𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 12

MILA

"I used to get on my knees and I'd pray for love"

***

The sun glared through my bedroom window as I tossed and turned for more sleep.

My alarm went off just as I got comfortable once again.

7:15am

Groaning, I got up and headed to my bathroom to get ready for classes.

Turning my shower on, I walked to the sink to brush my teeth and put my hair into a top knot bun.

Stepping inside my hot shower, the water stung my skin, but in a way that made me feel good. The steam surrounded me as I washed my body.

My skin care is always the same.

I let my hair down and sprayed it with water infused with conditioner as I slicked it back into a low bun.

Wrapping my robe around my body, I walked into my bedroom and over to my closet to pick out an outfit.

I picked out a coffee colored fitted mini skirt with a mocha cropped blouse, only one button connected. I then added accessories along with my apple watch and grabbed my car keys and computer from my nightstand and went downstairs.

As I walked down, I heard voices which was unusual considering I was almost always the first one awake.

I saw Mateo and Enrique at the kitchen island surrounded by papers and boxes.

"Mila?" Enrique was first to notice me. He and I haven't spoken in a while. It was almost like he's a stranger to me.

I ignored Rico's presence and turned my attention to Mateo.

"Matty, what are you working on?" I opened the refrigerator and took out a fruit bowl my mother made for me and a smoothie.

Mateo aggressively threw his pen down on the table in frustration. "Papa has me working on figuring out if the company he wants to buy is corrupt. This shit has me stressed. I did not sign up for this." He signed in anguish.

"Hey, you'll get through it. You'll be fine. You're strong," I smiled at him. "I'm about to get going. I'll see you later?" Mateo nodded.

"Wait," Enrique ran after me. "Can we talk?"

I stood for a moment and turned to face him. "I really have to get going, sorry."

Stopped in my tracks, he grabbed my arm softly. "M, please. I want to apologize for my shitty behavior. You're my closest friend and I ruined our friendship over something so stupid."

"You know, maybe your apology would've been worth something if my best friend cared about my feelings. I was in such a bad place and you didn't even ask me how I was doing once. I was there for you during your toughest times. Your mother wouldn't be proud of the son she raised." I scoffed.

The look in his eyes made me almost regret what I said, but instead of saying anything further, I got into my car and backed out of the driveway.

During Mr. Takhon's class, all Camille was talking about was her party tonight.

"I'm going to look so hot tonight. My cousin wouldn't know what hit her." She laughed.

I turned my focus from the lesson and curiously onto Cami. "Who is this cousin of yours and why is she such a bitch?"

"We're pretty close in age, and she'd always try to compete with me— she'd always try to outshine me. But tonight is my night. She won't be ruining it."