“Once you get the hang of pads, then I’ll make sure he gets you a menstrual cup,” I said.
I took her lack of answer as a yes and texted Parker.
Vivian:Always pads, regular and overnight, ultra thin, with wings, no scent.
Parker:These store brand pads are cheaper.
Vivian:There’s a reason for that.
Parker:No scent? Don’t women like scents?
Vivian:Just get what I said.
A vague memory came to mind of Cassidy saying she liked swim team better than band.
Vivian:Wait a minute!
“Hey, Cassidy, you don’t by any chance have a swim meet or—”
Cassidy opened the bathroom door, her face crumpled at the mention of the words “swim meet.”
“I have to go to a special swim practice tomorrow or Coach won’t let me swim at the meet. And now I’m not going to be able to!”
“Yes, you will,” I said. “We’ll get you some tampons.”
“But—”
“Hon, if you can even think about menstrual cups, you can handle a tampon.”
“Okay,” she said softly, sounding far more girl than woman.
“Why don’t you find some Advil, yeah?”
Cassidy went downstairs, and I returned to my texting.
Vivian:Tampax Pearl, one box of light and one box of regular, no scent.
Parker:But
Vivian:No scent! And yes Tampax! And yes Pearl! And get some pantyliners, too.
I held my breath while the three little dots danced, but then he sent a picture with every last one of my requests.
Vivian:Perfect. You take directions well. BTW she’s out of the bathroom, and we’re working on something for the cramps.
Parker:Cramps? She already has cramps?
Vivian:Oh, you poor sweet summer child. Get more Advil. And Tylenol. Morphine if they’ve got it.
I got Cassidy to take some Advil and eat a snack. Then I turned on the television to distract her and managed to find a heating pad. We sat on the couch together, and Cassidy surprised me by leaning her head on my shoulder.
The poor girl was feeling bad.
“This really your first period?” I asked. “Usually the first set of cramps aren’t this bad.”
Cassidy bit her lip. “I think I might have had a little-bitty period, but I thought I just hadn’t, you know?”
I did, indeed, know.
