This is my new work.

It will have steamy romance.

A little bit of action.

Lessons learned.

The story isn't ready yet.

I will post daily.

The other one is in its final stretch, so there are two stories in progress.

The characters are fictional, and the locations of the stories are too; any event that happens will be a coincidence.

Good reading to my darlings.

Nine years ago.

My name is Valentina Hernandes, I am 20 years old, and I am in my second year of college.

I met my boyfriend in college, we've been together for a year and a half. He was my second boyfriend, but he was my first intimate partner.

We study different courses, I pedagogy and he architecture; we always find time to see each other and ease the longing.

His family is upper-middle class; they aren't millionaires, but they have a better standard of living.

My mother has been a widow for 8 years. I lost my father early on, and since then my mother hasn't wanted to rebuild her life. I have an older brother; he is engaged.

My mother's name is Rosalina, and my brother's name is Vinicius.

Valentina: I'm home, Mom.

Rosa: Lunch is almost ready.

Vinicius: I'm starving, Mom.

Valentina: You're always starving, be careful or Beatriz might leave you, hahaha.

My brother jumps on me and tickles me, making me burst out laughing.

Rosa: You look like two children.

Vinicius: This annoying one started it.

Valentina: When is Bia coming over? We planned to go out on Friday, since you're getting married on Saturday.

Vinicius: Tomorrow.

Rosa: Come have lunch.

We went to have lunch; this moment is very important for our mother. She said that when we get married, she wants us to come for lunch or dinner with her at least twice a week.

The week passes quickly, and it's been about fifteen days that I've been feeling unwell. I don't want to think about it today, because today is my sister-in-law's bachelorette party—just women, like my mother, the bride's mother, her sister, and her aunt.

Everything was very fun; despite feeling nauseous, I managed to hide it well. On Monday, I'll clear up this doubt; I've already scheduled my appointment with my gynecologist.

My brother's wedding was beautiful; it's clear to see how they love and complete each other.

Now it will be just me and my mother, since my brother moved out; it's not far, only an hour by car.

Today is Monday, and I'm super anxious. I didn't go to college because I have an appointment scheduled. Soon, I'm called.

Receptionist: Valentina Hernandes.

Valentina: That's me.

Receptionist: Follow me, the Doctor is waiting for you.

I follow her to the doctor's office.

Doctor/Gynecologist: Sit down.

Valentina: Thank you.

Gynecologist: Tell me what you're feeling.

Valentina: Nausea when I wake up, that urge to vomit, frequent sleepiness.

Doctor: Did you stop taking birth control? You might be pregnant, or not. Let's clear up the doubt first. I'm going to order some blood tests for you. Bring them to me today as soon as you have the results. I'll keep a slot open for you, okay?

Valentina: No, but sometimes I forget, and he uses a condom. There were only two times we forgot.

I ponder the possibility. I go to the reception, and there they direct me to the outpatient clinic to have my blood drawn. The nurse tells me the result will be ready in an hour.

I go to the snack bar near the hospital and try to eat something.

I see that Caio called me a few times. I just send him a message, saying I'm fine and that we'll talk tonight.

Once the hour passes, I go back to the hospital and get the result, and the receptionist tells me there's a patient with the doctor, and that as soon as she leaves, I should go in.

She leaves, and then I go in.

Gynecologist: Let me see your test.

I hand it to her; she analyzes it and tells me.

Gynecologist: Congratulations, you're pregnant.

Valentina: Are you sure?

Gynecologist: Yes, let's do a vaginal ultrasound.

She asks me to change my clothes and lie down on the exam table, and so I do.

Gynecologist: You're five weeks along. We can't hear the baby's heartbeat yet. In about three weeks or so. Do you want to continue your follow-up care with me?

Valentina: Yes.

Gynecologist: I'll set up your prenatal chart. I'll prescribe some vitamins, and a medication for this nausea. I'll also order the necessary tests. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and avoid fatty foods, processed foods, and raw fish. Your next appointment with me is in a month. Any questions?

Valentina: No, thank you.

I leave, lost in thought.

How will I tell my mother?

But I'll talk to Caio first. I send him a message asking to meet at a restaurant; he replies, agreeing.

.

.

.

My name is Caio Lacerda, I'm 23 years old, and I've been dating Valentina for a year and a half. Our relationship is calm. I'm in my final year of architecture, and as soon as I finish my course, I'll take a 4-year trip to specialize in the field. I don't know how to tell her.

I don't want children, I don't want to be tied down to anyone. It's a good thing Valentina takes pills and has never brought up the subject of marrying and having children; that's not for me. I'm for all women; she's inexperienced. I seek her out when things don't work out with others.

The worst part is that my family loves Valentina, and I don't know how to break up with her.

I didn't see her today; she didn't go to college, she's not answering my calls, and she just sent me a message saying everything is fine.

And out of nowhere, she sends a message for us to have lunch together.

At the restaurant.

Caio: You finally arrived.

Valentina: Have you been here long?

Caio: About ten minutes, but you know I don't like to wait.

Valentina: I need to talk to you.

Caio: Go ahead, I've already placed our orders.

Valentina: I'm pregnant.

I see his pupils dilate in a way I've never seen before. I swallow hard.

Caio: I don't want this child.

Valentina: What do you mean you don't want it? What about the love you say you feel for me?

Caio: Seriously, Valentina, I never loved you. I was only with you to please my parents. And besides, I'm leaving. I'm going to do my specialization somewhere else. You have two options: either get rid of it or raise it alone.

Valentina: You bastard, I'm not getting rid of my child, you cretin.

Caio: You've been warned.

He simply leaves some money on the table and walks out, leaving me there in tears.

I head home completely devastated. How could I have been so wrong about someone?

Did he lie to me all this time?

I get home, lie down on the sofa, and cry.

My mother arrives and despairs when she sees me like that.

I tell my mother everything that happened, and she hugs me tightly and says everything will be alright, and tells me his family needs to do something about it.

She calls them and arranges a dinner, which they both agreed to.

Night comes, and I'm nervous and scared.

Soon his parents arrive and hug me; they are very dear to me.

Valentina: Good evening! Mr. and Mrs. Lacerda.

Tharso: Good evening!!

Paula: Good evening! dear.

I invite them to sit down and tell them everything that happened; they look at me incredulously.

Tharso: He will take responsibility, yes.

Paula: Don't worry, you won't be left helpless.

Valentina: I don't want any more contact with him. If one day he wants to meet the child, he will have the right. I thought it was fair to talk to you, as neither of you is to blame for Caio's character.

Tharso: I think that's fair, since he doesn't want to, but he will register the child, yes. Forgive me for anything, and you can always count on us.

Paula: True, dear, I would have really liked for Caio to marry you.

They say goodbye to me and leave.

The months fly by, and I'm expecting a boy whom I've named Luca.

Caio: I've wasted too much time because of this brat. Here's the certificate, but don't think this will make me stay here another second. I only stayed because my parents forced me to acknowledge and register this kid I didn't want.

I don't even look at him, as my anger only grows; all the love I once felt died.

He leaves and throws the certificate on the table and goes away. I watch from the window; he has his bags packed.

From today on, it will be just us.

.

.

Did you like it?

In the beginning, my brother was furious.

And he wanted to go after Caio, but I didn't let him get himself into trouble; he's doing well at work.

But there's nothing a conversation can't solve.

Our mother talked to him and Bia; it was a difficult moment for me.

But with my mother's help encouraging me to go to college.

And when Luca was born, she was essential too. My sister-in-law helped me through this process, and thank God I managed to graduate; I had help from the people I love.

And about Caio, he never wanted to participate in anything, and he still spewed all his venom the day he came to bring my son's birth certificate.

He left without looking back.

Present day.

Currently, I work at a private institution; I'm a teacher.

I'm 29 years old.

This would be Valentina.

And I've been working here for five years; my son studies here, he got a full scholarship, which means I only pay for his school supplies.

I have no contact with his father, only with his grandparents who cover extra expenses, like language classes and martial arts.

He simply pays child support, from which I only take money to pay for supplies; the rest stays in a savings account for his future.

Luca, 8 years old.

Luca: Mommy, when is daddy coming to see me?

It breaks my heart when he asks about his father.

Valentina: I don't know, my love.

Luca: He's always traveling. When I call him, he doesn't answer.

Valentina: What did we talk about?

Luca: That my dad is a busy man.

Valentina: Exactly. I love you.

Luca: I love you too.

Am I going to my grandparents' house this weekend?

Valentina: Yes, my love, they arrive from their trip today.

His grandparents are always traveling; every 15 days they pick Luca up to spend the weekend.

The last news I had of Caio was that he was engaged.

And that was two years ago, and from the bottom of my heart, I wish him happiness, and that one day he realizes what a wonderful son he has.

Valentina: Let's go, it's time to leave.

Rosalina: Go carefully.

Valentina: Thank you, Mom.

Luca: Bye, Grandma.

We went to school. I dropped Luca off in his classroom and went to the other class, which also has 8-year-old children.

I love working with the little ones.

I noticed there's a new student in the class and decided to do a small introduction.

Valentina: Children, let's welcome our new little friend.

The children say "Welcome," and each one says their name.

Valentina: And yours, princess?

Heloisa: My name is Heloisa.

Valentina: Welcome.

Now let's continue the class.

I'm there teaching, and at the same time, my attention is on the children. I notice Heloisa is distant; I'll talk to her during recess.

Classes here are full-time.

Recess time came, and I called the girl.

Valentina: Why are you sad, princess?

Heloisa: My parents had an accident, and I'm staying with my uncle until they get better.

Everything is new here; I have no friends, nothing.

Valentina: I have a son who could be your friend.

What do you think?

Heloisa: Maybe.

As soon as I speak, Luca approaches.

Luca: Hi Mom, hi girl.

Valentina: Son, this is Heloisa, I'm her teacher, she's new here at school.

Luca: Welcome, my name is Luca.

Heloisa: Hi Luca.

I see the two of them start talking and I'm happy about that.

I leave without them noticing and head to the teachers' lounge, where there are comments about some CEO.

I just ignore it, grab my things, and leave.

Soon after, I return to the classroom and notice that Heloisa is happier.

The day went by normally.

Let's go home to rest after a day of work.

.

.

.

My name is Henry Valença and I am 32 years old.

I have a brother named Heitor, who is 35. Unlike me, Heitor is married and has a daughter named Heloisa.

My father's name is Henrique and he is 60 years old.

My mother passed away five years ago.

I love my niece, I'm just not the type of man to show feelings; I deprive myself of any kind of more intense affection.

I used to be a cheerful man, full of life. I had a perfect fiancee, she was pregnant with our first child, and we got married quickly.

Everything was perfect, until she lost the baby. She couldn't bear the pain and fell into depression. I didn't notice the signs; she was always self-harming, or on medication, until one day I decided she had to get treatment and take care of herself. In the beginning, everything was going well, or so I thought.

Until one day I came home and found her lifeless in the bathtub. My world stopped there.

She was gone, and my life went with hers.

Today, I just survive one day at a time. It's been two years since she left.

And to make matters worse, my brother and his wife decide to take a trip and leave Heloisa here for a week.

Call:

Heitor: So, brother?

Henry: Is this really necessary?

Heitor: You know it is, Sabrina needs to have this surgery, brother, we're going by car.

And as soon as the old man arrives, he'll pick Heloisa up from there.

Henry: One week, Heitor. Dad lives here, have you forgotten?

Heitor: No, but you're always holed up in that company.

Henry: Alright, and what's this "sir" business?

I'm not old.

Heitor: Hahahaha relax, brother, you need to get a good lay.

Henry: Idiot, bye.

Heitor: Love you too.

When night comes, they arrive with my niece.

Henry: Hi, beautiful.

Heloisa: Hi, uncle.

She hugs me, and I try to reciprocate in the same way.

Heitor: We're going now, daughter, behave.

Heloisa: I know, Dad, I know very well that uncle doesn't like noise and blah blah blah.

Heitor: Hahahaha, don't worry, your grandpa will be here soon.

Henry: I'm still here.

Heitor: Thanks, brother.

Sabrina: Thank you, brother-in-law. Bye, daughter, Mommy loves you.

Sabrina, 31 years old, Heitor's wife.

Heitor, 35 years old.

They leave, and it's just the two of us in the house.

I have some trusted employees who stay here.

Henry: Want to watch a movie?

Heloisa: Yes, uncle.

Henry: Put your things away.

She goes upstairs, and I choose a comedy movie and call for a pizza.

We watch the movie, and when I realize it, she's asleep. I pick her up and carry her to her room.

I go to the home office to deal with some company matters when my phone rings.

Woman: Mr. Henry Valença?

Henry: Yes.

Woman: I'm a nurse from the hospital, and I'm calling to inform you that your brother Heitor Valença and his wife Sabrina Valença have been admitted to this hospital in serious condition. I suggest you come here immediately.

When she says that, my world stops. I can't lose anyone else, and at that moment, I think of Heloisa, who is sleeping.

I write down the name of the hospital.

Henry: Marta.

Marta: Sir, what happened for you to call me at this hour?

Henry: Sorry for the hour. My brother and sister-in-law had an accident. I don't know their condition; I'm going there now. Heloisa is at home, don't tell her anything.

And try to talk to my crazy father.

Marta: Yes, sir, and send news.

I grab the car keys and speed off to the hospital. I go to the reception and ask for information about them, and they tell me to wait until the doctor comes out, as both are in surgery.

Almost two hours and no news, and I'm already agonizing over this whole delay.

Until I see a doctor coming towards me.

Doctor: Are you a relative of the victims?

Henry: I'm Heitor's brother.

Doctor: I was operating on Mr. Heitor. The accident was serious. I did everything in my power. He is in a coma, and I don't know when he will wake up; it will all depend on him.

And regarding Mrs. Sabrina, I will get detailed information for you.

I stand there, numb, for a few minutes, processing all the information.

It doesn't take long for him to return.

Doctor: Your sister-in-law's condition is a bit more delicate. Besides the coma, she fractured a rib, and we don't know if she will walk again. Our physical therapist will still conduct some exams.

I'm very sorry.

My father arrives, desperate, and hugs me. I tell him everything the doctor told me.

Henrique: How is Heloisa?

Henry: She doesn't know yet.

Henrique: Now we have to take care of her and find a school for her.

Until your brother wakes up.

And we have to hire two nurses to take care of both of them.

Henry: You're right, sir, but how did you get here so quickly?

Henrique: I arrived this afternoon, but I needed to sort some things out. I was going home in the morning. I know your ways; even if you love Heloisa, you don't have the knack.

My son needs to overcome this and live.

Henry: This isn't the time, Dad.

.

.

.

Darlings, from now on the story will follow the current timeline.

I told her story at the beginning.

We left the hospital and got everything sorted out, managing to hire four nurses, both of whom will rotate with the two of them.

Now is the hardest part, we have to talk to Heloisa.

We arrived home the next day in the afternoon.

Heloisa: You're finally here. Hi! Grandpa, what a surprise, did you come to save me from the dragon?

Henrique: Daughter, sit here with Grandpa.

Heloisa: I've been good. Haven't I, Dona Marta?

Marta: Yes, dear.

Henry: Excuse us, please.

She leaves.

Henrique: Daughter, your parents had an accident.

Heloisa: Accident?

Henrique: Yes, my love, they can't take care of you right now.

Heloisa: WHERE ARE MY PARENTS, I WANT MY PARENTS.

She cries and screams and it destroys me inside, this is one of the reasons why I don't want to have children or find someone who might suffer.

Yes, I know, I'm a coward, because I still haven't managed to cry.

Henrique: Calm down, daughter, they'll recover, they're just in a deep sleep.

She sobs, so I ask Marta to bring her a sedative.

Henry: Drink this water, Heloisa.

Heloisa: I don't want to.

Henrique: Please, daughter.

My father insists and she drinks all the water, and the sedative soon takes effect and she falls asleep.

Henrique: It won't be easy at all.

Henry: Not at all. I'm going to transfer her here.

Henrique: Do that. I'll take her to her room.

I go to the office and take care of all that, and I say the girl only starts next week, they demand I go to sign, I agree to go on the day I'll take her to school.

During that week my father talked to her, we took her to visit her parents three times.

And slowly I started talking to her, I'm trying to get closer, I know she needs affection and I'm going to try to give that to her, even in my own way.

Henry: Let's go Heloisa, it's time and I'm late.

Heloisa: Do I have to go?

Henry: Yes, your parents would kill me if I didn't take you, and they'd be sad to know you don't want to go.

I believe I was convincing, I see her grab her backpack.

Heloisa: If there's no other way, let's go.

I take her to school, and go directly to the principal's office.

Henry: Good morning.

Principal: Good morning! I suppose you are Mr. Henry Valença.

Henry: Yes.

Principal: Sign these documents and she's cleared to attend classes. I'll speak with the teacher responsible for the class to prepare a handout with the topics that have already been covered.

Henry: Alright.

Principal: Great, come with me, dear.

Henry: What time is dismissal?

Principal: As she was enrolled full-time, dismissal is at 3 PM.

Henry: Okay. Good luck Heloisa, and have a good day at school.

Heloisa: Bye! Uncle.

The principal takes her to the classroom and I leave, I notice several eyes on me.

Not that it bothers me.

I head to the office and the secretary comes to me.

Secretary: Sir, you have a meeting and you're already late.

Henry: I had some personal problems, I'm on my way.

I go to the meeting room, and this meeting lasts almost (two) hours, my head is about to explode.

Secretary: Sir, Miss Karina won't stop calling.

Henry: Today is definitely not my day.

I enter the room and huff with anger.

I decide to call.

Call

Henry: Hi Karina.

Karina: Oh, my love, is that how you talk to me?

Henry: What fucking love? Get one thing straight, we have nothing but sex. Carnal desire, understand? If you're not satisfied, I'm sorry, we stop here.

Karina: I'm sorry. Forget it. When are we going to see each other?

Henry: I don't know, I'm swamped with work and have some problems.

Karina: I'm sorry about your brother and sister-in-law.

Henry: Thanks, I'm hanging up.

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to get involved with Karina, she's beautiful, but nothing that makes me want something serious, I always made it clear, and I never brought anyone home, the house I lived in with my wife I sold, I couldn't stand being there.

And so, no woman ever entered this new house, besides the staff.

That's why I bought an apartment.

Whenever I go to a club and it works out to have a good lay, Karina is like a friend with benefits.

.

.

.

I leave the office early to pick up Heloisa from school, when I arrive, I see her talking to a boy who must be the same age as her.

Henry: Let's go, Heloisa.

Heloisa: Bye Luca, see you tomorrow. Let's go, uncle.

Henry: I see you made a new friend.

Heloisa: Luca is nice, his mom is my teacher, she's very beautiful, uncle.

Henry: I'm glad you made friends.

Heloisa: I got his number, he's very fun.

Henry: And besides that, how was your first day?

Heloisa: It was good, the teacher is very nice and attentive, she explains very well, I loved it.

We arrived home, and my father arrived shortly after.

Henrique: How was school?

Heloisa: It was good, the teacher is very nice and attentive, she explains very well, I loved it, and besides, I met her son who is very fun, his name is Luca, Grandpa.

Henrique: I see you're excited.

Heloisa: Yes.

She goes upstairs.

Henry: And so?

Henrique: Everything's the same, son.

I sigh.

Henry: For now, let's avoid taking her there.

Henrique: I agree.

.

.

.

Meanwhile.

Valentina: Looks like you liked your new friend?

Luca: Yes, Mom, she seems sad.

Valentina: Son, her parents had an accident, and it seems they're in a coma. So try not to talk too much about her parents, if she wants to tell you, she will, understand?

Luca: Yes, Mommy.

Valentina: Now let's go home.

My son is a golden boy, people like him easily, and he's also very observant.

We arrive and I tell him to go straight to the bathroom to take a shower.

Rosalina: Daughter.

Valentina: Hi! Mom, I'm exhausted.

Rosalina: I'm making dinner, your brother called. He said for you to call him.

Valentina: I'll call him right now.

I call my brother.

Vinicius: Finally!

Valentina: Clown, but tell me, what happened?

We chatted nonsense, and took the opportunity to organize a party since next weekend is our mother's birthday and we're going to throw her a surprise party.

.

.

.