𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 24

MILA

"I'd run away and hide with you"

***

The week passed quickly. Theo stayed over for about four days out of the week when he wasn't traveling for work. I'd gotten so used to snuggling up against him, it was hard to fall asleep sometimes.

Today I graduate college. I still haven't wrapped my head around it yet. No more early morning classes and entitled professors.

Theo flew back this morning from Dallas, but had to go straight back to the office for more work. He'd told me before he left that he has a surprise for me after graduation which I can't stop thinking about.

I got up from lazily laying in bed, admiring the view from my window and got ready for the day. It was only eleven a.m. but there was lots to get done.

After washing my hair, I blow dried, then styled it in big curls. I had time to watch a dramatic makeup tutorial. My face was caked with foundation, my eyelids covered in slight brown eyeshadow, and white along my waterline.

The dress I decided on was pastel yellow and silk. It fit me perfectly around my waist, while it flowed above my knee. I chose simple heels to match, along with gold jewelry.

My school had given me the appropriate attire. I was graduating on the Dean's list, just above Odessa.

I checked my watch and it was nearing two p.m.

Getting into my car, I drove a while until I reached the place where they were holding the ceremony. My mother texted me as I arrived and said Mateo just got into town, there were going to be here soon.

The place was ginormous. Some seats were already filling, and people were beginning to come inside.

I spotted my family walk in, just before Theo did. They waved at me with smiles on their faces. Theo blew me a kiss and I couldn't help but blush at the adorable act.

"...Devon Bernard," his family clapped for him as he walked across the stage, shaking hands and standing for photos.

"...Nala Coleman,"

"Mila Creed, number four on our Dean's list." People cheered, especially Mateo and Theo. They screamed and drew attention to themselves. I walked across the stage, posed for a picture, then went back to my seat.

A number of names were called, including Odessa's.

Once the ceremony had ended, I took personal photos and accepted congratulations. I quickly noticed the tension between my papa and Theo.

It's been almost five months, why weren't they speaking, still? My mama told me that my papa rarely talked about the situation anymore, which was a good sign.

I never really understood my fathers anger as much as you'd think I would. Why wasn't he happy I was happy? No matter who it was with. We're both adults, and you can't choose who you love.

Theo snapped me out of my trance with a kiss. "Congratulations, baby. You deserve it." I heard my papa make a disgusted sound, and my mom scolded him for it.

"Sis, look at you. The one of us that succeeded in college." Mateo hugged me, and I let out a laugh. "M! Ahh!" Odessa screamed. "We're college graduates."