Chapter 6

Julie just stared at her father, not believing how far he was willing to go with this. She was shocked. Then, she felt Carlos squeeze her hand and she looked at him. She knew by the look in his eyes that he would stand by any decision she made.

Looking at her father again, Julie said, in a strong, firm tone, "Then that is the way it will have to be. In your eyes, I am no longer your daughter."

Ellen was nervous by what was happening. "Edward, Julianna, please don't do this!"

"I'm sorry, Mom, but I am not going to allow him to control my life anymore," said Julie quietly to her mother. It hurt her to have to do this to her mother, but she felt that this was the only way. Then she looked at her father again, "I'm sorry that it has to come to this, but I am not losing Carlos again because of you." Then she turned to her mother, hugged her and whispered, "I love you," and then left with Carlos.

Edward sank back down into the chair. He was stunned. He knew that things

between himself and Julie had been strained, but he hadn't realized how much until now.

"How could you do that?" asked Ellen. "She is your only daughter and you drove her away."

"She is making a mistake, Ellen, I can feel it. They will have nothing but misery if they get married."

"No. Julianna is not the one who made a mistake. . . I am," said Ellen angrily.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Edward asked his wife, looking at her sharply.

"It means that Julianna is making a desicion based on love and what she feels in her heart," said Ellen. Then she added, "I didn't have that choice."

She picked up her purse and walked out of the restaurant leaving Edward sitting by himself.

"Are you okay Julie?" Carlos asked as he drove back to her apartment.

"Yeah, I think I am. I finally told my father what I felt, and I was able to do it without backing down," said Julie when Carlos pulled into the driveway.

"I'm proud of you, Julie," said Carlos as he leaned over and kissed her.

Once the kiss ended, Julie looked into Carlos's deep brown eyes, "Can you stay with me for a little while?"

"Of course," he said. When they entered the apartment, Julie fell into

Carlos' arms and kissed him with a passion she never felt before. The next thing she knew, they were in her bedroom on her bed. Carlos looked down at her, "Are you sure about this?" he asked.

"I have never been more sure about anything before," she whispered.