Fair Verona

Chapter Two

"Okay, so that comes to a total of eighty-nine dollars and sixty cents. We're you wanting to withdraw any cash today?" The elderly lady before me softly shakes her head, her card already hovering before the machine. I tap the EFT button and wait for her to pay, my eyes drifting to her nephew beside her. His arms are already draped in the shopping bags as he impatiently waits to leave. A feeling I was able to share.

The payment goes through and I offer another wide smile. "There we go. I'll just grab the receipt for you." As it prints, I rip it off and fold it slightly to make it easier to hold. "There you go. Enjoy the rest of your evening." She woman returns the goodbye and slowly shuffles out the automatic doors, her nephew in tow.

Letting out a soft sigh, I check the time and roll my eyes; another hour left of my shift. Thankful for the slow hours of the evening, I take a moment to quench my dry throat with a sip of water. Screwing the cap back on, the allocated supervisor for the night makes their way over, a clipboard in hand that my stomach sinks at. I knew what was coming.

"Hey," they begin, glancing down at the paperwork seated on the wooden clipboard. "Are you able to come in tomorrow? Four to nine?" They raise their eyebrows curiously, awaiting a response.

Honestly, I didn't want to work again. Considering how sore my feet and shoulders become at the end of the shift was enough to make me say no. But after the events of this afternoon, I knew I needed the money. At least then I could keep the household afloat until mum and I work out a solution.

"Yeah sure." I reply, forcing a smile. They offer a simple thank you and bustle back over to the main desk.

To pass the time, I grab a cleaning spray and a cloth, beginning to wipe down the register until another customer came my way. It didn't take long for a figure to walk into my line of sight. Meeting their eyes, they slow down. They look to see if another register was open, but considering the time, I was the only option.

Reluctantly, they head over, placing their items on the belt as I relay my usual greeting, this time more personal.

"Hey Jo, how are you?" The burly man before me offers a small crooked smile, as though he never got enough practice. 

"Yeah alright, yourself?" He asks, as the moving conveyor belt brings his grocery items towards me. "Oh, I have some bags to." Accepting his stack of reusable bags, I set them up and begin packing like items together.

"And I'm good too. Just busy with school and work, like usual." A sense of awkwardness settles between us. I didn't think he'd address the elephant in the room, until.

"Hey look," he says, placing the basket into the collection area. "I feel horrible about letting your mum off, truly. But there was nothing I could do, I'm really sorry." I offer a small nod, a frown settling on my lips as I busy myself with packing, but I could only bite my tongue for so long.

"Can I ask why she was fired?" I say, looking up to meet his tired eyes from a long day of work.

"A customer called in, wanted to file a complaint." He explains, his jaw tight as he stuffs his hands into his pockets, the sound of my scanning fill the space between us.

"Who?" I furrow my eyebrows and shake my head in disbelief. "I mean, who would call in a complaint? Mum's been working for you before I was even born. Surely her experience and time working for you trumps whatever that customer called about."

"Jules," he says, the word strained. "It's not that simple, sweetie. I wish I could give you more answers. But if it helps, I don't mind putting in some recommendations for your mum around town. I may no longer be her boss, but I'm still a friend."

I offer another nod, my teeth clenched as I fight the burning tears welling in my eyes. Packing the final item, I relay the total amount of his groceries and hand over the receipt.

"Have a good night." I say softly, his figure blurring in my vision.

"I'm really sorry, Jules." He concludes, disappearing through the sliding doors and into the night. Wiping my eyes, I sniffle softy and bury my bubbling emotions as another customer makes their way over.

The hour seems to drag on, until I finally clock out and wave my goodbye to the few employees still stuck here until closing. Paying for a chocolate bar on my way out, I step outside into the cool night air, immediate chills running along my hot skin.

Hurrying over to my car, I throw my duffel bag into the backseat, my uniform and other belongings inside. Pulling my jacket closer around my chest, I bundle into the car and crank up the heater. My teeth chatter slightly as I rub my hands together for a form of warmth. As I wait for the car to heat up, I fish for my phone out of my purse and dial Sarah's number.

Putting it on speaker, I connect it to the holder on the dashboard before carefully pulling out of the parking space. As I come to a crawl by the intersection, her voice reaches my ears in the form of her voicemail.

"Hey Sarah, it's me obviously. I just finished my shift and heading to the game now. Just wanted to check where I can meet you. So, call me back. Or text, doesn't matter. Okay, see you soon." Pressing my fingertip to the screen, the call ends and I continue the drive towards school, my stomach full of knots about what is about to go down.

But what if he isn't there? My thoughts spiral as I run through my plan once again. It wasn't much, but rather a confrontation with Mateo. But maybe Sarah is right. I don't know for sure that Mateo was the one who made the call. Or maybe he had gotten someone to do it for him, ensure his hands are clean.

Either way, for the sake of my sanity, I needed to rule him out. But if it isn't him, I can't just go around town looking for the person who filed the complaint. Maybe mum did do something wrong and is too embarrassed to tell me. Biting my lip with the nerves that threaten to bubble over, the school comes into view, the lights from the football field a beacon.

Parking in the carpark stationed by the field, I lock the doors and head towards the bleachers, my eyes scanning the crowds of students for Sarah. I check my phone to see no response. I send another quick text as I walk along the pavement, the cheers from the bleachers growing louder as I draw closer, passing by the clusters of students milling outside of the field.

Walking up to the chain fence, I rest my arms and look to the field as our quarterback pivots the football through the sky, a clean-cut line into the hands of a fellow teammate in a swift catch. The crowds erupt in cheers and I couldn't help the growing smile at our successful team. And from taking a look at the scoreboard, I knew we had already won, we were just waiting for time.

"There you are!" Arms wrap around my shoulders from behind. Turning swiftly, I meet Sarah's eyes. "Sorry!" She exclaims, knowing I was about to question her lack of response to my texts and calls. "My phone died." She holds it up for proof, pressing the power button for the dead battery sign to flash before me.

"Well you're here, that's all that matters." Inhaling a deep breath, I look to the stands. "Is he here?" I question softly, not knowing if I wanted to know the answer.

"Yeah, he is." She nods towards the very end of the bleachers where he leans on the railing at the top seats, a group of his so called friends and groupies by his side as he laughs humorously at something we couldn't hear. "So, you're still doing this? And by this, I ask what exactly? Because you still haven't told me of your grand plan."

"Don't worry, it's not much." I tear my eyes away from his group and back to Sarah. "I'm just going to ask him straight up if he was involved."

"And you really expect him to just give you an answer?" She argues, her eyebrow c****d as she looks towards the bleachers with a worried expression.

"I won't know until I ask. Come on." Bottling up my nerves and stuffing my shaking hands into the pockets of my jeans, I make my through the crowd, excusing myself as I go. However, no one was really bothered as all eyes were on the game playing out before us.

Making my way along the bleachers, Sarah keeping up behind me, I stand before the final section. My eyes drift up to the top where Mateo still stands, his arms draped over the metal railings; the white paint peeling off.

He participates in a conversation that's silenced over the cheers. Sarah gives me an uncertain look.

"You ready?" She asks.

"No." Inhaling another deep breath in order to calm my pounding heart, I begin stepping up the bleachers towards Mateo.

Growing closer, a guy I don't know from Mateo's inner circle eyes me suspiciously as I continue his way. Knowing I was here for Mateo, he leans over and whispers something in his ear. His eyes instantly find mine, his contribution to the conversation around him now coming to a stop as a smirk covers his lips plump lips.

"You did show up! Didn't think you would, Ottoman." He says with a wicked smile, a hush falling over his group of friends who all mutter among themselves, they eyes looking both Sarah and I up and down. Sarah visibly sinks under their stares, stepping behind me like I could possibly shield her.

"We need to talk." I say sternly. "Now."

Mateo's eyebrows rise with curiosity, his friends all looking from him to me, probably scratching their brains as to why we're even talking to each other being on opposite sides of the social class.

"Sorry, you need to make an appointment." He says with a careless shrug.

"This is important, Mateo." I grit my teeth and breathe deeply, my anger dispersing in order to convince him. "Please?" I ask, my eyes pleading into his.

He looks away, clearly thinking it through. He clicks his tongue and meets my eyes once again, simply saying, "fine."

I gesture to the carpark and his smile widens.

"Oh, in private, huh?" I roll my eyes, it was clear he found the situation amusing. Crossing my arms over my chest in frustration, he laughs deeply and sighs. "Alright then."

"Thank you." I muster softly. Looking to Sarah who's eyes are wide with surprise. I take her forearm and guide her down the steps. "See, it's going okay so far."

"You haven't even accused him yet. This is just the build up." She whispers angrily, clearing frightened of Mateo and his friends. "I don't like this. It's Mateo Martinez, I don't think he lets people off easy after being accused of something like this!"

"Well I have to do it. For me, and for my mum." She offers a sad nod as my stomach drops, the nerves creeping back in. I look over my shoulder to ensure Mateo was following. Seeing him close by, he spreads out his arms.

"What? I'm coming. Just like you asked." He says with a tone that didn't sit right with me.

Sarah and I walk side by side on the way to the carpark, silence among our trio as I gauge how I'm going to approach the conversation. But before I could draft up a plan, we'd arrived and Mateo was already done with the ordeal.

"Okay, what?" He asks, his arms folded as he arches an eyebrow, his gaze making me feel small.

"My mum got fired today, and I want to know if you have anything to do with it?" I blurt. Sarah sucks in a breath and looks away, her fingers in her mouth, chewing nervously at her nails.

"Wow." Says Mateo with a cruel smile. He shakes his head and blows out a breath. "Really? You think it was me?" He questions, narrowing his dark eyes. Shadows cast against his skin, causing for his features to appear hollow and dull. He seemed scarier in the dark. Dangerous.

"Who else could it be?" I ask, my anger rising in my words. "Today, in class. Clearly I got under your skin." He scoffs and claps his hands.

"You really think you got to me?" He asks, another stupid smirk plastered over his lips. "Princess, clearly I'm the one that's getting under your skin." The nickname rolls over his tongue and I bite mine, looking away from his strong gaze.

"Look, I said some mean things and i'm-" i curse myself for what I say next, because I didn't want him to win. "I'm sorry, okay. But don't hurt my mum because of something I did."

"Ottoman, I have no idea what you're going on about. Sorry about your mum but that wasn't me." He takes a step forward and I fight to not take one backwards. "I get the rep that my family has and why you decided to accuse me of such a thing. But sometimes Ottoman, life throws you curve balls and you just gotta figure it out on your own. I'm sure your family will be fine." He offers a fake smile and goes to walk away. I grab his arm and instantly regret.

"Get your hand off me." He growls deeply, his arm tensing under my grip.

"Juliet." Whimpers Sarah beside me, her words high with panic.

"No. Admit it was you." I say angrily. He glares at me and rips my arm from his, my nails nipping his skin and leaving behind a mark.

"Look, I don't know what some sick game you are playing, but I didn't do shit." He says, his face inches from mine. From this distance, I could see the gold flecks in his dark brown eyes. "Who knows, maybe your mother deserved it. Last time I heard, she wasn't such a saint."

It was like my brain lost connection, and the next thing I know, my hand connects with his cheek, Sarah gasping loudly in response.

Placing my hand by my mouth, my eyes wide, I watch the way he touches his reddening skin tenderly with his fingertips.

"You know nothing about my family." I say through gritted teeth as hot tears swell in my eyes. "And I know you won't admit it but I know you have some involvement in my mum losing her job. So I hope you're happy, because-" my voice cracks and I die a little inside. I take in a deep breath.  "Because now we're going to lost everything. Do you know how long it took for her to get a job in this town due to her past?" He doesn't answer and I didn't expect him to.

A hot tear breaches my waterline, slowly rolling down my face. I notice the way his eyes glance towards it. 

"That job was her one chance of starting over. To do better. And now it's all gone. Because of you." I shake my head and wipe my eyes. "Enjoy the game, Mateo."

Taking one final look at him, I let out another deep breath and hurry away to my car, the sounds of Sarah's footsteps echo off the cement as she tries to keep up. Tears stream steadily down my face as all the pent up emotions for the day finally spill over.

I feel weak in the knees and on the verge of collapse. Throwing open the driver's side door, I take a seat and bury my head in my hands as Sarah jogs up to meet me, a pant in her breath.

"Jules, Jules oh my god. Are you okay? That seemed tense." She kneels before the car, her arm reaching around my back to offer comfort. "Do you feel any better about talking with him at least?"

I lift my head and wipe my nose that had begun to run. "No." My voice crackles as I sniffle once again. "His answer doesn't help. My mum is still fired and I have no idea if she can even get another job."

"Jules, hey, it's been years since she left everything behind and came here, I don't think everyone is going to remember or at least hold her past against her. And besides, she's worked for Jo for nineteen years, I'm sure that means something in the employment world." She sits cross legged on the ground, her hands gathering in her lap. "And you shouldn't worry so much about it anyway. And I mean no disrespect when I say that, but your mum's an adult and I know she can handle this." 

I nod slightly, letting out another breath that hurts my lungs. 

"I was just so sure it was him." I whisper weakly.

"I know." She places her warm hand on my knee, my own hand resting atop hers. "At least you know for sure now. I'm sure that helps."

"Kind of, I guess. I don't know. I still don't like him." Sarah laughs softly at my words, bringing a smile to my lips as the tension in the air begins to thin. "You hungry?" I ask with a glint in my eyes.

"Please tell me burgers and milkshakes?" She says, both hands gripping mine as I laugh softly. 

"Get in."

Driving to the local diner, the only late night restaurant in town, I park the car and head inside with Sarah, who is already relaying her order back to me. We take a seat in a booth, the red faux leather smooth as I see my reflection in the mirrored material of the napkin holder. My eyes red from my tears, my pale skin flushed too. I looked like a mess, and that made me feel even worse.

Catching on, Sarah quickly speaks up with reassurance. "You look fine, Jules. Really." I smile slightly at her words, feeling a little better. "Oh no."

Sarah sinks further into her seat as I hunch my eyebrows at her reaction to something over my shoulder. Looking in the direction, my eyes widen with realization at a familiar face waiting tables.

"Danny." I say with a smile, looking back to Sarah who peeks at him carefully. "Just ask the guy out already. He clearly likes you to!" She shakes her head defiantly.

"No. Nope. No chance of that ever happening." Her face grows even paler. "He's coming over." She disappears under the table.

"Sarah." I whisper angrily. I kick her with my foot and she yelps, her hand smacking my calf in response as Danny saddles up to the table with his charming smile. 

"Hey Jules. Did I see Sarah or am I just tripping?" He asks, chuckling softly, his slight Koren accent still weaved through his words.

Danny transferred here last summer. He was born in Korea but moved away almost instantly. He moved around so much that his voice never fully took on one accent. His voice now uniquely his own. However, with his parents influence of only ever speaking Korean within his home, his voice became a mixture of that and American.

"Yeah no, she's here. Just dropped something." Laughing nervously, I peek under the table. "You good Sarah?" She glares at me and quickly takes out her earring. She pulls herself back onto the seat and smiles sheepishly at Danny.

"Found it." She says, holding up her earring which she begins to pin back in her ear.

"Hey Sarah." Says Danny nervously, his breathing heavy. "How are you?" 

"Good." Says Sarah, instantly looking away. I mentally grown at her poor conversation skills.

"We just came from the game." I say, Danny deflating softly with a frown. 

"Had to miss out on it, because you know." He chuckles awkwardly as he gestures to his striped uniform. "Speaking of, what can I get you guys?" He asks, his pen and notepad at the ready.

"We'll just get two number three's with extra bacon, and one vanilla milkshake and one strawberry, extra whip-cream." I say as Danny nods after each word, quickly writing it all down.

"Won't be long." He looks to Sarah who plays with the napkin holder, avoiding having to talk to the guy she's been madly in love with the day in walked through the school doors. Clearly disappointed, Danny offers a small sad smile before giving a final nod. "Cool, well, uh yeah." He clears his throat and walks behind the counter and into the kitchen where Sarah let's out a breath, hitting her head on the table as she groans.

"What is wrong me with me, Jules? I just freeze. I have no idea what to say." She pouts and chews on her nails, her eyes focused on Danny in the kitchen where he tells the cooks the next order.

"You can always ask him to the Spring Carnival." I say, nudging her slightly. "I know it's still a month away but it could be good for you guys."

"Do you think he'd even say yes?" I shake my head once again at her hearing how clueless she can be sometimes.

"You really don't get it." I say, pinching my nose in frustration. "He'll say yes, don't worry."

"How about you? Are you going to try get a date to the carnival?" She asks, adverting the conversation away from her love life.

"Oh yeah definitely because I have a line of guys just waiting to be chosen." I say sarcastically. I pick up a napkin and begin to pick it apart absentmindedly. "I don't know. I'll probably just hang with you or Danny. We'll work it out."

"Exactly! We still have like three weeks to get dates. We totally got this!" Says Sarah happily as I try to convince myself that I wouldn't be walking into the carnival empty handed.

Arriving home later that night, I pass by the living room where I spot mum asleep on the sofa with different sheets of paper surrounding her, her laptop open on her lap. Sighing heavily, I close the laptop and place it on the coffee table. I collect all the pages, seeing that they were fliers from companies offering job positions.

I drape a blanket over her sleeping body and whisper a gentle goodnight. Getting changed for bed, I curl up under the blankets, my mind whirling with thoughts of how to support my mum, as the days events weigh down my heart.

Closing my eyes, I will for sleep, but a pair of hazel eyes take over my dreams.