The Neighbors

Chapter 2 - Bella

Bella didn't understand how she was supposed to do this every month for the rest of her life. Her mother had packed her bag with tampons, pads, panty liners, even a diva cup but had failed to give her any instructions before drop off. So now she was in the girls bathroom, door locked, headphones on, watching Youtubers explain. If this weren't humiliating enough she also had next weekend to worry about. Homecoming was on Saturday and no one had asked her to go. As a freshman she wasn't expecting any grand gestures, but if her brother also didn't have a date the two would have to sit awkwardly in some corner. At least that's how she imagined it, Ben didn't seem the least bit worried about dying alone. He wasn't the one facing the prospect of bleeding for the rest of his life either. She heard the heavy doors open and slam shut.

"Yeah, mom, everyone here is nice. Nope. Nope. Yes. See you later."

Bella peaked through the sliver of space the bathroom stall provided. The girl was on the phone, staring at the mirror. Bella couldn't get a proper look except for a mass of brown hair, jeans, and fluffy brown boots. No one at school dressed like that.

"Weirdo," the girl said, turning around and meeting her gaze.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Bella stuttered trying to jam the stall door open. "I'm not even using the bathroom."

"Uh huh," the girl nodded and went back to the mirror. "Like that's any less weird."

"I just got my period," Bella stuttered and she felt her cheeks heat up.

"Cool?"

But then the girl actually looked at her and her expression changed.

"Oh." she said with a nod.

"This is so embarrassing," Bella stepped back into the stall and closed the door.

"Do you need anything?" the stranger asked. "I'm Emerald by the way. You can call me Em."

"Emerald?"

"I'm new. We just moved in like yesterday. I'm a junior."

The bell rang and Bella opened the door once again.

"I'm gonna be late!"

"Relax, it's only first period. Haha"

"Very funny."

"I'm serious. Worry about what you got going on first and then I'll walk you to class."

"You'll walk me? But you're new?"

"I can say I got lost and you're giving me a tour or something. As long as you don't make that face and stop sweating I don't see what they could do."

Bella sighed and retreated to the stall. She opened her bag and took the most straightforward of her devices, a pad. Once she came back out she washed her hands and tried to check her butt as subtly as possible.

"Here," Emerald said, taking off her jacket and tying it around Bella's waist.

"Thanks. I'll give it back to you tomorrow or," Bella stopped, something clicking in her brain. "You are the new neighbor!"

"I am new," Emerald offered. "Now let's go freshman, don't wanna be too late."

Time slipped slowly, like molasses, or that's how it felt like to her. Em, walked her to class and then disappeared for the rest of the school day. They made plans to walk home together so Bella could return the jacket, but forgot to settle a meeting place. She was sweating again and it was only lunch time. What if Emerald thought she was ignoring her? What if Emerald asked her to step inside? She couldn't go into a stranger's house! Even if it was just across the street. What if she drank? Or did drugs? She certainly looked like the type.