Romeo and Juliet

4-E-

Stumbling

I apply more makeup than usual, reaching for my darkest colors and most expensive clothing. It doesn't make me feel fantastic, but it gets me halfway there. I blow a kiss at my reflection in the mirror and descend the stairs, my dog trailing behind me.

"I'm leaving now," I announce to the empty house. Living here often makes me feel like a loner. Despite having almost the entire school as friends, only Julissa ever visits. Yet, even with her, the house feels too big for just the three of us.

"Take care, Julie," Jude's voice echoes from somewhere within the house.

"Kisses," I respond, giving Papito a quick scratch on the head before I leave.

As I drive to school, I sing along to the music, enjoying the solitude. It helps me compartmentalize my home life before I step onto the school grounds, ensuring I don't bring any personal problems with me. My reputation could be ruined if I ever let anything slip. The gossip squad is always ready to pounce.

"Watch where you're going," a male voice calls out as a loud motorcycle nearly collides with me.

"Watch where you're going, you moron!" I retort.

I stand a few meters away from my car, waiting for the rider to remove his helmet. As his face is slowly revealed, I cringe.

Not again.

"Lena," Romeo greets, approaching me with his helmet in one hand and his bag in the other.

I bet he did that on purpose because I definitely know how to drive. Parking is my specialty.

Everyone in the parking lot halts their activities to watch us.

"Why me?" I mutter under my breath. "Romeo."

"Nice to see you again." His grin takes my breath away.

"I can't say the feeling is mutual."

"Ouch! That hurts." He stands beside me, his cologne filling my nostrils. Before I can react, he wraps his arms around me and pushes me aside.

"Get off me," I protest, pushing him away. I need to distance myself from him. His presence is affecting me in ways that are driving me crazy. His smell? What am I, a wolf?

His expression hardens, and I suddenly fear his reaction.

"Watch where you're going, you asshole!" he yells at a skateboarder before turning back to me.

"Make sure to look both ways before crossing the road, Helena," he advises, emphasizing my name in a way that sends chills down my spine.

He releases me and heads towards a group of guys I dated a while ago, probably his football friends. I might have to consider rephrasing that. Kissing them sounds more appropriate.

Ignoring the curious glances from the students around us, I lift my head and stride into the building as if I own the place. Julissa meets me halfway, looking overly excited.

"Romeo just saved your life," she squeals.

"And?"

"Come on. Every girl dreams of being saved by him. He's the male version of you. Hot, popular, both players. It would be cool if you two ever dated. I think your relationship would break your one-week record."

I glance at her as we stop in front of our class. "We'd kill each other, Julie," I roll my eyes.

"I'd be the referee," she adds, smiling.

Her sense of humor is one of the many reasons I adore her.

We enter the room and I pause. Every seat is taken except for one next to Romeo and another at the very back. I can't see from that far, so I reluctantly approach my adversary.

"Is this seat taken?"

"Was saving it for you," he replies with a smile.

Why does he smile at me? Does he know how it affects me? Most importantly, when did we start having classes together?

I glance back at Julissa, who is sitting with a wide grin on her face, giving me a thumbs up.

Thanks for the cheer, Julissa.

*****