The booths and the vast field continued buzzing with excitent. One of the gas, the sack race for the eighth-grade students, began.
Parents took pictures as they joined the crowd gathering near the starting line. The teachers responsible for the ga shouted instructions through gaphones.
"Class 8-D! GOOO!"
"Kenny! Hurry up!"
"Careful! Don’t trip!"
Cheers, applause, and groans filled the air, coming from the participants and the audience.
However, Lariette slowly faded into the background. She went through the morning on adrenaline and responsibility for her students, but it got harder to ignore her cramps.
Shifting her weight on one foot, Lariette pressed her lower abdon discreetly. But Nora noticed her action imdiately, including the discomfort evident on her face.
"Lari, you need a breather," Nora murmured beside Lariette, "Go and get so rest. I can handle the rest. Staying in this cold won’t do you much good either."
There was nothing much for Lariette and Nora to do. Howard and Mr. Eastwood also said the sa. The flow for each booth was smooth and organized.
Lariette nodded reluctantly, "Yeah... I’ll go inside for a bit. Maybe to the sick bay."
"Go. It’s closer than the teachers’ lounge," Nora patted Lariette’s back, concerned about her colleague, "Tell your husband. The others can manage without him."
Nora knew Ruediger mostly assisted the logistics departnt, but they could survive without the crimson-haired man. If not for Lariette, he wouldn’t even be here.
Lariette cast a look toward the field. It took her so ti before finally locating Ruediger among the sea of people. He was moving so crates with a male teacher.
Lariette recalled the two texts she received from Ruediger throughout this morning. Both reminded her not to overstrain herself which put a smile on her lips.
"Yeah, I’ll do that later," Lariette turned around, gently rubbing Nora’s arm, "I’ll just be gone for a bit. Call if there’s anything urgent."
Nora simply nodded. She watched Lariette walking toward the school building. Concern flickered in her eyes as she saw her colleague disappear inside.
Walking down the quiet hallway, Lariette pressed her lower belly. The silence inside the building was loud, the sound she heard ca from her footsteps. The explosion of cheers from the field resonated from the outside.
When Lariette stepped inside the sick bay, she found no one there. The school nurse was at the first-aid tent, alongside a few students who were trained to assist her.
"Haa..."
Lariette put her backpack on a bed and rummaged inside, looking for her spare nstrual pad. She wanted to replace it before getting so rest. Then, she disappeared inside the ensuite washroom.
Less than ten minutes later...
"Lettie! Are you in there?"
Lariette jolted when Ruediger’s voice suddenly rang from the outside, never expecting to hear it. She rinsed her soapy hands before unlocking the door, and erging from the washroom.
"Eddy... what are you doing here?"
Lariette blinked, surprised to see Ruediger standing near the bed where she put her backpack. A layer of sweat sheened on his forehead, his face flushed slightly from the continuous sun exposure.
"Ms. Nora told you’re here," Ruediger smiled, helplessness flickering across his face, "How are you feeling?"
Lariette blinked, never thinking Nora would tell Ruediger about her.
"Oh... I’m fine. I just need a little rest."
Taking off her sports shoes, Lariette got on the bed while leaning against the headboard. Ruediger sat on the edge, facing her. He carefully assessed the look on her face, finding her slightly pale.
Lariette leaned sideways, one hand pressing her tummy as her legs curled. Ruediger glanced at her backpack, wondering how uncomfortable she was.
"Did you bring the water bag? How about a heat patch?"
Lariette laughed awkwardly, "I forgot them. I do have heat patches in my room."
Ruediger exhaled. Sweeping his gaze across the sick bay, he eyed the drawers and hanging shelves.
"There should be so here. Or are the drawers locked?"
"So do," Lariette replied quietly, "It’s okay, Eddy. I’ll ask the nurse at the first-aid tent. I’ll just rest her for a bit."
Ruediger returned his gaze to Lariette. He unzipped the cross-chest bag, looking for sothing. She was him taking out a clear bottle of dicated oil.
"Want to help?" Ruediger asked quietly, careful not to push Lariette, "If you’re okay with it, I can try massaging your tummy."
So far, Ruediger had only experienced massaging Lariette’s limbs and back. He brought the dicated oil out of habit. Just a small amount helped to ease muscle soreness.
Blinking, Lariette’s eyes darted from Ruediger to the small bottle. She couldn’t help but rember how good she felt after he massaged her aching limbs and back this week.
"Okay," Lariette whispered.
"Lay back a little."
Lariette adjusted herself, straightening her legs across the bed. Then, she slowly lifted her jacket and shirt, just enough to reveal the curve of her lower abdon.
Ruediger washed his hands at the sink nearby. He returned to the bed, once again sitting on the edge while facing Lariette.
After rubbing the oil on his palm, Ruediger rested them lightly over Lariette’s belly, letting her get used to the touch first. Before he began the massage, he said, "Tell if it hurts."
Lariette nodded, her eyes fluttering shut. She felt Ruediger rubbed her belly with tender, circular motions. As usual, his touch was steady and calming. He didn’t speak, only focusing on his task.
Lariette exhaled a soft sigh, feeling her body begin to relax. The slight tension between her brows eased. This comfortable sensation almost lured her to sleep. The muffled sounds of Sports Day slipped inside through the windows.
Seeing the sleepy look on Lariette’s countenance, Ruediger smiled gently. He was relieved to know she felt better. Her eyelids were barely opened.
"Rest a bit, Lettie," Ruediger stopped. Leaning forward, he pressed a featherlight kiss to her forehead, "I’ll stay here."
Lariette gave Ruediger a sleepy smile, "Yeah. Thank you, Eddy."
Closing her eyes, she still felt his lingering warmth on her skin.
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