7. Code Red

7

Code Red

Deacon

Lola's attitude has been gradually improving ever since I let her go to that book-club thing next door. Actually, she's spending every spare moment outside of school with our neighbors. But I'm not hating it. She seems more relaxed, happier than I've ever seen her.

She even told me about the book she's reading on the train ride to school .

After painting the last room upstairs, I swing by the store, getting back just in time for my appointment with Dr. Stewart. We both sit down, and the grilling begins.

We talk about Lola first, but somehow, he finds a way to make the situation about me as soon as I mention she's now friends with Alice.

"And what do you think about this blossoming friendship?" Dr. S. asks. "As I understand it, you weren't too fond of your neighbor."

"Well, she's not the type of person I get along with, but she's not a bad influence on Lola, so I don't mind." Having a female presence in Lola's life might be a good thing, even if that presence comes with rainbows and butterflies.

"What is your type of person, then? You have me curious."

I cross my arms. "The silent kind that doesn't bother me."

"Ah, I see." One corner of his lips twitches as he scribbles something in his notebook.

It's not a lie. I've never been a relationship person. My grandma set me up countless times, but those dates never really went anywhere. "I'd much rather be alone."

"Why do you think that is?" he asks. "That you prefer to be alone. Most humans are drawn to others. It's how we're wired. "

I shrug. "I'm just different from most people."

"In what way?"

I clench my teeth. What's this guy's deal? Does he want to highlight how antisocial and unlikable I am? ‘Cause I don't need a therapist for that. "Why are we talking about me?" I ask, my jaw tight. "We're here for Lola . "

"Deacon, I know you're here to find a way to connect with your niece and become the caregiver she deserves, but you're also here for yourself. You—"

"You're wrong. I don't need your help." I drill him with a deadly glare.

And with that, I storm out of his office.

When I step out of the shower, Lola is still not up for school, so I bang on her door again. She's been cranky these past couple of days and getting her out of bed has turned into a new battle. "Lola. Last time before I come in there and drag you out."

Why does she always get on my nerves before my morning coffee?

A low moan echoes from her room. "My stomach hurts. "

I open the door and walk to her bed. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"

"I don't know. I feel weird."

"Eat some breakfast, and we'll see if it passes," I say, trying not to sound as exasperated as I feel. It's not her fault she doesn't feel well, but I have a ton of things to do today. The bar is getting more popular with hockey fans as news spreads that I air the games at my bar. Not to mention I have errands to run. Thankfully, the fact that the players hang out at my bar is still a secret. They usually stop by way after the game, and most of the hardcore fans are gone by that time.

I open the blinds on Lola's window, just to make sure she doesn't fall back asleep, and shuffle out to get my coffee.

I'm finally sitting down, about to have my first sip, when a loud shriek comes from the bathroom.

"Argh." Great. I just spilled coffee on myself. "What's going on?" I call, hurrying to the corridor.

"I'm bleeding!" Lola's screams and wails grow louder. "No!"

I try to open the door, but it's locked. "Let me in. What's going on? Are you hurt?"

"No! Don't come in. What am I going to do?"

I knock furiously, my heart racing in my chest. "Open the door! How can I help you if you lock me out? "

"You can't!" she yells then, then bursts into tears. What on earth is happening in there? "You're a guy! I need a woman . . .."

"A woman?" I wrinkle my forehead. "What's the matter? I'll help."

She cries louder. "No, please! It's a girl thing."

All the blood drains from my face. Oh no. No, no, no. Why is this happening now?

"Do something!" Lola screams again from behind the door.

Crap . I'm not prepared for this. I completely forgot this was even a thing.

Lola's weeping grows louder, matching my panic level. Then, I have an idea. It's not ideal, but Lola is right. We need a girl in this situation. I run to the front door, then scramble down the stairs and ring my neighbors' doorbell. The store isn't open yet, but hopefully, someone is home.

Of course, it's Alice who opens the door. Couldn't it have been Hayley? She seems friendlier. Though I'm glad it's not Emma. Her scowl is even deeper than mine. "What's going on?" Alice asks, frowning.

"Hi, um. I need your help," I mumble, the words stinging as they leave my throat. Asking for help has never been my forte. "Lola is having girl issues, and I don't know what to do. "

She arches an eyebrow. "Girl issues? You mean, she's having her period?"

I refrain from rolling my eyes and nod. "For the first time."

Her chocolate-brown eyes widen. "Oh, I see. Does she have pads?"

The blank look on my face must be answer enough, because she tells me she'll go fetch some and will be right back. A wave of relief washes over me. Alice is able to put her hatred for me aside to help Lola, and I'll be forever grateful.

We hurry back to my apartment, where Lola is still locked up in the bathroom. But the crying has stopped, and she immediately opens the door for Alice. They stay in there for a solid half hour, until Alice finally slips out. In the meantime, I probably got my steps in for the week, as I spent every minute pacing around the room like a caged lion.

"Is she okay?" I ask as she walks toward me.

A smile touches her lips. "She's fine. I explained everything she needs to know, and right now, she's going to take a shower. I'd advise you to keep her home today so she can get acquainted with the pads and everything. She's also experiencing cramps, so I'd give her some pain killers."

My heart thuds. "Okay. Is that normal? Should I take her to the doctor?"

She nods. "You can take her if it gets worse, but menstrual cramps are normal."

"Um, what do I have to buy?" I clear my throat. "You know . . ."

The smile forming on her lips tells me she's enjoying my discomfort way too much. "You mean pads?"

Suppressing a sigh, I nod. "What kind does she need?"

"Well, I brought her the ones I use, but you should get her different brands and sizes so she can test them out and decide what she prefers."

Gosh. How complicated is this ordeal?

I rub the back of my neck. "Right. Um, thank you for helping out. I wasn't sure how to handle it."

"It's fine. You did the right thing, coming to me. Getting your period for the first time can be scary."

I exhale deeply as I walk her to the front door. "Well, I owe you one."

The words are sour on my tongue. The one thing I hate more than asking for help? Owing someone a favor.