“I haven’t done any of you lovely ladies.” He winked at us.
“And you never will,” Abby yelled back. “Lori, you’re right, lascivious is the perfect word to describe him.”
“I said salacious, but lascivious works just as well.”
I sat down in the back of the bus with forty-eight excited campers and twelve happy counselors. We hadn’t yet left the camp property when the singing began—nonstop, continuous, repetitive singing. Thank goodness I had taken those Midols.
“Hey, Lori,” the girls sang in unison.
I had to reply because eight-year-olds are relentless. “Someone calling my name?”
“Hey, Lori.”
“Wait, I hear it again.”
“You’re wanted on the telephone.”
“Well, if it isn’t Sarah, I’m not home.”
I chose Sarah because she was having trouble making connections with the other girls. She seemed delighted.
While the singing continued, I sat with my shins up against the seat in front of me and my head resting on my knees.
The DLs and the nurse parked themselves by the splash pools, so we were easily found in case of an emergency. I must’ve dozed off on the chaise lounge facing the wave pool because a familiar voice calling, “Mom,” startled me awake.
Zelda was standing in front of me wearing a bikini that accentuated her slim hips, long torso, and stretched-out pony legs with knobby kneecaps. Her extremities were growing faster than the rest of her. Zelda’s skin was so pale that you could see every vein in her prominent rib cage.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I need you. Can you come with me?” She was paler than usual.
I looked to Bethany who gave me a nod. “Of course.”
Zelda’s camp BFF, Tara, and their counselor, Rosie, were with her. “We’re going to go on the Lazy River while we wait for Zelda. Can we leave our stuff here?”
“Of course.” I turned to Zelda. “Do you need to see the nurse?”
“No, I need you in the bathroom.”
My fierce, independent daughter looked so needy and fragile. I grabbed my knapsack and Zelda allowed me to take her hand, making me think she really must not be feeling well.
We slipped into a stall together. Zelda had dropped her bikini bottoms to the floor and was sitting on the toilet whimpering. I saw the red stain that clashed with the orange polka dots on her suit.Oh.I knelt in front of her, took her face into my hands, kissed her on her forehead and said, “Congratulations.”
“I can’t believe this is happening when we’re at a water park.”
“Well, you’re in luck because I also got my period today and I’m fully equipped to help you.”
“Do I have to wear a tampon?” she asked.
“Only if you want to go swimming. It’s up to you.”
“Will it hurt?”
“It mostly feels uncomfortable the first few times, and then you forget you’re wearing one. Let me show you how to use it.”
“I think I know how. Allie explained it to me at her pajama party.”
“Would you like my help?”
