At 53, Valentina never imagined she would see two stripes on a pregnancy test. She blinked, shook the test, even held it up to the light, hoping it was a mistake. But it was obvious – she was pregnant.
This can’t be…’ she whispered, placing a trembling hand on her stomach. She had thought the mood swings and weight gain were just signs of age. But now it all made sense.
At the doctor’s appointment, Valentina sat trembling, waiting for the diagnosis to be confirmed. Dr Smirnov, her long-time physician, scrutinised the ultrasound screen and then turned to her with a soft smile.
Can you hear the heartbeat, Valentina? – he asked.
Valentina frowned. – Heartbeat? – she asked, feeling her voice tremble.
Yes, Valentina. You’re pregnant with twins.
The air seemed to leave her lungs. Twins?! It wasn’t just unexpected, it was life-changing. She’d already been a mother, she’d already been a grandmother. How could she go through all this again at that age?
Doctor, – she said timidly, – is it possible… to terminate the pregnancy?
Dr Smirnov’s face darkened. – Valentina, I’m afraid it’s too late. Your tests show some abnormalities, and you’ll need careful monitoring. Plus, you’re likely to deliver prematurely.
Valentina’s heart squeezed. – Please, there must be some other way,’ she said pleadingly.
The doctor shook his head. – Terminating a pregnancy at this stage could seriously endanger your life. I strongly advise against it.
Tears came to Valentina’s eyes. She was afraid – not only of the pregnancy, but also of what her daughter, Marina, would say. She took a deep breath and picked up the phone.
When Marina answered, she sounded cheerful.
‘Hi, mum! What’s wrong?
Valentina hesitated, then said:
‘I have something important to tell you.
Marina laughed.
Mum, you’re so serious. What is it?
I’m… pregnant.
There was silence. And then Marina burst out laughing.
Mum, you’re so funny! Great joke, you’re just hilarious!
I’m not joking, Marina. Look at my phone, I just sent you the results of the ultrasound.
A few seconds passed, and Valentina heard a sharp breath on the other end of the line.
My God, Mum… Is it true? How… I mean… what are you going to do?
Valentina sighed heavily.
‘I wanted to stop it, but the doctors say it’s too late. I have no choice but to give birth.
Marina’s voice softened.
Mum, don’t worry. If God put you in this situation, He will bring you out of it. And I’ll be there for you.
Tears rolled down Valentina’s cheeks.
‘Darling, I wanted to tell you something else then… but you interrupted me.
Mum, nothing else matters now. Just take care of yourself. We’ll get through this together.
With the support of her daughter, Valentina found the strength to move on. Her son-in-law Alexei also supported her, visiting her regularly and helping her with her worries. But everything changed the day the twins were born.
The babies were tiny, fragile, but healthy. When the nurse handed the babies to Marina and Alexei, they both froze.
On the shoulders of each of the twins was a mole – exactly the same as Alexei’s.
Marina turned pale.
How is this possible? – she whispered, feeling her heart pounding frantically.
Alexei looked at the children stunned.
I don’t know… but, Marina, it’s not what you think.
Marina turned sharply towards him, her eyes sparkling with resentment.
You… cheated on me with my mother!
Alexei’s jaw dropped.
What?! How could you even think such a thing?!
Marina pointed at the moles.
Then explain this! It’s the same mole you have! How is that possible?!
Alexei desperately tried to find the words.
Marina, please, let’s talk to your mum first before jumping to conclusions.
But Marina had already stormed into Valentina’s room, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Mum!’ she shouted, her voice shaking with anger. – How could you do this to me?! How long has this been going on?!
Valentina, still weak from labour, blinked in bewilderment.
Darling, what are you talking about?
Twins! They have Alexei’s birthmark! That means…’ Marina’s voice trailed off, ’that means that you and Alexei…
Valentina’s eyes went wide with shock.
Marina, no! You’ve got it all wrong!
Alexei entered the room, trying to calm his wife down.
Marina, let’s listen to your mum. Let her explain herself.
Valentina took a deep breath and extended her hand to her daughter.
‘Darling, there’s something I should have told you earlier. But I was afraid to.
Marina pulled away, but Valentina continued.
‘The twins’ father… it’s not Alexei. It’s his father.
There was a dead silence.
Alexei’s face turned ash-grey.
My father? You mean… my dad? Peter?
Valentina nodded, unable to hold back her tears.
We met at his dacha a few months ago. We had a drink… and things went too far. I didn’t want it to happen, and I was afraid to admit it.