I first met Karen in elementary school when I was given advanced placement in the fifth grade. My parents had bought a new house and I changed schools... Karen had lived in the same house all her life.We were paired by the teacher as study partners. Initially, I was mad about that. She and I were the only girl/boy combination. All the others were either two girls or two guys. Our teachers had decided that study partners were good and we were the odd ones out.Just to make the situation worse, we. "Joanie, aren't you supposed to be studying your English? How long have you been listening?"She smiled. Joanie was a cute kid, short dark hair, button nose, and a smile as bright as the neon signs at Arnold's. "Long enough," she giggled, and ducked back inside.I was a little bit worried. Had she heard us talking about Betty? Joanie was usually pretty good about keeping secrets, but I'd never let her in on a secret that could get me in this much trouble with Mom and Dad. While I was thinking,. " Then she left so I could change. It took me almost an hour to get dressed. It should have taken half that time but I was stalling, hoping for a reprieve which never came, so when I finally appeared in the kitchen, other than the shoes, I looked the same as last night. I walked in just as mom reminded Beth of what would happen to her if she told anyone or teased me. "Eat some breakfast and we'll go." "Can I go too?" Mom looked at me with a question in her eyes. I needed Beth to be cool about. But could you go ahead and order some clothing anyway? After all I will here during deliveries too and wouldn’t want anyone else to see me that way.” In a lower voice she added, “I’m not even sure I could do it in front of you.” A thought occurred to her and she had to ask, “What about during,,, you know that,,, um,,, time of the month. I am due to start in a few days.”He laughed and said, “That’s just a part of nature. You can choose to just let it happen, or wear your panties and a pad..