“Monthlies? What are monthlies? Is that what you call it?”
“My mother did. I have very bad cramps this time.”
“Isn’t that something? I was just going to ask you about your period. Are you regular?”
“I am now,” I said, “or have been since I’ve been here.”
“Well, that’s good. Don’t worry. I have something for cramps. I’ll go get it.”
“You do?”
“Of course I do. Do you think I want to be all twisted up like you are right now? Besides, we have to stick together through pain and pleasure.” She started out, then paused and turned. “Which, by the way, is the motto of our secret club.”
“What secret club?”
“The one I was considering telling you about. Now,” she added, “I definitely will.”
She sauntered out, leaving me as confused as ever, but if she could help stop my cramps, I wouldn’t care what silly thing she had to say next. She returned quickly and handed me a glass of water and a pill.
“What is it?”
“Something my doctor prescribed. It works fast. You’ll see.”
I took it and swallowed it down with water. “Thanks.”
“No problem. I have more if you need it in the morning, but they usually work overnight.”
Even though the cramps didn’t lessen, I lay back and breathed easier. “What were you talking about before? I really wasn’t listening.”
“I know. It’s not important right now. I’ll tell you about it later. Hey,” she said, starting out again. “You don’t have to rush to get up. You’re going to school with me tomorrow. I know a shortcut Grover doesn’t know. Night.” She left quickly, as if she had to talk to someone or do something.
Kiera’s pill worked wonders. I felt a lot better in the morning and let her know at breakfast.
Mrs. March rose a little later than usual and entered just as we were talking about it. “What pill?” she asked immediately.
“My monthlies pill,” Kiera said, teasing me.
“What?”
“You know what happens to us monthly, Mother.”
“I repeat. What pill?”
“The one Dr. Baer gave me for cramps.”
“Oh,” she said. She looked at me. “I didn’t know you were having any problems, Sasha.”
“It’s not a federal case, Mother. She came to me, and I helped her,” Kiera said.
I practically spun around in my seat. Came to her?
“I’m getting tired of hearing that stupid expression, Kiera. I’m sorry your father taught it to you. No, it’s not a federal case, but Sasha should know to come to me with her problems,” Mrs. March said. She didn’t sound angry as much as hurt.
Kiera shrugged. “I just happened to be around at the right time. It’s not … it’s no big deal.”
Mrs. March stared at her a moment and then turned slowly back to me. “How are you now, Sasha?”
“I feel better, Mrs. March. Thank you.”