Saturday, June 7th, 2014

Cocoa's POV

After we walked away from the arena to the cars, I saw a big purple bow attached to the hood of a SUV. As we got closer, waiting for me in the parking lot of Lakeside near my dad's Denali was:

"A MERCEDES G-CLASS SUV?!!!!"

I am seriously ready to faint. I ran over to the truck.

"Am I dreaming?! This is really mine?!"

"No you are not dreaming, Cocoa. You deserve it. We did the same thing for Michail. When Lalita and Leilani graduate, we will do the same for them too. We started planning for your graduation presents when Richard and I got married. I had already had Michail, but Richard always treated him as a son. The money we saved for all four of you grew interest. As long as you all get good grades, that is all that matters. This is the reward." My mom said.

I gave my mom and dad a huge hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"So, Cocoa you know what to do right?" My dad said with a stern voice.

"Yes. No talking while driving, obey traffic laws, and keep my grades up at University."

"Good girl. And, spend time with your brother and sisters. Now, we have a graduation party to go to. Here are the keys. And, in this bag is a checkbook and your bank card. The amount is in the checkbook. This one is from your grandparents. You will have to create a pin number for ATM machines. Remember to always have something with you for gas. There is another present in the glove compartment. Also, your Mercedes has an alarm on it. Just press the button on your keys."

"Yes, daddy. And, thank you both for the truck." Daddy gave me the keys and the gift. I'll check the balance later. 

I walked over to my grandparents and gave all four of them a big hug. "Thank you Nana Connie and Nina. And, grandpa Alfred and Marvin. I promise to spend it wisely."

My grandma's both gave me a kiss. "You're welcome, Sugar. And, your account grows with interest."

"Cool."

"Can we ride with you, Cocoa?" Leilani asked.

"Oh, I am definitely riding with Cocoa too. And, so is Alise." My brother proudly proclaims.

"You got it, Lei. Indeed you are, bro." I love spending time with my brother, Alise, who is my brother's girlfriend, and my sisters, so that will not be a problem. Leilani, Alise, and Lalita got in the back seat. Michail sat in the front passenger seat. My mom and dad drove their trucks, and my grandparents got in their car. And, off we go.

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We are having a big graduation party with our friends and family in the park. Wait until they see this. Once we parked our vehicles, I opened the glove compartment. In there was a new Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Yes!! A new cell phone. I am smart about spending money and using my cell phone, so I should be okay. I'll need to switch my pics to the new phone.

I saw Tosca, Mercedes, Li Ming, Kalyani, Channing, and the guys. Their mouths were wide open when they saw me getting out of the driver's side of my Mercedes. After helping Leilani out, I locked the doors and turned on the alarm. Then we walked over to the rest of the gang.

"Whoa! Now that is a graduation present. Cool ride, Cocoa."

"Thanks, Channing. It is a wonderful surprise from my parents. Let's go to eat because I am hungry. And, you all must tell me about your ceremony. You will never who was a special guess speaker. We had Coach Harbaugh speak and he handed us our diplomas!"

"Whoa, you guys had the Coach?!"

We walked over to the food table and fixed ourselves some plates. Our families really came together for this graduation party. I see Mrs. Eli made her famous lasagna, and I sure did scoop some of it. I grabbed some corn, a hot dog, and some of my mom's macaroni salad - hands down the best ever. We walked over to the graduate's table. I saw someone I never saw before. Well, I have been gone from Oak Park for two years.

"Hey, Cocoa this is Wendy. Wendy, this is our friend, Cocoa." Tosca says to me.

"It's nice to meet you, Wendy." After everyone sat down and ate their food, my dad and Mr. Dominic walked on a stage that was set up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to thank Tosca, along with the mom's, for thinking of the idea to throw one, large graduation party. Every mom and dad here is very proud of their kids for graduating. Let's give the graduates a big round of applause." That was Mr. Dominic. Everyone clapped their hands in honor of the graduates.

My dad was next. "Also, we would like to thank all the parents who made the wonderful food that we have before us. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a surprise for the graduates. Will each one of the graduates come up on the stage when called? It is a gift from every parent here today. All of your hard work has come to this day."

We all saw a table being moved over to the stage. Mrs. Eli and my mom were standing at the table. I'm guessing they will pass the bags to my dad. Then, Mr. Dominic will hand them to the graduates.

"Channing Jones." Channing walked up to the stage and Daddy D gave him a bag. Everyone applauded him.

Cam was called next, and he went to get his gift. I was the last one, which I didn't mind. I went up, gave my dad a hug, and Daddy D handed me the gift bag.

After coming off the stage, I went to grab my bag to get my truck keys. "I'll be right back." I walked back to my truck and was about to open the door. But, I overheard an interesting, but hurtful conversation.

Wendy - "What do you mean you are not leaving her?!"

Channing - "You see this shiny, brand-new Mercedes we are standing near? Cocoa's parents got this for her as a graduation present."

Wendy - "You need to tell her about us anyway. It is either her or me. And, you need to decide today."

Well, it lasted longer than I thought. I didn't bother to shed one tear because I should have known better. I walked around to the back.

"Guess what? He doesn't have to decide because I am - we are done, over. This relationship lasted longer than I thought it would."

I punched him right in the face! "Don't come near me again! Enjoy your little girlfriend."

I walked back to the party. "Who wants to go for a ride?" They were all puzzled.

"When you see Channing, you will understand what I mean." Tosca and the girls followed me to my truck. "Hold on, I'll be right back."

I went to find my mom or dad to tell them. My parents were talking to Channing's parents. Good. They will know what kind of son they have.

"Mom and dad, I am going for a drive with my friends. We will be back. I just found out that Channing was cheating on me with some girl named Wendy. And, the only reason he was staying with me is because of the Mercedes you got me for graduation. Sorry, Mr. & Mrs. Jones but I punched Channing in the face."

"He did what?!" My parents were hot! And, so was his.

"We understand, honey. Drive safely." My mom says as I gave her a hug. Then, I ran over to my truck. Leighton and the guys were chewing him out.

"You guys might want to move whatever his name is out of my way before I drive over him." They moved while we got in my truck. I put the key in the ignition, backed out of the parking space, and just drove away.

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I eventually drove to Oak Park and parked in the parking lot. We got out and just stood in the parking lot.

"For once, Cam was right. I should have known this might happen. But, you know what? I don't feel the urge to cry. What for? I have a shiny, new Mercedes that I can drive around. And, spend time with my brother and sisters. I already have a summer job at my mom's job." (Alyshea is an accountant.)

"Good for you, Cocoa. What is wrong with him?! Should have known something was up. We always noticed him spending too much time with Wendy at school, but never thought he would cheat on you." That was Tosca.

"It's his loss. You can get yourself a college boy when we go to University in September." That was Mercedes.

"I just want someone who loves me for me. But after this, whoever it is better be strong enough to be grilled by my dad."

The girls chuckled. "That's true. But, we love your dad. Guess what? Speaking of dad's, there was a set of keys in my gift bag from my grandparents. They got Cam a truck too. Cocoa, we are twins. Mine is red. Apparently, our dad's talked about getting us the same truck and went to the dealership together. The first day of Uni is going to be fun."

"It sure is, Tosca. It sure is."

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Narrator's POV

Cocoa and the girls drove back to the party. She spent the rest of the party with her family as they watched fireworks to end the night. Cocoa checked the balance of her checking account. Her grandparents deposited over $5k dollars. In the bag was a note.

"Cocoa, we know you lost three years of being with your friends. We love you very much for making that sacrifice. Enjoy your day and spend your money on you. You deserve it and continue staying sweet and beautiful."

Cocoa cried after reading her grandparents letter. She called them and thanked them again.

Throughout the summer, as promised Cocoa spent her days at work with her mom, which she plans to save the money she earned. And on the weekends she spends time with Leilani and Lalita. They even drove it to New York. Alyshea rode with them so they could visit Michail.

Cam and Tosca spent the summer in Italy with their grandparents and Uncle Val. They had a great time.

The last couple of weeks of summer, Alyshea and Richard took the family on vacation to the Bahamas. They also had a great time. When the family came home, Cocoa took Leilani and Lalita school shopping.

Leilani and Lalita were not looking forward to September because it was back to school. But, Cocoa was looking forward to school because she is four years closer to her goal of owning her own bakery.

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Monday, September 8th, 2014

Cocoa's POV

It's that time of year again - back to school. Except, this time I am going to University. I knew what I had with Channing wasn't going to last. And, you know what? I am not even mad. It's his loss. And, I am over it. I am glad that Tosca and the girls are going here with me, so I won't be alone. I miss going to school with them. We are all going to try out for the cheer team. I am on my way to pick up the girls at Tosca's house. Both Tosca and I are driving.

Cam is also going to Copper Grove. Again, I don't care because that friendship sailed when he said, 'good riddance.' I pulled up in front of the house.

"Hi, Cocoa. Thanks for coming to get us today. Kalyani is riding with Tosca." Mercedes says as she and Li Ming hop in.

"You're welcome. Off to Uni we go."

The university is a 20-minute ride. And, all of our first classes start at 9:00 am.

It didn't take us long to arrive. We needed to find two parking spaces in the student parking lot. We saw everyone watching us.

"They are all wondering who is driving the Mercedes," Mercedes says.

"They can wonder all they want. I am not here for drama. Had enough of that in high school." We found two parking spots, but it was near a group of what I am assuming is football players. Dang, are they hot too. Probably all juniors and seniors. Oh well. After parking, we all got out, then I locked the doors and pressed my alarm.

As soon as I turned around, one of the football players was standing before me, and boy was he hot and might I add, very muscular. I almost jumped out of my skin.

(Landry MIller - star linebacker for the football team)

"Do you have a habit of scaring girls when they turn around after parking, Mr. uh......."

"That is a pretty, hot vehicle for a very hot chick. The name's Landry Miller, star defensive player for the football team. And I am sorry for scaring you. What's your name, beautiful?" He leaned both of his arms on my truck, closing me in so I couldn't walk away.

"Nice to meet you, Landry. Please don't call me a chick. Do I look yellow? My name is Cocoa, and I am a freshman. Goodbye." I tried to move his arms, but he was too strong.

"Got it. Never call you a chick. But, you are hot."

"Excuse me, Landry but I don't want to be late for class on my first day of University. And, let me guess, I am part of some stupid bet with your football buddies. Not happening, Mr. Miller. Just got out of a relationship with someone who cheated on me. And, the only reason he was going to stay with me is because my parents bought me a Mercedes for graduation. I heard it all on my graduation day. So, if you are looking for someone easy, there are several girls standing near your friends that want you. I am far from easy. Now, hands off my Mercedes-Benz, please. Goodbye. My friends are probably wondering where I am."

I looked over to his friends and they all started laughing. The girls are staring at me with daggers in their eyes. He started following me once he moved.

"It's not a bet at all, I promise. I meant what I said about you being beautiful. Most of the girls at the University are fake and annoying. Can I at least walk with you to your first class? And, I am a sophomore. And no, I didn't come over here just because of what you drive. I understand that point because that is the only reason girls want to get with me. I drive that white Escalade where my friends are standing."

"Okay, I'm sorry about judging you for that. You seem sincere. But, that could be a facade. Fine, you can walk with me to my class because I have no idea which way to go."

"Let me just grab my books from my truck, and we can go. On the way, I will tell you who to stay away from. The one leaning against my truck is one of them. Her name is Bryce. And, the other two are Dacey and Graciela. They are always telling girls to stay away from me like they have a claim on me."

We approached Landry's Escalade. All three of the Barbies' glared at me. Do I look like I care? I texted Tosca and told her what happened. She texted back, "We noticed. He is hot, Cocoa. Go get your boo, girl. If he asks you for a date, go for it. Every guy is not like Channing. See you at lunch."

"Bryce, how many times have I told you to stop leaning on my truck? And for the umpteenth time, leave me alone! Read my lips - I don't want you or your friends!"

"Stop joking, Landry. You know you do."

He didn't pay her any attention. Landry grabbed his books, locked up his truck, then introduced me to his friends.

"These are my friends and football teammates - Mike, CJ, Joe, Lukas, and Nick. This beautiful girl that I just met is Cocoa."

"It's nice to meet you guys. Can I ask why you guys were laughing when I looked your way?"

"I'm Lukas. As soon as Landry saw you step out of your Benz, he ran over to you like he was chasing a quarterback for a sack. The guy knows what he wants, and he wants to go out with you. He really does like you."

"I'm Nick. By the look on your face, while talking to him, you turned him down. Landry's cool though. He may be the star on defense and popular, but one thing he is not is a player. That would be Mike on the end."

"That's me alright. And, not ashamed of it either. Nick is right, Cocoa. I have never seen him sprint like that for any girl."

One of the Barbies had to open her mouth. She eyed me up and down first. "There isn't anything special about her. And, she is......"

"If I was you, Barbie I would not finish that sentence. I already know I am black and proud of it. Last time I checked, so is your minion leader. I am only going to have this chat with you three once - do not tell me who to stay away from. I can talk to whoever I want. Landry apparently doesn't have a problem with my skin, so scram. I do know he doesn't want any of you. He told me while we walked over here. Stay away from me and I will stay away from you. Goodbye!"

The Barbie dolls huffed away.

"Thank you for sending them away. They are annoying. You're welcome to hang out with us, Cocoa when our girlfriends are around. They are really nice. We better start heading to class. Nice to meet you, Cocoa." That was Lukas.

Mike came over and tried to kiss my hand, but I sure didn't let him. "Nice try, buddy."

"She's good, Landry. See you later, man." Then he walked away.

"What is your first class?" He asked as we started walking towards the University.

"I have my Accounting class first. Then after that, Business Administration. One day I plan to own my own bakery."

"That's cool. I have the same Business Administration class. One day, I would like to own a restaurant. I love to cook. My father and grandparents taught me how to cook. My mom passed when I was in middle school."

"I'm sorry to hear that your mom passed. Don't you want to play in the NFL though?"

"That would be a dream of mine. But, I still want something else, just in case football doesn't work out. My plan is to go to University for four years, graduate with my degree, then football. That is what my dad instilled in me. While playing football, I want to open up my restaurant." Landry opened the door to the building I need.

"Thank you. Look, is what your friends, Lukas and Nick said true?" He is at least 6'5" tall, so I had to look up. He was blushing.

"Yes, it is true. I always have girls throw themselves at me, but I don't want any of them. I am looking for someone who has qualities like my mom - sweet, kind, beautiful, etc. I just had a feeling about you. Here is your class. And, since we have the same Business class, I'll come and get you."

"Thanks again. If you don't mind being friends, then that is what we can be. Like I said, I'm not ready for a relationship yet."

"I can live with that. I really did mean what I said about liking you. I'll see you after class."

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I waited for Landry outside the classroom. As soon as I saw him, I walked his way. "Thank you for helping me."

As we walked away, girls were staring - some blushing, some staring, and some glaring. Once again, I didn't care.

"Where is the football field? My friends and I wanted to try out for the cheer team."

"Mike's girlfriend, Heather can tell you. The cheerleaders actually have their own building. When do you take your lunch break?"

"My break is at 1:00 pm. Then my next class is at 2:30 pm."

"Okay. I'll introduce you to her then. She is really nice."

As soon as we made it to my Business class, I saw Cam entering the same classroom we were heading to. Whatever.

I found a seat as close to the front as I could. And, it was an end seat. Of course, Landry followed me and sat next to me.

"Good morning, students." The professor says as he entered the class.

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The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Thankfully, I didn't have any homework yet.

As we walked out of class, "What's the deal with the guy that was looking at you?"

"I'm not going into detail because you and I just met. But, basically, he threw away our friendship. And, the ex that I broke up with goes here too. They both may try out for the football team. Promise me that you will not get into any fights with either of them. And, tell Mike, CJ, Nick, Joe, and Lukas to don't start fights either."

I looked up at Landry and put my hands on my hips. "I mean it."

"Okay, I promise. Too bad for him. His loss opens up a way for me. The lunch area is in the next building over to the left."

"Good boy. How tall are you? I just have to ask because my neck hurts every time I look up."

"I am 6'5" inches tall."

"Okay, that is what I was guessing."

We walked out of the Business Administration building, towards the lunch area.

"Do you mind if my friends sit with us? Their boyfriends are coming with them."

"That's not a problem. This weekend the football team is hosting a 'Welcome back to University' party. Uh, would you be my date?"

"Mr. Hotshot, star football player is nervous?" I playfully jabbed Landry in his ribs.

"Yes, I would love to be your date. Remember, just as friends though. I developed trust issues after Channing. But, I must warn you about my dad. He is going to want to meet you and grill you like crazy. Oh, and my dad is Richard Baker."

Landry looked down at me and said, "Oh, I know. Your dad is like a football legend in Maryland! Aww man, I hope he approves me for our date."

We walked into the lunch area and it was a food court with many of my favorites - Starbucks, Wendy's, Chick-Fil-A, and McDonald's.

"I didn't bring lunch today. I'm going to Chick-Fil-A."

"I'll go too." We walked over to place our orders. Landry paid for our lunch. "Thank you." Once the cashier called our number we grabbed our order and went to find his friends.

We saw them, and they waved us over.

"Hey, guys and gals. Gals, I want you to meet Cocoa. Cocoa, meet Jessie, Heather, Sasha, and Melanie. Today is her first day here. And, she already had an encounter with Bryce."

"It's nice to meet you, Cocoa. I'm Jessie. I hope you put Bryce in her place. The girl is desperate."

Landry has a very diverse group of friends - Black, White, Asian and Hispanic. I like that. "I sure did put her in place. I don't have time for drama. I had plenty in high school."

"Oh my gosh, didn't you go to Lakeside?" That was Heather.

"I started out at Oak Park, but after a broken ankle and embarrassment at the sophomore dance, my parents had me transferred to Lakeside."

"I thought you looked familiar. How would you like to try out for the cheer team? That means your mom is Alyshea Baker, the queen of cheerleaders in the State." Jessie asked.

"Fellas, Cocoa's dad is Mr. Football himself, Richard Baker," Landry excitedly says. Their mouths were wide open in awe at who was my dad.

"Jessie, I would love to try out for the team. My friends would like to also. I see them coming. Hey, how do you know my dad? I just told you today who he was."

"The more the merrier. When is your last class?"

"My last class ends at 5:00 pm."

"Okay. I'll let you know the specific date for tryouts. And, don't forget the party this Saturday."

"Mr. Nervous sitting next to me asked me to be his date. Hi, Tosca. I'll introduce everybody."

"Landry is a good guy, Cocoa. You will never have to worry about him. I'm Sasha."

He sure was nervous, fiddling with his food. I introduced Tosca and the gang to Landry and his friends. He still didn't answer my question.

For some reason, I feel like giving Landry a chance if he asks me for more than a date. He seems sweet and sincere, but like I said before, that could be a facade. Tosca is right though, every guy is not like Channing. But, Landry will have to get past my dad. And, that will not be easy. If he makes it past my dad, then our friendship could possibly turn into a relationship. I know one thing - my freshman year of college will be very interesting.

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Cocoa's college boo is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / dotshock

Escalade is courtesy of Wikipedia Commons