Romeo and Juliet

48- A

Mania 

I never thought I'd enjoy watching someone else drive my car. But since I'm technically still grounded, he's the one behind the wheel. My mom hates the idea of me riding that beast of his—and honestly, I don't blame her. That thing terrifies me every single time.

"You shouldn't be near me when I am upset," Romeo says. He knows I am looking at him. "I say terrible things. I hurt people."

I fold my arms over my chest and stare back. I have never seen him violent, except for that time he hit Zed, but I can't be sure it was him. Zed refuses to talk about it, and I can't be certain he is guilty. "Oh, look, I am so scared." I fake tremble.

He chuckles but adds, "Seriously. I wouldn't want to hurt you."

"Would you? Purposely?" I am now intrigued by this confession. He plays too much, and sometimes I wonder if he actually means things or is just trying to scare me away.

"I don't know how to love properly, Juliet. I don't want you to see that side of me."

I am trying to find logic in his words. This has turned into a debate that I plan on winning. I do want to understand him, but what he says doesn't make sense.

"Have you ever fallen in love? Do you love Holly?" My heart makes a somersault, and I feel nauseous. Does he truly love this person? I refuse to admit that. For goodness' sake! I can't believe I am crazy for this person.

"Karina is my sister, and I would go to the end of the world to find her. I will do anything to protect her because I love her." He emphasizes the word love. "My love for her knows no limits, and that is the only love I know of. I want her to be happy, and I know that Michael isn't going to do that. On a more romantic setting, I know what I am capable of giving and doing. My limits transcend that of a healthy one, Juliet, and if I ever love someone too deeply, I don't want to lose myself and hurt her."

I take a deep breath and swallow hard. Wow! If he is trying to scare me, he is getting there. But then I remember how he says my name, and I feel more safe than in danger.

"But as a friend, I know my limits, and I won't hurt you."

"You confuse me," I look at him. "We had a thing a few months ago. We kissed, had chemistry, and you even hit my boyfriend because I ignored you."

He stops at the red light and looks at me dead serious. "Exactly, it was just a thing. If I had known you were going to be a pain in the ass, I would have stayed away from you."

I groan. Speaks who. "That is lovely to know."

"My pleasure. Now, let me focus on the road and forget about all this. If it consoles you, we can be friends."

Can I be friends? You can't have a chicken without wanting to eat it. Perhaps this is the only way he will allow me to be this close to him. And if that is what it takes, I might have to take it.