Runaways: A Romeo & Juliet Story

Chapter 8

"Wait, they don't love you like I love you

Wait, they don't love you like I love you"

- Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

JULIET

Doing donuts really got me going. Is that normal? Seems kinda cliched, right? But maybe it's a cliche for a reason... Anyway, wow. That was hot. And the sex was really hot. We're really getting to know each other and it's got this unspoken language vibe to it. It's sexy. I wonder if all girls my age feel like this.

We pull over at a dive bar on the edge of town. Something to drink or eat and a bathroom break is the plan.

We walk in and everyone– all ten regulars in there– stare at us. I feel especially weird because I don't see a single woman in here. Then a woman comes out from behind the bar. She's got exactly the kind of tough exterior you need for a place like this but she sports an amazing colorful, intricate manicure.

"I'm Ronnie. What can I get you two?" she asks.

We get some cokes and a free basket of potato chips and sit down at a booth.

Romeo sits across from me. Under the table our legs are happily tangled.

"That was some driving lesson." I say.

He reaches across the table and holds my hand. "We'll have to do that again."

"The donuts?"

"All of it." He rubs his leg against mine and bites his lip.

I look around and the staring seems to have died down, although I really can't wait to finish these drinks and get the heck out of here.

"I'll use the bathroom and then you wanna go? And then we get out of here?" he suggests.

"You read my mind."

He squeezes my hand and walks away.

I wonder what's happening in Verona. My dad disowning me is hardly surprising and my mom just following along also feels normal. But I can't help but feel them closing in on us. I know Romeo said they're done with us but...my dad sometimes says one thing to your face and does something else– what he actually wants to do. And I know he wants to make an example of me. I made him look foolish. I didn't want to but it was that or my freedom. I felt the walls closing in on me every day and being free, being out here with Romeo makes me sure I was right. I had to leave. But I miss Verona so much already.

I'm finishing my drink when some guy in his twenties comes over. He's wearing coveralls, like a mechanic. I try to keep my eyes down but he slides into the booth where Romeo was sitting.

I look around for Romeo but he's not back yet. I look over at this guy and offer him a forced, but friendly smile.

"New in town?" he asks.

"Just passing through."

"From where?"

"From all over...We're nomads."

"Nomads?" he scoffs. "Well, I'm Iago."

He helps himself to our basket of chips. I wish he'd take them and leave. If he doesn't leave or Romeo doesn't return in one minute I'm going to excuse myself to use the bathroom.

"You look familiar. Do I know you? Did you go to school with my sister?" he asks.

"I'm not from here."

"From all over. Just not from here." he says in this creepy tone. "Am I making you uncomfortable? Worried your man will get upset?"

I scoff and roll my eyes. That pisses him off. His smile is replaced by a scowl.

"You're kinda stuck up."

"Mister, I'm just trying to mind my own business." I say through a smile.

"Well, you're in our bar so it's our business."

I look around at his friends and the other patrons whose eyes are back on me.

I inch my way to leave when he gets out of the booth first. He stands there for a second, saying nothing then returns to his friends.

Romeo returns just then, missing the dangerous vibe that's penetrated every inch on my skin. I feel sick.

"Are you okay?" he asks, probably noticing the look on my face.

"We need to leave. This place is strange." I say.

"Okay I'll wait here. Go use the bathroom."

I nod.

I'm washing my hands faster than I ever have. I want to be gone already. When I walk out of the ladies room I'm immediately met by Iago and another man in the hallway.

"Excuse me." I say.

They don't move, in fact they crowd me. Iago's friend is a huge tree of a man– towering over us both and weighing at least twice as much as Iago.

Should I scream now? I don't want to draw attention to us for no reason. But then before I know what's happening his huge friend has me over his shoulder and is carrying me out through the back exit.

"Romeo!" I scream. "Rom—" The guy covers my mouth and carries me through the parking lot. I kick and wriggle as much as I can but he's too strong. I push my bracelet off onto the dirt parking lot for Romeo to find.

Iago's friend has his hands all over me. Iago watches as his friend shoves me into the trunk, groping me with every chance. I try kicking at him. I try to climb out but his friend holds me down with ease as I fight harder than I have in my life.

"Juliet Capulet. I knew you looked familiar, you lying bitch."

They slam the trunk shut.

I hear us driving away as I bang my hands and feets against the inside of the trunk, screaming.

Am I going to die?