Romeo and Juliet

26-R-

Prince Charming is Charming 1.0

"By the way, how's Zed?" Gabby asks.

The image of Zed, despondent as I left his place earlier, still haunts me. The news of missing regionals, possibly nationals, weighs heavily on him. We skirted the topic, yet his words, laced with bitterness, betrayed his fears of never regaining his former prowess.

I pause before responding, straightening up and catching her eye in my mirror. We both steal a glance at the bustling students, urging Michael to clear the path.

"He's coping," I say with a shrug.

"Poor Zeddie. He's one of our finest," she laments.

I raise an eyebrow at the nickname.

Suddenly, Romeo claims the seat beside me.

Did he not notice Julissa's bag? Is he oblivious? Her delay is unnerving. I snap my mirror shut and stash it away. A moment's peace for makeup seems too much to ask.

"Romeo, that's Julissa's spot. Could you move along? She's not fond of such pranks."

Right on cue, Julie materializes, trailed by Steven and Frank.

"It's fine, really," she smiles. Does she not see? I can't bear being near Romeo. Not alone. Not on this night journey. Night holds too many perils.

"See?" Romeo smirks triumphantly.

"Attention, students! Is everyone on board? We're departing now. Anyone missing?"

"Jesse's not here, sir," calls a girl from behind.

Jesse saunters in, luggage in tow. "Here I am!"

Whistles greet him as he settles at the front.

"Is that everyone? Julie, find a seat. The doors are closing. Speak now or hold your peace!"

Laughter ripples through the bus, mine included.

"Julie," George beckons, "there's a spot here."

"See you later, Julie," she waves, grabbing her purse and heading to George's seat.

"Julie, huh? Isn't your name Helena?" Romeo probes.

The audacity. Why does he care? I feel trapped beside him.

"Julie, as in Juliet. You know, people often have two names," I retort playfully.

His smirk widens, and I sense a taunt brewing. "Romeo and Juliet. Quite the pair, aren't we?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Darling. We're not even in the same story," I retort with a smirk.

"Feisty, aren't we? What's got into you?" Romeo probes, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Why indeed? I should be mourning Zed's absence, but it's not just that. Watching Romeo with Holly stirred something unexpected. He's a notorious heartbreaker; I shouldn't care, yet here I am, inexplicably ruffled.

"I've always had a bit of fire in me. You just never hung around long enough to get burned," I quip.

"I didn't what? Last I checked, you were the one giving me the cold shoulder. One day we're close, the next, I'm persona non grata in your world."

"It's better this way," I snap, more to convince myself than him.

"Is this about Zed?" he asks, his tone dripping with insinuation.

I bite back a sharp retort, my mind racing with thoughts I dare not voice.

"Oh, speaking of which, where is he? Oh, right! Laid up with a broken leg," he says cruelly.

A surge of anger courses through me. "Enough, Romeo. Show some respect."

His surprise is evident. "Defending him, are we?"

I take a deep breath, trying to quell the rising tide of irritation.

"Do you need something, Romeo?" I demand, my patience wearing thin.

"No, Helena. But do you recall the last time you drenched me in coffee?"

My face flushes at the memory. Both times, my mind was clouded with thoughts of my parents.

"I seem to have forgotten," I lie, fighting back a smirk.

The first incident, he remained silent, his frown speaking volumes. The second time, his audacity knew no bounds, and it still irks me. The third time is today and now here he is, bothering me.

"How convenient, Juliet," he taunts, the familiar use of my name sending shivers down my spine.

Rummaging through his bag, he continues, "So, why the sudden distance? Is our friendship over?"

I remain silent, fixated on the earbuds he's extracted from his backpack. 

"Huh?" he asks again.

"I don't know. As I said, it's for the best."

His eyes twinkle with mischief, and I fight the urge to flee.

"Scared of falling for me, Juliet?"

I scoff. "Please. Not everyone is captivated by you. Least of all me."

"Confident, aren't you? I could poll the entire bus, and I bet they'd crown me king," he boasts.

"Oh, please! Their opinions don't matter to me," I retort sharply.

His chuckle only fuels my frustration. He's succeeded in riling me up, a feat becoming all too common these days.

I turn away, gazing out the window as my cheeks burn. Romeo's ability to leave me so bewildered is a mystery. He makes me want to punch me in the face and yet plead for him to stay. I've missed him, and it terrifies me. With no one to confide in, not even Julie—I'm left to navigate these turbulent emotions alone.