81 A maiden's innocence (1)

The pain in my lower belly isn't as intense. It's just a burning sensation right now. Not a pleasant burning, though.

«You're hurt,» Ignis whispers, getting up in search of water. «I will call a doctor.»

«No doctor!» I stop him, but I don't get up from bed. I don't want to splatter blood on the floor. «It will be better soon. I've almost stopped bleeding, don't worry.»

«How can I not worry? I hurt you! This wasn't supposed to happen.»

«How do you know it's not supposed to happen? Girls bleed after sex: it's normal!»

«It's not, Veronica. Last time you were fine! I thought you would bleed back then, but you didn't. Isn't it proof enough that you shouldn't feel pain while making love?»

«Oh, you...» I sigh. «Maybe, it happened later because of the odd situations we were in?»

«It doesn't make sense.»

«Blood is a signal that I've become a woman,» I say.

«No. It's a sign that I hurt you.»