Monday, December 18th, 2017

Cocoa's POV

I still can't believe that I am an engaged woman. Wait until we go back to University.

After the luau last night, Cam and I went for a walk around the resort. I was too excited to fall asleep. We eventually came back to our rooms. By the time I got back, Myshea was asleep in the twin bed. The room has both a twin and a full-size bed.

We are having a family brunch, so I am now getting dressed.

Shea is sitting on the balcony, so I went to sit with her.

"Ready to go, Shea?"

"Yes, Aunt Cocoa." Shea and I left my room. In the living room were Lei, Lalita, Tosca, Chen, Cam, and Giulia. We were the last ones.

"Mom, Val, the grandparents, mom, and dad already left to meet Michail, Alise, and Leigh for breakfast. They gave me and Tosca the address. Let's get going, everyone."

Shea is riding with me and Cam. We all left the room and made our way to breakfast.

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"There they are!" Mrs. Eli came over to where Cam and I entered the room. She squeezed the life out of both of us.

"Mom, we can't breath."

"Sorry. I'm just excited to start wedding planning."

"Cam and Cocoa, I'm guessing you both want to wait after graduation, correct?" My mom asked.

"Yes, we do, mom. Graduation is June 9th of next year."

"Okay, so we chose June 23rd for our date because you both, as well as Lalita, Giulia, and Tosca, will have exams to study for before the 9th," mom then says.

I pulled out my phone so Cam and I could look at the calendar.

"I'm sure Uncle Val is going to plan a long honeymoon, so how about August?" Cam says, causing everyone to chuckle.

"My nephew knows me so well."

"Okay, let's pick August 11th, 18th, or 25th."

"Let's go with the 18th."

"Okay. Our wedding day will be August 18th, 2018. Mark your calendars now. Mom and Mrs. Eli, I have no clue what to do, so will you both help me? Since Cam proposed in Maui, can we have our ceremony and reception here too? Well, that question is for Cam."

"Since we already picked our date, then let's go ahead and start looking for venues while we are here. We can start tomorrow."

"Thanks, hubby-to-be."

"We sure can, honey. When we get back to Maryland, we can get started. And, no more Mrs. Eli. Just call me Eli."

"Absolutely, we will help you. This is exciting. That would be amazing to have your wedding and reception here."

"Thanks, mom and Eli."

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After breakfast, we went our separate ways to tour Maui. Cam and I went to Makena Beach. We are going snorkeling today.

We bought our own gear to go snorkeling, so we changed in the locker rooms, then, met each other outside.

"Let's go over to our guide for instructions." Cam and I walked hand-in-hand over to our guide who told us the proper way to put our equipment on. Once she was done giving us our instructions, we put our equipment on and under the water we went.

Cam and I held hands while we went underwater. I was a little scared at first, but after a few minutes, the nerves went away.

It's beautiful down here. And, the water is crystal clear. My phone is waterproof, so I pulled it out and took a few pictures.

Shea is going to love these pictures. We even saw some clownfish.

How cool is that?! Of course, I took a picture of that. What was even cooler was a group of dolphins came our way.

They came so close that we got the chance to pet them. They are so cute. Next to getting engaged, this is the highlight of this trip.

We also saw a sea turtle.

We stayed underwater for an hour with our guide. Then, we swam back to the shore.

"Thank you so much for helping us, Alani. We had an amazing time today."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the rest of your time in Hawaii."

"Thanks." Alani walked away from where we were standing.

"Breakfast seemed like a long time ago. I'm hungry. Let's change and meet back at our SUV."

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Cam and I went to Front Street, which has plenty of restaurants and shopping. We ate at a restaurant that served fresh seafood. Cam and I sat on the deck, which has an awesome view of the ocean.

"I would love to live in Hawaii. It's absolutely beautiful."

"Speaking of living, where would you like to live after we are married?"

"I love my mom and sisters very much, but I have always wanted to move out of the state as soon as I was old enough. But, wherever it was, I want to be close enough to make a short trip back home. I guess I have always liked Florida, Orlando, or Miami. It's a short flight back to Maryland. Plus, don't your grandparents live in Key West? We can visit them more."

"That's true. So, how about this? Spring Break we spend our time in Miami. We can search for a place there. My grandparents have already told me and Tosca that our wedding presents would be a house."

"Sounds great to me."

After we ate our dinner, we went for a walk down Front Street for a little shopping. I bought something from each shop we went to. This will be one of the most memorable trips I have ever had.

"Let's go back to the room now. My legs are tired."

"I'll drive us back." After loading our bags in our SUV, Cam and I took our seats then he drove us back to the resort.

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After Cam parked, we grabbed our bags, locked the doors, then walked inside the resort. But, we both did a double-take.

"Um, is that who we think it is?!"

"Yea, Giovanna, and her darn Aunt Bianca! What are they doing here?! Is it on purpose or an accident?"

"I don't know but we definitely have to tell everyone when we get back to the room."

We hopped on the elevator real fast and went to Val and mom's room. After knocking on the door several times, mom opened the door with messy hair. Yea, eww.

"Uncle Val, you will never believe who Cocoa and I just saw in the lobby?" Cam said in an irritated tone.

"You're right. I won't try and guess, so who is it?"

"We saw Giovanna and her Aunt Bianca. Cocoa and I don't believe it is coincidental either. How they found out is the mystery."

"Unbelievable. It wouldn't surprise me if it was on purpose. That is exactly why Bianca is still by herself. And, then to drag her niece into her clutches is pathetic. Don't even let it bother you. Enjoy the rest of the time here in Maui. If you both would like some help with your venue search, just let us know."

"I would say yes to that and I'm sure Cam would agree."

"I do agree."

"So, how about we go to the restaurant downstairs for breakfast first? Say, around 9:30 am?"

"We'll be there. Good night, mom and Val. Cam, let's get out of here quickly."

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Tuesday, December 19th, 2017

I'm excited to look for venues. The receptionist at the lobby desk gave us some excellent suggestions, so we are going to check them out.

As we were leaving the restaurant, Bianca and Giovanna were entering. Just great. Here comes the drama.

"Well, Giovanna, look who we ran into in Maui."

"Cut the crap, Bianca. We don't have time for your games. We have two weddings to plan. Goodbye!" Val replied.

I sure did make sure Giovanna saw my ring. She had her mouth wide open, in shock.

"That's right, Giovanna. Camdyn Alessandro Calabro is mine, permanently. We are engaged to get married next year after University. Oh, and my mom is engaged to Val. So, whatever you and your Aunt have planned, cancel it. Goodbye and good riddance. Let's go."

"Before we go, you know I don't like it when anyone messes with my family. Don't play with me, Bianca. If Cam, Cocoa, or Alyshea say you or Giovanna's name once, it won't be good for you. Capiche? Now, let's go."

We sure did leave them with their mouths open. I swear if they try anything I am going to lose it.

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