Friday, September 14th, 2017

Guila's POV

Today is the day we get the test results. I have been quiet the whole ride to the University with Cocoa.

"Guila, I know that look because I had it before with a different topic. Don't be nervous about the results. You are no doubt a Toscano kid."

Cocoa pulled onto the University parking lot and parked in her usual spot. Everyone had arrived. Cocoa and I were the last to arrive. We got out and met up with the others.

"Hey, Cocoa and Guila. What's up?" Tosca asked.

"I'm a nervous wreck because I get my results back today."

"Girl, don't be nervous. Uncle Val is definitely your dad. I have an idea. Tomorrow, how about we have a 'Welcome to the Family, Guila' party, just us - meaning you, Cocoa, Cam, me, Lei, and Lalita?"

"Tosca, that is a great idea. We can go wherever you want to eat. And, I'll treat everyone."

"I would like that a lot. Okay, I know Italian food well, so I would like to try whatever your favorite dishes are. I always wanted to try an American burger and fries."

"Five Guys have some really good burgers and fries. And, let's go bowling as well. I'll drive," Cocoa says.

"I'll drive too," Cam added.

"There's the bell. Let's head to class."

"I love you guys. Thanks."

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Narrator's POV

Throughout the rest of the day, Guila tried her best not to be nervous. It worked until the school day ended.

Just like on Monday, Cocoa drove Guila to the hospital. They waited until Val arrived. As soon as they saw him approach the front door, Guila stepped out. Cocoa pulled away from the hospital as Guila and Val walked in.

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Guila's POV

Doctor Wallace escorted us into her office, then closed the door.

"I have copies for both of you with me. Here are your envelopes. And, I'll read from my copy of the results." Doctor Wallace handed us manila envelopes, then read the results from her copy.

"Mr. Toscano, Guila is 100% your daughter. The results show that everything we checked for was a bonafide match."

I got up and hugged my dad. I truly am relieved. The nervousness immediately stopped.

"See, you had nothing to worry about."

"Guila or Mr. Toscano, do you have any questions?" Doctor Wallace asked.

Both us answered, "No."

"Thank you, Doctor Wallace."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day." My dad and I walked out of the office, towards the elevator.

After reaching the lobby, we exited the hospital.

"How would you like to learn how to drive?"

"I would love to learn how to drive. When can we start?"

"I'll teach you for a few weeks, then I'll take you to the DMV for the written test. That is when you are ready. Right now, let's go celebrate, just the two of us."

"Okay."

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Saturday, September 15th, 2017

Val's POV

The last person I taught how to drive was my mother. Initially, she drove me crazy. I even yelled at her one time. But my mother got better after several practices.

I gave Guila the keys. I showed her which button was the alarm, then which button opens the doors.

"Good job. Let's get in."

Guila sat on the driver's side, and I sat on the passenger side.

When I told the family, I was teaching Guila how to drive, they all burst out laughing. My father even suggested that he should be the one to teach her because I have a temper. I can't even deny that I do.

Dominic and Eli even came today, so they are driving behind us. I see them in the rearview mirror, laughing.

Without me telling her Guila put on her seat belt.

"For this SUV, the ignition is keyless, so you will just need to press it for the car to start. The doors are keyless entry as well. Today, we are driving to the bowling alley where you and Cocoa are going."

What Guila doesn't know is that once she decides to take the written test and driver's test, when she passes this will be waiting for her.

It's a BMW X3. I happen to know this is what she would like because my mother has one. Eli does too. Cocoa is the one that told me. See, I asked Cocoa to tell me all of the things Guila likes. I never got the chance to spoil her as a kid. So, I will spoil her as an adult.

"The brake pedal is located on the floor, to the left. The accelerator is to the right. You will always use your right foot for both the brake and accelerator. The turn signal lever is located to the left of the steering wheel. Shifting the lever up indicates a right turn and shifting it down indicates a left turn."

"Now, press the keyless ignition. Then, use the parking brake, which is the lever on your right, take the car out of park and put it in drive. Don't press the accelerator yet."

Guila then followed my instructions as given.

"Good. Now, press the accelerator with your right foot. You will always use your right foot for both the brake and accelerator. Pull up to the gate entrance and press the brake. We are going to make a right turn."

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Cocoa's POV

Everyone was here except Guila. Cam asked Chen to come so he wouldn't be the only guy. Guila is learning how to drive. She texted me last night about the results. I am happy for her. Guila is now with the only parent that cares about her. We have become close as well. She is even going to teach me how to speak Italian.

"Guys, one team will have an odd number. So, who is on a team?"

"Cam and Chen should be on different teams. Let's let them pick," Tosca suggested.

"That's fine with me. I'm picking Cocoa, Leilani, and Guila," Chen says first.

"Let's ask Uncle Val to bowl with us. That way it will be eight of us, and he can be with me, Lalita, and Tosca."

"Speaking of, I see them now. He bought Guila a BMW. She likes the one your mom has, Cam. Val asked me to see what Guila likes so he can buy it for her. He told me he didn't get a chance to spoil her as a kid, so he is going to spoil Guila now."

"Why are my mom and dad following behind?" Cam asked.

"Because when he taught Nonna Donatella how to drive, he went insane. He told me he even yelled at her. Looks like they are disappointed because Val looks relatively calm."

Guila parked the BMW perfectly in the spot next to me. Mr. Dominic and Mrs. Eli parked next to them. Val stuck his tongue out at them. We all laughed crazy.

"Uncle Val, would you like to join us? We are missing a person on our team?" Can says to him, in a pleading tone.

"I don't want to intrude on your fun time," he answered.

"Uncle Val, please intrude. Cam and Chen talk too much trash," Tosca pleaded.

"They sure do. And, you wouldn't be intruding at all. Guila wanted to try a burger, so we are going to Five Guys after bowling. Mrs. Eli, why don't you and Mr. Dominic join us too? Mom is running errands, so she couldn't make with us bowling. She's going to Five Guys with us. Guila, you are on Chen's team with me and Lei."

"Sounds like fun. So, whose team am I on?" Mrs. Eli asked.

"Now that we are even with the guys, mom you are on my team. And, dad can be on Chen's team. Sorry, Cocoa but you all are going down!"

"We'll see about that one, Mr. Calabro."

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"Let's all thank Cam for the treat to Five Guys. And, remember to order whatever you want. Oh, and we are getting milkshakes from Knead for Sweets too. Aren't we, Mr. Calabro?" I looked up at Cam with arched eyebrows. He made a bet that he would win every match we played. We played three games, and I won two.

"Yes, we are." I pinched Cam"s cheeks.

"Good boy. Here are my keys so you can drive."

After grabbing Cam's hand, we walked out of the bowling alley to drive to Five Guys.

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Friday, December 15th, 2017

"Thank goodness today is the last day of classes before winter break. Just think, we will be graduating in June. Well, not Lalita and Guila."

"Speaking of, where is Guila?" Tosca asked.

"Guila said she has a surprise. She's on her way now."

About five minutes later, we saw a BMW park next to my Mercedes. I knew it was Guila, but the rest didn't.

"Who is that parking next to you, Cocoa?"

After Lalita asked that question, out stepped Guila.

"Surprise! I have my license. Well, it is a provisional license. I'll have that for a year and a half. Then, it will be a full driver's license. How my dad knew that I liked this SUV, I still don't know."

I'm not telling Guila that I told Val what she liked. "Is everybody packed and ready for the trip?"

"I sure am, Cocoa. I finished packing Monday. And, I can't wait for the surprise."

"Me neither, Tosca. I'm nervous about the surprise. I hope it turns out great. There's the bell. See you all at lunch." Cam and I made our way to class. While on the way, we ran into Bryce and her posse. And, no surprise there but it looks like Giovanna joined them.

Giovanna ran up to Cam and tried to hug him. But, to no avail. The girl is sad.

"Giovanna, I told you not to hug me. You can say hi by waving your hand. I'm with Cocoa now. What part don't you get? We go through this every day. We are trying to get to class. Goodbye!"

Bryce was about to open her mouth. "Bryce shut it, and mind your business. It's the last day of school until January. Go pester someone else." I'm so glad we won't have to worry about her after June of 2018.

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Narrator's POV

Everyone made it through the school day without any incidents. Once the end of the day bell rang, everyone practically ran out of the building to the parking lot.

The crew made it home safely to prepare themselves for their trip.

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Saturday, December 16th, 2017

I am driving the Escalade this morning because I have mom, Lei, and Lalita. And, we each have two weeks' worth of clothes for our trip, meaning two suitcases each. We don't return to the university until January 8th. Yes!

Val told us to go to the hangar where the family plane is housed. The plane, of course, is positioned outside the hangar, ready and waiting to takeoff. It's a nice size private plane that has two levels. Once I parked, we all got out and grabbed our luggage.

"Ms. Cocoa and family, Mr. Toscano told us to take care of your luggage. You can go ahead and have a seat on the tram, which will take you to the plane. My associate and I will be right behind you with your luggage. My name is Mike."

"Thank you, Mike." We took a seat on the tram, and the driver drove to the plane. As we approached the plane, Val was standing on the steps waiting for us.

Once the tram came to a full stop, we got off and went up the plane stairs. "Have a seat ladies. We are just waiting for Eli and Dominic."

I sure did go to sit. I sat next to Cam. Guila was sitting across the way with Tosca and Chen.

"Hey, Cam and Cocoa. Don't tell dad yet, but some guy yesterday told me he was interested in me. I didn't give him an answer yet because I wanted to ask you first."

"What's his name?"

"His name is Channing Jones."

I choked on my spit, which caused me to cough. "Guila, avoid him at all costs. And, it's my fault for not telling you about him. Remember what I told you about Landry?"

"Yes. He is the guy you dated before Cam."

"Well, before Landry, I dated Channing. The day we graduated from high school, I found out he was cheating with some new girl at our school. And, I also found out the only reason he was going to stay with me was because my parents bought me my Mercedes."

Guila said something in Italian, and Cam understood it. It sure wasn't pleasant because the look on Cam's face said it all - shocked.

"Thanks, Cocoa. Wait until the next time I see him."

Uh oh, Channing is in trouble. Oh well. We saw Mrs. Eli, Val, and Mr. Dominic walk by, which means everyone is on the plane.

Once the flight attendant shut the door, he went to the cockpit. The pilot then made an announcement over the loudspeaker.

We are on our way to Maui. Someone is going to very surprised.

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