Summer break was right around the corner, and my school had decided to throw an
end-of-the-year middle-school party to celebrate all of our accomplishments. It
was the day before the party, and during lunch period, me and my friends were all
talking about what we would wear, who was going, etc. As we talked, I remember
having some painful stomach cramps, but blamed it on the cafeteria food and
thought nothing of it. When the school day was finally over and I was at home, I
was rummaging in my closet for something nice to wear for the party and decided
on a nice casual white dress. Unfortunately, my cramps came back while
I was helping my mom with dinner, but once again, I ignored them. The following
morning, I woke up and began getting ready. It was a Saturday, on the day of
the party, and I was a bit nervous since so many people are planning to go. But I
tried to focus on the positives. While I was in my mom's car driving to the
school, my cramps once again came back. I told my mom, but she reassured me
I would be fine and it was just the butterflies in my stomach. I decided to
deal with it and go to the party anyway. Once I arrived, my mom waved me goodbye
and I saw my friends standing by the school gym entrance. They complimented my
dress and we headed inside the large gym, barely managing to get through the large
crowds of middle schoolers. The gym itself was decorated with colorful
banners and was packed with kids. My friends explained that they were
going to say hi to some others, so me and my friend, Katie, stayed and
just moved around. Suddenly, I heard some kids laughing behind me and Katie's eyes
widened as she stared down at me and whispered, "Mal, look down!" Nervously, I
lowered my head and saw that my legs and my dress were covered in blood.
As a sixth grader who had just got their first period, I slowly looked
around and realized everyone was staring and laughing at me. I felt my face
turning red and Katie quickly snatched me and ran out of the gym. My other
friends followed us to the bathroom and we handled the situation by getting me
a pad and calling my mom. I was so embarrassed.
My mom picked me up, and while I was in the car, I checked my snapchat to see if
anyone had posted anything about the party. I was upset to find that some of
the kids I had added as friends and actually trusted took a picture of
me and tagged me on their stories. I felt awful and unfriended them, but knew they
were probably talking about me back at that party. When we got home, my mom
wanted to make me feel better, so we ordered pizza, watched the movies and joked
about what happened back at that party. Overall, it made me feel better and I
learned two things from this experience. One is to always have some friends that
will have your back and will not make fun of you, and two - always have some pads
with you.