Saturday, September 13th, 2014

This has been a good first week of college. I have already made friends, as well as going on a date with one of the most popular boys in the University.

I have seen the way some girls look at me when Landry and I walk from class to class. Do you think I care? I sure don't. It is amazing how close we became since just meeting each other on Monday.

He said he is going to come to the cheer tryouts today for support. So, I am going to football tryouts afterward.

For the most part, Saturday is reserved to spend time with Lei and Lalita. But, I promised them that I would switch it to Sunday this week.

Lei and Lalita rode with me to the tryouts. Mom and dad followed.

"What would you ladies like to do tomorrow?"

"Go to the beach," Lalita mentions.

"Okay, a day at the beach it is."

Then, my smart-alec little sis, Lei adds while snickering, "With Landry."

"How did I know you were going to ask that? We'll have to see. He may have plans already."

We pulled into the parking lot of the practice football field. The cheer team's building is right next to it. And, guess who was already here? With parking spaces for me and my parents?

I parked next to Landry, and my parents parked next to me.

After Lalita helped Lei out, I locked my Mercedes and put the alarm on.

Landry and I gave each other a hug.

"Don't be nervous. You will definitely get a spot on the cheer team. You really know how to get a crowd pumped. I saw it at the Lakeside homecoming game."

We all walked over to the practice field for the cheer team.

"I hope so. I love cheerleading. Plus, it is a form of exercise to keep me in shape."

We saw Tosca and the girls. But, we also saw Bryce and her minions. I just rolled my eyes.

"Before I go join the girls, would you like to join me and my sisters tomorrow for a day at the beach? We usually spend Saturday together, but with tryouts and the party, we switched it to Sunday this week."

"I would love to join you and your sisters. What time should I come to your house?"

"My father may give you a curfew to bring me home tonight. So, how about 11:00 am. My dad also usually grills us food for the beach, so what do you like, and do you have allergies?"

"I don't have any allergies. But, I would love to try some of your baking."

"Okay. I'll make some cookies for all of us. See you after the tryouts."

Landry's POV

My father and grandfather were in my truck. They gave me a thumbs up to show that they like Cocoa. Yes! I was going to date her anyway.

I see Bryce and her stooges are trying out too. I really don't like girls like them - pushy, rude, ignorant, and have the audacity to claim someone that doesn't want them. That is a major turnoff.

Heather's POV

Whoa! Cocoa's mom came to watch the tryouts. Not the time to fangirl. "Okay, you can do this, Heather."

"Welcome ladies to the 2014-2015 cheer team tryouts! When I call your name, please come up and take the number given to you."

It was quite a bit of girls who came to tryouts. And, I am also looking for a co-captain. After the numbers were passed out, now it is time for conditioning.

"I have exciting news for this year. With Coach Taylor and the University's approval, we are adding guys to our cheer team!!"

Everyone cheered as the guys that are trying out came onto the field. We already gave them numbers.

"With us adding guys, we are now able to do cheer routines and stunts we couldn't do in the past. First, we will have everyone do conditioning and stretching. "

After about 15 minutes of conditioning and 15 minutes of stretching, we commenced the tryouts.

Quite a few came up to Coach Taylor, handed in their numbers, and left.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's begin."

Several additional male and female participants dropped out. I kept my eyes on Cocoa. She is really good. I think I have found my co-captain. Unfortunately, Bryce was surprisingly good also.

The tryouts lasted for almost three hours. I saw Landry and the guys leave so they could make the football team tryouts.

I checked my watch to see that it was almost 1:00 pm.

"Ladies and gents, that will conclude the tryouts for today. We will post who made it to the second round during the week. There is a locker room for the guys and one for the girls. Thank you all so much for coming. And, we will see those who made the cut next Saturday."

Cocoa's POV

I grabbed my bag from my mom and headed to the locker room to shower, change my clothes, then head over to the football field for their tryouts.

It took me about 20 minutes to shower and change my clothes. My mom and sisters left, so I will be driving my dad home. He wanted to see the tryouts for the football team.

I missed about an hour of the football tryouts. I saw my dad, so I went to sit with him.

"Did I miss anything?"

"So far they have been doing conditioning and strength training. How was your cheer tryouts?"

"I loved it. Hopefully, I make the team. The list of those who make the cut for next weekend's final tryouts comes out during the week. College is different than cheering in high school. So, I have to be on point."

My dad kissed my forehead. "I have no doubt you will make it."

"Thanks, daddy. But, that will mess up my Saturday with Lei and Lalita. I don't want to disappoint them."

"Listen, sweetheart, we had a chat with the girls about you going to college. They understood. I know my girls have a strong bond and will never break it. You will find a way to spend time with them. I know you will. So, what would you like for your day at the beach? I understand Mr. Miller is going with you?"

"Yes, he is. And, surprisingly it was Leilani's idea. I just wanted it to be the three of us. The usual food is fine - hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and corn. I'm going to make a dessert."

"Okay. They will be ready for you in the morning."

"Thanks, daddy."

Landry's POV

Dang. We haven't done any hitting yet. Cheer tryouts ran a little late, but Cocoa was able to make it. Now, I can't hit that Channing guy like I wanted to. I'm trying to impress Cocoa and her father.

"Gentlemen, welcome to the 2014-2015 football tryouts. Time for conditioning and stretching, which this session will mostly be. Once we are done with that, then time for hitting, the tackle dummies. Landry remember this is practice. I know how you are." Coach Peterson announced.

We did 15 minutes of conditioning and 15 minutes of stretching. It feels good to be back on the football field.

"Time to divide into defensive and offensive teams."

We did all types of drills and hitting the tackle dummies. At least I got to hit something.

After two hours, Coach announced, "Gentlemen, part one of the tryouts is officially in the books. Next week will determine who makes the team. And, a word of caution - party wisely tonight. If I hear or get word of any of you involved in confrontations or fights, consider yourself done on my football team. Now, time to hit the showers. See everyone next week."

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After showering and getting dressed, I exited the locker room and went to where Cocoa and her dad were standing.

"I have someone I want you to meet." I waved my dad and grandfather over to us.

"Cocoa and Mr. Baker, this is my dad and grandfather......" Apparently, they already knew each other because I was cut off.

"It's good to see you, Richard." All three gentlemen shook hands.

"It's good to see you too, Phil and Victor. This is my daughter, Cocoa," Mr. Baker said.

Cocoa's POV

"It's nice to meet you both, Mr. Miller and Mr. Miller."

"So, you're the young lady that has Landry here blushing when he comes home. Call me Grandpa Phil."

Even my dad laughed at that one. Landry was blushing. "Grandpa!"

"Boy, you know it's true. Stop being in denial."

I opened the door to my Mercedes.

"Uh, Cocoa what are your plans for today?" Landry asked.

"I'm going to the store for cookie ingredients. And, then baking cookies for tomorrow. What time should I be ready?"

"I'll come to get you at 8:30 pm."

"Okay. See you later."

Landry, his dad, and grandpa got in his Escalade. My dad and I got in my Mercedes. Off to the store we go.

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8:15 pm

The first week of college and already invited to a party. My dad was sitting on the couch, waiting to grill Landry while I was finishing getting ready. I heard the doorbell ring, signaling that he was here. Leilani and Lalita charged downstairs like a herd while snickering.

After walking downstairs, I went into the living room and sat on the couch.

My dad had his arms crossed and a serious look on his face. "Bring my daughter back home in one piece. No underage drinking because I will find out. Have a good time, but not too good. I'm not going to give you a curfew because I am trusting you both. But if problems arise, curfew it is."

"Yes sir, Mr. Baker," Landry answered.

"Yes, dad. And, thank you." I gave my family hugs and then we left the house.

"How would you like to drive my Escalade?" Landry says while handing me his keys.

"You're trusting me to drive your truck? Boy, we have only known each other for a week. And, I don't know where we are going."

"I trust you. Besides, when we start dating, I'm giving you a set of keys. And, I will give you the directions. You may need to adjust the seat."

"Real cute there, Mr. Miller. Okay, if you are okay with me driving, I will." As soon as I opened the driver's side door, he was right. I had to adjust the seat. I felt like I needed a ladder to step in this thing. My dad watched us the whole time until we pulled away from the house.

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We pulled up to a huge house!

(Imagine that it is night time.)

"You can park in the driveway."

"Who lives here?"

"This is Mike's family's home. Come on, let's go inside. From the looks of the number of cars and trucks, the house is packed."

I gave Landry his keys back, then we stepped out of his Escalade. He turned the alarm on, and we walked inside.

The house was indeed packed. We scanned the main floor for his friends. They were standing in the living room, so that is where we went.

"Now we can get the party started! Mr. Star defensive baller is here! Hey Cocoa! This is your official welcome to Copper Grove."

"Thanks, Mike. Mr. Star defensive baller here let me drive the Escalade."

Mike walked over to Landry and felt his forehead. "Dude, are you okay?" The guys started laughing.

"Hey! I'm fine. I trust her. Cocoa did great."

"Hey Mike, where are the girls? And the kitchen because I am hungry."

"The girls wanted to make their appearance known, so they have not arrived yet. I did see a few of your friends are here. Once you leave out of the living room, you will see the bathroom. Keep going straight back for the kitchen."

"Thanks." I followed Mike's directions and made it to the kitchen. I saw Tosca, Kay, Chen, and Leighton.

"Hey, guys!" I gave everyone a hug first, then went to get some food. Boy, was it a lot of food - fried shrimp, chicken wings, etc.? After fixing my plate, I went back over to my friends.

"This party is amazing! And, we just got here."

"Ugh, really? Channing and his stupid decision just walked in the kitchen," Tosca said as everyone turned their heads to see them enter.

"Nobody say a word. He made his decision, and we made ours." That was Leighton. They saw us. Thankfully they both got something to eat and left the room.

Landry entered the kitchen now. "Hi everyone. I forgot to tell you all there was a pool in the back. And, dancing is downstairs. The basement is huge."

"Well, after I am done eating, dancing is the way to go."

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Heather and the girls finally arrived. The rest of the team joined us and got themselves something to eat. After everyone ate their food, we all headed downstairs to dance. And, boy Landry was right. The basement was huge! The area where the dance floor was humongous.

While Landry and I danced close to each other, we saw Cam coming down with someone. Good. Maybe he will finally leave me alone.

"I want you to be my girlfriend, Cocoa," Landry whispered in my ear.

I surprised myself. "Yes."

Landry dragged me upstairs, away from the dance floor. He sat me on one of the kitchen counters. "Did I hear you correctly?"

"You heard correctly. I said yes. My friends told me not every guy is like Channing and to give you a chance. My sisters like you. My mom likes you. And, my dad likes you too. You were able to gain his trust. Well, so far. I must admit I like you a lot too. So, my answer is yes. You made it easy for me to say yes."

"Yes! You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say those three letters." He leaned in to give me a kiss and boy was it a kiss. It was perfect - very passionate and sensual. Next thing I knew I wrapped my legs around him to pull him closer to me. My hands ran through his hair. People entered and exited the kitchen, but we didn't care. Every time we heard footsteps, Landry waved them out.

"What's going on in here?!" We pulled away and it was Bryce and her annoying crew.

"I'm kissing my boyfriend. Do you mind?"

"Boyfriend?!"

"Yes, you heard her right. As of tonight, Cocoa and I are official. I told you over and over again that I don't want you or your minions. Never have. Now, if you excuse me, I want to be alone with my girlfriend," Landry tells them.

"Hey Landry and Cocoa, we are about to play truth or dare spin the bottle. But, it looks like you guys already played," Mike said while smirking because he saw that my legs were still wrapped around Landry. I couldn't stop blushing.

"We'll come down in a few."

Mike walked away laughing like crazy.

"Thank you, Cocoa. I promise you won't regret it."

"That was my first kiss. And, boy was it worth it."

"I'm glad I was the first. That was just the first of many ma'am." Landry helped me down and we made our way downstairs to the others. As soon as we entered the room they were playing the game, everyone looked at us and laughed. No one could tell I was blushing, and I sure was. Bryce and her crew were in the room, huffing and puffing. Do you think I care? I sure don't. Channing and his heifer were in there too. So were Cam and the girl that came with him.

"Uh, Landry asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes." Tosca and the girls cheered.

"Let's get the game started. Nick is going first."

Everyone took a turn spinning the bottle. And, already they are trying to break us up. Bryce's friend, Graciela took her turn spinning the bottle and it landed on Landry. "I dare you to kiss Bryce while standing in front of your girlfriend."

Our friends were not happy. He grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it. I know he won't hurt me, so I trusted him. Bryce switched her way over to where Landry and I were sitting. He stood up. She pooched her lips out, thinking Landry was going to kiss her lips. But, he kissed her cheek, then ran upstairs. He came back with water and a napkin. He put a dab of the water on the napkin and wiped his mouth. We all laughed.

"Hey! There is nothing funny! That wasn't a kiss!" Bryce whined while walking back to her seat.

"That is all you are EVER getting from me. And, your friend just dared me to kiss you. She didn't say on the lips because I certainly was not going to do that."

Now it was Wendy's turn. She spun the bottle and it landed on me. She now had a smug grin on her face.

"I dare Cocoa to go into a closet and make-out with Cam."

With Cam?!! Say what?!

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