Opening Video - 'Bye Bye' by Mariah Carey

Saturday, October 17th, 2015

Cocoa's POV

"Cocoa, that is not like you, sneaking out the house. You could be in a lot of trouble," Tosca says.

"Tosca's right, Cocoa. And, your dad is right. Tomorrow, instead of us going to the movies, spend the day with your sisters. I don't want you to turn into a rebel." Landry adds.

"I promise I won't. But I just wanted to come to the party. And, I will spend tomorrow with my sisters. I have two hours to enjoy this party, so let's have some fun!"

After eating, I dragged Landry to the dance floor. They were serving alcohol, but neither of us had any. Alyssa and Bryce came to the party. I can't stand them.

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11:00 pm

Richard's POV

I just happen to wake up to use the bathroom. So, I went to check on the girls after I was done. Lalita and Leilani were up still watching television. Alyshea was watching with them.

As I approached Cocoa's room, I noticed her door was closed with the lights out. "Cocoa's asleep on a Saturday night at 11 o'clock?" I opened the door and peaked in her room. I could tell by the shape of whatever she put in her bed that Cocoa was not in her room. She snuck out to that darn party I told her not to attend.

So, I walked downstairs to the living room. "Did Cocoa tell any of you where that party was being held?"

"No, she didn't, daddy," Leilani says.

"She didn't tell me anything, either," Lalita then says.

"Why are you asking, Richard?"

"Alyshea, she sneaked out of the house and went to that party. I need to know so I can go get her. I forbade her to go, and she went anyway."

"Try Dominic or Eliana. Maybe Tosca or Cam told them."

"Okay."

I called Dominic and apologized for the late call. I asked him, and he said it was on campus at a sorority house. I thanked Dominic and hung up the phone.

I went back upstairs to my room to change, then grabbed my keys.

"Ladies, I'll be right back."

My Denali was parked out front, so I locked the front door and made my way to get Cocoa.

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12:00 am

Cocoa's POV

"I should be heading home now. I'll see you guys on Monday." I went to find Landry, who was outside talking to the guys and swatting the trash away - Bryce and Alyssa.

I sure did push them out of my way. "It's time for me to head home."

"Okay. See you guys tomorrow." Landry and I held hands as we walked to his Escalade.

"When we turn the corner to my street, no headlights, got it?"

"Got it."

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12:30 am

Landry was about to turn his lights off, but we saw two police cars parked in front of my house. Landry parked his Escalade, and we ran into the house.

I saw Mom, Leilani, and Lalita in tears.

"What happened? Why are the police here?"

"Cocoa, dad went to pick you up from the party, but he never made it."

"He was hit by a drunk driver and died on the scene. It was so bad that there isn't anything for mom to identify."

"Dad is dead?"

I can't believe my father is dead because of me. My legs shook like Jell-O, and I dropped to the ground. I just sat on the ground and cried. Landry sat on the floor and held me tight and massaged by back.

"I'm sorry, Cocoa. Let's sit on the couch with your family."

"It's my fault dad is dead. My family will hate me because of this."

"Cocoa, listen, I am very disappointed you disobeyed your father and went to that party. But, in no way shape or form was it your fault a drunk driver hit your father," My mom said.

"Wrap your arm around my neck, Cocoa." I did just as Landry said and he lifted me off the floor onto the couch.

"I'll call my father to tell him where I am and be right back." He headed towards' the kitchen. Within 5 minutes, he came back and sat on the couch with me.

My eyes hurt from all of the tears that fell from my eyes since coming home. The police left the house.

We all just sat on both couches, in disbelief that dad was gone. The house felt empty and hollow.

"Can you call Tosca, please? I know she is not asleep yet. My phone is on the floor."

"Of course." He got up and went to grab my phone. Then, he called Tosca.

"Tosca, Cam, and the crew are on the way."

"Thank you."

"Lalita and Leilani, let's grab some blankets for everyone who's coming."

I just sat on the couch, crying like there was no tomorrow. "I hate myself for going to that party. I feel like I am that drunk driver."

"Don't say that. Listen to your mom, Cocoa. This was not your fault."

We heard a knock on the door. My mom answered it.

"Is it true?" Tosca says as everyone enters the house.

"Yes, it's true. The police left a few minutes ago."

"I'm so sorry, Cocoa. I told my mom and dad what happened. They are coming over later."

"Man, Mr. Richard is gone. I can't believe it." My mom and sisters came into the living room.

"Michail and the family will be here later today. Here are some blankets, kids. You all know where the kitchen is. I need to lay down because I feel numb."

I heard my mom crying on her way upstairs. Leilani and Lalita sat next to me on the couch. "I need some air. I'm sorry everyone." I jumped up and ran towards' the kitchen and outside to our patio.

Once outside, I sat in one of the patio chairs and cried some more. Thankfully, the patio is enclosed.

I heard the back door opening after a few minutes.

"I know you said you wanted some air, but I'm not going to leave you alone." Landry sat on the couch and patted it for me to sit with him. I didn't want to, but I did. He wrapped the blanket he had around us and let me cry. He didn't say one word. I cried so much that I fell asleep.

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Sunday, October 18th, 2015

"Cocoa and Landry, I hate to wake you both up, but I want you to get something to eat. It's almost noon."

We woke up to the sun shining brightly through the patio window. While walking into the kitchen we saw that it was packed with food and there were people everywhere. I didn't feel like being bothered. Landry and I grabbed something to eat, then I dragged him to my room.

"I'm sorry but I didn't want to be downstairs, getting hugged to death. And, for my family to stare at me because it's my fault my dad is dead."

"Cocoa, I have known your family for over a year now. I know they would never do that to you. Your mom and sisters need you right now, sweetheart. How about we eat our food? Then, go downstairs for a little bit. If you feel overwhelmed, we can come back downstairs."

We sat in my room for about 20 minutes, eating our food in silence. I think a few tears dropped in my food because my green beans tasted salty. I had to force myself because I didn't feel like eating.

After another 30 minutes, we went downstairs. I immediately searched for Leilani and Lalita. We saw both Coach Peterson and Taylor entering the house.

"Cocoa honey, I'm so sorry about your dad. Honey, whatever you need let us know. I am always available for my team. You all are my kids."

"Thank you, Coach Taylor and Peterson." I gave them both a hug.

I couldn't find my mom or sisters, so I asked Tosca.

"Tosca, have you seen my mom, Lei, or Lalita?"

"I saw them outside with your grandparents."

"Thanks."

Landry and I walked outside, and sure enough, they were there. So was my grandparents, Michail, Alise, and the kids.

"Cocoa Sugar, come sit next to Grandma Nina." I did, and Landry sat next to me.

I cried my eyes out again on my grandma's clothes. "That's right, sugar let it out. It's okay to cry. No one is going to judge you for that. And, guess what? Everyone here at one point and time sneaked out of the house. Your mom did it to us quite often. But honey, it's not your fault that piece of crap was driving drunk and hit your dad. Your grandpa vowed if he ever found out who did this, they would be dead meat. No one here blames you at all, understand?"

"But grandma, if I didn't go to that party, daddy wouldn't have even had to leave the house. It still hurts. I still feel like that drunk driver. I can never forgive myself for what happened. That party is going to haunt me forever."

"Sugar, I want you to take as much time as you need to grieve. I don't want you to ever isolate yourself. If you need a listening ear, call me. You also have your cute boyfriend, Connie, Alfred, Marvin, Michail, Alise, Alyshea, Leilani, and Lalita."

I had to chuckle because she said, cute boyfriend. I looked over and saw Landry blushing.

"He loves you just as much as we do. I can see it since the day you introduced him last year at the football game."

"Your grandmother is right, Cocoa. I do - I love you very much. I'm not going anywhere. I'm never going to let you go. I'm not going to rush you to say it. But I want to let you know how I feel."

"Please stay with me today."

"I promise."

"I already made funeral arrangements for Richard. He wanted to be cremated, so that is what will happen. We are going to hold the memorial service at Oak Park on the football field," My mom said.

"We are?"

"Trust me, I was surprised too, but that is what he wanted. Within the past few years, he told me he made the arrangements at the school. The memorial service will be held next Friday at 5:00 pm, after school hours. We will leave the house at 4:30 pm. Cocoa, Leilani, and Lalita, I understand if you don't want to go to school. Just let me know and I'll make the call. I already put in my bereavement leave at work for the week."

"I don't feel like going, but I want my assignments."

"Just give me your teacher's names and I'll get them for you."

"Thank you, Landry."

"Listen, everyone, we are all in this together. We will make it through this. Cocoa go spend some time with your friends. They are all in the TV room in the basement," My mom said.

Landry and I got up and went to the basement.

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Narrator's POV

Alyshea called the girls' schools and said they will be out of school for the week. The teachers offered their condolences and marked their attendance sheets.

It was a long, hard week, but they were able to make it with the help of friends and family.

Landry came over every evening after football practice. Alyshea even set up one of the bedrooms for him to stay in. She trusted them, and that is why she allowed him to stay at the house.

They had so much food that they didn't know what to do with it. So, every night the family, including The Calabro crew, came over for dinner.

Just as promised, the remnants of Richard were cremated. Alyshea and the kids held a private ceremony, then scattered his ashes at sea.

The day that the family hoped would never come is here.

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Friday, October 23rd, 2015

Cocoa's POV

"Cocoa, doll it's time to go. Landry and your friends are downstairs for you."

"Thanks, mom. Mom, can you hold my hand?"

"Of course." I walked over to my mom, and she hugged me. Then, we walked downstairs together.

The whole cheer team, except Bryce who I could care less about, and the football team came to the house. Once again, my eyes hurt from the amount of tears that have come out.

I already asked Landry to ride with me in  the family limo. So, my mom walked me over to him. My mom even got a limo for my friends, Lalita, and Leilani's friends.

Once we all left the house, my mom locked the door. She then made her way to the front of the line and entered the limo. My grandparents, mom, Michail, Lalita, Leilani, Alise, Myshea, Leigh, Landry, and I were in one limo. Our friends were in the second limo. Both limos then pulled away from the house to Oak Park.

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The limos parked in the tunnel of the football stadium. Mom and Michail got out first, then linked arms. Landry and I were last. Once everyone was out of the limo, we proceeded to our seats.

Let me just say - wow! Through my sunglasses, I could tell that the football field was filled with seats. Every seat was taken, which makes it even harder for me to give a speech.

While walking to our seats, I even saw the President of Copper Grove, along with my teachers. I saw Landry's dad and Grandpa Phil. I saw what I am guessing was daddy's teammates from school. Several of his friends at the hospital, as well as the President of the hospital.

My dad knew a lot of people. I see why he chose Oak Park's football stadium.

There were so many pictures of dad on several poster boards. And, bouquet after bouquet of flowers near the podium.

Once we took our seats, the memorial service began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of The Baker family, thank you so much for attending this memorial service for Mr. Richard Baker, Mr. Football of Oak Park," The funeral director mentioned to open his speech.

The speech lasted for about 45 minutes. He mixed sad moments with happy moments. Some of the moments made everyone chuckle, including myself. Once he was done, he opened the floor for anyone to talk about dad. My mom went first. Michail went with her.

Alyshea's POV

"I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your support and encouragement during this difficult week for my family. It is overwhelming to see so many here today to celebrate my husband's life, accomplishments, and his family."

"Thank you to Oak Park for allowing us to have my husband's memorial service at his high school alma mater. Thank you to the President of Copper Grove and Principal of Lakeside to support my daughters. I appreciate it very much."

"This is hard because never in my life did, I think my husband would be taken away from my family like he was. He never had a chance to even be saved - all because of a drunk driver. This is absolutely devastating, and something my family and I will never forget. But your support will help us to cope. Everyone here, and whoever is listening to this, please, please do not drink and drive. It only causes hurt and pain to many."

"All the cards, calls to my family, food, and support once again is amazing. We appreciate it very much. Thank you."

Michail's POV

"Richard may have not been my birth father, but he treated me like I was his birth son. And, to me that was special. It's hard to believe he is gone. And, he will be dearly missed. My kids already miss their Grandpa Richard very much."

"Thank you to everyone here for supporting my mom, Cocoa, Leilani, Lalita, and my grandparents. My wife, kids, and I appreciate it very much."

Cocoa's POV

Mom and Michail left the platform to a standing ovation. I didn't want this time to come because I don't think I can make it.

"I'll go with you. I want to say something about your dad too," Landry whispered in my ear.

We stood up from our seats. I wanted Lei and Lalita to come with me too. We held each other's hands as we walked to the podium.

"Please forgive me in advance for my emotions. Thank you, Principal Harris and President Walker, for your support today. Thank you to my cheer mates and football team at Copper Grove. You guys are the best friends a girl can have. Thank you to everyone who knew my dad and came to support us today." There was a steady stream of tears falling from my eyes. I had to stop for a minute.

"The person who drove their vehicle while drunk took a man from my sisters and me that we called our 'hero.' My mom and dad made sure that we had the best of everything. They made so many sacrifices for us so we could be successful."

"We would watch The Ravens every Sunday as a family. We were even fortunate to attend a few games. My dad did so much for us, and we are going to miss him so much."

"I blame myself every day for what happened to my dad all because I wanted to attend a party. My dad was on his way to get me when he was crashed into by the drunk driver. It hurts so much to know that he will not be here to see Leilani, Lalita, and I grow into womanhood. He will not be here to walk us down the aisle at our weddings. He will not be here to see us become a mom. My last words to him was our disagreement about a party."

"Walking out to see the Oak Park field filled to capacity with family and friends of my dad is a memory that I will always cherish. Just like my mom said, thank you all so much for the cards, phone calls, etc. Thank you."

I laid my head on Landry's chest while he took a turn to speak.

Landry's POV

"I learned so much through film study about Mr. Richard. But, through the last year, I learned even more from being around him. He cared about his family so much. I remember the first time I went over to the house for dinner, he made me sign a contract to date his daughter. And, he had the most serious look on his face when he handed it to me. I knew he was not joking."

Everyone chuckled. I had to break up the sadness a little. "I didn't mind because Cocoa was worth it. I too am going to miss him very much. He was like a second father to me. Mr. Richard was one, special man. He will be greatly missed by everyone here in attendance. Thank you for supporting Cocoa and her family at this time of grief."

As we all walked back to our seats, everyone stood and gave us a standing ovation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that will conclude the memorial service for Mr. Richard Baker. A repast for the family will be held in the basketball arena on the campus of Copper Grove. Directions will be handed to everyone after the family leaves first," The director announced.

One by one, we all stood up from our seats. I grabbed Cocoa's hand as we followed her mom back to the limos. Some of the flowers were placed in the trunk of both limos. Once that was finished, we pulled off for the repast.

I need to be there for Cocoa now more than ever.

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