Lila, Kai, and the Balcony Scene
intermediaterelationships218 words
Lila is nervous to play Juliet in her school's *Romeo and Juliet*. Her friend Kai, as Romeo, helps her find confidence—and they learn something about friendship.
Lila stared at the script in her hands, her throat tight. It was drama class, and their teacher had just announced the school play: *Romeo and Juliet*. Lila was Juliet, and Kai—her best friend since third grade—was Romeo. "You look like you've seen a ghost," Kai said, sliding into the desk next to her. "What if I mess up the balcony scene?" Lila whispered. "The whole school will laugh." Kai grinned. "Then I'll mess up with you. We'll be the worst Romeo and Juliet ever. But c'mon—let's practice after school. My mom makes cookies."
Lila agreed, and that afternoon, they sat on Kai's porch, which doubled as "Juliet's balcony." Lila started: "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Kai, leaning against a tree, replied, "Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized." They went back and forth, Lila's voice steadying as Kai nodded and smiled. Then came the part where Romeo leans in. Lila froze. "We can skip the kiss," Kai said quickly. "No," Lila said, taking a breath. "It's just a play. But... maybe we just smile instead?" Kai laughed. "Deal." The night of the play, the balcony scene went perfectly. The audience clapped, and Lila found Kai backstage. "Best Romeo ever," she said. "Best Juliet," he replied. "And best friend," Lila added. Kai grinned. "Always."