On paper, Pete and Valentina are perfect for each other. Their friends used 'soulmates' when describing them and at one point they were. As they reflect on the last five years of their relationship, they try to understand the complexity of their lov...
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"Just be careful Matty, okay?" Valentina begged.
"I promise that I won't drop you."
"You said that last time and I fell to the floor!"
"I promise that I won't drop you this time."
For the past ten minutes, Mateo struggled to bring Valentina from her bed to the couch.
It should be a simple task for anybody right?
Moving something from point A to B, it's not rocket science.
"Use your all muscles!"
"I AM using all my muscles! Madre de Dios!"
It felt like the weight of the entire world was now on top of Mateo. The wind was knocked out of him and he attempted to move but couldn't. Then a shrieking voice almost split his eardrums apart.
"C'est quoi ce bordel ?!! Je t'ai dit de ne pas me laisser tomber et là tu vas me laisser tomber. Je jure que je vais rendre ta vie tellement plus difficile !"
"Whoa, what the hell did she say?" John asked. In his hand he held a plastic bag filled with the ballerina's favorite snacks and her pain medication.
Mateo grunted as he tries to push himself up, "When provoked, she speaks French."
In the background, Val continued her French rant as John tried to help her. Carefully, he picked the irate ballerina off the floor and placed her on the couch. Mateo still laid on the floor, sore and traumatized of being crushed.
Weeks have passed since Valentina took sick leave. Mateo was able to take some days off here and there so he can take care of her. It was supposed to be a sweet gesture, but things took a turn. Patience was running thin in a household where the common word no longer held any meaning after the first couple of days. Mateo had evolved into a helicopter parent, always by her side, never letting her do things on her own; Valentina shortly became pissed off whenever he scolded her if she attempted anything that could potentially worsen her condition.
The days where the pianist had to go to work were blessed as they let the injured dancer didn't feel suffocated or useless as she hopped around the apartment, doing the things she wanted like going to the bathroom by herself. John and Anna came 'round as well, at least three times a week, so she doesn't feel lonely being stuck at home on those days.
"Okay, let's just calm down. It's not Mateo's fault for having arms of a string bean," John reasoned.
The pain began fading away but Val still grimaced, nevertheless. As much as she hated being on bed rest, she didn't want to move, Mateo insisted she change her surroundings hoping that it would elevate her mood.
"Anyway, can I ask you a favor?" John asked.
The brunette sighed, "Sure."
"I assume you have been acquainted with good ol' Petunia?"
"Ah yes, Petunia and I, we're tight- es mi comadre," Val goofily remarked.
"I'm just gonna pretend that I understood what you just said. Anna and I been having problems with Petunia and her behavior. Knowing that speak her mother tongue, maybe you can find out why. Y'know ask her a few questions."
Valentina's eyes narrowed at the tall man, "Are you seriously asking me to talk to your French Bulldog because I speak French?"
"I feel like if I say yes, it will paint me as a dumbass"
"The fact that you thought about it makes you a dumbass."
The front door opened, and the rustling of more plastic bags can be heard. "I'm here and I brought food!" Pete announced while walking into the living room. He accidentally stepped on him, making the man grunt in pain, "Why is Mateo on the floor?"
However, Pete was a different story; he's been coming over daily to help and care for his friend. Once his workday was over, Pete would run to the station and take the first train to Valentina's apartment. The hardest days are Saturdays, obviously, and Pete yet to mention that he was part of the late-night show; he's been having a hard time to find a way to explain why he wouldn't come over on Saturdays. It was like the phone number situation all over again; he could simply tell her what he does for a living, he doesn't have to make it a big deal. It's not a big deal... right? That's a problem Pete would tackle when the day comes, for now, he'll continue to make excuses.
"I'd rather not get into it" Val replied.
Setting down the piping hot food on the coffee table, Pete asked, "What are we watching today?"
"Help me out," Valentina pointed at the TV where she has the movies she chose queued up, "It's between these two."
"Sabrina and Sabrina?" Pete laughed, "Aren't they the same movie?"
"Technically yes but this is the struggle, one has Audrey Hepburn and the other has Harrison Ford."
"Young Harrison Ford, what a dream boat," Pete and Val turned their heads to John, both with a baffled and amused expression on their faces. John just shrugged, "You've never seen The Fugitive where he plays as Dr. Richard Kimble?"
"I don't, I don't think so," Val said, stifling a laugh.
"Let's do the one that doesn't have Harrison Ford so Mulaney here doesn't get a boner."
"Matty, are you staying or are you going out?" Val asked.
"I'm going out! I have a meeting with some potential investors for one of my shows." Mateo said in a giddy voice.
Valentina bounced excitedly in her spot on the couch, "No me digas! Mateo, that's amazing!"
"I know right! And I have to thank John here because he's the one who set it up." Mateo clapped John on the shoulder.
"Hey, it's no problem, I knew someone who wanted to get into the Broadway scene and immediately thought of you. We're leaving together and if we don't go now, we will be late. So, goodnight madam and sir," John pushed Mateo out to the door.
"Bye Val!" Mateo yelled out
"¡Buena suerte, Mateo! ¡Tengo fe en ti!" she shouted back.
Pete and Val are alone once again. They have gotten comfortable to be with each other, the nerves weren't as intense as they used to. Taking out the take-out cartons, Valentina puts on Sabrina and the two began their nightly routine of eating and discovering new movies.
I can't believe that there are 1k reads! I honestly didn't think anyone would read this, it was something I decided to do because I felt lonely being at home. Thank you so much, I appreciate every one of you for taking the time to check my story out.
This chapter was a bit of a filler which is why it's a little all over the place. A little interaction with the brotp aka Mateo and Val. We saw John being a dad, helping Val out and making her feel better with food. We had a bit of an inside look with Pete's illogical fear of telling Val he works at SNL.
Next chapter will be big step for the characters, it's gonna be a continuation of this chapter. Be on the lookout for when I update!
