Romiette and Julio

by Sharon M. Draper

  “Luis, what is that under that log behind us?” he asked, not wanting to show any excitement in his voice.

  “What? I see nothing. Where is the flashlight?”

  “Look, lodged under those rocks and sticks. It’s a shirt—a blue-jeans shirt.”

  “¡Oh, Dios mío! I see it! Julio was wearing a shirt like that—but this one is torn, and muddy, and …”

  “Pull it out. There’s a hand! Oh, Luis, I think we’ve found them!” Cornell’s heartbeat was like the thunder from the night before. Luis couldn’t stop shaking. He could hardly grab Julio’s shirt.

  “¡Dios mío! It is my Julio! And Romiette! Together under this fallen tree by the spillway. We’ve been walking back and forth over this area for hours! Oh, God, she’s so cold!”

  “They’re not dead. They’re very cold, and they’re unconscious. But I can feel a pulse in both of them. Hurry, send up the flare! Get the medical team over here! We have found them!” Cornell shouted to the sky in exultation.

  59.

  News Update

  Lawrence was tired of following Nannette with the camera, not because the camera was heavy—that was his job—but because she never knew what questions to ask, and she never knew when it was time to stop talking. None of the cameramen liked being assigned to Nannette. They’d have a lottery each day, and the loser had to work with her. Today was Lawrence’s day, and he hadn’t even lost the lottery. He had volunteered because of his respect for Cornell Cappelle. He’d had a little break earlier while Nannette left to go change her clothes. While she was gone, he’d helped answer phones and unload equipment from the various volunteers. She had returned, however, in an outfit that looked like something someone would wear on a safari. Tall leather boots, khaki slacks and shirt, with a matching hat—still not very good for walking in the mud, but at least her pink shoes would have a chance to dry out.

  He sighed when he saw her return in her red Mercedes. “You’ve been sitting around for an hour doing nothing,” she accused him cheerfully. “Let’s get back to work, Lawrence. I’m ready now.” He said nothing, but shouldered his equipment and glanced back at the other volunteers who said with their eyes that they understood.

  Nannette found a man serving sodas to the searchers, so she headed over to speak to him first. She didn’t even ask what had happened during the search in her absence. She smoothed her hair, checked her makeup, and smiled for the camera. “This is Nannette Norris, reporting live for Channel Six from London Woods Lake. We are still searching fruitlessly for the bodies of Romiette Cappelle and Julio Montague. Hundreds of volunteers have come to assist in the search effort.” She pointed the mike in the face of the soda volunteer. “Can you tell me, sir, what kinds of sodas you are serving to the volunteers here—wait, there’s a commotion at the edge of the woods! I think—it looks like—they’ve found Romiette and Julio!”

  She left the volunteer in midsentence, and ran quickly to where a crowd was gathering around Cornell Cappelle and Luis Montague. Each carried a large, heavy burden.

  Nannette continued with excitement, “I can see the two fathers—each is carrying a child. Cornell Cappelle is carrying what appears to be the body of his daughter, Romiette, and Luis Montague is carrying the body of his son, Julio. It is indeed a sad day here today. Romiette Cappelle and Julio Montague have been found dead, here in London Woods. Let’s have a moment of silence on this solemn occasion.” She waited exactly two seconds, then declared brightly, “I’m going to try to get closer to see if we can determine the cause of death.” She tried to push her way through the crowd, but dozens of noisy, seemingly exultant people blocked her way.

  Lawrence looked at the two fathers. They weren’t just smiling—they were beaming with joy. He whispered to Nannette, “Pssst! Ms. Norris! They’re alive!”

  She glanced up at him in astonishment, looked to where the fathers were approaching, and said glibly, “Wait, one of the children seems to be moving! Hey, they’re not dead! Oops! Sorry, looks like I spoke too soon—but they looked dead at first, honest. Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce that Romiette and Julio have been found and apparently … uh … at least one of them is alive!” She lowered her mike an inch, then yelled, “Hey, Lawrence, are they both alive, or is one of them dead? Oh, am I still on the air? Oops again!” Lawrence said nothing, but kept the camera rolling as Nannette blundered on.

  “Sorry, folks,” she blurted. “Let me get this straight for you. It looks like both Romiette Cappelle, daughter of our own TV Six anchor Cornell Cappelle, and Julio Montague, son of Luis and Maria Montague, have been found alive. Their conditions are unknown at this time, but they look pretty bad, all wet and muddy.” Lawrence shook his head in disbelief.

  Nannette worked her way through the crowd until she could get a closer look. With proper respect for the situation, Lawrence turned the camera away from Romiette and Julio and toward the faces of the cheering volunteers. Nannette, totally unaware, kept on talking.

  “The young people are, however, seemingly unconscious, and considered critical until we get to the hospital and find out more. They are being loaded into waiting ambulances as crowds of cheering volunteers hug and congratulate each other.” The two ambulances fired up their sirens and wailed off in the distance. “Ladies and gentlemen—we have much to celebrate. We will report to you live from Good Samaritan Hospital as soon as we have more news. Stay tuned to News Six.”

  She turned to Lawrence. “Wow! That was great! Let’s get down to the hospital quick! I want to be the first to interview the parents. Cornell is a great personal friend, you know.”

  Lawrence, as usual, said nothing. As he loaded up his gear, he whispered a silent prayer of thanks for the safe return of Julio and Romiette.

  60.

  At the Hospital—8 P.M.

  Julio awakened and smelled roses—lots of roses. For a moment he couldn’t remember anything, only that when he tried to move, every muscle ached and his head throbbed like thunder. He sat up slowly and painfully in his hospital bed and looked around in disbelief. Dozens of bouquets of flowers, many of them roses, filled every available space. He couldn’t understand why so many flowers would be here, and then he remembered. Romiette, the storm, the water, the cold, the fear. His head dropped back to the pillow, and he let Romi consume his thoughts. He prayed she was safe. He had so many questions.

  His mother peeked in the door and ran to him, her arms outstretched in one of those loving hugs only a mother can give. She wept, with joy this time, as she buried her face in his hair. Julio wept also, murmuring to her, “Mama—Lo siento, Mama. I’m so sorry. I did not mean to make you worry.”

  “Sh-sh-sh! ¡Mi Julio—mi hijo! You have nothing to apologize for. You are a hero. You have saved her. Just as she saved you.”

  “Romiette! Is she alive? I couldn’t get her to breathe! Oh, Mama, I couldn’t bear it if something had happened to her. I told you she was special, Mama.”

  “Sí,” she said, smoothing his hair as soon as she ruffled it. “I remember.”

  Julio frowned, trying to force the memories. “I don’t remember much after the boat exploded and we lost each other in the water.”

  His mother shuddered. “I don’t know if I can bear to hear such terrible things. All I know is that the doctors say that it seems that the warmth of your bodies kept both of you alive through the cold and damp of the night. Alone, you both might have died. But together, you lived.”

  Julio was afraid to believe her. “Are you sure she’s OK?”

  “Yes, my son, she is fine. She is cold and wet and stiff, but she did not drown, thanks to you.”

  “I want to see her,” Julio said decisively. He tried to sit up quickly, but his pounding head made him slow his movements.

  “Sí, very soon, Julio,” his mother assured him. “But first your father wants to see you. When the doctor told us you were awake, he asked the woman a million questions. He is very proud of you, Julio,” she whispered as Luis walked into the room.


  “Hola, Papa,” Julio said quietly. “I am sorry I caused you so much worry.”

  Luis took one look at his pale and haggard son, propped on pillows and surrounded by flowers, and for the first time since the ordeal began, Luis Montague allowed himself to break down. Finally, he hugged his son and, sniffing to regain his dignity, said, “You were very foolish, Julio.”

  “I know, Papa,” Julio admitted. “I’m sorry all this happened, but I’m not sorry about caring for Romi. I would go through it all again to make sure she was safe.”

  Luis sighed. “I too should apologize. I was wrong to forbid you to see her. Her parents and your mother and I spent many hours together. I have learned much.”

  Julio grinned. “I will do my best to obey you, Papa. I still have much to learn too.”

  One nurse came in to take Julio’s temperature, and another brought him some soup. He thought he had never tasted anything more delicious in his life. He relaxed and told his parents all he could remember about the evening. Every few minutes he’d ask if he could see Romi. Finally Maria laughed and told him she’d make it happen. She left the room smiling.

  Romi’s room was just down the hall. She too awakened to a room full of flowers sent by well-wishers from all over the city. Her mother sat in a rocking chair next to the bed. Her father had been standing at the foot of her bed, watching her sleep, with love and amazement on his face.

  Romi turned her head and smiled at her mother. “Am I in trouble, Mom?” she asked, her voice a raspy croak.

  Lady Brianna jumped from her chair and sat on the edge of her daughter’s bed. “Not anymore, Romi,” she murmured softly. “How do you feel?”

  “Thirsty,” whispered Romi.

  “That’s ironic,” her father said with a half laugh. “After all that water, the first thing you ask for is something to drink.” He poured a small paper cup of water and fed it to her gently. “Is my princess going to be OK?” he asked her.

  “I think so, Daddy. I’m sore all over, and my throat hurts, but I feel OK.” She looked around the room. “Who sent all these flowers?”

  “Do you know that hundreds of people have been searching the park for you?” her mother asked.

  “Really?” Romi asked in genuine surprise.

  “And hundreds more saw the reports on the news and sent good wishes, and prayed for you and Julio. They’re just glad you’re alive and well.”

  “Is Julio OK, Mom? It was like my dream. I was so scared, Mom.”

  Her mother soothed her. “He’s fine, honey. Can you tell me about it?”

  Romi shuddered. “The water, the storm, the lightning—I just knew I was going to die, but Julio was holding my hand. I was fine as long as I had his hand in mine, but the storm and the lightning and the fire separated us. The boat exploded; I went under the water. Oh, Mom, it was so cold, and I couldn’t breathe, and then I went under again, and then it was like my dream. Julio was calling my name, and I was floating, and then it was dark, and cold, and that’s all I remember. The last thing I remember was Julio’s hand in mine. Where is he, Mom? I’ve got to see him. He wouldn’t let me die. Are you sure he’s OK?”

  “His father told me he’s going to be just fine,” Cornell assured her. “He’s tired and sore, as you are, and he’s been asking to see you too. The doctors are going to bring him in here as soon as he’s been checked out. Are you sure you feel all right?”

  “Bring him in here? I look awful!” Romi threw her hands up to her hair, which was matted and uncombed.

  Her mother laughed, a strong laugh of release and joy. “You nearly died last night and you’re worried about your hair? That shows how well you really are!” She laughed so hard, she had to sit down. “You look beautiful to me,” she said finally, “and to Julio too, I expect.” Her laughter stopped suddenly as she noticed Romi’s worn face on the pillow. “You’re shivering, Romi,” she said with concern.

  “I’m cold, Mom. Can I have another blanket?” Her mother swiftly covered her, and her dad brought another blanket. “Thanks,” Romi whispered from beneath the covers.

  “Sure, baby. You’ve been through so much. We thought we had lost you,” her father admitted huskily.

  “I don’t remember getting out of the water,” Romi mused. “Julio saved me, didn’t he?”

  “Apparently so.”

  Romi smiled. “I knew he would. He loves me.”

  “Yes, Romi, that too is very clear.”

  “Mom, you know how you feel about Daddy? How you smile and cheer up when he gets home from work?”

  Lady B. grinned at her husband as he winked at her. “Yes, dear, I know,” she told Romi.

  “Do you think about him all the time, even though you’re married and stuff?”

  Her parents smiled again. “All the time,” her mother said.

  “And you know how you send Mom flowers at work for no reason sometimes, Daddy? That must mean you’re thinking about her too.”

  “Yes, dear, your daddy still makes me tingle inside.”

  “That’s how I feel when I’m with Julio,” Romi said simply.

  “I understand, Romi,” her mother said with sincerity. “I really do understand. It’s clear that you and Julio have something very special.”

  Cornell said nothing. He wasn’t quite ready to see his daughter grow up in front of him.

  “It happened really fast, Mom. I never planned to fall for any guy, let alone Julio.”

  “That kind of stuff is never planned. That’s why it’s so wonderful!”

  “You’re not angry?” Romi asked.

  “Angry? Why? Because you fell in love?” Her mother smiled.

  “Because I didn’t tell you about the gang stuff.”

  Cornell answered, “No, but I wish you had. We could have called the police and nipped this early.”

  “I’m sorry, Daddy, I just didn’t understand how dangerous it was. Me and Julio couldn’t figure out why they wanted to hurt us. Did they catch the gang kids?”

  “Yes, all five of them,” her father told her. “They have the car that was used to kidnap you, the guns, even Ben’s videotape.”

  “Oh, Romi, it could have been so much worse!” her mother cried, realizing what almost happened. “They could have killed you!”

  “I know, Mom,” Romi said sincerely. “I will always be thankful that this day turned out the way it did. Where’s Julio? I’ve got to see him.”

  “He’ll be here in a moment,” her mother replied. “First, I want you to meet his mother.” Maria Montague had appeared at the door. “She and I have become very close. Maria, this is my daughter, Romiette.” Julio’s mother smiled warmly and gave Romi a big hug.

  “Hello, Mrs. Montague,” Romi said with no shyness at all. “I’ve never met you, but I feel as if I know you.”

  “And you too, my child. I am so glad that you and Julio are safe. We have much to talk about.”

  “Oh, yes, ma’am,” Romi answered. She liked Julio’s mom right away. Maria left to return to Julio’s room, and Mrs. Cappelle decided to go with her. They walked out, and immediately the door burst open again and in strolled Destiny and Ben. Romi grinned with delight.

  “Hey, Romi! What it is, girlfriend!” said Destiny, trying not to show her worry and relief. She tried to lighten the air a bit by sniffing the flowers and making a face at the ones that smelled bad.

  “Destiny!” Romi exclaimed. “What took you so long?”

  “Hey, I been chillin’ out in the woods all day—you know what I’m sayin’—nothing else to do.”

  Romi grinned. “How do I look, Destiny?”

  Destiny got out a comb, then tossed it back into her purse in defeat. “Girlfriend, your hair is messed up!”

  Romi laughed. “It’s the natural look!” Ben hadn’t said a word yet. He was overwhelmed with the flowers. He simply stared at them in amazement. “Hey, Ben,” Romi teased, “speaking of hair, your hair is looking a little faded this morning.”

  “I may shave i
t all off and start over,” he said seriously.

  “What color is your hair, really?” Destiny asked him.

  Ben thought for a moment and shrugged. “I don’t know. Been so long since I’ve seen it. Yep, maybe it’s time for Ben to try the natural look too!”

  Destiny got serious. “So what happened out there, Romi?”

  “Julio saved my life,” Romi said simply. “He loves me, Destiny. He told me!”

  “Awesome!” Destiny replied. “Adventure and love all in the same day. Truly awesome! Me and Ben have been looking for you all night long.”

  “Just the two of you?” Romi asked suspiciously.

  “Well, we spent most of the storm in my car, but the rest of the time we were looking for you. And guess what, Romi? We got the Fantastic Five!”

  “All the times from 1:11 to 5:55? I don’t believe it!”

  “Yeah, Ben and me wished them all—together. If I forgot, he reminded me.”

  “Ben reminded you? You believe in our secret wish system, Ben?”

  “Hey, it worked, didn’t it?”

  “That’s why I knew you would be safe. That, and my advanced psychic abilities,” Destiny added.

  “You were doubting those abilities a couple of hours ago, Destiny,” Ben reminded her.

  “Never! You can’t prove it! It’s not like you have it on tape.” Destiny laughed.

  “Speaking of tape, how did they find the Minicam?” Romi asked.

  “It was in the trunk of Terrell’s car,” Ben reported with excitement. “We even got to watch part of it this morning at the boathouse—they showed it on TV! It’s gonna help convict all of them, one of the cops told me.”

  “Wow, so we helped after all,” Romi mused.

  “I’m glad all what you went through was good for something,” Destiny said seriously.

  “Hey, Destiny,” called Romi. “Come over here close to the bed. I’ve got something to whisper in your ear.”