My Hockey Alpha



We hugged tightly, our hearts pounding in a unified rhythm that drowned out the world around us.

It felt as though the culmination of all our hopes, fears, and indecisions had led to this perfect moment-two souls united, committed, and excited about the challenge ahead. We were going to be parents, and for the first time in a long while, that thought filled me with an unshakeable joy.

When Enzo pulled away, his eyes still shimmering with unspoken emotion, he took a deep breath. "Nina, I really do mean what I said: I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure you're comfortable throughout this whole pregnancy. I swear it," he said. "I know it might be difficult for you, and there's only so much I can do. But I'll do my best."

"I know you will," I murmured. Just then, another thought came into my mind: one that had initially spurred on my indecision, and it was something that I couldn't let go of. "But let's get something straight: I'm not giving up on medical school," I asserted, locking my eyes onto his.

"Of course. I wouldn't ask you to," he said, nodding in understanding. "We'll make it work."

He reached for his phone, tapping swiftly to find a contact. "I'm going to call Tim, let him know I'm not taking that job after all. I think it's better if I stay here in Mountainview."

Enzo's words made my heart drop. This was my biggest fear: that he would give up on his dreams for me, especially when I had just told him that I wouldn't be giving up on my own dreams. My hand darted out, snatching his phone before he could dial the number. "Don't you dare do that. Don't even think about quitting that job, Enzo."

He looked bewildered, almost stunned. "Why not? Nina, we're talking about our child here. I can find work around here; we can be closer. You can have support."

"And I appreciate that," I said. "I really do. But I can't be the reason you give up on a golden opportunity, Enzo," I pressed, trying to keep my voice steady.

He took a moment, looking at me as if he were trying to reach into my brain and uncover my thoughts. Then, a wry chuckle escaped his lips. "You don't get it, Nina. Medical school, a baby-this is going to be a hell of a lot for you to juggle. What happens when I'm gone for months for this job?"

"And what happens when you look back and realize you gave up a life-altering career opportunity for something that could have been managed?" I shot back. "Look, my condition for keeping this baby is that we also keep our life plans the same. I still go to medical school, you still take the job, and we'll work out the details. We'll figure it out. We have to."From NôvelDrama.Org.

Enzo stare at me for a few more moments, confusion and surprise still evident on his face. But then, as though realizing that he was fighting a losing battle, he sighed and put his phone down on the table between us. "Okay," he said softly. "I hear you. But no promises, Nina. I need to think about this. It's still my own decision at the end of the day."

I felt a twinge of unease, but I nodded. "That's all I ask, Enzo. Just think about it, okay?"

He nodded and pulled me back into his arms, holding me close. "All of that aside... This is crazy, you know that? We're going to be parents, Nina. Parents!"

I chuckled, nuzzling into his chest. "It is crazy," I murmured. "But it also feels right. So, so, right."