Page 9 of Downfall

I shouldn’t have said anything. I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth. It would have been so easy to just walk by and not even acknowledge her but I guess some part of me wanted to show compassion, wanted to show that we’re not all heartless.

And now we’re stood awkwardly just staring at each other.

A Capulet and a Montague. Mortal enemies or as good as.

Two women walk into the changing rooms chatting merrily and as they spot us they fall silent. God I can just see it now, the gossip columns full of chatter about this moment.

I turn on my heel walking away before I can say anything else. Before I can do anymore damage.

Rose

There’s not really time to get to the park but I don’t care. I need to clear my head. To refocus. To remind myself of exactly where I am and how I ended up here. How my actions have consequences.

Bella is sniffing around at my feet. I know Mae took her out earlier and it’s not like such a small dog needs more than one walk but still. She’s my cover.

I’m sat on the usual bench. There’s a play area a few metres away but I’m mostly obscured by a giant oak. I can hear them, the last of the children still allowed out.

I shut my eyes, taking in the sounds, breathing the noise in like it’s something physical I can cherish.

As a car pulls up the other side of the rail I already know who it is.

“Rose.”

I sigh putting my game-face back on. Playing the perfect Capulet princess I’m meant to be.

Tyrone, my cousin, is stood lounging against the side of the Bentley. He eyeballs Bella like she’s got fleas.

“The family are waiting.” He says.

Of course they are. And we both know better than that.

I scoop Bella into my arms and get into the car. Tyrone slides in beside me and for the entire ride we don’t say a word. Not one single syllable.

I stare out, watching the city whizz by. Seeing all the glitz and gold of every shop window. Seeing all the ostentatious need of every single person to project their wealth, their social status, as if that alone makes them a worthy human being.

The Bentley pulls up to the main gates. Even at this hour enough people stop to look and a few snap a picture. After all who can resist such a close call with one of us?

The gates open as if they’re gliding over ice and not gravel and then we continue on. Up the long drive, to where the grand Capulet house is.

A man opens the door for me and I step out with Bella still firm in my arms.

“Rose.” I hear the tone of my mother’s indignation and it’s hard not to roll my eyes.

“She was walking the dog.” Tyrone states as if he’d found me on the moon.

My mother raises an eyebrow before clicking her fingers. A maid appears right behind her. “See to the dog.” She says and the maid steps towards me.

I could fight. I could argue but there would be little point. I sigh, passing Bella over as she kicks out in protest.

“Please give her some cold rice and scrambled eggs.” I say and the girl nods.

Tyrone scoffs and I do my best to ignore it as I walk in. My mother as always is dressed to the nines. Her lithe, model like frame covered in a slinky evening dress and a muslin scarf is thrown over her shoulder despite the heat still in the air.

She casts a disappointed look at my less than impressive jeans and shirt. Still, it’s silk so it’s not like I’m slumming it that much. But by Capulet standards I’m pretty much deadbeat aesthetic right now.

The hall echoes with our footsteps. Tyrone and I walk behind my mother and as we approach the drawing room I already know everyone else is waiting.

The doors open for us and a dozen sets of eyes fix on me in particular.

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