Monday, April 3rd, 2018

Cocoa's POV

Aunt Monica and Uncle Elias are meeting us at the private airport. Our plane is close to landing in Miami. I'm glad because my ankle is throbbing. Thank goodness.

"Can someone get me some water, please?"

"I'll get it." Cam left his seat to get me some water. He came back within five minutes.

"Thanks."

I grabbed some medicine from my bag and took it with my water.

Val's flight attendant said, "Everyone can buckle up. We'll be landing in fifteen minutes."

Once everyone buckled up, I looked out the window and could see the airport. Within fifteen minutes, the plane began its descent. The aircraft landed safely in Miami. Yes!

Cam helped me out of my chair, then handed me my crutches. We then walked off the plane. Three SUVs were parked by the plane. Aunt Monica, Rey, and Uncle Elias came over to where I was standing.

"Hi, Cam and Cocoa. How are you?" Aunt Monica said as she hugged us.

"I'm fine and glad to be away from home."

"I'm sure you are. You and Cam are riding with Rey."

I hugged Rey too. "Hey, Cocoa. I can't wait for you all to move to Miami."

"Me too, Rey. Where is Nic?"

"He is home, cooking on the grill. Cam and Cocoa, let me know when you're ready to view the houses. My real estate agent has quite a few houses for you to check out. I have copies of the listings at home."

"Wednesday is fine. I need to rest my ankle."

"No worries. Let's get you all home."

*********

Wednesday, April 5th, 2018

I am excited about our house search today. Mom, Val, and Aunt Monica are coming with Cam and me. We are viewing three houses at a time, so my ankle will not bother me.

We are traveling to the first house.

"The house was built in 2016. It is 2,425 square feet. It is the smallest house in size wise that we will see today. It has three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master suite has a bathroom. There is a bathroom on the first floor, and one is in the basement. The main floor is open concept. There is a room downstairs that you could make into another bedroom. The list price for this one is $250,000. Let's take a look inside."

We followed the real estate agent inside the house. The agent took us to the second floor first. The bedrooms are big, but more than three rooms will be needed. There was a balcony off the main bedroom, which was nice.

"This house has a set of stairs that lead into the kitchen."

I love the spiral staircase that leads to the kitchen. The kitchen is nice, but I would like it to be larger.

There was a patio in the backyard and plenty of space for us to add a pool.

"The previous owners remodeled the house, so if this was the house you selected, it is move-in ready. There is an indoor jacuzzi in the basement and a door that leads to the backyard. Let's take a look. And let me know when you need a break. You can call me Sasha."

"Okay."

Cam and I want at least five bedrooms. The basement is a nice size. There is a living room, washroom, jacuzzi room, and an extra room, which we would make a game room.Sasha led us back upstairs.

"So, what do you think about the house?"

Cam, let me answer. "Overall, I liked the house. And it has plenty of space. In terms of the bedrooms, we need at least two more."

"That's not a problem. The next two houses have five bedrooms. Let's move on to the next house."

******

"This house has 3,750 square feet of space. There are five bedrooms and six bathrooms. It also has a basement, pool, and a large kitchen with a bay window. You could also fit a small table in the kitchen. It also has a staircase that leads to the kitchen. Monica told me that you're a baker in the making, so this house has a double oven. It is new construction, and this list price is $375,000. Let's take a look."

Thank you, Aunt Monica. Sasha opened the front door, and I was instantly amazed. The foyer has dual spiral staircases that lead to the second floor.

There were two large bedrooms with bathrooms. The third bathroom was in the hallway. The additional bedrooms were a nice size too.

The kitchen was huge! It has plenty of counter space and an island.

"Look at the size of the yard. And it has an inground pool," Cam said as he pointed to the bay window.

Sasha took us outside. I could tell Cam liked this one. I like it too. "I can picture plenty of family gatherings and pool parties."

"Me too." We went to the basement next and were not disappointed. It has a washroom and several other rooms. There was also a sliding door that led to the backyard.

"So, what are your thoughts on this house?" Sasha asked.

Cam answered this time. "It's definitely at the top of the list. It has plenty of space for us and our kids when we have them. There is plenty of room for guests too. I love the backyard."

"I agree with Cam. And my favorite is the kitchen with the double oven. I could see this house as our forever home."

"Great. Cocoa, we can take a lunch break so you can rest your ankle."

"Thank you, Sasha. I could use a break."

**********

I'm glad we took a break. "I had a feeling you and Cam would like the second house," Aunt Monica said. "The pool is fantastic."

"I agree."

"You'll both love the third house Sasha chose too."

Aunt Monica parked behind Sasha in the driveway of the third house.

I love it already. Val and Dominic told Cam and me to pick the house we wanted. It will be our wedding present.

"Cam and Cocoa, this house is the biggest in terms of size - 5,000 square feet. The backyard is massive. There is an inground pool, a deck, and plenty of room for your kids to run around. There are seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. Cocoa, you will love the kitchen. There are two double ovens and plenty of counter space. Also, this house is furnished, so you can see how the space was used. It's new construction, and the list price is $500,000. It's just a short distance from Monica and Elias. And I want to let you know that there several offers on this house. Let's take a look inside."

I noticed a balcony overlooking the living room as we walked inside the house. The foyer had dual spiral staircases, a large aquarium, and a fireplace.

"There are three bathrooms on the second floor, two on the main floor, and two in the basement. There are bonus rooms in the basement. You'll love it."

The master suite was huge. It has a sliding door that leads to a balcony overlooking the backyard. I could tell Cam liked this house too.

"Look at the size of the pool! Pool parties, here we come."

We followed Sasha to the main floor. The living room had a large-screen television. "How big is that tv?" Cam asked Sasha.

"I believe it is 75 inches. There is also a living room in the basement with an identical television."

We saw a library, sunroom, dining room, and an office as we walked to the kitchen. Sasha was right about the kitchen - I love it. It has plenty of counter space, a massive island, two double ovens, a double sink, and a big table to seat six people. We could buy a bigger table too because it was that much space.

Sasha took us to the basement. We saw the living room she mentioned, a washroom, and a sliding door that led us to the backyard.

"Here is the first surprise," Sasha said. Cam opened the door, and it was a home movie theater. The movie room had 12 reclining chairs and a kitchenette with a popcorn maker, microwave, and fridge. Sweet.

Cam was grinning like crazy. "Now, this is my kind of movie room." I could tell Cam liked this house by his facial expressions. Heck, I like it too. Besides, my ankle could not withstand many more days of viewing houses.

"Let me show you the second surprise," Sasha said as we followed her out of the room.

Sasha opened the door to a sauna room. I probably won't use it, but Cam would.

Sasha led us all back upstairs to the living room.

"So, Cam and Cocoa, what do you think about this house?"

I let Cam answer first. "Of the three houses, I like this one the most. It has plenty of space for a growing family and guests. The two bonus rooms are a plus. Both Cocoa and I could have an office. And let's not forget the pool."

"I agree. The kitchen has everything that I could dream of."

"Okay. So, would you like me to schedule more viewings? Or would you like to put in an offer for one of the houses we viewed today?"

Cam and I looked at each other. We already knew which house we wanted. He let me answer this time. "We would like to put in an offer for this house."

Mom, Val, Dominic, and Aunt Monica chuckled. "I knew when Sasha showed me the listing that you and Cam would love it, Cocoa," Auntie said.

"Let's go to my office, and we can get started on the paperwork for the house."

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

Monday, April 10th, 2018

We had a fun weekend. Aunt Monica and Uncle Elias threw a 'Welcome to Miami' party for us. I met Rey's boo, Cris. They are so cute together. Dominic met some of Uncle Elias' doctor friends. It is great that Dominic has connections already.

We took Myshea and Leigh to Disney World. They loved it. I did too. The last time my parents brought us was when we were kids.

Sasha texted me that she would come to Aunt Monica's house. She has news for Cam and me about the house. I hope it is good news because I'm a nervous wreck.

My cousin Nic, Cam, Michail, Leilani, Lalita, Leigh, and Myshea are in the pool. Uncle Elias, Dominic, Eliana, and mom are in the house. Aunt Monica, Rey, Alise, Tosca, and I are lounging by the pool.

"I'm going to love living in Miami. Now it is just a matter of where we will live."

"Child, that house is yours. Trust me, I know. When Sasha visits a client, it's good news; your mom and Val are Sasha's next clients," Aunt Monica said.

Rey added, "Mom is right, Cocoa. Sasha did the same thing to mom and dad."

"How long are you all staying? Are you going back home at the end of the week?"

"I'm staying for good. Mom and Val are staying with me. Everyone else is going home at the end of the week. I will be going back to Maryland to pack and for Cam's graduation. Once he graduates, he'll move to Miami."

We saw mom walking our way with Sasha.

"Hi, everybody. Congratulations, Cocoa. You and Cam are now Miami homeowners. Your offer was the only one that paid for the house upfront."

Yes! "Thank you so much, Sasha." I have to thank Val and Dominic too. I love them very much for their support. Cam screamed too. He came out of the pool, stood me up out of my lounger, and twirled me in the air.

"Uh, remember my ankle. And don't squeeze me too tight."

"Right. I'm sorry."

"Cam and Cocoa, when are you going back to Maryland?" Sasha asked.

"Cam is going back on Saturday. I'm staying in Miami."

"Okay. How about coming to my tomorrow to sign your paperwork? It will take about two hours."

"We can come tomorrow."

"Great. Congratulations, Cam and Cocoa. Now, Alyshea, I'll see you and Val on Friday."

"Thank you, Sasha." Mom and Sasha walked into the house.

Val, Dominic, and Uncle Elias came over to the loungers. I squeezed Val and Dominic into a hug. I had tears streaming down my cheeks. I miss my dad so much. Val and Dominic are the closest to a father I have in my life. "Thank you so much for the house."

Dominic wiped the tears from my cheeks. "You're welcome, Cocoa. I know you miss Richard. I will always be there for you. And, you know Val will too. You, Cam, Tosca, Lalita, Leilani, and Guilia have bright futures ahead of you. And we will do all that we can to see that you all succeed."

Val added, "Dominic is right. Great times are ahead for our families. Lunch is ready. Dominic and I fixed Italian. Elias fixed Brazilian. Eli and Alyshea fixed American."

"Yes! Thank you! All of my favorite dishes!" Nic, Michail, Leilani, Lalita, Leigh, and Myshea jumped out of the pool when they heard what was for lunch. It was hilarious!

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

Saturday, April 15th, 2018

Since the house was already furnished, we moved in on Wednesday. I even cooked our first meal in the kitchen on Wednesday - spaghetti with Italian sausage and garlic bread, and I baked a chocolate cake for dessert. Aunt Monica and Uncle Elias brought wine for us as a housewarming gift.

Everyone except mom, Val, and me are going back home today. Myshea cried her little eyes out before getting on the plane. Cam is standing by Val's SUV with a sad face.

"Stop moping. We can video call each other."

"It's not the same. I already miss you. When are you coming to Maryland to pack?"

"I'm coming the week before graduation."

"Come on, June."

"Cam, it's time to go! See you later, Cocoa."

Cam rolled his eyes at Tosca as he boarded the plane.

After taking my seat in Val's SUV, he drove us to a safe spot so we could see his plane take off. Fifteen minutes later, Val's plane took off.

"Where would you ladies like to go?"

"Let's go out to eat. Aunt Monica mentioned a Brazilian steak house is in the heart of Miami. She gave me the address."

I gave Val the address of the steakhouse.

"Off to dinner, we go."

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