Crushing on a Capulet Read Online Free PDF

walked.
    â€œYes, mother,” she said, bowing. “What is your will?”
    Even I had to admit that Juliet was definitely cute. She smiled at me and Frankie, then waited quietly for her mother to speak.
    â€œThe reason I’ve asked you here,” said her mother, “is because … oh, dear, now, let me see—”
    â€œI remember when our Juliet was a little thing!” the nurse interrupted. “She was four or five and she had a blanket that she pulled around with her everywhere and I said—”
    â€œEnough!” cried Mrs. Capulet, rolling her eyes. “Hold your peace, nurse, if you please! Now, Juliet, the reason for which I called you—”
    The nurse went on. “Yet I cannot choose but laugh about young Juliet and that blanket dragging around until it was nearly black with grime—for the mud brought in from the streets—there was a wedding that day—”
    â€œWedding!” said Juliet’s mother. “That’s it! That’s just what I want to talk about today, Juliet. Tell me, daughter Juliet, how stands your disposition to be married?”
    Juliet, who had been waiting patiently, now stood up straight, her eyes growing large. A moment later, she sat down on the corner of her bed and looked up at her mother. “Married? It is an honor that I dream not of.”
    â€œThink of marriage now,” said her mother. “For the valiant gentleman, Paris, seeks you for his love. What say you?”
    Juliet seemed a little overloaded. I glanced over at Frankie and she was sort of in shock, too.
    Married? I mean, eeeww! And Paris was, like, totally the wrong guy.
    Juliet blinked up at her mom, but couldn’t seem to say anything.
    â€œWell, this night you shall behold him at our feast,” Mrs. Capulet went on, edging for the door. “Read young Paris’s face. This precious book of love only lacks a cover—”
    There was the sudden clanking and clattering of pots and pans from downstairs.
    â€œThe party begins,” said Mrs. Capulet. “Juliet, our guests will begin to arrive soon. Make haste!”
    With that, Mrs. Capulet swept out of the room, the nurse running after her.
    Frankie kicked me, I guess that was my cue. “Um, hi, Jules,” I said, “I’m Devin.”
    â€œAnd I’m his pal, Frankie,” said Frankie. “We were … sent to help you pick an outfit.”
    Did I mention that Frankie was good at thinking fast?
    â€œIt is so nice to meet you.” Juliet smiled at us, then ran to her closet and pulled out a bunch of gowns, throwing them on the bed. “Now … which one should I choose?”
    Frankie went over. “I like the greenish one. It makes you look mysterious.”
    â€œI do like it,” said Juliet softly.
    â€œAnd I like parties,” I said. “Who said Shakespeare wasn’t fun?”
    â€œI’m pretty sure that was you, Devin,” said Frankie. “Of course, that was before you started wearing tights—”
    There was a sudden stomping noise outside the room. Someone heavy was tramping up the stairs and muttering something about a mess-up with the guest list.
    Frankie and I shot looks at each other.
    â€œUh-oh,” said Frankie, “that sounds like your dad. He thinks we’re out rounding up the party guests, which we sort of didn’t do.”
    â€œMy father is sometimes quick to anger,” said Juliet.
    â€œSo can we hide here?” I asked.
    Juliet grinned. “I have a better idea.” She dragged a box out of the back of the closet and threw open the lid. Inside were dozens of masks of all different kinds. There were birds and tigers, giraffes and gnomes.
    â€œChoose one for each of you, and escape over the balcony into the garden. You can enter the party from there. I use the balcony all the time when I want to sneak out. And the best part is that my father will not recognize