The beach maybe? No— too excessive. But dinner seemed to simple. A walk in the woods was too creepy. A walk through the park was too awkward.
I groaned in frustration. What if I just asked her tonight? Would that be so bad? According to my father, yes. Deciding to play it safe, I chose to make dinner reservations on the rooftop of my favorite pizza place. That way there was at least a slightly personal touch to the whole thing.
My father ushered me to the door, tweaking tiny components of my appearance, lecturing me on proper behaviour and everything he expected of me. I merely nodded blankly through it all, staring at the reflection of my scarlet blouse and white skirt in the windowpane of the front door.
I changed into a white collared shirt and black dress pants before heading outside where a limousine sat waiting. My parents watched me from the window. I could feel their eyes boring into my back as I crept i to the back of the limousine, slamming the door just a little louder than normal.
Heart pounding, I stared at the door, just waiting for the doorbell to ring as my father continued to berate me. But just as I thought he would leave me alone, he reached deliberately for my chest and undid the top button of my blouse. I sucked in a sharp breath.
“Much better, Julieta.”
I rode alone in the backseat in complete and total silence. All I could do was stare blankly out the window and hope tonight didn’t end up in ruins.
Trembling, I lifted a hand to button it back up again, my eyes glazing over with fear, but my father grabbed hold of my wrist and wrenched it down. I cried out in pain and stumbled backwards.
The half hour ride seemed to be both five minutes and four hours at once. I could feel my heart pounding in my throat as the limousine stopped in front of her house. I hesitated before getting out, taking a few deep breaths.
The muffled sound of tires against asphalt jolted my father into action. Without another word, he opened the door and shoved me through it, forcing a wide smile onto his face as my fiancé-to-be approached us.
I forced a wide smile onto my face. Don’t mess up. Don't mess up… I walked quickly up to the door, where Juliet had been rather harshly pushed outside—something I hadn’t missed. She probably needed to get out of here for awhile anyways. I offered up my hand for her to take, praying thus interaction would be as painless as possible.
“Hi,” I greeted Paris quietly, not daring to look him in the eye as I accepted his outstretched hand. “How—How are you?”
“I’m doing wonderful now that Im with you.” I cringed at how cheesy it sounded. I dipped my head at Juliet’s father. “What time should I return her to you?”
Angelo regraded him slowly, and though his smile was friendly, there was something dangerous coiled just beneath his expression, like a snake ready to strike. “Eleven at the latest, Paris. Enjoy yourselves.”
I raised my head with a respectful nod. “Of course, sir. Thank you.” I gently rugged on Juliet’s hand so I could guide her to the limousine and escape Angelo’s watchful eye.
The whole way to the car, I was painfully conscious of the amount of bare chest I was showing. I wanted nothing more than to reach up and push the top button back in place, but I couldn’t do that until we were out of sight.
I smoothly opened the door. “Almost out of sight.” I whispered to Juliet, trying to comfort her a little. The poor girl looked miserable.
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.