####**Jax's P.O.V**
I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest. The remnants of the dream clung to me like a second skin, vivid and unsettling. I blinked, trying to orient myself. The classroom was quiet, the hum of the teacher's voice a distant murmur. I must have dozed off again and Again,
I rubbed my face, trying to shake off the lingering images from my dream.
Why was I dreaming about *her*? Valentina. The thought of her possibly having cancer sent a cold shiver down my spine. I couldn't even begin to imagine what I'd do if that were true. She was… everything.
Before I could spiral further into my thoughts, a soft knock on the classroom door pulled me back to reality. A nurse stood in the doorway, her expression calm but urgent. "Reynolds?" she called, her eyes scanning the room.
Reynolds, sitting a few seats away from me, straightened up immediately. He glanced at me, and I gave him a quick nod. Whatever was going on, I was in. We both stood and followed the nurse out of the classroom, the silence between us heavy with unspoken worry.
Oh gosh! Let this not just be a replay of what I just encountered in my dream world, I contemplated.
The walk to the nurse's office felt like it took forever. My mind raced with possibilities, none of them good. When we stepped inside, the sight of Valentina lying unconscious on the bed hit me like a punch to the gut. She looked so small, so fragile. Her left cheek was slightly bruised, and her skin was pale, almost ghostly.
Reynolds was the first to speak, his voice tight with concern. "What happened to her?"
The nurse sighed, her hands busy adjusting the blanket over Valentina. "I found her unconscious outside. She had asked me for an ice pack earlier, but when I went to check on her, she was already like this." She gestured to Valentina's bruised cheek. "It looks like someone slapped her. Hard."
Reynolds and I exchanged a glance, both of us seething.
Who would dare hurt her?
My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. If I found out who did this, they'd regret it.
But for now, all I could do was wait for Valentina to wake up and tell us what happened.
The nurse continued, her tone softening. "She also looked very pale. Did she eat anything today?"
Reynolds shook his head, his jaw tight. "She skipped breakfast, said she wasn't hungry. And I don't think she ate lunch either. She left the cafeteria before she even touched her food."
Guilt gnawed at me. If I'd just said something to Vienna about Valentina sitting with us, maybe she wouldn't have skipped lunch. Maybe she wouldn't be lying here, unconscious.
"I'm taking her home," Reynolds said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The nurse nodded. "Alright. I'll inform your teachers. Make sure she eats something light when she wakes up—chicken soup would be ideal."
Reynolds moved to pick up Valentina, but I stepped in. "Don't worry, I've got her. You go start the car."
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Be careful."
I carefully lifted Valentina into my arms, her head resting against my chest. She felt so light, like a feather. It scared me. We made our way to the car, and I gently placed her in the back seat before climbing into the front.
---
####**Valentina's P.O.V**
I woke up to the smell of something delicious wafting up from downstairs. My stomach growled loudly, and I groaned, trying to sit up. But my body felt like it was made of lead, and I ended up collapsing onto the floor with a loud thud. "Oww," I muttered, rubbing my elbow. Why was I so weak? And why was I so hungry?
Before I could even attempt to get up again, I heard rapid footsteps rushing up the stairs. The door flew open, and Reynolds burst in, his face a mask of worry.
"What are you doing, Val?
You should be resting!" he practically shouted.
I blinked up at him, confused. "I smelled food and tried to go downstairs, but I'm too weak. What's going on?"
Reynolds sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You skipped breakfast and lunch, passed out at school, and now you're here," he explained, his tone softening.
"I made you some chicken soup."
At the mention of food, my face lit up. "Oh! Speaking of soup… where is it?" I asked with a grin.
Reynolds chuckled and headed downstairs, returning moments later with a steaming bowl in his hands. "This is one of the best recipes for someone recovering," he said, sounding almost proud. "It's supposed to restore your appetite and energy. I made it with love, so eat up."
I didn't need to be told twice. I grabbed the spoon and took a big bite, savoring the flavors. "I love you, Torres's Reys!" I exclaimed between mouthfuls.
He rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "You only say that when I give you food."
As I continued eating, Reynolds disappeared downstairs again, returning with a glass of pineapple juice.
"Drink this," he said, handing it to me.
"It'll help cool you down."
I took a sip and was instantly hooked. Before I knew it, I'd finished the entire glass. "Oh my God, Rey," I stammered, "this is a-ah-amazing! You should be a juice sommelier, fruit juicer or something."
He laughed, brushing off my compliments. "Enough flattery, Val. Just focus on getting better. And don't forget to take the painkillers the nurse gave you—they're on the table."
I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude. "Thanks for everything, Rey. I mean it."
He smiled softly. "You're welcome. Now, let me clean up. And don't think I've forgotten—we need to talk about what happened today."
With that, he left the room, leaving me to enjoy the rest of my meal in peace.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur. I spent most of it watching Netflix, with Reynolds playing the role of my personal assistant every time I needed something. By the next morning, I felt strong enough to get ready for school. After my usual morning routine, I headed downstairs for breakfast.
As I reached for the Oreos in the pantry, I couldn't help but smile. Chocolate was my weakness, and Oreos were my favorite. I grabbed a few packs and some milk, deciding to take them to school. Today was going to be a better day—I could feel it.
---
####**Reynolds' P.O.V**
I watched Valentina from the doorway as she packed her Oreos into her bag. She looked so much better than she had yesterday, but I couldn't shake the worry that lingered in the back of my mind. She had a habit of pushing herself too hard, of ignoring her own needs until it was too late.
"You sure you're ready for school today?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.
She glanced up at me, her eyes bright. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you and your amazing cooking skills."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Just promise me you'll take it easy, okay? And eat lunch. No skipping."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "I promise, Mom."
I laughed, so now I seem to you as mom.
But that's what it is, you never give up your mother roles.
I chuckled but the worry didn't completely fade. I knew Valentina—she was strong, but she had a tendency to hide her pain behind a smile. I just hoped today would be better for her.
---
####**Valentina's P.OV**
The school day passed in a blur. I made sure to eat lunch, even though my appetite still wasn't fully back. Reynolds kept an eye on me, making sure I was okay. It was sweet, but also a little annoying. Still, I couldn't help but feel grateful for him.
After school, we headed home together. I was exhausted, but in a good way. It felt like I was finally getting back to normal.
As we walked through the door, Reynolds turned to me, his expression serious. "Val, we need to talk about what happened yesterday."
I sighed, knowing this was coming. "I know. I'm sorry I scared you."
He shook his head. "It's not about that. I just… I need to know what happened. Who hurt you?"
I hesitated, not sure how much to tell him. But looking into his eyes, I knew I couldn't keep it from him. "It was Vienna," I admitted quietly. "She… she didn't like me sitting with you guys at lunch. She said some things, and then I headed out to find a place of solitude where I could balance my temperament and emotions at least feel in a good vibe, I said rapidly"
And continuing….
I said, and Hayes zooming out from nowhere began his petty, casually cruel love linger with me which I wasn't comfortable with
I tried revolting and it landed me in a heavy slap from him.
Reynolds' face darkened, his jaw tightening. "I'll handle it," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
I reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "No, Rey. It's okay. I don't want to make things worse."
He looked at me, his eyes softening. "You're too good for this world, Val. But I'm not going to let anyone hurt you. Not again."
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Thanks, Rey. But really, I'm okay. Let's just move on, okay?"
He sighed but nodded. "Alright. But if he ever does anything like that again, I'm stepping in."
"Deal," I said, smiling up at him.
---
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't help but think about everything that had happened. It had been a rough couple of days, but I was grateful for Reynolds. He was always there for me, no matter what. And as I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace knowing that, no matter what happened, I wasn't alone.
---
**Jax's P.O.V**
I couldn't stop thinking about Valentina. The way she had looked in the nurse's office, so fragile and pale, haunted me. I needed to see her, to make sure she was okay.
The next day, I waited for her after school. When she finally emerged, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. She looked better, stronger. But there was still a shadow in her eyes that worried me.
"Hey," I said, falling into step beside her.
She glanced at me, surprised. "Hey, Jax. What's up?"
"I just wanted to make sure you're okay," I said, my voice soft. "You scared me yesterday."
She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine. Really. Thanks for worrying about me."
I nodded, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here, okay?"
She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. For a moment, I thought she might say something, but then she just nodded. "Thanks, Jax. That means a lot."
We walked in silence for a while, the weight of unspoken words hanging between us. But for now, it was enough just to be near her. And as we reached her house, I made a silent promise to myself: I would do whatever it took to protect her. No matter what.
####**Val's P.O.V
As I watched Jax walk away, I felt a strange mix of emotions. He had always been there for me, even when I didn't realize it. And now, more than ever, I was grateful for his presence in my life.
But there was still so much I hadn't told him, so much I was afraid to say. For now, though, I was just glad to have him by my side. And as I turned to go inside, I felt a sense of hope that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would be okay. Because I wasn't alone. And that made all the difference.