My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 0463

"There she is," Lori said, placing her hands on her hips. "You're late."

I snorted. "I'm not late. You're early."

Jessica, the more composed of the two, gave me a gentle smile. "Ready to watch your star player?" She winked, clearly hinting at Enzo.

I laughed. "Always."

"I still can't believe it's his last game," Lori said as we began to make our way inside the arena. "It's gonna be emotional for sure."

"Yeah..." I paused, imagining how Enzo would handle his last game. He didn't want to show it, but I knew that he was sad.

"Well, either way, it's gonna be a blast," Jessica chimed in. "And we'll all go out to celebrate afterwards, so he won't have time to be depressed."

As we started to make our way to the stands, Lori's eyes lit up as she spotted a food stand. "Oh! Soft pretzels! We have to get some before the game starts!"

Jessica nodded in agreement, her mouth watering. "I've been craving one all day."

While the aroma of buttery, salted pretzels was normally hard for me to resist, today it twisted my stomach into knots. Regardless, I followed them, thinking a small bite might actually help.

Lori and Jessica eagerly ordered their pretzels, slathering them with mustard. I hesitated before getting one for myself, hoping to avoid any questions.

As we settled into our seats, I merely poked at my pretzel, taking the smallest of bites, trying not to exacerbate my already queasy stomach.

Lori, never one to miss a detail, quirked an eyebrow at me. "What's up with you? On some kind of diet?" She took an exaggerated bite of her pretzel, teasing me.

Jessica chimed in, feigning shock. "Nina? Dieting? Now that's news.*

"It's not like that," I said, trying to keep my tone light.

But Lori wasn't letting it go. "Come on, spill it. Something's up. You adore these pretzels."

I sighed. With friends as observant and persistent as mine, there was no escaping. "Okay, okay," I relented. "I just... I spent the morning throwing up. My stomach's been off."

Jessica's playful demeanor changed to one of concern. "Oh, Nina. Are you okay? Did you eat something bad?" Lori, on the other hand, leaned in closer, her expression speculative. "Morning sickness, perhaps?"

"Stop it, Lori," I chided, rolling my eyes, though a hint of a blush colored my cheeks.

Jessica's eyes widened as realization hit her. "Nina, when was your last period?"

I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "It's late this month."

Both of their faces mirrored the shock and excitement I'd felt earlier in the day. Lori's eyes shone with mischief." Oh my god, are you...?"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Jessica's voice was softer, filled with wonder. "Could you be...?"

I held up my hands, trying to halt their rapid-fire questions. "Whoa, whoa. Slow down, both of you. I don't know anything for sure. I haven't taken a test or anything."

Lori's face was a mix of excitement and worry. "But you think it's possible, right? I mean, with Enzo and all the romance lately..."

"I said, slow down," I interrupted her. "Let's not jump to conclusions. I don't want to freak out over nothing." Jessica, always the voice of reason, nodded. "She's right, Lori. We should give her some space. And if it's true, we'll be here to support you, Nina, every step of the way."

*Thanks," I said, my voice wavering slightly, grateful for Jessica's comforting words.

Lori, sensing she might have pushed too hard, squeezed my hand apologetically. "I'm sorry, Nina. I got carried away. Just know that we're here for you, okay?"

I smiled, the tension ebbing away. "I know. And I appreciate it. Truly."

The three of us shared a moment of silence, letting the weight of the situation sink in. I was touched by their concern and understanding.

Suddenly, the stadium lights brightened, and the cheering crowd signaled the start of the game. All our attention shifted to the rink where Enzo and his teammates skated out, ready to play their last game together.