Monday, October 17th, 2016

Landry's POV

Today is the anniversary of Mr. Richard's passing. Cocoa has taken it hard ever since that day.

She doesn't eat right, sleep right or feel like doing anything. The girls were finally able to convince her to stay on the cheer team.

I go over to her house every day to make sure she eats. It breaks my heart to see her like this. Tosca, Cam, and the rest of the crew are going to the beach with us.

I'll be driving Cocoa, Leilani, and Lalita in my Escalade. Mom, as Mrs. Alyshea told me to call her, will be riding with Michail.

The doorbell rang. "I'll answer it." After standing up from the couch, I made my way to the door.

It was Tosca, Cam, their parents, and another gentleman.

"Come on in." Everyone then entered the house.

"The rest of the crew will meet us at the beach," Cam mentions.

Mom entered the room.

Alyshea's POV

Who is that with Dominic and Eliana? I have never seen him before.

"We can start packing the cars now."

"Alyshea, this is my brother, Valentino. He recently moved from Italy. My parents and Dom's parents are going to stay at the house and fix food for the family. Val is going to stay behind too."

"It's nice to meet you. And, thank you so much for your support."

(Valentino Toscano)

He mumbled something, which I am guessing is Italian. "It's nice to meet you too." The moment I shook his hand, I felt like I was going to be in trouble. But, the last thing on my mind a year after losing Richard is dating.

"We should be back at the house in about an hour or two. Please help yourself to whatever is in the kitchen. Girls, come here for a quick second."

"These are my girls - Cocoa, Leilani, and Lalita. Cocoa and Tosca are best friends. This is Tosca's uncle, Valentino."

"Your uncle is handsome, Tosca," Lei blabbed out of her mouth, which caused everyone to chuckle, even Cocoa who has been really down lately. I'm glad she was able to chuckle.

"Excuse my sister. It's nice to meet you and thank you for coming today. Lei, let's go get in Landry's Escalade."

"Leilani is the blunt one of my daughters. Well anyway, thank you for coming."

"You're welcome." I am loving his Italian accent. Everyone who was going to the beach made their way to the caravan of SUVs. On to the beach we go. The sooner we go, the sooner we can come home.

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After everyone was parked, they were handed a balloon that said, 'We miss you, Richard.' Afterward, we walked to the exact spot where I scattered Richard's ashes.

"Thank you all so much for coming with us today. It's a hard day because it is the one-year anniversary of my husband's death. The last year has been rough for my family, but thanks to everyone here, we have been able to make it. You all have no idea how much I am grateful for every phone call, card, text, and visits, which meant the world to me. I love you all very much. Would you girls like to say anything?"

Cocoa's POV

Leilani and Lalita weren't up to speaking. Neither was I, but as the eldest I better say a few words.

"The past year has been very difficult for me and my family. And, I haven't been the easiest person to be around. I'm sorry for being a rotten girlfriend and friend. I haven't been eating right, sleeping right, and let's not forget snapping at everyone. I really am sorry. I just really miss my dad." Tears started streaming down my cheeks.

"I want to say thank you for staying by my side. I couldn't have done this on my own. I love you all very much. On the count of three, everyone please release your balloon."

Simultaneously, everyone released their balloons into the air. "Daddy, I know you can't hear me, but I miss you so much. It hurts not having you here with us."

"Mom, I just want to stay here for a little bit."

"I'll stay with her," Landry says to my mom.

"Of course, Cocoa. Lei and LaLa, let's get home." Everyone walked back to the vehicles. Landry and I sat in the sand. I didn't care if I got sand on my clothes, I just wanted to stay at the beach.

Landry held me tight as I cried my eyes out.

"Please don't ever leave me. I couldn't take it."

"I promise you, Cocoa that I will never leave you," Landry says to me as he caresses my back.

20 minutes later, the sun finally set, so we stood up, brushed the sand off our clothes, then headed home.

****************************************

Saturday, October 22nd, 2016

Today is a big game - homecoming and Landry's last season as the captain of the team. This is his senior year of college.

I'm going to miss seeing him every day at school.

Once again, I was chosen to give the pre-game speech before we run out of the tunnel.

"Ladies and gents, today is not only homecoming but Senior day. I'm going to keep it short. Let's win this one for the seniors! Give them a game they won't forget! On the count of three....."

"One, two, three, Panthers!!"

Heather and I led the team out of the tunnel and on the field. The stadium was rocking.

It looks like the defense is being announced today because the offensive players ran after us.

I feel sad and happy. Sad because I won't see Landry at school. But, I'm happy for him because he will graduate this year.

Landry and Cam got the loudest applause while running out the tunnel.

Eww, of course, our homecoming game is against Josh's team. I really can't stand him. And, guess what? Alyssa once again left the University, only to go to Silver Valley. And, she is dating Josh. The girl is pathetic. But, whatever.

**********************************

At the end of the first quarter, the Panthers were trailing 10 - 7. Silver Valley has the ball. It is 3rd and 10. The music is blaring, and the fans are on their feet. The next scene was horrifying. Landry and Cam, we're pursuing Josh, but,

"Oh no, ladies and gentlemen this is terrible!! The medical team is rushing to the aid of Landry Miller!! That is the dirtiest hit I have ever seen in a college football game!!!"

"No!!!" I tried to run on the field. My eyes hurt from all the tears falling from my eyes.

"Cocoa, you can't go on the field!! The medical team is doing all they can to help him!!!" I heard Heather scream as she held me back.

Cam's POV

I saw a smug grin on Josh's face as he stood by, watching Landry laying on the ground, motionless. He knew that was going to happen!! That was premeditated!! I blacked out as I ran over to him.

I punched him right in his mouth and tackled him right to the ground.

"You lousy, piece of crap! You knew that was going to happen!!!"

I punched him over and over again until I was pulled off.

The medical teams' cart was driven on the field. They placed a brace on Landry's neck. Then, they slowly placed him on a stretcher. He gave a thumbs-up as he was carted off the field. Even I had tears falling from my eyes. I hope he is not paralyzed from this. I glanced over to the sidelines. Heather was holding back Cocoa. Most of the team was in tears.

I know I will be kicked off the team for this, but I don't care. Landry is my friend and it hurts to see him like this.

I was ejected from the game, so I headed back to the locker room for a shower. Then, I changed into my clothes.

One of the coaches came into the room.

"I understand why you did what you did. I also saw the smirk on the QB's face, as well as the offensive lineman who committed the cheap shot. But you do understand the consequences of your actions?"

"Yes, coach I understand. I couldn't stand there and do nothing. Landry is my friend. It hurts, coach. Please tell the guys I'm sorry for letting them down. How could I even have played watching him get demolished like that?"

"They are taking Landry to Fairmont General Hospital."

"Thank you, Coach Willis." After gathering my things, I ran to the players' parking lot and got in my Range Rover. Before driving off, I sent a group text to tell everyone what hospital Landry is in. Then, drove off to the hospital.

*************************************

I saw Landry's father and grandfather in the waiting room and walked over to them.

"Excuse me, Mr. Miller, I am Cam, Landry's friend, and teammate."

"Have a seat, Cam. Can I ask why did you risk your football career with fighting?"

"Mr. Miller, when I saw Josh smirking at Landry laying on the ground, I snapped. The offensive lineman as well had a smug grin. I believe they did that on purpose. I couldn't stand there and watch them smugly. My friendship with Landry means more to me than playing football."

"Thank you for being honest. If what you said is true about the smug grin, then we need to find out the truth. Those kids will pay for hurting my son.

*****************************

More of Landry's family came in. Cocoa, Tosca, Heather, and the guys entered. We have been here for a couple of hours and haven't heard anything yet.

"Is Landry going to be okay, Mr. Miller?" Cocoa asked.

"We are still waiting to hear from the doctor, sweetheart."

***************************

We came to the hospital at 2:00 pm. It is now 7:00 pm. Nobody has even thought of falling asleep. We all took turns getting food for everyone.

My parents, Uncle Val, Mrs. Alyshea and her family came too.

Then, we saw several doctors walking this way.

"Mr. Miller, can we speak to you in private? I apologize for the delay. We ran many tests to give you an accurate diagnosis for your son. My name is Doctor Wallace and standing next to me is Doctor Rossi."

"Yes, we can. My father and I will come. I want my son's girlfriend to come as well. She is like a daughter to me."

"Very well."

Cocoa's POV

"Thank you so much, Papa Phil."

We followed both doctors to what I am guessing is their office.

"Please have a seat."

There were three chairs, so we each took a seat.

"Mr. Miller, Landry's prognosis is paralysis - from the waist down. He was able to move his arms, but not his legs. He will not be able to walk again."

I gave Papa Phil and Grandpa a hug. This is devastating news. All three of us shed tears.

"When can we see my son?" Papa Phil asked.

"I can take you now."

"Papa Phil, I'll go back to tell everyone the news."

"Thank you, Cocoa."

I exited the room and walked back to the waiting room.

"Landry is paralyzed from the waist down. The doctor said he will never walk again."

I sat next to my mom. She held me tight as I continued to cry. There was not a dry eye in the waiting room. This is so not fair!

We all looked up as the last person I wanted to see came into the waiting room - Alyssa.

Heather hissed, "What the heck do you want?! You're not wanted here!! Get out!!"

"I'm not here for any of you. I'm here because I still care about Landry. Josh and several other players purposely planned the hit on Landry. I overheard them talking after the game. Here is a recording of it."

She threw a taped copy of the conversation on the coffee table. I grabbed it fast.

"Is he going to be okay?"

Now I hissed, "Because of your dang boyfriend, Landry will never walk again. He's freaking paralyzed from the waist down. Now, get out!!"

Landry's dad and Grandpa came back to the waiting room.

"He wants to see Cam first. Then, he wants to see you Cocoa. His room number is 634."

Cam walked away to find the elevator.

Cam's POV

I wonder why he wanted to see me first, and not Cocoa? That thought was on my mind all the way up to the 6th floor.

I cautiously opened his room door. We didn't say anything at first.

"Thank you for having my back. I heard what you did to Josh."

"I couldn't stand there and watch that smug grin on his face. And, Alyssa of all people is in the waiting room. She said what I thought - they planned that hit on you."

"It's not a surprise. He has always been jealous of what I achieved. Please make sure that he pays for it."

"Trust me I will."

"Cam, I have a reason for why I wanted to see you first, and it is hard to say."

Landry had tears coming down his cheeks.

"I planned on proposing to Cocoa after the game, in front of the crowd. But after hearing that I am paralyzed, I can't give her the life that I wanted to. I trust you, Cam. Promise me that you and only you will marry Cocoa, and give her the life she deserves?"

Wow! He planned to propose?

"Landry, man what if there is a possibility that this diagnosis is wrong? What if you can walk?"

"Even if I could, that could take years. Please, Cam. This is already hard enough."

"I promise I will try."

"That's all I ask. Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome, man. I'll send Cocoa in."

That is going to be a tall order. It's bad enough Cocoa lost Mr. Richard. Now, this? I made my way back to the waiting room.

Mostly everyone went home. I'm guessing visiting hours are almost over. Cocoa immediately went to Landry's room as she saw me entering the room.

Cocoa's POV

I knocked on the door before entering.

"Come in."

There was a chair directly next to Landry's bed. So, that is where I sat.

We didn't say a word for a few minutes. He took my hand and kissed it.

"We won the game today 24 - 20. The guys said they will come tomorrow to see you. I'm so sorry this happened. And, they did this on purpose. I hate them so much."

"They will get what is coming to them." He lifted his hands to wipe my tears away. "Cocoa, please don't cry."

"How can I not? It hurts to know you won't be able to walk again."

Landry cleared his throat and uttered the words I never wanted to hear.

"It pains me to do this, but I want you to move on from me."

"Why would I do that?"

"I'm serious, Cocoa. I want you to pursue your dreams of owning your own bakery."

"I can do that later. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I left you at this time? My dreams can wait. You're the first guy that I have truly loved besides my dad. You can't ask me to do this. I lost my dad, and I can't lose you too. You promised to never leave me."

"I'm sorry, Cocoa. Please, do this for me. I want you to move on, find someone who will love you and give you the life you deserve - the house, kids, and your bakery dream."

"Shouldn't I be the one to choose the life I want?"

"I planned after the game today to propose to you. I wanted you to be my wife and be my side forever. What kind of man would I be to stop you from pursuing your dream? Please, sweetheart. It's already hard enough. Your happiness means the world to me, even if we are not together."

He must have pressed an emergency button because a nurse came into the room.

"Can you please escort my girlfriend back to the waiting room for me?"

I stood up out from the chair, looked at Landry, and then left. My eye sockets hurt so much.

Within the span of one year, I lost my dad and my boyfriend.

My heart is officially closed off.

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