My Hockey Alpha



"Hey."

Enzo's voice caught me off guard. I had been sitting on the hotel bed, staring at nothing in particular on my phone. He must have slipped into the room at some point, but I didn't hear the door open. I glanced up and shot him a cold look.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice coming out a little harsher than I intended.

Enzo sighed and made his way over to me. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his hand finding mine. I stiffened, but didn't pull away.

"Let me explain," he said gently, his brown eyes searching mine for approval.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

I almost considered telling him off again, but I knew that I couldn't. Instead, I nodded hesitantly, allowing myself to hear him out. He took a deep breath before he spoke.

"Look," he said, "what I meant to say earlier.. it got all jumbled in translation. I meant to say that I just wished we had had more time to date each other like a young couple, that's all. You know, go to the movies, play mini golf, go on spontaneous vacations.. and lately, it just feels like life is moving so fast."

I opened my mouth to retort, but realized that he was right. We hadn't had a chance to do any of those things; we were too focused on staying alive. And now, we were focused on our careers and our baby, amongst a myriad of other things.

"Nina, I love our life together," he continued, his hand never leaving mine. "I really do. I wouldn't trade it for the world."

"Promise?" I murmured.

Enzo's eyes met mine, and he nodded. "Promise."

I couldn't take the distance anymore. Seeing that look in Enzo's eyes softened me, and I found myself moving closer, wrapping my arms around his neck. He hugged me back instantly, his arms warm and strong around my body.

"We still have time, you know," I murmured into his ear.

He nodded as he nuzzled into my neck. "You're right. So let's make the most of it, okay? No more arguing.."

I nodded. "Okay. No more arguing."

I was tossing and tuming that night, unable to sleep. Enzo's breathing was steady beside me, but I couldn't find the same peace. Although we had talked it out, the remnants of our argument still lingered in the back of my mind.

He had made a point, after all; we had moved awfully fast. And now, it got me wondering... how much more of our lives would fly by like this? How many years would we spend just trying to survive?

I slid out of bed, careful not to wake him, and wrapped a hotel robe around my shoulders. The room felt claustrophobic, suffocating, as if the walls were closing in on me.

I needed air, space, something to clear my head.

The hotel was quiet as I made my way through the dimly lit hallways, the plush carpet muffling my footsteps.

I reached the lobby, where the night receptionist was leaning on the counter and reading a book. She looked up when I walked in, and shot me a warm smile.

"Did you need something?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No, um... I'm just stretching my legs, trying to clear my head," I said.

She nodded, her smile never fading. She then pointed down the hall where a set of double doors led outside. "There's a nice garden out there. I like to go out there when I need a little fresh air."

I followed her finger, then shot her a grateful smile. "Perfect. Thank you."

I stepped outside into the little garden, and the cool evening air was a relief against my hot skin. There was a little bench off to the side, so I walked over and sat down. I closed my eyes for a few moments, breathing in the chilly air and listening to the sounds of the city.