Romeo and Juliet

5-O-

Jealous, My Big Round Ass!

Julissa and I sit side by side on the bleachers, watching the football guys do push-ups. Their heavy equipment on their shoulders and the tight pants they wear make them look extra attractive, and I can't help but cross my legs.

I lick my ice cream, imagining it's one of them, and start scouting for my next romantic interest. I need someone to share a kiss with for the next few days.

"That's my man!" Julissa screams next to me, jumping from her seat and clapping for Daniel, who has moved on to the next set of exercises along with Richard, who is blowing the whistle and counting.

I nearly bury my nose in my dessert as I glare at her. She completely ignores me. All the guys turn to us and start waving.

"Love you, baby!" He shouts back, and I cringe.

Their coach appears out of nowhere with three guys next to him. They're all wearing helmets, and I'm intrigued to know who they are. As they walk towards the group of guys, I manage to distinguish the captain, whose number is one.

"No cheesy comments here, boys," their coach instructs. "Daniel, give me another set of laps. Boys, start all over again."

They all groan in exhaustion but comply, except for one who collapses on his chest.

"You three, give me three times the normal routine," he orders, then walks over to the guy lying face down. When he whispers something to the player, he gets up and starts again, and I don't miss the eye roll he gives him.

"Now!" He shouts at the frozen guys, who snap out of whatever trance they were in.

Steven, their coach, shakes his head with an angry and disappointed expression.

"Yes, sir!" they reply in unison. They remove their helmets and follow Daniel around the field. I don't get to see their faces because, yes, seeing from far is my weakness.

"And who are they?" I ask Julissa, nudging her lightly.

"They all look the same to me with those helmets on. I only recognize Daniel's number," she shrugs, then starts cheering for Daniel again.

I keep my eyes on them as they start running. When they cross right in front of us, I freeze. I've dated one of them, but the only face I can't seem to tear my eyes away from is Romeo's. He has a swollen lip; Michael, the captain, has a bruised eye and a busted lip; and George has an untouched but angry face.

"Hey, Lena," Michael greets, spotting me.

George rolls his eyes, and Romeo simply stares at me with a bored expression.

"You saw that?" Julissa gasps, looking at me with wide eyes.

"A fight," I state.

"Who do you think started it?"

"Michael," I reply, as if it's obvious.

He's a devil's clone, his temper landing him in trouble wherever he goes. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if he started this one. I have no idea why I dated him for a week. It should have been George. He's far more understanding. Except he hasn't forgiven me for breaking his heart without even dating. Everyone knows what kind of person I am, why do they take me seriously? Perhaps I'm irresistibly charming in all ways, they can't resist.

Besides, when I realized Melissa was interested in him, I got myself out of the way to allow her the opportunity.

"He's such a troublemaker. Why does the coach have him as captain? I've seen Romeo, he's way better," Julissa comments, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"They were competing for the title last year. Remember, Romeo showed up with a broken arm?"

"Oh, yes."

There are footsteps behind us. Julissa sighs while I turn to look at the intruders.

"And everyone thinks he had a cycle accident. Does anyone still believe that nonsense?" Chloe pipes up. Rebecca and Linda, her two sidekicks, sit next to her.

"It's obvious Michael did it. That's how he always wins. My Romeo should have been the captain," she adds dramatically, a lovesick expression on her face.

The way Romeo's name slips from her tongue makes my stomach churn. It's so repulsive I wish I could push her down the bleachers. I detest her saying Romeo. I detest that name. And the way she expresses herself, it makes me want to retch in annoyance.

"Who asked for your opinion?" I snap.

Her gossip certainly knows no bounds. Please, have some respect.

"I have a right to speak, don't I?"

"I have a right to speak too, and I want to say something really important."

She nods, a grin on her face, and waits for me to continue.

"Get your head out of your ass. No one needs your stupid gossip here. If you think this will get you somewhere, I hope it's your head in a toilet bowl. Don't start with me, Chloe. I don't need your venom here. If I need someone to tell me something, I'll gladly ask the person."

Her face is priceless. They all stare at me with a look of constipation, I'm sure they want to push me off these bleachers.

"Let's get out of here," I tell Julissa, checking my watch, and we walk down with a frown on my face.

Why is it that the name on her lips makes me want to punch her nose right up into her brain? It's ridiculous, and I know Julissa has noticed by the way she's staring at me right now.