chicago's charity gala

few months later

Layla's brown irises practically dug holes into the letter and invitation in her grasp from the way they never left sight. On the other hand, she held a glass of wine loosely before bringing it to her lips. Her body sunk into her couch once popping a bottle. She was supposed to wait although felt necessary to pour one due to what she received in the mail dreadful.

The knocks on her doors caused her head to perk. She placed the latter onto the coffee table before shuffling towards the door. It revealed her dear friend, Devon. He is a dancer who is part of the same company with Layla. They've came up together since her arrival to the city at the dance company's summer workshops when they were teenagers. If she could describe him, she would profess how he's one of the few talented dancers meant for the big stage. Whenever an opportunity is thrown to be partners, she wouldn't hesitate at the idea. Their chemistry on stage is undeniably magical. They're able to understand each other—through their strengths and reciprocate the effort needed from one another in performing.

Off stage, Devon became her and April's guide to the lively city. She considers herself blessed to have someone like him to help navigate this maze-like place. However, she couldn't be more grateful to be in his company and could rely on him like family. They've seen the world together after touring around the world. He helped made New York feel like home to her.

"Hello, hello! I've come bearing our dinner!" He greeted dramatically into the apartment, pecking her cheek. "I would've been here sooner, but my errands intended to be longer than I estimated."

Layla followed him into the kitchen after shutting the door. "No worries, moving can be hectic. I can't believe we're finally living together." She proceeded to the cabinet to grab him his class.

"It's about damn time." Devon let out a scoff, opening the takeout bag to reach for the containers inside. When he lifted his head, his eyes darted at the bottle and glass situated on the coffee table from afar. "Layla Marie Morales, did you open a bottle without me?" He gasped in betrayal, looking over at her.

She pressed her lips, knowing he'll throw a little fit for pouring one beforehand.

"Guilty?"

He squinted at her before heading to grab the bottle. When he picked it up, his head tilted with curiosity of what else was lying on the coffee table. "Now, what do we have here?" He said loud enough for Layla to hear and perk her head from the kitchen.

Her eyes rolled at the sight of what was in his grasp. She continued to pick up the utensils to produce their plates. "It's nothing really. This big fancy gala back in Chicago for charity that happens every year. I get invited because my family's notable work—now, it's my accomplishments from the prestigious dance academy to my successful career here. Along with the organizations I've taken part of." She mused. "Hence, the letter that desperately pleads for my presence remotely for a photo op with the mayor or something. My mom asked me earlier if mine arrived and tried to convince me to go like every year since I've left."

"And we're not going because...." Devon trailed off.

"Not a big deal." She simply shrugged, not sparing a glance at her friend.

He scoffed in response, "Going to a gala for one night in your hometown wouldn't be a big deal. I believe your mom would love seeing you home often."

"If only you saw the way she wouldn't let go of me when I departed to my flight." She came into the living room with their plates in her hands to set on the table.

"Maybe it was nice to see her daughter back in home after so long. This event might not be that important but an opportunity to spend time with you." He said, laying the invitation down and settling besides her.

"What's the harm in participating one night event?"

"Your chariot awaits, Miss Morales!"

Outside of the airport yelled Nathan motioning to his car. He did not care earning the daring eyes of strangers crossing their way in or out of the building. Layla shook her head in embarrassment while she approached with her luggage. Considering the man has become a father figure in her life, he thought it was pure entertainment to poke at the woman especially in her teenage years. He treated the women in his life like royalty, quite literally.

They shared laughs before colliding for a warm embrace. Layla expressed her annoyance about his dramatic stunt causing her stepfather to grin. Once they pulled away, he handled her luggage and stored it in the back of the car. He made his way swiftly to open the passenger door for her. She shared a grateful look then stepped inside.

"Your mom is ecstatic that you agreed to this year's gala after how many years of refusing to come," Nathan told, departing from the airport and into the freeway.

"We both know this gala is nothing important. My presence benefits my grandparents and mother happy to show me off like a diamond on display after excelling in my career." Layla retorted, aside the fact her mother is elated of another visit— her presence at the gala would be the cherry on top for the Morales family.

Her stepfather couldn't help to partially agree due to experience his fair share of attending the remarkable annual gala.

"Well, your mom is mostly thrilled to spend time with you during this visit. She is taking you out with grandmother to find a dress."

Furrowing her brows, she shifted in her seat to look at the man. "What? We don't need to find a dress. I already packed one."

Nathan chuckled out, shrugged. "You and I both know they won't allow it. They want to treat you out that's all." He caught a glimpse of the woman visibly opposed to the idea. "Don't try to fight it, Layla. They're going to win no matter what."

He's learned from experience to never attempt a challenge with any of the Morales women.

"Oh definitely, I'm well aware." Layla laughed, recalling the times how the Morales women take seriousness in appearances at these events. Though she conformed it into her lifestyle especially coming from the world of ballet—always look your sharpest and walk into every room with your chin up.

"Are you taking April? Maybe it'll help you to have a friend to survive the night."

"Unfortunately, she's working the graveyard shift at the hospital." She frowned upon the news. "But no worries, I'm capable of going solo which is nothing new. Plus, as an adult I can manage to tolerate a conversation or few with strangers...probably need a little pick me up with a drink."

The car rolled into the driveway at Layla's childhood home. Nathan assisted his stepdaughter to retrieve her luggage to carry inside the house. With Catherine in the studio, Layla could unpack in her old bedroom and rest until then. She laid back on the queen-sized bed after folding and hanging clothes and freshening up in the bathroom. Her eyes scanned the room like her previous brief visit. She remembered the posters and pictures that used to be hung on the wall. Trophies and books that were on top of the white shelves for display. Since her mother's itch to be an interior designer due to empty nest syndrome, the color on the wall changed along a few things.

However, Catherine kept parts of her daughter's old bedroom intact. Because it'll be home for her and the heart of the house in the mother's eyes.

One of Layla's favorite parts of her bedroom is the balcony. She glanced at the transparent doors to the place she would sit out and read for fresh air. Or.... the place sneaking in and out of the house like any other teenager missing curfew after hanging out with friends. She couldn't forget the times letting a boyfriend sneaking into her bedroom.

A pair of heels clicked on the wooden floors of the hallway towards the bedroom of a teenage girl blasting music in the room. Giving a couple of knocks out of courtesy, Catherine waited until hearing her daughter to invite her inside. She twisted the doorknob open, unveiling Layla lying on her bed reading a book for English class.

"Wow mom, you look stunning." Layla's eyes lit up in awe once taking a glimpse of the older Morales woman furthering in the room. She placed her book down, watching as the woman twirled with a smile. "Nathan is lucky to have you as a date for this gala, tonight."

Catherine gushed, "Thank you, my love. I came to let you know we're leaving and won't be back until later, of course." She informed as the husband to be is downstairs tying up his shoes. "There's money on the counter in the kitchen for dinner. Our numbers are on the fridge along with your grandfather's and Iris next door." She referred to the lovely older woman who has lived in the neighboring house since they've moved in.

"What am I forgetting?"

The teenage girl uttered a giggle, rising from her seat and grasping her mother's hands as a sign of comfort. "Mom, I'll be fine. I've stayed home alone before."

"Are you sure April couldn't sleep over?"

"April is busy working on a group project."

A knock on the opened door tore their attention from each other to Nathan dressed in his suit. "Honey, we should get going. We don't want to be late." He softly called, checking the expensive watch attached onto his wrist.

"You don't want to be late because it might make my father go mad." Catherine threw her head back, staring at her fiancé in amusement. Her daughter suppressed her giggles in agreement. "Although, you are right. We should go to get over the family photo ops already." She turned to her daughter to give one last embrace and a light kiss upon her cheek. "I love you and if you need anything, call us."

When Catherine crossed over to the door, Nathan looked back and sent a stern look with his finger pointing at her. "And no boys!" He teased causing the teenage girl to roll her eyes.

Fifteen minutes surpassed since her mother and Nathan departed to the charity gala. Layla sat at her desk typing up a report when the home line rang. She saved her work before traveling across her bedroom to pick up the phone on the nightstand.

"Hello?"

"What's your favorite scary movie?" A creepy like deep voice inquired on the line.

The instant familiarity of the voice caused Layla to scoff and shake her head. "You're so annoying. Are you here yet?"

"Look behind you."

She followed to find Kelly Severide standing outside on her balcony. The teenage boy sported a sheepish grin and waved through the transparent doors. He watched the girl hang up and sauntered towards the doors to invite him inside.

Once opened, she brought him in quickly. "You could've used the backdoor at least." She was in disbelief that he chose a challenging entry to her house. Yet, this isn't the first time he snuck in through this way to which is much better than climbing into his bedroom.

"What's the fun in that?"

Kelly smirked at his girlfriend. He removed his jacket, laying it on a chair before strolling up to her. "So...your mom and Nathan are gone for how long again?" He snaked his arms around her waist.

Layla smoothed her hands on his arms, biting her bottom lip. "A couple of hours. It's a charity gala." She answered, shooting a glance.

In a matter of seconds, the two teenagers fell in clashing their lips. Kelly held her close to him after her fingers combed through his hair. They carefully shuffled back to the bed not breaking the kiss. Layla flopped back watching her boyfriend and then dive into the crook of her neck attacking with his lips.

The way Kelly would look at her with those lovesick puppy blue eyes that made her heart swell was one thing. Feeling the touch of his lips or hands on the other hand, makes her melt. Perhaps, they're two hormonal teenagers eager to explore each other.

Layla's eyes were shut while Kelly continued to pleasure her. She relished every second, uncontrollably slipping out a moan. Though when his hand slid underneath the hem of her shirt and onto her bare stomach. Her breath hitched, snapping her back to reality.

She pushed her boyfriend back slightly. "We said we'll take it slow. This is not slow." She breathed out as her cheeks reddened.

Kelly pressed his lips together, sending an understanding nod. "Not slow...you're right." He forgotten their agreement at the start of the relationship. They've been dating for almost a month now. The furthest they've gotten were heated make out sessions in his car or a secluded part of the school. Neither wanted to pressure each other into sex until they were ready. This time they were too lost in one another's touch.

He moved to sit next to her on the bed, allowing her to straighten up. "Want me to call for pizza and you pick out a movie?" He proposed.

"Yeah, we can watch downstairs." She happily agreed, cupping his face and sealing with a sweet kiss.

They cuddled on the couch with the movie playing on screen. On the table laid out their drinks and the open box of pizza with a few missing slices. Layla snuggled into Kelly's chest once more with a blanket securing her body. Kelly absentmindedly rubbed the pad of his thumb against her shoulder as his eyes remain intact on the movie.

Looking up at her boyfriend. She thought to bring up the anticipating topic on her mind. "So, when do you think we should tell our friends about us? Well, everyone actually." She questioned. "We can't keep sneaking around for long."

Kelly's eyes diverted to lock into her gaze. "If you're ready then we could tell them. Besides, I think April and Scott are catching on about us." He assumed, considering Scott has been interrogating his sudden whereabouts.

"Oh, April for sure." Layla wouldn't deny that her best friend had it figured out. She has pointed out on multiple occasions that Kelly wouldn't stop staring her or other instances where he's shown interest in her. "She'll be surprised you had the balls to tell me."

Clearly offended, Kelly shifted back in his seat. "What? I had a game plan." He informed confidently.

"Yeah, running in the rain to my house late at night where you climbed up my balcony was the plan." She knitted her brows together. "Let alone you ended up sick."

He narrowed at her, "I got the girl at the end, didn't I?"

The sound of their laughter faded when Layla reeled back to the present alone in her old bedroom. She exhaled a sigh, sitting up on her bed. Her feet dragged her to the balcony where she felt the breeze of the Chicago air. She looked down at the old craving on the railing.

K.S. + L.M.

Catherine wasn't wrong. Regardless of the ravishing, decorated venue that can show the beautiful view of the Windy City, the gala can be quite dreadful place to be. This rather spacious venue gathers Chicago's finest and wealthiest (potential donors). From groups obtaining as an important factor to the organizations and those bracing fake smiles in exchange of increase funding. However, the prestigious art on display within the walls are breathtaking to marvel at in between conversations and sipping on expensive alcohol.

An orchestra played as Layla sauntered through the entrance doors behind her parents. She appeared in a silver sequin gown with a silt. Her dark silky hair parted to the side and bumped at the ends for a classic look. She surveyed the room of to find a couple of familiar faces from the previous times she's attended years ago.

Greeting fellow guests in passing, trio discovered the older Morales couple in a blissful conversation with their group of friends. Henry and Macy Morales, known as Layla's grandparents. Henry is a respectable Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery and board examiner due to his following work in medicine. Macy works at Northwestern University as the Director of the dance program.

"Oh, my darling, I told you this dress looks stunning on you!" Macy gasped, once spotting her granddaughter. She cupped her face after coming up to greet with kisses upon her cheeks. Her hands slid down to grasp while marveling in awe. "Doesn't she look beautiful, Henry?"

Henry immediately curved an elated grin, strolling towards the latter. "Just like her mother and grandmother. Absolutely timeless." He engulfed his granddaughter, the light of his life since being born into the world like Catherine. Seeing her presence back home warmed his heart as he hopes more visits to follow in the future. "I'm so happy that you were able to come."

"You're not the only one," Layla muttered into his shoulder.

After being thrown into interactions of strangers enlightened by her presence, Layla treated herself with a glass of red wine and strolled around the venue. She stood in front of a painting to which captivated her eye, basking in the company of her own.

Time would only tell until the arrival of unexpected company.

"Well, if it isn't my beloved cousin. No wonder I saw a chariot outside the steps."

"Hello, James." She turned to see the smug grin of the man dressed nicely in his suit with a glass of whiskey in his hand. "Almost thought I'd bump into you here at some point. I already seen your parents as your mom telling me her wishes that you would get married and have kids." She snorted, seeing a glare shooting at her.

James kissed his teeth before nursing to his drink. "If only it was that easy. I could say I'm married to my job which would only cause the woman to throw a fit." He intrigued, earning a laugh. "Now, come here and hug me because I never believed the day to see you walking in this city."

Layla rolled her eyes then threw herself into his arms for this cousin reunion. James is a few years older than his cousin. Like his grandfather and father, he indulged in a career of medicine. He has worked his way up to become a researcher and attending general surgeon. The two grew up together considering their father and mother are siblings. However, his family moved to Los Angeles due to a job offer for his father.

"Your dad mentioned you came to take the lead on a surgery here?"

"One of grandfather's old friends." James said. "On a brighter note, I get to see a few old friends who work at the hospital."

They continue to catch up for a while until interrupted by a fellow surgeon urging to speak to James. Layla excused herself, promising to find him later in the night. She sauntered into another area of the venue after trading an empty glass of red wine for champagne. The lingering silence went on to the point where she hadn't realized she stood at the end of the room and in total isolation from the party.

She took one sip of her champagne when hearing quiet whispers and a noise nearby. Her brows knitted in confusion as she sought to the sound out of curiosity. Eventually, there was deep regret in her gut advancing towards the dark hallway. Turning a sharp corner caused her lips to part and her face paled. She gasped seeing a few men dressed in dark attire and masks with weapons in their possession.

Her breath quickened as she tried to push herself to move quickly before catching sight of her. She needed to call for help in order to bring the guests at this party to safety. The moment she stumbled back, she felt something hard hit against her.

Layla spun around to realize it was too later. Standing before her was a man matching the other men darting at her. Not a second passed by when the man knocked the woman out with his weapon.

-Little introductions of the Morales clan. Thought to give a little flashback before the anticipating reunion of the former lovers. Hope you like it! Tell me what you think! Don't forget to vote and comment! Stay tuned!-

WRITTEN: 7/23/22

PUBLISHED: 7/24/22