Alesandese

Chapter One

Welcome to my brand new story! This feels so exciting that I can share my published book with you guys! I made this decision because I felt my Wattpad family deserved to read it. Mind you, this is the unedited version because I'm not allowed to publish the edited version by my publicist lol. Of course, if you want to read the edited version with extra scenes included; you can purchase the full book at Amazon and other stores. I have put the link in my profile - and no, this isn't a shameful promotion - I'm just sharing information :)

Anyhow, I hope you will enjoy this book as much as you did with THE and THE2. I will upload the first two chapters today and chapter three will be uploaded on Friday.

Enjoy!

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The shaking of my shoulder and Dad's warm voice is what wakes me up this morning.

"Wake up honey," he says softly. I grunt and pull the cover over my head, wanting the real world to disappear and for me to enter the dream world once again. I hear an irritated sigh before the same annoying hand comes back to pull slightly at my hair. Ow!

"It's time to get up now honey, you have your Taekwondo tournament today and you don't want to be late." Dad speaks louder and I know he's doing it on purpose, trying to annoy me. But what irritates me more is that he's right! Maybe I shouldn't have stayed up so late texting my friends. I mean what can I do? The new Marvel movie is coming out soon and I am more than hyped about it. Being a fangirl is really difficult sometimes.

"Ugh, Dad, yes! I'm up!" I flail my hands at him and slowly sit up in bed, my ruffled hair falling all over the place, leaving blonde strands everywhere. I look to my side and see Dad standing there in his usual stance, arms crossed and that annoying smirk on his face, ugh.

"Good morning sunshine!" he says loudly and if glares could kill...

"Dad," I warn him, shaking my head and removing the several strands of hair that's stuck to my mouth. Eww drool. That's just disgusting, I think to myself, trying to look dignified while wiping away the rest with the back of my hand.

"Alesandese, don't be so grumpy and get out of bed. It's time for a nutritious breakfast before the tournament." Dad says with a grin and squeezes my shoulder before walking down the stairs, whistling obnoxiously. I sit in bed and let out a long sigh, slowly slipping out from underneath the covers and shiver when my toes hit the cold floor, I can't wait for summer to come.

I put on my favorite robe; lilac in color with beautiful flower patterns and walk down the stairs. I'm greeted by the smell of eggs and bacon and – I sniff the air and can't help but smile even though the nerves are beginning to creep up on me – waffles!

My Dad's homemade waffles are the absolute best. He always puts special spices in them that just makes them extra tasty along with the syrup and sugar and cinnamon. It's perfect!

"Good morning Angel," My mom says with a bright smile as she walks into the kitchen, all ready for work in her navy jacket and trousers. She works as a computer technician, coming up with new apps and programs for different kinds of software.

"Morning mom," I say with a tense smile. She presses a kiss to my cheek and looks deeply into my eyes.

"I'm sorry," she whispers. I sigh heavily and shake my head.

"It's all right mom, really," I put a piece of waffle in my mouth and savor the delicious taste.

"I know it's not okay for me to miss the tournament Alesandese, but I couldn't help getting called in at work today. It's an emergency, but I will make it up to you darling. I promise to be present at your next tournament and cheer the loudest for you." she gives me a bright smile, and all I can do is smile back because what kind of daughter would I be if I couldn't excuse my mom for being busy at work? Even though I wish you could be there because your presence always calms me down.

"It's okay mom, it's not like I have a chance at winning or anything," I shrug my shoulders and play with the food on my plate, my stomach already twisting and turning. Mom turns to me with a glare and puts her hands on her hips.

"Alesandese! That's not how we raised you. To give up before you even try your best,"

I roll my eyes," Mom..." she shakes her head, strands of her black hair falls across her forehead.

"Don't you mom me. I believe in you, your dad believes in you," she puts her hand on dad's shoulder, forcing him to turn around and meet my eyes. He looks between me and mom, swallows the food in his mouth, and takes a deep breath.

"Your mother is right Alesandese," he says casually. I growl at them, of course, she is according to you! I think to myself. "Never give up before trying your best and we both know that you have an amazing talent at Taekwondo!" he nearly shrieks before putting another piece of bacon in his mouth, happily chewing away. I mean they're right, my coach has told me several times that I have natural fighting skills and I am the strongest fighter in our Dojo but still...

"I guess I'm just nervous," I try giving them a reassuring smile but fail miserably. Mom opens her mouth but is interrupted by her phone ringing and playing a David Bowie song.

"Hello, Melantha speaking," she says and walks to the living room, leaving me with dad and his judging green eyes. I roll my eyes and stare back and am about to say something but he beats me to it.

"You're going to be fine, honey."

I scoff and stand up, "I'm going to get dressed and prepare myself mentally." I walk out of the kitchen and up the stairs. I love my parents but sometimes they can be really annoying. They just don't understand what if feels like to lose something you're so passionate about.

"Just don't be late!" dad's voice screams from downstairs, I sigh and close the door.

What if I disappoint you...and what if I'm not as good as everyone thinks...

I get my bag and gather all the necessities I need my Dobok which is the traditional Taekwondo uniform used in practice and competitions. I look at the uniform and the black belt that's attached to it and sigh heavily, you can do this Alesandese just believe in yourself!

My black belt has five yellow stripes attached to it, which means that I am an expert at Taekwondo or a Sabum as it is called in Korean. Which can also mean instructor and that gives me the right and possibility to teach younger students.

"Alesandese, time to go!" Dad screams from downstairs. I take a quick look at the clock and gasp, how did twenty minutes pass so quickly? I gather the rest of my stuff and put on training overalls, tie my long blonde hair into a tight ponytail and run down the stairs to find dad waiting by the door, swinging the car keys on his finger. I put on my shoes and walk out the door, dad right behind me. I hear him lock the door, Mom didn't even wish me luck one last time before leaving for work, I think to myself angrily, trying to not feel resentment towards her.

I enter the car and slam the door after myself waiting for Dad to begin driving. I already feel the frustration beginning to creep up on me. How could she?! Does this competition mean so little to her? She knows it means the world to me and-

"Honey, please don't be mad at your mother," Dad puts a piece of hair behind my ear and turns my face towards him, a gentle smile on his lips.

"Why did she just leave then? Do I mean so little to her?" I manage to croak out, don't cry! Why am I feeling so emotional today? Dad sighs and pulls me into a tight hug and whispers in my ear.

"You know she wouldn't miss it for the world if it wasn't an emergency. She loves you more than life itself darling – we both do." I whimper and nod my head, feeling Dad give me a last squeeze before letting me pull away and take a deep breath. Dad gives me a soft look and I nod my head, giving him a smile.

"Let's go and win this thing – for mom."

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