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BETTER THAN ROMEO — A HIGH SCHOOL ROMANCE SERIES CHAPTER FIVE , SIX & SEVEN WRITTEN BY RHEMA J.
EPISODE FIVE
EPISODE SIX
“Julia, you’re here!” Zayn beamed in excitement. “Martha, Jake, meet my daughter Julia, and Julia, meet my girlfriend Martha and her son Jake,” he introduced them.
“Jake?” Julia gasped.
“You two know each other?” Martha asked, her curiosity shining through.
Jake shut his eyes tightly to control his breath before nodding. “Mom, she attends my school; we’re in the same department,” he answered, turning to Julia, who still looked utterly confused.
“Julia, this is my mom and her… her new partner,” Jake said.
Julia’s eyes nearly popped out of her sockets. Was she dreaming? “I don’t think I’m awake… can someone pinch me?” she muttered, stretching her arms toward Jake, but he only shook his head.
“Well, it’s good, isn’t it?” Zayn smiled, drawing everyone’s attention. He pulled Martha by the waist, and Jake couldn’t help but watch them.
“Since Jake and Julia know each other, we shouldn’t have to worry about them getting along as siblings,” Zayn added.
“Maybe they should start living together to speed it up,” Martha said with a teasing smile, and Julia’s eyes widened even further.
“Mom, we’re okay living on campus, and this is really sudden. I think we both need time to talk about this,” Jake said, but Julia didn’t respond.
A young lady dressed as a maid walked up. “Dinner is ready, everyone,” she announced with a polite smile.
The dining room was silent. The only sound was cutlery against plates, the tension thick, especially between Julia and Jake.
“Dad, you didn’t even tell me you were seeing someone,” Julia finally broke the silence.
“I wanted to surprise you. I know you’ve always wanted me to settle down, and I’m finally ready,” he said, staring lovingly at Martha and interlocking their fingers.
“Martha is a great woman,” he added.
Jake choked slightly on his food. Great woman? If only he knew the men she’d hurt in the past, the family she had tangled with… he’d be careful with his words.
“Dad, I think I should give Jake a tour of the house,” Julia stood up suddenly.
“Yes, I would love a tour,” Jake agreed.
“Well then, have fun, kids. You can also get to know each other a little as you take the tour,” Martha said warmly, and Jake responded with a thumbs-up.
Outside, Julia stopped walking and turned fully to him.
“What the… what is happening, Jake? Your mom is dating my dad?!” she exclaimed, pacing back and forth.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m as confused as you are. I just found out about my mom’s partner today,” Jake replied.
“What do we do now? We can’t let them be together!” Julia’s voice rose in panic.
“You think I want that too? But it’s my mom. I guarantee it won’t last,” Jake said, shrugging.
“What if it does last? What then?” Julia crossed her arms under her chest.
“I don’t know. We’ll figure something out,” Jake admitted, rubbing his temples.
“How about I show my dad that article about your mom? Maybe his perspective will change, and they won’t get married,” Julia suggested.
“You wouldn’t dare,” Jake said.
“Jake…”
“We are not doing that, Julia. That’s final!” he snapped, more firmly this time.
Julia bit her lip, staring at her toes, earning a sigh from Jake. He moved closer and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Julia looked up in surprise.
“We can think of something else. My mom doesn’t know how to control herself around men, so we can set her up with a few handsome men—and try with your dad too—but please, don’t talk about her issues. I’m still trying to survive school without everyone knowing,” Jake explained.
This was the first time, aside from that night when he wrote the poem for her and kissed her, that he was being genuinely nice to her again.
“Does it really hurt that much? Your mother?” Julia asked softly.
Jake sat on a nearby stone while Julia stood beside him.
“Well… I don’t know what was up with my mother, but the man she claims is my father left her to marry someone else, someone he truly loves,” he said quietly.
Julia sat beside him. “He… doesn’t acknowledge you as a son?” she asked.
“No. He believes my mother had too many men before getting pregnant with me. I’m not even sure who I am,” Jake muttered.
Julia considered giving him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder, but he flinched slightly.
“I don’t want to talk about me… I just want my mom to be happy. Every time she breaks up or changes partners, we move. Countries, cities… I can’t make friends. What’s the point if I’m leaving again?” he admitted.
Julia finally touched his shoulder. When he looked at her, she quickly pulled back her hand.
“No, it’s fine,” he said softly.
“Really?” she asked, shocked.
He shrugged. Julia placed her hands on his neck and rubbed gently.
“I knew you weren’t as hard as you pretend to be,” she said, teasing slightly, before turning serious. “I’m really sorry about your mother. We’re similar in some ways. People judge me for dating too much, but it’s not because I want to.”
She sighed. “When my mom gave birth to me, she made it clear she didn’t like me. She got pregnant young and blamed me for taking away her youth.”
“She blames you? That’s bullshit,” Jake said.
“I know. My dad didn’t spend time with me either. He ran his father’s company, so I was alone in this big house. I did homeschool for a while. My teacher had a son named Romeo—older than me—he was the only one who gave me attention,” Julia recalled, smiling faintly.
“When my mom filed for divorce, my dad blamed me too. No one cared except Romeo. He was my first love, my first boyfriend. But when my dad found out, he fired my mother, and Romeo… Romeo didn’t show up again,” she said, her eyes misting.
“Romeo couldn’t die for me like the real Romeo died for Juliet. My dad threatened him, and he ran. It felt like hell. Then my dad sent me to school, but I only felt better with boys around. When I’m single, I don’t feel like myself. I need someone to be attached to,” she finished.
Jake stared for a long moment. “And now… how do you feel?”
“You’re the first person in years to ask me that. Everyone else assumes I’m happy,” she chuckled quietly.
“I feel… a little better with you here,” Julia admitted.
“We’re not dating,” Jake reminded her.
“I know. But at least I can finally share this with someone. The only other person who knows about Romeo is Aime. I don’t know why I told you, but I’m glad I did,” she smiled.
Jake just stared at her, guilt and admiration swirling inside him.
Later that night, Julia couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, whimpering softly.
“Don’t… don’t leave… don’t leave, please,” she murmured. Her hands shook as she grabbed her phone to message Jake.
Are you still up? she typed, remembering he blocked her number. Surprisingly, it went through.
Yeah. Why?
Can you come over please? I’m not okay.
No response. Julia flung her phone onto the bed in frustration. She wasn’t used to sleeping alone; she always turned to Aime’s bed or a boyfriend for comfort.
A knock sounded at her door. She bolted up.
“What’s going on?” Jake asked, shock replacing his usual worried look as she flung herself into his arms.
“I can’t sleep alone. Please, stay with me. I can sleep on the floor, just don’t leave me,” she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
“Fine, I’ll stay. Go to bed,” he said.
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Hmm. Go to bed. I won’t leave until you sleep,” he assured her.
Julia laid down slowly, and Jake sat at the edge of her bed.
“I know I’m really problematic. Sorry for bothering you,” she murmured.
“It’s fine. I help my mom like this all the time,” he said softly, smiling.
“Thank you, Jake,” she whispered. Minutes later, soft snores escaped her lips, and Jake couldn’t help but smile. He brushed her hair behind her ears, taking in her peaceful face.
“Romeo was such an idiot,” he muttered, eyes drifting to her lips. Memories of the art museum and that first kiss flared, but he shook his head. He promised himself to forget. For now, her father and his mother were dating, and that was enough.
He stood, taking one last look at her sleeping peacefully, and left the room.
❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥❥
Next morning, at GGC, Julia and Jake walked into their general class together. Aime tapped her pen impatiently as Julia joined her.
“Julia!” Aime nearly jumped out of her chair but composed herself.
Kelvin, noticing Jake and Julia together, called out, “Care to tell me why you and Julia came together? Is something going on?”
Jake chuckled, opening his locker. “You assumed something’s going on just because we came together?”
Kelvin rolled his eyes. “I mean, she’s Julia… always gets her way with guys.”
“It’s nothing. Just coincidence. I can’t be with her. I already told you I don’t like her,” Jake snapped.
“It better be… that girl is no good. Stay away from her!” Kelvin warned, but Jake slammed his locker in frustration.
“Don’t worry about Julia, Kelvin. Let’s go grab food; I’m starving,” Jake said, walking off.
“Hey! Wait up!” Kelvin shouted.
Later, Julia stepped into Zayn’s mansion, summoned urgently.
“Dad?” she asked as he stepped out, smiling.
“You came,” Zayn said, gesturing to a chair. She sat beside him.
“I like Martha, Julia. I want to take things far with her, but I don’t know what to do,” he said, opening his laptop.
Julia’s heart skipped. “Take things far? What do you mean, Dad?”
“I want to marry her, Julia,” he said, calm and firm.
EPISODE SEVEN
Aime couldn’t believe she had spent over four hours studying with Bryan, and he didn’t even look tired. She could swear she had yawned at least fifteen times, but he kept patiently teaching her anyway.
“Bryan, come on! I’m tired. Why don’t we take a little break? I’m not understanding anything anymore!” Aime complained.
Bryan sighed, giving her a look. “I just can’t believe how lazy you are. If you want to pass this course, you should be okay with studying at least eight hours a day and getting at least two to three hours of sleep,” he said.
“It’s so draining,” Aime groaned, leaning back in her chair.
“Okay, let’s do this,” Bryan continued, softening his tone. “I’ll take you to a restaurant. We’ll get something to eat, then come back and study. How does that sound?”
At the word “restaurant,” Aime practically flew out of her chair and jogged toward the door.
“You’re not for real,” Bryan said, giving her an incredulous look.
“I didn’t have breakfast before coming. Let’s go!” she pouted. When Bryan refused to move, she rushed over and tried to pull him up, but he stayed seated.
“What is your problem, Bryan? You suggested we go eat, and now you won’t get up?” Aime scolded, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Bryan looked at her with amusement. “Is this how much you love food?”
“Yes! I would do anything for food, so get up!” she insisted.
“Fine. Let’s make a deal,” he smirked.
“What?” Aime frowned.
“If you can pull me up from this chair, we’ll go eat. If you can’t, we study for an extra hour,” he challenged.
“You must be kidding me, Bryan,” she groaned. How could she possibly pull him up when he was so muscular?
“Thought you said you would do anything for food? And it’s going to be my treat—I’ll buy you whatever you want,” he added with a wink. “Even the whole restaurant.”
Aime’s heart skipped a beat, but she shook it off. Don’t fall for his tricks, her mind warned. But she nodded.
“Deal,” she said, stretching her arms and preparing herself.
She grabbed his arms with all her strength, even planting a leg on the table for leverage, but he didn’t budge.
Bryan’s smirk never left his face. Suddenly, he yanked his hands, and Aime fell onto his lap. Her eyes widened, panic coursing through her as he held her waist firmly.
“What are you doing, Bryan?” she stammered. Her body was so small, fitting perfectly into his arms. Her heart raced uncontrollably.
Bryan slowly brought his hands to her face, caressing gently behind her ears. His eyes lingered on her lips, noticing her swallow.
“You know, I’ve met crazy people before, but never anyone like you,” he murmured, his voice husky as he brushed his fingers against her lips. Aime visibly shivered.
“Why did you say that?” she whispered.
Bryan chuckled softly. “I changed my mind,” he said, staring at her lips.
“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“Remember when I said I’d never want you… even if you were the last girl on Earth?” he said in a low, velvety tone.
Aime should’ve felt uncomfortable, but she didn’t.
“You regret saying that, don’t you?” she asked, her voice sultry.
Bryan smirked and leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. “You make me want to do things to you right now,” he whispered.
Aime’s eyes widened, her body betraying her as she clenched her legs.
“How… wet are you right now?” he teased, his hands on her lap.
“Dryer than the Sahara,” she tried to lie, but her racing pulse said otherwise.
“Need me to find out?” he asked, caressing her thigh slowly.
Suddenly, he released her, and she jumped up, confused.
“Are you okay?” he asked, smirking. “You claim to be dry, yet you couldn’t breathe properly when my hands were on you.”
“I barely even touched you there!” she snapped.
“F*ck you, Bryan,” she cursed, flushed and frustrated.
“Seems like you’re not hungry anymore. Let’s go—it’s still my treat.” He stood and opened the door for her. Aime shot him a glare but stepped out, shaking her head.
Bryan smiled, closing the door behind them.
ZAYN’S MANSION
“I want to marry her, Julia.”
Julia felt her body freeze. Did her dad just say he wanted to marry Martha? Martha… as in Jake’s mom?
“You… you want to marry her, Dad?” Julia repeated, her voice cracking.
“Yes. And I want you to be part of the surprise engagement. You know, when I think about the past—how I treated you after your mother left—I regret it every day,” Zayn said, sadness flashing across his face.
“Dad,” Julia scooted closer and held his hands. “Do I have to tell you a million times that I forgive you?” she muttered.
“I know, but I want to build our bond. That’s why I want you to be part of this wedding. It’s a secret just between us.” Zayn smiled and showed her a laptop.
“As a woman, which engagement ring would you choose? Solitaire or Cathedral?” he asked, showing two pictures.
Julia bit her lips, speechless. She couldn’t leave her dad hanging, so she picked the Cathedral.
“Great! Next week we’ll go shopping. I’ll get Martha a gown I love, and you can help me pick out brand-new suits,” he said happily. Julia forced a smile.
After leaving her dad’s house, Julia immediately called Jake.
“Jake, let’s meet up—it’s important. I’m at the Cozy Table,” she said, hanging up.
THE COZY TABLE
“Welcome to the Cozy Table, ma’am and sir. You can check the menu,” the waitress said, though her eyes lingered on Bryan instead of Aime.
Aime scoffed and opened her menu. “I’ll have the beef burger and cranberry juice,” she said.
“And you?” the waitress asked, still glancing at Bryan.
“Surprise me,” Bryan said with a wink. Aime almost rolled her eyes.
“I didn’t know you flirted with everyone,” she scoffed.
“And I didn’t know you were the jealous type,” he smirked.
“Oh please,” she rolled her eyes. Bryan chuckled.
In the same restaurant, Jake spotted Julia sitting alone and walked over.
“I already ordered you some drink,” Julia said with a nervous smile.
“Thanks,” Jake muttered, sitting across from her.
“And thanks for last night,” she added.
“It’s cool. So, what’s up?”
Julia sighed. “My dad called… he said he wants to marry your mom.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “He’s not serious.”
“I’m afraid he is. I want him to be happy, but… I don’t know why I feel this way,” Julia admitted, panicked. Jake held her hands gently.
“I get it. I feel what you feel. Just calm down. We can think of something,” he reassured her.
Julia whispered her plan in his ear, and though he didn’t understand all the details, he nodded.
“Good plan,” he said, smiling. Julia returned the smile, happy to see him a little relaxed.
“Are you hungry? What do you want to eat? You helped with the drinks,” he offered.
Julia took her menu but suddenly noticed Aime and Bryan two tables behind them. Her eyes widened.
‘What is she doing here?’ she thought.
Bryan caught her glance and gave her a small nod. Julia cursed silently.
GGC – BOYS HOSTEL
Jake entered the room, dropping a takeout package beside Kelvin.
“I’m not hungry. You can keep it,” Kelvin said coldly.
“How could you, Jake?!” Kelvin slammed his book shut.
“What?” Jake asked.
“You’re going out with Julia. I thought you didn’t like her!” Kelvin snapped, showing him pictures on his phone.
“I can explain—”
“Save it, men! You know she messed with me, yet you still want to have something to do with her? Fine. But when she breaks you, don’t come crying to me!” Kelvin stormed off.
GIRLS HOSTEL – JULIA & AIME’S ROOM
Julia and Aime were locked in a staring contest until Aime finally gave in.
“What’s really going on between you and Jake?” she asked.
“I’ll tell you if you tell me about you and Rico’s brother,” Julia countered.
“If you mean Bryan, there’s nothing going on. We were just having lunch,” Aime replied.
“Liar,” Julia scoffed.
“I’m not lying!” Aime frowned.
“Yes, you are. I saw the way you kept glancing at him,” Julia teased.
“There… I know it! So tell me everything. When did it start? How did it start?” Julia squealed.
“I hate him! I hate his height, his muscular body, his perfect smile… and hate that I can’t get him out of my head!” Aime screamed into a pillow.
“Awwn,” Julia gushed, poking her. “You’re lovestruck, baby, and I’m living for it!”
“I don’t love him! I don’t even want to talk about him!” Aime protested.
“No no, you’ve been listening to my Romeo and Juliet story forever. Now it’s your turn.” Julia teased her for the rest of the night.
NEXT MORNING – GGC
“Are they together now?”
“Julia, don’t change when it comes to men!”
Rico stormed in, grabbing a girl’s phone. “What the fuck is she doing with him?”
“She’s a slút,” the girl whispered.
Rico smashed the phone.
Then he noticed a letter in his locker. It read:
Dear Rico, I just want you to know that I care about you…
A girl stepped forward, nervous, plus-sized, acne-covered. “I’m Kaelyn Cruz,” she admitted.
“You wrote this?” Rico asked.
“Y-yes… I’m deeply in love with you,” she stammered.
“Bullshìt!” Rico spat.
Written by Rhema J.
Edited by Ini Crown
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