Monday, October 11th, 2027

Rocco's POV

"I hope you are not late."

"Nonno Kalani, it's not your fault we ran into traffic. But, we're not late. Thanks for the ride."

"You're welcome. I'll be picking you up later too. Have a great day."

After stepping out of Nonno Kalani's SUV, we walked quickly over to Braelyn and Ashton. Beckie and her stupid crew were harassing them. Ugh, enough is enough. It is too early for this stuff to be going on.

I grabbed Braelyn's hand. "Let's go." No one said anything as we walked away.

"Hey freshmen, I'm not done talking to you!" Beckie yelled.

"We're going to the principal's office because she is never going to stop."

"Rocco, Beckie's dad is the principal."

"And, dad has the best lawyers in the country. This time we need dad and Aunt Layla's help. It's either one of two things - Beckie and her idiots stop bothering us, or lawsuit. Dia, text dad to come to the school."

"Okay."

We walked to the secretary's desk. "Good morning. How can I help you?"

"We need to speak to Principal Hayes."

"And, what is it in regards to?"

"My friends and I are being harassed."

"That is serious. Hold on for just a minute. I'll be right back."

Cris' POV

As I was walking towards the daycare home, I got a phone call. It was Dia. What happened at high school?

"Dad, can you come to the school? Nobody is hurt, but we need your help. We are standing inside the principal's office."

"I'll be there shortly."

"Thanks, dad."

After hanging up the phone, I ran to find Kamea.

The first person I saw was Trevor. "Hey, where are Kamea and the kids?"

"In the playroom, Cris."

"Thanks, Trevor."

I ran to the playroom. Kalani was just about to start a puppet show for the kids. Kamea saw me enter the room and walked over.

"I just got a call from Dia. I'm going to the school."

"Oh no. What happened at school?"

"I don't know, but I am already irritated. Dia said no one is hurt, but they need my help."

"Call me as soon as you find out what happened."

"I will."

Off to school, I go.

***********

After parking, I made my way into the school.

I saw Dia standing outside the principal's office. She must have been waiting for me.

"Dad, this morning, we saw Braelyn almost beat the mess out of one of the older kids. This one particular group of girls is trying to instigate trouble for Braelyn and Rocco. Rocco grabbed Braelyn's hand to lead us to the principal's office. The girl who was about to get a beatdown is Beckie Hayes, the principal's daughter. We called Aunt Layla too. She is on the way."

What is wrong with kids today? "Where are Rocco and Braelyn now?"

"Waiting for us inside the office."

"Okay. We'll wait for Layla."

About 5 minutes later, we saw Layla coming our way.

Layla's POV

Grandview High School will be in serious trouble if my child gets hurt. I'm sick and tired of these little girls already, and it is only October.

I saw Cris and Dia outside of the principal's office. "Hi, Cris and Dia."

"Hi, Layla. The kids are in the office. Let's go inside."

The three of us stepped inside the office and walked over to the secretary.

"Hi, we are the parents of Braelyn Mitchell and Rocco Fiore. I'm Braelyn's mom, Layla Meyers. And, Cris Fiore is Rocco's dad."

"Follow me, please." I grabbed my phone out of my bag to record this conversation because Dia told me the child who is causing the trouble is related to the principal. Cris and I both took deep breaths as we took our seats.

"Principal Hayes, this is Mrs. Meyers and Mr. Fiore." The secretary then left the office. Rocco then spoke up.

"Principal Hayes, Braelyn, Dia, myself, and my friend Ashton are being harassed by your daughter and her friends. I have repeatedly told her the only person I'm interested in dating is Braelyn. She is now in my homeroom, blowing kisses my way, and she keeps trying to get Braelyn in trouble. This morning, Braelyn almost got into a fight. And, Braelyn would have been the only one punished because Beckie is your daughter. I really like this school, and I am not going to another one."

Go, Rocco. He is 100% correct. Principal Hayes looked like he was about to interrupt Rocco, but I saw Cris give him an evil glare. I'm guessing he can't believe it is his daughter that is causing the trouble. They messed with the wrong parents.

"Principal Hayes, is it? Rocco is 100% correct. I have already had to move Braelyn from a school in the past. I will not let anyone try to intimidate my child. Braelyn has been through enough. Rocco and Braelyn are freshmen, and I'm sure your child is not. Now, if my child tells me again someone is harassing her and trying to instigate fights, it will not end nicely for you or Grandview High School."

Cris added, "I'm in agreement with Layla. When someone says they aren't interested, move on to someone else. I went through it myself. I was hoping my kids wouldn't have to go through it. High school is supposed to be a time of fun and learning with your friends. I am not going to keep moving my kids from school to school. As my son stated, he likes Grandview and wants to stay. I hope we don't need to get lawyers involved because mine is Jacob Dolloway and Hermione Forrest."

I could tell Principal Hayes was irritated, but whatever. He needs to teach his daughter how to treat people with respect. He phoned the secretary to have his daughter sent to the office.

Within 10 minutes, whatever the child's name is has entered the room. She looked irritated too. Once again, whatever. But I have something to say first.

"Before you say Braelyn or Rocco is lying, I'm sure Grandview has security cameras to show what almost happened this morning with my child. I want to see them after this meeting. And, they better still be available by the time I get there. Now, you can speak."

"Beckie, have you been harassing these students? And, is that also why you asked me to switch your homeroom class? This young man says he has repeatedly told you he was not interested. And you're instigating fights? These are serious allegations."

"Ugh, of course, the loser freshmen kids had to go whining to their mommy and daddy."

"Beckie, this is not a joke! Mrs. Meyers and Mr. Fiore could potentially involve lawyers. It has got to stop! I will not tolerate this type of behavior at Grandview from you or any other students. Since when are you grown?! After today, you and your friends are going back to your original homeroom. Now, Beckie, you are staying in my office. Do you kids need hall passes to make it to your classes?"

"Yes, Principal Hayes," Braelyn and the kids replied.

"Okay. My secretary will be able to take care of that for you."

"Thank you, Principal Hayes," Rocco says. We then left the office. I asked the secretary where to find the security room. The kids went to get their passes. Cris and I then waited outside the office.

After about five minutes, the kids left the office.

"Cris and I are proud of you kids for calling us. Don't ever feel afraid to call us. That is what we are here for."

"I agree with Layla. Kids like Beckie prey on students she can easily bully. Sadly, she will find someone else."

Braelyn then says, "Not if we can help it. Beckie messed with the wrong ones. Just like Rocco, I like Grandview and my teachers."

"I just didn't want this to escalate into a major issue. That's why I asked Dia to call you to help us," Rocco then says.

"Rocco, you did the right thing in having Dia call us. We are glad you like it here because I will not be moving Braelyn from school to school. Ashton, let us know, and your parents, if anyone bothers you."

"Yes, ma'am, Mrs. Layla."

"We better get to class. Bye, mom." Braelyn hugged me, then the kids left.

"Cris, this will not be our last trip to the school."

"You're right, Layla. Times sure have changed for kids in high school."

"It sure has. And, it hasn't gotten better. Just wait until the smaller kids get this age. I will do the same for them as what I just did for Braelyn."

"Me too, especially Isabella and Kekoa. Those two are definitely not shy. Let's get to the security room."

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

Dia's POV

Thank goodness this day is over. Uncle Austin just left after picking up Braelyn. Ashton's dad came too. Rocco and I are waiting for Nonno Kalani, and might I add in peace.

"Even though it is Monday, it was a great one. Thanks, bro."

"For what?"

"For being the best twin brother a girl could have."

"You're welcome, sis. I'm just doing what dad would do. Don't kiss me. Eww."

"Just for that, I'm going to."

Rocco started running, and I couldn't stop laughing. Nonno Kalani pulled up to the school.

"Rocco, come back!!!" He turned around to see me getting in Nonno's SUV.

"Why did Rocco just take off like that?"

"I told him I was going to kiss his cheek. You would be proud of what he did for us today. I'll tell you on the way home."

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

"Always remember the strong support system you have - your parents, grandparents, etc. I'm proud of you, Rocco."

"Thanks, Nonno Kalani."

We all stepped out of the vehicle and made our way inside the house. Rocco and I went to the dining room to do our homework.

While we were doing our homework, mom and Aunt Noeli entered the room.

"Are you and Dia okay?"

"Yes, mom. We saw Braelyn almost get into a fight this morning, so we went to the principal's office. Dia called dad because we didn't know if the principal wouldn't believe his daughter was a troublemaker, which she is."

"We are glad you called. You did the right thing. I had kids like that back in the day when I went to school. I even got into several fights. I couldn't stand by and watch those bullies pick on someone. I'm glad you both are okay. I'm going to go start working on dinner for tonight. We are having spaghetti."

"Yay!" Isabella says while mom and Aunt Noeli walked into the kitchen.

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

Wednesday, October 13th, 2027

The past two days of school have been great. Beckie is no longer in our homeroom. Every time she walks by us, she rolls her eyes. Ha! As if I really care what she does.

While we were eating dinner, my text notification for Braelyn went off. I couldn't check it because dad said dinner time is family time. We always talk about how everyone's day went. Mom and dad always end up making us laugh. They are funny. But if something happens to one of us or their family, look out.

"Dessert time," mom says. I quickly got out of my chair and went into the kitchen.  Before taking the dessert into the dining room, I looked at Braelyn's text. She said,

"My mom and dad are letting me have my first party this Saturday! You and Rocco are invited, of course. And, bring your bathing suits. I can't wait!"

Yes! Our first party! Of course, I have to ask mom and dad. I better get back into the dining room with dessert.

Mom made a Hawaiian Chocolate Dobash Cake. Yummy. I cut a piece for everyone, then sat down to eat my cake.

"Mom and dad, can Rocco and I go to Braelyn's house on Saturday? Aunt Layla is letting Braelyn have a pool party," I blurted out.

Dad gave me a funny look. "So, that's why you were quick to get dessert."

Isabella and Kekoa started laughing. Dad was silent for a little bit. Then, he answered, "We don't need to have a chat about being responsible, do we?" This time dad arched his eyebrows at me and Rocco.

Rocco and I answered at the same time, "No."

"If it's okay with Kamea, then it's okay with me."

"Enjoy your first high school party, kids," mom says.

I got up and hugged mom and dad. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Now, we just have to make it through the next two days. Then, on Saturday - pool party here we come!

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