THIRD PERSON POV

Larissa stared at the students with rage. Being the principal, she managed to stay composed and never let her anger get in the way of her rational thinking. Her eyes focused in on her surroundings: the Football team’s captain, Gregory, the girls’ Volleyball team’s captain, Allison, the cheerleaders’’ captain and co-captain, Bella and Tina, the girls’’ Soccer team captain, Zara and her daughter, Hope. She looked passed Hope, and her eyes landed on Damien with an ice pack on his side.

"Nice office Mrs. Larove," Gregory said to try to make a conversation.

"Thank you," Larissa responded.

Hope watched as her Mother took a deep breath. She knew her mother enough to know nothing will end well for her today.

"Hope. Why did you kick Mr. Sanchez?" Larissa asked .

Hope glanced up at her Mother. "He was commenting on how he would like to taste the cheer captain’s you know what."

"Not true!" Damien protested.

"SILENCE!" they flinched from Larissa's sudden outburst. "Is this true, Zara?"

Zara looked up and nodded.

"Words. Use words."

"Yes. It's true, ma'am."

"But ma'am, I know Damien. He's impregnated a lot of girls. And, I'm on Hope's side this time. He needed to be taught a lesson or two." Gregory stated.

Bella, Tina, and Allison looked at him surprised.

"I will ask your parents to come and meet me, Mr. Sanchez. And Hope, detention. 1 week. I'm highly disappointed in you Hope. I taught you better than to use violence to solve any problem." Larissa said.

Hope looked up to see her Mother's heartbreaking expression. She’d never seen her Mother so disappointed in her life.

Bella looked at Hope. She felt a tug at her heart. She wanted to apologise. After all, Hope became that way because of her. She never thought the principal would give detention to her own kid.

"You all may go." They all turned to the door and headed out.

Hope turned after apologising to her Mother.

"You okay?" Zara asked

Hope could only nod. "She's disappointed in me. I've never seen her that upset at me." Hope mumbled.

Bella and Tina roamed the hallways making their way to the girls’ locker room and leaving the two friends who'd be waiting on them.

"Bella, I think you should apologise. She's in trouble partially because of you."

Bella turned her head to face Tina . "Excuse me? I didn't ask her to kick Damien."

Tina stood in front of her . " Bella, she called you ‘her Bella’. Think about it . " She gave her a small smile and went inside the shower .

Bella sighed softly before heading to an empty shower stall . Her mind wandered to the events that had passed. She grinned thinking their's someone who cared about her well-being...

HOPE'S POV

I just made Mom sad. Oh god. Daddy will kill me when I get home.

I glanced at the time, and it was 4 P.M.. And, I was feeling kind of hungry. "Hey Zara, let's go some place to eat. I'm hungry. My treat." I asked.

"Great. We can ask the girls as well. Double date, baby."

I chuckled. I would deal with my parents later Now, I just wanted to eat.

Half an hour later, Bella and Tina walked out . Zara offered to take Tina's duffel bag while asking them to join us to eat somewhere .

Tina agreed.

Bella mumbled a short no making Tina insist .

"Bella, you should ride with Hope," Zara said out of the blue.

Bella looked surprised and tried to say no. Causing Tina to push her to me.

"Be nice, you two." Zara grabbed Tina's hand and walked to her car.

I stared blankly at the two. I glanced quickly at Bella and smiled slightly . "Shall we?" I politely asked.

She nodded. She looked as if she wanted to say something but decided against it .

I led her to my car and pressed the remote button. "Get in."

she did without any hustle.

I revved the engine, but a 'ring' startled both of us.

It was my car phone. It was Zara. "So peanut, where should we go to feed ourselves?" Zara's voice echoed in the car.

"Whoa! You have a car phone?" Tina's voice came through.

"How about that restaurant in the city? The one we always go to to escape our parents." I said. As if I could see Zara nod, I smiled.

"Yup. Okay. We'll meet you there." Zara hung up.

I put on my sunglasses and drove. Sometimes, I glanced at the angel next to me. She looked troubled. I let it go and focused more on the road. I turn down the familiar road, and suddenly, her voice echoed in my ears.

"Hey, Hope..."

"Yes?" I said. Not believing my own ears. She was actually talking to me.

As if on cue, the song by Chris brown, “Turn up the Music” played in the background.

"I'm sorry."

I was so surprised by what she had said I didn't even respond. "You what?" I ask her again to make sure.

"I'm sorry."

Yup! I must be losing my mind. The ice queen just apologise to me! "It's fine, Bella," I said and smiled.

"No, it's not. It's my fault."

"No. It's his."

"I'm sorry. After what I saw in the principal’s office, I can see you're different than the others. You actually care for your mom's feelings. Not the others.”

That's what changed her? I mean don’t we all love our parents?

"Like I said before, it's fine. I can talk to my mom's about this. They are both cool parents." I assured her. I looked at her and focused on the road again. I didn’t know if she was really smiling or faking it. But, I could feel she was really smiling. From her heart.

I stopped in front of the familiar restaurant. Bella looked around, and I could see her look really nervous. "Why are we stopping here?" She asked me.

"Ummm. To eat?" I simply said.

"Here?! This is a fancy restaurant! I can't afford here! It's expensive. And I'm not dressed right."

I chuckled. "Relax. There's no dress code. And, I'm paying. Besides, it's my aunts."

The valet opened my door, and I gave the keys to him. The other guy opened Bella's door, and Bella looked like a lost puppy.

"Miss Hope! Welcome back."

I smiled at the valet. "Richard. Thank you." I said and walked to Bella's side.

Moments later, Zara's car stopped in front of us. Tina looked exactly like Bella did moments ago.

"Ummm. We can't afford this." Tina said.

I laughed. "I'm paying. Don't worry." I said. "Shall we?" I said and led them inside.

We were welcomed by the sweet smell of French pastries. Yummy! Aunt Christina really did a good job renovating this place. It was her present to her Wife. So romantic of her to do so.

The waitress led us to our table. "The menus. As our special today is Coquilles Saint-Jacques."

Sounds delicious.

"Because we have school tomorrow, can we have fresh juice ," Zara asked her.

"Of course, miss. "

Zara turn her head to Tina. "What do you want, babe?"

Tina looked confused. "How about we just eat anything you guys choose," Tina said and Bella nodded.

Zara smiled and turned to me. "Hope, please order us the most expensive thing there is to offer!"

I chuckled. I should have known she will go to that part. "The specials, please. Fresh Apple juice. Also, do you have the macaroons?"

She nodded.

"Okay, so macaroons haute couture. I think that's all."

The waitress took the menu back and with a smile she strutted off to the back .

"What's a macaroon?" Tina asked us.

"It's a French pastry. But I order the haute couture."

She looked at Zara.

"She ordered the expensive kind of macaroon. You should try them. It's delicious."

Tina's eyes widened.

"Don't worry it's not that expensive. She's just exaggerating." I assured her.

"HOPE!" A familiar voice called for me.

I turned to see Aunty Christina and her Wife. "AUNTY CHRISSY!" I stood and hug her.

"What brings you to my restaurant?" She asked me.

"We're from school and just hungry."

She turned her head to the table. "Oh, Zara. How nice to see you again."

Zara waved. "Hey. This is my Girlfriend, Tina. And that's her Friend, Bella."

They both waved at my aunt.

"Hey, Hope." Aunty Maria greeted with a hug .

"Hi. How are you?" I asked them.

"We're both fine."

I smiled. "Join us!" I invited them.

They smiled and shook their heads no.

"We're here to check the place out. That's all. Your aunt Christina here just arrive from Rome." No wonder she looked tired.

"Too bad," I said.

"Well, nice seeing you all. Have fun and enjoy the food." Aunt Christina said and walked away.

“Does all your family look like they just came from a fashion magazine photo shoot, Hope?" Tina asked me.

I laughed. "Nah."

"You do know she's the ex-captain of Xander high cheer squad right?" Zara asked them.

They both shook their heads .

"Hope's aunts, Christina and Catherine, they were both the captain and co-captain. The queen bees. Now, they own the multi-billion dollar companies with Hope's Mom and some other businesses." Zara explained to them. "Also, the Laroves sisters have been the richest in America since last year. Billionaires."

I stopped her from talking way too much. "Still we're human and just human." I finished.

Soon our food arrived, and the aroma was just intoxicating.

"Wow. Just the smell makes me drool." Tina said.

"Well, dig in," I said as I put the food inside my mouth.

Bella's eyes widened when she tasted the exquisite food . "Hmmmmm! This is good." She moaned.

I paused and looked at her surprised.

Tina and Zara tried hard to hold in their laughter.

Bella stared at us confusingly. "What?"

"You just moaned." Tina said laughing.

Zara stifled her laughter, and I just smiled.

Bella's face reddened, and she continued to eat silently. This girl is something.

The waitress walked to our table and put the macaroons in the centre of the table.

I smiled at her.

"Tina, you should try this." Zara took a bite and gave it to Tina with her mouth.

Tina took a bite and moaned. Instantly it became a very heated make out session. Tina pulled away. "This is literally a French kiss."

Zara laughed.

I cleared my throat. "Get a room." I said.

Zara held up her hand to shut me up. They just completely ignored us!

"This is awkward," Bella said.

I nodded to agree with her.

*beep beep beep*

"We need to talk."

Oh shit. Daddy knows. I smiled nervously at Bella. I sighed biting my bottom lip. I was so dead...

CARMEN'S POV

I was sitting at my desk working when my beautiful wife walked in. As soon as I saw her, I knew something was wrong. She never interrupted me at work unless it was important.

She closed the door and let a few tears fall down her face.

"Sweetheart? What's wrong? Are you hurt? Are the girls ok?" I asked in a panicked voice.

She slightly smiled and waved her hand. "It's nothing like that. We are all ok. I just had a rough day at work. Then, it ended with Hope kicking a boy across the gym floor in front of a bunch of people, and I had to hear a bunch of kids throwing fits about it." Larissa sighed. "I had to give Hope detention,, Carmen. I don't expect our kids to be perfect, but I don't ever expect them to act like this. Hope was raised better. She put me in an awful position. I even had some parents complain."

I pulled her into a hug. "It will be okay, sweetheart. I will handle Hope when we get home. Trust me. She won't ever disappoint you again."

Larissa looked up at me. "Now, Carmen, I already punished her. I don't want you losing your temper with her. I want us both to talk to her."

I laughed a little. I sent a text to Hope and focused on my Wife again. "I can't make any promises, Larissa. I can't stand to see you hurting." I bent down to place a kiss on her lips.

"I will let you finish your work. See you at home?"

I grab her hand and pull her back to me. "Or you could stay and I could make you feel better." I put my hand under her shirt and played with her breast.

She closed her eyes and a small moan escaped her lips. "Wait, babe. We are adults now. We shouldn't be doing this in your office where anyone could just come in."

I smirked "Honey, I am already wet. You don't have to say things like that."

Larissa playfully hit my arm.

"Even adults need some risky sex. Now let's release some of that tension." I said applying more pressure. I smiled . I have her now.

Hope walked into the house, and I could feel the anger stirring back up inside me. Larissa noticed the look on my face and put her hand on mine. "Hope Marie Larove! You come into my office right now!" I rarely used her middle name unless I am getting her attention.

Hope walked in. The look on her face showed that she knew what was coming.

Larissa started. "Hope, I am so disappointed in your behaviour at school today. I never thought I would have to say that to you. Hope, I am the principal. If someone is out of line, you come to me." She paused and took a breath. I could tell she was trying not to cry. With a shaky voice, she continued. "I heard a fight in the gym and went in to stop it. My heart broke when I saw it was my own daughter fighting. I expect you to set an example. If my own daughter starts going around kicking people, then what can I expect out of anyone else? You know all of this already. What were you thinking?"

I didn't give Hope a chance to answer before I started talking. "Hope, Your mother showed up at my office today crying over what you put her through today. I am SO angry right now! How could you do this, Hope!" I looked at her. "We raised you better than to fight over something someone says. YOU BETTER NEVER HAVE YOUR MOTHER COME HOME CRYING OVER YOUR BEHAVIOUR AGAIN! Do you understand me!"

Hope flinched.

"I Taught you all those fighting moves for your safety! Not punching people when you're angry!"

Hope was looking at her hands the whole time. She nodded her head in understanding.

"Your mother and I already decided that detention is enough punishment this time. But if this ever happens again, you will not only get whatever punishment your mother has to give at school, but you will be punished at home as well."

Hope lifted her head as she stood up. She was crying. "I am So sorry. My intentions were not to hurt either of you. I promise this won't happen again."

Larissa went over to Hope and hugged her as she cried. They are so much alike. The soft, loving heart. My girls.

"From now on, those moves are just for you to use when there's an emergency situation. No more fighting!"

"I understand, Daddy."

I walked to her and hugged her. "I don't want to raise my voice at you. But, this behaviour is not something I can let go. Everything you do, it will effect our family. Remember that."

She nodded.

Larissa pulled away and smiled. "Dinner anyone?"

Hope shook her head. "I just had food at Aunty Jane's restaurant."

"You will eat what your Mother just cooked.” I strictly said.

Hope quickly nodded her head...

"Tell me about Bella White," Larissa said.

Bella White? Who was that?

I just let my girls talk about this Bella girl.

"Cheer squad captain. Bitchy, rude and also she yelled at me for no reason on my first day. Oh and, I kind of like her."

Okay, that's bold. "So you fell in love with a girl on your first day?" I smiled. Like Mother and Daughter indeed.

"You can say that," Hope said.

Allesandra smiled at her big Sister. "I met her!"

Hope quickly cover her mouth. This is fishy.

"Alle. Tell us." I encourage my little princess.

"She's beautiful. Brown hair like Daddy. And she's nice. I like her."

"Alle, you better shut..."

"Be nice to your Sister Hope." Larissa interrupted.

"So, she's nice? When will you bring her to meet us, Hope?"

Hope's face reddened.

"I met her. She does look beautiful. And she's a genius."

I nodded my head. "Okay, so you approve, sweetheart?"

Larissa chuckled. "Not yet. We need to officially meet her first."

"I agree."

Hope just sat there speechless.

I smiled at how shy Hope could be. She truly liked this girl...

BELLA'S POV

I stared at the biggest bra I had ever seen in my life resting on my bed. Because Tina's parents said they needed to visit someone out of the city, Tina asked if she could crash at my place until they got back from the trip. I agreed. We always had sleepovers. So what's the difference now? I was so busy watching the bra I didn't notice Tina walk in only wearing her towel.

"Take a picture. It'll last longer." She playfully said.

"It's huge!" I said as if I’d never seen it. I chuckled.

"Bella, you've seen it millions of times!”

I laughed at her.

"Anyway, did you apologise?" She asked me while putting on her pj's.

I nodded. "I did. In the car. She was actually nice." I admitted.

"See? I told ya!" She smirked.

"Wipe that smirked off. I'm not buying it." I said defensively.

"Yes, yes. Anyway for the party, Zara asked me to stay for the night at Hope's mansion. So, I can't accompany you back. But Zara did say to ask you to stay for the night, too."

Should I? "Is Hope staying, too?"

She nodded. "Of course, it's her mansion." Tina let her platinum blonde hair down getting ready for bed.

"Tell me about this party."

Tina lay down next to me. "Everyone will be there. The jocks, the preps, even the nerds. It's like the biggest party for the social scene. Zara and Hope really were the most popular girls in school."

Were? "Explain."

"After Hope went on her months long trip to Rome, it was a trip to prepare her for the future, she left Zara all alone, and she's not really Zara without Hope. That's why she tried out for the Soccer team. And that's how we dated each other."

Okay, now I have to ask the real situation of their relationship.

"What's the deal with you two? I mean you two act like a married couple."

She chuckled. "I'm her Girlfriend. Her parents approve. My parents not so much. If only they knew how different Zara is, they would know how special she is to me."

Yup, my Friend was in love.

"I mean come on. We had sex everywhere in school. Her house and even my house when my parents and siblings not around."

I laughed. Now that's the truth! They seem to not be able to let each other go. My mind suddenly wandered to Hope.

"Tina, did Hope ever date anyone?"

She nodded. "First, Caroline."

I was surprised she said that bitch's name. "I thought she's straight!"

Tina shook her head. "She's Bisexual. But Hope caught her cheating and ended it." Tina finished.

"That's all?"

"Nope. There was another girl. Brianna. She moved."

I nodded.

"She ended it. Long distance relationships are nearly impossible."

"Where is she now?"

Tina turned her head to me. "St. Jude Cemetery. Fatal accident."

Is she serious? She looks serious.

"And then there's Allison. The Volleyball team’s captain. They had sex at the library once. The principal caught them. Allison ended it after her parents knew her attraction towards the same gender. Some elites’ parents hate their kids being gay. But the Laroves are exceptional. They support whatever their kids want to be."

That sounded nice.

"Why? Falling for her?" Tina grinned.

"No! Just wondering."

I could see Tina's grin widen. “Just admit it."

"Tina, I don't think someone like Hope would like a person like me who had sex with a jock and got pregnant. And then, he forced me to abort the baby and then left me alone."

"Bella, trust me on this. She won't judge. Besides, Tony is a jerk. Not all elites are like him."

I don't know. After what Tony did, I never believed in elites or anyone in particular.

"Besides, you were drunk Bells. He practically raped you."

"Tina, I think I'm falling for her. But my ego side says 'nu-uh no girl! She will crush you like he did.’ I don't know what to do." I finally told my best friend. It felt good to tell someone.

"Bella, it's your heart. Not mine. Just do whatever you feel is right. You better work fast, or someone might take her away from you." Tina said and turned her body to the other side.

What Tina had said left me to wander. Should I let my heart fall for her? Or shouldn't I?