Here we are

 

Valentina felt so numb yet shattered. When the doctor first told her the news, she immediately blamed it all on Matty. Why was he doing this to her? Why!

Of course, there was some hyperventilating and she was certain they would put her in a hospital bed already. But they didn't. They didn't have any real answers for her. 

"You have time, the doctor said. You could have a child." She then pointed out that sometimes, this cancer went away. There was no need to immediately think she had to have a hysterectomy. But that was a possibility and cancer treatments too.

She was just blurry-eyed now. She thought of Rosie asking her months ago when she got her HPV. Val had no idea what she was talking about nor why they would even talk about it. Now she felt a little dumb, very naive. Why had Matty done this to her?

Sure, there were so many troubles in the world, irate warmongers, active shooters, and terrorized nations, but this was her little corner and she felt as if she was in just as much trouble. What was she going to do? Her stomach was in a tizzy. Would she ever be the same again?

Here Rosie was wanting her to be in a wedding. She shook her head. No way. She was supposed to be in the midst of summer classes. She'd made an effort to get her French classes out of the way. Oh, she wouldn't be comprehending French now. 

"You can let us know on your next appointment."

Valentina didn't want there to be a next appointment. A part of her felt her life was over before it got started. If she wanted to have a baby, she needed to do it now. She held on to her stomach. How did that make any sense?

Of course, she was in a wave of tears when Matty found her. She knew what he'd say, "You'll have to find someone else."

Granted he was seventeen. She was a good two years older. But he held her hand. He pulled her up. She thought he might want to find an empty room and  have sex right here. But no, he got her to the vending machines and they had a cup of coffee and a protein bar. 

"You looked hungry," he then nodded. She nodded back. 

"Try not to worry," he was even lipped as he pushed a lock of hair out of her face and behind her ear. 

"What are we going to do?" She looked at him for answers.

"We're going to talk to your mom and my two dads," he said that was a start. "They are all pretty level-headed. They aren't going to get in a shouting match."

She guessed he was right.

"You need your mom right now," he got out his phone. He asked if she wanted to talk to her brother Dan.

"No." She said immediately but then said. "Fine." After all, he was working at the hospital.