Romeo and Juliet

2-O-

Friends are Not Friends

"What was that?" Julissa joins me on the court, a frown marrying my otherwise flawless face.

Romeo! Ugh.

His words bother me more than I'd like to admit. I roll my eyes, trying to shake off the thought. What has he done to me? Has he bewitched me?

Such encounters are commonplace. Boys ogling my figure, guys drooling as I saunter by, girls gaping in awe. I'm the epitome of perfection. To say they kiss the ground I walk on would be an understatement. I can't fathom why this situation feels any different.

I'm already annoyed with myself for still thinking about him.

"Stupid Romeo. Who the hell does he think he is?" I mutter, setting my water bottle on the bench. She mirrors my action, her gaze fixed on my face.

"It's normal. I thought you were used to it by now," she takes tentative steps towards the other side of the court, then halts.

"I thought so too. Apparently, Prince Charming is an exception." I grip the racket, sending the tennis ball flying to the other side. It whizzes a few centimeters past Julissa, ricochets off the wall, and bounces back.

She freezes on the spot, and I can't help but chuckle. Even though I almost hit her unintentionally, her reaction is priceless.

"Sorry," I manage to say between fits of laughter.

She rolls her eyes at me and continues her trek. As she makes her way to the other side, she picks up the ball and returns it the same way I did. Her strength is comparable to that of a chicken; I have no idea why she's still training for regionals. As far as I know, Julissa despises all forms of sports.

"Prince Charming, huh?" She retorts, and I freeze as the ball whizzes millimeters past me. Bitch! She bursts into laughter this time, and I'm tempted to hurl my racket at her.

"She's your friend," I remind myself quietly, "friends don't hurt each other."

Not that it would cause any real harm, but my skin marks easily. And my face can't afford to sport a purple bruise.

"What?"

"Nothing. It's just that everyone calls him that. Can't I do the same?" I wait for her to get ready, then send the ball back her way.

She merely shrugs.

"Alright, ladies!" Frank strides in, "gather round."

I halt the ball and saunter over to him.

"Good afternoon, Coach," Julissa greets him. I roll my eyes dramatically and groan. Why does she have to be so formal?

"Coach!" I retort, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Ladies," he nods, "regionals are just a few weeks away. I've just signed you up. That means we have a lot of practicing and dedication ahead of us. Speaking of which, where's Melissa?"

"Right here! Right here, Coach!" She shouts, rushing towards us while attempting to put on her hat and adjust her skirt.

"Melissa, I hope this doesn't happen again."

"No, sir. Had an exam–"

"Please save your excuses for next time," he interrupts her, and I can't help but grin.

Why do I have to be so mean? Not that I enjoy seeing people treated poorly, but I can never keep a straight face. Hence, I've never been in a long-term relationship. A week is the longest, which, in theory, is an accomplishment for both the guy and me.

He can strut around the compound, boasting about being with me the longest, but I couldn't care less. I have an impressive resume for my future husband. It's not that I've been intimate with anyone. I just flirt a bit, a touch here and there. I know a lot about it, but sex isn't on my list. Not yet.

"Yes sir."

"As I was saying, ladies. I have signed you up. But this time, only two of you will be going. I thought it would be good if I took all three of you, but the school insists that I don't. The guys will be leaving that same week and on the same bus since it will be held at the same place."

I gasp in horror. If I ever get to go, which is a given, will I have to deal with him? Not again.

"Is there something wrong, Helena?"

I shake my head. "No. Just a little surprised."

"Great. So training begins today. From three to six. No excuses," he turns to Melissa and she nods, "We have to win the nationals. We need to bring the championship home. Helena, the school counts on you already. It means your training will be more intense than your friends. Got me?"

I nod, unable to shake off the thought of having Romeo on the same bus. He's already such a pain in the ass, I have no idea how things will turn out then. Honestly, I don't want to know.

"Give me five laps, girls. Helena, you do ten," the coach commands.

Even before I begin, I feel like collapsing. The thought of double the training already exhausts me.