When you jumped in first, I went in too

 

Matty was back to running these last few weeks. It would be track season before he knew it. Although it was cold and windy, it gave him peace to run. However, he couldn't keep Valentina off his mind.

Maybe all these college classes were too much for her. She didn't work at the bakery anymore. She didn't make her sock creatures anymore (he'd noticed the last time he was at the Old Town Bakery there was none of her stuff for sale, not even a crocheted beanie). This kind of stuff always made her happy to create. Was she really happy anymore? 

Yes, it could be bliss. But wasn't that fleeting? If only he could keep it a set schedule like his training....he shook the thought. He knew she'd think he was boring.

Finally, Slater caught up to him. It was a bit of a shock to see him. He hadn't been running since Misty told him he was going to be a dad.

"I thought you'd given up running?" Matty looked at him, yet was happy to see him. 

"Got to stay in shape." They ran a little harder then. A part of Matty was happy to forge on, but he could tell something else was on Slater's mind.

"Are you OK? What's going on?" Matty wanted to know as they were back at a snail's pace again out at the park.

"Not a thing," but Slater was out of breath. "What about you?"

"Oh, I dunno." Matty wanted to stay mute, but he couldn't. "Val..Valentina and I are..well, we are in a relationship."

Slater looked up at him out of the corner of his eye. As it was, he had his hands on his knees as if he'd had enough of this running for the day while Matty hadn't lost a breath.

"It must be serious," Slater finally stood up, but his hands went to his back as if he really was out of shape. 

Matty nodded. "I have..kind of mixed feelings about it." He winced. "I mean, yeah...she makes me so happy, but I..I get a little nervous too."

"Oh really?" Slater practically winked a smirk. "How so?"

"Um, you know," Matty kind of laughed. "Like, where will it happen. When. That kind of thing.

"And..and you are using protection?" Slater asked.

Matty nodded.

"Is she on the patch?"

Matty drew a blank.

"Oh, you two love birds." He shook his head. "You better be careful. I think you two should go to the doctor together."

"What?" Matty squinted hard. No way was that going to happen. He just couldn't. It was not a topic Val wouldn't want to talk about.