a finance class. I want you to think about what skills and supports you need to get to where you want to be. Five hundred words.”
They groan in unison.
“We’ll talk about it next week,” I finish, ignoring their complaints as I try to act normally even as the pain intensifies.
The class shuffles out, a few stragglers stopping to talk to Josh on their way. I pack up my desk quickly, popping a few pain pills and doing a walk around the classroom to make sure no one has left anything behind.
Dwayne is the last to leave, closing the door softly behind him. The quiet snick of the latch feels like a signal to my body, and I immediately sag against the desk, clutching at my abdomen.
“Josh?” I call without looking up.
“Yeah?” He turns toward me, his movements slowing as he takes in my hunched posture.
I exhale sharply, pressing a hand against my abdomen. “Don’t panic. I’m fine. Just… PMS.”
The dull ache in my lower back now makes sense as it radiates outward in waves of discomfort. My endometriosis has a knack for turning my cycle into a well-timed nightmare.
Josh frowns, stepping closer. “This looks like more than just PMS.”
“It’s fine,” I assure him, though my voice comes out strained. I grab my water bottle from the desk, twisting the cap open with a wince. “It’s just early. Probably all the stress.”
His brow furrows deeper. “You’re pale. Seriously, Molly, are you sure this is normal?”
“Unfortunately,” I say with a dry laugh, taking a long sip of water. “This is my body’s idea of a fun time.”
Josh rubs a hand over his face, his concern evident. “Do you need anything? Painkillers? A heating pad? A new uterus?”
I snort despite myself, the laugh cutting through the tension in my abdomen. “I’ve taken some painkillers and I’ll pop a hot pack on it when I get home. But unless you’ve got a spare uterus in your coat pocket, I think I’m stuck with this one.”
He watches me for a moment, then crosses his arms. “You shouldn’t have to just… deal with this.”
I shrug, forcing myself to straighten up despite the cramping. “I’ve got a doctor. She’s great. It’s just something I live with.”
Josh doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push further. Instead, he reaches for my bag, holding it out to me. “Let’s get you out of here.”
I take the bag from him, offering a small smile. “I just need to get through the next hour or so. After that, I’ll be fine.”
“Let me guess,” he says as we step out of the classroom together. “You’re about to tell me you have work to do.”
I pull out my phone, glancing at my reminders. “I have a few free hours, actually. You?”
“I’m supposed to be writing a script,” he admits, placing a hand lightly on my back as we head for the exit.
The warmth of his touch spreads through me, somehow soothing the ache in my lower back.
“I could take you home,” he suggests.
I shake my head. “No, I’d don’t want to go home and get all cozy only to have to come back for my late class. It’s easier to just stay busy.”
“They how about a coffee? Or tea?”
“You just want a snack,” I tease, laughing softly.
