ROMEO

15

R.O.M.E.O.

"I don't know if I should be proud or surprised," Mr. Brooks says, writing a B on our paper. "It's probably because Romeo took custody."

Zach scoffs. "Excuse me, sir! I have a career!"

My phone dings.

Wanna work on some stuff -Blair

Can't, working with Evie -R

But we have a lot of stuff to do -Blair

That's why practice is tomorrow -R

Practice was tainted on Monday with all that stuff that went down over the weekend -Blair

Yeah the stuff that doesn't concern you -R

Ouch :( -Blair

I sigh, and look up at Mr. Brooks. "What about the baby?"

"Keep it," He says.

I nod and look down at my phone.

Fine but Evie is coming. Meet us in the music room for free period -R

Yay! -Blair

I text Evie, letting her know of the change.

I get to hear you sing again. I'm OK. -Evie

I turn around and smile at her. She smiles back, making my heart flutter.

I clear my throat, rubbing my hand over my chest area. "Fuck."

"Killer smile," Zach winks.

"Why do they get a B and we get a C?!" Watson yells. "They threw a fucking football at her face!"

Evie holds her hand over her mouth, holding in laughter. I nod at her, so she knows it's true.

She tilts her head back, espresso locks dangling, over the chair.

"Watson, you have no money management skills. The poor baby went hungry three times because you couldn't find your keys and Eva was the only one who changed a diaper," Mr. Brooks explains, sporting a scowl.

"I changed him once!" Watson defends!

"Yes, Mr. Chadwick, once. Unfortunately, babies shit more than once in a lifetime," He says, shaking his head.

Watson tugs his hand through his hair. "Well, who knew that?!"

"Everyone," Zach answers.

"Oh, fuck you! You don't know an alligator from a crocodile!" Watson fires back.

"I don't have to! Humans don't give birth to alligators! Humans have babies, human babies!" Zach screams, standing up.

"Apparently, not your mom!" Watson shouts!

Zach throws a pencil at him. "Don't talk about my mommy!"

Mr. Brooks shakes his head, walking to the front of the classroom. "Class is dismissed."

Before I can get up, Evie walks up our table, pulling Zach up. "Let's go tiger. See you later, cupcake."

I give a small wave, heart fluttering once more.

You've got to stop doing that.

***

"And my dad bought me a new vanity because my old one had a crack in it and you know I can't deal with that," Blair rambles on for what feels like the millionth time.

The door opens and Evie comes speeding through. "Sorry I was late, Zach dumped water on Alex and they starting fighting. You know the drill."

Blair glares at the door, her story ended.