That time of the month (1)

Sarah woke up early next morning due to pain in her lower abdomen. 'Did we overdo it last night? I don't think so…'

She shifted and felt sticky sensation between her legs. When she remembered what date it is, she jumped out of the bed and dashed to the bathroom to clean up. Pain killer took the edge off the pain but didn't help much with the uncomfortable pressure she felt.

Sarah decided to go for a run, that usually helps.

Sarah was in the kitchen, dressed up for her run and filling up her water bottle when JoAnna came out of the bedroom.

"Good morning!" JoAnna greeted her cheerfully. "You look ready for some exercise!"

"Yes, I'm going for a run. Do you want to join?"

JoAnna hesitated for a second. "Sure, give me a minute to change. Where is brother-in-law?"

"He is still sleeping." Sarah gave up on reminding JoAnna not to call Aiden brother-in-law.

…

Two sisters ran through streets of the Fairfield and decided to take a break in a park.

After drinking from her water bottle, Sarah looked at her sister. "Anna, can you write a prescription for me?"

"What kind of prescription?" JoAnna asked between gulps of water.

Sarah hesitated. It was obvious she was uncomfortable. She took a deep breath. "I want to start with a pill."

JoAnna choked on her water. She started coughing uncontrollably, and it took her some time to calm down. She knows that her sister is not a little girl anymore, and that she is living with Aiden. That probably means that they are intimate. But it still made her uncomfortable to hear. JoAnna took some time to get out of the initial shock before responding. "Sure, I can do that for you."

"Thank you." Sarah responded shyly.

"Make sure to take them every day once you start!" JoAnna warned.

Sarah nodded vigorously. "Let's head back. It's not good to cool off too much."

Sarah and JoAnna ran back to the apartment.

…

When they reached back, they went to shower. Aiden was in the bathroom, so Sarah waited for Aiden to finish before she went in. When he got out, Sarah gave him a light kiss on the cheek, entered bathroom, closing the door and locking it behind her.

Aiden was confused. 'Why is she locking me out?' This was the first time that she locked the door behind her.

…

When Sarah got out of shower, she saw notification on the phone that her prescription is ready for pickup. She went to JoAnna's room. "I see it's ready. Thank you very much. You are the best!"

JoAnna rolled her eyes at Sarah's obvious attempt to butter her up. "These are very effective, one of the best available. When was your last period?"

"Today."

JoAnna thought for a second. "While on the pill, you will have lighter periods, and if you start taking them within next five days, protection will kick in immediately."

"Oh, that sounds good! Thank you!" Sarah could not help but think how Aiden will react when he finds out.

"It's the least I can do. I guess you are not my baby sister anymore." JoAnna pouted.

Sarah shook her head and smiled. Her sister was putting up an act, and she didn't want to encourage her.

Sarah decided to tell JoAnna that she will start working. She can't hide it forever. "This weekend I will go to LA for a week."

"Sight-seeing trip with brother-in-law?"

"Actually, it's work. I accepted an offer and will start working on Monday. I will appreciate if you don't tell mom or dad for now." Sarah avoided some details on purpose.

JoAnna was curious, noticing that there are gaps in Sarah's story. "What kind of job? Details, please."

Sarah took a deep breath and decided to face her sister with facts. "I will work together with Aiden at White corp. Position is related to software security. Since I'm practically done with classes, I think it's the right time to check out what is out there."

JoAnna frowned. Concern was obvious on her face. "White corp.? Why there out of all other places?"

"Well, I can't really come to Orion Enterprise. Not now considering how situation with dad is."

"That's not what I meant... There are many other companies who will be happy to hire a prodigy like you. Aren't you getting too tied up to Aiden?" JoAnna's question was a warning.

Sarah noticed that this time she didn't call him brother-in-law, and that can only mean she is distancing herself from him. Sarah felt an ache in her heart when she thought of this. She really wanted that at least her sisters accept Aiden as her boyfriend. Unless she shows resolve, that is not going to happen. "I know what I'm doing. It's a good opportunity. And I will be able to work remotely, so I'm not tied up to any place. That works for me perfectly."

JoAnna was giving Sarah stern look.

"The job is something I'm interested in, the salary is good, they are even giving me an apartment to stay in! Working with Aiden is a bonus... Don't be like that... I am happy." Sarah pleaded.

JoAnna's face softened. "And I'm happy for you. Always keep your eyes wide open, so I don't need to worry about you!"

Sarah's lips stretched into a smile. "Understood... What do you want for breakfast? I will go quickly and pick up something from one of the shops down the street."

…

Sarah went to get breakfast, and then stopped by to a pharmacy on the corner of her street to get her prescription. In one hand she held bag full of pastries, and in other carrier with three coffees. She was giddy imagining Aiden's expression when she tells him that she is on a pill. Her happiness was cut short when she heard a familiar male voice as she approached entry to her building. "Good morning, sweet Sarah."

Sarah's smile disappeared and her face froze. "Don't call me that."

"Sorry, Sarah. Is that better?" Hugo smiled at her, but when she thought how he caused a problem between Aiden and her, she could not feel anything other than resentment.

"Mr. Alvarez, we are not close. Call me Miss Hill."

"Oh, so distant... did I cause any problems last time? I apologize if I did." Hugo had a large grin on his face. He was not sincere at all.

"You flatter yourself thinking that you can cause any problems between my boyfriend and me. Please move." Sarah's cold voice matched her expression.

Hugo stepped away, and Sarah slipped inside and headed straight to the elevator. Once elevator door closed, she sighed in relief.

Hugo was not affected by Sarah's cold treatment. 'I like a good challenge.'

...

Shortly after breakfast, JoAnna headed back home.

Aiden noticed that Sarah is maintaining certain distance between them, and he was confused. 'I need to figure this out. Did I do something wrong?'