Romeo and Juliet

9-J-

What's Your Curfew, Darling?

My eyes are swollen from crying. I don't drive as far away as I thought I would before breaking down. I just park around the corner and cry my heart out before continuing my journey.

The pain in my chest doesn't disappear; instead, it intensifies, and I want to walk under a car right now. I take deep breaths and start rummaging in his car.

Out of madness, I just want this to be a mess. My life is a mess, I need his to be too. Walk out on Mom after a miscarriage? On me? And the child that was never born is now growing in another womb?

That's what tore us apart. And Dad has the audacity to walk through those doors and throw everything at us. As if it's Mom's fault.

What a family!

My life is a mess. A crazy mess.

I could have been a big sister by now.

I wipe my tears as I find Leo's phone and his wallet. All his credit cards are tempting, but I choose his cash. I just need some food. I will probably need food and clothing if I want to sleep in the car tonight.

Taking the cash, I continue on my way in search of a store. My eyes scan each side but pause when they fall on Romeo. He has his head hung low, and a thin line marks his beautiful face.

I smile at the sight. He is soaking wet and doesn't seem the least bothered about it. I honk at him to get his attention and pull over. His head snaps up, and when he sees me, his lips curve into a smile that takes my breath away.

I wonder why he didn't call anyone to come fetch him.

I steal a glance at myself and gasp at the horrid image. I look like I barely survived a natural disaster.

I roll down the window and give my best smile to compensate for my disheveled state.

"Romeo."

"Lena...," he nods, "...felt guilty for leaving me out there alone?"

My smile widens automatically. "Just hop in. Let's get your monster at the back." I turn off the ignition and get out to help him with it.

"What happened to your car?" he grunts.

"Home," I shrug as I extend my hand to help, but quickly withdraw it when I realize I'm more of a hindrance than a help.

"And you had an emergency that you didn't change?" He looks at me while dusting off his hands and resting them on his hips.

Such a god, I drool inwardly.

I glance down at my skirt and let out a soft squeak. My uniform looks like it was ironed with coal. My face heats up, and I have nowhere to hide. Such an embarrassing moment. I hate messes. I detest myself right now.

"Are you hungry?" I ask, tossing him the keys, which he catches effortlessly. I start walking towards the passenger side, ignoring his glare.

"Is this a way to make me drive?"

"You can't drive?" I joke. I've seen him handle Chloe's car pretty well. Speaking of which, why didn't he call her?

"I didn't say I couldn't."

"Just get in," I add and jump in the seat.

The car roars to life under his hand. He looks ahead and doesn't move. I'm afraid he's overthinking this situation. Right now, I just need a friend, and he seems like the right one.

"It won't move on its own," I giggle.

He forces a grin but doesn't look my way. I wait for him, but nothing happens. It's very uncomfortable; I might just walk home now.

"Can I ask you a question?" He finally turns my way. A strand of hair falls on his face, but he pushes it back swiftly.

"Sure."

"Were you crying?"

I don't answer, but lock eyes with him.

"Stupid things. I'm all dramatic if you didn't know," I laugh uncomfortably. My gaze shifts to my window and instantly falls on a girl walking hand in hand with her dad.

That used to be me. I used to be that happy once. Now all I have to do is suck it up. I'm an adult, and I'm not sure I should be talking about this to anyone.

"Sometimes it's good to cry. Even if it's over stupid things," he states.

I wish it was about something stupid. I wish it was about something that could be fixed. But how can a family this broken be mended?

"I know. That's why I cry. To release negativity," I laugh again.

He raises his head slightly and briefly to signal that he completely understands my reason.

"So where to?"

"Do you have a curfew?" I don't want to get him in trouble.

He thinks for a few seconds. "Not really."

"Let's get some food. My treat." I sniff, "I'm starving."