80 That time of the month (2)

By lunch time, Aiden was able to confirm that Sarah is definitely avoiding him. Every time he tried getting close to her, Sarah would increase the distance between them by few steps. Even when she was sitting on the sofa and he sat next to her, at the same moment she moved to the side chair. He was not able to touch her. The only conclusion he could come up with is that he wronged her somehow, and she is upset.

After a lot of internal struggle, he decided to ask what is going on. "Will you tell me what I did wrong?"

Sarah was confused. "Huh? Why do you think you did something wrong?"

"You are avoiding me whole day." Aiden's expression showed that he is not happy.

It didn't take her long to realize what Aiden is talking about. Sarah sighed. "You didn't do anything. It's me."

"What is it?" Aiden's voice showed urgency. He wanted to know what is going on. All kinds of thoughts started appearing in his mind. Even the breakup scenarios of 'It's not you, it's me…' type.

Sarah was not sure why, but she felt embarrassed to talk about monthly periods with him. So far, she was able to confirm that he is not knowledgeable about female issues. Thought of her explaining how ovaries work made her feel uncomfortable. 'I need to tell him that I'm on my period, but how do I do that?' Sarah decided to get her laptop. She searched for 'menstrual cycle', opened one result which had a detailed explanation and gave laptop to him. "Here, read this and you will understand."

Aiden sat on the sofa and started reading. As he progressed his face froze and became pale. He slowly turned to Sarah and stared at her without a word.

Sarah looked at him and could not help herself but to frown. "Your reaction is over the top. Every female goes through this."

Aiden didn't respond. He didn't move at all. Sarah was wondering if he is even breathing.

Sarah thought that something seems off, so she sat next to him and started reading. To her horror, she saw that the article from the beginning started explaining menstrual cycle and its role in female reproductive system related to pregnancy, changes in hormone levels and how it all makes good environment for embryo to develop.

Sarah quickly took the laptop back. "I'm not pregnant! I've got my period."

It took him some time to react. Aiden exhaled with relief but was still confused. "What does that mean?"

"It means that I'm bleeding…" She gestured toward her lower abdomen. "And it feels uncomfortable. It happens once a month and lasts four to five days."

"Oh..." That was the only sound that came out of him.

Sarah searched for 'menstruation' on the laptop, confirmed that page she opened talks about it, and gave him the laptop back. "Here, this one is focusing on that."

Aiden read it carefully, and then kept laptop away slowly. "So that's how it is... but why are you avoiding me?"

"That... I thought it's better to avoid touching each other, getting all excited and not being able to do much about it." She shyly admitted.

Aiden exhaled in relief that she is not angry. And that she does not want to break up with him. He shook his head at his jumping into conclusions and at her silliness. Aiden shifted closer to Sarah, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug. "You can be so silly sometimes. I don't need to touch you to get excited."

Sarah tilted her head to look at him. "But doesn't it make it worse?"

"There is nothing worse than not being able to get close to you." He tightened his hug.

Sarah felt her heart melting. She thought about what he said and agreed that it makes sense.

She counted the days in her head. 'My period will be done by the time we go to LA'.

Sarah was thinking how to tell him that she started taking pills, and what his reaction will be. While thinking about that she got all fidgety.

Aiden noticed that something is going on and looked at her grinning face curiously.

Sarah could not contain her excitement. "When we go to LA, I will have a surprise for you."

"What is it?"

"If I tell you know, it will not be a surprise." Sarah teased him and laughed when she saw him pouting in protest.

~Orion Enterprise~

Sophia is in a board meeting with shareholders and directors.

"Starting next week, I will be in our New York office to help stabilize situation there. Based on our current estimates, I will be working from there next three months. I believe that our HQ will be operating smoothly as usual, under guidance of our capable directors. While I'm away, director Hill will be my proxy." Sophia gestured with her hand toward Edward and he nodded in approval. Sophia continued. "In case of any emergency, you can reach me remotely. In next few days I will be available for any discussions you want to have in person before I head out. That's all from my side. Thank you."

The people quickly dispersed, and only few were left behind.

"Did you confirm who is going with you?" Edward asked as he stood up to leave.

"Yes." Sophia confirmed. "I have selected initial list of people based on their capabilities; my assistant, Leah, will send it in a memo later today. Four people, two from legal, and two from administration. If anyone else is needed, they can join us in New York later. Leah will stay here. She can help you."

Edward expressed his approval and left the conference room.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go?" Mark asked Sophia. His expression screamed that he wants to go with her.

She nodded avoiding eye contact. "As one of the directors, you are needed here to ensure HQ does not encounter any issues. I'm counting on you."

Mark was not convinced. "Why do I have a feeling you have another motive?"

Sophia took a second to compose herself and looked at him. "You are overthinking it. Our New York branch is encountering issues. I'm going to stabilize it. What else could it be?" She turned around and left the conference room.

Mark looked at Sophia's back as she walked out and had a strange feeling that she is walking outside of his reach.