Romeo vs Juliet ✓

12. The Li'l Cove

Chapter 12

Josh's POV

On my way to Oliver's house I couldn't decide whether to be angry at him for hiding all the things that Zara had told Seri or to be angry at myself for having ignored the lost look in his eyes and his constant sullen expression.  

He did mention missing Zara quite a few times, but I thought he was just missing her physical presence, not her whole existence in his life.

I reached his house and parked my car in his driveway. His car was also there so that meant he must home.

I ringed the bell and his Mom opened the door. 

"Hello Josh...Oliver isn't home...he has been upset for a while now and today he looked exceptionally upset, so I asked him what's wrong...he didn't answer. He just got up and left. He won't even pick up his phone. I'm worried for him Josh. I was actually planning to call you up and ask you if he's with you..." she exclaimed in almost one single breath. Lines of worry creased her face. 

"I guess I know where he is. Don't worry. I'll let you know when I find him. Thank you. Bye" 

With that I turned towards my car and went to the only place I knew he could have gone.

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Oliver's POV

That was the only place where I always found peace. The li'l cove,wais hidden away from the rest of the park. Josh and I had stumbled upon this place while cycling when we were 10. Since then it had been our hideout.

A place where we would go after every fight. Our li'l party area after one of us got a new girlfriend. The only place where I could not only laugh as much as I wanted, but also cry as much as I wanted.

And that's exactly why I was there.

To cry.

To think about what all had gone wrong. To think of how to make amends. To deliberate over possibilities. To question the consequences.

Yes, I knew what I did was wrong. But that still isn't enough of a reason for Zara to treat me that way. I have had enough of her. I conjured to talk to her only when she would come up to me. Or else I won't. Even if it killed me from inside.

As soon as I concluded my thoughts, I heard a rustle of the leaves and from the bushes emerged Josh. If no one could find me, he still would be able to.

He came and sat down beside me and after a long silence finally said 'I know'. As confused as I was, I replied 'Huh?'

'I know it all Olly. Everything about you and Zara. You might not have told me, but Zara finally told Seri everything. And though I should be pissed at you for never telling me a thing, I just have one thing to say...' 

'What?' I mumbled. 

'You skrewed it up bro!' He said giving me a pat on my back.

'As if I don't know that!' I said half annoyed.

We both just sat there in silence gazing up at the sky when suddenly Josh asked 

"Hannah, why did you chose her over Zara? Zara is perfect for you and loves you, how could you hurt her?" 

Stunned I said "Why is everyone taunting me about Hannah for God's sake! First Zara, now you! I don't even like her! I earlier used to think she is sweet but now I know she is nothing but a f*cking sl*t! And when the hell did I chose her over Zara!" I shouted it all out. 

"Is it 'coz she won't sleep with you?" Josh spat out with disgust.

"No! Damn it! It's 'coz when I told her I love Zara and can't have her, she kissed me forcefully...she repeated this thing some more during rehearsals. She is desperate!"

A lot of emotions crossed Josh's face in a second- confusion, shock, realisation, happiness. Happiness?!

"Josh why the f*uck are you grinning? Are you jelly, bro?" I asked in an amused tone. He definitely seemed out of his mind to look so amused after his sudden previous outburst.

"No..it's just that now I know that Seri and I were right that you couldn't have cheated on Zara!..Now don't look so confused..Zara saw you kissing Hannah twice and thought that you broke up with her 'coz you were cheating on her with Hannah! But now I know that you so did not break up 'coz of that Hannah b*itch!"

Sh*t! That's why Zara not only seemed angry and hurt but also totally into hating me!! I tried telling her about Hannah that day when we were backstage, but she just shouted at me and left. But she needed to know all of this as soo as possible!

"Oliver...Earth to Oliver? anybody home?" Josh chuckled. I was so lost in my thoughts that I nearly forgot that he was with me!

"Oliver to Earth!" I grinned sheepishly. 

"You just said you love Zara..you realised that?" Josh asked in an amused tone. 

"Huh? Oh! That! Well of course I love her! She is my best friend!" 

"Stop lying. You were not talking in the best friend sense!" Josh said, making air-quotes while saying 'best friends'. 

"Okay. You are right. I love her. I realised it the day when she shouted at me backstage and I did nothing but stand there and listen to her. You know what all she said? It hurt me really bad and  I  realised I didn't want her in my life. I needed her. That's what made me realise that I love Zara." I gave Josh a sheepish grin.

"Yeah, I heard it. I was there, but none of you noticed me. That showdown is what clarified that something's definitely wrong between the two if you.."

"You sneak!" I retorted and I tumbled him down to the ground. Now, I actually was feeling happy in a way that at least Josh knew the whole thing including that I love Zara. 

"Hey Mr. Sneak do me a favour and don't tell Seri that admitted that I love Zara. I want to be the one to tell her that, not Seri. You know how girls go all giggly and just have to call and tell each other everything...!"

"I know! Don't worry, I won't tell anybody. Olly can I ask you something?" he asked with hestitation.

"What?" I asked still kinda lost in ma chain of thoughts.

"Why did you not tell me about all this? You never even agreed when I asked you if you liked Zara more than just a friend...and most importantly. Why did you break up with her if you didn't do it 'coz of Hannah?"

With that question I came back to reality. All my thoughts were out of the window. My mind started to try and process an answer.

An answer that even I didn't seem to know.