Viola

Chapter 20

Benedetto's POV

It's been a few weeks since that day at the mall. Our cousins and Aunts all flitted through and went home but our uncles decided to stay longer. The house is never quiet anymore and I couldn't be more grateful. 

Today, Viola and I are at a grocery store going through the shopping list.

We spent most of the time messing around and playing but as the cart began to pile up, I look to Viola and take note of how uncomfortable she seems.

I grab her shoulder.

"Stai bene sorellina?"(You okay little sis?) She nods unconvincingly. 

I know she's lying but ignore it for the moment, assuming that she's just tired. 

As we walk, I point out an item on the list. When she moves ahead to get it, I look at her and my eyes widen, suddenly understanding her discomfort. 

I quickly pull off my hoodie, tying it around her waist in an attempt to cover her shorts. When I get a good look at her face I realize how much pain it looks like she's in. 

"What are you doing?" She asks confused

"Dolcezza, hai iniziato il ciclo." (Sweetie, you started your period) I whisper. adding "Stai sanguinando" (You're bleeding) Her eyes widen and she begins to blush.

"I- I haven't had it in a long time. The doctor in Russia said I was too stressed, I-" She studders. She looks down. "Oh my god." She whispers looking at the floor.

I look down and notice the trail of blood and the blood that is now puddling at her feet. To make it worse, I heard keys jingling and footsteps approaching. She blinks hard and her cheeks get even brighter, her face flashes through different stages of panic and nervousness. 

Just then, a worker turns the corner. I look up and make eye contact with him and my entire body relaxes while Viola lets out a little whimper looking at him. 

"I'm so sorry-" She chokes out beginning to babble slightly.

George looks at me.

"Ben- Oh my- Is that...?" He asks me looking at her in amazement. Viola blinks and looks around. 

I nod at him, giving him a big smile. 

Before Vi can comprehend anything at all she's tackled into a hug.

Vi sniffles "I'm really confused Detto, who is this." she says. I let out a chuckle. 

"Oh my god, you don't even know who I am and I just tackled you." He goes to pull away but she stops him. 

"Wait no, you're warm. Stay." She whispers and he complies with a chuckle. 

"Viola, this is um-." I said beginning to studder, 

He looks up at me and senses my panic. 

"I um-, I'm George. It's nice to meet you." He says looking a bit hurt. I try to meet his eyes but he looks away

"Are you-" Viola begins but abruptly stops.

I look back to Vi and make eye contact with her just in time for her to wince before a look of pure panic crosses her face and she jumps away from George. 

I'm confused until I look at him and find large drops of blood splattered on his white sweat pants. I look back to Vi and find her crouched down holding her stomach. 

I freeze at the moment, not sure what to do.

George carries the same confused expression before he looks at himself catching the way my eyes drifted. I was genuinely scared of his reaction.