ROMEO

2

R.O.M.E.O.

Today is the day I go back to Washington Academy.

Natalia rambles on about being on time, while my dad puts his earplugs in, drowning her out. I'm already packed but my mom insists on having a family meeting over breakfast.

I wonder if she'll tell him. Nah, not really a breakfast topic.

Martha, the one who does everything around here, places large stacks of pancakes on the table. The butter, still melting, drips slightly onto the plate.

Dad and I both grab four hot pancakes, dowsing them in syrup.

It's a pancake kind of morning.

"Thanks, Martha."

The sounds of heels clicking across the floor cause me to tilt my head to the side slightly. My mom struts into the kitchen, diamonds blinding me, and sits down across from me. "Good morning."

By the way she grips her coffee, I can tell she's trying to look presentable. Trying to mask what I already know.

Natalia clenches her jaw and her chair slides back with a screech. "Great morning, but I have to go."

"I know, I know. I love you, Nat."

"Love you too, Mom. Dad," And with that, she leaves, slamming the door behind her.

I scarf down my pancakes, my stomach feeling uneasy from the awkward silence.

"Romeo," My mom says.

I sigh, looking into her emerald eyes. "Yes, Mom."

"Please stay out of trouble. No fights, no skanks, and no unprotected sex."

"It was only three fights last year and they shouldn't have talked about him."

"Romeo, you can't get angry every time someone says something. He wouldn't of wanted that."

"Well, we'll never know, will we," I croak, swallowing the lump in my throat.

My dad removes his ear buds. "What's wrong?"

My mom shakes her head, wide eyed. "He has to stay out of trouble, he has to! I cannot lose another... I can't Marshall. I can't."

Dad holds her in his arms while she sobs. "He'll be fine. He's a smart kid and we'll protect him like we always do."

I get up and walk over to them, enveloping them in a warm embrace. "I love you, OK. I'll be fine, don't worry."

My mom gets up, wiping her tears. "You better stay safe. I love you, Romeo."

"I'll be fine, I know it. Washington Academy is a safe place. No paps, reporters, creepy fans, or anything like that. It's secured."

"You better go before you're late," Dad says, glancing at the clock on the wall.

I nod, walking to the door, and grab my bags. "I love you guys."

My dad smiles. "We know. We love you too."

I click open the trunk to my Red Audi R8, stuffing my bags in. My family waves at me, as I start her up.

I pull away from my home, heading towards my future.

***

I'm back.

I pull up to the valet, handing them my phone to scan. Once they do and hand me my room key, I'm out of the car, already walking towards my room.

Room 101.

I twist the key in the door and push it open.

"ROME! You made it!" My best friend, Watson, yells, pulling me into a hug.