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
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
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
Blossom's POV"And stay away from boys!" my mama called as I quickly ran down the steps to catch the school bus which should be approaching any minute now.Today, I was a ball of wrecking nerves. It was the beginning of a new year and a new life for my mother and myself. Two weeks ago, we migrated from Africa to the US for my mother's new job opportunity and my scholarship education at one of the most prestigious high school in the California state.It was an overcast morning with no one in sight but me waiting on the bus stop for the bus. After five minutes, the bright yellow school bus with the name 'Pacific High school' displaying above its windshield.I outstretched my arm and the bus slowed down before coming to a halt in front of me. The doors opened automatically."This is it," I told myself as I clutched onto my backpack tighter and boarded.Rude stares and small laughter met me when I saw the other stud
Blossom's POVAfter doing my business, I had a sight pain in my stomach as I made my way to the sink to wash my hands."That was ugly back there," a voice spoke. I turned and saw Sophia."Oh hey. Yes. It really was." I turned on the tap, wet my hands and caught soap from the dispenser. I washed off my hands and toweled them off."To make it here this senior year, you should know a few things around here. Come on, I'll show you." She ushered me out the bathroom and we walked back into the cafeteria and I sat down with her and another girl."This is Nina. Nina, meet Blossom. She's new and she's from Africa," Sophia introduced."Really, which country in Africa?" Nina asked."Ghana," I answered."That's awesome," Nina replied with a smile and although it was hard to tell, I caught her dimple on the left side of her cheek. She was very pretty overall. She had dark brown wavy hair that ran all
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 p
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 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