Love protection (book 1: to be loved)

Like a sister (part 2)

A few minutes later, Samuel went to pick up a plate, his attention momentarily diverted from the conversation. Astoria noticed Abby's struggle, her eyes clouding with concern as she saw the subtle shift in Abby's demeanor. The vibrant evening suddenly seemed muted to her.

— Abby, are you okay?" Astoria asked gently, her voice laced with genuine worry. "You seem off tonight."

The question acted like a trigger for Abby. Her composure, already fragile, shattered, and tears began to well up in her eyes. She nodded in response, her attempt to hold back her sobs failing as a single tear escaped down her cheek.

— Can we...?" Abby's voice trembled, her emotional guard slipping further. Drago look at her.

Astoria, with a swift understanding, guided Abby gently to a quieter room away from the main gathering. The dim light and calm atmosphere of the room provided a stark contrast to the lively scene they had just left behind. As soon as they were alone, Abby's tears flowed freely.

Astoria offered her a seat on a plush armchair and took a spot beside her. "Whatever it is, you can share it with me," she said softly, her tone full of empathy.

Abby took a shaky breath, trying to compose herself but finding it difficult.

— I had a medical appointment," she began, her voice breaking. "Samuel and I... we've been trying to conceive. I took a test, and the results were... a 30% chance of success. It's... it's because of me. endometriosis. Samuel doesn't know yet. It's my fault."

Astoria reached out and gently placed a comforting hand on Abby's.

— Abby, listen to me. It's not your fault, she said firmly. "Endometriosis can make things more complicated, but it's not your fault. A 30% chance without help is still something. There are treatments and options available. I'm not an expert, but you have option. Muggle and magic one.

— This should be easy.

— This is not. There is hope! There's a lot of medical support out there, and many people with endometriosis have successfully conceived with the right help. Samuel loves you, and he'll want to support you through this. You don't have to carry this burden alone.

Abby's shoulders relaxed a little, the weight of her worry lightening with Astoria's comforting words. Astoria's calming presence offered Abby a much— needed reprieve from her spiraling thoughts. She continued speaking softly, trying to infuse hope into every word.

— Abby, no matter how hard this feels right now, remember that it's not a reflection of your worth or your ability to be a wonderful mother. Your journey is unique, and you have a lot of support, both magical and muggle, to help you through this.

Abby nodded, her tears slowly subsiding as she took in Astoria's encouraging words.

— I didn't want to make Samuel sad," she admitted, her voice still shaky. Worry him or make him feel like he has to fix this.

— Astoria gently squeezed Abby's hand. You don't have to go through this alone, Abby. Samuel loves you deeply. He will want to be part of this journey with you, and you shouldn't have to carry this weight by yourself. He would want you sharing your fears and hopes.

— Evan If I didn't tell him about me wanted to find at?

— Yes.

— You're dealing with something that many people face, and there are solutions and support systems out there.

Abby felt a slight relief wash over her. "Thank you, Astoria. Your words mean a lot.

Astoria gave her a warm, reassuring smile. "Anytime, Abby. You're strong, and you have people who care about you and want to help. Don't hesitate to lean on us. As for Samuel, he will stand by you no matter what. You both deserve to navigate this together.

With a renewed sense of hope and determination, Abby wiped away the last of her tears and stood up. "I'm ready to go back. Thank you for listening and for being here."

Astoria stood with her and gave her a supportive hug:

— Let's rejoin the party. You're not alone in this, and the evening should be about celebrating and enjoying the company of friends.

As they walked back to the gathering, Abby felt a renewed strength from Astoria's support.

— You okay? Ask immediately Samuel.

— Better. I will tell you more tonight.

— Okay.

The laughter and conversation resumed around them, and although the burden she carried was still present, it felt a little lighter with the knowledge that she had more than a friend who truly understood and cared deeply. Like a sister. The evening continued with a more hopeful spirit, and Abby found solace in the presence of her loved ones.

They made their way back home, the comforting silence of the car offering a brief respite from the evening's earlier bustle. The gentle hum of the engine and the soft glow of the streetlights created a serene backdrop for the conversation that was about to unfold.

Once they arrived at their cozy home, Samuel turned to Abby.

— You can tell me anything, you know.

Abby took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day's emotional burden once again.

— I need to tell you something," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been keeping something from you today, and I'm so sorry for that.

— Samuel's face softened with concern What is it?

Abby took another deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "I had a medical appointment, and I have only about 30% to be pregnant without help. Endometriosis, and it's affecting our chances.

Samuel's eyes widened with a mix of shock and sadness.

— Oh, Abby... I'm so sorry. You didn't have to go through this alone. We are going to fight, you and me. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Abby looked down, feeling tears well up again.

— I didn't tell you about me wanted to know and making you sad. I wasn't ready to face it again tonight.

— Samuel gently cupped her face in his hands, lifting her gaze to meet his. "Abby, you're never a burden to me. We're in this together. I want to support you through everything, and I'm so sorry you felt like you had to go through this on your own. I'm here for you, and we will face this challenge together.

Abby's tears began to flow freely.

— I'm sorry for lying, for not being honest with you. I should have told you sooner.

Samuel wiped away her tears with his thumbs, his own eyes glistening with emotion.

— You could never disappoint me. I love you more than anything, and we'll find a way to get through this. There are treatments and support options available, and we'll explore them together. I believe in us. We are lucky. We have each other, love.

— Abby nodded, feeling a renewed sense of relief and comfort from Samuel's heartfelt words. "Thank you, Samuel.

Samuel pulled her into a warm, comforting embrace:

— We're a team, and we'll get through this together. I'm here for you every step of the way.

As they held each other, the emotional weight began to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of hope and unity. Samuel's support and understanding provided a balm for Abby's fears, and together, they faced the uncertainty of their journey with a shared resolve. The night continued in a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, here falling asleep in his arm.