Stealing the Stars

Romeo and Juliet

Remember how I said he broke me heart? He did. We dated a few months. And we never kissed on the lips again. Only butterfly kisses on the tip of my nose. I was always by his side. But, then he turned 14, and his buddies didn't think it was cute that his girlfriend was younger. We were hanging out one day in my room and his phone started buzzing out of control.
"What is is?" I asked. He grabbed his phone and checked his messages. They said:
Dude, why are you still dating her?
Are you 2 gonna breakup?
Are you her sugar daddy?
He shook his head.
"Are you going to breakup with me?"
"I... I enjoy you so much. But, I don't want to be an outcast. You have to understand that right?" I shook my head.
"But, you gave me my first kiss! I like you and you like me, remember? you can't do this! Please!" I gasped. He just shook his head. He grabbed my hand and gave it a little squeeze. He nodded once, and got up to open the door. My heart didn't break... it shattered. I was smashed into 1 million pieces in a few minutes. A single tear fell from my eye. Before he could leave I screamed at him.
"I knew you were rushing it! You probably made all that crap about having true feelings towards me, just so I'd kiss you! Did you make it up?" He stopped and turned face me.
"You are a great girl, but you are a sister to me. Not a girlfriend. I shouldn't have put you through this. Eli manipulated me thinking of you that way. I, I'm sorry! But, this is good. This might have ended worse if not for the guys. Good... bye," and with that he left. He left with all of my heart.
Now, I know what you are thinking. But, I really liked Zave, so, yes, that kiss was very necessary! And you might think I was being a bit dramatic, but hey. It was middle school.
From that moment on I was extremely unhappy. I felt this weird sense of worthlessness. I had never felt this way before. Sure, I had insecurities. But, doesn't everyone have those? No, this was different. I just felt... vacant. Like, "hello? Bethany? You in there?" But, the next week. Xavier didn't come over on Friday. And, I realized I was holding a grudge. I mean, I left 20 minutes early in the morning so that I could walk to school with my friend Rocky, and not have to see Xavier. I left late so I wouldn't have to see him on my way back. I had only done this 5 days, yet it really wasn't fair. If a relationship doesn't work out, it just doesn't. Move on.
In class, we read Romeo and Juliet; a classic. But, when we finished it, one girl said she thought it was good that it didn't work out. She said fate clearly was against their relationship, and that they were being ignorant. This really bothered me because... hello? Shakespeare made no mistakes. But, I get it now. I... I just do.
On Monday, I found Zavey with his earbuds in and his hoodie over his head. He looked like the walking dead. I ran up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Zave, I'm sorry I lashed out on you. I realized this wasn't meant to be. But, I mean, I guess I'm ok with that. How about you?" I spoke softly but with a purpose. He stopped dead in his tracks.
"I have missed you everyday! I haven't stopped thinking of you. You think it isn't meant to be?" I was shocked. Here I was moving on, but he couldn't.
"Oh, Xavier. I mean, we are so young. We totally rushed. We should just stay "sorta siblings". Maybe, one day-" I was cut off with a swift kiss on the cheek. I gently set my hand on the area his lips had touched. He looked at me hopefully. I shook my head.
"I just don't think it is a good idea. You have to understand. Can we just move on?" I pleaded. He looked defeated, but put on a fake smile.
"Sure," he mumbled. I nodded and gave him a big hug. I remembered me wanting to be embraced by these strong arms, but I was denying them now. I gave him a squeeze, then pulled away. But, he had an iron grip, and wouldn't let me go.
"Come on Zavey, we need to go," I shook a little and he released. We walked together the rest of the week, but didn't say 2 words the entire time. But, you know, it felt good. Just his presence. Knowing he was there for me, and loved me, and would protect me and my heart.