The Brightest Star

Chapter 14

I stare up at the ceiling, following the swirling design. I woke up feeling like shit today; my head is pounding and I might throw up at any second. But I refuse to lay in bed all day. Dominic, Marco and Leon have been making far too much of an effort for me to revert back to solitude.

I force myself out of bed and my eyes widen when I see the sheets. Fuck. Not now. Why fucking now?

"Goddammit," I mutter to myself.

I quickly strip the bedsheets, cursing to myself under my breath, and scuttle over to my door. I open it a crack and the man standing guard turns to look at me.

"Can you get a maid for me, please?" I politely ask. He nods curtly and I close the door.

I dump the bloodied sheets into the hamper before scurrying into the bathroom. I turn on the shower before turning to the vanity. There's an endless supply of every shampoo, conditioner, and body wash you'd ever need. I begin a desperate search for any kind of period products but it seems as though that part of the shopping list was neglected.

There's a light rapping on my bedroom door and I quickly open it. An older woman stands there with a soft smile. It's the same maid from the other night in the kitchen. I open the door further and she walks inside.

"How can I help you, dear?" she asks, wrinkles creasing her eyes.

"I um," I bite my lip in mild embarrassment, "I got my period kind of unexpectedly and..."

I trail off, gesturing to the soft sheets. She looks to where I'm pointing and nods. She silently walks over and begins to examine the stain.

"Quei ragazzi almeno ti hanno preso i tamponi?" she asks.
(Did those boys at least get you tampons?)

"No," I shake my head.

"I'll get you some," she says casually, pulling the sheets into her arms, "but you should go to the store and get your own supply."

"Grazie," I breathe out in relief.

"No worries," she says flippantly as she starts for the door.

I watch her stride out of my room and close the door behind her. I go into the bathroom now filled with steam and strip. The hot water beats against my skin and my muscles relax slightly. I take my time as I wash and condition my hair before washing my body. I step out and towel off my hair before wrapping the towel around myself. I do a quick skincare routine and brush my teeth.

I return to my room where a small box of tampons sits on my dresser. There's a little note beside it and I pick it up.

Don't be embarrassed, it happens to the best of us. I hope these will work for you. I will be back shortly to change your sheets. Ask Leon to take you to the store today, he will ask the least questions. If you need anything, just ask.
-Head Maid Mary

I smile at the note and put it back down. I grab the box of tampons and hustle back into the bathroom. I quickly do what I need to do and go into the closet. I grab a pair of leggings and a simple shirt before hanging up the towel. I brush out my hair and settle for it hanging free.

I slip on some sneakers and leave my room. The guard standing there lifts his brows as I step into the hallway. I look up at him but when he doesn't move or speak, I head for the stairs. I go down quickly, the smell of coffee and bacon wafting in the air. The chatter of the men grows louder the closer I get to the first floor until I swing open the dining room door. The pounding in my head only grows as cutlery and yelling surround me.

I maneuver my way through the crowded tables to Dominic. He's already in his usual seat with a cup of coffee in his hands. He smiles when he sees me and stands to pull out my chair.