Page 20 of On Everything 2

I closed the box back after that discovery.

I exhaled and left the makeshift pad between my legs, then walked out of the restroom to Hov, who was sitting on the bed in a crisp white T-shirt and Gym shorts. I could smell his body wash from way over here.

"What's up, you good?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. It's just that I started my cycle, and I didn't bring any of my sanitary items with me. I'm so embarrassed, and I hate to bother you."

"You not bothering me. He stood up from the bed. Now I don't know much about women and their period shit, but ain't that what you need right there? They expired or some shit?"

"Oh, no. I thought this was a box of tampons, but it's actually just a box filled with your Magnum condoms. Why do you keep them in there?"

"Condoms? Let me see that." Hov's eyes were squinted in a rather curious way. I guess he forgot they were here.

When I gave him the box, he looked inside and then went into deep thought for a moment before I could see him shake his head to snap out of it.

"Anyway, what do you need to do? Run to the store to get what you need?"

"Yes, if we could."

"Alright, give me a minute to put my shoes back on. You're not going to bleed out or no shit, are you?"

"No, of course not, Hov, it's rather light right now."

I laughed, going back into the restroom.

I remember when I first started my cycle, and I went to my mom for some pads that early school morning.

Instead of her educating me about my period and how to use products, she was busy telling me don't be hot because I could now get pregnant.

Of course, it ended up happening, but much later, and only because I came into contact with a bad influence.

Had I not been scooped up by Kairo, I would've probably stayed a virgin until I was much older than sixteen.

Hov and I went to the garage and hopped inside his car to go to the CVS he said was right around the corner from us on 42nd street. When Hov pulled up to the store, he put the car in park and killed the engine.

"You want me to run in there for you?"

"Nah, it's okay, I can go get it."

"You sure? I mean, it is pretty late."

"Seriously, Hov, you cannot expect me to be brave and then coddle me every time we go somewhere. I'm okay. I'll be in and out."

"You're right, alright. I'll be waiting for you."

I winked at him before stepping out of the door.

I am kind of disappointed that my period came tonight because I kind of wanted to show Hov my appreciation by having sex with him for the first time.

Not only was it going to be for my appreciation, but because I'd been thinking about how he fucks on and off since I met him.

It was becoming hard to hold off, especially now, sleeping next to his body.

All night last night I kept my legs clinched to keep from giving it up.

When I entered the CVS, I was impressed with how neat this one is compared to the one on Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx.

The fact that most of the products in here weren't behind a glass with a lock on it was a major upgrade.

I felt free to shop in here and was not treated like a thief at the door.

While searching the aisle for the tampons, my phone rang from my purse. It was a call from Pernelle, and I knew if I didn't answer her, all hell was going to break loose.

"Hey, P?"

"Don't hey P me! I miss you, and I am not used to you not being in the Bronx. Is your ass officially living with him now?"

"No. Just staying out of Kairo's way is all. Do you know that his ass came to my fucking job this morning?"

"You're lying. You should've shot his ass for real this time instead of missing. I hate him. Everything about his weak ass. What kind of man does that?"

Pernelle complained as I strolled through the aisles.

"I agree completely, honestly, but Hov told me not to worry about him, so that's what I'm going to do. He will no longer be on my mind. That was a direct order from my man."

"Yes, sis, I love it. You better listen to your man."

We giggled like little girls.

"Anyway, girl, I was calling to tell you that Princeston's ass got chased by those same boys again when he was coming home from the basketball courts today. Emoney is saying that he may need a gun."

"Well, that's surely not the answer."

I sat the items I'd purchased on top of the counter to be checked out and grabbed my favorite period craving, m hopefully, that leads us down a path of peace and understanding with no secrets for our future.

I only hope this shit is as bright as our past.