After her first period things had gone better. The cramps weren't so painful and she learned to deal with them. Dee found out that keeping up with her practices before the cramps got too bad helped her. She still had moments where she would be forced to stay in bed from the pain and nausea her period brought to her. During those times Manchu would bring his books and sit by her bed to study with her when she wanted him to. He had not once laughed or teased her about any of the changes her body was going through. A few times, when the cramps had been especially bad, he had slept in her room, making certain her hot water bottle was always warm.

That summer Li Mei decided that it was time to take Dee to get proper underwear for her developing body. At the mention of this, Dee had become bright red with embarrassment and said she would prefer to use the bandages. Taking the stubborn girl by the hand, Li Mei had dragged Dee out of the house and to a hidden tailor shop she had never been to, let alone seen.

"You will get proper clothing, Xiaohu! Do not fight me every step of the way!" the small woman said, hauling Dee up the steps. Despite her slight build, Li Mei was a very strong woman. "Madame Hsia is expecting us! She is the best at what she does and will do right for you."

"But I don't wanna go!" Dee said, attempting to dig her heels against the top step.

Nearly out of breath, Li Mei turned and lowered her face to Dee's level, her eyes flashing with impatience. "I know you don't want to go. The first experience with this is always horrible and embarrassing. Had you any female friends more your age, I would send you with them to do this. But you don't, so you have to go with an old woman like me."

"I don't think you're old!" Dee said quickly in defense.

"Hmph. Maybe not, but you think I'm putting my nose into business where it doesn't belong. Xiaohu-ai, no one else is around to do this with you. Your mother would have done this if she was around, but she is not. It is something I will do for you, as your friend and as someone who wants to see you grow into the beautiful woman I know you will be. This step must be taken though."

Reluctantly Dee nodded and allowed herself to be led into the dimly lit shop. While Li Mei spoke with the proprietress, Dee looked around and marveled at the rainbow of fabrics on display. There were bolts of silks, cottons, and woolens in every color, some embroidered, some plain. Lightly she ran her fingers over a nearby bolt of bright red silk, the cool softness of the fabric giving even under the gentle pressure she used.

"Xiaohu, I am ready for you," Madame Hsia said in a gentle voice.

Suddenly shy, Dee walked slowly over to the woman who looked to be a little younger than Li Mei. Noting the girl's hesitation, Madame Hsia cupped Dee's chin in her hand, looking her face over.

"You have strength, child. Stubborn strength. That is good. But today, I will ask for you to help me out, yes?"

"Yes, Madame Hsia."

Taking the girl's hand, Madame Hsia led her into a small room at the back of the shop. Madame Hsia chatted amiably as she asked Dee to remove her shirt to be measured.

"I remember when I went for my first measurements. I was as red as you are right now. Do not worry, dear. They get easier as you get more comfortable with your body." She chuckled lightly as she wrapped the measuring tape around Dee's young breasts. "I was not this big when I was your age, however. You Americans are blessed with more, I think. Just remember not to let a man judge your worth by them, yes?"

"Yes, Madame Hsia," Dee said. She pulled her shirt back on when the woman gestured that she was done.

"You did well, Xiaohu." Leaning over, the woman added in a whisper, "Do not hesitate to come to me for anything, yes?"

"Thank you, Madame Hsia." Dee bowed to the woman before hurrying to stand next to Li Mei.

"I will have these ready in a few days. Did you have any colors you wished for, Xiaohu?"

Dee blinked. Colors? She could have these in colors? Turning slowly, she looked around the shop at the various colors displayed. Pointing at a nearby bolt of cloth, she looked at the tailor.

"May I have one in that color?"

Madame Hsia smiled, as did Li Mei. "That green will look very nice with your complexion. I will surprise you with other colors."

"No pink, please?" she said quickly. "I don't like pink."

"Very well. No pink."

After thanking the woman again, the two left. Because she had finally co-operated, Li Mei took Dee to a teahouse for a snack before heading back home.
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