He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “Becca...” He was fighting the impulse to open the door and scoop her up, to hold her tight in his arms and hug the disappointment out of her voice. “You’ll never be a bother. You’re my niece, my little girl.”

She said nothing.

“Did the nurse give you something at least?”

“I got a couple of crappy pads.”

“Good, Chris ran to the store and he’s getting everything you’ll need for the next few days.”

“This is so embarrassing,” she moaned against the door.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Chris and I know enough about this to help.”

“I mean it was embarrassing at school,” Becca snapped. “I had to tie a shirt around my waist for the rest of the day. Like an idiot.”

He smiled. “I doubt anyone knew what was happening. The shirt around the waist is actually pretty clever.”

“It’s not funny.”

“It is clever. Good thing Kelly was there to help you. What’s she like?”

Becca shifted against the door. “I like her. I did like you said and asked her if she wanted to be in a girl gang. She’s going to draw up a charter.”

John put his hand over his mouth to hold back the laugh. “That sounds good,” he said after a beat. “She’s a good writer?”

“She’s getting an A in English.”

“Any chance others will join the gang?”

“Kelly said that McKenna and Devon would be interested.”

“Okay, that sounds like a proper gang.”

“None of them have gotten their periods yet,” Becca said. “Kelly thinks it’s a huge deal.”

“She’s not completely wrong,” he said carefully. “It’s a milestone, but it doesn’t change who you are. You’re still Becca.”

“I feel like someone else.”

No doubt the hormones talking. “Trust me, it feels like that, but you’re still Becca.”

“I feel angry and sad and fat. My body hurts and I’m so tired.”

“I think that’s normal too. Your mom told you it was coming and what to expect, right?”

She scoffed. “Yeah, in graphic detail. I was just hoping it would happen on a weekend.”

John grinned at her seriousness. “You can’t plan these things, honey. But you can stay home from school tomorrow and Skype your mother. I’m sure she’ll want to hear the news.”

“I have to go to school,” she said in a tired voice. “I’m going to meet up with Kelly, McKenna, and Devon about our charter.”

“Would that make you feel better?” he asked. “Because you can stay here if you want. I don’t go to work until the evening and Chris can come back by again.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Can I get you anything while we wait on Chris? Cup of tea?”

“You’re not supposed to have caffeine when you’re on your period,” she said.