You Don't Own Me

Keeping Distance

                                                           Theresa Millan

                                                                Marathon

[14] I breathed out nervously, running my hands for God knows how long down my dress. I was so nervous and couldn't stop looking at myself in the mirror to see the flaws. I wanted everything to be perfect.

"Luna, it's already nine." I sighed, I better leave then. "You look beautiful, the dress suited you perfectly." I smiled at that, turning to face Maria that was dressed in an elegant but yet simple gown.

"Thank you, you look lovely yourself Maria." I told her as I walked toward the bed to grab my clutch. "Let's go to the party." I walked with her out of my room and toward the front door, heading toward my car as we drove to the party.

I parked the car in an empty space and turned off the engine, opening the door as I got out. I fixed my dress and grabbed my clutch, fixing my straight hair. "Ready to go" I walked toward the entrance with Maria and greeted the guards as I made my way inside.

"I'll head inside." Maria said as she walked inside of the room first and I followed after. I took a deep breath, anxiety taking a toll on me when I remember all these people behind the door.

You can do this Theresa, come on! I walked inside of the room, the murmured room turned silence at my entrance. I inhaled deeply, my eyes slowly widening as I looked around nervously.

"Theresa!" A girly voice shouted through the quiet room, breaking the silence. She ran toward me and I leaned down, opening my arms as I pulled her into a hug. "I thought you wouldn't come!" She pulled away me and touched my face, "You look so pretty, where did your curls go?"

"I straightened my hair for tonight, do you like it?" I asked her as I tickled her, my hands running down her hair. She nodded her head eagerly and I gave her a smile, "You look very pretty too."

She whirled around in her dress and I smiled wider at that, "My mommy bought this dress for me. I look like a princess, and my brother like a prince! Come! You should see him."

"Caroline....." Before I could tell her something she dragged me to where Houlton was. "Sweetie wait, I'm on heels." She slowed down a bit but still held my hand as we reached Houlton and his parents.

"Daddy! This is Ollie's mate Theresa." Caroline told a much warmer version of Houlton and I nervously glanced at him, "Isn't she pretty!" Caroline told her father as she tugged at his hand.

"Yes she is, hello. I'm sorry for being the last person to know my son's mate." He chuckled, extending his hand, "My name is Colyn, nice to meet you." I extended my hand and shook his with a smile on my face.

"The pleasure is all mine." I finished greeting him and went to greet Houlton's mother, "Hi Marisol." She greeted me with a double cheek kiss and a warm smile, "It's nice to see you again."

"You too, I see Caroline got a new friend." She chuckled, looking down at her daughter who grinned, staring at the both of us. "I'm glad you two are friends." She brushed Caroline's hair as she smiled at her.