CHAPTER 7 - APRIL

I was almost asleep when I heard someone knock on the door and struggled to get up from the couch. The period pain was usually horrible on the first two days, especially on the night of the first day. I switched off the television, which was playing a random movie in the background, and went to answer the door.

"I apologize for the delay. There was a lot of traffic."

I nodded, hardly having the strength to say much. It was nine o'clock at night, and almost everyone had retired inside. Eugene's face was lit by the fluorescent lamp outside my door, and I found myself gazing into his brown orbs. He was ordinary-looking, but the lighting and my hormones compelled me to believe he was handsome, even gorgeous.

"You don't look good."

I merely shrugged my shoulders as he stated the obvious. I must be looking like a walking corpse right now, and I resisted the urge to tame my haystack of hair. I have never been concerned with my appearance before, so why should I now?

The plastic cover was handed to me, and as I grabbed it from him, the unexpected weight of it made my hand sag. In my curiosity, I glanced inside the bag and discovered three boxes of sanitary pads, candies, two slices of chocolate cake, two bottles of apple juice, and some other snacks.

"You also brought me Carla's stuff?"

I asked, my stomach grumbling upon seeing the food. I was starving.

He shook his head, his eyes dancing in amusement. Why? Doesn't his stomach growl when he is hungry? Nevertheless, I was a little embarrassed.

"No. I've got it for you. Carla texted me to buy you some refreshments as well, but I did not know what to get."

For a brief second, I assumed he had purchased it on his own will and was ecstatic at the possibility; however, when I realized that it had been instructed by Carla, I became agitated. What was the matter with me? I was just on my period and not crazy to be experiencing these strange thoughts.

"Well, thank you."

I was going to close the door when he raised his hand and gripped the iron lock, causing me to come to a halt. I raised my eyebrows in question, and he seemed embarrassed as he slid his right hand into his breast pocket and pulled out a green strip of tablets.

"Umm... I asked the pharmacist for pain relievers for... uhh... menstruation, and he gave me this."

He held the object up to me, and I stared at him, fascinated by his timidity.

"Did Carla ask you to buy this, too?"

Eugene lowered his head and nervously bit his lips. He was cute.

"No. Actually... Never mind. I am sorry. I shouldn't have bought it without asking you first."

My hands sprang out in an instant, and I snatched the strip of pills from his grasp, astounded by my own reflexes.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it."

I noticed him sigh in relief while his eyes brightened.

"Good night then. Take some rest."

He added with a grin, and I returned his gesture. I was suffering some major mood swings today.

"Sleep well."

I responded and watched him walk away. Suddenly, something snapped in me as he crossed the front gate.

"Eugene."

It was the first time I said his name aloud, and the letters rolled off my lips like nectar. He was taken aback by my unexpected call and turned to gaze at me in surprise.

"Thank you so much. For everything."

He just stared at me for a bit before breaking into a full-blown smile. Even though it was late at night and there was just a street light to help me see, I could definitely recognize his dimples. The dent in his cheekbones gave him a younger look, and a heavy weight landed on my chest. I was having trouble breathing.

"You are welcome."

His voice echoed through the night-time, and I stood there, breathless, marveling at his retrieving figure. I think I might be in trouble.

.......

I am dead. I felt so exhausted that I was lying on my bed, unable to move, staring at the ceiling. I contacted Nathaniel earlier and informed him that if I took ten steps outside my house, I would be drop dead, and he, like a protective parent, advised me to take the entire day off and assured me that he would handle everything. He even insisted that I call him if I needed to go to the hospital.

Before midnight, the snacks were all finished, and I was currently fidgeting with the green strip between the knuckles of my left hand. I rarely use painkillers, as this is nothing new to me. My menstrual suffering has increased dramatically since I was diagnosed with PCOS. I am taking medication to keep it regular, and it's been helping for the past three months, but I am still in agony. My uterus was begging me to jump off a cliff and die rather than go through this torture.

I discarded the medicine in the trashcan twice, but recovered it each time. His big smile and bright eyes haunted me, and I felt sorry for him. He was simply being polite, and it would be ungrateful if I just tossed it away, even if he didn't find out. My consciousness kept on nagging me, and after a considerable struggle, I climbed out of bed and took a pill off the strip. I washed the round object down with half a bottle of water and lay back down, wondering why I was being so considerate of him.

I knew I was drawn to him by now. However, because of this freaking period, I am not sure how strong my feelings for him are. This isn't the first time I have felt desire for someone. After all, I am a woman with functioning ovaries, but I have never had such a strong attraction to anyone before. I couldn't analyze the situation until my hormones returned to normal. I slowly fell into an uncomfortable sleep, my broken dreams filled with his dimples and wide smile.

........

My phone rang, fully awakening my already woken yet tired senses. I could barely sleep last night. I checked the screen, only to see my sister's goofy face in place of the caller's image. Before taking the call, I adjusted my spine a little so that my back pain could be lessened, at least until it got tired of this new position.

"Good morning, sister."

I smiled absentmindedly as April's cheery voice greeted me. She was nine years younger than me and an unexpected gift to my family. My mother was not medically fit, and doctors said she was lucky to have one child. So when April was born, I felt ecstatic. I have always wanted a sibling, and even though we fight like cats and dogs, I am grateful to have her in my life. April attended high school in France, but acted more like my older sister. She was a girl I could trust, and I was her personal journal.

"Don't you have class today?"

I asked hoarsely, and she tsked at my bad manners. I miss her.

"That's not how I taught you, Miss River Alecia Landon. Now, why are you so cranky?"

I told her I was on my period, and she cooed at me as if I were a baby.

"My poor child is on periods. Do you want mommy to sing you a lullaby?"

If she had been present, I would have given her the finger, but I lacked the energy to tell her to fuck off.

"How are the classes going?"

I remember her mentioning to me that she had an exam coming up next month, but I was too busy to ask her about her studies.

"Our portions are done, and I used the day off to do an assignment. Don't worry, I have enough attendance."

April quickly spoke up before I could lecture her, and I smirked. She knew me too well. As we caught up on each other's lives, my doorbell rang, and I wrinkled up my brows, realizing I would have to get up.

"Hold on."

I finally managed to get up before heading to the foyer. The door didn't have a keyhole, so it was impossible to peek through to the other side. When I opened the front door, Eugene was standing on the porch, carrying a food container. His eyes widened slightly, and I felt inclined to slam the door shut and scream. I was wearing shorts and a loose tee, and my hair was tousled all over the place. I am certain I have never looked worse. I mean, I never dressed up; however, I still looked half human.

"Do you need to see a doctor?"

I must look awful, as his eyes were filled with obvious concern, and I almost yelled in frustration.

"Ooh, sexy voice. I detect an Asian accent there. Is he hot?"

I forgot I still had my phone next to my ear, and April's remark nearly made me choke on my saliva. I didn't bother answering her and just stared at Eugene.

"I am fine. Why are you here?"

I murmured, hoping he would leave soon. My body was throbbing all over, and the embarrassment was worsening the physical pain.

Eugene offered the container to me, and I accepted it without hesitation.

"Nathaniel wanted me to give you this."

Of course! Why would Eugene get anything for me, anyway? I was too exhausted to be offended, and just sighed.

"Please tell him I appreciate his thoughtfulness, and thank you for delivering this."

I replied faintly, and he simply shrugged, but did not leave.

"Would you like me to get you hot water or something?"

"Wow, he is a keeper. Is he hot?"

"Shut up, April."

Eugene looked at me, stunned, as I hissed into my phone.

"I am sorry, it's my sister. And thank you for your offer, but I am fine. I just need a little rest."

He didn't seem satisfied with my answer, but he nodded and left after bidding goodbye.

I locked the door and groaned for no particular reason. On the other end of the phone, there was a shuffle, and then April's voice boomed.

"So, is he hot?"

...........