Michael Behind Bars
To fill the silence, I crank up the music. Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball" fills the car, and I sing along to calm my nerves. But Karina's tears soon break through, and I fight to keep my own at bay.
She's a picture of vulnerability, overwhelmed by the sudden responsibility of motherhood. I bite back any harsh words, knowing judgment serves no purpose here. I can't imagine my mom kicking me out of my house. Even if I got pregnant my mom would of course burn hell in my house, make me learn my lesson but she wouldn't leave me alone in this situation. It's just not her.
"It's alright. Just try not to cry—it's contagious," I say with a gentle chuckle.
She manages a laugh through her tears. "Sorry."
It's clear she has no idea what growing a child means and if I would've been her, I would be freaking out as well. She needs consolation which, sadly, I am very terrible at.
As silence descends once more, I'm left with my thoughts. What role will Mike play in all this? And what about Romeo—will he take matters into his own hands? It's evident he cares deeply for Karina, perhaps more than her own parents.
"May I ask you something?" I venture, my voice tinged with hesitation.
"Of course."
"How did Romeo react to Michael being the father?"
Her laughter rings out, surprising in its volume. "Oh, you should've seen his face. The news of my pregnancy shocked him, but revealing Michael as the father? He lost it. He was ready to have Michael behind bars."
"Seriously?"
She nods affirmatively.
"So, is Michael in jail?" The thought of our football captain incarcerated for his involvement with a minor sends my mind reeling.
"No, I convinced Romeo not to pursue it. They've been friends for ages. It's awful, feeling like I've wedged myself between them. But it happened. And regardless of his feelings, Michael is the father of my child. He's vowed to support us. With his final year winding down and the NFL scouts watching, he can't afford any slip-ups."
I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. Are Romeo and Michael's friendship now in tatters? They have never truly been friends. They were just players in a field trying their best to not kill each other.
"You might think I'm naive for trusting him. He's known for his escapades, I'm aware. But I've seen another side of Romeo, too. They're not heartless. I've spent sixteen years by their sides, witnessing moments of genuine vulnerability." Her gaze drifts to the window, her thoughts seemingly miles away.
I silently wish her instincts are correct—for her sake, if not for all involved.
YOU ARE READING
Romeo and Juliet
HumorSHORT CHAPTERS ------ He rips my phone from my hand again and puts it behind him. "Tell me how it works then." "We have to kiss." He looks at me for a few seconds, then grins. I recognize that smile. He's thinking of something mischievous. "A kiss?"...
