The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Caterina had been secretly taking Daria to see Autumn-at least, that's what Anastasia suddenly suspected.noveldrama

Watching them now, Anastasia was sure this wasn't the first time.

She hid behind a car in the parking lot, peering through the window at Starbucks. Autumn and Daria were sitting together by the glass, drinks in hand. This time, Daria didn't seem awkward or withdrawn; in fact, they looked perfectly at ease with each other.

Anastasia's curiosity got the better of her. She snapped a few photos with her phone, trying to figure out what it was about Daria that drew Autumn in so much.

Once she had the photos, Anastasia didn't stick around. She slipped back into her car and called her mom. "Hey Mom, is Daria home?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.

Katelyn sounded surprised. "No, she's not. Caterina took her out-said she wanted to get some fresh air. Honestly, I don't keep up with that kid. Ana, why are you asking about her?"

It struck Anastasia as odd her mom wasn't asking about her own daughter, but about someone else's. That alone felt off.

"Oh, just wondering," Anastasia replied, keeping it casual. Really, she just wanted to know if Katelyn knew where Daria was-or more importantly, who she was

with.

Before Katelyn could say more, Anastasia hung up, started her car, and drove straight to the private hospital.

She texted Monica on the way: Can you meet me at the clinic? I need you.

Anastasia's nerves were shot. She was scared-scared that her suspicions were right, that her whole world might be about to crash down.

She parked, put on a mask, and was about to call Monica when she felt a hand land on her shoulder.

"Ana, you're here," Monica said, popping up out of nowhere and making Anastasia jump.

"Monica! You scared me half to death," Anastasia breathed, trying to steady herself.

Monica looked her over, worried. "Why are we at the hospital? Are you okay?" "Let's just go in," Anastasia said. Her hands were ice-cold. "You'll see."

She'd booked a whole slew of tests. The private hospital was quiet and spotless, not many people around, and the staff were helpful.

Monica didn't know what they were checking for. She just trailed after Anastasia: bloodwork, CT scan, ultrasound-one thing after another.

When it was finally over, all they could do was wait.

Anastasia sat in the waiting area, rubbing her hands together to warm them up. "Monica, can you get me some warm water?"

Monica returned quickly with a cup. “Ana, what's going on? What's wrong? Why didn't you bring Herman?"

Anastasia bit her lip, hesitating. "Lately... I've been... itchy."

"Itchy? Where?" Monica asked, confused. "Like, an allergy?" Anastasia shook her head, lowering her voice. "Down there." Monica's eyes widened as she put it together. "Oh... oh wow."

She remembered everything Anastasia had been through, how she'd come here in disguise, not

tellim

Herman but bringing her

instead. Suddenly, it all made sense.

Monica hugged her, voice soft with worry. "Ana... how could this

happen? Don't be scared, I'm here, okay? Whatever it is, we'll handle it together."

Right then, the nurse called Anastasia's name.

Her heart started racing. She was terrified of what she might hear, but she needed to know.

She gulped down her water, steadied herself, and followed the nurse inside.

Sitting across from the doctor, she tried to keep her voice steady. "Doctor."

The doctor checked her file. "Anastasia?"

"That's me," she said. "Are my test results... bad?"

The doctor looked grim. "According to your reports, you have a pretty serious gynecological infection Several tests came back

abnormal-"

Anastasia felt sweat break out on her palms, her whole body cold. She whispered,

"Doctor... is it... is it HIV?"