Saturday, January 7th, 2017

It's been almost three months since Landry insisted I move on. Once again, I went back to barely eating, sleeping, and hardly wanted to leave my room.

I tried every day to visit him, but to no avail. He blocked me from visiting him. Am I the most broken person in the world? If not, it sure does feel like it.

"Cocoa honey, you have a visitor downstairs that wants to see you."

"Thanks, mom." This is the first time I have been out of my room since October. I even quit the cheer team. How can I try to cheer up the fans when I am miserable?

I went downstairs and saw......

"Papa Phil?" I ran over to give him the biggest hug.

"How are you, Cocoa?"

"Miserable as can be."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Landry never told me he was going to do what he did. He was just released from the hospital a few days ago. We are about to move to a new house. It's perfect for him, but is located in Virginia. It's a rancher so he can get around the house without help. I also came over to give you something."

Papa Phil pulled out, "Landry's Escalade keys?"

"He wants you to keep his Escalade. And, I agree. We had the car registration changed to your name."

"I'm speechless, Papa. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. Landry doesn't want you to be sad."

"It's really hard, Papa. Why does he not want me anymore? He told me he was going to propose."

"He doesn't want you to regret giving up your dreams. Your dreams meant everything to him. He even planned to have your family help him propose. We were very excited about it too. There is also something in the glove compartment Landry wants you to have to remember him. And, here is a letter also."

"Thank you so much for coming. I could never forget him."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. Stay the same sweet person you are."

"I promise, Papa Phil."

I gave him another hug before he left. Then, I read the letter.

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Dear Sweet Cocoa,

Please don't think I have forgotten you. And, I'm sorry about blocking you from visiting. It would have been torture for both of us. I think about you day and night. That's why it was so hard for me to break up.

I also left a present for you in the glove compartment of your Escalade. No matter how near or far, I will always love you.

I know you are probably thinking that no one cares about you. But Cocoa there is. When you are ready, I want you to give him a chance.

Stay sweet and beautiful.

Landry 💜💜💜

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Who is he talking about for me to give them a chance?

I went outside to the Escalade, and opened the passenger door. After opening the glove compartment, I saw a jewelry box.

I opened it and, was shocked. On a beautiful, silver chain was his ring for winning the college football bowl game and a locket. In the locket was a picture of our first date.

I sat in the Escalade and cried. I seriously need to get my eyes checked. I have cried so much since October. Driving this will definitely help when we get snow. 

Boy, it's cold outside. So, I went back to the house.

"Are you okay, Cocoa?" My mom asked.

"I just sat in the Escalade for a while. Landry gave me his SUV, and this necklace in the jewelry box."

"That was sweet of him. I'm going to miss having him around the house. Are you going with the me and the girls to Dominic and Eli's house for dinner tonight?"

"Yeah, I need to get out of the house. I'll go get ready. Can I drive tonight?"

"Of course, you can. I'll let the girls know."

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I drove the Escalade so I could get myself used to driving it regularly. I parked in the driveway.

Someone must have heard us because Tosca opened the door. "Come on in everyone. Wait until you guys see who is here."

We made our way to the living room and saw......

"Nonno Luc and Emiliano! Nonna Aida and Donatella! It's great to see you!" I gave each one of them a big hug. Me, Lei, and Lalita are their additional granddaughters.

"It's great to see you, too."

And, I saw Tosca's Uncle Val too. I also hugged him. I think he likes my mom too. I can see them dating down the road, maybe. I wouldn't mind it because I know mom would never forget dad. She deserves to be happy too.

"Eli says dinner is ready. So, we can head to the dining room." 

I saw Mrs. Eli made lasagna. Yes! And, Daddy D made is famous Cioppino soup (broth based seafood stew) and focaccia bread. There was also Nonna Donatella's baked ziti and Nonna Aida's Caprese salad. 

After everyone sat at the table, we saw that Uncle Val was sitting next to mom. Lei, Lalita and I snickered. We talked about what if mom would one day date again. We accepted it because we don't have a right to tell her no. And, we want our mom to be happy if she desires to date again.

Also, Cam was sitting next to me. Everyone passed their plates around the table until each dish was on it. Our hands brushed against each other while passing the plates.

"Sorry, Cocoa."

"It's okay, Cam."

This time, Tosca, Lei and Lalita snickered. What are they up to? Me, Cam, Tosca, Lei, and Lalita of course had soda to drink. The adults had wine.

"Let's dig in everyone."

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"I'm stuffed."

"We all are. And, we still haven't had dessert yet. Nonna Aida made Crostata and Gelato. And, Nonno Luc fixed Tiramisu," Tosca says.

"I need to wait an hour until I even touch dessert. You guys will never believe this. This morning, Papa Phil came to visit me. He said Landry wanted me to have his Escalade. I drove it tonight. And, he gave me his ring from the bowl game."

"He did? That was sweet of him, Cocoa. I know you miss him. We all do."

"I really do. He wrote me a letter and in it he said to give someone a chance. He didn't say a name, but said someone likes me."

"Anyone would be crazy not to like you, Cocoa."

"Thanks, Lei. Maybe down the road I may date again. But not right now."

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Friday, August 4th, 2017

Boy, several significant things have changed since January. 

Mom and Uncle Val are dating. Yup, you heard it. They are taking it slow. He treats us like we are his birth daughters. He even invited us to join the family on a trip to Italy. We will be staying there for two, whole weeks. I have never been to Italy, so I am going to enjoy this.

And, I think I found out who Landry was talking about because Cam and I have also become closer. He hasn't asked me for a date yet. I just have to prepare myself for when it actually happens. 

Tosca, Cam, and I will officially become Seniors, beginning September. Lei will be in her senior year of high school. And, Lalita will be going to school with us. This is going to be an exciting year for sure.

We are currently on Uncle Val's family plane. 

"I can't wait to show you guys my favorite places to visit in Tuscany. And, Uncle Val has a winery too. We can take a tour."

"I can't wait too." Lei and Lalita were both asleep. I was too excited to sleep.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Italy. We will be landing shortly, so will everyone please put your seat belts on," said the pilot.

"Lei? Lalita? Wake up. You need to put your seat belts on because the plane is about to land."

"Okay."

Once we landed, we saw several SUVs coming our way. I stood up out of my seat because I needed to stretch. Then, we grabbed our luggage and walked off the plane. It was Nonno Luc and Nonna Donatella.

"Welcome to Tuscany, Alyshea, Cocoa, Leilani, and Lalita. Tosca and Cam, how are you?" said Nonna Donatella.

"Thank you so much for having us. I have always wanted to come to Italy."

"Let's get you guys to Val's home."

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"Wow! It's amazing!"

"Wait until you see inside. And, Uncle Val has a pool."

"Let's go swimming. Well, once we finish unpacking."

"I'll show everyone to their rooms." We all followed Uncle Val inside. Tosca was right. The foyer was the size of a master bedroom. The living room was amazing!

Before we went upstairs, we saw the kitchen, as well as the dining room.

"There are two staircases - one in the living room and one entering the kitchen. We can take the kitchen stairs to the second floor bedrooms." 

We made our way upstairs. We each have our own room.

"Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Leilani and Lalita, you ladies can take these two rooms. Tosca and Cam, you already know where your rooms are. Alyshea, you can take the one next to mine. And, Cocoa you can take this room. Ladies, while you are here make yourselves at home. And, let me know if you need anything."

I opened the door, and was in awe.

I just had to see the bathroom too.

I'm in heaven. I wish we were staying for more than two weeks. I went back into the bedroom to unpack and change into my bathing suit.

After changing, I heard a knock on the door. "Are you ready, Cocoa?" It was Tosca, so I opened the door.

"I'm ready. Let's go."

"We don't even have to go downstairs. Uncle Val has a staircase down to the pool." I followed Tosca to a door near the main bathroom, then we walked down the stairs to the pool. We were the last two. Lei, Lalita, and Cam were already in the pool. "Come on, Cocoa and Tosca!" yelled Lei. 

Tosca and I looked at each other. We walked back up the stairs. Then, we ran down the stairs, and jumped in the pool, splashing Lei and Lalita!

"Cocoa!!"

Alyshea's POV

"Those girls are a trip!"

"They sure are. And, it appears that Cam and Cocoa are on the verge of dating. It took them a while, but hoping that it happens," said Donatella.

"I'm hoping too."

"Speaking of dating, how are things with you and Val?" Aida asked.

"It's going great. And, at a pace I am comfortable with. No pressure at all. He can be very convincing. He always says something in Italian that I don't understand. But, I sure do know that it was smooth. He smirks afterward too."

"That child of mine sure is. I'm happy for you and Cocoa. Don't let Val pressure you for anything. He did convince us to move to the United States. We aren't getting any younger. Luc and I agreed, so we are moving to Florida - Key West."

"Emiliano and I are moving too. The winery is in good hands. Like Donatella and Luc, we aren't getting any younger. And, it would be nice to be closer to the family. Don't get me wrong. Italy is my home, but Dominic is our only child. And, Tosca and Cam are our only grandchildren. We want to be there when they get married, and start their families."

"Thank you, Donatella. And, I won't."

"Speaking of Val." He came and sat with us. "What are you ladies talking about?"

"Oh, nothing at all, Mr. Toscano."

"Dom and Eli are in the air tonight. They will arrive here tomorrow. We'll take everyone to the restaurant after they arrive. But, right now I think I will go for a swim."

"And, why do we need to know that?" Donatella asked. I knew what he was up to by the devious grin on his face.

"I don't think so, mister."

"Try and stop me." And, I tried, but couldn't get away. I was backed up, right into the pool.

"Mom is in the pool!" My own kids were laughing at me. But, it's all good. It's been a while since we had a moment like this where we are all smiling. I love it.

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 Saturday, August 5th, 2017

Cam's POV

"Cam, when are you going to ask Cocoa for a date? You know you want to. I know you aren't nervous." One thing I learned about Leilani is that she is blunt. But, it's true.

"Of course, I want to. But, I don't want to rush it and she tells me no."

"Cam, you'll never know by not asking her. So, while we give Cocoa, Leilani, and Lalita a tour of Tuscany, you are going to ask her. And, if you don't......"

"Okay, okay. I'll ask her. But, can you help me with an idea on how to ask her?"

"Leave that to us. You just be ready to ask her. Actually, I just thought of an awesome idea."

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We all just arrived at Uncle Val's restaurant. Tonight, I am going to finally do it.

They even sat me next to Cocoa. My dad discreetly gave me a thumbs up. My stomach is in knots. Tosca and Lei both mumbled something that I couldn't understand. But from the expressions on their faces, I knew what they said. I need to eat first though.

Mom asked Alyshea, "How do you and the girls like Italy? Hopefully Val is not being a pain."

"Hey Eli, I have never been a pain." Uncle Val then says.

"Is that what you are going with? You teased the mess out of me as a kid."

My mom and Uncle Val went at it for a few minutes. Nobody could contain their laughter. That did take a little bit of my nerves away.

Mom aka Alyshea finally was able to answer. "Italy is a beautiful country, and I really have enjoyed myself so far. I believe the girls have too."

"I really have. I would love to learn how to make Italian desserts so I can sell them in my bakery that I want to own one day," replied Cocoa.

"Sweetie, Nonna Donatella and Aida will help you with that one."

Cocoa was grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you!"

"Eli, Tosca, and Aida, how about we take the ladies shopping in Milan? Val will take us there. Won't he?" My Nonna says with arched eyebrows. I had to laugh because Uncle Val never turns Nonna down.

"Of course, mom."

Now dad and Uncle Val was giving me the go ahead. And, Tosca and Lei just kicked me. Ouch!! "Dinner was delicious, Val. How about we eat dessert?" My dad said.

"For dessert we have Tiramisu. Also, a Strawberry parfait with Vin Santo, mascarpone and biscotti. Of, course gelato. And, Torta di Pistacchio. It's a pistachio cake."

A bouquet of white lilies was coming out with the desserts. The strawberry parfait is the one that has the writing on it. It was sat in front of Cocoa. No one said a word. It was totally silent. The cover was then taken off.

"What does the cake........" She noticed what was spelled out. "Will you go out on a date with me?"

The waiter gave me the bouquet of flowers and I gave them to Cocoa.

"I have been thinking about this for a while. Tosca and Leilani came up with the idea. I even have a speech. So, here it goes."

"I want to sincerely apologize for how I treated you when you came back from North Carolina. I had no right to behave that way. I love your grandma and I am happy she is okay. We have come a long way. We are both now Seniors in University, close to achieving our goals. Landry made me promise to give you everything that you deserve, and I want to start now. I'm done being stupid and foolish. So, like the cake says, will you go on a date with me?"

"Cam, I accept your apology. When I came back, I didn't expect for you to like me like you did before I left. I just wanted us to be friends. It took us a while, but it's finally here. The day Landry gave me his Escalade, he wrote me a letter. It said that there is someone out there who I should give a chance. Now, I know exactly who it is. My mom always tells us to give people a chance to prove themselves. And, you have. I lost my dad, and Landry, but you and Tosca were always by my side. For that I am grateful. I will always cherish my time with Landry. But, I need to look forward to my future. So, to answer your question before I dig into this dessert is yes. Yes, I will go out on a date with you."

"YES!!!" everyone at the table just screamed. Even my grandparents screamed.

We all dug into the desserts and had a great time at dinner.

I got to spend an evening with my family. And, finally after almost ten years of being stubborn and foolish, I have a date with the only girl who has occupied my dreams. Cocoa is finally mine. We will never be broken apart again.

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