Romeo and Juliet

51- D

Coincidence and Natural

"Happy Valentine's Day, Lena," Ava, a girl from my Latin class, says, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

I look up from my bag, catching her gaze fixed on the bouquet of roses that have accumulated on the table. Her lips move quickly, as if she's mentally categorizing the flowers, sweets, cards, and cupcakes.

Though I'm thrilled to receive another gift from a potential admirer, a sting of disappointment hits me when I read the card. Once again, it's not from the person I want.

"Thanks, Babe," I say with a smile, continuing my search for my mirror in my Dora the Explorer bag.

"See you around." She turns too quickly, and I giggle as she walks away. Her hips sway exaggeratedly, like a hammock pushed by a kid trying to reach the sky. I can't help but think about how some girls dress. It's not about the clothes but the charisma, confidence, and self-esteem. And, of course, what drives them even crazier is when you treat them rough. Boys will look at you, but they won't obsess over your beauty. Just be yourself, and you'll attract one or two here and there.

Josie, a new friend from class, examines the items on my table with as much delight as Ava.

"From who?" she asks, reading the card. A soft whistle escapes her lips, and she laughs. "To be you is a blessing. You get all of this, and I can't even get Lucas to look at me."

Her eyes quickly find her crush, and she grins like a lunatic.

"Please don't do that. That's what keeps him away."

I keep digging in my bag, pulling out everything except my mirror.

"Do what?" she asks, wiping her mouth.

"Drool and look stupid. No offense." I finally find my mirror and smile triumphantly. I pat on some lipstick and fix my eyebrows. "If you want him, you have to make it seem coincidental."

"I don't understand."

"Have you ever planned on talking to him?"

She shakes her head anxiously.

"I don't mean it like that. I mean, make him talk to you, but you plan everything. Make it easier for him. For example, knock him with your books and let them drop. It's cliché, I know, but it works. Or instead of going first in class, wait for him to sit, then sit beside him, drop your pen, and boom, sparks everywhere. Be creative. I don't chase after them so how would I know."

"How do you know it will work?"

"I watch movies, duh!... But give him the opportunity to talk to you naturally."

She lets out a squeal, and the entire student body turns to look at her. Finally, Lucas does too. It's brief, but I see her turn red immediately. I laugh.

This is going to be interesting. At least it will keep me busy while I wait for Romeo to come back. He hasn't answered any of my messages or calls. It's been a week now, and I'm worried he's missing too many classes. He's not the type to do that, and I'm sure every girl is as concerned about him as I am. Well, except for Josie. We know who she wants.

I can't contact Karina again because her number is deactivated, and I don't want to intrude by going to his house. His family isn't very welcoming, so I don't want to cause problems for him. However, I can't shake this need to find him.