𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 15

MILA

"Try not to abuse your power"

***

I wake up to loud knocking on my door, only minutes before my alarm is expected to go off. I tiredly open my eyes and yell come in.

My mama slowly opens the door with a huge white box, and my papa follows.

"Buenos Días, princesa." My mother kisses my forehead as my father sits on the edge of the bed.

"Hi." I rub my eyes. "Why are you guys in here so early?"

"We have a surprise for you, principessa."

As I sat up, my mom placed the box on my lap and I looked up at both of them in excitement.

"Go ahead, open it." My dad smiled at me.

As I lifted the top from the box, there laid the pink gown Lara Dutta wore to the Seventh Annual Red Ball Salute in 2000.

I've been obsessing over the dress since I saw it on Lara Dutta herself a few years after I was born.

"I know you and Mateo's birthday is just a few weeks away and I wanted your 21st to be special. September 2nd. My mom gushed.

"Dios Mío." My eyes began to water. "Muchos Gracias." I hugged both my parents and smiled. "This means so much to me." I wiped the tear from my cheek.

"You're going to look so beautiful, principessa." My papa kissed my forehead. "I'm so glad you like it, your mother and I are happy to see you happy. I have to get to work, big meeting today. Te amo, Mila." My father left the room.

"You're our princess, mija. I have a charity event to plan, will you come tonight?"

"Yes, what's the attire?" I stood to walk to my closet.

"Red and white. At the gala hall. 7pm." I nodded. "Okay, and I wanted to tell you something about Theo." I fidgeted with my fingers. "He basically asked me on a date."

"Mila, that's amazing. I'm so happy for you. Theodore is a mature, great guy."

"What about the age gap between us?"

"You usually don't care about what people think. Why should that change? Your father and I are 10 years apart. We never acknowledged what anybody thought about us. You shouldn't either, amor. Vivir por ti."

"You're right, mama. Thank you." I hugged her and she left the room.

My phone pinged, and it was Elijah once again.

"Mila?"

Avoiding isn't in the cards for me anymore, so I replied.

Me: Hi, sorry

I put my phone down as I began to brush my teeth and wash my face.

Elijah: Can I come see you today at 1? Please

Me: Sure, bring me a milk tea?

Elijah: Lol, of course, M

Putting on my Nike running shoes, paired with a black workout set, I walked out of the front door to run my five miles in my neighborhood gym.

The gym is huge and neutral toned. A few of my neighbors and others come to this place because of the upscale equipment and the great people.

Eli used to be my trainer, but after the breakup, we went our separate ways.

By the time I finished my five mile run, it was still only 10am, so I decided to shop for shoes to go with my really pink gown.

I still can't fathom how grateful I am to have such great parents that prioritize things that make me happiest.