Chapter 29: Chapter 29

"Ivy!" Romeo called my name, jerking me out of my train of thoughts.

I flinched. His voice resounded in my head. I was still trying to recover from the panic attack Sharon almost gave me.

A line appeared between my brows. I spun to look at my boyfriend."Why did you yell my name?" I asked.

"Because I've been calling your name for a while." He replied.

"I didn't hear you, I guess." I said gently.

Romeo flung one of his arms around my shoulder and placed his hand on my thigh.

"You seem lost. What's wrong with you?" He questioned me.

I lifted my shoulder in a half shrug. "Nothing. I'm okay." I answered.

"When did you and Sharon become friends?" Romeo whispered into my ears.

His breath was attacking my ears, it was tickling me.

I swallowed a gulp down my throat. I wasn't surprised that Romeo asked this question. I knew he would ask about the reason Sharon talked to me.

"First of all, we aren't friends. She only came here to tell me about a movie. That is all." I answered him, hoping that he wouldn't push it further.

His brow drew together. Obviously, Romeo wouldn't let this slide, especially with that slight frown on his face.

"When did both of you become chat mates or movie pals? The last time I checked, you and Sharon don't even exchange greetings with each other." He probed.

My boyfriend was the kind of person who liked getting detailed answers. He loved to know everything, especially about me.

Romeo wouldn't stop asking about the relationship between Sharon and I, until I told him something.

I took a deep breath. I needed to tell him something, even if it would be a lie.

"Romeo, nothing is between Sharon and I. We aren't chat mates. I met her at Freya's restaurant yesterday. I was the one who served her and we only had a few minutes conversation about movies and series." I explained, even though the last sentence was a complete lie.

I didn't have any other choice than to lie to him. At least, he would stop asking me questions I didn't want to answer.

"Oh! You should have explained it all these while. " Romeo said.

I let out a loud hiss. "I guess you wanted to know why I was talking with one of your fuck mates. I understand. Don't worry." I blurted out.

I focused my gaze on the people playing football on the field. I couldn't stare at him. I knew what came out of my mouth was a bit harsh but I couldn't help it.

I was pissed off.

I was mad at myself, Xander and Sharon. I needed to yell at someone or I wanted someone to get mad at me. I guess Romeo would be the victim.

Romeo removed his arm from my shoulder and the other hand on my thigh. He didn't say anything for a few minutes.

It seemed like he was thinking about the best answer to give me.

But, my mind couldn't stop overthinking. I hope what's on my mind was not the actual thing.

He was supposed to deny that Sharon was one of his fuck mates or something. What if he was still having sex with Sharon? What if my boyfriend still had fuck mates?

I started. "Romeo, don't tell me you - "

Romeo didn't let me complete my sentence. He captured my lips in a gentle kiss. The kiss was so short, it lasted for a few seconds. To be honest, I wanted more.

But, I couldn't bring myself to tell him or kiss him more. We had a pending issue.

Romeo cupped my cheeks with his palms. I didn't have any choice but to look into his eyes.

His forest green eyes pierced into my honey brown eyes."I had fuck mates. But, I don't have any more. You are the only girl I want. The one I always want with me always. I love you, Ivy. I really do." He paused.

He continued."Ivy, why are you making this hard? Don't you want this relationship to work?"

"You're making it seem like I am not into our relationship. You know, I want our relationship to work." I answered him, picking my words one after the other.

Romeo let out a sigh. "I see. Then, why are you making a big deal out of everything? This relationship is too young for us to have little arguments. You are always throwing tantrums like a little baby. Don't you love me?" He queried.

I nibbled on my bottom lip."I do. I love you, Romeo. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm stressed out. I'm sorry for venting my frustrations on you." I apologized.

"You can tell me whatever is bothering you. I promise I'll find a solution to all your problems. I'm here for you." Romeo assured me.

"I know." I said in a whisper.

I rested my head on his lap and shifted a bit, so that I could be comfortable in that position. I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling his touch. He placed his hand on my right cheek.

"I'm here for you." He repeated.

Guilt pricked me once again. I wished I could tell him what happened between Xander and I. But, I was scared. Romeo wouldn't let it slide and forgive Xander.

I should have kept my mouth shut and only hoped Sharon wouldn't release the video, till Joey and I found a solution to the problem.

"I love you, Romeo." I uttered.

Romeo gave a lopsided smile. He bent his head and placed his lips on my right cheek."I love you, kitty. Always and forever." He stated.

My eyes narrowed. I was confused. Why did he mention"Kitty"?

"Kitty? What's that?" I asked.

"I don't know. I think it will make a cute nickname. Do you like it?" He asked back, throwing me a flirtatious wink.

I gave a half shrug."I don't like it. It is not cute. I'm not a cat." I protested.

Romeo smirked."Oh. You're more of a fierce cat. What about the lion baby?"

"Shut up," I snapped at him, trying to control my laughter."You are the worst boyfriend in the world. You don't even have a cute nickname for your girlfriend."

He pouted his lips."What nickname should I give you then? What of - "

Romeo was unable to complete his sentence. Mason, one of his football teammates interrupted him.

I raised my head from Romeo's lap and sat down properly. I wished Mason wasn't here to interrupt our sweet moment. Well, I liked the weird nicknames. They were making me laugh.

How could Romeo mention "lion baby"? He even claimed it was cute. What the heck was that?

"Man, it is break time already. Have you forgotten about the mini lunch party?" Mason questioned my boyfriend.

"Guy, are you trying to pull my legs? You should know I can't forget an important occasion like the mini lunch party." Romeo replied to his teammate, grinning from ear to ear.

Mason waved at me and shot me a wink. Seems like he just noticed my presence.

"Don't be late then. Bring Ivy along with you. You need to introduce her to everyone. Bye, pretty Ivy." Mason said and ran out of our presence.

"Bye Mason," I said, even though I doubt he could hear me.

Mason McDonalds.

Handsome. Popular. Funny.

What I liked the most about him is the cute nickname he gave me.

"Pretty Ivy."

I really liked when he called me that but I still preferred Romeo's weird nicknames.

"Hey! What's up with that smile on your face?" Romeo's husky voice jerked me into reverie.

A mischievous grin spread across my face. Maybe, this would be time to make my boyfriend jealous.

"Don't tell me I'm not allowed to smile anymore." I teased him.

Romeo shot me a deadly glare. "Not at my teammates." He muttered under my breath.

I chuckled softly."Are you jealous?"

Romeo lifted his shoulder in a half shrug, avoiding my gaze."Not at all." He replied.

I rested my head on his shoulder. I didn't know why I love clinging to him.

"Tell me about the mini lunch party then." I probed.

"It is nothing special. Just a lunch date, not something big. It is going to take place at a snack shop closer to the school." He answered.

"Lunch date? What is it for?"

"It's like a tradition among me and my friends in my football team. I believe you heard when Mason said you should come with me. They will also bring their girlfriend. Some cheerleaders will be there too. Trust me, it's going to be fun." Romeo explained.

"Oh! That is massive." I remarked, forcing a smile.

"Yes. We have a main party. It is going to take place on Friday night. I was even planning to tell you about the party later. We will go there as a couple."

I gave a half shrug."I don't think my mom will grant me permission to follow you to the party, especially with what I did last Friday." I told him.

"We'll find a way. You must attend the party. Joey is going to be there too."

"But - "

Romeo interrupted me."Chill babe. Now, let's go to the mini lunch party."

Would it be weird to say that I was already getting cold feets about the Friday party? Even this so-called mini lunch party.

I didn't like Romeo's friends. I hated to admit this but I couldn't help it. I just wanted to be sincere.

I wasn't used to having that kind of company with me. Alcohol, parties and the likes weren't my thing.

Romeo's friends were way out of my league. I was so different from them.

I was a high school nerd whose main priority is to have good grades. Romeo's friends always have this way to intimidate me and make me feel conscious of myself, especially their girlfriends.

Maybe , "sophisticated" would be the right word to describe them.

I really don't hang out with Romeo's friends. I only did that once. I couldn't help but leave their midst the last time I was with them. Talking about their body count and worst sex escapades wasn't something I would like to hear.

"Don't worry if you don't want to go to the mini lunch party." Romeo said gently, snapping me out of my thoughts.

My mouth fell open. How did he know what was going on in my mind? I gazed at him, he had a blank look on his face.

"Really?" I blurted out.

Romeo raised his brows."So, you don't want to go there. Why?" He questioned me.

"I'm not in the mood of socializing with people. I want to be alone." I replied.

"Do you want to be with me?"

"All the time."

"Let's stay here then."

Another shocking statement from Romeo Sparks. I glanced at my boyfriend, to be sure if he was really the one beside me.

I knew Romeo. He cherished hanging out with his friends more than anything. What was wrong with him?

"Are you sure? Look, you can hang out with your football teammates. I don't want to be the one stopping you from hanging out with your friends." I rambled.

"I prefer staying with you."

"No. I don't - "

Romeo cut short my words."Am I part of the people you don't want to socialize with?"

"Of course not. You know, I want to be with you always. With you, I feel safe and happy."

"Good. Let's stay together then."

The corners of my mouth tugged upwards. How could someone be so perfect and loveable?

I leaned closer to my boyfriend. My fingers slid around the back of his neck. I smiled at him, before giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"You are the best." I uttered.