Romeo and Juliet

59- L

Knock My Head

Long story short, I face punishment once again. Jude doesn't know what truly happened. Neither does Dad or anyone else for that matter, except for those involved.

I refuse to snitch; I won't tell my parents the real reason behind my troubles. They think that Karina's disappearance is an innocent, rebellious teenage escapade and that I got hurt trying to find her. But honestly I don't know and I believe the truth is much darker. Romeo's dad isn't a good man, and he's searching for Karina as well to drag her back and make her life miserable for who knows how long.

I can't wrap my head around why Romeo's mom stays with him, or maybe I can. Living with someone you fear is a prison in itself. Now I understand why Karina ran away—why she couldn't bear to stay. At first, her choice baffled me, but now, knowing what I do, I can see why Romeo embodies the chaos he does.

"So you're giving up on tennis?" Josie asks, her brow furrowing in disbelief.

I shoot her a sharp glare. How dare she? Doesn't she think before she speaks?

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that," she backtracks quickly. "But first you get kicked out of practice the other day, and now you show up here all broken. Frank is such an ass—he won't wait for you."

"They can't win any other game without me. Just watch how he comes crawling back with his tail between his legs," I retort, determination lacing my words.

Josie hums lightly, her gaze drifting to Lucas, who sits a few feet away on the grass with a group of friends. They're practicing some skit or presentation, their laughter occasionally cutting through the tension of our conversation.

"So what really happened? You know you can trust me. I won't tell anyone—because one, I'm not a rat, and two, I have no one else to talk to." She takes a sip from her Arizona drink, her eyes glistening with genuine curiosity.

I let out a laugh, surprised by her innocence. I was anxiously waiting for her to ask me. "Well, I was being chased by some mafia."

She nearly chokes on her drink, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Be serious!"

I meet her gaze, my expression earnest. "I am. They weren't gentle at all."

"I can see that. Are your parents okay?" she asks, concern creeping into her voice.

I shake my head. "Romeo and I were chased. If you haven't noticed, he looks worse than I do. At least he can walk properly."

Josie takes my hand in hers, a mixture of worry and disbelief etched across her face. "You really knocked your head. That can't be real."

"Why not? Oh look, speaking of the devil now." Romeo appears in the distance, his figure cutting through the crowd like a storm. When he spots us, he picks up his pace, Holly trailing closely behind him. I roll my eyes at her.

Romeo, expelled from the team, looks even worse than I feel. Guilt tugs at my heart; I want to help him, but how can I when I can barely help myself? He's missed so many practices, gotten into fights, and is failing classes. Now, with everything I know, I finally understand the chaos that engulfs his life. But still, the idea of him not being on the team is hard to accept. Who will I cheer for?

"You okay? Need help getting to your next class?" Romeo asks, concern etched in his features.

Josie waves at him, forcing a smile, her eyes wide with disbelief—a silent acknowledgment that she now believes my story.

"Yeah, I'm better. Kirian did a good job, and the medicine is working," I reply, trying to downplay the situation.

"Can we talk for a bit? Holly, please take Josie," he says, his voice turning serious. Why would Holly need to do that? Josie isn't a child and definitely not Julissa. I believe she is not going to play me like that witch did. 

I place my hand on Josie's lap who is about to comply, but I shake my head. She catches my gesture but looks confused. "She knows," I say firmly, locking my gaze on him.

"You can't go around telling people about this!" Holly snaps, her voice sharp.

"You didn't warn me, and now look at me—ruined like a broken toy. Did my ignorance save me from your disasters? No." Romeo rubs the back of his neck, frustration etched across his face. "Besides, I needed to confide in someone. If I can't tell my mom, I need to tell someone I trust."

Holly lets out an exasperated sigh, far from resignation.

"I promise you won't even notice I'm here. Go ahead, talk," Josie reassures, her fingers already scrolling through her social media.

Romeo takes a seat across us. "It's best if I drive with you to and from school every day," he suggests, and my heart races with a thrill I can't ignore. The thought of spending extra time with him feels like a dream come true. Just being in his presence could make it feel easier to cope with everything else. Maybe I can play sick for a bit longer. It sounds delightful, doesn't it?

"I don't want Holly to have anything against me," I say. 

Holly glares at me and I enjoy seeing her fume. 

"I don't think that'll be necessary, though. Jude assigned me a chauffer this morning." 

"That will not be enough," Romeo shakes his head. 

"Don't worry. He is well trained to be a bodyguard if need be."

Josie chuckles. "You mean to say that the young man I met this morning is your driver? Damn, he's hot."