I wrote this for a class, and it was a hit. Hope you enjoy it ;)
I located the correct aisle from the overhead signs. Aisle 15. I approached the aisle and turned left. I saw what I was looking for on the shelves to my left. The entire stretch of the wall was colored pink, yellow, purple and white.
Feminine products.
I took a deep breath and stepped closer so that I could read the labels. A woman turned down the aisle, so I quickly turned my focus to the diapers next to the feminine products, because an 18-year-old single childless female looking at those was less awkward.
Once she left, I turned back to the feminine products. I scanned the brands and the styles. I knew that I didn’t like cardboard applicators because they were uncomfortable. I knew I didn’t like the off brand because they were generally dry and scratchy. I knew that I didn’t like scented tampons, so I steered clear from those.
Finally, I found what I was looking for. I picked them up and then grabbed a box of hair dye in the next aisle to hide the other box I was holding. I walked with my hand down low, stiffly grazing my hip, so that those dreaded items in my hand were out of sight.
I neared the cash registers and searched for an older woman, thinking that that would be the least awkward. All I found was a younger woman, so I decided that would have to do. My face turned a dark shade of pink as I placed my “items for purchase,” up on the rotating belt.
The cashier looked me square in the eye and asked, “Did you find everything alright?”
My pink face quickly turned into a bright red as I responded, “Yes.”
I quickly paid for my items and walked out of the store. As I headed home, I felt an enormous sense of embarrassment. I couldn’t wait to call my mom and tell her how much I appreciated her for buying my pads and tampons for me, and to fill her in on the awkward experience I had just had.
Along with that feeling came a different feeling, too. With every step I took, the feeling grew stronger. I realized suddenly that I had just taken a major step into womanhood. I bought my own feminine products! Next time I had to go through this ritual, it would be so easy. I could stand in the aisle and look without changing my focus if someone walked by. I could walk through the store, holding those tampons high above my head and not feel embarrassed. I could go to any cashier I wanted, even an attractive boy.
I was a woman now.
