I couldn't believe my ears, I wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I was shocked and unable to move, my mind kept on playing the last sentence she just said over and over like a broken record.

"Mila?" Her voice was soft, but it created such an impact on my heart.

I blinked and whispered, "Mom? Is it really you?"

She let out a soft chortle, "Of course it is cariño," She stated as if I was crazy to even question that, "I hope I'm not disturbing you, I can call back another time."

"No," I said immediately, "You could never disturb me."

I didn't want anyone to overhear my conversation, I felt like this was a moment I had to share with my mother only. I took a few steps backward before I turned around and hurriedly made my way to the room, I called mine for the last two days.

I locked the door behind me and sat on the bed, still not over the fact that my mom, my precious, sweet mom, remembered me as her Millie. I had to be dreaming because this couldn't be possible, could it?

"Mom?" I called to make sure she was still on the phone.

"Hmm?" She replied, she paused for a moment before she spontaneously asked, "Where are you, Millie?"

"I'm here mom," I answered.

"No, I mean... why aren't you home, with me?" I could almost see the frown she wore, "I sat out on the balcony this morning and there was a... a lot of c-clouds in the sky, but the air felt very summery, it's summer isn't it?"

I shut my eyes as she stuttered on some words, that little action reminded me of her awful illness. At times she forgot which words to use correctly in a sentence, simple things like that confused her and it broke my heart.

"Yes, it is," I replied softly.

"So why aren't you home?" She asked and her voice sounded a little sad, "Don't you come home in the summer?"

Guilt came rushing in like a flowing river, I should've been with her instead of sitting in another state, thousands of miles away. Julie said she missed me, and I was being selfish, I wanted to have a little fun and took every excuse to stay back. If I went home when I planned to, I would've been with her at this moment and could've hugged her – God knows how much I craved her warm hugs.

"I'm sorry mom," I told her, "I... I have no excuse, but I promise I will be home very soon."

"I hope so," She replied, "Abuela and Papa are over, and we were looking at old pictures... of your first birthday party. It feels like yesterday when you held my hand and took your first steps..." She paused and I could hear her gulp, "I can still feel your little hand in mine, I wish I never had to let go."

My throat was starting to feel very dry and a lump was building, my heart was sinking, and I didn't know how to control my emotions. I took in a deep breath; I didn't want her to know how emotional I was.

"You never did, physically yes but my heart will always be tied to yours," I told her.

"I told you that, once didn't I?" She asked.

I was shocked, I couldn't believe she remembered. It felt so good for her to be recollecting everything but at the same time, I was a little scared. How was this possible and what could it possibly mean?

I nodded, "Uh-huh, but," I paused to contemplate if asking her the next question was advisable, "How do you know all of this?"

She scoffed, "How can you ask me that?" She sounded so much like the mom I grew up with and unlike the one who grew confused and became very quiet over the years, she sounded like the Carmen who always had a spark of life and joviality in her eyes, not a vacant, lost stare I grew used to over the years.

"You're my sweet Millie-bee, I could never forget anything connected to you," She said, "Do you know what your first word was?"

My heart was overflowing with joy and sorrow, I had never felt so many emotions at once. I was overwhelmed, so much so that my skin started to prickle.

"Mama?" I asked.

She let out a small laugh, "I wish but it was Dada," She clicked her tongue, "I was so upset and your father, well he was so smug he made you repeat it on a loop over and over."

I didn't know this story, she never told it before. It wasn't uncommon for her to be delusional and create scenarios in her mind, but I didn't want to question her, whenever I did, she got aggravated. I, however, made a mental note to ask my dad this.

"Things were so good back then," She mused and I knew the smile she wore seconds ago was fading, "I sometimes wish we could stay in a moment forever, like a picture, just capture it and nothing would ever change."

I swallowed down the very prominent lump in my throat, "Me too."

"Do you know where I am right now and what I'm holding?" She sounded enthusiastic again.

"Tell me," I whispered; my voice was slowly deceiving me.

"I am in your room sitting on your bed and holding Bebe the Bulldog," She said, "He's a little battered up and missing an ear, but he smells just like you."

I let out a strained laugh, the lump growing more and more. Bebe the bulldog was my favorite stuffed animal, I got him when I was six and couldn't go to bed without him in my arms. He was the cutest, most cuddly toy I ever owned, he lost his ear once when I mistakenly cut it off while doing my homework.

"Do you remember when you cut his ear off?" She laughed and I joined in, feeling my eyes starting to pool with tears, "My poor baby cried so much, I felt helpless because the ear was irreparable, I couldn't f-fix... I mean sew it back."

"But you told me that imperfections are what make everything perfect," I recalled her words as if it were yesterday, "Bebe's missing ear set him apart from the rest and made him uniquely mine."

"That's my girl," My mom lovingly said, "I hope you never forget all the little lessons I gave you while growing up."

I shook my head, "Never, I carry it with me every day."

"Mom," I said seriously, "Are you alone? I mean where's Julie, Abuela, and Papa?"

For the last six months or so, it wasn't advisable for her to be alone, especially around things that could hurt her. She couldn't sit still, so she always found things to hold and meddle with, sometimes she would just take a walk around the house in the early parts of the morning. Once she walked to the kitchen and attempted making herself a sandwich, but failed miserably when instead of the bread, she sliced her finger and had to get stitches. She was so clueless that she didn't even feel the pain in her hand, she just went to wash her hands and then forgot she was hungry and went to bed.

Luckily Julie woke up and saw the blood dribbling down her hand and took her to the doctor for stitches. Ever since, Julie didn't leave her alone, so I was curious why she was on the phone without anyone nearby.

"Julie," She muttered, and I heard a bit of shuffling, she was probably looking around the room, "They're here, somewhere... I don't remember."

"Mila?" She asked and just like that the moment of clarity seemed to be slipping away, "Who is Julie and why is she here?"

As her Alzheimer's progressed, she didn't seem to understand that something was wrong with her, in the beginning, she acknowledged she was sick, and it was hard. But the more her memory slipped away – she knew she was forgetful, but she didn't understand the severity of it.

She never really questioned who Julie was, she just sort of went with it and because Julie was so experienced with working with patients like my mom, she handled it effortlessly.

"Um," I began, "Julie helps take care of you when I'm at school."

"How is school Mila?" She asked suddenly, her confused tone was replaced with curiosity and a bit of excitement, "My little girl is in pre-med, right?"

My heart sank when I got into Harvard, I told her, but she never acknowledged it. She was starting to forget who I was so things were really bad at that stage.

"I'm at Harvard Med School, mom," I softly told her.

"Really?" She sounded so excited, "How did I miss that? Oh Mila, I am so so so proud of you! I cannot wait to see you graduate and add a doctor title to your name."

"You'll be the first doctor in the family," I could feel her excitement through the phone, "I cannot e-express how happy I am!"

"Promise me you will be at my graduation?" I requested, my voice starting to crack.

"Of course, cariño!" She exclaimed, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Once you qualify, you can find a way to fix Bebe's ears." She added with laughter.

Hearing her wholeheartedly laugh warmed my heart, it made me feel all fuzzy on the inside. It felt like eons since I heard her laughter, and what made it better was that she was laughing with me – something I never thought I would experience again.

As I laughed with her, my chest was tightening, and I did my best to stop myself from crying. I didn't want to ruin this miracle with tears or sadness, but I couldn't help myself. I was happy but sad at the same time because I knew this wouldn't last, she would easily forget who I was by the time the call ended, or even before that.

"Tell me all about Harvard," She enthusiastically said, "I want to hear everything you've gotten up to – the good and the bad."

I smiled and started telling her about my experience at med school, I told her about Faith and Wang being my only friends. I went on to tell her about my first real boyfriend – Jadyn, and how happy he made me. When she asked what happened to Leo – she thought he was my boyfriend when he took me to prom, and no matter how much I corrected her, she didn't register he was just a friend – I told her the truth, that we just drifted apart for no apparent reason.

I then went on to tell her how I ended up in Los Angeles, I informed her about the road trip and staying with the Clarkes. I told her about my friendship with Mitchell and his family, she seemed the most intrigued about that. Talking about Mitchell reminded me what I completely forgot about him when my mom called, I was off to stop him, but my mom was a priority now.

I glanced at my watch and realized I was talking to my mom for over forty minutes, there was no way in hell I would make it in time, he was probably boarding the plane by now.

'I guess I wasn't meant to stop him.'

If I were honest with myself, I wasn't thinking of Mitchell, my priority was my mother and nothing else. I knew I would eventually talk to him next semester; I gave a lot of my time to him already, now it was my family's turn.

"So, is he your boyfriend?" My mom asked.

"No," I answered straight away, "I don't have a boyfriend."

"You're beautiful, young, and smart which is why I find that hard to believe," My mom said, and I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't deny that it felt nice to talk about these things with her. I never did that before and chatting to my mom like this warmed my heart, it made me feel like the kid again.

"Carmen," I heard Julie's voice.

"Who are you talking to?" Julie asked her.

"Mila," My mom answered her, "Could you give me a few more minutes."

There was silence for a while before Julie agreed and my mom was left alone again.

"I've got to go, cariño," Her tone sounded sad, "But I will call you tomorrow, I promise."

My high spirits were dropping, I didn't want her to hang up, I was afraid that the moment she hung up, she'd forget all about me again.

"Okay," I said softly, "I'll wait for your call."

"And I'm waiting to see you," She replied, "I miss you, Millie, come home soon."

The lump was back in my throat, I didn't want this call to ever end but I knew it had to at some point. The conversation I just had with her felt surreal, it was as if was in a dream; I couldn't believe it.

"I miss you so much mom," My voice was starting to crack, "As soon as I'm able to fly out, I will be there."

"I know," Her voice was soft, and I knew a part of her didn't want to go either, "You make me so proud Millie, I am blessed to be your mom."

My eyes were starting to sting, tears were pooling in them and I was doing my best to hold them at bay.

"As I am to be your daughter." I croaked.

"I'm waiting to see you, I miss your warm hugs and our Mila-mom time," She said, "I love you so much."

I shut my eyes and the tears I did my best to hold back slowly made its way down my cheeks, I was savoring every second I had with this conversation but like all good things, it had to come to an end too.

I took in a breath and replied, "I love you too."

And just like that, the call ended. I knew it was probably time for her to have a meal and take her medication which was why Julie called, but I didn't want her to go. I dropped my phone on the bed and felt more tears roll down my cheeks, I suddenly felt empty – like I have all my adult life.

Speaking to my mom as her daughter was something, I never thought was possible again, I still couldn't fathom what just happened. But I needed to compose myself and stop thinking, I needed to act and see her, she wanted me there and I needed to be there.

So, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand, I composed myself and made my way out of the room, in search of my dad.

I ran downstairs and to the kitchen where he and Mandy last were, the smell of smoked salmon hit me as soon as I entered, if I wasn't so distracted, I would've blocked my nose and ran out, but instead, I spotted my dad sitting at the island conversing with Mandy while she cooked.

"Dad," I began, my tone a little urgent, "I need to go home, now."

My father stopped his conversation and Mandy stopped cooking; both turned their attention to me. Mandy looked concerned and my father just frowned.

"Mila," Mandy began taking a step closer to me, "Honey, is everything okay?"

I swallowed down the lump that resurfaced the moment I thought over the conversation with my mother, "Yes, I just need to go home."

My dad got up from his seat, scrutinizing my features, he stood a few feet from me and asked, "What happened? Did Carly say something? Is this some kind of ploy to meet her son?"

I rolled my eyes and internally groaned, everything in the man's head was associated with the Clarke's. Why couldn't he understand that my life didn't revolve around them?

"No," I coolly stated, "Mitchell and his family are the last thing on my mind right now, in fact, you'll be happy to know that Mitchell is on his way to London."

He looked at me sternly and I knew he was going to ask something which would infuriate me further, but before he could open his mouth, Mandy beat him to it.

"Can you tell us what happened all of a sudden?" She calmly asked.

I took in a breath and calmed myself, I couldn't tell them that my mother suddenly remembered I was her daughter after two years, I needed to choose my words carefully.

"I miss my mom, terribly," I said softly, and the words were so genuine that I felt a pang in my heart, "I need to see her, and I don't care how."

Mandy looked concerned, "Is she alright? I know there's a storm over there, is she safe? Did something happen?"

I shut my eyes and withheld the urge to say yes, something did happen, but it wasn't bad, it was great.

"She's safe, everything is fine," I answered, "But it's been months since I've seen her, I need to go home."

I looked at my father, "Dad, please, I was meant to be back two days ago, but I stayed at your behest. I assure you I have no intention to see Mitchell or any Clarke right now, I just need my mom."

My father's expression softened, and I assumed he could see that I was serious about this and possibly a little upset.

"Mila," He took a step towards me, "I understand and if we could, we'd leave right away. But it just isn't safe to fly right now, besides, all flights to New York have been canceled."

"Then fuel up your jet," I blurted, "That's how you got here, right? We don't need any airline, get the jet up and running and let's go."

He sighed as if he were talking to a child, "It isn't about an airline, it's about safety."

"Then let me drive there," I insisted desperately, "By the time I reach, the storm would've passed."

"Mila be rational," My father retorted, coolly, "New York is over two and a half thousand miles from here, we'd be able to fly before you even reach."

"Your father's right," Mandy softly added, "Just be a little patient, sweetheart."

I huffed in annoyance and ran a hand through my hair, I was so desperate to go home and just be in my mom's presence that I would do anything to get there. I had never felt more helpless as I currently did.

I narrowed my eyes at my father, "This is your fault, if you only allowed me to leave when I planned to, I wouldn't be in this situation."

His cool demeanor slipped away quickly when he snapped, "If you didn't sneak around and break my trust, you wouldn't be in this situation!"

"Damien," Mandy warned.

My father let out a breath and with one last stare at me, he stormed off.

I exhaled and felt utterly hopeless, I knew he was right, it was too risky to fly out and driving would take days. I didn't know what to do, except wait but time was dragging.

Mandy walked over and comfortingly caressed my arm before he gave me a half-hug, "Are you sure everything is alright, Mils?"

I nodded and attempted a smile at her, "Yeah, just homesick."

"Don't worry, you'll be in your mom's arm soon." She smiled and all I could do was nod and hope that it would be sooner than later.

***

"Check and mate." I grinned triumphantly while my dad sat in a state of shock and confusion in front of me.

It was two days since I got the best phone call of my life from my mom, ever since that day, she called regularly and still remembered me. My grandparents were thrilled, so much that they said I needed to be home as soon as possible. The storm was pretty intense, but they were safe, and now two days later, we were allowed to fly once more – which explained my good mood.

We were to leave in the early evening, I was all packed and ready set to leave. To pass our time, my dad and I were seated on the rooftop of the penthouse which had a stunning pool and entertainment area, all with a view of the Los Angeles skyline.

It was a hot, summer day and the sun was shining brightly in the sky without a cloud in sight. The air was humid and warm, a pleasant breeze cooled my skin while I sucked in all the vitamin D I could.

"You found a way to cheat under my nose," My dad whined.

My father and I weren't the best of friends, but we were starting to get along quite well, in fact, spending time with this side of my family over the last couple of days was nice. I was starting to feel as if I was a part of this family too, Mandy was lovely, my brothers were annoying – which was normal and my dad smiled more in these days than what I assumed his entire life.

We were playing chess for the last hour and I had to admit, my dad was the stiffest competition I ever had, he was good at the game and I almost lost until he made one silly move and I cornered him, winning the game.

"I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Mason whenever I beat him at checkers," I scorned, "Only sore losers play the cheating card."

"You and Mason got along well, eh?"