Not your Romeo and Juliet

t h r e e

"I hear someone wants to learn swordsmanship?" Tybalt asks me.

"I do." I reply back.

"It is not something a female can master." He scoffs.

"Why the criticism, my brother?" Antonio asks.

"It is not an easy task to learn. Juliet won't be able to handle it." Tybalt justifies.

"You never know unless you try." I snap back.

"Who will teach thee?" He asks again with a triumphant smile.

"I'm certainly available for the escapade." Antonio smiles at me.

"Do it at your own risk, my brother. Best wishes to both." Tybalt rebounds.

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"Hold the sword with utmost respect." Antonio instructs me.

I try to imitate his posture as he shows me various movements to use a sword for.

When he first held out the sword for me, it was much heavy. It took me a long time to finally hold it steady. The entire of our afternoon was dedicated to learn the basic styles of sword fighting.

By the end of the afternoon, my limbs were sore. I couldn't move anymore. So I collapsed on the ground as soon as Antonio announced that our training for today is finished.

"Beloved sister, remember never to keep your sword on the ground. It symbolises defeat." He chuckles seeing me all tired.

I hand him the sword and he puts it back to its case.

Then he crouches by my side.

"We need to practice more so that you can prove to Tybalt that women can claim swords aswell." He says.

"I'll remember it. Thank you for today, Antonio." I smile back at him.

"I'll be proud when you defeat Tybalt in a sword fight." He replies.

That's when someone enters the practice arena.

It is Uncle Cynthius and Aunt Achillia , parents of Antonio.

"Be a more ladylike, my Juliet." Aunt Achillia says with disgust.

Antonio stands himself and holds his hand out for me like a gentleman. I take it and stand up, even though my limbs are exhausted.

"What a bad omen ! Forgive us, God." Aunt Achillia exclaims.

"What is it, my mother?" Antonio asks.

"Isn't it a bad omen that you have decided to teach a lady swordsmanship?" Uncle Cynthius explains.

"What is bad in it, father? I'm teaching my sister how to swing a sword in case she needs to use it for safety." He
opinionates.

"Who will marry her if she learns how to fight? Her marriage is doomed." Aunt gasps at her own remark.

"Someone who truly loves her." My brother answers.

I beam at his response.

"Juliet! " I hear Matilda's voice.

"I'm in need somewhere else at the moment. Please excuse my absence." I give all of them a small courtesy before heading out of the practice arena.

"What is it, Matilda? I'm pretty drained out." I ask her.

"I met a young man in the market. He wishes to take me out on a date!" She exclaims.

"That's great!" I rejoice with her happiness.