Chapter 3 Breaking

Juliet awed, smiling as the couple on the television hugged each other at the end of the movie. Love. She thought it was best feeling in the world and everyone needed it. Unfortunately, not everyone found their true love. Love and life were things which were unfair in so many ways.

She stood up, stretching before her phone rang. She picked it up from the table, holding it close to her right ear.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi Juliet," the familiar voice on the other end of the line said. "It's me, Octavio Ruiz."

"Hey!" Juliet said. "What's up, Octavio? How are you doing?"

"I need to tell you something," he said, his voice full of urgency. "Could you please come to my house right now?"

Juliet walked to the window and pushed the curtains to the side, then looked out. It was dark and a rational part of her brain didn't think it was a good idea but what if Octavio was in trouble? She'd never forgive herself if anything bad happened to him. The decision was made.

"Will be there in a few minutes," she said and he hang up.

She went to her room, opened the closet and pulled out a hoodie then put it on. After checking whether the window was properly closed and putting her phone in the pocket, Juliet left the room and hurried out, locking the front door.

She shivered when the cold air hit her body. She wrapped her arms around herself and went into the dark night. Light from houses in the neighborhood sprayed into the small path that led to Octavio's house. It was one of the most beautiful houses in the area.

She knocked twice before the door was opened by Mrs Ruiz.

"Hi Juliet," she smiled, standing aside. "Please, come in."

"Good evening, Mrs Ruiz," Juliet said. "Octavio said he wanted to speak to me. Can I see him, please?"

"He told me to show you to his room once you arrived," she said, closing the door. "I'm glad that he's finally opening up. His room is the second door on the left."

In a short time, Juliet was in Octavio's room. It was quite messy but not filthy so she made herself comfortable on a chair he showed her.

"I really don't know how to tell you this but I think you need to know," Octavio said running a hand through his fluffy hair. He paced about the room.

"You're scaring me," Juliet said. "What is it, Octavio?"

"It's about your dad," he said, leaning against the wall, looking down. "He's cheating on your mother, Juliet. I really didn't want to tell you."

"What?" Juliet laughed. "That's ridiculous. Not so funny, Octavio."

"I'm serious, Juliet."

Juliet didn't believe until Octavio placed his phone in her hands. There was a photo. She stared at it, mouth wide open. Kylie was in her father's arms, staring into his eyes. Her father was smiling, gazing at Kylie like he wanted to kiss her. There was even a video but Juliet refused to play it. She'd throw up, seeing her father and Kylie be all lovey dovey.

"That's Kylie's apartment," Octavio said, looking at the phone. "I'm so sorry, Juliet."

"I can't believe this," Juliet said, putting her head on her palms. Octavio went to stand behind her. "Why would my dad do something like that to my mom? He's not like that. This isn't true."

"I wish it wasn't," he said. "Believe me, it pains me so much to see the pain he's caused you."

Juliet stood up and hugged him, tears streaming down her cheeks. He stiffened for moment before putting his arms around her. To say she was disappointed is an understatement. Juliet loved her father and respected him so much. How could he do something as disgusting as cheating, moreover with a college student the same age as his first daughter, Miley.

Later when Juliet was staring listlessly at the television, her father arrived.

"Hi darling," he said, kissing her mother's forehead then glancing at his daughter. "How are you, Juliet?"

"I'm okay," Juliet forced a small smile. "How was your day, dad?"

"It was awesome," he said, sitting on the couch next to her mother. Juliet felt like crying so she went to her room. Her dad was fooling her mother and it hurt, she'd never felt so much pain in her heart. She was a good wife but he took that for granted. What would happened if there mother found out, she'd be devastated. Juliet loved both her parents and she didn't want them to separate. She didn't want to be torn apart, to have to choose one of them. It'd kill her.

Tears started streaming down her face as she removed her dress. She threw it on the floor, wrapped a towel around herself and opened the door, then crossed to the bathroom she shared with her two sisters, Miley and Zoey.

As the warm water ran over her skin, Juliet resolved to keep the secret to herself like Octavio had suggested. It'd be better for everyone, especially Zoey who was almost sitting for End of year examinations and Miley who was pregnant. Besides her mother was still recovering from the shock and disappointment Miley's pregnancy and dropping out of college had brought.

Juliet turned off the water and leaned against the tiled wall, looking up as she tried to stop the tears. If someone had cheated on her, she wouldn't be so hurt. But it was her mother, the woman she loved most in the world. She loved her family more than she loved herself and her happiness depended upon theirs.

For about thirty minutes, Juliet cried in the bathroom, trying to block out the image of Kylie and her father. It would have been better if she hadn't seen that disgusting photo. When she exited, she went straight into her bed and dived in then cried herself to sleep.

The breaking of Juliet had started.