Luke's POV

Girls are weird.

One moment they're manageable, the next they're a raging kraken. They can change attitudes in a heartbeat and you never know what form they'll take.

Nicole told me about this extremely infuriating phenomenon among young women. It's even worse for when they have their monthly visit.

"There's a convenience store 2 block away. Go and buy her stuff. Go!" Nicole said as she pushed me out the door. I couldn't say anything back because she slammed it in my face. I had no choice but to actually go out and but.

I ask the others to come with me but they all refused.

Of course they'd refuse.

What guy would want to buy feminine products?

When I got to the store, I went straight to the aisle where they sell the stuff.

I stared at the stacks  of product.

Overwhelmed. I became overwhelmed within minutes. There were stacks of tampons and at least 20 different kinds of pads, all claiming to do different things: leak protection, fluid absorption, odor neutralization and on top of that, there was regular, with wings, heavy flow, night guard that either 'shapes and flexes with the body' or become 'breathable'. Just listing it down makes me uncomfortable.

How was anyone supposed to know the difference between the packs?

And what the hell is a panty liner?

I was really confused on what to get so I grabbed a shopping basket and filled it with one of each type of product.

Nicole also told me to get Clara some medication for the pain. I began loading up my basket wit every drug they stocked that claimed to combat cramps and aches. That way, I could be ready for next month's visit.

As I walked towards the cashier, I spotted a tall rack of candies and chocolates. Maybe this will help. It sure as hell wouldn't make it worse. So I grabbed a pack of Hershey's kisses and moved on.

The woman at the counter gave me a funny look as I handed her the payment. I wondered how quickly news would spread. Considering the fact that this isn't exactly news, I hoped no one would know about this.

Ashton, Michael and Calum would mock me mercilessly if they knew.

And when I got back, my fear came true.

They knew.

And oh, how they mocked me.

Mercilessly.

******

When we got to Australia, we stayed on this beautiful house which belongs to our manager. It was on a great neighborhood and it has a big yard with a pool at the back. And as usual, I have to share a room with Clara instead of getting my own like the others.

Being with Clara was beginning to be fine by me because she's barely giving me a hard time unlike the first few weeks we spent together. Then again, she spends most of her time alone or with the twins.

We weren't doing anything today so Ashton decided to hit the pool. It was a bright day and the water looks inviting so we all agreed.

I was lounging on the pool with Michael and Nicole beside me while Calum, Ashton and Danielle were in the pool, frolicking. Michael tried his best to stay in the shade as he fiddled with his phone. I turned to look back inside the house and saw no sign of Clara. She must be in our room, alone and bored.

Well, it's not my problem. If she doesn't want to hang out with us, then let her. In the mean time, the pool is calling my name. So I joined them on the water.

"Clara! Join us!" Suddenly, Danielle shouted across the yard.

I glanced at the direction where Danielle yelled at and saw Clara, passing us on her way to the kitchen probably.

"It's okay. I'm fine here." she called out.

But Danielle was not taking no for an answer. Instead, she got out of the pool and ran towards Clara, splashing water everywhere.

"Stop staying indoors! Joing us out here!" she said as she pulled Clara outside.

"Oh Danielle. It's okay." Clara protested but they were halfway across the yard now. Danielle can be very strong and persuasive.

"No. It is not. The day is beautiful to be wasted indoors. Come."

Soon, Clara was standing at the edge of the pool, looking down at us.

"Don;t worry about your clothes. Just jump in the pool in your shorts." Danielle said.

"No...It's not that. Uhmm...How deep is this pool?" Clara asked warily.

"About 7 or 8 feet. Why?"

"I...I c-can't...swim."

Then I suddenly laughed out loud. I can't help it. I know. I'm a smug bastard for making fun of her.

"Oh my God. How can you not know how to swim?" I teased.

"It's not my fault I'm not half fish like you." she snapped at me.

I grinned. "So wade on the other side of the pool. The floor is slanted so from 4 ft over there, it goes deeper to 8 ft on this side."

"She still can't go inside the pool, you guys!" Nicole told us.

"Why?" Ashton asked.

Nicole lifted her sunglasses and looked at him, "Do you want the water to turn red?"

Oh. Right.

Clara walked over to the lounge chair beside Nicole and sat there talking to her.

I can't believe she can's swim. One of these days, she's gonna have to learn.

Anyway, night came and Michael ordered Panda Express for dinner. When the food came, all 7 of us gathered in front of the TV to watch. It was just like old times. Even Clara looked very much at home.

Then the movie ended and we all went to bed.

"It's a great night. And I feel no cramps. I'm gonna sleep great." I heard Clara mumbling to herself as she went to our bathroom and took her pain medications.

How long is this gonna last?, I thought as I grabbed a pillow and a blanket from the bed.

"Hey. Where are you going?" Clara asked when she got out and saw me moving.

"The couch. To sleep."

"You know..." she cleared her throat. "There are photographers outside." Clara said.

"And your point is?"

"My point is that they will see if you aren't uhh...literally sleeping with me."

I cannot believe the words coming out of her mouth.

"You want me to sleep with you?" I asked, just to make sure.

"If it helps our case, then yeah." I could see a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "But only sleeping." she quickly added.

"Clara, I didn't know you felt this way about me." I joked.

She giggled at me and threw a pillow on my direction. I caught it as I laughed with her.

"That's stupid. Come on. Let's go to sleep." Clara said.

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

I walked towards th bed and placed the pillows back. Then I turned to look out the windows and as if on cue, what seemed to be a camera flash caught my eye. Clara was right. There were photographers outside. It felt weird.

People are actually spying on us because of this girl on my bed.

But I didn't have any problem with it. I felt surprisingly light and relaxed. We haven't slept together since the time I woke up cuddling her.  Memories of our first time sleeping together came to mind.

I caught myself thinking.

It would be amazing to wake up in her arms again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N:

 i kept laughing while writing the first part of this chapter, just so you know. :3

just imagine it though...

luke shopping for tampons and pads 

ANYWAY, let me know what YOU think :D