Disclaimer: I do not own Shakespeare. I admire, even worship his plays, but I do not have any claim to them.
Prologue
Two households both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands un-clean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life.
Montague Penthouse, New York City, 1994
"This partnership is over!" shouted Richard Montague slamming his hands on the table, "I refuse to stay in business with two no good lying snakes in the grass, who embezzle company funds."
Romeo winced as his father berated his business partners. Though only 10 years old, he understood the severity of his father's accusations. His best friend Juliet leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Let's get out of here. I hate it when they fight."
The children quietly slipped out of the dining room unnoticed by their quarreling parents. Once they reached Romeo's playroom Juliet threw her arms around her friends. "Promise me we'll stay friends no matter what!"
"We will," he promised her, "But you know our parents will never let us see each other."
"I know," she sighed, "I'm going to miss you so much!"
"I'll miss you too."
They hugged one more time as they heard footsteps approaching in the hallway.
"Juliet it time to leave. Let go of thet nasty boy and lets go," Her mother snapped.
"Yes mother," Juliet replied obediently. She mouthed goodbye to Romeo as she followed her parents out of the room. The children were sure it was the last time they'd ever see each other.