The day I got my period was the day a crimson spider lily grew out of my toilet.

            I was lucky enough that I just so happened to be sitting on the porcelain bowl when I felt the first drop and even luckier that a spider lily grew in its place. A tall, deep red lily with healthy petals and wild stamen that reaches farther than a flower could ever imagine.

"Mother," I called and not too long later she burst through my washroom door.

"What's wrong, dear?" She was dressed in a lavish royal blue dress with golden jewelry that contrasted so differently with her brunette bun. My lady's maid, Anna, not even a second behind her. I stepped aside without saying a word, smiling as I watched their joy emerge from the sight of the flower. My mother embraced me.

"Oh, Mary! Sweetheart! I am so proud of you!" She cooed as her hand stroke my hair, smooshing my cheek into her shoulder. "Anna, quick! Collect the flower!" Anna quickly moved to grab a pair of clippers and a vase. I watched her leave before my mother turned back to me and said, "We must show your father!"

            Anna came back with all the necessary tools to transport the flower from the bowl to the vase. My mother held it so tenderly, as if her life depended on it, as Anna dressed me in a red velvet gown, tying my hair in the same brunette bun. The three of us descended the stairs, my mother firmly holding the vase against her breast. She was trying to hide her blithe smile, having a hard time to conduct herself like a true lady. My mother was the personification of composure...I've never seen her this lively. My father was sitting at the dining room table reading the morning paper. He had no idea what was about to come upon him. His little girl was a woman now and not just any woman...one that bled a spider lily.

"Henry," My mother called.

"Yes dear?" His eyes didn't waver. Instead of saying anything she simply rose the flower from her breast. Presenting the delicate creature before him. It took him a moment to look up, but when he finally did his golden eyes widened. "Is this?" He asked gobsmacked. 

My mom bit her bottom lip, nodding a "mhm".

            My father looked at me and without a moment to waste he sprung from his chair, picked me up and spun me around. The two of us laughing before he planted me on my feet and engulfed my small form in a bear hug. His strong voice cooing words of pride and admiration in my ear.

I was lucky that I bled a crimson spider lily.

Lucky...because it meant that I didn't have to rely on any man for the rest of my life. I can marry, but the head of the household would be me. My parents inheritance would be mine and mine alone.

I could have bled a daisy or a rose or even a tulip, but no. I bled a crimson spider lily and I'm free because of it.