Social work

~10~

Chiara

After a few minutes of refreshing, I was on my way back to the hall, and then my grip on the glass door halted. Antonio couldn't care if I was gone for the rest of the night. I already played my part after all. Taking a full turn, I went to fetch my coat before I headed to the washroom.

Sounds of someone sobbing filled the room. Frowning, I went on with my business. I stood before the sink after finishing, tapped the faucet, and washed my hands. "It should be fine, none of them would miss me." I said to my reflection in the mirror. The cries crawled under my skin, reminding me of the nights I was trying so hard not to remember. I was still dealing with my horse’s cruel death.

Fisting my hands, and eyes shut. I should leave. "Oh, just shut up already! You are too fucking loud!" Nope, couldn't do it.

"I—uh—I'm sorry." An innocent voice came, too soft for this ruthless world. "I think I messed up my dress with blood. I—I don't know what to do, and I don't have my phone with me." She continued when I didn't reply. This is none of your business, Chichi. Leave it alone.

I turned to leave, but my heels paused when her sobs intensified. I groaned hard, fisting my hands into balls. I turned to glance at the last locked stall in the washroom. "And crying is going to help?" I said dryly. I blamed the big sister hormones inside me. Whoever she was, I couldn’t leave her even if I wanted to.

"I don't know what to do." She continued sobbing. "How about a menstrual pad for the starters?" What was wrong with this generation? Does nobody know how to take care of themselves anymore?

"I can't reach my mum because I don't have my phone on me, like I said. Please help me." She explained. 

"And why the hell should I do that? I'm no Mother Earth." Why wasn’t she stepping out?

"Please," she pleaded. I looked down at my heels and sighed. "I can't believe this. Are you coming out or not?"

Silence descended before the stall door was pulled open. A red face covered with tears and snorts came into view. Hell nah!

"Chiara Marino?" She said, coming forward, and I rounded her up. Who would've thought I'd run into Celia Conti, in the flesh? Was this a sign from God? "What in the holy fuckery is this? Don't tell me this is your first time." Her whole dress was a red mess behind.

Her head hung low. "It is my first time. As crazy as this might sound to you... Help me, please." She sniffled.

I pressed my temples. "I swear if you start crying again," I raised my hand, and she scurried back a little. "I came here to pee and look what God sent me here for. Who said I wanted to do social work tonight?" I looked around the washroom, but there was no sign of pads. I took off my coat and wrapped it around her shoulders. She looked at me as if I was her hero.

I patted her head, "Congratulations, honey, you just became a total woman tonight. And poor you for the bees that are about to swarm around you." She frowned. "Bees? Do bees follow you when you are on your period? Never heard of that."

I shook my head, "Too much innocence, too pure for this world indeed." I had a strong urge to protect her from creatures that start with a letter M. I took my phone out of my clutch. "Here, put the number in. Text, call them, or whatever." She took the phone and typed. "Can you walk?" I asked. "Yeah." She nodded like a rattle.

"Good, let's walk you to your car then." I wrapped my hands around her shoulder and escorted her to the VIP parking section. "Here is our car." She murmured.

"Good. My service ends here for the night. Wait right here for the person you called and don't go anywhere. Is that clear?"

"Yes. Thank you so much." She grinned. I waved at her and took off, stopping when I was a few steps away from her. "Hey honey..." I called out, and she eagerly looked at me like a cute little puppy, "Yeah?" She was cute. 

"Make sure you stay away from the bees, they'll sting you," I said in all honesty. It was up to her to get my words or not. Kids nowadays knew everything afterall. "Stay away from the bees, copy that. Thanks again." She waved at me with both of her hands like the kid that she was.

I swear to God, she understood nothing that I said. God, please protect that angel from men.

I saw Carmelo approaching her, and she quickly hugged her big brother. Our eyes clashed, and he gave me a nod which I returned with my own before I got in one of our cars.