Runaways: A Romeo & Juliet Story

Chapter 11

"And we could only see each other, we'd bleed together

These arms would not be taught to need another's"

- The Special Two by Missy Higgins

ROMEO

We're driving slowly because we know she's back there, I saw the Datsun. I think I heard her scream. We're about to circle back when I see someone in my rearviewmirror running.

"Hammer, look!"

He sees what I see. It's Juliet and she's running. I stop and I'm about the get out when–

"Wait, you might need to get us out of here fast." he says getting out and opening the door for her.

She reaches us. "Juliet! Get in!" I yell. She climbs into the back seat.

Some other guys come running up behind her. They reach Hammer.

"Think real hard about your next move, guys." Hammer says towering over them.

They start backing away, their hands up.

"Sorry, Hammer. Really. You know, it's just Iago." one of them says.

"Leave." Hammer says and the guys run back to Iago and the other guy.

Hammer looks around. "Let's get out of here."

I gun it and soon we're out of sight. I realize those guys aren't following us eventually but my heart keeps racing. It reminds me of how I felt those last few days in Verona. The danger. The death. This time no one died but–

"They knew who I was." Julilet says. "And I heard them saying they would call the Capulets to get a ransom."

"Do you think your parents would pay?"

"I don't think so. Not anymore."

She's too far away from me. I want to pull over and hold her but we need some distance between us and Iago and fucking Dick the Butcher before I can stop driving.

I can't believe that just happened.

"How'd you get away?" I ask.

"I beat them with this tire iron." she says, "I didn't know I still had it." She drops on the seat and looks ahead blankly. "I thought I was going to die."

Now I really want to pull over.

"Who are you?" she asks.

"Oh Juliet, this is Hammer. Hammer, this is Juliet, my wife. Hammer helped me find you."

"Thank you." she says softly, staring out the window.

"Where should we drop you off? Will you be safe?" I ask Hammer.

"I'm known as a safe passage in town. They know I have to help folks out and they know that during battle I defend who I have to defend. So I'm relatively safe. Safer than you."

"This town is something else." I say.

Juliet is so quiet.

"See that next exit. You can drop me off at the truck stop there. I'll be sure to bump into some friends when I get there."

"Hey, thank you again for your help. We might need some security help long term, would you be interested?"

"Anything is possible for the right price."

"Of course. Can I reach you at your aunt's bar?"

"I have business cards." He says reaching into his pocket.

Soon, we exit the highway and pull into the truck stop. It's packed and as soon as Hammer gets out of the car, groups of people cheer for him in the parking lot.

"Good luck, guys."

"Thanks." we say.

I turn around, "Juliet, do you want to sit up here with me now?"

"Can I just stay here?"

"Anything you want." I say and drive away.

We clear the town and make our way through acres of open land. It's hard to see much out there now that we're out of the town. I look back at Juliet and she's staring out the window. She doesn't move.

Ahead of us lies the entrance to the forest where our estate lies. As we approach it I slow down.

"We're going to be driving in pitch black night for a bit once we really get in there. "

"Okay."

"Will that be okay? Are you sure you don't want to be next to me for that part?"

"I'm not a child."

"I didn't... I wasn't..." I say.

"It's fine. I'm sorry." she says.

I watch in the rear view mirror as she sighs and folds her arms. She keeps staring out the window.

"We'll be home soon."

"Okay."

She must have been so scared in that trunk. She's shaken but she won't let me help her. Does she blame me for not hearing her screams at the bar and coming fast enough?

She saved herself that's for sure but I hope she didn't feel abandoned. She for sure feels that way– who am I kidding? I should have stood outside that bathroom door.

It's my fault.

Fuck.

My hands feel tingly and weird. I feel like I might throw up but I just need to get us both to the estate. I can't believe what stopping at that fucking place has done to her. To us. I feel her pulling away. I don't know if I can help her.

We just need to get home. I speed through the familiar, tree-lined roads. It's going to be okay. I will make it okay.

I'm in over my head.