Page 16 of Protector

He's my big brother. He’s grumpy, but cares about those he loves. And though the list is already very short, I don’t want it to disappear completely, like Daddy.

I want to always be on his list of people he loves and cares about.

The clematis on the trees disappeared when the summer had come to an end, but then started to bloom again around the edge of the woods like no time had passed.

I had grown into my body. I’d seemed to have stopped growing at five-two, tiny and dainty next to King, Dax, and Puck, who were already almost at six foot. I was small and slim, my skin soft, aside from the fact I had to shave my legs regularly now. What is all that about?

I got my period late last year, pretty late for most girls, but Maria, who I had run crying to in fear, even though she’d taught me lots about it, said it could’ve been due to my small body playing catch up.

Regardless, she had to buy me sanitary products, because there was no way I was telling Daddy.

Age 13

We’re all outside, like we usually are. The boys are being boys, kicking around a football and trying to knock things off the stone wall, and I watch on from the grass, book in hand and a smile on my face.

It’s nice to see King having some fun for a change. Daddy has him in his office lots now, and I hate that he sometimes misses out when we're all playing.

The sun is starting to set, and my stomach grumbles, so I jump up, putting my book back in my bag to head back inside. I call out to them, to let them know I’d be back out in a minute when I hear them all stop.

The ball bounces on the ground before slowing at King’s feet, and all three heads are facing my way, a look of something I can’t quite place taking over their expressions, making me feel a little uncomfortable.

“What?” I question, looking down at myself, not sure what I’m expecting to see. But Puck runs over and takes hold of my hand, awkwardness radiating off of him.

“Bon… you,” he starts, but falters. He can’t get any words out.

“What?” I ask, a little more panicked now. Whatever has spooked them is starting to really freak me out.

King and Dax are still standing on the spot, shifting from foot to foot, trying not to look at me.

Puck leans in and whispers in my ear.

“I think you’re on your period.”

I freeze in place, a look of confusion plastered across my face at how he could know this.

I haven’t even had my period before. Why would he say this?

But it’s then that my face turns to one of horror, and I know why they’re all acting weird.

I’ve started my period, and it’s come through my shorts.

Oh God!

Mortified, I stumble away, refusing to turn my back until I’m far enough that I can spin and run.

I crash through the door to the mansion, tears streaming down my face in absolute shame, and as I run, I pray to all the lords above, I don’t bump into Daddy.

I fly past Maria, who tries to stop me when she sees my blotchy face, and I don’t stop until I’m slamming the door to my room and hiding in my bathroom.

Turning to look in the mirror, I glance over my shoulder to see that there is in fact a deep red mark staining my shorts.

It’s only small, but it’s obvious enough. And the boys have seen it and are going to laugh at me.

Just as a wail escapes my throat, a knock at the door has me shouting at the intruder to go away. I can’t have any of them see me like this.

Hell, I don't think I can live with the embarrassment of them seeing me ever again.

“Bonnie, it’s me,” Maria’s soft voice calls through the closed door, and my shoulders sag in relief.

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