Romeo and Juliet

46 -L-

May Holly Bring Him The Joy I Cannot

"Why?" he finally utters, catching me off guard. "I've never been kind to you. I never meant—" His words trail off, and he searches my eyes for an answer he can't seem to find.

Why, indeed? I'm at a loss. It's my own foolishness, my stubborn heart. I've succumbed to his unwitting charm, and now I must face the consequences of my own actions.

"I don't know," I admit with a shrug, revealing a sliver of truth. "Most of what Julissa said was accurate, except for the part about using Zed."

"Aren't you with someone? I thought you were content." Perspiration beads on his forehead, a testament to his struggle against an immediate dismissal, shredding the fringes of my heart.

"I plan to end it," I confess. "I sought something meaningful, but Zed isn't the one. I am a faithful flirt, remember?"

If he expects me to plead, he's mistaken. My dignity remains intact. His eyes linger on me, pondering.

Breaking the gaze first, I notice Leo and Martha approaching. I distance myself, masking the pain with a smile.

"Hey Helena, it's bouquet-toss time. Join us?" Leo suggests, nodding with a grin.

The sight nearly sickens me, but I suppress the urge. The image of my father with his new wife, pregnant with his child, is too much to bear. Who knows if it is his.

I glance at Romeo, who offers a reassuring smile, as if our exchange never occurred. His facade confuses me, but I push aside the ache and join the eager crowd.

Martha, perched on a chair, is about to launch the bouquet when Lily's voice cuts through.

"Wait for me!" Her disheveled appearance and slurred speech betray her inebriation.

The crowd chuckles. "Mom, you're married," my father chides.

"I was married, darling. Now I'm a widow. I'm free to remarry," Lily retorts, her seriousness contrasting the laughter.

"Join in, Lily," Martha encourages, mistaking the gravity for humor.

Lily scoffs, rolling her eyes. "I didn't need permission," she mutters, audible only to those nearby.

The girls jostle for position, anticipating the throw. I stand aside, certain the bouquet won't reach me.

"Okay, for real this time. One, two, three..."

The bouquet soars, landing squarely in my arms, as if deliberately passed to me. Laughter erupts, even from my father.

Startled, I drop it. Lily retrieves it, offering it back with humor. "Let's find you a man and a ring, shall we?" The crowd's amusement continues as I stare at the bouquet, lost in thought.

Minutes tick by as I process the absurdity, laughter finally breaking through. I return to my spot, where Romeo lounges with a sly grin. He better hold his tongue; his silence earlier left me adrift in uncertainty.

"Planning your wedding already?" he quips as I settle into the chair beside him, nursing my drink.

I can't help but roll my eyes—classic Romeo, always provoking.

"Perhaps I will just go as a nun and place this on a side to remind of humiliated moments that made me want to join." I retort, peering over my cup before downing the remaining beer.

He's aware of the real meaning behind it, yet he only chuckles, withholding the biting remarks I've come to expect.

Lily engages him in conversation, and he plays along, acting as if our earlier exchange never happened. Is this his way of discarding me?

A lump forms in my throat, tears threatening to spill. I hate being this vulnerable. I haven't felt like this in ages and I blame this on everything pilling up on me.

As grandma departs for another round, two girls slide into her vacated seats, inquiring about our relationship status. Romeo hesitates, then delivers a blow that cuts deep.

"No. We are not dating."

His phone interrupts, and I seize the moment to slip away, masking my turmoil with a smile. May Holly bring him the joy I cannot.

"She what?" His voice trails behind me as I head for the exit.

I inform my father of my departure, citing exhaustion. He nods understandingly, assuring me he'll see to Lily and Romeo's safe return.

Bouquet in hand, I reverse my car, only to halt abruptly as Romeo materializes behind it.

"What the hell!" I exclaim, stepping out.

His pallor is striking, his usual eloquence failing him.

"Karina's gone missing."

I scoff at him. "Nice try, Romeo. She's at home. You'll need a better excuse than that."

His response is earnest, his eyes brimming with distress. "I'm serious, Juliet. Your mother called. Karina's belongings are missing, and she's not answering."

The gravity of his words sinks in, his tormented expression undeniable.

"Get in," I say, unlocking the passenger door.