Chapter 73 Elena
E LENA
Elena stares at the blood on her underwear in disbelief. Her period has been sporadic for years. Now, just a day before her escape, here it is – obtrusive, unwanted, terrifying.
When she was hurriedly packing in Sydney, adding tampons to her suitcase was the last thing on her mind. Thankfully, she finds a single pad with the complimentary hotel toiletries.
Her abdomen spasms, making her wince. Now there’s cramping to contend with as well as her injured ankle.
Why does it have to be this hard?
She blames the food for the bleeding. It’s the first time in years she hasn’t been starving. Her body finally had the nutrition it needed to function normally – so it did. She could kick herself for eating enough to create this complication. Hunger is safer than this.
‘What’s going on in there, Ellie?’ Christian calls out, never giving her a single fucking minute to herself.
‘Coming!’ She washes her hands and walks out.
They head downstairs to find Signore Bianchi at the entrance to the restaurant. He tips his hat to them. ‘Buongiorno, signore! Buongiorno, signora!’ He guides them to an empty table and when she sits, he gives her back a quick pat. His fatherly touch makes her ache for Papà.
With Rocco and Christian caught up in conversation by the buffet, Elena seizes the opportunity to manically wave Signora Bianchi over to her table.
Elena speaks to her quickly and, for the first time, in Italian. ‘I have my period but no tampons or pads. He’ll kill me if he finds out.’
‘Ah, cara mia.’ Signora Bianchi shakes her head. ‘I’ll take supplies up to your room now. Where do you want me to leave them?’
‘In my make-up bag in the bathroom vanity . I’m so sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.’
Signora Bianchi cups Elena’s face in her hand. ‘You have nothing to be sorry for. You’re a brave girl. A friend of mine, Suora Teresa, will be waiting for you and Anna-Maria at the Vatican tomorrow. You’ll be safe at the monastery there, don’t worry.’
‘Mille grazie, Zia. And Alessandro? Is he escorting us?’
Before Signora Bianchi can reply, Christian’s back and Elena’s none the wiser.