Romeo and Juliet

48- A

Mania 

I never know I would enjoy seeing someone drive my car. Since I am technically still grounded, he drives us. My mom doesn't like me getting on that monster of his, and I couldn't agree more. That thing scares the hell out of me every 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.