DANTE'S POV
It was a bit rough returning to school because I had to meet a certain quota to apply for the four-year program I intend to take after I was done.
The community college baseball team I was a part of, was hosting a game. Some recruiters from universities looking to scout for potential players that were very good at baseball, came to watch. It was a very intense game, especially for those in their final year, who really wanted the scholarship. I didn't really need a scholarship, but it felt good to be seen and accepted on the basis that you were good at something. And baseball was what I loved. It was all, or nothing.
I wasn't sure I could do it at first, because my doctor had insisted I take a much needed break. But I knew I had to, if I wanted to achieve my dream of playing baseball p
OLIVIA'S POV“Oh shit!” Alicia muttered as the restaurant door chimed and was nudged open.I frowned and looked up to see who had just come in.“Wow!” It was my turn to exclaim.Dante has been coming up with excuses as to why he came to the restaurant everyday ‘I’m just here to enjoy a burger', ‘I’m expecting someone… oh crap, the person just canceled. I can just wait for you', ‘Rhonda said I should deliver lunch to you' I had scoffed at the last one which was yesterday because Mom knew I ate at work. It was am eye-rolling week for me though.Today, however, he had come along with two of his friends I had remembered fr
DANTE'S POVI didn't get a letter.It had been three days since Olivia's interview at Wexford and I was yet to get my own letter.Tired from practice and lectures, I got home and grabbed some leftover lemonade from the fridge.I heard laughter coming from the backyard and guessed that the two lovebirds were at the pool…again.I went out to the mailbox and checked the mail. Nothing from Wexford. I sighed and went to see my Dad and Rhonda. Let's hope they’re not naked. I pray to the heavens.“Hello! Dante Incoming…are you guys decent?” I shouted so loud they can hear me.
RHONDA'S POVI was back to the office, back to my work after a much needed break. I couldn't remember the last time I had been off work for so long.“Welcome Rhonda.” My secretary hugged me tightly.“Leah, you're gonna choke the life out of me.”She released me immediately.“Oops! Sorry… wouldn't want Mr Addams running up here to lock up whoever harmed Mrs Addams.” She enunciated my new name with a dramatic flair.I giggled.It was good to be back.Not just to Colorado, but to the office
DANTE'S POVI was already at the parking lot of the Barnes when I got a message from Olivia that she had left with her mom.Sure enough, I saw Rhonda's car pulling out of the driveway when I was coming in. The guys were here and I decided to not waste my time and have a drink before going home. Then I heard voices off this right corner where I had parked.It was a pretty secluded area so no one would have noticed but my keen senses picked up a sort of altercation between two individuals that sounded like a guy and lady.“Let go of me, please.” The lady pleaded.The guy hissed, “Listen to me and stop overreacting.” It was obvious this guy was not lis
DANTE'S POVI didn't bother going to school today.It was finally over and I couldn't wait to begin my new journey at Wexford.“Are you going for the graduation?” Rhonda asked as I was about to step out of the house.She had made a sumptuous breakfast to celebrate my graduation today.“Huh? Oh no! I have some things to take care of… I'll be back soon.”I really didn't feel like celebrating.Last week's altercation with Sam still weighed on my mind. We had been best friends since high school, and as much as an asshole he could be, he
DANTE'S POVI started my new job at the factory with a bit of apprehension. Apart from the fact that I got to do a lot as a temporary staff, it was more intimidating having my father as my boss.My dad was cool when it came to parenting, but ruthless when it came down to his business — which he had devoted his life to building.“I won't give you any special treatments because you are my son.” Dad said to me that morning as soon as I resumed. Turning to the general supervisor for new staff he said, “Neither should you give him as much work and little time for relaxation.”“Dad!”My new general manager Mr. Scott Maxwell frowned at me
OLIVIA'S POV"Barnes, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, approaching him behind the bar."Sure thing, Olivia. What's on your mind?" He looked up from polishing a glass, his bushy beard and warm smile a familiar comfort."I've decided to quit my job here at Barnes," I said, getting straight to the point.Barnes' expression turned surprised, then concerned. "Olivia, you're one of my best waitresses! Besides you're our singer for Live Show night. What's going on? Is everything okay?"Live Show was a gig I took up after the former singer quit and since I had a nice voice and it was almost time for the event, Barnes put me in for the night, promising to hire someone else but had still not d
OLIVIA'S POV"Olivia, what is going on here?" she demanded, as she faced me.What do I say?I was in a fixed spot knowing fully well how she felt about Landon, having lunch with him was the least possible scenario I would have never thought she would catch me in and I knew that there was no easy way out in getting out of this. Her face was red with anger, and her eyes were so sharp as they narrowed at me and the expression ‘if looks can kill' came to mind. I opened and closed my mouth a few times like a fish out of water as I swallowed. I knew she was upset, and I braced myself for a confrontation.“Rhonda. It's not her fault.” Landon was saying.“I
OLIVIA'S POVI woke up early, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. Today was the day Dante and I had been planning for what felt like forever – our summer getaway. We had decided to take a road trip to the beach, just the two of us, before he had to report to the New York Nighthawks for his rookie season.I jumped out of bed and started getting ready, my excitement building with every passing minute. I had packed my bags the night before, so all I had to do was to wait for Dante to arrive as we would be going on a road trip before we arrived at our cabin we had booked for a week.Dante was right on time, as he knocked on my door, sipping coffee he had gotten on the way and handing me mine and looking handsome as ever. "Hey, beautiful," he said, smiling at me.
SOPHIA'S POVI stood on stage, my voice soaring through the auditorium as I took my solo. The glee club members accompanied me, their harmonies blending perfectly with mine. I felt a rush of excitement, my new leadership role still sinking in.Suddenly someone pushed the doors slightly and occupied one of the empty seats at the back, I wondered who it could be but as I stared hard, I realized he was a familiar figure. Sebastian. My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here? I hadn't seen him since...everything fell apart.I momentarily paused, my voice faltering. But I recovered quickly, not wanting to give away my emotions. I finished my solo, the music swirling around me.As the song ended, I gave last-mi
OLIVIA'S POVIt was going to be a great day. I could sense it. I walked into the departmental building for my classes, greeting familiar faces as I made my way to the notice board. As I scanned the postings, one particular announcement caught my eye. The annual Research Excellence Award was open for applications. I had heard whispers about this prestigious honor, but never thought I'd be eligible to apply.According to the notice, every year, each department at Wexford Ivy recognizes the most outstanding researcher in their field.From what I had learnt about it, the award was given to the student who demonstrated exceptional research skills and made significant contributions to their field of study. The winner received a generous grant to further their research, as we
OLIVIA'S POVI watched as Mrs. Shelly walked into the glee club room, and without any preamble whatsoever announced with a determined look on her face. "Jenny, I'm afraid I'm relieving you of your duties as president," she said, her voice firm but gentle.Jenny's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. "What? Why?" she demanded, her voice rising in indignation.Mrs. Shelly sighed, her expression sympathetic but firm. "I made a mistake, Jenny. I gave you the title of president because of your connections to your mom, but that was wrong. Leadership isn't about who you know, it's about who can get the job done."Jenny's anger turned to outrage. "You've gotta be kidding me.”
DANTE'S POVWe were still in our feelings from the aftermath of Jesse's betrayal, but the show had to go on. Our team, was facing off against our arch-rivals, the Lincoln Lions. I was starting pitcher, and I was determined to lead my team to victory.Olivia was in the stands, cheering me on with the rest of our friends. She was wearing my jersey, and her face was painted with our team's colors. I couldn't help but smile when I saw her.As I took the mound, I noticed a group of scouts from the New York Nighthawks in the stands. They were here to watch us play, which meant they wanted to recruit a new player to New York. It was a big deal, and I was determined to make a good impression.The game was intense, with both
DANTE'S POVI was getting ready for the big game, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The team was buzzing with energy, everyone was chill with me now and that was good. We began putting on our gear. I was focused on my own preparation, trying to get my head in the game.As I laced up my cleats, I glanced around the locker room. Everyone seemed relaxed, enjoying the pre-game banter. Reynolds was joking with Jesse, while everyone else was quietly getting ready, some others on their phones.Coach Thompson walked in, a serious look on his face. "Alright, team, let's get focused. Today's game is crucial, and I expect everyone to give their best.”We all nodded, our expressions turning serious. The coach's word
DANTE'S POVI was relieved when my dad told me to lay low for a while. The attention from the viral photo was suffocating me. I couldn't go to school without being stared at or whispered about. I couldn't even go to my own baseball practice without being asked questions.Olivia was going through the same thing. We had to avoid each other, even though it was hard. We couldn't visit each other's practices anymore or eat lunch together. It was like we were hiding from the world.But then, something unexpected happened. A fire broke out in the school's auditorium, causing a massive evacuation and a police investigation. The rumors and whispers about Olivia and me died down, replaced by shock and concern about the fire.
OLIVIA'S POVAs I walked through the halls of school, I couldn't help but feel like everyone was staring at me. Whispers followed me everywhere.But one person didn't seem to care about any of that. Sophia, stuck by my side like glue no matter what."Don't let them get to you," Sophia said, falling into step beside me. "They're just jealous."I sighed, feeling a bit defeated. "It's hard not to let it get to me, Soph. Everyone's talking about me and Dante."Sophia rolled her eyes. "Let them talk. They're just bored and need something to gossip about. Something else will come up soon, and they'll forget all about you and Dante."
DANTE'S POVAs I walked into the locker room for practice, I could feel the eyes on my back. My teammates were all staring at me, their faces filled with a mix of confusion and disgust."Hey, Dante, what's going on?" Reynolds, one of the team players, asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We didn't know you were into that sort of thing."He was Jesse's sidekick so I wasn't expecting much from him."It's none of your business," I replied, trying to keep my cool.But the guys just kept pushing. "Dude, she's your sister," another one said, his voice filled with revulsion. "That's just wrong."I fel