Jemma
A chill runs down my arms, causing my teeth to chatter. Even after months of watching Trent play hockey, I still haven’t gotten used to the cold. With two lives growing inside me, I’m always hot, but not when I’m this close to the ice.
My stomach is expanding by the day, along with my breasts. Every part of me feels slightly larger or swollen. Take your pick. I’m having twins, and I’m not prepared for two babies.
Sitting on the bench next to Bex, Taylor, and Shannon, I’ve never been more physically uncomfortable. Some days walking feels like a chore, and with how big my stomach is now, my boobs practically sit on top of it. I couldn’t feel more unattractive.
Trent skates to the Plexiglas before me and flattens his gloved hand against it. He smiles, and I no longer have a care in the world. He makes me feel like our babies, and I are the center of his universe. Every day, I feel worshiped and adored by him. And every day, I consider myself lucky to have him in my life.
He removes his mouthguard and says, “I love you.”
I mouth the words. He gives me one of his boyish smirks and a quick wink before taking off the ice toward his teammates in the opposite direction.
The game hasn’t started yet. As students find their seats, a sea of navy and white jerseys surrounds us.
Taylor taps me on the arm to gain my attention. “You guys are so cute together. I still can’t believe you two are having twins.”
“I know,” I confess. “It was unexpected.”
None of this feels real. I haven’t come to terms with my life changing. I came to Strickland University because I was running away from commitment and what I saw as the end of my former life, only to find something I had least expected with Trent. They say the right person can change your mind and make you want things you never knew you desired or needed. That’s how I feel when I’m with Trent. I want it all with him.
“Are you still going to finish school?” Bex leans forward, her elbows on her thighs, staring down the row at me. “You want to be a reporter, right?”
“Yes,” I say. “Trent knows how important it is for me to finish school. After he graduates, we will move in with his parents. His mom will help me with the babies so I can commute to Strick U.”
Bex nods. “But what if he gets drafted?”
“It will not be easy for us, but I’ll stay with his parents and try to expedite my degree, if possible.”
“What about your parents?”
I shrug. “My mom would watch the kids for us, but she can’t abandon the farm and come live with us forever. I guess it all depends on where Trent ends up playing hockey.”
Shannon is on my left, tapping me on the arm with her elbow. “I asked the girls to make you a special shirt for Greek Week. Since the old one doesn’t fit.”
I laugh and peek down at my stomach for a second. “Thanks. Nothing fits anymore. But I don’t know how much good I will be during Greek Week. Unless you want me to waddle my way through the obstacle course.”
Shannon chuckles. “You can still be part of the events. But maybe you should sit out for flag football.”
Every April, all the sororities and fraternities on campus get together to raise money for local charities and organizations. The week comprises various games between the Greeks where we compete against each other. Football, volleyball, and even a dance competition are among the many events we must attend together.
“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be useful on a football field.”
Shannon smiles and then rubs my arm with her icy fingers.
“Drake looks so hot in full gear,” Taylor says, licking her lips and focusing on Drake Donovan.
Bex rolls her eyes at Taylor. “Stop denying that you like him.”
Taylor straightens in her seat and gives Bex a strange look. “I don’t like him. He’s hot but?—”
“But nothing,” Bex interjects. “You know you like him. I didn’t see you run away when he kissed you at the Delta Sig party.”
Taylor blushes and turns her head away from Bex. “Don’t start on me again. It was just a kiss. I don’t see why everyone keeps making a big deal out of it.”
“You should give him a chance,” Shannon says. “Drake is such a sweetie when he’s not acting like a pig.”
Taylor laughs. “Oh, he’s a pig. And if he wants me, he has to work for it.”
