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, go figure, and I’m nowhere near close to prepared for two babies.
Sitting on the bench next to Bex, Taylor, and Shannon, I’ve never been more uncomfortable in my own body. Some days walking feels like a chore, and with how big my stomach is now, my boobs are practically sitting on top of it. I couldn’t feel more unattractive.
But when Trent skates up to the Plexiglas in front of us, places his gloved hand flat against it and smiles at me, 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 mouth guard and says, I love you.
I say it back, and Trent reads my lips in response. He gives me one of his boyish smirks and a quick wink, before he takes off down the ice in the opposite direction, toward his teammates.
The game hasn’t started yet. A sea of navy-and-white jerseys surrounds us, everyone trying to find their seats.
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 all sort of sudden and unexpected.”
None of this feels real, as if I haven’t completely come to terms with the fact my life is about to change in a major way. 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, 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’re gonna be a reporter, right?”
“Yes,” I say. “Trent knows how important it is for me to finish school. After he graduates, we’re going to move in with his parents for a little bit. His mom will help me with the babies so I can commute to Strick U.”
Bex nods. “But what if he gets drafted?”
“It’s not going to be easy for any of 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 in 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 of the sororities and fraternities on campus get together to raise money for local charities and organizations. The week consists of various games between the Greeks, where we have to compete against each other. Football, volleyball, and even a dance competition are among the many events we have to attend together.
“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be of much use on a football field.”
Shannon smiles and then rubs my arm with her cold fingers, sending a chill throughout my body.
“Drake looks so hot in full gear,” Taylor says, licking her lips, her eyes focused 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 total pig.”
Taylor laughs. “Oh, he’s a pig all right, and if he wants me, he has to work for it.”
Bex shakes her head. “You’re so dramatic.”
“It’s called standards,” Taylor says with a wicked smirk. “Drake has to meet them before I’ll give in to him. He thinks he can smile in my direction, and I will swoon.”