Scott's Shift

Not Today

Aunt Thelma was anxiously waiting for me to start school and work today. She knocked on my bedroom door just after 8:00 and I had barely even started to ask "Who is it?" before the door swung open and there was a tray of breakfast foods forcefully landing on my torso.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes. When I opened them again, I was met with a monstrous view of a literal buffet across the board. Aunt Thelma had the tray loaded down and I swear she had an entire grocery store laid out in front of me.

There were several small bowls brimming with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. A plate with slices of ripe bananas, fresh apples, and juicy oranges you could smell from across the room. There was a bowl of green and red grapes.

Aunt Thelma had pancakes, waffles, toast, even doughnuts. Next was a long, rounded dish with a lid. When I took the lid off, there was a steaming pile of thick-cut bacon, a portion of scrambled eggs, and an egg done sunny-side-up. In the corner of the tray were three big, dark tumbler cups.

"I wasn't sure what you were in the mood for today. Those, there, that's strawberry milk, orange juice, and that last one there is hot coffee. I left the sugar and the flavored creamers off to the side in case you wanted it plain or with vanilla, mocha, or caramel." Aunt Thelma beamed from ear to ear as if she were an architect unveiling a new skyscraper or bridge for the first time.

"Once you've finished eating, we can move on to wardrobe. I can't wait to see what you bought yesterday! And don't try to tell me you are going to wear your usual clothes, either. I found Nate's list of new tools that he saw at the store yesterday, so I know he took you shopping!"

"This is amazing, Aunt T. I love it, thank you. I'll come find you in a little while. I don't even think the birds, the cows, or the sun have woken up yet," I laugh. "But seriously, let me eat. Then I'll use the restroom, brush my teeth and throw a robe on over my underwear and you can help me pick out the perfect first day outfit."

I had bought two new pairs of long, dark denim jeans with high waistbands, and a pair of long, black slacks. I also happened to find the last size 7 pair of slip resistant black sneakers that the store had in stock.

Aunt Thelma decided on the darker pair of long denim jeans that I bought yesterday. They accented my curves well with their almost black hue of blue.

Sammy's

Food • Fun • Family

The bright orange tee shirt clung tightly around my bust but hung loosely across my hips.

Uncle Nate and Aunt Thelma said Sammy's is the best little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in town. They always boast about the warm and cozy breakfast atmosphere and the fast and friendly dinner service.

I just have to make it through orientation and then I can see what Sammy's is really all about.

***

Orientation flew by. A few professors gave lectures about campus life, the upcoming semester, and the rules and regards of the college.

It was nearly 4:15 in the afternoon when I felt a sudden sharp cramp in my lower abdomen. I detoured to the bathroom on my way out to the parking lot.

Oh, no. This can't be happening. Not here. Not today, of all days.

I looked at the small, dark red circle on my panties. The pain in my belly only grew worse.

I made it to Uncle Nate's car and feigned a smile. I still have to make it through my first training session at the restaurant tonight. This is the first time I'll be experiencing the city of Waxon after dark.

"Sweetheart, you look a little pale. Do you want me to take you home? Aunt T can make you some tea or some soup?" Uncle Nate was trying his best to comfort me. He and Aunt Thelma never had any kids of their own so he always treated me like his own child. But, even at his best, he really was clueless about women.

He didn't understand our monthly crimson visitor brought her friends Irritability, Fatigue, and General Meh with her.

But he still tries, nonetheless.

"No, I'll be okay. I really need to be there for the first training session and I've never seen the nightlife in this town. I'm excited."

"Alright, Pumpkin, if you insist." Uncle Nate dropped me off in the parking lot of Sammy's.