“Like a code word?” she asked, her brow furrowed. I nodded. “Okay, Let’s call it...” She seemed to contemplate it for a while then said, “tango.”
“As in the dance?” At her nod, I laughed so hard, I had to bite my lip to stop when I snagged her narrowed eyes.
“It’s not funny,” she hissed. “It’s better to say it’s tango time than period time.” She huffed.
I had to admit she had me there. “Fine. Tango it is.”
At my acceptance, she pulled the box closer and inspected the contents. “Why did you get me panties?” She held up the pack of polka dot underwear.
“They’re leakproof panties you wear during your per...tango,” I quickly corrected.
She rolled her eyes then picked up a pink sequenced travel bag. “What’s this for?”
“To carry these.” I pointed to the pack of pads, tampons, panty liners and disposable bags. “You pack them in that travel bag and keep it in your school backpack, so you don’t have an accident like you did today.”
She nodded. “And these?” She held up the bottle of period gummies.
I had no idea if they worked when I’d tossed them into the cart. The girl at the register said they did. “To help with stomach pains and bloating you get during tango time.” I winked.
She giggled and picked up the last item. A book. “The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls,” she read out loud then lifted questioning eyes to me.
“Blue, your body is going to go through a lot of changes now, all normal,” I reassured her when surprise clouded her expression. “I figured that book might help you understand those changes, okay?” She nodded. “So, you ready to come out of hiding now.” I grinned.
“Yes.” As I stood, she did the same then opened the door, tightened her robe and walked out. “Thank you, Shay, you’re the best.” She slid her arms around my waist, hugging me tight.
I kissed the top of her head. “Being a soldier on constant deployment, I’m not always going to be there when you need me,” I said as she stepped back. “But when I am, you’ll always come first. Remember what I always tell you.” I tapped her nose lightly. “You’re my one true love, Blue.” That was a promise I’d take to my grave.
9. Boyfriend – Mabel
Skye Donovan – 15 years; Shay 27 years
“We haven’t done a movie night in so long, when are you guys coming over?” Samantha asked as we waited in line for the school bus.
“Yeah, I think we should make it a horror one,” Nyla, our other friend, piped up.
“That last one was so lame,” I said, fishing my vibrating phone out my pocket.
