The Romeo Problem

Culinary Complications

Julie's favorite class, Culinary Arts, didn't go as well as she hoped. Seeing as it was his third day at this school, Julie already knew Romeo was in this class. It was when the teacher decided to move people around that this became a problem.

"Russo and Cameron, would you two please stop talking so I could continue with my lesson?" The culinary arts teacher, Mrs. Viens told the two teens in the back. Anthony and Romeo looked up and stopped talking for a minute.

"As I was saying today we will be working with our partners to make a nice simple muffin." Juliet smiled at her partner next to her. It was Emily Baker who really nice and wasn't one of those teens who let their partners do all the work. Emily smiled back. "There are two different muffin recipes, both very simple so I believe that- Russo, stop talking! Would you like to teach the class?" Mrs. Viens was starting to get annoyed by the two boys in the back.

Anthony shook his head. "No, ma'am."

"Then let me speak please!" She turned her attention back to the class. "You should have no problem with such beginner level food. I want to see that at least two out of six of your muffins turned out alright by the end of the period- Cameron, that is the last straw!"

Romeo in the back of the class had taken two toothpicks that were at their station and stuck them in between his lip and front teeth. He was making Anthony laugh by pretending to be a walrus. Mrs. Viens was not amused.

"You two need to be separated for today. Let's see... Who should I move?" She mumbled to herself. Juliet kept hoping she wouldn't change her partnership around. She crossed her fingers. "Oh yes, Baker," Juliet sighed disappointed. "Please go to the back and be Anthony's partner for today."

Emily nodded. Julie groaned. That meant that Romeo was going to be hers. It probably would have been fine if her new partner was Anthony but Romeo? Oh no... "Cameron, take Baker's place next to Miss Hunter." The teacher instructed.

Romeo swaggered his way to the front of the class and tried to act cool.

"Alright, you have fifty minutes. Please start." The teacher finally was able to say without any distractions.

Juliet decided to act professional and just get to work. After all in the cooking business you probably are going to have to work with someone you don't like at one time or another.

"So what type of muffins do you think we should make?" Julie asked.

Romeo pretended to think about it. "I'm in the mood for some youberry." He flirted.

Juliet raised an eyebrow. "Was that a muffin related pickup line?" She asked. He smirked and nodded. She rolled her eyes. "Blueberry or chocolate chip?"

"I'm fine with either." Romeo said.

"Is chocolate chip okay?" She asked. He nodded.

"Sounds great! I love chocolate chip."

"Cool, okay well let's get started then. I'll measure the ingredients while you preheat the oven." Julie told him. Each station had its own little oven which was one of the many reasons why she loved her cooking class.

"Oh come on! I can do more than that." Romeo whined. Juliet rolled her eyes.

"Okay, preheat the oven and measure out the chocolate chips, milk, vegetable oil, and flour... Please."