Always and Forever

Chapter 2

Olivia POV

This summer was the best I ever had ever since I was 14. Before, I was not looking forward to this hot climate, because this reminds me of the time my parents died. I was accustomed to going to out-of-town vacations with Mom and Dad during summer and knowing that they are not here anymore makes me feel devastated all over again. But then, at the start of the season, I told myself to let go of the sadness and to celebrate life and embrace the opportunities that are being opened for me.

Aside from the party we had when I was announced as the head cheerleader, we also celebrated my 18th birthday with, again, a pool party. My friends from school, from the bakery and from the dance studio came. It was not like the usual high school parties with so much booze and loud music. Aunt Becky would not allow the madness, of course, but champagne and wine were served with supervision. The party was more like pigging out. There was so much food! The house was a little jam-packed and it seemed like everyone had enjoyed the night. The guests even got cupcakes to take home!

Being 18, our family lawyer said, I can already personally touch the trust fund. Not knowing what to do with it, I told Aunt Becky that I will just let it stay in the account. However, I withdrew a few thousands to surprise Aunt Becky with a new oven and freezer for the bakeshop. She got mad at first, saying that I was crazy for wasting so much money. But then she started crying. Pulling me in a tight hug, she thanked me and said that she was happy with how I was growing up so well. I told her that is because I have a great 2nd mom with me. Then both of us were crying. But after that, Aunt Becky had taught me about handling finances. She did not want me wasting more money.

Everything had been great so far. I have been working at the bakery from Monday to Friday, from opening time until noon. After lunch, I would be at the dance studio attending my hip hop class and teaching ballet to toddlers and pre-adolescents. I returned to studying hip hop to update and improve my skills, with the challenge of heading the cheerleaders. And yes, I was offered to teach as there was an increase in enrollment during summer and the studio was short-staffed. Some nights I go to the movies or to some party with Bianca or with some other school friends. Saturdays and Sundays were free days, mostly spent at the beach or at the backyard pool or simply doing chores at home and hanging out with Aunt Becky.

It was almost the start of senior year and I was getting excited. I invited Bianca over for dinner and a movie night. While we were setting up the table for dinner, I told Bianca and Aunt Becky that I have decided to run for the vice-presidency. Aunt Becky was happy and had promised to fully support me. Bianca was over the moon.

“You will not regret it, Olivia,” Bianca said smiling.

“I hope so, Biancs, I really hope so.” I replied.

Michael POV

It was almost September. I have been away from California for 12 long years and I will be going back home soon.

My parents got a divorce during my final year in high school and that was when I have decided to enlist in the Marines. I had not returned home since then, but still connect with them once in a while. Dad moved to New York after the divorce to manage my grandpa’s growing business. That was one of the reasons of their arguments. Mom did not want to go to NY, because my grandpa did not really like her for dad. Other reasons were just small things that escalated to big arguments. I was close to both of them, so I did not want to choose sides. Both parents never remarried. Dad had girlfriends, but no one came close to become being my step mom. My mom could have had her share of men, but after the divorce, she got busy with the bakery she opened in our hometown. From what I have heard from her stories, the breads and pastries were always sold out before the shop closes. She also got busy baking custom-ordered cakes. She had always been busy, especially when she took her best friend’s daughter under her care. I understand that she loves being a second mom to the kid, but she has to think of herself too.

Dad actually visited me here in UK early this year. He wanted to turn over the family business to me and he gave me a few months to decide. He is getting old and would want to teach me the ropes before he retires. I took a business course during my duty and I knew I could be of help to dad. I have talked to mom about this over video call, one of those rare times that I call her. This was a big decision to make and I would like to hear her opinion. She said that it is my right to inherit the business and she would be happy if I accept, if that means I will not be deployed to a real battlefield. She might come to New York with me if that will be the case, as her “foster kid” will be starting college soon and has her sights of going to a university in NY. Good thing that I was not the jealous type of son or else I could have sworn off the “foster kid” for getting much attention from my own mother. I am too old for this drama. I could only shake my head at mom, then told her that I will tell them about my decision in a few months.

And here I am packing my things. I told dad that I will go to New York, but only if I get to stay with mom first in Cali for a year. I would like to get a year off before I start joining the corporate world. Dad could only accept and will wait for me. I never got to tell mom, because I was planning on surprising her. Here’s to a new beginning.