Tuesday, October 5th, 2027

Braelyn's POV

I was a nervous wreck about Rocco's reaction this morning, but I'm going to do what I wanted to try. When I told my mom about it, she says I am definitely  not a shy kid and will speak my mind when it is necessary.

Rocco and Dia were waiting for me outside the school after my dad dropped me off. Once I walked over to them, I grabbed Rocco's hand. He smiled, and boy am I relieved.

While walking to our homeroom class, we were all excited about Rocco, Dia, Dakota, Dalton, Raquel, and Raeni being on television.

"Was that your dad who dropped you off?" Dia asked.

"Yeah, it was. I asked my dad if we could finally have a proper father/ daughter relationship. So, we are working towards it."

"That's great, Braelyn. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Dia. I can't wait to see you all on television. My mom has been grinning since Friday."

"My mom took us shopping yesterday for new outfits. She said her kids are going to be fly on television. We don't even know when the interview is. My dad just laughed," Rocco then says.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "That sounds like Aunt Kam. Yeah, my mom is taking Dakota and Dalton shopping too. And, you know Aunt Bliss is going to do the same thing with Raquel and Raeni. "

"She sure is. My grandma and grandpa from California are excited too. They are going to come to visit with us whenever the interview happens."

"Sweet."

We saw Trent and his band of idiots following behind him like lost sheep. I will never understand why kids do stuff like that.

Rocco glanced his way as to say, 'try me.' He glances just like Uncle Cris - serious with a hint of being mean. Like father, like son.

We made it to our classroom. Ashton was already in class when we sat down.

"Hi, Braelyn, Dia, and Rocco."

"Hi, Ashton. Boy, do we have news for you. Rocco and I are going to be on television!" Dia says, excitedly.

"No way! Sweet! When are you going to be on television?"

"We don't know yet. My mom, Braelyn's mom, and our Aunt Bliss each have a set of twins. Braelyn has identical twin brothers and my Aunt Bliss has identical twin girls."

"Well, let me know when you guys are on television. I'm definitely watching."

Suddenly, we heard several annoying voices enter the classroom.

"Since when is Barbie and the Plastics, meaning Evie, Beckie, Bethany, and Stacey, in our homeroom?"

Dia replied, "Two words - Rocco Fiore. I overheard someone saying yesterday that Beckie's father is the principal of the school. So, she probably whined to her dad. Look at her, trying to blow kisses Rocco's way?"

"I don't want her, or any one of them with her. Why can't people leave me alone?"

"Because those girls appear to be the type that wants what they can't have. They remind me of that horrible creep that kidnapped my mom and Aunt Kam."

"I hope nothing like that happens ever again. Mrs. Patterson is about to start taking attendance."

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Rocco's POV

I wish it were Friday already. This was one of the longest days. In every class that Braelyn and I don't have together, some girl was trying to talk with me. I cut them off before they got to say one word.

"Thank goodness it is time to go home."

"Tell me about it. I have three homework assignments. Thankfully, they are due on Wednesday," Braelyn says.

The four of us walked outside to wait for our ride home. We sat on one of the benches near the front entrance.

"My dad just pulled up to the school. See you guys tomorrow." Ashton got up and walked over to get in his dad's SUV. Then, they pulled away from the school.

"Uh oh, here comes trouble," Dia says as the Barbies came over. I hope my Nonno comes soon.

In the most annoyingly flirty voice ever, one of them said, "Hi, Rocco."

We totally ignored them.

"My dad is here," Braelyn says. Dia and I both walked with her.

"Hey! I was talking to you!" One of the Barbies yelled as we walked away.

"See you guys tomorrow." Braelyn got in her dad's truck then they drove off.

Thankfully, Nonno Kalani pulled up because the Plastics were coming our way. Dia and I quickly took our seats. Nonno Kalani then drove us home.

"Let me guess - those girls walking your way will not leave you alone."

"They have been bothering me all day. I told them no so many times that it's not funny."

"Rocco, I have been through this in school myself. I'm sure Cris and Marco have too. Some kids, both boys, and girls can be pushy. I will tell you this, and I'm sure Cris may have told you - never put your hands on a woman."

"But, I sure can. Those girls have been trouble since the first day of school, Nonno," Dia says.

"That's not what I was going to say. Don't go getting yourself suspended, Dia. Understand? But, and only but, if you need to defend yourself, do it. High school can sometimes be a battleground."

"Yes, Nonno Kalani."

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

Once Nonno Kalani parked in front of the house, Dia and I went to do our homework. Devin, Isabella, and Kekoa must have had some too because they were sitting at the dining room table.

"Why do teachers give kids homework on a Monday?" Devin asked.

"I was thinking the same thing. I have homework from two classes, and they are both due by tomorrow."

"What would you all like for dinner?" Dad came into the room and asked.

"Pizza, papa," Isabella replied.

We all nodded in agreement.

"Pizza it is."

**********

"How was school today? Let's start with Gabby and Angelo," Mom asked.

"I had fun today. I got to read to my class," Gabby says first.

"I learned how to add numbers," Angelo said next.

"I learned about multiplying numbers today. And, I had a homework assignment. Can you check it, mama?" Isabella said.

"I sure can, right after dinner. What about you, Kekoa?"

"I learned how to divide numbers."

Devin went next. "We had a spelling bee in English today, and I came in second place."

"High-five for being smart. Good job." Devin and mom high-fived each other.

"I had homework from two classes. And, in Social Studies, I learned how to look at a map and globe. We are going to have a quiz tomorrow, so after dinner, I'm going to my room and study," Dia says.

"I also had homework that is due tomorrow. I finished it before dinner. I also had a quiz in Social Studies on U.S. history. I didn't get my grade back yet. I did have to continuously tell several girls no. Braelyn and I did hold hands today."

"And, Braelyn initiated it," Dia added. Kekoa was about to say something, but dad stopped him.

Mom stood up and did a little dance. "Go, Rocco! Go, Rocco! Rocco, you may not remember, but you always had a crush on Braelyn since you first met her at the age of five."

"I did?"

"You sure did, Rocco."

We all chuckled, including dad.

"I remember when you even suggested that I start dating Kamea. And, look how that turned out? Let's finish eating so the kids can study," dad then said. We continued eating our dinner.

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Friday, October 8th, 2027

Shane's POV

After parking in front of Kami's daycare, I helped Shane and Mason out of their seats. Then, we walked towards the front door.

We saw Cris walking over from the house. He walked over to where we were standing.

"Hey, Shane, Shane, and Mason. How are you guys?"

"Hi, Cris. We're great. I came to get Jordan early. We're going to have a father, son, and nephew lunch today."

"That's great. Kamea and the kids are probably in the playroom or movie room. Follow me."

The boys and I followed Cris and went inside the house. It looks like the kids are in the playroom, so that is where we went.

Kam and Noeli saw us.

"Hi, Shane, Shane, and Mason. How are you guys?"

"I'm fine, Aunt Kam," Little Shane says.

"Me too, Aunt Kam," Mason then says.

"I'm good, Kam. How's Jordan?"

"Jordan is having fun. He likes to sit with Matthew. Jordan is a friendly little guy. He gets along with all of the kids. He's a Landes kid. None of your kids are shy, Shane. They are like you and Bliss - outgoing and friendly."

"Thanks, Kam. And, we appreciate you watching him."

"You're welcome, Shane. We love having Jordan with us. You should have seen him yesterday when my dad did a puppet show for the kids. He was excited and even joined in to help my dad. Jordan, babe? Look who is here to see you?"

Jordan turned around when Kam called his name. Jordan started smiling as he stood up off the floor, then made his way over to me.

"Dada." Jordan held his arms out for me to pick him up, so I did. I gave him a high-five.

"Good job, Jordan. Say hi to Shane and Mason."

He looked at the boys, then waved his hand to them. Jordan wanted to get back down to play.

"I was going to take Jordan with me, but I think he wants to play some more." As soon as I put Jordan down, he walked right back over to play with the kids.

"He can stay, Shane. It's not a problem."

"Thanks, Kam. I'll come later to pick him up. Shane and Mason, let's go to lunch."

The boys and I made our way to my SUV for lunch.

Kami's POV

Matthew and Jordan are too cute. They are having a kid conversation.

Cris came into the room with snacks for the kids. "Jordan, babe, would you like a snack?"

Bliss told me Jordan only eats certain types of apples, so we bought them especially for him.

He turned around. "Look at what Uncle Cris has on a plate for you?"

Cris walked over to Jordan. He looked at the plate and said, "Apple."

Bliss said that apple is one of the words that Jordan can say with ease. He can say thank you, please, dada, and mum.

Jordan said, "Thank you," in kid language as he took the apple slices from Cris. He is going to be fine with going to school. I can feel it.

Jordan is already smart for his age. And, he is adorable, just like little Shane. Bliss and Shane are going to have to swat away the pesky parents that are trying to set their kids up to date.

Bliss told me some mother of a daughter in Shane's class tried to set them up to date already. That's just ridiculous. Bliss also told she almost punched a parent in her mouth when she heard her talking about how her grandchildren would look if Shane and her daughter got married in the future. Talk about disturbing. They only see dollar signs because Shane is a Landes kid.

Rocco is going through it now. All I know is these parents better keep their kids in check because they don't want to have to deal with me or Cris.

Some of the kids are rubbing their eyes, so now is a good time for a nap.

"Kids, let's go to the sleepy room."

Thankfully, none of the kids cry when it comes to taking a nap. I carried Matthew and held Jordan's hand.

This house is so huge that we had a big bedroom set up on the first floor so the kids can take a nap. We have a bed for each of the kids that come to daycare. And, I wash the linens every day. I treat my daycare kids like my own kids.

For Matthew, we have a crib. He doesn't fuss either. Austin said Matthew is good with taking naps. Matthew went right to sleep as soon as I sat him in the crib.

Jordan went to his favorite spot too. The only one who is fussy about naps is my nephew, Ricario. He fusses every time Noeli or Marco tries to get him to take a nap.

"How about I read everyone a story?"

I began reading the kids a story. Within 15 minutes, the kids were asleep, including Ricario.

"Kam, I'll sit and watch the kids. Go ahead and take a break."

"Thanks, Noeli." I went over to the house to pack a weekend bag for Gabby. My baby girl is going to her first sleepover. Bliss invited Gabby, along with several other girls around the same age as Pilar and the twins. I thought that was so sweet. I told her to give me a call if she needs me.

Gabby has been excited all week. Speaking of Gabby, she is home. I hear little feet running up the steps.

"Mama, is it time to go to Aunt Bliss's house yet?"

"Not yet, Gabby. Aunt Bliss said for your papa to bring you over around five o'clock. But for now, how about I get you something to eat?"

"Okay, mama."

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

Shane and the boys came back to pick up Jordan. He didn't cry this time.

Austin is on his way to get Matthew. With this Kim situation, I hope he sees how hurtful his actions were against Layla. It's not a good feeling to be hurt by someone you think loves you. It happened to me with Reed.

"Mama! Mama!" I heard Gabby yell.

"I'm in the kitchen, Gabby!"

Gabby ran into the kitchen. "Papa is getting ready to take me to Auntie's house."

"Okay. Have a great time. And, listen to your Aunt Bliss and Uncle Shane. Understand?"

"Yes, mama." Gabby hugged me then ran back to Cris.

Hmm, Cris and I are going to be kid-free this evening. Gabby is going to her sleepover. Rocco, Dia, and Devin are going to Layla's house for a party. Angelo, Isabella, and Kekoa are going to my dad's house for the weekend. Hmm, what shenanigans can Cris and I get into?

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