78 I'm Your Romeo

Both of them stood behind the swing door. They slowly peeped through the small circular glass window on the door. They saw Cathy standing with a gun in her right hand. He believed Cathy would pull the gun once they stepped out. He decided to divert her attention so Beauty wouldn't be her target. Clarence was not concerned for himself but for Beauty and her parents. He thought of protecting them even it may cost his life. A pang of pain struck his chest, "Will I die today? I still want to live with her for the rest of my life."

Just minutes ago they newly patched up their differences and this happened. He recalled, a week ago was the day he dreaded the most happened.

He heard Beauty received a call and was invited as a guest speaker for her High School alumni meeting. He knew they would meet her classmates, including Chevy and possibly they would recognize him as the 'bully'. He felt ashamed and guilty. Would he tell her now than her learning from someone else?

He gathered his courage and decided to tell her the truth, including his being Your Romeo before it's too late.

He saw Beauty sitting on the sofa putting down her cell phone. He sat beside her.

"Are you going? I mean your school's alumni homecoming."

"I'm not sure… but I might." Her face was solemn like she was thinking of something.

He clasped her hand interlacing their fingers together then faced her. He looked into her eyes and saw love, trust, and care. This woman truly loved him and he felt the same way for her. He couldn't bear to leave a shadow in their relationship. He swallowed his saliva, most of all, his pride.

"Beauty," he was now holding both her hands, "I need to tell you something very important. I know you might react but please listen to me first and allow me to explain."

Beauty nodded and looked at him with anticipation, waiting while wondering what he would be saying.

"I... Whew!" He drew in a long breath. "I want you to know that I'm actually Your Romeo."

"What?" Beauty's eyes were like saucers as she covered her mouth with her hand for being astounded with what she heard.

Clarence was scared she wouldn't give him a chance to explain first. He took her hands again.

"Please let me finish first. I will accept all your brunts and anger but let me finish first."

"Brunts and anger? Why would I be angry?" Her mouth curved upward, "Okay, finish what you need to say. I also have a lot of questions. No wonder." Her eyes were full of anticipation.

He drew his courage more seeing her not angry. "It's not just that… I was also the student you bumped at the door…"

He was unsure what to say next.

"Hey, tell me. I believe you know the whole incident more than I know." She was shaking his hands.

"I…" Guilt plunged inside him. He gulped hard, "I was the one who shouted it first," then followed hurriedly, "but it was only out of impulse that I said it. I really didn't mean it. I was really regretful for saying it. When I heard you stopped attending school I was really ashamed that's why I tried to get your email address. I didn't mean to fool you as Your Romeo. That was my only means to approach you and allow me to encourage you. Please, Beauty, believe me."

She felt lost. Of all people, why it had to be him? The man she fell in love with was the man who bullied her? She closed her eyes shut. Tears ran down her cheeks. She pulled her hand away from him but Clarence wouldn't let go.

"Beauty, I'm really sorry. Please forgive me. Please don't shun me away. Please." He pulled her into his embrace but she pushed him away. She turned her back on him. She huddled at the corner of the sofa, crying silently.

"I admit I was wrong to call you 'fat and ugly' at that time. I really regretted it that's why I wanted to make up for it… that's also why I tried to communicate to you and helped you in every way I could… Yes, I admit… the username Your Romeo was made on a whim without thinking I might fall in love with you in real life but I'm sure now that I really want to be your true Romeo now."

He knelt in front of her. "Please forgive me. I truly love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you… Even if you ignore me out of anger now, I'll wait and will continue to stay by your side… Beauty, listen well, I'm.your.Clarence and will always love you."

Clarence poured out what was in his heart and wanted to make her realize that he was really remorseful and serious with his declarations.

Beauty was still crying, "just… give me time to think… please… I'm really confused now… please just give me some space to process everything."

"Okay, I'll give you time and space now but I won't stay away. Just let me continue to help you in the restaurant."

He said this for he knew in her state of mind now, he's not sure if she can handle things without being distracted.

She didn't answer.

"Please, don't say no," begged Clarence. Beauty clearly understood what Clarence meant and knew his help was really needed. Thus, she just nodded her head.

Three days after, he received a call from the city mayor. He was invited to a party and was told he needed to wear a black tuxedo and his presence was of most importance.