Page 56 of I Wanna Be Your Lager

Eve

He’s also my brother. He can’t really hate me forever. We could tell him together too.

Lach

I’ll try again.

Eve

Okay. But know I’m always here.

Lach

I know, Sunflower.

Eve

Also, where are you? Jake’s gone, and I thought we could take advantage of the alone time.

Lach

My landlord called and said I could come by and see what’s salvageable from the fire.

Eve

That’s great! How is everything?

Lach

Almost everything is good. A lot of smoke damage to the furniture and mattress. I should be able to wash it out of my clothes. Luckily, my computer, TV, and drawings are undamaged.

Eve

I’m so happy to hear your art was spared.

Lach

Me too. Everything else is replaceable. I doubt I’ll be back before you leave for work. Have a good night.

Eve

Thanks.

Over the next few hours, I lounge around and read my book before I get ready for work. When I arrive at Porter’s, I find the bar packed. There isn’t an empty chair or stool in the entire place. Halfway through my shift, it finally quiets down long enough for us to catch our breaths. I pull my phone from my back pocket, hoping to see a message from Lach, but nothing.

Nora chugs a glass of water before resting her palm on the bar. “I’m having the worst cramps right now. It’s like my uterus is trying to Mike Tyson its way out of my stomach.” She sucks in a deep breath as if she’s practicing Lamaze.

Rylee stops next to Nora. “I have some air-activated hand warmers in my purse. You tuck it in your waistband, and it works wonders.”

“Give me all of them. These period cramps can go kick rocks,” Nora says, whipping her braid over her shoulder.

My body tenses. Oh shit. My eyes widen, and I forget how to breathe. When was my last period? I haven’t had it yet this month. Surely, I had it last month. It was spotty. I’ve never had a super heavy flow. But I still had it. Or was that the month before? Fuck. Static erupts between my ears, increasing in volume as if someone is turning the knob on a stereo to ten. Flashes of white flood my vision. Through all the sparkles, I can faintly see Nora’s face. Her mouth is moving, but I can’t make out her muffled words. It’s as if I’m underwater.

“Eve? Eve, are you okay?” Her voice faintly pierces through the static. “Here. Sit down.” She guides me to an unfolded footstool. “You’re ghostly white. Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I shake my head. “I’m fine,” I stutter.

“Are you sure? You don’t look fine.” Nora passes me a cup of water.

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