Monday, September 6th, 2027

Rocco's POV

Nonno Kalani came into the house with us after school. Dia had homework, so she went to her room. I went over to daycare to find my mom. Mom and Aunt Noel were in the theater room, watching a movie with the kids.

I walked over to where she was sitting and sat next to her. Mom put her arm around me as I watched the movie with them.

The kids followed Aunt Noel out of the room after the movie was done. Mom turned off the Blu-ray player then we walked out of the room.

"How was your first day of high school?"

"It was definitely interesting. This group of upper-grade girls hit on me while I waited for Braelyn and Dia so we could eat lunch together. Dia and Braelyn were approached too. We each made some new friends."

"Where's Dia?"

"Dia had homework from one of her classes, so she went to her room. Overall, we had a good day."

"I'm glad you had a great day."

"Um, can I ask you about something after we eat dinner?"

"We can chat now. What's up?"

"I turned those girls down because I, uh, already have a crush on someone else but don't know how to tell them."

"Oh my gosh! Rocco has his first crush! Who is it?"

"Can we keep it a secret between us for now?"

"I promise not to tell anyone. Make sure not to mention it around Bella. We all know she likes to tell everyone everything."

"Ever since that incident at middle school, I think about Braelyn a lot. She's not only pretty but also smart. That's one of the reasons I snapped at that kid and beat him up. Well, and he had no right to talk about her because he doesn't know what she was going through. But, I don't want to mess up our friendship."

"Aww, how long have you felt this way?"

"For the last two years. When Braelyn was approached by a boy at lunch today, I felt jealous. I couldn't tell if he was serious or trying to play with her feelings. She did, however, turn him down. My feelings are real. Or, at least, I think they are."

"Let me ask you something. How do you feel around Braelyn - like are you nervous?"

"I get a feeling in my stomach every time I see her."

"That's the feeling. Now that you are growing up, you see Braelyn as more than a friend. You're seeing her as someone you want to date. I get the same nervousness about Cris."

"You do?"

"I sure do. It's been that way ever since we met. I did have a crush on a boy who was popular in high school. He laughed in my face when I told him. It was embarrassing and hurt at the time. But I got over it after some time. He was a total jerk from what I heard from the girl that he eventually dated. Thank goodness I didn't date him."

"But mom, why would he laugh in your face?"

"The boy told me my skin was too light. And let me tell you this, my mom had to hold my father back from beating up a kid. He was so mad that he punched a hole in a wall."

"Well, that was a mean thing for the boy to say to you."

"Yeah, it was. Some kids, and even adults, are mean like that. Rocco, babe, you have two choices - let Braelyn know how you feel or keep your crush to yourself. If you want me to help, I absolutely will. Or, ask Cris how to approach girls. You're right that Braelyn is very pretty and smart. A lot of boys are going to notice that too. And, a lot of girls are going to notice you too. If Braelyn is who you want to talk to, go for it. Remember, you are a Fiore man, and they always get the girl that they want to be with."

I had to laugh at that last sentence mom just said. I have noticed boys looking at both Dia and Braelyn. Some of the boys though look bad.

"Thank you, mom. I'll talk with dad too."

"You're welcome, Rocco. The parents will be coming soon for the kids. I'll be over to the house shortly."

I hugged my mom, then went to find my dad.

I saw Angelo, Kekoa, and Gabby in the backyard playing with our dogs.

"Has anyone seen dad?"

Kekoa replied, "He is in the kitchen getting pizzas together to put in the pizza oven."

"Thanks." I walked into the kitchen and saw dad.

"Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Is it about what your mom just texted me? She didn't tell me who or what but said it was important."

"Dad, how did you feel or know when you had a crush on a girl?"

"For me, I felt butterflies in my stomach, meaning I was nervous. I would get nervous every time I saw my crush."

"How did you approach her?"

"Well, the girl I had a crush on was your birth mom, Alicia. I thought she was the prettiest girl in school. She was kind, sweet, and super smart. I was nervous to tell her because, at our school, the kids didn't date anyone of another race, which I thought was stupid. So, one day I gave myself a pep talk and approached her."

"How did it go?"

"I told her I liked her and wanted to take her out on a date. And guess what? She told me, 'I was wondering when you were going to ask me, Mr. Fiore.' After that day, we began dating."

"So, mom had a crush on you?"

"Yup, she did. So, whoever you have a crush on, the only way you are going to know that they are interested is if you tell them. Do you mind me asking who you have a crush on?"

"My crush is Braelyn. I have had a crush on her for the last two years. I don't want to ruin our friendship."

"Rocco likes Braelyn?" Isabella says as she runs into the kitchen. Just great, that Bella of all people, heard that. I love my sister, but Bella is nosey and tells everyone's business.

"Isabella, come here. Do not go telling anyone what you just heard because it is not for you to tell. Understand?" Dad tells her.

"Yes, Papa."

"Rocco, if you really like Braelyn, that's a chance you may have to take. But, I don't think it will ruin your friendship. Plus, Braelyn already knows you care about her. You defended her honor at middle school. We can talk more after dinner. Let's take these pizzas to the oven."

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Friday, October 1st, 2027

Dia's POV

As we walked towards our lockers, Braelyn saw another note and rose attached to her locker. She doesn't know who it's from, but I do.

Rocco told me about his crush on Braelyn. He says he finally wants to tell Braelyn and asked for my help. I can't wait until lunchtime.

"Who is taping a note and flowers to my locker?"

"I think it's sweet, Braelyn, that you have a secret admirer."

"I do too, but I'm only fourteen years old."

Rocco was already in our homeroom class with Ashton. I saw Rocco start to smile when he saw Braelyn enter the room. My brother has it bad for my best friend. It's cute.

"Rocco or Ashton, do you guys know about the secret admirer? I had a note and rose taped to my locker again," Braelyn asked.

"Sorry, Braelyn, but I have no clue," Ashton replied.

"Me neither," Rocco added as Braelyn and I took our seats.

Ten minutes later, Mrs. Patterson began to speak.

"Good morning, everyone. Let's begin with taking attendance."

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Braelyn's POV

Thank goodness it is lunchtime. Dia and I waited for Rocco and Ashton so we could sit at the same table. While waiting, we heard an interesting conversation from the popular boy that asked me out. Trent didn't pay attention to his surroundings. Otherwise, he would have seen that I was standing near the cafeteria.

"Trent, why are you so interested in that freshman chick?"

"Why do you care? Are you jealous?"

"I'm not jealous of anyone."

"Yes you are because you overheard my conversation with Jake, Joe, and Mike. Granted, Braelyn is pretty. But Evie, I'm not interested at all. She's the one I chose for a bet between some of the popular guys. Six of us made a bet to see which freshman we could get to agree to a date. So far, no such luck."

I should have known. That is one of the main reasons why I wanted to stay away from boys. Plus, I'm only fourteen years old.

"I'm sorry, Braelyn."

"You know what? I had my doubts about him anyway. Wait until he tries to ask me again. I got something for him."

"You still have your secret admirer. We are still young. Here come Rocco and Ashton."

I brought my lunch with me today, so once we got a table, Dia and I sat down while Ashton and Rocco stood in line to order their lunch.

As soon as Rocco and Ashton began walking towards the table, Trent and his stooge took their seats.

"Excuse you, but those seats are taken by my brother and Ashton," Dia hissed.

"Calm down. I came to talk to Braelyn anyway."

"Yeah, calm down, freshman," the stooge replied.

"Dude, don't ever talk to my sister like that. I don't care who you are, but nobody messes with my sister and Braelyn."

"And what are you going to do about it?" Trent said while getting in Rocco's face. Rocco will pound him into the ground. Now, everyone was looking our way.

"You have no idea who I am. So, I suggest you shut up."

"Rocco, don't do it. It's not worth it."

"Like I said, I don't care who you are. Leave Braelyn and my sister alone."

"Rocco, don't bother. Trent, the answer is no. Find another gullible female for your bet. Yeah, that's right, I heard what you and whatever her name said. Get lost. I have enough issues at home, and I certainly don't need them at school."

Rocco balled his hand into a fist and was about to punch Trent, but I stepped in front of him. "Rocco, don't. I got this." I am tired of people trying to hurt me. I sure did stand in my chair so that everyone could hear me.

"To any freshman girl in the cafeteria, if a sophomore, junior, or senior, popular kid approaches you about a date, don't do it! It's nothing but a bet!"

"That was savage, Braelyn," Dia says as I got down from standing on the chair. Trent and his stooge walked away.

"I didn't come to school to get my feelings hurt. I came to learn, graduate, and hang out with my friends. I already have enough drama at home."

While we ate our lunch, Dia kept elbowing Rocco. What are they planning to do?

"Any luck figuring out who your admirer is?" Ashton asked.

This time, Dia must have kicked Rocco because he said, "Ouch!"

"Braelyn, I know who the admirer is," Rocco then says.

"You said you didn't know who it was in homeroom this morning."

"This is not easy to say, but I need to say it. I didn't know how to tell you that I have a crush on you. I have for two years. I asked Dia to help me, so we have been taping the notes and roses on your locker before homeroom. I was afraid to say anything because I didn't want to ruin our friendship. My mom told me I see you as more than just as a friend now that we are older. She is right. I really like you, Braelyn."

Well, I certainly didn't see that one coming at me.

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