Part 27

                                    

                                          
A week had passed since the emotional evening at home, and Kyra was starting to find a semblance of stability with the unwavering support of her family and Alessia. Training sessions had become a routine she could manage, and she felt more connected to her teammates, despite her lingering anxieties.
It was a sunny morning at the Arsenal training ground, and the team was going through their warm up drills. Kyra was doing her best to keep up, but she was feeling unusually fatigued and uncomfortable. She brushed it off, attributing it to the intense training schedule.
As the session progressed, the discomfort in her lower abdomen intensified, and she realised she was dealing with menstrual cramps. Kyra tried to push through the pain, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She could feel the wetness on her shorts, and her anxiety spiked as she worried about it being noticeable.
During a break, as the players gathered to hydrate, Kyra discreetly checked her shorts and felt a surge of panic. There was a visible stain. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly wrapped her jacket around her waist, hoping no one had noticed.
Unfortunately, her attempt at subtlety didn't go unnoticed by one of the younger players, who smirked and made a snide comment. "Looks like the baby can't handle her period," she muttered loud enough for those nearby to hear.
Kyra's face burned with humiliation, and tears pricked at her eyes. She felt the familiar tightening in her chest, a prelude to a panic attack. She tried to take deep breaths, but the pain from her cramps and the embarrassment made it difficult.
Katie, who was nearby, saw the exchange and immediately recognised the signs of Kyra's distress. She walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Ky, are you okay?" She asked gently.
Kyra shook her head, unable to speak as the panic rose. Katie could see the pain and fear in her eyes and knew she needed to get her out of this situation.
"Come on, let's take a break," Katie said softly, guiding Kyra towards the locker room. Caitlin noticed them leaving and followed, concern etched on her face.
In the privacy of the locker room, Kyra finally let the tears flow. "I'm so sorry, Muma. I didn't mean to cause a scene," she said between sobs.
Katie hugged her tightly. "Shh, it's okay, sweetheart. You don't have to apologise. You're in pain, and that's nothing to be ashamed of."
Caitlin knelt beside them, her eyes filled with concern. "Ky, it's alright. Let's get you cleaned up and see if we can help with the pain."
They helped Kyra to the shower area, where she could clean herself up and change into fresh clothes. Caitlin rummaged through her bag and found some painkillers, which she handed to Kyra along with a bottle of water.
"Take these. They should help with the cramps," Caitlin said softly.
Kyra nodded, grateful for their support. After changing and taking the painkillers, she sat on the bench, still feeling shaky but slightly better. Katie and Caitlin sat beside her, their presence comforting.
"I'm so embarrassed," Kyra whispered, her eyes downcast. "Everyone saw."
"Don't be embarrassed, Ky," Katie said firmly. "Periods are natural, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone who makes fun of you for that is immature and not worth your time."
Caitlin nodded in agreement. "You're strong, Kyra. And you have every right to take care of yourself when you're in pain. No one can judge you for that."
Their words eased some of Kyra's anxiety, but the sting of the comments still lingered. She leaned into Katie, drawing strength from her mother's presence.
After a few moments of silence, Caitlin spoke up. "How about we skip the rest of training today? We can go home and relax."
Kyra hesitated, not wanting to appear weak, but the idea of being away from the prying eyes and cruel comments was too appealing. She nodded slowly. "Okay. I think I need that."
Katie smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Then that's what we'll do. Let's get you home."
As they prepared to leave, Steph walked into the locker room, having heard from a teammate about what happened. She took in the scene, her face hardening with protective anger.
"Who said it?" Steph asked, her voice low and dangerous.
"It doesn't matter," Kyra mumbled, not wanting to cause more trouble.
"Yes, it does," Steph insisted, her eyes blazing. "No one gets to treat you like that. We'll deal with it later. Right now, let's get you home."
Together, they left the training ground, with Alessia joining them outside. She had heard bits and pieces of what happened and looked worried.
"Ky, are you okay?" Alessia asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I'm better now," Kyra said softly, appreciating the love and support from everyone around her. 
At home, they settled Kyra on the couch with a blanket and a hot water bottle for her cramps. Katie made her some tea, and Caitlin sat beside her, stroking her hair.
Alessia sat on the floor by the couch, holding Kyra's hand. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when it happened. I hate that someone made you feel like that."
"It's not your fault, Lessi," Kyra said, squeezing her hand. "You're here now, and that's what matters."
Steph joined them, her protective anger still simmering. "We'll talk to the coach about this. No one should get away with bullying."
Katie nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. But right now, let's focus on making Kyra comfortable."
As the day went on, Kyra felt surrounded by love and support. Her cramp's gradually eased, and the emotional wounds began to heal with the help of her family. They spent the rest of the day watching movies, playing games, and just being together.
Despite the pain and humiliation, Kyra knew she wasn't alone. She had a family who loved her unconditionally and friends who would stand by her through anything. And that made all the difference.