My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 0455

Jessica, ever the practical one, asked, "But what about you, Nina? It's one thing to be supportive, but what about your dreams, your ambitions? It's not just Enzo's journey."

I smiled, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions threatening to surface. "It's okay, Jess. Enzo and I are in this together. We'll figure things out. He has his dream to chase, and I have mine here."

Lori took a step closer, her voice dripping with concern. "Nina, you've always been the strong one among us. But remember, you don't always have to be. If you ever need to lean on someone, to talk, we're here."

The tenderness in her voice, the genuine care, nearly broke me. It was at moments like these that I realized how fortunate I was to have friends like Lori and Jessica. Friends who saw past my brave facade, recognizing the vulnerability that lay beneath.

Jessica, nodding in agreement with Lori, added, "And Nina, please tell me you've thought about therapy. We're worried about you, especially now."

Her words caught me off guard. Everyone seemed to keep bringing up the idea of therapy, but I didn't want to go. was fine on my own; I didn't need it. And besides, after the school therapist, Edward, turned out to be a raving lunatic, I wasn't so keen on opening myself up like that to a stranger again.

"I don't need therapy, Jess," I said, maybe a little more coldly than I intended.

Jessica held up her hands, realizing she might have pushed a boundary. "I'm not saying you need it. I just think that it would be good for you."

"We worry about you," Lori interjected. "Because we love you."

I took a moment, my breath steady, trying to control the rush of emotions. "I appreciate the concern, really. But right now, I'm perfectly fine. What Enzo and I have is strong. We'll weather this storm, like we have so many others."

Lori took my hand, her touch warm and comforting. "We just want the best for you. Remember that."

I nodded, tears threatening to come but I firmly held them at bay. "Thank you, both of you. It means the world to me."

After a brief pause, I continued, "Now, I should go check on Enzo,"

Lori and Jessica exchanged a glance, and with a mutual nod, they stepped aside, letting me pass.

I made my way outside, the cool night air embracing me as I stepped into the garden. Enzo stood there, silhouetted against the moonlight, his shoulders slumped, his entire demeanor a mask of desolation.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Without a word, I wrapped my arms around him from behind. He leaned into the embrace, and I could feel his heartbeat hammering through his ribcage, a steady rhythm that had been my anchor through thick and thin. *You did the right thing," I whispered, turning him around to look into his eyes. "This will be good for you." He smiled weakly, but before he could respond, the door creaked open, and Matt stepped out. *Enzo," he began, his voice shaky, "I can't believe you're leaving us. We won't know what to do without you."

Enzo looked at him, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "That's where you're wrong, Matt."

Matt frowned, clearly taken aback. "What do you mean?"

With a deep breath, Enzo placed his hand on Matt's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I've seen how you play, how you inspire the team, how you've always been there for all of us," Enzo said, leading up to the second big announcement of the night, the one that I was most excited for. "You've got the heart and the skills, and I'm glad to call you my Beta."

Matt furrowed his brow in confusion. "What are you saying, Enzo?"

Enzo grinned. "I'm making you the new hockey captain."