Jevan's POV
"Did you miss me, baby?" Brooke asked when she eagerly came into my arms.
"Hmmm," I sounded as I looked her in the face. She lowered her head to mine and our lips collided with a passionate kiss.
Brooke and I were hitting a rough path in our relationship. Her possessive side was getting out of control and now, both my parents were of concern. But Brooke wasn't the type of person who'll let go of me so easily all because 'It's for the best'.
And to top it off, she knew how to charm her way to me when she sensed I was trying to push her away gradually.I watched her leave the cafeteria with her friends then my eyes fell on someone new. Someone I've never seen before. She was sitting across the cafeteria with two of my fellow seniors, Nina and Sophia.
The new girl was staring right back at me. Her dark brown eyes were like rich chocolate and her complexion matched them. Her kinky hair was in the highest puff I've ever seen on a black girl and she sparked my curiosity instantly.
I noticed when her friends stopped her from staring at me and I stopped at the same time and returned my attention to Nick and Connor.
"Bro, who's the new girl?" I asked Nick.
"Heard she's from Africa. She's a nobody, bro. She earned a scholarship to get here."
I narrowed my eyes at him but I didn't say another word. The bell rang and I was walking to my next class when I was cut off by my always-highly-energized coach.
"Hollen! Just the person I was looking for! Practice after school! I need to run you a new game plan!"
"Umm, yeah. Sure coach. Anything to crush those Jags. They're going down."
"See, that's why you're my star! Here's what we'll do! Follow me!"
"I got class with Mrs. Smith." I didn't want to be late to her class. She was my favourite teacher.
"I would not take long, son!"
Coach went on and on about his new game plan and when he went into the washroom, I slipped out the door and jogged to Mrs. Smith class.
As expected, I knew she'd be upset with me being late. She instructed me to find a seat. I scanned the room so quickly that one would think that I didn't even look.
I saw her again and my body immediately went over and sat down in the unoccupied chair next to hers.
Then, Mrs. Smith dropped the bomb. We'll be pairing up with the person sitting next to us for this baby project.
"You've got to be kidding me," I mumbled softly when Mrs. Smith handed us our doll.
"Congrats. It's a boy. Name your baby with your partner," she said then handed another pair of students theirs.
"Congrats. It's a girl. Name your baby with your partner," her voice went around the entire classroom.
"Mrs. Smith, I don't have a partner," Nina said. She always sat by herself in class and I couldn't understand why.
"Nina, pair up with Tobbie," Mrs. Smith answered.
"Tobbie? Please, Mrs. Smith. Anyone else but Tobbie," she pleaded.
"Why, what's wrong with him?"
"What's not wrong with him? He picks his nose and eats it like a kindergartener. Plus, he's always farting and wants you to tell him what it smells like."
I couldn't help but laugh from Nina's protest. I had no idea she was so out of spoken and 'real'. I needed friends more like her in my circle.
"Well, the last available person is...." Mrs. Smith dragged. "Connor," she finished.
Nina's eyes grew wider and Connor walked through the door at the mere mention of his name.
"Mrs. Smith, sorry I'm...." he started.
"Let me guess, coach cut you off on the way to class as well?" Mrs. Smith asked and crossed her arms.
Connor looked over at me and I shrugged.
"Yes ma'am," he responded.
"I'll have some words with him but do have a seat next to Nina as she's your partner."
"For?"
I waved my 'child' at him.
"Nah, no. Nope," he said and backed towards the door.
"It's sixty percent of your final grade so I suggest you pull a chair and get to know your partner and your doll better!" Mrs. Smith snapped at him.
"Man," he groaned and did what he was told.
__________
I slowly turned to my partner now.
"Hi," I started.
"Hi," she answered and was toying with her pen on her book, avoiding my face.
"What's your name?" I asked next.
"Blossom."
"That's a beautiful name," I complimented and I saw the shy smile forming at the corner of her lips.
Something sparked in me.
"So, what should we name our 'baby'?" I asked her again.
"I'm not good with names. Maybe you should name him."
"I like the name Jason."
"Then Jason it is," she agreed, still avoiding looking at me.
Am I ugly?
"Oh, there's a twist!" Mrs. Smith said, getting everyone's attention. "Although these babies are stuff dolls, they got realistic personalities and each one is different."
"What?" everyone asked.
She pushed in a button on a remote control and every 'baby' started crying.
"Ahhhhhhh!" we groaned.
"I'll enjoy this," Mrs. Smith said back.
"This is torture!" Connor expressed.
"I think ours need attention," one couple said behind us.
"I think ours need his diaper changed," I told Blossom. I watched as she took the doll and checked it's diaper and changed it perfectly.
"Do you have kids?" I asked and mentally slapped myself for asking such a rude question to my new classmate.
"No," she answered simply.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
"It's fine."
_________________
After Mrs. Smith's class, I had a free period. I took Jason so that Blossom wouldn't have a distraction to her next class but I found her hesitating in the hallway.
"You're not going to class?" I asked her.
"I don't have one," she answered, looking everywhere but my face. I was getting annoyed with that.
"Look at me," I told her.
"I am." Her eyes landed on my feet.
"I meant my face, Blossom."
I watched her head slowly rose until, at last, we were making eye to eye contact. I took her in clearly now.
"Come on, I'll show you my favourite place to chill when on my free period," I told her and took her hand and took off to the garden roof top.
Although it was overcast, it was still beautiful up here.

"Wow. This is nice," Blossom beamed as we took a seat on the bench.
"This was actually an agricultural class project since freshman year. We came up with this idea of a roof top green environment," I explained.
"Brilliant."
"Tell me about yourself." I was keen on knowing her better.
"There's not much to tell. I'm just an ordinary girl who moved to your country for a better education and life."
"I'm glad you're here."
"Thanks," and she gave me the best smile ever. Her teeth were perfectly white, not pearl or off-white.
Then we heard the rustling of leaves and her voice calling me.
"I'm right here, Brooke," I answered.
"Baby, Connor told me you were free and I knew I'd find you here but....." she paused when she caught Blossom sitting right next to me. "Who the hell is that?"
"This is Blossom," I answered.
"Like if I care what her name is. I meant what are you doing up here with her!" her voice rose.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend anyone's relationship," Blossom inputted as she stand up to leave.
"Wait," I told Blossom but my words were wiped out by Brooke's shouting.
"You better leave because if I see you around my man again, it's not going to end well for you!"
I watched Blossom basically ran away before my fury eyes burned into Brooke.
"What the hell!" I yelled now.
"What? I just so over protective of you. I don't want to see you talking to her." Her voice was lowered and she ran her fingers down my chest.
"Stop. This is getting very out of control, Brooke. Blossom is my new partner for a class project and you just ran her away from me."
"I could careless about her. She's a nobody. A baboon from Africa."
"Stop! What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Jevan, I.."
"I can't do this anymore with you Brooke. And I'm not sorry about it."
I left the roof top with her calling after me.
Blossom's POV"How was your first day?" my mother asked as I walked into the kitchen and found her cooking at the stove."It was fine," I answered."You made any friends?""Yes. With two girls and...." I paused when I remembered her warning me to stay away from boys."And?" she asked."And they're super nice.""What are you their names?""Sophia and Nina.""Okay. I'm happy you're already adjusting here. I'll be starting the new job tomorrow so when you get home from school, I wouldn't be here. Lock all the doors and windows and don't open for anyone but me.Do you understand me, Blossom?""Yes mama," I answered."Good. The food is almost ready. Get freshen up.""Okay."_______________The very next day at school, I ran into Nina and Sophia in the hallway. We walked together to our locker."Guys, I got this new l
Blossom's POVAfter school the next day, it was my first cheerleading practice. Mrs. Tisdale ushered me into the gymnasium where the others were gathered and already doing cartwheels and poses."Brooke! Meet the newest member of the squad," Mrs. Tisdale cut right to the chase then she turned on her heel, leaving me to the pact of wolves."Well.. well.. well, look at what the cat dragged in," Brooke gnarled as she approached me, "You're not going to make this squad because it's only for the best of the best but I'm interested in seeing what you can do. Cartwheel and Toe-Touch!" she finished.I immediately did a cartwheel and finished with the perfect toe-touch.Brooke smirked and I spent the rest of the practice doing hand springs and cartwheels until I couldn't feel my hands anymore. It was torture."That's it," I spoke when at last, I couldn't bare it anymore."Everyone, what's the motto?" Brooke as
Blossom's POV"YOU ALMOST KISSED JEVAN HOLLEN?" both Nina and Sophia asked at the same time when I told them about Jevan's rescue last Friday night after the game.It was now Monday and we were heading to our last class before lunch.As we rounded the corner, books in hands, I walked into a wall.. Or at least I thought it was a wall.I stumbled backwards, books spilling from my arms as I almost hit the floor. I was caught just in the nick of time and stabled back to my feet."Damn. I'm so sorry. I'm rushing to practice and I didn't see you. Are you okay?""I bet she is now," Nina answered in her usual teasing manner. Sophia giggled softly besides her before turning her head to avert her eyes."It's... It's.. Okay," I stuttered. There was a lingering electricity on my arm where he had caught me. My heart raced around in my chest that I thought it would move to another part of my body."Let
Blossom's POV"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FOREHEAD?" my mother's concerned voice rang out when I entered the house and met her in the small living room."I tripped and fell on a stair case in the school," I lied. I had never lied to my mother before but I couldn't tell her that I was beaten up by my head cheerleader for being too friendly with her boyfriend. After all, my mother did warned me to stay away from boys."Are you going to be okay?" She asked again."Yes. I already saw the school nurse and she said it was just a slight cut. It wouldn't scar or anything.""Okay. Well, I'm off to work now. Lock the doors as usual and don't answer it to anyone. I felt food in the oven."I watched as she walked down the pathway, crossed and street and fetched a bus to her night-shift job. I felt vulnerable all over again as the images flashed back to what Brooke had her friends do to me.My tiny frame was pushed in every direction, with p
Jevan's POVThe next morning, before I left for school, I joined my family for breakfast.Jada was being her usual talkative self while everyone else listened while stuffing their faces."Good morning," I greeted and sat down next to my father."Good morning," everyone responded."And it came out of nowhere. I was so scared at first, but then I wasn't anymore when I saw that it was the cutest bunny ever. His eyes were red but his fur was white," Jada went on."Hey, mom, dad, is it okay if I invite someone over this weekend?" I asked my parents as an idea sparked in my head."Who?" Jada asked me."None of your business," I responded, "I was speaking to mom and dad.""You're so mean!""And you're always prying into someone's business!""Okay! That's enough. Jada, Jevan, mind your table manners," my father cut in and put a stop to it."So
Blossom's POV"Where were you?" my mother asked and she approached me."Mama, I'm so sorry. I..I.. I.""Stop with the stuttering and speak up!" she bolted out.I swallowed. "I was with my friend.""So, Blossom, you're now your own woman to be disobeying me, lying to me and hanging out with guys.""Mom, I'm sorry," I sincerely apologised. There were tears in my eyes and to my great surprise, my mother pulled me into her arms and comforted me."It's okay, baby. Maybe I'm being too hard on you. We've moved here to create a new life for ourselves and you're growing up to become a woman.One day, whether I like it or not, you'll have a husband and kids."We laughed together."But I want to meet him. Your friend. What was his name again?""Jevan," I answered."Okay. I want to meet this Jevan. Go rest now. I'll make us some dinner.""I wan
Jevan's POVI sat across from the headmistress with two police officers on my right. She heaved an exhausting sigh as if she was lacking sleep for days."Jevan. This is serious. There are children saying that there was a confrontation between you and Brooke yesterday and that you put your hands on her in the parking lot.""Mrs. Tisdale, Brooke is crazy.""Did you or did you not put your hands on her?" an officer cut in."Yes! But not in an abusive form whatsoever. She jumped onto my car and I removed her from it. Simple!" I was getting frustrated already."How did you remove her? Was it more like a grab or a shove?" the other officer asked."I gently removed her," I answered."Oh come on. Someone is on your car.. Being gentle would be the last thing on your mind. What kind of car do you you drive?" the first officer asked again."Look, can I call my dad?" I directed to Mrs. Ti
Blossom's POVAfter leaving the principal's office and fetching my backpack from my locker, I walked out into the parking lot and saw Jevan standing next to his Extra-luxury Range Rover.He immediately caught the bruises on my knuckles and the sad look on my face. He came over, took my bag off my shoulder and pulled me into his arms."Hey, are you going to be okay?"I shook my head no. "I'm suspended for two weeks. My mom is going to freak when she finds out. She have been tolerant of you, but me getting suspended, she's going to skin me alive.""I'm sure she will understand.""You don't know my mother."Jevan took me home and offered to stay with me until I told my mother about my suspension but I declined. I didn't want him getting caught in the middle of the fire I knew was coming.I walked into the kitchen and saw my mother putting a tray of barbeque wings into the oven. She was already dressed f
Blossom's POVMy heart was racing fifty miles per hour. I was sweating and shivering as if I was having a fever over one hundred."What say you?" the Judge questioned.This was it. In a court system, it's never wise to become cocky or overly confident. These things have a way of surprising the shit out of you no matter how well you presented the case."We, the jury, finds Hunter Sax guilty on attempted murder."Everyone exhaled on cue and I found Jevan and pulled him in for a quick hug."Very well. Sentencing would be handed down at the next hearing in eight days. Court adjourned."_________________Hunter received life imprisonment without the possibility of parole so did his father for being an accessory and covering up the murder of Hunter's ex-fiancee. Two weeks later, they found Hunter's body hanging from a bed sheet in his cell.Talks were circulating that he committed suicide
Four Weeks Later, back to California*Blossom's POV"Baby, are you going to be okay up there?" I asked Jevan as I straightened his tie and the lapels to his jacket."I'll be fine," he answered. I smiled at him. It was great having him back home again. Myself and the kids missed him so much. Luckily, he made a full recovery and was released from the hospital one week ago.Together, we stepped into the courtroom with the others following a few steps behind us.Hunter was already seated in handcuffs looking meticulous. After the arraignment, everyone was baffled by his 'Not Guilty' plea, so today, it was the trial and we, The Hollens, had the best prosecution attorney money can afford. No stones were left unturned throughout her investigation.In criminal cases, it was her, the prosecution attorney, to give an opening statement if she so choose, and that she did. She confidently rose and stepped into the middle. He
Evan Hollen POV"Mr. Hollen! Wait!" I heard the doctor calling after me when I reached the lobby but I was too devastated to respond.Grief was taking control and the reality of everything was compiling like bricks in my head.I found Jasmine still sitting in the waiting room. Susan was with her now."Honey?" she said when she saw me with bloodshot eyes, "You've been crying, haven't you?" Jasmine rose and pulled me into her arms where I sobbed quietly."Ah! Mr. Hollen, I finally caught up with you," the doctor said when he joined us."Doc, I'm sorry but I'll need a moment.""Please take all the time you need. Your son would be waiting.""Waiting? Are you trying to be funny, doctor, because if that's your sense of humor, you should consider a next profession!" Susan snapped."I'm sorry if I may have offended...""Of course you've offended us! Jevan was my grandson! You don't make fun of the dead!""My apologies ma'a
Blossom's POVA cold gust of wind blew and I found myself outside. Standing on the lawn of the mansion I shared with Jevan and the children."What? Why am I back here in Los Angeles?" I asked myself as I struggled to move but couldn't. I was fixed in that spot."Hi," a voice said. I knew that voice. The love of my life appeared in front of me with his bright, comforting smile."Jevan, you're here? Please, let's go home. Everyone is waiting for you.""I can't go home, Blossom. I'm so sorry. I never got a chance to say goodbye to you so here I am saying it.""No! I don't want to hear it, Jevan. You can't leave me. You can't leave the kids. I can't do this by myself. I need you!""Ssshhh. Listen to me, you're stronger than you appear. You're a fighter. You'll be okay. The kids will be okay. My family would always have your back. You're a Hollen."I couldn't control the tears from falling. Jevan reached out his hand
Blossom's POV"Wait, what?" I asked to Evan when he mentioned the words I wasn't ready to hear in this lifetime or the next."Jevan is dead. He was shot by Hunter at the mansion.""No! NOOO!" I screamed. My heart felt as if it was being hijacked. My breathing hitched in my throat as my entire body started to tremble from shock.Evan took Dahlia from my arms and I succumbed to the floor where I burst into tears and screams of rage and anger and empathy.Jevan was gone. Taken away from me, his children, his family and friends. The dream I had about Hunter hurting him rocked me to my core as the images flashed before my very eyes."What's going on?" Jada asked, coming back into the room."Jada, you might want to sit down for this but all everyone else in here."As the family gathered, Jasmine broke down into tears. She couldn't take being strong anymore. Evan comforted her but it was like tr
Blossom's POV"Burning?" I repeated while I quickly reached for the TV's remote and searched for the breaking news.'A mass evacuation is underway as locals flee from their homes because of the current situation. Eight wildfires are burning California currently. Sonoma's wine country to L.A and surrounding areas. Get out if you haven't already.""Holy...." Jevan said when images of the fires showed on the screen. It looked like Hell. Jevan started making some calls and after minutes of watching him paced the bedroom and ordering commands, he turned his attention back to me."Baby, listen to me. I need you to get yourself and the kids to New York with my parents.""What? What about you?""I'm going back to L. A. There's something I need at Hollen Tower and at the mansion. I promise I'll meet up with you in New York. Okay, baby?""Okay, but..""No buts. Let's get going."**We packed up our b
Hunter's POVMy father slammed his hands on his desk after ushering me into his office and shut the door behind him."WHAT THE HELL, HUNTER! I've had just about enough from you," he started with a shouted.I scoffed."Oh, you think this shit is funny, huh? You have everything a guy your age dreams about. I established a company for you to grow but yet, you can't keep out of trouble.""You're the one to talk! You think giving me the company makes up for abandoning mom and I?""Hunter! I didn't abandon you! Your mom and I just couldn't stand being in the same room together anymore so I left. That had nothing to do with you. I was there.""No, you weren't there! You were only there to clean up my mess but you weren't there as a father should be for his child. His son!""Listen to me because I'm only going to say this one time. Stay the fuck away from The Hollens. That includes Blossom Wright. You kidnap
Jevan's POV"WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?!" I bellowed at my security guard who was assigned to protect my woman and my daughter."Sir, I'm so sorry I don't have the answer to this question. I took Miss. Wright to the doctor's with the baby. Everything went smoothly there. Afterwards, Miss. Wright ordered me to a shopping boutique where she tried on a dress. After leaving, she noticed she forgot the bag with the baby's belongings. I went back to get it. When I got back to the car, they were gone. No Miss. Wright. No baby," he explained."You. Had. One. Job. ONE! And now my fiancee and my daughter are missing! Did you call the police?""I did. They're investigating as we speak."My jaw tightened. I tried calling Blossom's cellphone again and it kept going to voicemail.I was unsettled. I wanted them both home where they belong. I called my father next."I don't know what to do," my voice broke when I explained what occ
Jevan's POVI was heading for Hunter's office instead of my very own. It felt like my blood was frying and the air conditioning was doing a poor job at cooling me off."Mr. Sax, I have a Mr. Jevan Hollen here to see you. Should I send him in, sir?" his secretary spoke in the phone to grant permission.I noticed she was someone my father fired a few weeks ago.She led me into Hunter's office then closed the door as she left."Jevan, what a surprise. Have a seat," Hunter offered."I'll stand. This isn't a meeting," I answered."Oh. So this is an unfriendly visit?" Hunter asked, standing too. He straightened his posture and his jacket."You got that right," I said."Why are you here? Oh, let me guess. You came here to warn about staying away from your fiancee, right?""That and more," I said, tossing him the envelope with a copy of the DNA test results, "The proof is in you