The Juliet Dilemma

The New Kid... Again

Julie refused to talk to any of her friends, besides Ivy, over the long weekend. She wasn't in the mood. Monday morning came and she avoided their usual table. Instead she asked Emily and Alicia if she could sit with them.

"What's with her?" Eric asked, curiously.

"She's not exactly in a good mood." Ivy stated.

"Why?" Eric questioned. His questions went ignored as Romeo arrived at the table.

He looked awful. His messy hair was even messier than usual and lacked the charm it usually had. He was paler than normal and bags hung under his eyes.

"Whoa, dude, what's wrong with you?" Anthony asked, concerned.

"Nothing. I'm fine." Romeo lied. He smiled, but it was obvious that it was a very fake smile. He glanced over at where Julie sat and a glint of sadness flashed across his face.

"I call BS." Anthony said.

Mark's eyes went wide as he put two-and-two together. Julie wasn't happy and she wasn't sitting with them. Romeo was lying and was clearly upset.

"Something happened between you two, didn't it? Between you and Julie?" Mark suggested.

Romeo looked away. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Fine then." Mark said respecting his friend's wishes. "Did you guys hear that there's a new Junior?"

"There's a new kid?" Ivy asked.

Mark nodded. "Yeah they say they're coming today."

"Interesting." Romeo said, not really thinking it was interesting at all. He didn't care. He was too busy lost in his own thoughts.

Julie avoided Romeo for the next three periods. First period was easy as was third because they had different classes. Second period, Culinary Arts, he kept coming up to her and trying to get her to talk to him but Mrs. Viens kept sending back to his workspace.

Fourth period he took his regular spot next to her in the front. She avoided his look. The bell rang and class began. Neither of them acknowledged the teenage boy who stood in front of the class.

He had dirty blond hair that was short and stood up. He had brown eyes and wore a blue jacket. He looked slightly younger than some of the other junior boys.

Mr. Harvey spoke up. "Before we get started I would like to introduce our newest student. This is Troy Paris. I hope you can welcome him with open arms. Is there anything you want to say about yourself?"

The teen shrugged. "I like basketball. Well, sports in general. And English is a cool class, I guess... Er, where do I sit?" Troy asked.

"In the back near the window." Me. Harvey pointed.

As Troy passed, Julie he gave her a wink. She rolled her eyes, arms folded. Romeo saw this and glared at the new kid.

Romeo scribbled something down on a piece of scrap paper as Mr. Harvey lectured about Greek roots. He tossed the piece to Juliet.

Can we talk?

She tossed the piece back.

No.

Please, Julie! I'm really sorry. Can we just forget that I tried that?

No, we can't just forget.

Juliet, you are too stubborn sometimes. I just wanted to help!

Maybe so but you went about it in the worst way possible! You went to the extreme. You hurt me. I understand that you wanted to help, but you didn't! I don't want to see you. I need some space.

Is there anyway I can make it up to you? :(

No.

I'm so sorry, Julie. I never wanted to hurt you.

Julie gave Romeo a look of mild understanding. She understood him, but it still hurt her inside. What he did hurt. The ends don't justify the means.

Ro, that man hurt me. I can't forgive him, even if it means never moving past my problems. I hope you understand that. I need some space.

How much space?                     <---This much?

Julie couldn't help but crack a slight smile. Ugh! He was too forgivable. She refused to let him off the hook so easily.  She glared at him as he gave her an awkward shrug and smile.

Very funny.

Soon the piece was snatched from Julie's grasp as she tried to pass it on.

"Romeo and Juliet," Mr. Harvey began. Causing the class to snicker. Poor Troy looked very confused, as he had no clue that their names were actually Romeo and Juliet. "This isn't the first to time I've caught you passing notes in class. Whatever flirting you must do, please save it for after class." Mr. Harvey told the two.

Julie sunk down in her seat. This was the second time she had gotten reprimanded by her favorite teacher for passing notes. A red blush spread across her face.

"Yes, sir..." She mumbled. After she finished dying of embarrassment, she shot Romeo a glare.

Oh boy... Things were about to get more difficult, weren't they?