A Lesson in Biology

For the first time since everything changed, Jess started to think she might actually be okay. Classes were manageable. Nobody questioned her presence—well, except for a few guys who seemed disappointed that they’d never noticed her before. Even Coach bought Kevin’s story about his “cousin from UCLA” needing a fresh start.

“I had high hopes for Jason,” Coach had muttered to Kevin. “Kid had real talent. But I get it. Life happens.”

It stung hearing that, but Jess pushed it aside. As long as nobody connected her to Jason, she could focus on figuring out her next steps. But then, biology decided to punch her in the gut.

It started with a dull ache in her lower abdomen during her morning physics class. Jess ignored it. Just a stomachache. No big deal. By noon, the cramps were sharp, twisting knots of pain.By two o’clock, she was dying.

The walk across campus to her next class felt impossible. She was sweating, dizzy, and nauseous. And worst of all? She had this terrible, creeping suspicion about what was happening.

The realization hit her just as she passed the math department. A sudden, awful wetness made her freeze mid-step.

“Oh, hell no,” she muttered.

Jess didn’t think—she just bolted for the nearest bathroom. The second the stall door locked, Jess collapsed onto the toilet, shaking. She didn’t have to look to know. But she did anyway. Sure enough. Oh, come on.

She ran a hand through her hair, trying not to panic. This was fine. Totally fine. All she needed was…Pads? Tampons? How the hell does this even work?! Of all the things she thought she’d have to figure out, this hadn’t even made the list. It wasn’t just pain—it was proof. Her body wasn’t just different. It was working. Against her. As if it had always belonged to someone else.

Jess groaned, resting her head against the stall wall. She had faced plenty of challenges over the past few days—learning to walk in different shoes, pretending to be someone else, figuring out how to deal with Hannah and Olivia’s relentless energy. But nothing had prepared her for this.

Her phone was in her pocket. She pulled it out, hesitating. There was only one person she could call. She considered Olivia—too chatty. Hannah—too cheerful. This wasn’t about comfort. It was about control. Leanna wouldn’t panic. Wouldn’t ask a million questions. She’d just handle it. Jess swallowed her pride and dialed.

Leanna picked up on the second ring. “What?”

Jess exhaled shakily. “I need help.”

There was a pause. “What happened?”

Jess lowered her voice. “I think I just got my period.”

Silence. Then—

“…Oh.”

Jess gritted her teeth. “Yeah. Oh.”

Leanna sighed. “Where are you?”

“Math department bathroom.”

“Give me five minutes.”

—---------------------------------

True to her word, Leanna arrived fast.

Jess cracked the stall door open and peeked out. Leanna stood by the sinks, a plastic bag in hand. She rolled her eyes. “You look like you’re in a hostage situation.”

Jess scowled. “I feel like I’m in a hostage situation.”

Leanna held up the bag. “I got pads and tampons. You can pick.”

Jess hesitated. “…Which one is easier?”

Leanna sighed, then reached into the bag and pulled out a pad. “Here. Stick it to your underwear—it’s simple.”

Jess took it, feeling completely out of her depth. “And cramps?”

Leanna dug into her purse and handed her some painkillers. “Take these. They help.”

Jess exhaled. “Okay.” She hesitated. “Thanks.”

Leanna leaned against the sink. “You good now?”

Jess glanced at the stall. “Uh. I think I need a minute.”

Leanna smirked. “I’ll wait.”

Jess shut the stall door, shaking her head. This was, hands down, the worst day yet, but at least she wasn’t dealing with it alone.