Verona had remained silent through everything Maria had said, she felt no need to talk, it was unnecessary.

When she walked into Ezekiel's bedroom, she spotted his mother, Mary, and walked over to a seat near the window.
Again, she didn't speak, or really even look at her, which was probably very rude.. But she couldn't find words to say. There was nothing to say.
What was really the point? All Mary would do is apologize, and then Verona would say it was fine.

Verona watched in silence the outside world buzzing around her, birds and bugs flying past the window.

Why was she even here..?

Ezekiel seemed to move slightly as the effects of the elixir had begun to wear off hours ago. He stirred slightly and then groaned. His entire body ached and he had a throbbing headache.

Mary backed away and left the room so she wouldn't be a disturbance to the two. She had to find out how to tell Ezekiel the news. He'd have to leave today. His father would be making the speech in the town square in only a few hours.

Ezekiel had turned slightly and his eyes slowly opened. It took him a while to realize where he was and while he attempted to sit up he noticed Verona there. A look of guilt came over his face like he'd just killed someone.

"You look lovely this morning," he said after a moment. "Thank you for what you did. It could have been worse. I'm sorry too for not telling you about the curse."

Verona's head jerked in his direction instantly.
He looked tired, and hurt.. She didn't like it.
She tried her best to hold up the tears as she covered her mouth with one hand. Turning back to the window, she cupped her face in her hand as tears slid down her face. She failed.

All of this was her fault, every single bit of it.
Nothing good had happened out of this. What? She got to sit with them for about ten minutes at lunch, and then people start turning into animals, and getting shot down, and dragged away..

Verona had ruined their secret. She ruined its value, its secrecy without even knowing it.
She had exploited them..
She was a monster....

Ezekiel had managed to sit up by now and he was noticing how distressed she looked. He was confused for the most part as why she was distressed when his father could have easily killed her. He bowed his head slightly and then heard a knock.

His mother came in again. She looked at Verona and then at Ezekiel. There was tension in the room now and Ezekiel shifted slightly so that his mother could say what she needed to say.

"Ezekiel," she said in a shaking voice. "Your father is having trouble covering up our secret. He is going to be addressing the public with the best story he can muster and I'm afraid... afraid that... you're exiled from the city from this point on.

Ezekiel's jaw dropped and then he looked to Verona. If she cried he wouldn't be able to bear it. He didn't understand this. He looked back to his mother for a clear explanation as to why.

"Your father is saying in his story that you were trying to kill himself, Veronica, and Maria. There are many people there and they will listen to him. You can take some of your belongings hut that's it."

Verona could no longer hold in her tears as they bounded down her face. She tried not to make any noise, but it just wasn't possible anymore.

Her hand was in a fist over her mouth as she choked out a sob that was quite loud. And then they got louder, and closer together as she gasped in and out loudly.

Why did it have to be this way? Why did he have to get banished? It wasn't fair! All of this because she wanted to eat lunch with him, because she wanted to be with him.

There was no more denying it, she liked him, and she knew it now.

Not only did she like him, she really liked him. He was just one of those people. Just the kind that happen to be sweet, and strong, and silent and handsome all at once. He was perfect, except for the whole curse..

Ezekiel look desperately at his mother who just let herself out. He eased himself off the bed, taking care for the bruises that lined his side from falling so hard on the cobblestones. He walked over to her gingerly knowing she was crying.

"Please don't cry," he said. "I should have told you more. It's my fault."

He was unsure of what to do so he wrapped his arms around her gently, letting is head rest against her shoulder since he was so exhausted. He wasn't sure how exactly to tell her that he was interested in her. It was so hard.

"I will miss you more than anything," he said after a moment. "Could you visit me, please?"

((sorry if its short))

Verona felt her heart skip a beat completely as Ezekiel wrapped his arms around her, his face resting next to her own.

She still hadn't said anything after he told her he'd miss her, but she did smile a little bit. That at lease made her happy. Pulling herself away from him, she wiped her face, and stood from the chair slowly.

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. It was like her mind didn't want her to talk anymore, like she wasn't worthy of vocalizations.
She cleared her throat, and began again.

"Yes," she said softly. "I will visit..."

Verona stepped a bit closer to him, and enclosed the gap with her body, pulling him to her.
She liked to hug him she relized, maybe that's why she'd done it so much in the past few days.

Ezekiel looked at her as she pulled away. He didn't understand why she wasn't talking but when she did he smiled slightly. He felt a little better knowing she'd visit him, wherever he lived.

When she wrapped her arms around him he flinched slightly as her arm pressed slightly against the bruise. He didn't make a sound though since he didn't want to ruin the moment.

"Do me a favor," he said gently. "Try not to bump any of my bruises. That includes my ego."

The last part was more of a joke than a serious request due to the fact that he smiled slightly after he said it.

His body still ached from being thrown across by his father and the scratches along his jaw barely hurt due to the treatment his mother had given him. he was hoping at the present moment that his father would change his story a bit so that maybe eventually he would be able to come back.

Looking up to Ezekiel, she smiled. Pulling away from him, Verona studied him carefully, looking over all of his scrapes and bruises.
"Hmm.." she said. "I think your ego is bruised enough right now, so maybe later."

Skipping over to his bed, she dove into it, black and pink ruffles decorating the air.
"C'mon," she told him while patting the place beside her. "You don't need to be standing up right now, it's not good for your ego."

Smoothing down her dress, she found herself making sure she looked her best, no matter what. Even though last night, it didn't seem to matter much as she was crying herself to what she could have called sleep.
Her eyes even now were a little bloodshot, due to her most recent crying episode in front of Ezekiel's window.

Wiping her eyes, she patted the spot again, "C'mon, you know you want to."

Ezekiel let his arms fall limp at first when she pulled away, not really wanting to exert any energy to move. He smiled though as she skipped to the bed and dove into it.

The ruffles in the air made him laugh slightly, knowing she was more at ease than he was. He couldn't afford to change now due to his fear of hurting her. His father had done that to Mary once and they didn't speak for at least a week or two.

He was brought out of his trance like state when she asked him to come sit by her. He shook his head slightly as if trying to ward off something. When she asked again he moved forward and sat down.

He looked exhausted despite the amount of sleep he'd gotten. The fact he was exiled from the city hadn't yet sunk in. He would need to find a place to stay and a way to survive, in other words, a job. He hadn't thought about that though.

"You should be glad you've never gotten a dart shot into your leg or arm," he said after a moment. "The stuff they put in it gives you a headache. It's kind of like a hangover almost but with out the enjoyment of the night before."

He seemed to be in a state of reminiscence over what he'd once called an 'enjoyable night.' Now that he knew the joy one person could bring to him he couldn't understand why'd he'd had some much of that vile liquid.

"Oh c'mon," Verona said cheerfully. "It can't be that bad.." Ruffling Ezekiel's hair, Verona smiled, but still felt a bit distant.

This was probably one of the last times she would get to see him in a long time, if she ever saw him again that was. She would try to see him as much as she could, but things for her weren't as easy as they looked.
Her parents didn't speak to her, but they did keep tabs on her, very close tabs.
Verona had once been told by a maid that she had been watched for an afternoon by someone.
It didn't phase her too much, because she had nothing to hide.
Her parents also wanted her to marry, but not just anyone was good enough for their little girl, he had to have money.

So every afternoon or so, a maid would come in and ask about potential suitors and such, always to report back empty handed.

And now that her parents knew she was running around with an animal, they were sure to tighten their grip.

"Its just..." he started to say. "They don't have as much strong alcohol there which means theres no way to prevent me from changing. I'll be locked up the entire time."

Ezekiel was staring at the floor at this point. He wasn't exactly excited about leaving alcohol behind but he wasn't disappointed really. The only thing he was truly worried about was hurting either himself or others.

When he finally looked up at her again it appeared that he was about to cry. He couldn't say what he wanted to say because he wasn't sure if it was true. He was worried she'd go out and find some 'un-cursed' gentleman that was more worth of her, and get married. Then there was Eric. He'd been changing over the past few months, becoming even more quiet than usual.

It sent a chill down his spine as he sat there looking at Verona.

As the silence passed between the two of them, Verona began to feel more and more alone, it was like she was by herself.

"I'll miss you," she whispered as she stared at the elegant wood flooring.

She wouldn't just miss him, she'd go crazy! Her life had been the same thing everyday for years. But when Ezekiel smashed his way into her life, bringing with him an excitement that Verona had never had before..

"Alot.."

Looking up to his face, she spotted his eyes watering.
A pain shot through her body..

"A-are you, crying," she asked with concern.
Turning her body towards Ezekiel's she put her right hand on his cheek.

When Ezekiel felt the hand upon his cheek, he lifted his to hold it. Her skin was soft as he had imagined it would be if he held her hand. He was crying slightly though he would not willingly admit that.

His fathers speech was in a few hours and he needed to leave before then. He didn't want to though. What he wanted was to stay in this moment forever. He began to cry at that point, sob actually and he turned away slightly, pushing her hand back to her.

His body looked weaker than usual as he sat there defenseless against all the dangers of the world: the all consuming hatred of his brother, the jealousy of so many people, and soon to be the hatred of the entire city.

If he was lucky his father hadn't listened to his brother and would tell something else. He wasn't sure what but it would be diferent.

((I got a job!))

(where!? C: )

"Ezekiel," Verona said softly.
She didn't know what to say to him. He was crying like she'd done only a few minutes ago.

"Ezekiel," she said again as she moved in front of him.
"Don't cry please.."
Placing her hand under his chin, she began to wipe his face with her hands.
"Please,"she whispered.

It didn't seem like she was helping at all, but she wanted to so badly..
Her face was so close to his...
If she got just a little closer, she could do it.

Leaning up, she pressed her lips softly to his, her eyes closed tight.

(mwahahaha! :3)

((a pet clinic that's about five miles [tops] from my house))

Ezekiel had frozen slightly as she wiped the tears away from his face. He felt vulnerable and he hated the feeling. It was weakness to him and gave a nasty feeling in the pit of his stomach. She was so close though that he could barley concentrate and he could feel her soft breath on his face.

When there lips met he was slightly stunned. A rush of energy raced through him as all his thoughts were nearly swept blank. He kissed her back, gently though and when the separated he had a faint smile on his lips.

"I must go soon," he said. "I will write to you when I have found a place and after I have read my father's speech. Surely if it is good someone will want to share it with the folk in the country."

((Sweet, so would I, Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow. - Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare))

(aww!! I bet that will be fun!)

Seeing Ezekiel's smile, Verona could feel a smile grace upon her face as well.

"But," she began. She wanted to argue, and make him never leave her.. But it wasn't possible.
"I don't want you to go," she whispered, grabbing onto his body again.
"Just don't leave, hide or something. And I'll help."

Her words were useless though, and she knew it. There was nothing she nor Ezekiel could do, this situation was out of their hands.
Verona knew Winslow wouldn't budge, not now after everyone had seen most of the family, turn from normal people, into animals that could easily slaughter anyone in their path, except Maria.

"Pleas don't.."

(Look at you pulling that one on me. I love Romeo and Juliet.)

(I'm super excited. Tomorrow I talk about training and the schedule)

"I would," he said gently. "I would do anything to stay with you."

This was such a bittersweet moment for him that he didn't know whether to be happy or sad. In all his life he'd never met someone half as beautiful, kind, and caring as Verona.

His smile faltered slightly and he looked down again. He was frightened for her. If she visited and he changed, he could not live if she got injured.

"Please be careful," he said. "That's all I ask."

He could hear the bell toll in the distance. It was to let people know that there would be something ocuring in the square in an hour. Ezekiel's body stiffened as he heard it and he looked down at Verona.

(I googled part of it. Have you seen the newest movie version of it?)

(That's good!)

Verona looked down as well, she knew what the bells meant.. She used to think they were the most beautiful, now she hated the putrid sound.
Looking back up to Ezekiel suddenly, she had a rigid smile on her face.
"I'll help you pack, is that okay?"

She didn't want to seem as though she was trying to get rid of him, but she wanted to help.

Getting up from the bed, she straightened out her dress, then pulled Ezekiel with her towards what looked like a closet.

Opening the door, she peered into the dark room, and flipped on a light switch.
Her closet was bigger.

(If you're talking about the one with Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo in it, then yes.)

(Yeah, i love animals)

Ezekiel got up unwillingly and went to the closet with her. When she flicked on the lights he remembered the complex system that his father had installed in the house that would allow the lights to run off a certain kind of energy.

He had been given a few bags to back his things in and he began to go through his closet, picking out his most loved possessions. He picked out a jacket he'd always worn and examined it for a moment.

"Verona," he said gently. "I want to give this to you. I used to wear it all the time. I think I wore it the day I met you too."

He held the jacket up so she could take a hold of it. It had a note in the pocket that he'd forgotten about. He'd intended to give it to someone he'd liked to tell them the exact qualifications of the curse but never did. At the time he hadn't known that the note had always been meant for Verona.

It read the following:
I do not know how to tell you about this problem that I have. It's been in the family so long that it's hard to believe that no one really knows about it. The curse has been in my family for at least ten generations and only two have fallen out of it. If it were possible to know how it occurred, I would try my hardest, for you, to end it.

The curse makes it so I cannot feel certain emotions. If I become too excited or too happy I change. My animal is a large spotted cat that is a creamy white color while my father's is a bear, and my sister's a finch. We don't know how our animals match up to us but they do. I apologize though. If you want to forget me than you may but remember you will always be in my memory.

(I saw that version and I started laughing because its a modern setting with Shakespearean language)

Taking the jacket, she pulled it close to her body.
She hated the circumstances of which she was getting this jacket, but she was glad nonetheless.

Placing it on the bed, she returned to the closet with him, watching him pack his various precious items.
"I will keep it safe," she whispered.

Verona helped him as much as she could with packing things he needed, and time seemed to fly past the two.

"I'm coming with you," she stated.

It was more of a demand rather than an actual request, but she was going to see him off, wherever he went.
She would be there, period.

"Please," she added, as if it would make her sound less harsh about it.

(Oh I know! We watched it in my Lit. class not to long ago, it was hilarious.)

Ezekiel didn't stop watch how she pulled the jacket close to her body. He could hear people from other houses making their way towards town to the square to hear his father's speech. His mother had specifically requested that Aldous stay in his shop so that Ezekiel could get some things there.

He heard her request, or what he considered a request and thought about it for a moment. He didn't want to leave her behind but he couldn't take her with him. He struggled for a moment before he finished what he was doing.

"I need to go to Aldous' store to get some things," he said. "You can walk me as far as the edge of town but that's it."

He sounded stubborn with the last words but he was more worried about her than he was about anyone else. He would die for her essentially and he was sure that her friend would be at the meeting.

((we're probably going to watch Hamlet in my lit class))

Verona didn't like the fact that she probably wouldn't be able to walk him much farther than that. Even if he had allowed her to walk him as far as she pleased, someone would have stopped her.

Her parents would be at the big meeting, and then it would be completely over. If her parents found out he would be writing to her, they would take extreme measures..

"Um, when you write me, send the letters to Aldous."

If Ezekiel sent any of his letters to her house, a maid would give it to her parents, and then they'd marry her off to anyone who stepped up, and that would be Mayhen.

"My parents are going to the meeting, and they won't want me to see you anymore.."

Ezekiel listened to all she had said. The situation was worse than he'd thought it was. He forced himself not to worry about her getting given to anyone and rather just nodded slightly.

"I'll be sure to send them to Aldous but as soon as everyone passes I have to leave," he said a bit sternly. "We don't know what my father will say nor how the people react and it could be dangerous for you."

He wasn't worried about himself. In fact at this point he'd rather be dead than banished. She was here though to console him slightly and him to console her. He approached her again and hugged her, kissing her forehead gently before doing so.

"Everything will be all right," he said though he doubted his own words.

It was true, everything he said. It could be dangerous for her, for the both of them if they got spotted.
People could start a riot or something, or even, attack each other, or her. Who knew what the small, and closed minded people would do?

Holding onto him tightly, Verona looked up at him, her eyes were pleading. But not with Ezekiel. They were pleading with God, if there was a god, to change things back to the way they were, maybe even before they had met, so none of this could have happened.

"Promise me something," she whispered into his chest.

His arms were warm, and she felt safe in the. She wanted to stay in his arms forever, stuck in this moment as long as she could be.