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bruthaewwwww · 13 days ago

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Alina! change

As the sun began to set, casting soft pink and orange hues across the sky, Paige and Azzi found themselves back at home, settling into the familiar rhythm of their evening. Alina had drifted off to sleep not long after they returned, worn out from her adventures with Zoe at the park.

The kitchen was quiet except for the occasional clink of utensils and the bubbling sound of something simmering on the stove. Azzi was chopping vegetables for their dinner, her movements smooth and practiced, while Paige set the table. It was a simple meal tonight—roasted chicken, a salad, and mashed potatoes, nothing too extravagant, but they were both looking forward to a peaceful evening together.

Paige glanced over at Azzi, who was focused on the cutting board, her brow furrowed slightly in concentration.

“You know, I can never quite get the potatoes as creamy as you do,” Paige said, turning her attention back to the plates she was setting out.

Azzi looked up, her lips curving into a small smile. “That’s because I have a secret weapon,” she teased, holding up the butter dish like it was a prized possession. “It’s all about the right amount of butter and cream. You can’t skip it.”

Paige laughed. “I figured. You always make everything taste amazing, even when it’s something simple.”

Azzi’s eyes softened, and she walked over to where Paige was standing, her hand briefly brushing against her wife’s arm. “I love cooking for you. It’s one of my favorite things to do. And honestly, I love these quiet moments. Just us. No pressure.”

Paige smiled, setting the last plate down on the table. “Me too. It feels... peaceful, you know? I never realized how much we needed these moments until now.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? You’ve always loved time at home.”

“I know, but now, with everything going on—games, traveling, the press—it’s so easy to lose sight of how good it feels to just be here. No distractions, no expectations. Just us. And Alina, of course,” Paige added with a soft laugh. “But you get what I mean.”

Azzi nodded, her hand resting on the back of Paige’s chair as she leaned in. “Yeah, I get it. Sometimes I feel like we��re running on autopilot, and it’s easy to forget what really matters. But days like today... they remind me of why we’re doing all of this. Why we work so hard. For moments like this.”

Paige reached up and gently squeezed Azzi’s hand. “I’m glad we’re in this together. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”

Azzi’s smile grew, and she leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Paige’s head. “I feel the same way. And I know Alina does, too. She’s so lucky to have both of us.”

“She’s lucky to have you,” Paige corrected gently, her voice soft with admiration. “You’re amazing with her. The way you just... get her. It’s like you two speak the same language.”

Azzi’s cheeks flushed a little at the compliment, but she shrugged it off with a grin. “She’s easy to understand. She’s just like you—so full of life and love, and so determined. I can’t wait to see how she grows up. I just want to be there for every part of it.”

Paige’s heart swelled as she turned to face Azzi fully. “You’re going to be there, babe. You always are. You’ve always been so supportive, no matter what. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

Azzi’s eyes softened, her hand moving to cup Paige’s cheek. “You know I’m always here for you, right? No matter what happens, no matter how crazy things get, I’ve got you.”

Paige leaned into her touch, closing her eyes for a moment. “I know. I’m so lucky to have you.”

Azzi smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of Paige’s face. “Well, the feeling is mutual. Now, how about we sit down and enjoy this dinner? It’s been a long day.”

Paige chuckled softly. “Yeah, I think that’s a great idea.” She looked over at the stove, noticing the chicken was nearly done. “Smells like it’s almost ready, too. Perfect timing.”

Azzi laughed, grabbing the oven mitts and pulling the roasting pan out of the oven. “You’re not the only one who can cook, you know,” she teased as she set the chicken on the counter, the crispy skin glistening.

“I never doubted you for a second,” Paige said, leaning in to steal a small piece of the roasted chicken skin. “See? This is why we’re so good together. You can cook, and I can... sneak bites.”

Azzi rolled her eyes but smiled as she began to carve the chicken. “You’re lucky I love you.”

Paige leaned against the counter, watching her wife work. “I love you, too. You know, we should do this more often. Just... cook together. I love how we’re able to share even the simplest of moments.”

“I think that sounds perfect,” Azzi said, glancing over her shoulder at Paige with a smile. “Maybe we could have a ‘family dinner night’ once a week. Just the three of us. Alina can help too, of course. I think she’d love that.”

Paige’s eyes brightened at the thought. “That would be amazing. I think she’d really enjoy that. And it’d be a good way to spend more time as a family, without distractions. I love the idea.”

The sound of Alina stirring in her room interrupted their conversation. “Is dinner ready?” she called from down the hallway, her little voice laced with excitement.

Azzi smiled, glancing at Paige. “It’s almost ready, sweetie. Why don’t you come set the table for us?”

A few moments later, Alina appeared at the kitchen door, rubbing her eyes sleepily. “Mommy, I’m hungry!”

“Dinner’s almost done, baby. You can sit at the table, and we’ll bring everything over in just a sec,” Paige said, smiling as she motioned for Alina to sit down.

Alina climbed up onto her chair, her eyes lighting up as she saw the food being brought to the table. “Wow! It looks so yummy!”

Azzi slid into her seat beside her, reaching over to help Alina with her napkin. “It’s going to taste just as good as it looks, I promise.”

Paige took her seat next to Azzi, their fingers brushing under the table. As they all dug into their meal, the conversation shifted easily to stories from the day—Alina’s new friend Zoe, the adventure at the park, and the ice cream they promised her afterward.

But even as the conversation flowed, Paige couldn’t help but notice how right this felt—this simple, beautiful moment of sharing dinner as a family. It wasn’t about the grand gestures or the press conferences or the games. It was about this. Just being here. Together.

She looked across the table at Azzi, who caught her gaze with a soft, knowing smile. Without a word, they both knew. This—this—was everything.

As the evening wore on and Alina settled into the familiar comfort of her pajamas, Paige couldn’t help but notice the way her daughter had been unusually quiet all night. The excitement of the park and dinner had faded, and now, sitting on the couch with her daughter curled up beside her, Paige could sense that something was on her mind.

“Alina,” Paige said softly, brushing a stray curl from her daughter’s face, “is everything okay, sweetie?”

Alina looked up at her mom, her big brown eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern. She seemed deep in thought, which was unusual for her. After a few moments, she sighed softly. “Mommy, do you think things will be different when the baby comes?”

Paige’s heart swelled, both from the wisdom in her little girl’s words and the love she felt for her. She had known this conversation was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier. Alina had always been so intuitive, and for months now, Paige and Azzi had been talking about how things would change when the baby arrived. They’d kept it a secret for a little while, but now, both Paige and Alina knew. And it was time to have the conversation.

“I think things will be different, honey,” Paige said gently, her voice soft but reassuring. “But different doesn’t always mean bad. It just means... we’ll have to adjust to a new little person in our lives, and that’s a really special thing.”

Alina nodded, her face pensive. “But will you still have time for me? Will I still be your special girl?” Her voice wavered, just a hint of concern slipping through.

Paige smiled and pulled Alina closer, wrapping her arms around her tight. “Of course, you will always be my special girl. Nothing, not even a new baby, will ever change how much I love you.”

“I know,” Alina said, her small voice steady now. “I just... I don’t know how to help with a baby. I’m really good at helping with things now, like making sure the dog is fed and playing with my toys, but a baby is different. What if I don’t know what to do?”

Paige’s heart softened as she gently cupped Alina’s face, lifting it so their eyes met. “You know what? You’ll be amazing. You’re already such a big helper, and when the baby comes, you’re going to be such a good big sister. You’ll be there to help with the little things—maybe helping me pick out the baby’s clothes, or bringing me the diapers, or even just being there to make the baby laugh when they’re older.”

Alina smiled, her worry melting a little at the thought. “I can do that,” she said with a small nod. “But it’s still going to be different. Like, the baby will need a lot of time, right?”

Paige’s smile softened, her heart full of love for the little girl who was growing so much before her eyes. “Yes, the baby will need a lot of care at first. But that doesn’t mean I won’t have time for you. We’re going to make sure that we still spend special time together, just you and me. You’ll get to help with so many things, and I’ll make sure we have time for our own little adventures, just the two of us.”

Alina looked up at her mom, her expression still serious but full of understanding. “So, even though I’m going to have a baby brother or sister, you’ll still be my mommy, right?”

Paige’s heart clenched with emotion, and she nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to Alina’s forehead. “I’ll always be your mommy, sweet girl. That will never change.”

Alina took a deep breath and smiled, though a small hint of worry still lingered in her eyes. “I guess it’s okay if things change a little. I’ll still be your girl, and I’ll still be the best big sister ever. And... we’ll all take care of the baby together, right?”

Paige smiled, her chest full of pride and love for her daughter. “Exactly. We’ll do it together, as a family. It might be a little different at first, but we’ll make it work. And just think of all the fun things we’ll get to do as a family of four.”

Alina’s eyes sparkled at the thought, her worries beginning to fade. “Yeah! And I can teach the baby how to play with my toys and swing on the swings just like I do.”

“You sure can,” Paige said, her voice full of warmth. “You’re going to be the best big sister. And I know the baby is going to be lucky to have you.”

The room grew quiet for a moment, the soft hum of the evening settling around them as Alina leaned into Paige’s side. The weight of the conversation was behind them now, and Paige could feel the peace settling back into their home.

Alina’s small voice broke the silence. “Do you think the baby will like my drawing of the park?”

Paige chuckled softly, brushing Alina’s hair back from her face. “I’m sure the baby will love it. You’re such a great artist, sweetheart. And the baby will love all the things you do. It’s going to be so exciting for all of us.”

Alina grinned, her excitement returning. “I can’t wait! I’m going to be the best big sister, and I’m going to show the baby all the fun things we can do together.”

Paige smiled, kissing the top of her daughter’s head. “I know you will, sweetie. I have no doubt.”

As Alina settled into her mother’s arms, her eyelids fluttering as sleep began to take over, Paige let herself relax, taking a deep breath. She knew the changes ahead wouldn’t always be easy. There would be moments of adjustment, moments when it would feel like too much. But she also knew that with Azzi by her side, with Alina’s love, and the new little one on the way, they’d figure it all out—together.

And with that thought, Paige closed her eyes, her heart full of gratitude for the family they were, and the family they were about to become.

After the conversation about the changes ahead, Paige and Alina made their way down the hallway to Alina’s bedroom. The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated the room, casting a gentle warmth over the pink walls adorned with drawings, stuffed animals, and little trinkets Alina had collected over the years.

Alina climbed into her bed, the familiar softness of her sheets welcoming her, and snuggled under the covers. Paige sat on the edge of the bed, her hand gently smoothing Alina’s hair away from her face.

"Alright, sweet girl," Paige said, her voice calm and soothing, "ready for a bedtime story?"

Alina nodded, her big brown eyes still wide with curiosity. “Can you read me the one about the little bunny and the stars, Mommy? The one where the bunny goes on an adventure in the sky?”

Paige smiled, reaching for the small book that Alina had asked for so many nights before. It was worn at the edges, the pages soft from repeated reading, but it still held the same magic it always had. She opened to the first page, and Alina shifted a little closer, curling up with her stuffed bunny in her arms.

As Paige began to read, her voice low and steady, she could feel the weight of the day starting to lift. “Once upon a time, in a meadow full of soft, green grass, there was a little bunny who loved to gaze up at the stars. Every night, the bunny would sit by the big oak tree and dream of flying high into the sky, where the stars twinkled and danced like tiny, glowing diamonds.”

Alina’s eyes grew heavy, and Paige noticed the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of her daughter’s chest. She continued to read, her voice a soft melody in the quiet room.

“The bunny wished upon the brightest star, and to its surprise, the star whispered back. ‘I’ll take you on an adventure,’ the star said, ‘and show you the wonders of the night sky.’ And with that, the little bunny was lifted high into the air, floating up into the sky like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze.”

Paige’s voice barely wavered as she read the story, her words like a lullaby, meant to comfort and calm. Alina, who had been so lively earlier, now seemed completely relaxed, her breathing deep and even.

The room grew quieter as Paige reached the end of the story. “And so, the little bunny flew across the sky, visiting all the stars, making new friends, and discovering the magic of the night. And when the adventure was over, the bunny returned to the meadow, safe and sound, with a heart full of wonder.”

Paige closed the book slowly, taking a moment to look at Alina’s peaceful face. She was sound asleep, her stuffed bunny clutched tightly in her little arms. A soft smile played at Paige’s lips as she leaned down to kiss her daughter’s forehead.

“You’re going to be such a great big sister,” Paige whispered, her words meant only for Alina’s ears, though she knew the little one was already lost in the dream world.

Paige tucked the covers around her daughter, smoothing the edges with gentle care. She stood up quietly, taking one last look at her before she reached the door. Just as her hand touched the light switch, she hesitated.

The house was quiet, and though the evening had been full of talk and change, there was peace in this moment. She knew the next few months would be filled with new challenges, new routines, and plenty of adjustments. But right now, in this small corner of the world, everything felt perfect.

With one final glance at her sleeping daughter, Paige whispered to herself, "We’ve got this."

She turned off the light and quietly shut the door behind her, the soft click of the latch almost like a promise to herself. Slowly, she made her way down the hallway and toward her own room, where Azzi was already finishing up a few things before bed.

Azzi looked up as Paige entered, a tired but loving smile on her face. “How’s she doing?”

Paige sat down beside her on the bed, her heart full. “She’s asleep. I think... I think she’s going to be okay with all of this. She’s worried, but she’s ready.”

Azzi leaned back against the headboard, her hand automatically reaching for Paige’s. “She’s so strong. And she’s lucky to have you. I know we’ll get through all of this together.”

Paige leaned her head on Azzi’s shoulder, feeling the tension of the day finally slip away. "I hope so. I want to make sure she knows she’s still the center of our world. Even with the baby on the way."

Azzi’s fingers traced gentle circles on Paige’s hand, her voice soft. “You will. We both will. We’ll balance it all. And I know Alina will be an incredible big sister.”

Paige closed her eyes for a moment, the warmth of Azzi’s presence calming her. "I can’t wait to see her with the baby. But... I also know it’ll be a big adjustment. For all of us."

Azzi nodded, squeezing her hand. “It will be. But we’ll make it work, one day at a time. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again. Together.”

Paige smiled softly, knowing that despite the unknowns ahead, they were in this together. “Together,” she repeated, letting the word settle in her heart.

As the night deepened, the house quiet except for the soft rhythm of their breathing, Paige allowed herself to drift off, feeling at peace. It had been a day full of change, but also full of love. AThe sun was barely rising the next day, casting soft rays through the curtains, and the house was still quiet. Azzi was in the kitchen, making breakfast, the smell of pancakes wafting through the air, and Paige was already up, tying her sneakers as she prepared for a long day of practice. She was excited to get back to the court after the press conference yesterday, but there was something else on her mind—something that made her smile as she thought about it.

Alina had asked her, over breakfast, if she could come watch Paige’s basketball practice that afternoon. It had been a long time since Alina had seen her mom play in action, and Paige couldn’t help but feel a little flutter of excitement. She was looking forward to showing Alina what her world looked like, and she knew it would mean a lot to her daughter.

“Are you sure you’re ready for all that running around?” Azzi teased as she placed the plate of pancakes in front of Paige, a grin on her face. “I mean, you’re getting pretty good at the whole ‘mom life’ thing—don’t overdo it.”

Paige laughed, feeling the warmth of Azzi’s teasing in her heart. “I think I can handle a couple of hours on the court. It’s not like I’m planning on doing an entire scrimmage today.” She picked up her fork and took a bite of the pancakes, savoring the sweetness. “But I’m looking forward to having Alina there. She’s been asking to see me practice for a while.”

“Alina’s really looking up to you, Paige,” Azzi said, her voice soft as she leaned against the counter. “It’s beautiful to watch, you know? You’re her role model in so many ways.”

Paige smiled, a rush of affection filling her chest. “I just want to make sure she knows that even with everything changing, she’s still so important to me. I think seeing me play today will help.”

With breakfast finished, Paige grabbed her gym bag, kissed Azzi goodbye, and headed out the door with Alina in tow. The little girl was bouncing with excitement, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny in one hand and wearing her new sneakers, a mini version of her mom’s.

"Are you ready, Mommy?" Alina asked, her face lit up with enthusiasm.

“Ready as I’ll ever be!” Paige replied with a smile, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Let’s go show you how it's done.”

The drive to the gym was filled with light conversation, Alina chatting about how excited she was to watch her mom play. She kept asking Paige all sorts of questions about the game, the team, and even the ball itself—what it felt like to dribble and shoot. Paige answered as best as she could, relishing in how curious and eager Alina was to learn about her world.

When they arrived at the gym, Alina's eyes went wide as they entered the court. The gym was buzzing with energy as players stretched and warmed up, the sound of basketballs bouncing echoing through the space.

"Wow, Mommy! Look at all those people!" Alina exclaimed, her little voice filled with awe.

Paige chuckled and bent down to her daughter’s level. “That’s just part of the team warming up. You’ll get to see everyone in action soon.”

The assistant coach waved them over, and Paige leaned down to Alina again. “You ready for a front-row seat to the action?”

Alina nodded vigorously. “I can’t wait!”

They sat on the bleachers, right next to the court. Alina was practically bouncing in her seat as Paige warmed up with the rest of the team. She caught sight of her daughter every few minutes, making sure she was okay and had a good view. Every time their eyes met, Alina’s face lit up with pride.

The whistle blew, signaling the start of practice, and Paige immediately fell into the rhythm of the drills. She was focused, her body moving with the fluidity that came with years of training. But no matter how fast-paced the practice got, her thoughts kept drifting to Alina, sitting there on the bleachers, watching intently. It made her feel like everything was right in the world. The energy of the court, the sweat on her brow, and the knowledge that her little girl was there—it all felt like a perfect moment.

As practice went on, Alina’s eyes never strayed from Paige. She was so engrossed in watching her mom that she barely noticed when one of the team’s players tossed her a basketball.

"Here you go, little one," the player said, giving Alina a friendly wink.

Alina’s eyes widened in surprise as she caught the ball, and her hands instinctively gripped it. She looked up at Paige, her face full of wonder. “Look, Mommy! I got the ball!”

Paige laughed and waved at her, clearly amused and proud. “Nice catch, Alina! You’re going to be an awesome basketball player one day.”

Alina’s face lit up with joy at the compliment. She turned to the player who had thrown the ball and said, “I want to play just like my mommy one day!”

The player chuckled. “Well, if you keep practicing, I’m sure you’ll be as good as her in no time. You’ve got the spirit for it!”

As the practice continued, Paige couldn’t help but watch her daughter more than the drills she was running. There was something magical about seeing Alina so excited and proud. It reminded her of how much she loved what she did—how much it meant to her to be able to share it with Alina.

After an hour of intense practice, the team finally took a break. Paige jogged over to the bleachers to join Alina, who was still holding the basketball and grinning from ear to ear.

“How’d I do?” Paige asked, sitting down beside her.

“You were amazing, Mommy!” Alina exclaimed. “I loved watching you run and shoot. You’re like a superhero!”

Paige chuckled and wrapped her arm around Alina’s shoulders, pulling her in for a quick hug. “Thanks, sweetheart. I’m glad you liked it. I’m proud of you for watching so carefully.”

Alina looked up at her with wide, earnest eyes. “Do you think I could play in a game like you one day?”

Paige’s heart swelled. “Absolutely. I think you could do anything you set your mind to. But don’t rush it—just have fun, okay?”

“I will!” Alina replied, nodding seriously before her face broke into a smile. “And I’ll always cheer for you, Mommy. You’re the best player in the whole world. Besides mommy.”

Paige felt a lump form in her throat, her heart overflowing with love. “You’re the best cheerleader, Alina. I can’t wait to see what you do with that basketball when you’re ready.”

With that, Alina threw her arms around Paige in a big hug, and Paige held her tight, feeling the bond between them grow even stronger.

As practice wrapped up and they headed home, Paige couldn’t help but feel that, despite the changes ahead, everything was falling into place. There was love, there was family, and there was basketball—everything she cared about in one beautiful moment. And as she looked down at Alina, still carrying the basketball proudly, she knew this was just the beginning of many more moments like this one.

nd in the quiet of their home, surrounded by her family, she knew everything would be okay.

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