ROMEO

12

R.O.M.E.O.

I'm an asshole.

I remember her.

Her brothers death was talked about for weeks, with him being so young.

"Alright kids, five more minutes of TV then it's time for bed," My mom said, snuggling into my dad's chest.

"Mom, it's May. Feel the spring fever and give us thirty more minutes," Natalia pleaded.

"No way," My dad said. "Rafe's twelve and he only gets ten."

Rafael smiled, fluffing Nat's hair. "One day, you'll be able to go to sleep whenever you want."

She pouted, crossing her arms. "No fair."

A breaking news alert interrupted out family banter.

A man appeared on the screen, a sad look on his face. "Today, eight year old, Nicolas Newton Jr. was shot and killed in his home."

My mom gasped. "Dear God."

"His parents refuse to comment, devastated. Nicolas leaves behind an older sister, only ten. The gunsh-"

Rafael shut the TV off. "Poor family."

"I couldn't imagine losing one of you," My dad said, shaking his head.

"Poor little girl," Natalia said. "Now who will she play with."

"I hope she's OK," I said, feeling sad for the little girl, whoever she was.

I know that little girl.

Evie.

I turn over in my bed and press my eyes shut.

Asshole.

***

"Baby project?" Watson says, taking the paper from Mr. Brooks hands.

I take the paper, looking around the room. I spot Evie sitting in her original seat, looking grim.

I can't apologize. She'll hate me.

My head hangs as I walk to my seat.

I shouldn't have snapped at her like that. She caught me off guard, made me feel like it happened all over again. But she didn't mean it.

I shake my head.

I'll just apologize later.

"-parnters. I'm going to start choosing," I hear Mr. Brooks say.

"Romeo and Zachary. Zachary move to the seat beside Romeo."

Zach sits next to me, blowing out air. "Thank God. If I got Blake, I'd cry."

I laugh, looking back at Evie. She stares at me, eyes widening slowly.

So naturally, I do the most awkward thing ever.

I smile slowly, showing teeth.

She laughs and looks down.

What the fuck, Romeo?

I facepalm as Mr. Brooks calls the next group. "Watson and Evangeline."

"Yes!" Watson exclaims, jumping out of his seat.

"Sit down, Mr. Chadwick. Blake and Tristan."

Mr. Brooks pulls out boxes and starts handing out reborn baby dolls. He hands us a blond baby girl who looks weirdly like Zach.