Breaking Juliet

Octavio was a broken teenage boy, branded 'psychopathic' by the townspeople of Rocco. He was the outsider, a boy judged because of his past. He killed his father when he was twelve years old because he cheated on his mother. He'd come home from school and found his mother sobbing on the couch. She told him she was unhappy and he knew it was because of his father. It was always because of him.

Later, when his drunken father got back home, Octavio gave him a glass of cold water laced with mice poison. His father went to sleep but never woke up. Octavio had never been a violent child. He was a sweet little child who sometimes engaged in mischievous activities like other children of his age.

He was not psychopathic or murderous but at that moment, he felt that his father had gone too far. As a child, he did it thinking he was saving his mother. The court decided it was not premeditated murder so he was sent to a Rocco's Correctional Facility for Juveniles where he stayed for two years. When he got out, he was full of remorse about his action but the people of Rocco were not ready to accept him into their community.

Five years later, the townspeople still feared and hated Octavio. They had never accepted him which brought a lot of pain to his heart, pain that broke him. No one desired to go near him including the students at school. They didn't want to sit near him because he was an outcast. Except his mother, the only person who said anything to him was Juliet Fetterman. She said 'hello' to him whenever they bumped into each other and also sat next to him in the classes they shared. He just nodded, not saying a thing. She might be the town's golden girl but he didn't want to talk to anyone. Juliet was a happy person who probably had no idea what being in deep emotional pain was. She wouldn't understand what it was like to be rejected by everyone you knew.

One morning when he was eating his late breakfast in the kitchen, his mother was cleaning the kitchen counter with a wet cloth. She looked out of the window for sometime before speaking, almost to herself.

"Joan was a very optimistic person," she said. "I never thought she was capable of suicide."

Octavio remained silent. Mrs. Joan Miller had been found hung on a tree branch in the forest reserve outside town that morning. She'd committed suicide and the public didn't know why. All they knew was that Mr. Macpherson, a man she worked for had fainted on hearing the news. Since Rocco was a small town, people had started talking and pointing fingers already.

"We were very good friends. She was dating James when I was with your father. We went on group dates and had so much fun together. She was supposed to be my maid of honor, but Manuel-" His mother started sobbing on mentioning his father's name. She still loved him; Octavio thought bitterly, he'd broken his own mother by killing the love of her life.

"I'm sorry, mom." Octavio said.

"It's not your fault," she said. "You were only a child. You did what you thought was right, you wanted to see me happy. It's Manuel's fault. He's the one who broke my heart. Even if he was still alive, we wouldn't be happy together. We'd be separated."

"Still, I can't forgive myself," he said. "I killed my own father. He might have been a jerk but he'd done a lot for us. And you always dreamed of having lots of children. Why don't you find someone, mom?"

"I can't," his mother ran water on the cloth, squeezed it and cleaned the counter again. "The people of this town are very judgmental. No one would accept you as you as a stepchild."

"I can move away," he said, wanting to relieve his mother of some pain.

"You're my son, and my first priority. I wouldn't be able to live without knowing whether you were okay. You have to be here, with me. I love you so much."

"But, mom-"

"No, Octavio. All I want is for you to be happy. Don't worry about me."

"Mom," he pushed his plate away." You're still young and need to have more children who will make you happy. I will never be happy as long as I'm in this town, anyway."

"Octavio, you can't leave me alone." his mother said, picking up his plate and putting it on the sink. "This conversation is over."

Octavio's phone dinged, signaling it was time to go to K's Coffee Shop across the street. He'd set a reminder for his mission. Two minutes later, he was there, seated in his usual corner, staring at Kylie, the barista. The person he was waiting for hadn't arrived. Octavio was in love with Kylie. She was beautiful and innocent looking but detested him, like the rest of the town. Life was unfair. He should've fallen for Juliet, not Kylie. But he couldn't control love, it just happened. He wanted her desperately and that's why he wanted to know if there was something serious going on between the two.

The townspeople judged others yet most of them were filthier. The man in question was married and was trying to take advantage of his sweet Kylie. He'd heard Kylie tell her best friend she was falling for Mr. Fetterman. He also knew Kylie was a virgin. All these from the camera he'd installed in her bedroom. He enjoyed stalking Kylie though some of the things she said disappointed him. Even with her flaws, she was perfect for him.

He kept his gaze fixed on her until their eyes met. Kylie grimaced, slammed her fist on the counter top and turned her gaze to the door. After sometime her face lit up. He turned to the door to see Mr Fetterman striding in. There was a smile plastered on Fetterman's face and Kylie's reaction confirmed his suspicions, once again.

Now all he needed was a video or photos to show Juliet.

The two girls staggered into the kitchen after an hour of hard work. The backyard was now free of rubbish and filth. Juliet poured drinking water into two tall glasses and carried them to the table. Tania who was already seated grabbed one and gulped the water. Juliet sat down and followed suit.

"I was dying," She remarked, shaking her head and placing the glass on the table. "I'm so tired."

"Me too," Juliet agreed, standing up to take the glasses to the sink.

"Hi Juliet," Cooper, Tania's brother sauntered into the kitchen.

"What's up, Cooper?" Juliet turned and leaned against the counter.

"Nothing much," He said, opening the fridge. "You guys look like extras on the walking dead."

"Shut up, Cooper." His sister ran a hand through her hair.

"Oh, someone's grumpy." Cooper poured Apple juice into a glass. "Why don't you be like Juliet? She's nice, sweet and pretty."

"I'm not pretty?" Tania asked, standing up to attack Cooper who pushed her off his way as he went back to the living room.

"You're alright," he told her.

"Jerk," Tania muttered. "Let's go to my room and get ready to go to Victoria's."

"Good idea," Juliet agreed and the two girls started moving. Before they reached the door, Tania's mother came and stood at the door, blocking them.

"Not so fast," She said. "Wait here."

Mrs Eyck walked to the backdoor and looked out. "Well done." She said, smiling at the girls.

"Now clear those dishes," She pointed to the sink. "You know I don't like a messy kitchen."

Tania groaned. "Mom, Victoria and the other girls from school are waiting for us. We need to go now."

"Then hurry up," Mrs Eyck said, walking away. Juliet headed to the counter, followed by Tania.

"You just don't want to see us happy," Tania complained. Her mother stopped walking and turned her head.

"Why don't you be like Juliet?" Her mother asked

Silence reigned after that. Juliet washed and rinsed the dishes then handed them to Tania who dried and placed them on the rack. Juliet hated it when Tania's family members compared the two of them because it made Tania sad. She didn't want to lose Tania's friendship because of her family.

"I hate this family," Tania said when they heard soft footsteps. They turned their heads to see Shailene, Tania's little sister, holding a plain sheet of paper with one hand and a pencil with the other.

"Hi Juliet," she smiled, innocently then turned to Tania. "When you're done, come and help me with my drawing project. You're so good at drawing."

"No," Tania growled.

"She's-" Juliet began.

"I'm not joking," Tania crouched before Shailene. "Go ask Marcus or Cooper."

"Cooper and Marcus will yell at me."

"I don't care," Tania yelled and Juliet gasped.

"You yelled at me?" Shailene started crying. Juliet dried her hands and went to comfort her.

"What's going on?" Mrs Eyck, Cooper and Marcus appeared. "Oh sweet Shai." Their mother grabbed Shailene and held her.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"Tania won't help me," the little girl answered.

"Of course she will," The mother wiped away tears on Shailene's face.

"Mom, I have to go to-"

"Shailene's room to help her," Mrs Eyck said. "Juliet is leaving. Marcus will do the remaining dishes."

"What? No." Twelve year old Marcus protested. "I don't want to do the dishes."

"But you have to," Mrs Eyck concluded and marched away. Juliet wondered why Mrs Eyck never did any housework when her husband wasn't home. Tania stomped out into the living room, followed by Cooper, Shailene, Mrs Eyck and Juliet. Juliet grabbed her cross bag from the sofa and walked out. "Have a great weekend, everyone."

"You too, Juliet." Cooper said.

"She won't be having a good weekend without me," Tania said. "Follow me, you little-"

"TANIA!"

Juliet closed the door behind her. With Tania out of the picture, there was nothing she could do but go to her home and spend the day alone. Though she was friends with almost all the girls going to the 'Girls Day In' party at Victoria's, she couldn't go without Tania. She wouldn't enjoy it.

She hummed as she ambled along the street. She greeted everyone she met, asking if they were okay, not just for formality but because she genuinely cared. She spent a few minutes talking to old Mrs Graves who was seated on a chair outside her small house.

She met Octavio near Laila Hills' home. He didn't look as sad as he usually looked.

"Hi Octavio."

"Hi Juliet," he stopped, bringing a smile to Juliet's face. It was the first time he'd stopped whenever she greeted him. "Why aren't you with Tania?"

"Tania got caught up with some stuff," She said. "We couldn't make it to the girls party."

"That must suck," He said. "Uhmm, can I have your number, Juliet. I need to talk to someone and you're the only person who ever speaks to me, apart from my mom."

"No problem," Juliet said. "Give me your phone. I'll program it in."

He gave it to her.

"Are you that desperate?" A voice asked behind Juliet. She turned. Laila Hills and Johnny, her boyfriend were walking towards them. Juliet typed in the number and gave the phone to its owner.

"Thanks," Octavio said, with a big smile and walked on.

"Hey guys," Juliet faced the couple.

"Are you missing James?" Laila asked. " I mean we all know you're nice and stuff but Octavio, really?"

"He's a nice guy. You just don't see it because you're too judgmental."

"He's a psychopath, Juliet." Johnny said as they passed by. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Juliet remained standing for sometime before following them. She thought of how happy Octavio had been. He'd even smiled. Juliet was elated because she liked making people happy. Octavio deserved to be happy as much as everyone else. Juliet wished people could at least hide the way they felt about him or better yet forgive and forget.

It was a start, Juliet thought, Soon she and Octavio would be good friends and everyone would see the goodness in him.

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.