Saturday, December 23rd, 2017

Cocoa's POV

We have been busy looking at venues for our wedding since Tuesday. But yesterday, the search ended. We have found our spot, and it is a fantastic location. We have our date and location. Now, here comes the hard part - guest list, invitations, decorations, and dress shopping.

Cam and I are just lounging by the resort pool today. Everyone else went on an adventure today.

"Next thing we need to work on is our guest list and how many to invite."

"The venue will hold as many guests as we would invite, no matter how large or small."

"This is the toughest part because what happens if we forget to invite someone? We also have to think about how much we are going to spend. I don't want us to start our future in debt because of our wedding."

"That will not be a problem. With me, Guila, and Tosca being the only grandchildren, the only thing we will need to buy is our wedding outfits."

"Are you serious?"

"100% serious. So, besides our parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends, who are we inviting?"

"So far, the count is 22 without our friends. My family is on the small side because my mom and dad were only children. Most of my cousins are from my grandparent's brothers and sisters. Would you be okay with me inviting my friends from Lakeside? Well, they are in college now. How about we figure 100 guests?"

"I'm okay with that. It's not a problem. That number sounds good to me. We need to give the count to the venue, and the caterer as well. Okay, so what about food? Italian is an absolute must."

"It has to be cooked right. Your grandparents make the best Italian food ever." Speaking of Italian Nonna's and Nonno's, here comes Nonna Donatella, Aida, Nonno Emiliano, and Luc.

"Hey Cam and Cocoa, taking a break today?" Nonna Donatella asked.

"Yeah. Venue shopping was tough, but we found the perfect place for a sunset wedding ceremony. We are working on how many to invite and the food."

Nonna Aida and Donatella both started clearing their throats. Uh-oh.

"Now, I know you are not even thinking about hiring a caterer. Are you?"

Cam answered, "Yes, we were Nonna."

Nonno Luc gave Cam the evil eye and said something in Italian. "Absolutely not. That's what grandparents do. We already talked about it with Connie, Nina, Alfred, and Marvin. We'll take care of the Italian. Cocoa, your grandparents will take care of the American dishes."

Cam and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement. We stood up from our loungers and hugged everyone.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Cam, and Cocoa. All you need to do is worry about shopping for your dresses and Cam's suit."

Yes! Our wedding is coming together quickly. Now, we just have to tell everyone about the move to Florida.

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Friday, December 29th, 2017

Cam's POV

Today is our last day in Maui. The last two weeks have been spectacular - two engagements and two weddings almost planned. Tonight, we are telling the family about moving to Florida before our wedding. The nerves have already kicked in for both of us.

Tomorrow, we are flying back home. Only five more months of college, and we will be done with school forever.

"While we wait for our dinner to arrive, um, Cocoa and I have some news to reveal. During our Spring Break, we will be looking for a house, but it will not be in Maryland."

"We are going house hunting in Miami. We already made plans to stay with Nonna Donatella and Nonno Luc."

"Well, you both are old enough, so I certainly will not protest. Miami is about a 3-hour flight away from Maryland. You have my support."

"Thanks, mom."

"I agree with Eli. We will miss you like crazy," Alyshea then added. It feels weird calling her by her first name.

"Thank you, mom. We figured a change of scenery would be nice. Miami is a 4-hour drive to Key West."

"You guys better make sure to have room for visitors. When are you moving to Florida?" Leilani asked.

"Cam and I chose the end of June, after we graduate from University. I'm sure we will need to buy furniture and things for the house, so that is what we are going to do before our wedding in August. And, of course, we will make sure to have rooms for visitors, Lei."

"Now is not the time for anyone to be sad. Of course, we are going to miss both of you. But it's your life. If you would like us to help get you settled, just let us know."

"Thanks, dad. Everyone might as well come down." That is the first time I have seen my father get so emotional like that. He seemed sad when he replied.

Cocoa added, "Mom, we will also have Aunt Monica, Uncle Elias, Rey, and Nic in Miami with us. I need to call them to let them know about the wedding too. Cam and I will have support with us in Florida. And, I want to ask Rey to be a part of my bridal party."

"That's right. Wait until the family hears the news that both of us are getting married. We'll have to take a trip soon. They haven't met Cam or Val yet."

"How about coming with us when we travel during Spring Break? We don't mind it."

"We'll take the family plane. Let's toast to engagements, weddings, and a move to Miami," Uncle Val said.

"Cheers!"

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Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

Cocoa's POV

Cam is driving us to University today. Tosca is riding with Chen, so Lalita and Guilia are riding with us. Cam and Chen parked next to each other.

I miss Maui already. It was nice and warm. It's nice and cold here, so everyone is meeting in the break room before class begins.

I called my Aunt Monica last night and told her about mom and I both getting married. She was excited about both weddings. Mom asked Aunt Monica to her matron-of-honor, and Aunt Monica said yes. I asked Rey to be apart of my bridal party, and she said yes. Cam asked Nic to be a groomsman. Nic said yes as well.

As soon as Cam parked, we made a mad dash into the lunchroom to meet up with our friends. I saw Heather, so we walked over to the table.

"Hey, guys, come sit with us. How was your Winter Break?" Heather asked.

"We spent two weeks in Maui. And we got engaged."

The group had their mouths wide open. "No way! Congratulations! When is the wedding?" Heather asked.

"We chose August 18th of next year. We want you all to come. The only thing is we are getting married in Maui."

"We'll be there," Mike says.

"We will be mailing out invitations soon. And, you all will never guess who just happened to be in Maui at the same time as us."

C.J. replied, "I'm going to take a guess and say, Bryce."

"That's a good guess. We saw Giovanna and her Aunt Bianca. She said it was coincidental, but I don't believe it one bit."

"Coincidence my foot. She must have heard you or Cam talking about your trip. Giovanna is exactly like Bryce, a pain in the butt," Sasha says in an annoyed tone.

"I am far from a pain in the butt, losers." Bryce and her stooges approach our group.

"Hey, Bryce, guess what loser is going to be more annoyed? You are because Cam and Cocoa are engaged," Mike announced.

"No, they are not. Why would Cam get engaged to her?"

Lalita was about to swing her fist, but I stopped her and showed my ring to Bryce. "And, the answer to your question is Cam loves me. Now, who is the loser? Bryce, do us a favor and be gone?" She gets on my nerves.

The first bell rang, signaling for us to head to class. Good thing I already ate breakfast.

"Ugh, can we get another week off?" Lukas whined. "I am not in the mood for school today."

"Lukas, Spring Break is around the corner. Plus, we graduate from University in June. Trust me when I say working is much harder. I usually work with my mom during the Summer. It definitely was hard. Let's get to class. See you all at lunch."

After leaving the cafeteria, we all went our separate ways.

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Today, our crew planned to eat lunch off-campus. After playing music on my phone, I put my earphones on and made my way to Cam's SUV.

Cam's POV

Lalita, Guila, and I were in my truck, waiting for Cocoa to arrive. Cocoa said she was on the way.

"I see her coming over now, Cam. Cocoa is walking towards the parking lot," Lalita says while pointing out of the window.

Suddenly, we heard a screeching car that began speeding through the parking lot. The screeching car was hurdling straight towards Cocoa.

Lalita, Guila, and I immediately got out of my truck and screamed, "LOOK OUT!!!"

Cocoa glanced our way, not realizing the speeding vehicle coming her way. She must have the volume turned up loud, listening to music on her phone. "BOOM!" The car slammed into Cocoa and tossed her onto the grass near the parking lot. The car quickly sped away.

We all ran to where Cocoa landed. "Some call 911!!!"

I swear I will find the person who did this. They will regret it.

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