Juliet was awake long before the sun rose. She'd finally caved and grabbed her phone a few hours after she'd returned home. Her phone was littered with texts and calls from Brandon. Most of his digs and names she'd heard before, so she was completely untouched by them. His tangent lasted for a few hours before he most likely blacked out or passed out onto his bed; God only knows. Elysium was now carrying the shame over her actions once she got home. Her hands stung from her nails, and the fresh wounds were swollen and red. With her head a mess and her head spinning, Juliet fought her way into her bathroom, leaning her hands against the countertop. She looked up at herself in the mirror before pulling back. Her eyes were bloodshot and red, and her cheeks were tear-stained and flushed. Her eyes then fell to her pierced hands. She could feel the guilt begin to set in while she aggressively washed her hands, cleansing the wounds. Her palms stung viciously as she let the cold water run down her skin. Head throbbing, Juliet tied her hair into a bun and tried to gather herself. She could hear her roommate's muffled conversation from the other side of the door. She groaned; she knew exactly what they were talking about. Finally, after mustering the little pride she had left, she opened the door, interrupting their conversation.
Skyler and Theo fell silent, and their eyes shifted to her.
"You look like hell," Theo said, then slapped his hand over his mouth; he'd always lacked a filter.
"I feel like hell," Juliet muttered, leaning against her doorframe.
Juliet's eyes switched between Theo and Skyler while they both shot her disappointed looks.
"Are you okay?" Theo asked.
"I'm fine," Juliet lied. "I promise."
"I've said everything there possibly could be to say," Skyler said, tossing her hands up.
Juliet shrank back, eyes tired. She quietly retired to her bedroom, locking the door. She pressed her back against the door and slid down, crumbling and pulling her knees into her chest. She pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, crawling back into bed. Her eyes grew heavy, and she slowly drifted off into sleep.
Juliet shot awake when she heard a bang on her door. She blinked, ripping her covers off her and scrambling to unlock her door. Theo stood at the other side of the door.
"Juliet, don't you have that interview today?"
Juliet's heart sank. Without saying another word, she frantically tied her Converse and buttoned her black denim shorts. She pulled a cropped, off-the-shoulder band tee over her head before brushing out her mocha curls. Grabbing her portfolio folders from her nightstand, she ran out of her bedroom. Juliet snagged her keys hanging on the hook beside the door and slammed it shut.
Swallowed in the chaos, Juliet jogged down the staircase and down to the parking lot, throwing herself into the driver's seat of her black Jeep. The engine roared as she whipped out of the parking lot and down to the tattoo shop, Inferno. Juliet's nerves heightened with every step she took to the shop. She'd spent her whole life sketching, but had never dared to share them with anyone. Theo, Skyler, and Brandon were the only ones she'd allowed to see her work. Now, this job relied on it. Juliet stopped at the corner a few feet before the shop. Taking a deep breath, she finally reached for the handle of the door. A pink neon "open" sign shone illuminated through the glass window. The Inferno sign was a deep, neon purple, surrounded by art spray-painted across the glass.
The bell hanging from the door frame chimed as Juliet walked inside nervously, clasping her hands together in front of her. Dark walls lined the shop, with LED lights decorating them, all vivid neon colors of pinks, blues, and purples. Spray-painted art was traced to the back wall, past the rows of cushioned benches, which were each paired with a rolling chair and a small metal desk. Above the back wall hung a loft apartment, with a metal railing and a spiral staircase that swirled to the floor. There was another glass door towards the back that she couldn't quite see. The air smelled of ink and rubbing alcohol, the sounds of buzzing needles and music filled her ears.
Juliet clutched her portfolio to her chest, feeling vulnerable and unsure. As she scanned the parlor, she spotted a man sitting in the far corner of the room, leaning over a client. Juliet quietly padded over to him, so quietly that he jumped when she lightly tapped him on the shoulder. She could barely choke out the words to speak to him.
"Hi," she said hoarsely. "I'm supposed to be interviewing for the sketch position?"
The man slightly tilted his head up to her, his dark mocha hair falling over his forehead
"You're late." He said bluntly, looking back at his client.
"I know-" she started.
"-Not off to a great start." The man interrupted her.
Juliet clamped her mouth shut and dropped her head apologetically.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered quietly.
The man didn't reply; he just kept at his work. Juliet's eyes glanced over to his ink-decorated arms. Sitting above his black t-shirt near the nape of his neck was a line of black-inked words that vertically traveled from behind his ear downwards. After realizing she'd been staring, she averted her eyes back to her folders.
Finally turning around in his chair to face her, the man wore an irritated expression. His hair was dark and messy, like he'd run his hands through it too many times. His jaw was sharp, and his mocha eyes looked tired. His broad shoulders filled out his shirt, with tattoos snaking down both of his forearms, some even down to his hands.
"You actually draw?" The boy asked while he spun around in his chair. He finally faced her and shot her a sour look. "Or do you just think that you draw?"
"I wouldn't be here if I couldn't draw," July replied, sharp-tongued.
He raised an eyebrow like he didn't believe her. The boy stuck his hand out, motioning for the portfolio. He set the folder in his lap and opened it, flipping through the pages of drawings. Finally, the boy closed the folder and handed it back to her. Anxiously waiting for his response, Juliet's heart raced.
"Not bad." He said, cooly.
"You draw these yourself?" He asked, pulling his elastic gloves from his hands.
Juliet frowned slightly.
"Yes."
He studied her for a second, his tired eyes looking at her.
"You'd be surprised how many people say that and then can't explain their own work." He partially muttered.
"Do you want me to explain them?" Juliet narrowed her eyes.
He shrugged carelessly.
"Just checking," he said casually. "They're not bad."
Juliet bit her cheek and leaned against the desk behind her. The man sighed, leaning back into his chair. His client lay still on the padded table, examining his new ink while the man changed out his gloves. The client excitedly snapped a photo of it before the man wrapped it and sent him to the cashier's stand. Juliet patiently waited, tapping her foot against the concrete floor. She stopped when she felt her phone begin to buzz; this was only the start. The buzzing continued until it was clearly noticeable. She quickly pulled it out and shut it off, sliding it back into her pocket.
The man knit his brows together, looking back at her.
"Supposed to be somewhere?" He asked.
Juliet shook her head sharply, her body tense as she waited for the verdict. The man waited a ridiculous amount of time to look up at her, clearly enjoying the anticipation.
"Come back tomorrow," he paused, waiting for her name.
"Juliet," she said, sticking out her hand. "Juliet Hart."
"Roman Hayes." He said, shaking it.
"Well, Juliet," Roman pulled his gloves from his hands. "Come in tomorrow, and we'll get you set up."
Juliet's eyes brightened. She tried to hold in the excitement in her voice.
"You mean I'm hired?" She asked.
Roman's expression remained the same; he nodded. "Yeah."
"Thank you so much, I'll be back tomorrow." She pressed her folder against her chest.
Walking down the sidewalk, Juliet nearly wanted to skip with excitement. She immediately pulled out her phone once she hopped into her car and dialed her mom's number. The phone rang a few times before she picked up.
"I got the job!" She squealed excitedly.
"That's great!" Her mom replied, with a hint of concern in her voice.
"What's wrong?" Juliet asked nervously.
"I just worry about you," She said quietly. "I hate seeing you like this."
Juliet's initial response was defensive; she already knew what her mother was referring to.
"You've never liked him, Mom," Juliet argued back.
There was silence on the other line for a moment before her mom spoke to her again.
"Well," her mom sighed. "Congratulations on your job. I'll talk to you soon."
Juliet awkwardly hung up the phone with a pit in her stomach while she pulled into the parking lot. Shutting off the engine, Juliet twisted her keys and started towards the stairwell. When she reached the front door, she excitedly gathered her roommates into the living room.
"I have news!" She shouted in the kitchen.
Skyler burst through her door, hanging out of the door frame.
"You broke up with Brandon?"
Juliet laughed awkwardly and shook her head before Teddy emerged from his bedroom, still drunk with sleep from his midday nap. He stretched, heading over to the couch and plopping himself on the grey cushions.
"I got the job!" Juliet shouted.
Her roommates erupted in laughter, excitedly tossing their hands in the air.
"You know what this means, right?" Theo said excitedly.
Skyler and Juliet exchanged confused glances while they waited for Theo's response.
"We're going out!" He yelled, tossing his hands into the air.
Juliet agreed reluctantly before she and Skyler both retired to their bedrooms to get ready. Before Juliet could even get into the shower, Theo had already begun to blast music through their speaker system in the house.
After Juliet blow-dried her hair, she slowly walked to her closet. Still wrapped in her robe, Juliet opened the door after she heard a knock. Skyler, nearly ready, sat on the edge of Juliet's bed, watching her get ready.
"What was it like?" Skyler asked, referring to the tattoo shop.
"Well," Juliet sighed, taking a break from her makeup to sip the drink she'd made, "The guy who hired me was a total dick." She scoffed.
Skyler raised a brow at her.
"Was he hot at least?" She asked bluntly.
Juliet snapped her head around to Skyler, mouth open.
"Skyler!" She yelled, playfully tossing one of her beauty blenders at her head.
"Not with his attitude, he wasn't," Juliet muttered.
Their conversation was interrupted when Theo stepped into the doorway, fully dressed and ready to go. His cuffed denim jeans were paired with a black "Rolling Stones" muscle tee. Wrapped around his waist was a black belt, watching his black dog. Theo's curly hair had been tamed, curling up along the nape of his neck.
"How do I look?" Theo asked, fully stepping into the bedroom.
"You look great," Skyler said, keeping her eyes glued to her phone screen.
"You didn't even look," Theo groaned dramatically.
"I think you look great," Juliet chimed in quietly.
"You'd say that if I were wearing a trashbag," Theo said, kissing the top of her forehead. "Love you, though."
Skyler walked back into Juliet's bedroom after dressing herself; she always stole the show. Her baby-blue silk dress dove down her back, exposing her slender shoulders. Her short blonde hair had been perfectly curled, framing her blushed cheeks. She tied the straps of her white kitten heels around her ankles
In Skyler's hands, she carried an armful of clothing and tossed it onto Juliet's comforter. Skyler dug through the pile before she finally picked out an outfit for Juliet. She threw Juliet a matching black corset top and mini skirt, along with a pair of black boots. Juliet frowned when she saw the outfit.
"Brandon wouldn't-"
"-Good thing Brandon won't be there," Skyler cut her off.
"I don't know, Sky," Juliet said nervously while she tightened the back of the corset with the ribbons.
Zipping the back of her skirt, Juliet stepped into the black knee-high boots and turned to face Skyler. Skyler's eyes lit up in excitement when she saw Juliet.
"Perfection," Skyler said, lightly clapping her hands together.
Juliet shoved her hand in Skyler's face, embarrassed. Their heads both turned when Theo yelled from the kitchen.
"Car's here!"
The girls both scrambled to grab their purses and cards before chaotically shuffling out the door and down the stairwell. Hopping into the car, the trio all finally let out a sigh of relief when they were finally on their way. The three all crammed together in the backseat, clutching their pregame drinks. Theo's eyes were stuck on his phone screen as he aggressively typed away, eyes squinting.
"Is this bartender boy?" Skyler asked, leaning over Theo's shoulder.
Theo jerked his phone back to his chest protectively.
"Maybe," he blushed. "He's working there tonight."
Skyler playfully shoved his shoulder before the car pulled up to the curb of the club.
"Are you sure about this?" Juliet asked reluctantly.
"Trust me," Theo came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "This will be an unforgettable night."
Juliet swallowed and followed Theo near the entrance.
"Don't we need to get in line?" Skyler asked, pointing to the line of people that trailed back around the corner. The vibration of music's bass shook the building, while groups of drunken students stumbled out of the club. Boston was a different breed at night. Theo shook his head in response.
"Have some faith in me," Theo said, still typing on his phone.
Already buzzing from the drinks she'd had at the apartment, she began to feel her nerves calm down more. Maybe Theo was right; she could use a break anyway. After a few minutes of waiting, Skyler impatiently crossed her arms together and tapped her foot against the concrete.
"I don't think he's coming," Juliet said quietly.
Just as they spoke, the side door opened, and a head popped out, motioning for them to follow. The trio hurried to the door, slipping inside before they could be seen. The blonde-haired man led the group past the back towards the dancefloor.
The muffled music carried into the walls as they took the backway through the hallways, which spit them out right at the bar, which was a square shape, lined with people desperate to buy a drink. Blue and red strobe lights moved across the walls and floor, keeping the room a dim color. The clanking glasses and loud conversations filled Juliet's ears. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminated with the twirling disco balls next to them. She was shoulder to shoulder with the crowd, her hand wrapped with Skyler's. Different lounge couches were scattered in different corners of the room, and the tables were decorated with empty vodka and glasses. Groups spread out across the dance floor, drinks in hand. Pushing past them, Skyler stopped at the bar counter, leaning her arms over the counter. Theo kept his head down while they waited for the bartender to serve them. Juliet recognized the blonde hair straight away; Theo's bartender boy.
"What can I get you all?" He asked, his dimples showing.
Theo was so nervous he could barely speak. He opened his mouth, eyes wide.
"Three double vodka sodas," he fumbled his words. "Please."
The bartender nodded and spun back around to make the cocktails, leaving the three exchanging excited looks. They all grabbed each other's hands and squealed softly. When the bartender came back, he slid their drinks across the table, along with six tequila shots.
"Oh, we didn't ord-" Juliet started.
"It's on the house." The bartender said and smiled at Theo.
While Theo and the bartender flirted back and forth, Juliet realized it was probably their cue to make a lap. She tapped Skyler on the shoulder and pointed towards the crowd discreetly. Skyler nodded and began to start their trek through the endless sea of people. The air smelled of sweat, perfume, and liquor. Juliet's boots clicked against the crowd while they squinted to make their way through the dark, crowded room. Once they turned a corner, Juliet froze, blinking.
Sitting at one of the sections in the club was Roman Hayes, with his dark, fluffy hair brushing over his forehead. Smoke pooled from his lips while he smiled with a group of his friends. Juliet didn't realize she was noticeably staring until Skyler caught her.
"Do you know that guy?" Skyler asked.
"Yeah," she said quietly, barely even audible over the blaring music. "He's the guy who hired me."
Skyler's eyes mouth dropped open, and her eyes darted back to Roman. Roman's black button-down had been rolled up to his elbows, exposing the ink on his forearms.
"You didn't tell me he looked like that," Skyler breathed.
Juliet shot Skyler a disapproving look, shaking her head.
"Right," Skyler said, rolling her eyes. "Because you have a super handsome and sweet boyfriend."
"Skyler, please," Juliet begged. "Not tonight."
Skyler held her breath for a moment, then forced a smile.
"You're right." She said.
Clutching their handful of drinks, the pair found a longue couch nearby and sat down, setting their belongings on the table. Theo was spat out at the end of the crowd and excitedly ran over to the girls.
"So," He grinned widely. "I'm gonna go.."
"With bartender boy?" Skyler's eyes lit up.
"He has a name, you know," Theo said. "Peter Knox."
"Okay," Skyler said. "Before you leave, look right at twelve o'clock." Skyler pointed to Roman's section.
"Holy shit," Theo said, turning his head back towards the girls. "Do you know him?"
Skyler's face turned to Juliet, who clamped her mouth shut and looked down at the floor.
"He hired Juliet," Skyler sat back into the cushion, sipping on her drink.
Theo smiled and leaned closer to Juliet.
"If you don't want him," he joked. "Can I have him?"
Juliet rolled her eyes before taking another sip of her drink. She faced Skyler after Theo disappeared back into the crowd. The two held their shot glasses in their hands, clinking the tequila filled glass together. They tossed their heads back, swallowing down the burning liquor. Juliet aggressively coughed, reaching for her lime wedge and shoving it between her teeth. As she tried to gather herself, Skyler tapped her on the shoulder.
"Juliet," Skyler said, her voice low. "He's here."
Juliet's heart sank. "Who?" She croaked.
"You know who," she said, standing up and walking towards the crowd. "Call if you need help. I can't look at his stupid face.
Skyler refused to be within five feet of Brandon; they'd even gone so far as to ban him from the apartment completely. Juliet sat herself back down immediately, trying to lower herself out of sight, but it was too late. She heard a voice call her name.
"Juliet!" Brandon yelled from a few feet away, his backwards hat nearly about to fall off his head. Skyler's hand slapped her forehead, and she rolled her eyes. He yelled so loudly that half of the club's eyes suddenly turned to Juliet. She froze, shrinking back into the couch.
"Here we go," She muttered as Brandon stepped up into their section.
"I'm sorry, baby." He whispered in Juliet's ear, kissing her cheek.
She could smell the liquor on his breath while he wrapped his hands around her waist. Juliet forced a smile and kissed him back. When he pulled away, his eyes trailed up and down her, and he knit his brows together. Eyes glued on her exposed chest, his eyes narrowed.
"You're ghosting me, and then showing up to a bar dressed like that?" He snapped.
Juliet covered her chest with her arms and crossed her legs, trying to cover herself up. Clutching the hem of her top, she tried to pull it up as conservatively as she could. Brandon rolled his eyes and ignored her, scanning the rest of the crowd.
"You need to grow up, Juliet." his eyes narrowed, and he set his phone down. "I'm asking you to mature."
Juliet bit her cheek, swallowing. "What did I do?" She blinked.
"Seriously?" Brandon scoffed. "You ignored me for nearly a full day, and then show up dressed like you're about to work the pole, without even telling me where you were going?"
Juliet could feel her heart racing more and more; she could feel her mind freezing; it always did when they argued. She could smell the liquor on his breath as he leaned in closer to her, his hand gripping her waist. Sometimes, it was like she was leaving her body and couldn't come back, like she was floating. She zoned out, eyes growing dry as she tried to fight back her tears.
"You're too friendly to people, Juliet," He kept going. "People will get the wrong impression."
Their arguments were always the same; he'd lecture her and go on twenty-minute tangents, interrupting her every time she opened her mouth to speak. Now, Juliet only nodded in understanding, keeping a vacant expression on her face. Brandon noticed Juliet's submissive stance and stepped away, offended.
"Quit acting like you're scared of me." He hissed at her, rubbing his forehead.
disappeared back into the crowd, leaving Juliet alone on the couch.
She hugged herself, trembling with anger and sadness. She was so excited to tell him about her job, but she realized he'd probably have something to say about that too. He had never even asked her about her sketches or seen them. Juliet looked down at her hands when she felt a stinging sensation coming from her palms. Her eyes widened while she watched the blood trickle down from her hands to her wrists.
Juliet burst into the bathroom, scrubbing the blood from her hands. As she pressed the wet paper towels against her palms, she could feel the tears trickling down her cheek. She wiped her eyes, nearly smearing blood on her cheeks. Staring at herself in the fingerprint-covered mirror
Once she'd stopped the bleeding, Juliet pressed the busted bathroom door open, swallowing herself back into the flashing lights and blasting music. Stumbling, Juliet drunkenly set her hand against the wall, fighting to hold herself up. Trying to camouflage in with the crowd, Juliet aimlessly trailed around the club, desperately searching for Skyler. When there was no sign of her, Juliet finally gave up and started towards the door. She could see Brandon across the bar, leaning against the counter with a pint of beer in his hands. Juliet wondered how he could act so calm and collected in the wake of their argument.
When she finally made it to the door, Juliet was hit with the cold city breeze, letting the loud music drown out as the door shut. She rubbed her shoulders with her hands in an attempt to warm herself before pulling out her phone to order a car. Juliet's phone screen became plagued with aggressive texts from Brandon.
"You just fucking left? Without telling me?"- Brandon.
Juliet's fingers trembled while she anxiously tried to steady her hands in order to type. Squinting at the letters, she realized she was too drunk to even make out the words on her screen. Her phone slipped from her hands and bounced onto the concrete.
"Shit," Juliet cursed under her breath.
She nearly lost her balance trying to pick her phone back up. She took a deep breath in, gathering herself. She'd finally decided to walk back, regardless of how far it was. She thought the walk and fresh air would do her some good. Right as she started on her trek back home, a familiar voice called her name, and she halted to a stop.
"Your boyfriend's an ass," Roman said, smoke pouring out of his mouth.
His dark eyes looked over to her while he leaned against the brick wall.
Juliet turned her head to him, furrowing her brows.
"Takes one to know one." She shot back, already on edge and irritated.
Roman seemed amused by her comment rather than offended.
"You don't know him." She said quietly.
Roman cocked his brow.
"Don't need to." He replied casually.
"You saw one moment," Juliet argued.
He exhaled smoke.
"That was enough."
Juliet exhaustedly groaned, nearly tipping over. Roman's eyes narrowed, and he pushed himself off the wall, heading towards her.
"Where is your boyfriend?" Roman asked between hits of his cigarette.
Before replying, Juliet held out her palm, looking up at his towering height.
"This stuff'll kill you, you know," Roman said, handing a cigarette to her from the pack he kept tucked into his pocket.
Roman's button-down exposed his muscular chest, where a silver chain hung around his neck.
"He's inside," Juliet said quietly, taking a puff.
Roman blinked.
"What?"
"My boyfriend," Juliet replied. "He's inside."
Roman cocked a brow at Juliet, looking back towards the door.
"Mmm," he mumbled, his voice thick with judgment.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Roman pulled out his phone.
"I'm taking you home," Roman said, ordering a car.
Juliet knit her brows together, stepping back.
"What?"
"I'll have it drop you to your place before mine," he continued. "I'm not leaving you drunk on the streets of Boston at one in the morning, Juliet."
Juliet frowned, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm not that drunk," she mumbled, looking away.
Amused, Roman smirked, looking down at her.
"Okay," he said, stepping forward. "Walk in a straight line."
Juliet confidently shoved Roman aside, clearing the pathway. Placing one foot in front of the other, Juliet could barely balance on one foot and nearly face-planted onto the sidewalk. Luckily, Roman instinctively grabbed her arm, pulling her back up to her feet. Embarrassed, Juliet stood dumbfounded.
Guess I'm drunker than I thought. Juliet thought to herself.
When a black car rolled up to the curb, Roman gently led her to the car door, helping her get inside. He closed the door after her before sliding into the passenger's seat. Roman turned his head to the backseat, leaning his arm behind the driver's headrest.
"What's your address?" He asked.
"My what?" Juliet asked, head spinning.
Roman groaned, rubbing his temples with his fingers.
"Your apartment," he continued. "Where do you live?"
Juliet's head suddenly felt heavy, and she lay it on the car door, trying to focus on the whizzing buildings outside the window. Roman held out his palm. Juliet frowned at him, confused.
"Your phone," he said. "Hand it to me."
Juliet quietly obeyed and handed her unlocked phone to him. He scrolled through the screen, searching for some sort of indication of where she lived.
"Do you have a roommate I can call?" Roman asked.
Juliet drunkenly yelled.
"Skyler!" Her eyes were barely open, and her head couldn't stay up on its own.
Roman dialed Skyler's number and put the phone to his ear.
Juliet was too intoxicated to make out what they were saying; she could barely even keep her eyes open. The car finally came to a stop, and Roman stepped out of the car, opening the backseat door for her. While Roman held out his hand to held her down, Juliet's eye caught the spider tattoo on the top of his hand. She squinted at it, then looked up at his mocha eyes.
"I like that one," she slurred, pointing to his hand.
"Jesus Christ," Roman replied through his breath.
Skyler came to the rescue, jogging down the sidewalk over to the car. She grabbed Juliet's side, providing herself as a human crutch for her. Juliet leaned her head on Skyler's shoulder, barely standing. When Skyler turned around, she realized she'd have to find a way to drag Juliet's small body up the steps. Groaning, she began to tighten her grip around Juliet, preparing for their hike up the stairs. Roman stopped Skyler.
"There's absolutely no way you're getting her up there on your own," Roman said, splitting between them. Placing his hands on Juliet's waist, he hoisted her up, tossing her over his broad shoulder. She hung over him, her legs dangling like a rag doll. Juliet's head drooped down, her chestnut hair falling over her face and head. She mumbled drunken nonsense while Roman carried her up the stairwell next to Skyler. When they finally reached the apartment door, Skyler unlocked it, holding it open for Roman. Once he stepped inside, Roman took a moment to observe the cozy apartment. It was decorated with records and different pieces of art, along with scattered framed photos of the trio.
"This is her room." Skyler pushed open Juliet's bedroom door.
If Juliet were sober, she would have died at the thought of a boy seeing her messy room. Her clothes spilled over the top of her hamper, and sketchbooks and graphite pencils were scattered across her bedspread. Framed family photos lined her dresser and wooden desk, along with a dreamcatcher that hung above her bed in front of the window that sat behind her headboard. One of the platforms from the fire escape sat directly outside of her window; she'd go sit out there and smoke if the weather was nice.
Roman set Juliet back onto the bed, where she rolled over her comforter, wrapping herself in her blankets. Afterwards, Roman silently left the bedroom, leaving the door cracked. Outside, Skyler and Roman stood near the front door.
"Her boyfriend...-" Roman started.
"Is the actual devil," Skyler finished his sentence for him.
"So I've gathered," Roman muttered, before wrapping his fingers around the doorknob. "I should get going before my car leaves."
"Thank you," Skyler said, closing the door behind Roman.
Afterwards, Skyler peeked through Juliet's door. She was sprawled out across her bed, passed out asleep. Skyler smiled softly and shook her head. She crept into her bedroom, placing more blankets over Juliet and retiring back to her own bedroom.