Romeo and Juliet

14-T-

                                                                            It Is Personal

I want to hide from everyone when classes end. They just keep staring at me. Ordinarily, I enjoy the attention, but not today. I hate it, and I am sure it is because this feels wrong. It is no fun if I am not in complete charge. Romeo isn't to be trusted in the matters of the heart.

"Hey Lena," I hear someone say as I walk into the bathroom.

"Hi, " I reply, unable to remember the name of the person who said my name.

I remove my makeup, change into my practice clothes, then head to the court. I turn when I hear heavy footsteps coming from behind.

"Lena!" Michael shouts.

I roll my eyes and continue walking.

"Yo! Lena."

His heavy equipment bounces on his body, sounding like the run of a hundred horses.

"What, Michael?"

Knowing that he has gotten someone pregnant — and not just anyone, but Romeo's sister, makes me see him differently than before. The entire school will turn against her if they hear this even if it takes two to tango.

"Heard you're dating Romeo."

"So what?" I turn to him.

He shouldn't even care who I date. Besides, Romeo and I aren't actually dating. Except no one needs to know that.

"Nothing. Just thought that maybe we could have had another opportunity. "

"It's over, Michael. I just talk to you because you're cool. I'm cool. That's it. I don't want to have another shot with you."

My nose scrunches up at the thought. Now that you're going to be a dad, get your shit together and start thinking about the future you want. If not for yourself, then for the baby.

"You don't have to be a bitch about it. I was just kidding."

"Don't kid me like that. And I am no bitch, " I hiss as I push past him.

"Hey, stop. I just need a favor."

I groan in frustration.

"Tell me."

"Can we talk about this after practice? It's personal. "

"It has to be here, Mike."

I look around, hoping that Romeo doesn't see us. He might think I am planning something with Michael. I am a player, after all, and players know players. We can't trust matters of the heart. Now that he hates Mike with all his guts, there's a chance that he might hate me if he sees me around him. But why should I care? I can have whoever I want. I don't need him.

"Please Helena," he begs.

I look at the desperation in his eyes and wonder what is so important that he looks worried.

"Fine. After practice. Meet me by the girls' room."

He nods and hikes back to where he came from.

*****