Videos for this chapter:

'1, 2 Step' by Ciara

'Roar' by Katie Perry

'Happy' by Pharrell Williams

'Celebrate' by Pitbull

Friday, October 11th, 2013

Cocoa's POV

"Are you for real?! After what you said the last time, you have the audacity to want to talk to me?! No, we can't talk. When we had the chance to talk, you tossed me to the side and didn't want to listen to anything I had to say. And, not to mention, two, crazy ex-girlfriends of yours physically and emotionally hurting me. Your saying 'good riddance' to me hurt very much. I eventually got over the hurt. So, good riddance, Cam. Oak Park played a great game tonight. Good luck the rest of the season."

"Hey, Cocoa you have to change girl!" Mercedes screamed to me from the other side of the field.

"Goodbye, Cam." I then ran to the locker room, took a quick shower, and changed into my clothes. Then, I grabbed my bag and ran back on the field to find Tosca.

"Hey, Cocoa are you okay? Was that Oak Park player bothering you?"

"Oh no, I'm okay Todd. Thanks for checking on me."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. See you later."

I saw Tosca waving, so I walked over to where she was standing.

"Sorry, girl. Cam suddenly wanted to talk. I let him have it."

"The nerve of him. Dad is waiting for us in the parking lot."

We made our way to the parking lot and saw Daddy D waiting for us. So, we got in his SUV.

"Good to see you again, Cocoa. That was a great game played tonight," He said as we pulled out of the parking lot.

"Good to see you too, Daddy D. And, it was a great game between both teams. I'm glad Lakeside was on the winning side. Sorry, Tosca."

"It was sweet seeing your mom, Lei, and Lalita cheer."

"It definitely was. Best football atmosphere I have been in. Now, I am starving."

"Me too, Cocoa. Mama Maria cooked a feast for us Mercedes said in a text."

"Yes! I can't wait!"

Within 15 minutes, we arrived at Mercedes' house. Tosca and I got out to grab our bags from the trunk.

"Thanks, dad for the ride."

"You're welcome, Tosca. Enjoy your sleepover." Daddy D waited until we entered the house to pull off. Mama Maria answered the door after we knocked. Tosca turned around and waved, then we walked inside.

"Hi, girls. Everyone is downstairs in the basement."

"Thanks, Mama Maria."

Tosca and I joined the ladies down in the basement.

"Sorry, we are late. Cam approached me, finally wanting to talk. I blew him off." I went straight to the bathroom to wash my hands so I can fix myself a plate of food. Mama Maria certainly did fixed a feast - Paella, Empanadas, Coca (a savory or sweet pastry with toppings. Savory coca could be considered a twin sister to the Italian pizza), and for dessert Churros.

"Speaking of boys, after the game I saw someone staring at you, Cocoa. From what I could see he was hot. He was coming on the field to talk to you until he saw Channing." Tosca says a little too happy."

"He didn't seem his usual cocky self. Enough about boys. We are finally seniors. I am four years away from achieving my goal. I know I won't be able to open my bakery right away. But, I am okay with that."

"This is definitely a big year for us. And, we are all planning to go to the same University. Looking forward to it," Mercedes says to the group.

"I wish we were graduating high school together though. When is your graduation? Ours is June 7th."

"That's the same day as ours! That's so cool! We should have a joint graduation party," Tosca says excitedly.

"Let's watch a movie, ladies."

"First, I'll pop us some popcorn and be right back." Mercedes left the basement living room and went upstairs.

"Well, we might as well take this food upstairs to the fridge." Tosca, Kay, and I grabbed the food and took it upstairs. We put it in bowls and then in the fridge.

"Let's grab some sodas too." Tosca was about to grab some sodas until,

"My mom made us some non-alcoholic Sangria. It is in the fridge," Mercedes says.

"Okay, M." I looked in the fridge and saw the Sangria. Tosca grabbed several glasses. Mercedes was finished with the popcorn, so we all went downstairs at the same time.

"Mom said we can order whatever movie we want to watch," Mercedes says.

"Let's watch the Captain America movie. Chris Evans is a total babe."

"He sure is. Captain America, it is."

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

Saturday, October 12th, 2013

We were all so tired that neither of us remembers the last scene we saw of the movie. So, we all went upstairs to fix breakfast.

"Good morning, girls. I have breakfast ready for you."

"Thank you, Mama Maria." She fixed us pancakes, bacon, and eggs.

We carried our breakfast downstairs and watched the movie again. During the movie, I got a text from my dad saying he is going to pick me up instead of mom. My mom is sore from cheering. He is coming around 1:00 pm. I texted back that I will be ready.

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

Time went by fast because my dad is here.

"You're coming back, right Cocoa?" Tosca asked.

"I sure am. See you, ladies, later."

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

As soon as we reached our house, my mom, Lei, and Lalita were sitting on the porch.

I saw my mom slowly trying to get up out of the lounge chair.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Mom, you don't have to rush. Rest yourself."

"Woo, I wore my bones out yesterday. But, I would do it again in a heartbeat. That was absolutely fun. Let me know when you are ready to get dressed."

"Okay, mom."

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

Narrator's POV

Cocoa took a nap when she got home. After her nap, she took a shower. Alyshea fixed Cocoa's hair. Then, she helped Cocoa into her dress.

Cocoa's friends from Lakeside picked her up for the homecoming dance.

She thoroughly enjoyed herself and had a great time - dancing, eating, taking pictures, etc.

After the dance, her friend drove her back to Mercedes' house for the sleepover weekend they were having.

The rest of the school year was a breeze for Cocoa. Lakeside won the football and basketball championship. Cocoa got all A's in her classes and became the valedictorian.

She also won the ballot for prom queen. Both Lakeside and Oak Park had the prom on the same day, so Channing won't be able to take Cocoa to her prom.

Weirdly, it didn't seem to bother him either. He would barely call Cocoa or even spend time with her. She had a feeling something was up but had no proof.

She didn't let it consumed her though. Cocoa focused her attention on getting her driver's license, with her dad's help. He rented a car and took Cocoa driving around. When it came time to take her test, she aced it. Cocoa is now officially a licensed driver.

Cam made the best of his senior year as well. He even was awarded a football scholarship to University. But, he turned it down because his dream was to become an architect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Party season is here. Cocoa had a blast at her Farewell. The graduating class took a cruise around The Chesapeake Bay.

Cocoa won several awards - Most successful, Most Popular, etc.

Up next - The Prom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, May 24th, 2014

Cocoa's POV

Even though we are going to different proms, the girls are getting dressed at my house.

Once again,  Leilani helped me pick out my outfit.

I gave her a hug and a kiss.

"Thank you, sweet sister, of mine. I love it."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. I like the sparkles. They are pretty."

"They really are."

"Lei, mom said come downstairs now, so Cocoa and the girls can make their entrance," Lalita enters the room to tell Lei.

"See you downstairs, Cocoa." Both of my sisters then went downstairs.

Tosca went first, then Kalyani, then Mercedes, then Li Ming, and I brought up the rear.

All of our parents were downstairs, taking pictures of us all. My dad even videoed us.

We have a close-knit group, even between our parents. It's awesome.

Each of the guys handed us a corsage.

"Thanks. It's beautiful."

"You're welcome. Beautiful flower for a pretty girl. I'm sorry about us not spending time together. But, I promise over the summer we will."

"It's fine, Channing. What matters is that you are here now."

Cam brought a date. I must say he looks nice in his tux. But, he always looked nice. His problem was his attitude.

I did go say hi.

"Hi, Cam. Nice tux."

"Hey, Cocoa. And, thank you. Your dress is pretty. This is Christina."

"Thank you, and it is nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Cocoa."

"Picture time, kiddos," Mrs. Eli tells us.

The girls stood in front of the guys. We took picture after picture for about 30 minutes. We took group pics as well.

We heard vehicles pulling up to the house, so my dad peeked out the window.

"Both limos pulled up in front of the house. Time to go," He then says.

As we walked out the door, our parents continued to snap pictures.

Channing walked with me over to my limo, which was an Infiniti SUV. The driver is going to pick up my Lakeside cheer team friends.

I told Channing, "Thank you and enjoy the prom at Oak Park."

"Thanks. Have a great time at Lakeside."

He opened the limo door to help me in. Then, Channing shut the door. Off to the prom I go.

Channing's POV

I feel like a jerk. But with Cocoa going to Lakeside, it's lonely without her.

I told Wendy to wait for me, and then wait until my friends enter the prom. I am a star quarterback and should not be dateless on my senior prom.

We all proceeded to get in our limo and took off for the prom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We arrived at the hotel our prom was being held at. There was a red carpet for us to make an entrance. I let everyone get out first, then I waited for Wendy.

As soon as Wendy saw me, she walked my way. Then, we linked arms and walked inside.

"Did you tell your girlfriend yet?"

"I couldn't do that to her on prom night. And, we were at her house, with both of our parents."

"Well, you better do it soon, or I will tell her at graduation."

"Okay, okay. Let's enjoy tonight."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cocoa's POV

After picking up my friends from the cheer team, we arrived at the prom. We saw a red carpet entrance. The girls were to be escorted by their boyfriends.

Brett, who is the star quarterback and prom king, is going to escort me. He helped me out of the limo.

"Thanks, Brett."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. Let's make our entrance."

Brett and I waved to everyone surrounding the red carpet. At the end, the principal handed me a bouquet of white roses.

"Thank you, Principal Harris."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. You deserve it. You have done so much over the last two years for the school. Please enjoy the prom."

Brett and I took a few pictures with the Principal, then made our way inside the hotel to our prom.

"Cocoa and Brett, wait right here," Says Marcie, who is Brett's girlfriend. Marcie and I became best friends on the first day I attended Lakeside. Brett is like a brother to me. I'm going to miss those two after graduation.

We heard Principal Harris speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2013-2014 Senior Prom! Let's introduce our Prom Queen and King! Presenting Ms. Cocoa Baker and Mr. Brett Lewis!"

The doors were then opened.

The whole graduating class was giving us a standing ovation as we were guided to a platform with a beautifully, decorated long table. Marcie and Will were waiting for us with crowns.

I whispered to Brett, "Let's dance to a fast song. Change it up a little bit."

"Absolutely. Let's give them a dance they won't forget."

We sat down, along with Marcie, Will, Alyssa, Michael, Tim, and Sade.

"Dinner is ready to be served," The principal announced.

Lakeside sends their Seniors off in style. We had steak, mashed potatoes, salad, mac and cheese, and a roll. To drink we had a choice of water, soda, lemonade or iced tea. I am going to eat everything too.

"Oooh, let's dance to........."

Brett and I traded high fives.

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

"Man, I am stuffed. Perfect time to dance."

"I'll go tell Principal Harris." Marcie excused herself and went over to the Principal, who then announced,

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the King and Queen to dance. Please make it over to the dance floor."

Brett went to tell the DJ the song, then he came back.

As the music came on, everyone was pumped.

We heard, "Go Cocoa! Go Cocoa!"

And, we also heard, "Go Brett! Go Brett!"

We motioned for our friends to join us, and they did. I can't even remember the last time I had this much fun dancing.

After the song finished, we got a huge round of applause from everyone. Then, the floor was opened for everyone to dance.

I wonder how my friends are doing at Oak Park. I took a few pictures and sent them to Tosca and the girls.

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

Cam's POV

"Hey everyone, check your phones and look at the pics Cocoa sent. She looks like she is having a blast!" Tosca says to everyone.

There was no point in me looking. Why would Cocoa send me anything after the way I treated her? I miss her a lot.

I noticed Channing didn't look at his phone at all. What is up with him? And, who is he looking for? He better not be cheating on Cocoa. We may not be friends, but I will always look out for her.

Here I am, sitting at our table, depressed about not talking to Cocoa. She is having a good time at her prom. So, I need to do the same thing.

"Ready to dance, Christina?"

"Sure. Let's hit the dance floor."

We dance for about an hour.

"It's picture time everybody."

We all followed Tosca to the picture booth. Yes, it was big enough to fit everyone. Us taking pictures took my mind off Cocoa.

Cocoa's POV

I took a break from dancing and ate some of the cake, which was delicious.

I heard my phone ding. Tosca sent me pictures from their prom. They are having just as much fun as I am. Once the proms are over, we are going to get both groups together and have an after-party at a small reception hall that our parents rented for us. Can't wait.

About an hour later, we were ready to go. Surprisingly, we all fit in our limo, both the guys and girls.

"I can't wait to meet your friends from Oak Park. We wanted to at least bury the rivalry for one night," Marcie says.

"Me too. They were just as excited to meet you all too. Right now, the shoes are coming off." Is sure did take off my shoes.

We made it to the party room in 20 minutes. Tosca and the crew pulled up at the same time.

After making it inside, everyone introduced themselves.

We danced, had snacks, and something to drink. There was also a photographer. I will never forget this prom night ever.

"Let's take a big group picture to commemorate prom night 2014."

Everybody gathered together, then screamed, "PROM NIGHT 2014!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Narrator's POV

The group didn't get home until the next day. Cocoa stayed in bed for most of Sunday.

Cocoa enjoyed the next two weeks off to prepare herself for graduation, and for her valedictorian speech.

Michail and Alise flew down from New York. Cocoa had a limited amount of tickets to the actual ceremony, so she invited both sets of grandparents, Michail, Alise, Leilani, Lalita, and her parents.

Everyone was excited about the graduation, which is now here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, June 7th, 2014

Graduation Day

Cocoa's POV

Graduation day is finally here. I am nervous about my speech. Gosh, I wish I could see Tosca and the gang graduate.

We are all gathered in the dining room, eating breakfast.

"Cocoa sweetheart, don't be nervous. You got this."

"Thank you, Nana Connie."

"Wait until you see your gifts, Cocoa!" Leilani excitedly says.

"Lei, hush! Don't give it away. It's a surprise," My mom then says. "Let's all get ready to leave. We have a long and exciting day ahead of us."

After placing my dishes in the sink, I went upstairs to my room and put on my cap and gown. Our colors are blue and white. The gowns were dark blue and our caps were white. Then, I grabbed a small bag, put my phone in it, and went back downstairs.

I rode with my mom, Lei, and Lalita. Michail and Alise rode with dad. And, my grandparents drove together. Our caravan the pulled off to our ceremony.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lakeside's ceremony is being held on the University campus that I will be attending in September. I got accepted to my first choice for University - Copper Grove. I get to stay at home.  We walked inside the arena, which was beautiful.

My family went to the seating area for the families of the students. I had to meet my classmates in the locker room. I saw Principal Harris.

"Principal Harris, which way do I go to the locker rooms?"

"Follow Coach Wallace. She is over to the right of the reception area."

"Thank you." I went to the reception area and saw Coach Wallace, along with Marcie, Brett, and the rest of the crew.

"Hi, Marcie and Brett!" I gave everyone a hug. Then, we followed Coach Wallace to the locker room.

We are sitting in alphabetical order. Yes! That means Marcie will be sitting next to me. Her last name is Bell.

After 30 minutes, we were ready to line up. "Students, please line up in alphabetical order. We will be marching out shortly," Principal Harris says to everyone.

Marcie said goodbye to Brett, then we lined up behind each other.

We then heard the graduation march song, and made our way out into the arena. 

As soon as we were visible, our families applauded us as we took our seats on the floor of the stadium. My graduating class is huge - 300 students! 

Once everyone was seated, the principal made it up to the podium at the center of the court.

"Welcome students, faculty and families of the graduating class of 2013-2014!" 

Everyone in the arena applauded the principal's words. The principal then went on to talk for about 30 minutes. Then, he made an announcement.

"Lakeside graduating class, do we have a treat for you. We have a very special guest speaker that was excited to speak to you. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause and welcome Coach of the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh!"

"Oh my goodness!" Yes! The football team players was very excited.

Coach Harbaugh talked for about 30 minutes about how we should focus on our future and goals that we have in life. That I will definitely do.

After he spoke, several other teachers and faculty members spoke to the class. 

Then, it was time. Principal Harris stepped up to the podium.

"Now is the moment everyone has been waiting for. Students please rise. Once your name is called, please come to the stage to receive your diploma. We appreciate Coach Harbaugh for joining us and he will hand each student their diploma."

Oh my gosh! Can this day get any better? The Ravens are my favorite team. Principal Harris called all of the students whose last name began with 'A.' I am the first one with a 'B'.  An extra layer of nerves just entered my stomach because my speech is after the handing out of the diplomas.

"Ms. Cocoa Baker!" Principal Harris called my name and I made my way to the stage. My legs were shaking just a little as I walked up the steps. Coach handed me my diploma and said, "Congratulations." 

"Thank you, Coach Harbaugh." I was about to walk off the stage, but my homeroom teacher, Mrs. Thomas grabbed my arm.

"Cocoa, since you are the valedictorian, you get to stay on the stage." She showed me to my seat, and I stood until every name was called. 

Once the last student was called, the whole arena erupted in a loud applause for what seemed to be 10 minutes.

"Before we conclude the graduation ceremony, please welcome to the podium, valedictorian of the 2013-2014 class, Ms. Cocoa Baker!"

I took a deep breath, then walked up to the podium.

"Welcome families, students, faculty, and Coach Harbaugh. Class of 2014, we have been looking forward to this day since the beginning of our four years of high school. Guess what? It is finally here!" The entire class applauded and cheered.

"We could not have done this without the support of our families. Let's give our mom, dad, siblings, and grandparents a big, round of applause!" We all cheered and clapped for our families.

"We also can't forget the faculty at Lakeside, starting with Principal Harris." We also cheered and clapped for our principal.

"My time at Lakeside may have only been two years, but they were two of the best years of my young life. I have made friends with some amazing people. One of my favorite highlights was of the homecoming game with Oak Park. I was able to cheer with my mom and sisters, a moment I will always cherish. And, that is what we must do - cherish the friendships we made with each other. I will keep it short. Lastly, I want to congratulate each and every one of you for achieving your goal of graduating. And, I hope everyone achieves their goals for the future. Thank you." I waved my hands to the crowd. Everyone clapped and cheered as I went back to my seat.

Principal Harris walked to the podium. "Students, now switch your tassels to the left and give yourselves a round of applause. That will conclude the graduation ceremony."

As soon as we moved our tassels, we all threw our caps in the air. Thankfully, I was on the stage and knew which one was mine. After shaking Coach Harbaugh's hand, I asked if we could take a picture with my phone. He said yes. I got Principal Harris to take the picture.

"Thank you, Coach. I am a huge Ravens fan and watch every game faithfully."

"You're welcome. And, thank you for the support."

I then went to join my classmates on the march out of the arena. We walked back to the locker room. I found Marcie and Brett.

"Hey, Cocoa, can we sign your cap?"

"You guys sure can. I am going to miss you both. Where are you guys going to college?"

"We are going out of state to The University of Miami."

"That's great. Here is my number. Thank you both for being the first friends I had at Lakeside. Let's take a selfie."

We posed, I put my phone on selfie mode, then snapped the picture. Marcie took a picture with her phone too.

"Let's get the cheer team and football together, that is if we can. And, meet outside."

Within 15 minutes, we were able to round everybody up. 

"Hey, Cocoa let's see if we can get everyone in one shot. And, can you send everyone the picture?"

"Okay. Let's do this." We barely fit, but it worked. I took the picture. Everyone gave me their numbers. We all gave each other hugs, and then everyone went to find their families.

After searching for 10 minutes, I found my family.

"That was cool, Cocoa. You got to shake Coach's hand." Lalita says happily.

"Boy was I nervous. I finally got my nerves back."

My dad hugged me. "You did an excellent job. Let's take a picture."

First picture was of me and my grandparents. Then, with Michail, Alise, Lei, and Lalita. Then, one with mom and dad.

We saw Principal Harris. "Principal Harris, can you take a picture of me and my family?"

"I sure can. Everyone, stand close together." Lei, Lalita, and I stood in front of mom and dad. Everyone else gathered around us.

"That's great. I got everyone in the shot." Principal Harris took two pictures.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Cocoa. And, good luck. You have a bright future ahead of you." Principal Harris then handed me my phone and walked away.

"I am starving."

"Let's load the cars and head over to the graduation party in the park." As we walked over to the parking lot, I could not help but smile at the day's events. Senior prom and my graduation are two events I will never forget.

Goodbye high school. Welcome to college.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading chapter 6.

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