[ Elsa ]
"Ah, Jack leading in the school play. Uncanny!" Hiccup smirked as we walked over to their- er, our spot in the cafe.
"It's not so bad once you think about it" Punzie said, placing her food tray down on the table. I sat down beside my cousin and Astrid took the spot beside me. Hiccup and Jack sat down on the other side of the round table. "As soon as I spotted them in my 'hunting hands', I knew they have to be the lead!" Punzie chirped.
"Romeo and Juliet huh" Astrid smirked and folded her arms over her chest. "Not bad, Punzie. I can actually picture it happening" she added. "Jack and Elsa in a balcony, K-I-S-S-I-N-G" she sang teasingly.
I unintentionally dropped the mashed potato I had scooped on my spoon. I blushed madly at the thought of us...kissing. Is that even physically possible?! It made my mouth squirm. It's not like we're going to kiss! It's just a play! Drastic acting isn't very necessary, right? I'm sure underneath Jack's mediocre mannerism is enough chivalry if I refuse to do it. Oh, what am I thinking? He doesn't want to kiss me! And the feeling is just mutual. Besides, I don't think Ms. Oceania will actually let that much connection on stage. It is weird, awkward and everything else related to those words.
"Hey, umm Astrid?" Jack, who is opposite Astrid, lowered his head to look at her from that angle. "Uh, I'm here - actually, we're both here" he gestured over to me, "So yeah, we can hear everything you're saying" he pointed out sarcastically.
"Oh who cares! You two are gonna be hugging and smooching!" she exclaimed sassily.
"Umm, that's not gonna happen." I muttered.
"Who knows" Astrid shrugged, placing gravy all over her chicken.
"What do you mean?"
"There's never been a romantic play before." Hiccup answered for her. I looked at him, baffled. "A comedy is always presented, we're not sure if the teachers will actually let you guys show Romeo and Juliet for real with kissing involved" Hiccup explained.
"Uh huh, what if there has to be at least one?" Astrid smirked, raising her index finger. This whole situation is making me coy. If there is going to be kissing, I would quit the role. I'm not going to go that far just to get a high grade on English.
"There will be no kissing!" Jack cut in, "Allowed or not- to Elsa and for the show" he added.
"If you say so Jacky boy" Astrid laughed softly.
"I'm pretty sure Ms. Oceania isn't going to allow such gesture especially if there's absolutely nothing going on between you two." she looked at Jack and I. "Maybe she's just gonna let your faces be close to one another to make it look like you're kissing...that is if we get chosen for the Event presentation." Punzie looked through her veggies, biting her lip.
"What are you talking about? Of course you guys will win over the other group!" Astrid assured Punzie, smiling at her brightly. "Besides, Jenna sucks" she added with that sassy tone of hers.
I giggled softly. "Thanks Astrid" Punzie smiled at her.
After that conversation, we ate our meal in silence. I checked my watch, it's only 11:30; 40 minutes left for break and two more 1 hour long classes to go. I ate my food peacefully with my left hand as my right arm is basically useless at the moment.
Earlier, when Hiccup and Astrid saw my bandaged arm, they gasped in shock. I told them the same story I told Punzie and surprisingly, it wasn't much of a shock to them anymore. Of course, they still felt bad over me being wounded and wanted to take a closer watch on me from now on, but the reason for it is treated with great abhor. They were also flabbergasted when they found out that Jack's the one helping me out. They almost didn't believe it until they noticed my backpack on his shoulder. See? Everyone is just as shocked as I am...was.
I quickly glanced over Jack, my helpful right hand, and saw him eating slowly. Earlier, we were so polite to one another. There's some teasing, here and there, but that's okay since they are light teases and not offensive ones. I noticed that Jack is a really brisk person to be with...if you don't have a problem with each other. Yeah, my foot injured his but judging by his perfect posture and normal walking, I'd say it had already healed. I admit I was compulsive when we met but can you really blame me? He showed me contempt by accusing me of something I didn't even do. But now, I guess 'the past is in the past'. That or he's just being nice by force. But I'm sure this is how he is naturally, he wouldn't fake it any longer especially now that Astrid's teasing him, he would've stopped acting nice by now if that's the case. I felt relief wash over me upon realizing that, maybe, we are starting to be acquainted with one another but not as enemies, rather, as friends.
After we finished our meal, Belle, a groupmate of ours, came by to our table. "Hey Guys!" she waved at Punzie, Jack and I. She took out papers from her backpack and handed the three of us our own copies. "That's the script for the play"
"Wow, finished already? Hasn't it only been what? An hour since English?" Jack said, clearly impressed as he glanced at each page.
"I was soooo excited so I immediately did it!" she exclaimed excitedly. "I'm handing out the rest to our group mates. Catch you guys later!" she waved at us and left, skipping merrily.
I briefly glanced at the 6 page script. It is so detailed and comprehensively typewritten; from the lines (obviously), stage directions, backdrop and who are playing each of the characters.
"This is good, that way we won't get bustle before and during the presentation" Punzie said.
"Come on guys, let's head out. It's getting crowded here" Astrid stood up from her seat. All of us did as well and followed her out of the cafe. We walked to the center of the school, where there are patches of green grass in triangular shaped wedges, separated by stoned paths. Us girls perched up and sat on a cloister while the two boys sat on the grass below us. I leaned on the white marble wall and began reading the script.
"We have 16 more minutes left of break..." Hiccup said. "what shall we do now?" he added.
"How about these two recite the balcony scene?" Astrid suggested, smirking.
"Sorry, what?" I looked at her absentmindedly.
"The balcony scene? You know, the moment when Romeo and Juliet confess to one another" Punzie said, placing her script down beside her.
"I know the scene but...now?" my eyes widened and my mouth ajar.
I looked down at Jack and he too looked up at me, there's something too familiar about those eyes. I can tell that he's daunted by the idea of rehearsing a 'love' scene with someone you're just starting to adjust with, and doing it in front of people whom you've known for a while.
"Hey, you're gonna have to practice this sooner or later- might as well do it now to get used to it" Hiccup patted Jack's shoulder. We still looked at each other, searching if we wanna do this thing, and agree to it.
I shrugged, "Hiccup's right"
"Come on Jack! We have nothing else to do here" Punzie pouted cutely.
"Fine." He was expressionless as he took his script and turned to the page where the scene is.
I looked at the girls; they squealed silently. I rolled my eyes and just turned the page. "Isn't this great? You two are in perfect position!" Punzie said. "Juliet is up in a balcony" she gestured over to me, "While Romeo is down- spying on her" she remarked with a wry smile. The three, Hiccup, Astrid and Punz, looked at one another, having eye conversation, and nodded in agreement. They all stood up and backed away from Jack and I, distancing themselves in a way where they'll be able to watch us with a backdrop; the cloisters. They sat abreast on the patch of grass, 5 steps away from Jack and smiled, viewing us like little kids.
Jack cleared his throat, "Ready?" he asked.
I nodded and got behind the cloister, the roofed part, and let my left elbow rest on top of the sitting area. I placed the script beside my elbow for easy read. I rested my jaw on top of my palm and looked up at the ceiling; like I'm stargazing the night sky. I've seen the 1968 version of the movie and this is how the actress is positioned like during the start of the scene. Jack was still sitting down, so I wouldn't be able to see him.
"ACTION!" Astrid clapped her hand.
Jack knelt, the top of his head popped up from where he is. He looked at me dreamily and averted his gaze to the script on his hand, "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?" he recited, his voice sounded so deep and...serious, yet enamored. "It is my lady. O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were!" he exclaimed, slowly rising up to his feet. "See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O, that I were a glove upon that hand that I might touch that cheek!" he whispered adoringly.
"Ay me" I sighed and stretched my arms out carefully for I don't want to harm my right arm.
"She speaks: oh, speak again, bright angel"
I ambled over to my right as I read the script down from my hand which is hidden by the wall. Because I've seen the movie so much and watched the play many times, I have already memorized this scene, now all I gotta do is review it and glance every now and then so I wouldn't make a mistake. I looked out, in the distance, "Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" I called out longingly. "Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love and I'll no longer be a Capulet!"
"Shall I hear more or shall I speak at this?" Jack recited hurriedly, wanting to hear my voice again.
I cut him off with a sigh, "'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What is a Montague?" I looked up at the sky. "It is nor hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other part belonging to a man. O, be some other name!" I said with a hint of agitation. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, retain that dear perfection which he owes. Romeo, doff thy name and for that name which is no part of thee take all myself" I smiled and giggled softly.
"I take thee thy word!" Jack jumped up from his position and stood on the opposite side of the cloister. I gasped in shock and backed away "Call me but love and I'll be new baptized; henceforth, I never will be Romeo!" he gestured to himself, placing a hand over his chest.
"What a man art thou thus bescreen'd in night so stumblest on my counsel?" I asked, bewildered, reading it off the script.
He glanced over at his script and read it aloud, "My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself, because it is an enemy to thee; had I it written, I would tear the word." he looked down.
Instinctively, I sat up on the block of stone and sat in the middle. "Art thou not Romeo? And a Montague?" I asked.
"Neither, fair sant, if either thee dislike." he looked into my eyes.
"How camest thou hitter, tell me, and wherefore?" I sat properly and fully faced him. "The orchard walls are high and hard to climb, and the place death, considering who thou art, if any of my kinsmen find thee here" I recited with concern.
He slowly perched up on the stone as he read his lines off his script. "With love's light wings did I o'er-perch these walls; for stony limits cannot hold out love" he finally got up and sat on my right so the 'audience' will still be able to see. He looked and talked to me like he's really, deeply, madly in love with me. His acting is so realistic and subtle, I don't know if- nope, nope, I'm not going to assume anything.
I faced him, "If they see thee they will murder thee..." I said, worriedly.
He suddenly cupped my left cheek, making my eyes wide and my face hot. "I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight; and but thou love me, let them find me here: my life were better ended by their hate, than death prorogued, wanting of thy love." It seems as though he knows the line perfectly and he didn't even glanced at the paper once, he only looked straight into my eyes. My ears perked up when I heard the gang suddenly cheered in ecstasy.
"Does thou love me? I know thou wilt say 'Ay.' And I will take thee thy word: yet if thou swear'st, thou mayst prove false; at lovers' perjuries." I briefly broke eye contact to read it off properly. "If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully..." I said and looked at him again hopefully.
He slowly rubbed my cheek with his gentle thumb...I succumbed in his touch, my eyelids dropping. "Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear that tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops-
He stopped and I opened my eyes, "Swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable" I pulled away my face away from his grasp and turned around, feeling...hurt. My heart suddenly died down and beat slowly, I felt disappointed when we broke apart. What?! Why am I feeling THIS?!
"What shall I swear by?" Jack asked, holding my right arm gently.
I sighed, "Do not swear at all..." I turned, looking at him again. His gaze softening by the second. I wonder what's going on in his mind as we're doing this... "Or if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self, which is the god of my idolatry, and I'll believe thee."
He held my cheek again and slowly leaned forward, our faces inching closer. I can literally feel his breaths hit my neck, sending a chill of both excitement and anxiety throughout my entire body. He's getting closer! He's getting...too close! I should pull away, now! Or push him...but my hands are stuck on my skirt, like it's glued there. "If my heart's dear love-*rinnnnggggg!*
We quickly tore away from each other, eyes dilated and nerves wrecking. I panted softly. My heart raced a thousand beats, I placed my hand on my chest to calm myself down.
What just happened? Oh I'll tell you what happened Elsa. The damn bell rang so you two had to break it up before you do something that'll guilt your conscience or cause you a visit to the Principal's office for Public Display of Affection.
Was Jack going to...kiss me?!
Jack and I sat on the stone, apart from each other. The space between us can fit two people. I quick stole a glance and saw him looking down, his hands hang on his legs that are bended in front of him;a position for either embarrassment, bashfulness...or...disappointment. The three walked back to us and sat on the edge of the sitting space of the cloister. "Umm, well..." Punzie began, starting the conversation. "That was..." I bit my lip nervously as she struggled to find the word that'll complete her statement.
"Something" Hiccup finished for her.
"What can I say? We're good actors" Jack spoke up, chuckling awkwardly.
"Umm...yeah, it really was something" Astrid nodded. "But I doubt that's still acting" she smirked.
"No, it's pure acting!" I defended and looked up at her.
"Really now?" She looked at me accusingly. "Then how come you're blushing?" I immediately looked straight ahead and avoided her gaze. My blush intensified greatly. "Heat!" I fanned my face with my hand.
"Does the air seem a bit hot for you...or is it just me?" Jack nudged my stomach playfully. The three made an agreeing murmur and laughed at his joke. G-great, thanks a lot Jack! You're making this a whole lot worse!
"Shouldn't we be getting to class now?" Punzie suggested. "I have Physics. What about you guys?" she asked.
"We have Math..." Jack gestured to the both of us.
"Really?! Us too!" Astrid beamed, entangling her arm with Hiccup's.
"Lucky couples" Punzie snickered. Jack and I looked up at her, weirdly, at the same time. "Whaaat? Romeo and Juliet are a couple! I wasn't pertaining to anyone else other than them! Unless you two have another pair in mind" she laughed sarcastically, as a tease. She held her tote in place and slowly walked away, waving at us as she did.
"Come on, guys" Hiccup gestured for us to go. Jack and I jumped from the cloister and landed on the grass. He took my backpack and his, and held it. Hiccup draped his arm over Astrid's shoulder then they lead the way, walking in that position. Jack and I still didn't said a word to one another. I'm not sure if it's because of the awkwardness or he's just really silent like he is in class. I didn't have the nerve to start the conversation either. My feelings are baffling my mind! What was that all about earlier?! I mean, yeah, Jack is just acting really well! It's not him though, it's me! Why did I felt a pang in my chest when we weren't sharing physical contact and I felt butterflies in my stomach whenever we do?
We were almost near the Math room when the silence broke. "Great acting, Juliet" Jack complimented. I looked up at him, only to see his bright and wide smile.
I smiled back, "Thank You Romeo. You're not bad yourself" I pushed him playfully.
"Heh...yeah..." he scratched the back of his head awkwardly and blushed...oh my gosh, he blushed! Why do I find that so adorable all of a sudden?
I looked away in sudden realization that I can't admit out loud yet. I am now proven wrong by my first impression of him...I can't feel these and yet, I can't stop myself even if I did want to. There really is something...
PS : I, obviously, DO NOT own Romeo & Juliet and the scene borrowed from the tragedy.