Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

Cam's POV

I sat nervously in the waiting room with the family. We haven't heard a word yet from a doctor. I'm guessing Cocoa is in surgery. I hope she is because I couldn't stand it if she has died.

"Why would someone do this?!"

"I can give you two names - Giovanna and Bryce. I say them because they know that we are engaged."

"Cam, what about that Alyssa girl who was jealous when Landry and Cocoa were dating?" Tosca mentioned.

"Bianca and Giovanna know better than to have done this senseless act. Find out what you can about the other name you mentioned. Whoever did this better hope Cocoa doesn't die. If she does, it will not be good for them. It won't be good regardless of who did this heinous thing," my Uncle Val says.

It sure won't.

"Excuse me, are you the family for Ms. Cocoa Baker?"

Alyshea's POV

"Yes. I am Cocoa's mother."

"I am Dr. Jones. Your daughter had a variety of injuries. She had some swelling on her brain, so that was the first surgery. I was able to relieve the pressure, and the surgery went well. She may have a concussion from the impact of the way her head hit the ground. Cocoa's chart also shows internal injuries, broken bones, and neck trauma. It's going to be a long night. Each surgeon will provide you with an update once the surgeries are completed."

"Thank you so much, Dr. Jones."

"I'm not leaving this hospital until I see my child. We already lost Richard. We can't lose Cocoa too. Lalita and Leilani, I want you both to go home and get some rest because you have school tomorrow."

"But mom, how can we concentrate or go to school knowing Cocoa is in the hospital and could die overnight from her injuries?" Leilani says through the river of tears.

"Mom, can we stay, please? We can ask our friends to get our homework or reading assignments. Plus, there are only two days left for the week."

"Fine, you can stay. But make sure to call your friends about school work. I will write a note for you to take to school on Monday. And, I need you to call Michail because I am too upset right now."

"Dad, we want to stay too. I'll text my friends tonight," Tosca says to Dominic.

"Make sure you do."

"Mom, we're going to the cafeteria. Do you want us to bring something back for you?"

"I'm okay with whatever you get for me. Thanks, Lei. Here is some cash to pay for the food for everyone."

Leilani's POV

My mom handed me some money. Then, Lalita, Cam, Tosca, and Giulia followed me to the cafeteria. I hope they have a Chick-fil-A in here.

We took the elevator to the first floor and then asked the receptionist where the cafeteria is. Once she gave us directions, that is where we walked.

"I'm too upset to eat right now, but I better eat something."

"Me too. I want to choke whoever did this to Cocoa. Are you going to call Michail or me?" Lalita asked.

"I'll call. Can you get my usual from Chick-fil-A? I'll find us a table."

"Sure." After handing Lalita the money mom gave me, I went to find a table and called my brother. The rest went to get the food. Michail picked up on the second ring.

"Sorry if I woke you up."

"You didn't. What's up?"

I could barely get my words out. "Some lunatic ran Cocoa down at school today. She is in the hospital, currently in surgery."

"Who did what?! How is she?"

"We don't know yet. Cam, Lalita, Giulia, and Tosca saw it. Cocoa was hit so hard she flew a few feet away. It's bad."

"I'll catch a flight early in the morning and be there as soon as I can."

"Mom was too upset to call, so I did."

"It's okay. Thank you for calling, Lei. I'll see you soon."

After hanging up the phone, Lalita came back with our food. "Michail will be here tomorrow morning."

"As for who hit Cocoa, Giovanna and Bryce would be the obvious choices."

"You're right, Cam. Too bad I don't attend University with you guys because I would beat them both up. I can't stand people who do not understand what no means."

"Lei, it's bad enough Cocoa is in the hospital. We don't need you going to jail for assault."

"Don't worry about Giovanna. Leave her and Bianca to Uncle Val. We'll deal with Bryce on Monday," Cam then says.

While we all sat and ate dinner, we texted our friends about school work.

After we finished eating, we took mom's food back upstairs to the ER.

"Mom, here is something to eat for you and your change. Any more news on Cocoa?"

"Keep the change, Lei. And, no news since Dr. Jones came in a while ago."

"Okay. Guess we will be going home now. I called Michail, and he is flying down tomorrow morning."

"Thank you. Lalita, here is my ticket from the valet. I trust you to drive my truck. Will you pick Michail up from the airport?"

"Yes, mom."

"Thanks. Good night, girls. I'll text you with any news."

"Good night, mom." Lalita and I hugged mom then we left the hospital.

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

Thursday, January 4th, 2018

Lalita's POV

Michail's plane landed, and he said he is waiting for us at the entrance of the airport.

As soon as I pulled up to the entrance, we saw Michail and Myshea waiting for us. Lei rolled her window down and waved him over.

I opened the trunk of mom's Denali so Michail could put the luggage in the truck. Myshea and Michail then sat in the back seat.

"Nice truck, Lalita."

"This is mom's Denali. She trusted me to drive it. Mom stayed at the hospital with Val, Dominic, and Mrs. Eli. I have a Chevy Tahoe."

"What about you, Lei?"

"Mom, Val, and I had a chat. After graduation, I am going to be driving a Range Rover."

"Guess what, Shea? Your aunts are going to be our chauffeurs."

"Yay!"

My brother is fortunate I am driving. "To the hospital, we go."

***********

Myshea ran to mom as soon as we reached the waiting room.

"Grandma! Is Aunt Cocoa okay?"

"Each of her surgeries was successful. Cocoa's condition is critical, so she is in the ICU ward. The doctor said the next 24 hours is key. That was 8 hours ago. We visited with her for a few minutes. It would be wise not to take Shea yet because of Cocoa's condition. There is a waiting room near the ICU."

"Well, can I draw Aunt Cocoa a picture?"

"Of course you can, Shea Shea. Let's go up there with the rest of the family."

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

Cam's POV

Cocoa made it past the 24 hours. Thank goodness. But, she is not out of the woods yet. I can't stand whoever did this to her. The doctor said that one person may stay in the room with Cocoa overnight, so I volunteered for tonight.

Fortunately, I didn't have any homework assignments, but Mike did give me some reading assignments.

I hope Cocoa is not in a coma or has memory loss.

"Hey Cam, word spread around the University about what happened to Cocoa, so Saturday night we are holding a candlelight vigil on campus. I told Cocoa's mom too. She appreciates it and said she would attend."

"Thank you, Heather. Can someone record it for me because I am not leaving this room until I am forced to?"

"You got it. We'll see you later." As Heather left the room, Alyshea and two other people walked into the room.

"Hey Cam, this is my sister, Monica. And, next to her is my brother-in-law, Elias. They flew up from Florida."

I shook both of their hands. "Hi, it's nice to meet you. Sorry, it's under these circumstances."

"It's nice to meet you, Cam. Our kids are in the waiting room."

"I'm sure you want to visit with Cocoa, so I'll leave the room."

Alyshea's POV

"Jealousy sure is an ugly thing. Why do such a vile act against Cocoa?"

"Mo, I said the same thing. Cocoa would always tell me about the girls trying to get her in trouble. It's ridiculous. It happened when she dated Landry. Cocoa is not even going to graduate on time because of this accident."

"You said they planned to move, right?"

"That was their plan. Val and Dominic's parents live in Key West. So, during Spring break, Cam and Cocoa were going to house hunt in Miami while staying with them. Donatella, Luc, Emiliano, and Ada are flying up for a visit. I also found out Cocoa's friends are holding a vigil tomorrow night on the University campus. It's going to be cold, but the kids said they didn't care. So, I told them I would come because I appreciate what they are doing for Cocoa."

"We'll come too. Cocoa has some amazing friends. Speaking of Val, he is really sweet. I am happy for you, Alyshea."

"Thanks, Mo."

"He passed the brother-in-law test, so he's a good guy. He better be."

"Elias, you are a trip."

"Hey, I remember when Richard did the same thing to me before Monica and I were married. So, I had to keep the tradition going. Now, how about Cam? Does he need a chat too?"

"Cam's a good kid. Before mom became sick, Cocoa and Cam started taking an interest in each other. Once we came home, it took them a few years to finally come together. Cam and Val proposed on our trip to Maui. That's where both weddings are taking place."

"Well, as Cocoa's uncle, I have to make sure any boys are okay for my nieces."

Suddenly, we heard a knock on the door. As we were leaving, we saw Donatella and Luc.

"Hi, Donatella and Luc. This is my sister and brother-in-law, Monica and Elias Vilaro. Monica and Elias are visiting from in Miami."

"Hi, nice to meet you, Donatella and Luc," Mo says as both her and Elias shake their hands.

"It's nice to meet you both as well," Luc says in return. "Now, who lost their mind and put Cocoa in the hospital?"

Luc went from sweet to angry in a matter of seconds. He has the same 'I am going to hurt them' look as Val did when I told him what happened. The Toscano men are serious about their family.

"We don't know yet. Cam has a hunch about who may have done this, but we have to be sure. Cocoa's friends from school are going to see if they can find out anything. The kids are also hosting a vigil tomorrow night on the University's campus. I'm going, along with the girls, Monica and Elias."

"That's sweet of Cocoa's friends to do that for her. We'll stay here at the hospital."

"It really is. We are going to go so you both can spend time with Cocoa."

Monica, Elias, and I left Cocoa's room. We were on our way back to the waiting room until we saw Channing stepping off the elevator and walking towards us.

"Mrs. Alyshea, I know I am the last person you want to see right now. But, I overheard a conversation and I am glad I did. I already went to the police. It was about Cocoa and the accident."

"Channing, I am not mad at you. But I am disappointed. Come on, let's have a seat in the cafeteria."

I couldn't take him to the waiting room because that would cause a riot. We took the elevator down to the cafeteria.

We sat at one of the tables near the entrance of the Starbucks.

"Okay, what did you hear?"

"I know who caused the accident, and it is not who you think it is."

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