Juliet & Romeo

5. Speak Now.

Juliet

Oh my. I can’t believe I’m kissing Romeo. His lips are soft, but strong at the same time. I’ve been kissed before, but never like this. I never felt any fireworks, like I feel right now with Romeo. In fact, I didn’t even like being kissed. I never enjoyed it. Romeo is… different. Better. Actually, he’s amazing. I couldn’t help myself – I melted in his arms. My knees buckled, and I gripped his shoulders for support. A muffled moan escaped my lips when I felt his arms tighten around me even more, not letting me have a chance to escape – as if I would want to. Romeo growled and lightly bit my bottom lip, making me whimper. He pulled away too soon, but not before soothing my lips with his tongue. I sighed – this could count as my first true kiss. The kiss I felt all the way to my toes.

“Whoaa…” – I gasped, breathless.

Romeo leaned his forehead against mine. “Amazing, huh?” – His voice was hoarse, which made me giggle. I never giggle.

“Are all your kisses like this?” – I teased, feeling happier than I had in years.

“Only for you, babe.” – He replied, smirking. Babe. I like that. He stared deep into my eyes – oh my, his emerald green eyes were so bright, I began to melt against him again. “What about you, Juli?”

My eyes widened, as did my smile. I like that one even better.

“Oh, I don’t know. Haven’t happened before.” Neither had I flirted with anyone before – I never wanted to. Right now, with Romeo hugging me to him, it just felt right. I felt so safe in his arms… “Let’s see.” – I whispered, pulling his face down to mine for another kiss… And got lost once again. Nothing else mattered, but his arms around me, my hands around his neck, his lips on mine and our tongues intertwined.

“Mmm…yep, still there.” – I murmured against his mouth. When we finally pulled apart, Romeo’s hands were still tight around me, holding me close. “I can’t believe I’ve been missing out.” – I mumbled against his neck.

Romeo just chuckled, nuzzling my earlobe.

Sighing, I came back to reality as the music from the party inside drifted towards the two of us, bursting into our special place. “What do we do now?”

Romeo sighed sadly, then pulled back to look deeply into my eyes. He brought his hand up to my face, his knuckles slowly caressing my cheek as his gaze touched the rest of my upturned face. After a long and agonizing moment, his husky voice finally tore through the silence. “Come with me.” – His whisper was so soft, so gentle against the cool breeze, that I almost kissed him again. Instead, I let him continue.

“I’m leaving town in the morning. Maybe earlier than that. Well… After what happened tonight… Argh!” – growling in frustration he continued, “After experiencing this… something… between us, I can’t just walk away and let you marry him. I won’t. What if those sparks mean everything we never thought could happen to us? What if we will be great together? What if this is the true love? I just have to now. And I think you should too. Even if we won’t work – though I’m sure it will – it still will be worth to give it a chance. I will make sure you were always safe and protected. I promise to you that I will always be there for you, no matter what. You only have to say yes. I will understand if you don’t want to risk it – you don’t know me very well – but I do hope you will give me a chance. Give us a chance.”

Before I could give him my reply, Romeo stopped me with another gentle kiss. “Just give it some thought. I want you to be sure about this.” – he breathed into my ear.

“Alright.” – I murmured against his shoulder, settling deeper into his embrace.

After some more of hugging and kissing, our fairy-tale was interrupted once more.

“Juliet! Juliet, where are you?” – came Sara’s cheerful voice from inside.

Reluctantly pulling away from Romeo and his delicious lips and warm arms, I called back to her, “I’m coming!” Turning back to Romeo, I didn’t let myself to think as I gave him directions to my room, telling him to meet me there. With another kiss for startled Romeo, I half-ran inside, colliding with Sara.

Righting herself up, she sent me a knowing smile and pulled me up the staircase, chattering excitedly the whole way.

“I just received a letter addressed to you from Father Laurence. It is marked ‘important’. What do you think it says? No, just open it.”

Taking the mysterious letter from her outstretched hand, I murmured just loud enough, without looking up from the sealed envelope, “I don’t know what it says, but whatever it contains, I think I should read it in private – alone. Otherwise, why will it be ‘important’? Don’t be upset with me, Sara. I promise I’ll tell you if it’s something you should know.”

Disappointed, Sara nodded and quietly walked out of the maiden’s room, leaving me alone with the letter. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, but I knew I did the right thing by asking her to leave.

I walked towards the only desk in the room, and turned on the lamp before using a pair of scissors to open the envelope. Opening the single sheet of paper, I scanned through Father Laurence’s handwritten words:

Dear Juliet,

I understand that your meeting with Romeo yesterday afternoon hasn’t went well. I am writing you this letter now to tell you that I know he hasn’t done any of the things he’s accused of doing. Yes, he had shot Tybalt, but he has spent hours confessing at my church afterwards, telling God that he never meant to kill the man. I believe him. I know this man even better than his own parents do, as he has spent almost every day of his life at my house and in church, even when his parents forbade him from seeing me.

Romeo had mentioned to me today that he was going to your house, to apologize about what he had done. I hope you didn’t meet him with a weapon this time. All I ask of you is to give him a chance. He’s a great man, with a kind heart. I still remember how the two of you had used to play every day at my house, before your parents interfered.

I know that Romeo will never hurt you. He will protect you with his life, if you let him. Believe my word.

I give the two of you my blessings. May God look over you.

-         Sincerely, Father Laurence.

Sighing deeply in relief, I folded the letter so it will easily fit into my palm, then chucked the envelope into a bin by the door and walked out into the hallway.

And stumbled straight into Paris.

“Ah, there you are, luv. I’ve been looking for you a long time.” – he roughly shoved me against the wall, his cruel face way too close in my personal space, his greedy hands grouping me, fingers digging painfully into my hips. “A long time indeed.”

Before his lips could lower onto mine, I was saved by my older cousin, Rosaline.

“Oh Juliet, can I speak with you?” – She asked with her usual venom-poisoned voice. I realised she was jealous of me a while ago, but I never understood why.

 Paris stepped back from the wall, but not before pushed me against it once more. I am sure I will have a few more fresh bruises.

That’s when I was greeted with the worst sight ever. Paris walked over to Rosaline, lead real close and sucked onto her earlobe. I thought I was ready to throw up. “I’ll see you later.” – He had whispered to my cousin, without breaking the eye contact. Then, throwing a gross wink my way, he walked away, leaving me with Rosaline, who had an evil smirk marking her full lips.

“Isn’t it awful, this knowledge that your betrothed prefers your cousin over you? You do realise that I’m going to be his mistress, right?” – She giggles, like she had just won a beauty contest.

“Yes, someone’s mistress is all you’ll ever be. Besides, I’m glad to not have to berry his child as well. Thank you, Lord.” – As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I regretted them. Rosaline’s face turned into an ugly grimace, and she stalked towards me on her high heels, backing me into the corner.

“You’re such a loser, Juliet.” – She hissed, and then slapped me hard across the cheek, making my eyes go blurry.