forum In Fair Verona // Modern Romeo and Juliet // Private RP - CLOSED

Started February 05, 2019 by @blue_topaz

tune

I climbed into the shotgun seat as fast as I could, would up tight rom anxiety and the sheer need to get away from my father. “Almost…”

I shut the door and climbed in on the other side, fumbling with the handle due to my shaky hands. After an awkward moment or two the door opened. I clambered inside and shut the door, slumping down in relief.

The moment Paris was in the car, obstructing my view of Angelo, I was pushing the button of my house back in place, palms slick with sweat.

The driver started up the limousine again and moments later we were pulling away from the Capulet household. I sighed in relief, leaning back against the seat. “I think Angelo hates me.” I admitted softly.

“Don’t take it personally,” I murmured shakily, unable to look him in the eye. “He hates everyone on this planet.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath. “Are you okay? I’m sorry I couldn’t get you out of there sooner.”

I exhaled shakily, and for once, I didn’t bother to put up any walls. “I’m not really fine, no. But I will be. And don’t apologize, it wasn’t your fault. Are you okay?”

Show strength when she feels weak. You have to be her rock. My mother’s scolding voice and scalding punishments echoed in the back of my mind. “Of course, I was merely a bit shaken.” I replied, hoping my voice sounded smooth enough to pass off as okay.

“If you say so…” I murmured, closing my eyes for a moment. “Long time, no see, hm?”

“Yeah, I uh… got into a bit of trouble for that.” I looked out the window, rubbing at the newly acquired patch of discolored skin on the back of my neck.

A sympathetic frown tugged at my mouth. “I’m sorry to hear that…”

“No big deal.” I shrugged, offering up a shy smile. Please, help me find a way out of this mess.

“Paris,” I said quietly. “You’re the son of the two leaders of the Sicilian mafia. If you get in trouble, it’s a big deal.”

“It’s not as bad as one would expect.” I lied. God willing she would just let this drop, but I was in no position to risk offending her and drop conversation now.

I merely nodded and fell silent, knowing he was lying, but sensing that he didn’t want to talk about this anymore.

“How have you been?” I started up the conversation awkwardly, taking yet another deep breath.

“Good,” I answered automatically, my thoughts immediately going to Romeo. “What about you?”

“Good.” I replied the same way. “I picked a spot for us to go to tonight. It’s pretty casual, but…” I gestured to my collared shirt. “My parents don’t know that.”

“Casual is nice,” I assured him gently, “Great for a change. Where are we going?”

“It’s this pizza place about a half hour from your house. I really like it there.” I smiled, grateful for her reassurance. “I got a us a table on the roof so it’s at least a little special.”

I tensed slightly at the mention of ‘special’; I didn’t want this man to share anything romantic with me. But I mustered a smile, nodding. “Sounds amazing.”

“I’m sure you’ll like it.” I smiled encouragingly, but god was I exhausted. I’d taken one hell of a beating this morning for delaying my second date with Juliet, and that had earned me a hefty burn on the back of my neck that would scar—no doubt. I leaned my head against the window under the pretense of looking outside, feeling my eyelids starting to droop.

After a moment, I placed a hesitant hand on his shoulder. “Hey, don’t fall asleep on me while driving.” It was said in a soft, teasing manner, but I let an undercurrent of reassurance run beneath my voice.

I exhaled slowly. “Sorry, Juliet.” I murmured, forcing my eyes back open. Leave it to me to almost get us killed by passing out.

I pulled my hand back into my lap.

“Don’t worry about it… and, just between us, I won’t mind if you fall asleep at the restaurant. You need sleep.”

“Nonsense, Ill handle my own affairs later. It’s an honor to be with you, and I don’t intend to waste your time.” I shook my head to refocus, biting back a reflexive whimper from my neck injury.

Once again, I stiffened ever so slightly. But in the end, I just nodded a second time and remained silent.

I stayed silent for the rest of the ride— it was probably better that way since every word out of my mouth seemed to only worsen our relationship. I pulled the limousine out back and parked.

I unbuckled my seatbelt as slowly as possible, doing my best to stall until the moment I absolutely had to climb out of the car.

I got out quickly. I needed the night air to wake me up a little. If my parents found out I fell asleep on this date a little burn mark would be the least of my problems.