So Far, So Good       kip williams

A bright maroon '64 Impala by the curb near Julio's 99 Cent Everything store. Romeo is sitting tall and proud, hands on the wheel. He's staring at Juliet, a beautiful small Latina wearing a red halter top, hiding behind a pair of wraparound shades.

"Scared the shit out of me," Juliet said, arms crossed over her breasts, sinking low in the leather seat. "My papa is there. He's working, you know? "

"I don't care, baby," Romeo says, leaning in to steal a kiss. "I got to see you."

Hands on his shoulders, she pushes him away without looking in his eyes.

"I'd put him on his punk ass,"

"Oh yeah. Right. Don't you know my boyfriend's back?"

"God damn!"

Romeo slams his palms and his forehead into the vinyl-padded steering wheel. Juliet adjusts the outside mirror, checking her makeup.

"Look like a spoiled baby when you do that."

"Jesus, you make me crazy."

"When did you get this car, anyway?"

"Makes you want to cruise?"

"No," Juliet said, "just looks too nice for you."

Romeo takes his right hand off the wheel and lays it across the top of the seats, his fingers landing in Juliet's hair.

"I'm changing, baby. No more fighting. I don't even have a blade."

He sees her laughing. 

"Naw. I'm  working at my uncle's tire shop. I'm doing everything."

Flicking his hand from her hair, she scoots up tightly against the passenger door, turning to face Romeo.

"You're such a liar."

"Why do you say that to me?"

"Okay genius. Why's the screwdriver crammed in the ignition? Tell me that."

"All right," Romeo says, "You think I'd buy this piece of shit? Doesn't even idle." 

"Why do you say you did?"

"I'm protecting you. The less you know, the better... if the cops."

Her father steps out of the 99 cent store, glaring in their direction and waving his arms.

“Jullietta! Now!"

Juliet throws the car door open, leaping to the sidewalk.  As she does, two black-and-white cruisers roll in from opposite directions, pinning the Impala where it's parked against the curb.

"You don't know what I'll do."

"I am so done with you, Romeo. Just go kill yourself. "Juliet says, walking away like he already isn't breathing in her world.