CHAPTER-1
JULIET
I found myself being held in a tight hug, tears streaming from my eyes, soaking my pillow. Firm yet soft hands held onto me like my life depended on it. "Shh.. you'll be fine baby girl. You gotta be strong. I know you're hurting, but this will pass trust me"
The next thing I know is I'm passed out in my parents bedroom. Sunlight filtering in from the huge glass windows. My hand still caught in a tight grip as if I would just melt away into the distance. So it wasn't a nightmare. I had actually been to hell and back.
I look at my mothers face. Being so caught up in my own shit I didn't realise what I had done to her. She looked pale weak and years older than when I had last seen her. She stirs and smiles faintly at me hiding all the pain and humiliation she feels. The pain I gave her, even worse the public humiliation I caused her. She sits up "Morning baby girl, wanna catch some breakfast?"
I can feel tears welling in my eyes "I think I'm gonna pass. Besides I haven't slept for days." Seeing her walk into the kitchen is a blur as I'm dozing off to sleep. It's dark and cold outside... "Mom... mom. Where are you. Anybody. Please help me. I wanna go home. I'm not playing this game anymore. I need to get home." Panic seizes me. Its like I'm being smothered. I can't breathe. I'm sinking onto the cold ground, I'm gonna die and my family will never know where I am.
My eyes open, my mothers concerned face above mine... I'm drenched in sweat, tears rolling down my cheeks. "It was a nightmare sweetheart, you're safe. You're with us. It's okay. Try going back to sleep"
How I got here, in this situation is an even bigger mess.
* * *
CHAPTER-2
THE BEGINNING
Juliet Dimmesdale, a normal 16 year old.
Actually below normal... a geek in modern terminology. But if anyone had to look closer, she was beautiful, not only in mind but also in soul. But it's only the good who face trials. She faced hers.
Talk about the three mistakes of ones life.. it took her only one before her perfect solitary world came crashing down.
Her mistake was known by the name of Armen Percy. The Casanova of Springtown High. The heartthrob of all the girls and finally the reason for their heart breaks too. But Juliet she wasn't his type, she sure as hell wasn't anyone's type. Not the hot cleavage showing skimpily clad straight haired girl. She was the kind you would befriend cause she did your homework but never date.
Teachers pet. Lonely soul. A loser according to her cool classmates. Her life would seem a total mess to others but she was perfectly happy.
* * *
CHAPTER-3
ARMEN.
First day of the last year at high school. New chicks rolling in from the convent two blocks down. Perfect day of my life. So that girl has the perfect legs oooo... "Dayumm man, look at those legs" calls out my brat of a best friend right into my ears. "Seriously Roger, it's not worth my attention" I lie trying to sound cool. I guess she heard it cause she scowls at us as she walks past us.
"Hey Armen I'll just be back I got to ask Ms. Smarty Pants for my homework" he says pointing in the direction of a little girl walking down the hall. She is tall but little in her body structure, almost petite. Her skirt below her knees, hair combed tightly back in a low ponytail and a loose shirt. But I can literally visualise her tiny body under all those oversized clothes. Snap out of it.she's not even your type dude says the voice in my head.
She smiles, a set of even sparkling white teeth. The most angelic smile ever. Her lips soft and pink even without any gloss. She hands Roger some notes and I can not get my eyes off her as she hurries along the corridor. "Hey man, you lost" snaps Roger.
"Hey who's that geek man. I didn't know you do her type." I smirk wickedly to avoid suspicion.
" Shut up dude, she's a friend. Actually a friends friend. She's in our economics class. Science kid but switched to eco. Just helped her make friends in class so she returned the favour by doing my homework. Big deal." He winks. "And for your kind information we're late for football practice coach gonna kick your ass star player Armen Percy" he mocks.
She's in my eco class and I never once noticed her. But football... that made me forget her... temporarily off course.
* * *
CHAPTER-4
JULIET
I can totally swear to God I saw Armen staring at me a while back. Maybe cause I look so weird. "Hey JD what up?" Tami's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. Tamira Shah, my best friend from India. She's the most popular girl in class... head cheerleader and all. Wonder why she even hangs out with me at all. I'm glad she doesn't judge me or make fun of me at least.
"Hey babe, just handed Roger his homework."
"Oh that reminds me," danced Tami, "after school we're going to Armens place for a partyyyyy. Hope you have something nice to wear"
What, a party! I never party. And a dress. Shit that's a problem.
Somehow Tami guessed what was playing on my mind, "I knew you wouldn't have a dress so I went ahead of myself and got you one." She buzzed feeling happy with herself. "So I'll pick you up after class we'll go to my place to get dressed and then head to Armens place. Cool?"
"Cool! See you after class Tami."
"Ciao babe"
So I'm going to Armens for a party. Shit.Armen... like Greek god Armen. I think I'm gonna be sick.
* * *
CHAPTER 5
ARMEN
So football time is up and its time to head home and shower up before all those hawt cheerleaders walk into my house. " Hey man, Rog, why don't you get your new geek friend over too." I just couldn't get her out of my mind. "I bet this moment could change her life for a moment at least"
I stick my tongue out at him. I can see him almost go red in anger... "Hey what's your problem dawg, told ya she's just a friend. Don't you get it?" I could tell by the tone of his voice that now he was just pissed. "Chill mahn I'm kiddin"
I wasn't I really wanted to see her, get to know her talk to her. I was going crazy... was it my hormones or was I in love... I was yet to find out.
* * *
Part II
ARMEN MEETS JULIET
CHAPTER-6
ARMEN
I pick up my truck from the parking lot and as I'm exiting who do I see... Tamira... Tamira was from India... I don't mean to be racist but yeah she was an exquisite oriental beauty. Enchanting just like the east. Jet black hair tied up in a high ponytail. Her cheerleader outfit and her full form made her stand apart from the crowd.
She had me mesmerised. Today it wasn't her charm however that drew me to her... but her companion.. she had my full attention. It was none other than... man I don't even know her name.
"Hey Armen" she smiled.
"Hey babe, will I be seeing you at the party?"
"why state the obvious. Hey listen this is Juliet. She's not on the squad but she's my bestie... hope you don't mind me bringing her along?"
"Not at All Tami."
Hmmm... Juliet... just like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Damn it what's wrong with me. "Hey J. Juliet is too long a name"
"Friends call me JD. So J is just fine" she smiled.
She's got that sweet voice of an angel. I got gooseflesh when I heard her speak. Her warm smile made my stomach flutter with anticipation. She's totally getting under my skin. I can't wait to see her at the party.
I got to look my best today. I want her to see me in my full glory... but first I need to get away from here.
" hey.. umm.. Tami I'll catch up with you guys later. Got to get the last minute preparations in order"
Tami kisses me... I can see Juliet look away. An act that always made my knees go weak had no effect on me today. Everything was a blur the only thing in focus was JULIET.
CHAPTER-7
JULIET
Tami introduced me to Armen. He's as charming up close as he is from a distance. Strange I didn't know Tami was dating Armen. She never once mentioned it. "Hey Tami how long have you two been dating"
"Almost a year" she replies non enthusiastically.
Tami has her back to me, she's busy getting her makeup kit and hair straightner ready. "OK JD I'll finish your makeover first... you ready?"
I hesitated. I've never used makeup before.
It took what seemed like an hour for Tami to get done with me. She turned me around in my chair to face the mirror. It wasn't me who looked back at me. I seemed different. I seemed new. My deep cut dress enhanced my not so large bosom. The dress hugged my body enhancing the curves of my sleek dancer like body.
Yeah I'm not the geek people think I am. I dance and sing and do both pretty well for one who hasn't had any formal training. I had discarded my huge spectacles and had lenses in their stead. So I dreaded looking all dolled up but what I saw pleased me a lot. It was a very light eye shadow and some mascarra and a nude shade of lipstick. I can't believe it but I actually looked quite a sight.
I couldn't wait to see Armen's face when he saw me like this.
PART III
THE PARTY
CHAPTER 8
ARMEN
I don't know what to wear. Will she like me in formals or casuals. If formals will it be a tux or a normal suit. God dammit its not a date. I think I'll settle for a casual shirt and a pair of jeans. I take a quick shower and I'm in my room getting dressed. Oh damn this shirt is so crumpled. I'm in my jeans ironing my shirt when I hear:
"Purrrrrrrfect..." I turn to see Tami standing in the hallway looking at me as if I were a lick lolly and she a Fatboy waiting to devour me.
"Hey babe, damn you look stunning."
"Back atcha lover boy." She cooes with a fake flutter of her eyes.
My eyes move past her... Juliet isn't here. My heart sinks a little. Without realizing what I say next I say to Tami "Hey Tami do you mind going out for a moment I need to get ready."
I blurt these words as if I wasn't standing in front of her shirtless for the past 10 minutes.
Her mouth drops and then she opens it to say something but I shut the door before she can utter the words.
"Where's your mojo man?" I'm scolding myself. "Juliet what have you done to me woman... you're not even my type."
I breath deeply. Prance like a boxer. Throwing blows at an imaginary foe. "OK bring it on ladies." I say in the sexiest huskiest voice possible.
CHAPTER-9
JULIET
"That bastard!" I hear someone curse almost into my ear.
"Woah God dammit Tami! What's the matter hotshot?" I ask concerned.
"Armen."
That name just sent a stray flutter to my heart. What is the matter with me. I'm definitely not falling in love with him. I mean I hardly know him right. Plus he's dating my best friend.
"Calm down Tami, what did the poor chap do now. I'm sure as long as you didn't find him shirtless on top of another girl you guys should be cool." I stifle a giggle.
She looks at my face red from not laughing and almost instantly we're hugging each other for fear of falling off our chairs giggling.
That's when I catch sight of him. Its pretty dark in the dimly lit room, yet I can make out that tall muscular body drift gracefully across the hall. I make a dash for the bar but before I know it I trip over a drunk couple making out on the floor. I was sure to have broken a couple of teeth had it not been for a strong arm gripping my tiny body.
Instead of the cold floor I felt a warm, rock hard muscular body against mine. I straighten out awkwardly... without looking up at my rescuer I mutter a quick thank you and head to the bar.
CHAPTER 10
CALEB
So this is how girls say thank you by running away. I'm still looking at her sitting on the barstool. She hasn't ordered anything. She's embarrassed or disturbed... I guess its both. So I decide to walk up to her.
"One soda please" I say to the bartender.
She hardly notices me. I can tell by the look on her face she's not used to these parties. Just like me she doesn't like noice and dirty dancing.
Then almost suddenly she says "one neat vodka please."
I look at her over my coke. I don't drink. Absolutely repulsed by the idea of drinking. She swallows it in one go... and by the way she chokes on it I know its the first time she's done it.
"Hi I'm Caleb" I say.
She looks at me funny. "Caleb... Caleb Winchester... from across the street."
Oh my God, this girl is Juliet.
" Juliet Dimmesdale..?"
"Hi," she looked away, "ummm... ignore the little drinking antic back there."
"OK as you say" I tipped my glass at her and turned my gaze to the dance floor.
She sat quietly in her stool. Then turned to face the dance floor as well.
She was looking at something and not looking at anything at the same time.
Wow she looks absolutely stunning. Her hazel eyes shining in the dimly lit room. Her hair, the way it fell half way down her bosom. The way her chest heaved each time she breathed in.
I cleared my throat. She started. "I'll take your leave."
"You're not staying?" It seemed like more of a request that I should keep he company. "OK cool, catch ya later, hopefully." She corrected.
"Later . Hopefully." I winked and made my way out of that noisy party.
CHAPTER 11
JULIET
WOW! Caleb is really grown into a handsome lad. I remember him as the kid in the neighborhood who would bully me all the time, that tiny bit of a crush that I had on him brought back fond memories of my childhood. I was so immersed in reminiscing that I didn't notice Armen and Tami walk up to the bar. They were sweaty and thirsty from all the dancing.
"JD?" I heard a someone ask.
I knew the voice so well. I reluctantly swirled in my barstool to face him, Armen.
"Hi" I said trying to sound cool.
"When you did get here. So good to see you."
"I've been here all this while, since the time you've been dancing on the floor with Tami." Oh my god was that the jealous tone that just escaped my mouth. "I'm sorry I got to run. Please tell Tami I've left. Bye."
I stumbled into the street, glad to be away from the hot and sultry room. Hot partly because of the large number of people cramped into the room and partly because of the blood that rose to my cheeks with Armen standing inches away from me. I slowly sauntered down the road. There was a list drizzle. I let it wash down all the makeup Tami had applied. My hair was back to its curly self. Drops of water curled up at the end of my hair strands. I was in no hurry to get back to my room. Suddenly a car stopped next to me. I hadn't noticed it following. Someone swung open the passenger seat door. I was ready to attack my assailant but who do I see grinning at me... Armen.
"After you left I realised it was raining. Tami is too drunk to drop you home. Jump in I'll escort you home."
"No thank you, I love the rain. I'll walk home." I thought this would be enough for him to leave me alone.
In don't know if I should be excited or dismal but Armen jumped out of his truck banged the door shut and said "I hope then you don't mind me walking you home."
I shrugged, a gesture he took as approval for his request.
To be continued.
P.s suggestions are welcome
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