Episode 1

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.

.

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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.

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