Valencia!

Ten

“I can't believe you got an appointment so quickly.” Mrs. Sydney praises my mom, and she smiles wide “Actually Doctor Helen is an old colleague of mine and made an exception for me so we could get Valen in before I have to leave.” my mom explained as we got out of the car and walked towards the large medical annex.

“You doing alright Valen?” Mrs. S asked and I nod. “I’m just a little nervous is all.” I say with a light laugh.

“Don't be dear, you have both myself and your mom here and I’m sure this kind of thing is a common routine.” I nod in understanding, and we head into the elevator that leads to the doctor's office.

“Valencia Isles.” The nurse calls my name and I head back to the small room and take a seat on the table. “I hear you are going to be looking into birth control today, before the doctor comes in to go over your options here is a cup, we will need to take a sample of urine.

I take the cup tentatively. “It's just a formality dear.” My mom explains with a kind smile, and I jump off the table and head towards the restroom. Once filled, I place my cup in the little side door and head back to the room.

After a few more minutes of small talk with my mom and Mrs. S the doctor comes in with a chart. “Anna it's so good to see you!” Doctor Helen says to my mom, and they give each other a short hug in greeting “You look wonderful Helen what's your secret?” my mom teases “Oh you know, Botox and retinol.” she teases back, and they share a laugh.

“This is my beautiful daughter Valen and my good friend Sydney.” My mom introduces us, and we each take our turn shaking Doctor Helens hand. “So, girls, it looks like I have some good news for you.” She says and I look at her curiously then look over to my mom and she shrugs “You're going to be grandma!” Doctor Helen says excitedly to my mom and my heart stops.

“I’m sorry, come again?” my mom asks Helen, and she looks at my mom a little concerned by her reaction. “Well, Valencia,” The doctor looks and addresses me this time “You’re pregnant.” she explains a little less enthusiastic this time.

I couldn’t speak right now even if I wanted to. I reach back and lean against the examination table and Mrs. Sydney wraps her arm around my waist making sure I don’t fall down.

“It's ok Valen.” Mrs. Sydney whispers to me softly and I look over to her with tears in my eyes.

Doctor Helen looks both mortified and confused and my mom asks if we could have a moment alone just to process the good news, and Doctor Helen excuses herself. My heart begins to break.

“What am I going to do mom?” I ask tears now staining my cheeks “It’s Maximus’s isn’t it.” my mom said gently, I nod and cover my face with my hands, sobbing. I slink down to the floor and Mrs. S helps me and sits on the floor beside me.

“I can't do this, he’s already having a baby with someone else.” I sob “and I’m not ready to be a mom yet, I just got into college.” I cry.

Mrs. S gently rubs my back in soothing circles trying to calm me down. “it’s ok honey, let it out.” she coo’s my mom kneels in front of me and removes my hands from my face, “sweet girl, I know this outcome was unexpected, but we will be here to support you every step of the way.” my mom tells me “We sure will.” Mrs. S agrees.

My mom wraps up the doctor's appointment by speaking on my behalf. Doctor Helen gives me a little hug before I leave and gives me her personal number, so I can call if ever I’m in need and I thank her. We leave and head straight back to the apartment so we can sort everything out in a more comfortable environment.