Thrill

PROLOGUE.

(Anna's Pov)

When I was a child, I used to spend my days out in the open garden, playing with my dolls, doodling in my notebook and messily coloring in my coloring book. I was a carefree child. My only rule was not to get in my older brother and dad's way.

I obeyed, just as I was expected to do.

When night would arrive, my mother would come tuck me up in bed, sometimes read me a story or sing a song, before she'd press a kiss against my forehead and tell me to have sweet dreams. Words said with such love and care.

That continued for years, until I was ten years of age. One day when I was playing with my three-year old brother, Andrea, I felt an odd feeling attack the pit of my stomach. I was startled, frowning when I realized there was a gooey like substance in my underwear. Almost as if I had wet myself. I stood up from where I was seated and ran to the bathroom, pulling down my skirt and underwear, only to be met with red.

Blood. Lots of it.

I was incredibly shocked, beyond confused as to why there was fresh blood pouring out of my private parts. I tried my hardest to wipe it all away, but it just continued to flow. I broke out into inevitable tears, the pit of my stomach still hurting as my private part continued to let out blood.

When I gave up trying to wipe the blood clear, I cleaned myself up as best as I could before going to look for my mother. I remember the moment perfectly clear. She was stood on the terrace, pegging wet clothes onto washing line. Her blue eyes landed on me and instantly concern washed over them when she saw my tears.

"Bambina, che cosa è errato ?" She had asked me in worry. 

What's wrong?

I remember sobbing a little more, before shamefully muttering words that would change just about everything for me.

"Io sono il sanguinamento da qui, Mama. Essa non si arresta." I had uttered, gesturing to my private part.

I'm bleeding from here, Mama. It won't stop.

I remember the flash of emotions crossing her face, too quick for me to read. It was as if she understood something, the concern in her eyes washing away and morphing into an almost angered expression.

"Come with me."

She hurriedly wiped away my tears, discarding the basket of clothing she was putting up on the washing line and led me over to her and my father's room. A room I wasn't ever allowed in. I remember being confused as I watched her pull open a drawer, pulling out a small, pink square shape packet, handing it to me with stern eyes.

I peered up at her with a confused frown, uncomfortable still with my current underwear. I hesitantly took the pink packet from her, asking her what is was.

"It's a pad. You've started your period, Anna. Blood will leave you every month now, it will last for a week, at the latest. Put this in your underwear, it will take in your blood. Change it when it is full, and throw it in the bin. Don't flush it down the toilet."

Baffled, with a parted mouth, I stared up at her.

"Why am I bleeding, mama?" I had questioned.

Her blue eyes softened slightly before she sighed, reaching forward to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Perché, Bambina, sei una donna ora."

Because, Bambina, you're a woman now.

At the time I hadn't really understood her words. They hadn't comprehended in my mind like they most likely should have. But now years later - I see exactly the heavy weight of meaning behind her words.