"Marriage? My daughter does not need to get married to some useless man to become someone! She is already someone, she is... My daughter!"
The words resonated in Isabelle's head.
It was a dream about that tall and stout man again.
As her eyes opened, that strong voice still reverberated in her whole being. Without a doubt, that voice belonged to her Father. A knot formed in her throat and felt her eyes prickle; those words reassured that tiny part in her mind that niggled at her, wondering if her Father had also abandoned her to her luck like her Mother seemed to have done.
Whoever her Father was, he actually seemed reluctant to see her tie the knot with any man.
What would he think, though, if he knew I married four men?
The thought made her watery chuckle, her somber mood disappearing completely. After the Chief's speech on their wedding, her aching head was in turmoil. She was a bit sad for not having any family members present at the wedding, but happy to have friends around. Then, she had dazed and pondered what her parents would think of her life, but then had swept those thoughts away to enjoy the celebration.
With that dark veil gone, she suddenly jolted when she realized that she missed her wedding night!
The bright light coming from outside taunted her on the matter. No sweet and lovely intimacy with her newly-minted husbands. The hammering from far away, meaning the brothers… her husbands… were already up and about, nailing the regret even more. Isabelle lamented the missed opportunity, but also had no desire to get up.
She was wide awake, yet felt fatigued and somewhat sore. She blinked and pondered why she was feeling that way, only for the answer to rush out of her. Literally. She froze. Her face suddenly contorted in pain, her body mocking her even more.
They came!? My bleeding days!? Now of all times?!
So, not only she missed the proper wedding night, she was going to miss the following nights too… What a way to start her newlywed life!
Slowly crawling towards the clothes cabinet, she grumbled about her untimely situation. How long had it been since the last period of bleeding days? A month? More than a month? She really had no idea! She had been too busy back then to keep track of the matter. And, it was important to keep track of it to avoid a pregnancy!
Huh? Where did that come from?
I… don't tell me I…
An acute and throbbing pain in her lower abdomen killed that train of thought and made her curl on herself. Gosh I really hate the first day!
Gritting her teeth, she continued crawling until she arrived at the cabinet and opened it. Just that action took a toll on her. She panted in pain and exhaustion. When the pain let off a little bit, she sat up and searched around the cabinet, uncaringly throwing things out, for the pads.
"Aha!" Her soft cry of victory sounded in the room once she found the fabric in which Felix had wrapped the pads.
Outside, said teen, having returned from the plot to pick up the fertilizer and some tools they were going to use, heard movement coming from the house and stopped, thinking Isabelle had woken up. Inside, her moment of victory was cut short when another wave of pain made her curl up yet again.
Not seeing Isabelle come out after some time, Felix headed to the house. "Isabelle, you up?" He called out, yet heard no immediate response. "Belle?" He repeated, unsure. Was it not her?
"… here, Felix..." A feeble sound came from behind the screen. He moved around and saw the curled-up person on the bed.
"Belle! You ok?" His hands showed his hesitation. He had no idea what to do, what to check. She was pale, sweating and her face was contorted in pain.
Luckily, Isabelle was not as panicked as he felt. "Help me out." She managed to voice out, showing him the pads.
His eyes widened, then traveled down her body, stopping at her lower part. He rapidly blinked his realization. "Oh… I… you want me to… to..." He stammered. Seeing his brothers helping her out in her bleeding days was not the same as doing it himself.
Isabelle noticed and heard his apprehension, so she asked him to do something else. "Hot water."
"Right! Yes! I'll bring hot water!" As if being given amnesty, Felix ran out of the house. Isabelle sighed, swallowing her whimper when a big discharge came out, and resigned herself to lose one of her panties. The thought made her pause and look back at the cabinet, where her clothes were.
Busy as she had been the past couple of weeks, she had forgotten about them. Isabelle thought that if her bleeding days were always going to be so messy, then she had to do something to be a little bit more comfortable, so she sewed special panties.
Once again, she rummaged through her clothes and found them.
With deft moves, she took off her stained panties and pressed a pad down there. Unlike the shorts-like underwear she usually wore, the new piece of clothing tightly snuggled the whole crotch area; having taken inspiration from how her now-husbands wrapped the bandages back then. And, for practicality and to regulate the tightness, there were straps on both sides to tie it.
The new underwear showed her bare legs and barely covered her pubic hair, but she could not deny that they made her feel better. Not physically, as she was still suffering from the pain, but felt more secure, not worrying about moving around and having blood leak out from the sides.
"Here's the… what's that?" Felix stood frozen in front of the bed, looking at the tantalizing sight of his half naked Wife and the panties. His throat felt parched, and blood started to rush south.
Smugness filled Isabelle's heart, noticing his raving eyes, yet her body rejected the gesture. She helplessly and weakly smiled at him. "I made them for these days. Can you pass me the underwear I threw aside? I can use it as a rag to clean myself." There was still that sticky bloody patch on her thighs that she wanted to clean.
Felix reacted with a jolt, his gutter thoughts disappearing, and searched around. When he found the underwear, he paused. "Here, use a real rag. I'll wash your garments." He decisively passed her the rag that hung over his shoulder and kept her underwear in his hand.
Isabelle felt embarrassed for a moment before throwing the unnecessary feeling aside. They were married, she should be getting used to her husbands' actions. "Thanks." Felix beamed at her and moved forward with the bucket of warm water so she could wet the rag to clean herself.
"You'll be staying in bed today, then?" Felix queried, part worried that she would move around too much, and part bummed out that she would not spend time with them even if they were properly married.
Isabelle shared the sentiment with Felix, yet there was nothing they could do. Furthermore, she remembered promising Mrs. Attile to go to the store right after marrying; with her situation, though… She could only sigh. What rotten luck she had; for such a pesky matter as her natural fluids to stump all her plans!
"Yes. I cannot move around too much anyway…" To confirm that, a debilitating pain wrecked through her lower abdomen, making her sway.
Felix reacted, almost dropping the bucket of water he was holding, and grabbed her arm to help her lay on the bed. "You ok?" He nervously asked, receiving a soft hum as response. "I-I'll tell the others. Don't worry, we'll take care of you." He reassured, either himself or her. Either way, Isabelle appreciated his words and smiled at him.
Once she was tucked in bed, with a warm rag pressed on her lower abdomen, Felix left. The toasty sensation greatly alleviated the pain, though the fatigue and general discomfort stayed. At some point, Felix returned offering her food, yet she only shook her head in rejection. The sole thought of food made her stomach queasy.
Felix changed the rag on her lower abdomen and walked out of the house, pursing his lips in distress. He could not bear seeing her like that. He had to ask around the few women he knew if there was a way to reduce the pain during bleeding days... Which sadly amounted to zero in the village... Or! He could ask a knowledgeable man…
His feet quickly carried him out towards the Chief's house.
In the house, Isabelle deeply slept.
"You made me a better man."
" The moment I held you in my arms, I knew my days of fooling around were over."
"Love you, my beautiful…"
"...lle… belle… Isabelle..."
"Hm?" Isabelle groggily made a noise, coming out of her dreams.
"Lunch's ready, d'ya feel like eating?" Joseph softly rubbed her body with a warm rag, noticing she no longer looked pale unlike some hours ago.
He had returned from the plot as Felix never brought him the things he asked for and saw Isabelle's pinched expression, similar to when she was... Only then, he realized her situation, though did not explain why Felix was not home.
Like before, he had checked the rag on her abdomen. Still warm. Good. Then, he had checked on the pad and paused at her underwear… How could he…? Oh! Untying the strings, the thing quickly came undone. He marveled at the new garment.
It's so easy to take off! Oh, the possibilites!
His raunchy thoughts came to a screeching halt, his own face becoming pinched after seeing the mess in her parts. He still thought it was a bit gross, but could only clean her and change the pad.
Still deep asleep but in pristine condition, Joseph felt better to leave Isabelle alone. He did scold Felix for leaving without any notice after he found him coming back from outside. The teen had shown true remorse while explaining what he had gone to do. Joseph's expression softened and left the matter of Isabelle to his younger brother, trusting him with her well-being.
After that, he had returned to the plot with the tool and fertilizer he needed for the plot.
Hours later, with the sun high in the sky, it was time to eat. And Joseph had, once again, checked on Isabelle, changing the pad and calling her to eat.
Isabelle groaned. "…mm..." Frankly, she still did not want to eat, yet her stomach was a bit peckish. She could only try eating something. With Joseph's help, she sat up, and then held her breath when a big discharge came out. For a moment, she worried the pad would not be able to hold it… "The pad!" Isabelle cried out.
I have not changed it!
With such a heavy flow right on the first day, Isabelle could only remain laying or sitting so the pad lasted more than if she were standing up. She doubted the pad would hold the new rush of blood. Her new panties might also be ruined!
"I changed it." Her thoughts halted at those words. Isabelle blinked and looked at Joseph's placid face. He saw her confusion and reiterated what he did. "Those new panties made it easier." And could not help wickedly grinning, remembering the new garments.
Isabelle blinked at him, having no idea how to react to that. so, she let it slide. It was Joseph, so it was not surprising that his mind always went down the gutter. "Thank you." That was all she said, and then attempted to stand.
"You're eatin' outside?" Joseph pleasantly asked, helping her up.
"Yeah… I want to stretch and maybe get some sun." Although she felt comfortable lying on the bed, she did not want to remained locked up. And if she only needed to keep warm while in those days, then she should ask her husbands to make her a chair so she could lounge in the yard under the sun.
Walking out dressed only in pajamas (Lucas' big, old shirt), two of her husbands were already at the table.
"You ok?" Lucas immediately sounded out. He was happy to see her out, yet still fretted over her condition.
"A bit better, but still not good." Isabelle sincerely replied. Nothing to hide to her husbands as they were the ones taking care of her anyway. "Where's Ethan?" If she remembered correctly, Mr. Dodds had given him two days off.
"At Town, purchasing stuff." Lucas off-handedly replied, caring more about her than his brother. "Come." He beckoned. The moment Isabelle was within reach, he immediately sat her on his lap and circled his arms around her waist. His warm body almost made her melt in his arm. "Eat." A bowl filled with bean soup appeared before her.
Felix had explained to her before what food was best to eat during bleeding days, and he had promised her he would come up with different dishes so she would not get tired of eating the same. The soup, though, was a must. Luckily, it was not savory, falling benignly in her stomach. The best part of the situation was that her husbands were also eating it, showing their solidarity.
"What is Ethan buying?" Isabelle asked, upset that her fourth Husband preferred to be out and not home with her.
"Soap, perfumed oils, stuff for you." Joseph recounted. Their eldest brother had left quite early, so Joseph felt it strange the former had not returned yet.
Isabelle hummed. Although she was content to know Ethan was out buying her stuff, she still preferred being home. She only sighed.
With a full belly, drowsiness crawled up her body. Not wantint to return to the bed, Isabelle leaned against Lucas, who completely embraced her and got comfortable in the seat to better accommodate her. Since he no interest in moving, she took complete advantage and snuggled against him, enjoying the breeze and fresh air. In no time, she fell asleep again.
Next time she opened her eyes, the sun was setting, bathing the room with an amber light. At some point, Lucas placed her back in the bed. Someone was changing her pad and cleaning her up. Some distant part of her had the gall to feel embarrassed, but fatigue won over and let her enjoy her husband's care.
"How are ya?" Ethan's concerned voice softly floated to her ears.
"Tired." She muttered. Her eyes closed when his rough hand patted her head; his fingers brushing her tangled hair.
"Wanna eat?" He offered. Isabelle shook her head, her stomach was no longer in the mood to eat. Ethan hummed. "I'll bring you something to drink." He said, not giving her time to reject it as he immediately left the bed. Isabelle blinked sleepily, her body cramping from pain. Whimpering, she wished sleep pulled her under again.
Who knew how long later, she was manhandled to sit up and a cup was pressed onto her lips. She moved her head away, yet the rim followed her.
"Just a bit. Try it." Although annoyed that she was being coaxed like a kid, Isabelle still took a little sip. It was a bit spicy and sweet yet warm. That small sip made the pain become bearable, so she forced herself to keep drinking. "That's it." Praising came once the cup emptied, chapped lips softly pressed against her moist ones. "Sleep."
Tucked, the last thing she new before dozing off was that four kisses were pressed in different parts of her face one after the other.
Crickets and frogs sang to the darkness of night, all of them having completely come out from wherever they had spent the winter at. The soft murmur of the stream's water as it ran its course added gentleness to the eerie night with no moon to illuminate the ground. Though, that did not deter a quartet of brothers from gathering by the stream to clean up and discuss.
Or argue…
"I think we're payin' for fooling 'round with women."
"You were the one banging married ones."
"They looked for me!"
"Ye could've said no."
"At least, I didn't pay to have my balls sucked off."
"What'd you say?!"
"Stop." Lucas' sole word put an end to Ethan and Joseph's argument.
The reason they gathered was not to fight over who was to blame about the unlucky timing, but to discuss their next course of actions. As the men in the family, as Husbands, they needed a clear plan for the future. Not only because there was a new family member, but because there would eventually be new, tiny ones.
They could not haphazardly get by anymore, depending on Isabelle and her money. Clear roles, plans and solutions were indispensable!
And the first point to discuss, obviously, was Isabelle's condition.
They admitted that the previous day had been very hectic and full emotions. Everybody was tired at the end of the day, with no desire to fulfill any marriage obligations. The following day was a different story.
The five were officially married, Husbands and Wife, so the brothers were ready to fulfill their husbandly duties; even aiming for the result of consummating their marriage. The fired-up brothers were thrown a big bucket of cold water and stonewalled by reality, proclaiming that no, they were unable do the deed with their Wife yet.
What kind of rotten luck did they have?
For a moment, they did wonder if they were paying for their past misadventures. And, that was how the argument started.
"You only care about doing this and that to Belle! The point here's that she always suffers in her bleeding days!" Felix frowned in disapproval at his brothers, bringing the topic back on track.
More than Isabelle's inability to participate in more ardent activities due to her condition, they worried about her actual health. They surmised it was not normal for her to be in so much pain during her bleeding days.
Unfortunately, the always reliable Chief had no answer to their query when Felix went to ask. It had been a rather awkward conversation, yet the older man revealed that, although not common, Isabelle's situation was not unheard of and no one seemed keen to find a solution. More so because some cases improved after the woman had their first child.
As for the other cases… well, there was so much the Chief's late Wife shared with him about the guiles of women.
"What's there to talk about? Should be fixed once she gives birth." Joseph waved in dismissal once the teen relayed what the Chief told him.
Felix pursed his lips. "But what if it isn't!" He hissed.
Of course, it was not that Joseph did not care or had not considered the other option. "The best we can do is take care of her and earn money for a doctor visit." The third brother slowly reasoned, trying to simplify the matter so his brother did not overthink the matter. There was little they could anyway.
"The earlier, the better." Ethan interjected, rapidly calculating in his mind how much it would cost to consult with a doctor at town, plus buying whatever medication was prescribed. He was even willing to spend one salary in that consultation if that meant would suffer less in her bleeding days.
"But..." Felix's retort died as Lucas' heavy hand pressed on his shoulder.
"No use in being negative." The second brother advised.
"Yeah, we shouldn't have reached the point of bein' cursed, right?" Joseph groused, truly regretting all those times he fooled around.
Ethan bitterly chuckled, lumbering in the same mud pit as the third brother. "Let's just wait for tomorrow and speak with Isabelle; see what she decides." Ethan stated, wanting to end that conversation. There was no point for them to discuss, they were not doctors.
"We talkin' about the other matter, then?" Joseph immediately brought up a topic related to the previous one that did concern the four: who was going to be Isabelle's first.
The brothers looked at each other; neither wanted to look too eager, despite buzzing with excitement. The matter did revolve around their mind constantly. Would she like someone with experience or someone to explore with? Did she want to follow the pace or to lead? An even more daring thought also crossed their minds: what if she fancied doing it with more than one?
Maybe two, three… or the four…
They had to factor in many scenarios and possibilities. They were brothers, yes, but they had no idea how comfortable they would be to see the other have sex with Isabelle. And they could not forget that they would be extremely close to the hot, sweaty and grunting body of the other. Would that be a turn-off, or would they simply not mind?
"Maybe we should also let her decide." Ethan carefully proposed. It was hard to reach a consensus if she was not there to share her point of view. "After we know, we can accommodate..."
The other brothers nodded uncertainly. There was no other choice actually. In the dynamic of having only one Wife to four Husbands, they were starting to realize that many decisions rested upon the Wife, and they could only suck it up. After all, they abhorred the idea to force themselves on her like many others in their same situation did.
"By the way, there's something I'd like for us to consider." The eldest brother rose up one last matter. It was late and they needed to rest; however, they also had to set some plans for the near future. "I was thinking of building a room for Isabelle. That way, she can have space to put all her sewing stuff and… and, in the case of future children." That last part was almost reverently whispered.
Lucas frowned after hearing his older brother's idea. "Gonna leave her alone with the child?" Joseph and Felix narrowed their eyes at their older brother. Was he such a scoundrel?
"No!" Ethan quickly denied, shaking his head like a rattler. Heavens forbid if he ever did something so heinous! "No, that wasn't my point! I meant… I just… that way we can also have more time alone with her... Y'know…" He had no choice but to uncover his ulterior motive.
The idea was born due to his constant late arrivals at night, causing him to lose that precious bath-time with her. Eventually, he made peace with that. However, what he could not accept! What he refused to give up was his chance to sleep embracing her! Many times, he would find her clinging to one of his brothers even when it was his turn to cuddle her.
It was unfair in his opinion.
If Isabelle had a room of her own, she could work in peace without them entering to take naps. Or if she needed to be alone for a moment, then she had her own place to retreat into. She would have her own bed and furniture, and she could also receive guests there if she so desired.
Plus, the tub could also be placed in her room so she could comfortably wash without moving around from one place to another. And, if things got heated, then they could go from the tub to the bed in a matter of seconds. It was perfect!
Once Ethan explained all the pros of building a room for Isabelle, the others could only nod in agreement. If was fair for her and for them. Privacy was a foreign concept for the brothers, what with them living together their whole lives. They even slept on the same bed! They thought pricavy would only be possible whenever they had their own homes.
Having only one Wife, that ideal seemed even more impossible for the four brothers.
The room, though, would give them that small taste of intimacy, quietness and of being a wedded couple with Isabelle. They could properly nurture their individual relationship with her!
"I'll look for masons tomorrow!" Joseph eagerly showed his support.
"Don't we have to get the materials first?" Felix blinked at his third brother.
"Right!" Joseph slapped his head.
Ethan smiled at his brothers' enthusiasm and turned to look at Lucas, who was more level-headed than Joseph and Felix and able to make a more calm decision.
"Let's finish the gate and shed first." Lucas' words dampened the lively mood.
The fence around the plot was done, yet a proper gate was missing. They also had to cut down some trees to build the shed for the horse. And, they still had to prepare the land to start planting vegetables if they wanted to take advantage of the late summer and fall harvest. They had a lot to do before building a room.
"Can't we let others build it?" Felix quietly asked. Did they have to do everything? Even Joseph said they could look for masons.
The eldest once again let out a wry chuckle. Long ago, when his Dad was not a hopeless drunkard, the man had showed off to his first son how he had built the house, the kitchen, the loo… Everything around them was the sole effort of that brave man who moved from who-knows-where with his pregnant Wife and built a new life for his family.
Ethan, somehow, wanted to emulate the man. Yet their realities were vastly different. His Dad might have created everything from scratch because he truly had nothing. Not even money. But the brothers were different. They could do things their own way. "One of us hafta keep an eye on the workers..." Ethan reminded them.
Not only because strange people could steal their meager possessions, but also because they had a newlywed Wife. They trusted Isabelle, but those men… who knew…?
"Then?..." Felix prompted.
"Let's do as Lucas said. Plot first, room second." Ethan compromised on prioritizing one project first. With a plan, the brothers moved back to the house to have their well-deserved rest.