Romeo and Juliet

61 -N-

--Karma--

The day flows somewhat uneventfully, or at least that's how it seems on the surface. Josie diligently stays close to me, guiding me to classes and coming to my aid afterward. Except for that one time when Romeo was in class—the moment I needed her most.

Romeo struts into the classroom, all lovey-dovey, as if nothing at all has happened between us. The glances aimed our way are unmistakable, and honestly, you don't need to be a genius to put two and two together. He's all bruised, while I feel like an emotional wreck, almost broken.

The teacher hasn't arrived yet, and I feel a mixture of dread and anticipation as he takes a seat next to me. He grins and winks, his confidence radiating.

"It was a good night honestly," he says, his voice deliberately loud enough for nearby classmates to hear. "But if I had known you were into that kind of sadistic shit, I wouldn't have..." He shakes his head, a misleading expression of concern painted on his face.

My heart races as I gasp in horror and hurl my newest, favorite pen at him. To my surprise, he catches it effortlessly, flashing me a teasing smile before placing it between the pages of his book and sending me a playful kiss.

But I try to rationalize this as normal. This is the Romeo I miss, the one I know exists beneath that dark façade. Still, a lingering fear gnaws at me about the truths I may uncover in the future—truths I may not want to know.

After class, my chauffeur waits for me outside, just as Holly and Josie do. Part of me feels a pang of disappointment that Romeo lacks the decency to say goodbye at the end of the day. I accept the items he requested from Holly, forcing a smile that barely resembles gratitude—combined with the urge to punch her for being Romeo's errand girl.

"Do you think Lucas will accept a coffee date with me?" Josie asks, her voice laced with hope as she clutches the bag and walks beside me to the car.

"Then you should just bring him one! If he doesn't accept it, he's an idiot and doesn't deserve you," I reassure her, glancing sideways to see a hint of determination on her face.

Suddenly, panic floods her features as she spots Lucas approaching. "Shit, shit, shit. He is coming this way," she squeaks, glancing up as he strides forward, his smile directed at someone across the lot. In that fleeting moment, I watch Josie's own smile fade as she braces herself.

"Catch me!" I blurt out impulsively. As he nears us, I deliberately "miss a step" and "slip," gasping as I fall. I shut my eyes, hoping for a soft landing. To my relief, several hands—too many to count—steady me before I hit the ground.

Opening one eye, I see Josie retrieving my crutch, her expression a mix of concern and excitement. I glare at her, my disappointment bubbling beneath the surface as she shrugs off my unspoken fears.

"Are you okay?" Lucas asks, concern etched on his handsome face.

"She's fine, I've got her," Romeo interjects, and my heart races at the sound of his voice. I glance around, only to see him standing there, brows furrowed in irritation, and suddenly, everything feels more intense.

Lucas reaches for the crutch from Josie's hand, her cheeks turning various shades of crimson as she stares up at him, utterly smitten.

"Hi," she manages to say softly, and I swallow back the urge to roll my eyes as Lucas responds with a casual wave.

Such a chicken.

"Thank you, boys, but I'm okay. Really," I insist, trying to sound upbeat despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling in me.

Just then, an old man comes rushing over, concern etched on his features as he hurries to my side, clocking in on my fallen state.

"Perfectly fine, Jacob! Nothing happened," I reassure him, knowing I can't blame him for worrying about the spectacle I created for my friend.

"I'll take her to the car," Romeo insists, and warmth spreads through my chest as his arms slide under my armpits, guiding me gently toward the vehicle. He settles me inside without uttering another word and plants a soft kiss on my forehead as I adjust in my seat.

My heart erupts in a symphony of fireworks while my mind spins. I want to close my eyes and absorb this moment, but all I can do is stare.

"Please, just stay safe and walk carefully," he murmurs, caressing my cheek before closing the door. Through the tinted glass, I catch a glimpse of him explaining something to Jacob, who nods earnestly, still concerned for my well-being.

"What the hell was that all about?" Josie asks as she slides into the car beside me.

Did I mention how Josie and I used to know each other when we were younger? Our mothers were best friends until mine severed ties, leaving us distant strangers. It's funny how life works, bringing us back to square one, rekindling our friendship.

So I am taking Josie home who lives a couple mansions before my humble home.

"I thought you wanted to hook me up with Lucas," she teases, nudging me with her elbow, a playful grin creeping onto her face.

I clear my throat, a grin spreading across my lips. "Well, you didn't exactly catch me, did you? Karma."

As we drive home, the atmosphere hums with unspoken thoughts. Josie can hardly contain her excitement while I remain lost in a dreamy cloud, savoring Romeo's sudden, affectionate care. It's unusual for me not to protest, and I suspect I owe that to the aftermath of the hit I suffered the other day.

"Why is Romeo following us?" Josie asks, her voice bursting with excitement, her eyes wide with curiosity.