Romeo and Juliet

50- C

Facade

I scan the area, searching for her, but she's nowhere to be found. "Where are you?"

Romeo and Michael both turn to me, their expressions tense.

"Give him the phone," she insists. I hear the pain in her voice, and though I want to scold her, I hold back.

"It's Karina," I say, and Romeo immediately releases Michael. I keep silent about her location; if she wants him to know, she will tell him.

Michael collapses to the ground, and I kneel beside him.

"You okay?"

He shakes his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "You should stay away from him. You shouldn't have let him talk to her."

"They are family," I retort, helping him to his feet.

Romeo's gaze is fixed on me, his eyes dark and unreadable. A wave of fear washes over me; this isn't the side of him I hoped to see. It's a part of him I didn't know existed, and I'm not sure I can handle it.

"Of course I can help you," I hear Romeo say through gritted teeth, desperation lacing his words as he grapples with the uncertainty of Karina's whereabouts.

He exhales sharply, pressing his temples as frustration washes over him. "You know I cannot do that... The hell I will... I won't let you go through this alone. I will find you." With that, he ends the call.

Romeo's gaze softens for a brief moment, and I can see the flicker of the person I thought I knew. But then it's gone, replaced by a fierce determination.

He takes a step closer, his intensity palpable. The air between us crackles with tension, and I can see the conflict in his eyes. He's torn between his protective instincts and the darkness that seems to be creeping in.

"You don't understand what you're getting into," Michael warns, still trying to regain his composure. He leans against the wall for support, his breath ragged. "This isn't just about Karina anymore. It's bigger than that. Romeo isn't just a friend; he will hurt you," Michael warns me.

I glance at Romeo, who stands there, fists clenched, jaw set tight. He is taking deep breaths trying to calm down. I can see the pain behind his anger. He must feel disappointed and betrayed by his sister.

"It is not of your concern," I say, my voice steady despite the fear bubbling inside me. He warned me and where there is warning, there is no deception.

Romeo hands me the phone, then turns toward my car.

"You coming or not?" he asks, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. I can sense the turmoil beneath his calm facade, and it makes me uneasy.

So much has happened today, and I'm not ready to confront this side of him. I decide it's best to keep my distance. "If you don't get my car to my house without a scratch, I won't hesitate to run you over," I threaten, casting a glance at Michael.

Instead, I help Michael to his car, insisting that I drive him to the hospital despite his protests. He refuses, but I remain firm in my decision.