ROMEO TRISTAIN'S PAYBACK

Chapter 8

Romeo groaned as the loud music thumped through the walls, pulling him from a deep sleep. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes, his dark hair messy from the night. The beat was upbeat, like something from a party, vibrating the floor beneath him. 

"What on earth is that?" 

He muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He stood, stretching his arms, and grabbed his clothes from the chair,a simple t-shirt and jeans Ryan had lent him. He pulled the shirt over his head, the fabric soft against his skin, and slipped into the jeans, tugging them up and buckling his belt. 

His sneakers were by the door, and he laced them up quickly, the music growing louder as he moved.

He headed down the stairs, his hand sliding along the wooden banister, curious about the noise. As he reached the bottom, his eyes widened in surprise. The living room was alive with energy,Ryan and his father, Mr George, were in the middle of a dancing lesson. 

Ryan was trying to follow his dad's smooth steps, the music blasting from a speaker on the coffee table. Mr George moved with easy grace, his graying hair bouncing as he spun, while Ryan stumbled a bit, laughing at himself.

Ryan spotted Romeo first, his blue eyes lighting up. 

"Hey, bro! Come join us!" 

He called, waving him over.

 "This'll be perfect for prom dance practice. Dad's teaching me the basics."

Romeo smirked, leaning against the doorframe. 

"Nah, I'm good." 

He said, his voice light but firm.

 "I think I'll manage."

Mr George turned, his face friendly, sweat beading on his forehead.

 "You sure, Romeo? A little practice never hurts. Could help with that date of yours."

Romeo smiled back, shaking his head. 

"Yeah, I'm sure. I'll be fine."

 He appreciated the offer, but dancing wasn't on his mind right now.

Mr George chuckled and hit the pause button on the speaker, the room falling quiet.

 "Alright, Ryan, you're set for prom. You got the moves now." 

Ryan pumped his fist, yelling 

"Yeah!" 

With a big grin. Mr George laughed, ruffling his son's hair. 

"Go freshen up and come down for dinner. Food's almost ready."

"You got it, Dad." 

Ryan said, still buzzing with energy. 

"Off I go!" 

He danced his way up the stairs, his steps bouncy and silly.

Mr George turned to Romeo, his expression warm. 

"Come on down, kid. The food's ready."

 He headed toward the dining room, and Romeo followed, sitting on the left side of the table. The smell of roasted chicken and veggies filled the air, making Romeo's stomach growl.

Mr George grabbed a plate and started dishing out the food.

 "Wait, let me serve you." 

Be said, scooping a generous portion onto Romeo's plate.

 "You know, I used to be a terrible cook. Burned everything I touched." 

He chuckled, setting the plate in front of Romeo. 

"But Ryan's mom taught me everything. She was patient, showed me how to season things right, how to not rush it. That's how I learned by her side in the kitchen."

Romeo thanked him, picking up his fork and digging in. The food was warm and comforting, the chicken tender and flavorful. 

"This is great." 

He said between bites.

Mr George sat across from him, his own plate full. 

"I'm glad you like it. Look, Romeo, I know what you've been going through a lot since you lost your mom and your little sister. It's tough, and I get that you might not want to talk about it. But if you ever do, just know the George family is here for you. Anytime."

Romeo looked up, a small smile crawled up on his face. 

"Thanks, Mr George. That means a lot."

Ryan came bounding down the stairs, his hair wet from a quick shower. 

"I'm starving, Dad!" 

He said, plopping into a chair.

Mr George laughed. 

"Let me get yours."

 He served Ryan a plate, but Romeo took his last bite and stood.

 "I'm done." 

He said, pushing in his chair.

 "I need to go see someone. I'll be back soon."

Ryan looked up, mouth full. 

"Alright, I’ll come with you then."

Romeo smiled at him. 

"Thanks, but I gotta see this person alone. Won't be long."

Ryan nodded, a bit disappointed.

 "Oh, okay then."

Romeo headed out of the George mansion, the cool morning air hitting his face as he stepped onto the street. He waved down a passing cab, its yellow paint gleaming under the sun.

 "Alexander mansion, please." 

He told the driver, climbing in. The cab pulled away, weaving through Gem City's busy streets, past shops and pedestrians. Romeo stared out the window, his mind racing as he thinks about his uncle, the humiliation and also the truth about his father.

They arrived at the grand Alexander mansion, its gates tall and imposing. Romeo paid the driver and stepped out, his sneakers crunching on the gravel driveway. His gaze fell on Madam Tracey and her best friend, Lady Gaga, as Madam Tracey escorted Lady Gaga to her car. 

Madam Tracey’s blue eyes locked on him, her fair face twisting into a scornful sneer.

 "Look who’s back." 

She said, her voice dripping with disdain. 

"The little thief crawling home."

Lady Gaga laughed, her amber eyes glinting. 

"Didn’t think we’d see you so soon, rat."

Romeo’s jaw tightened, but he kept his head high, walking past them without a word, their laughter trailing him like smoke.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of coffee. His eyes landed on his uncle, Alexander Tristan, sitting in the living room, being served a drink by Miss Valerie. She poured the tea carefully, her hands steady. Then she looked up and saw Romeo. 

"Romeo, you’re back!" 

She said, her voice full of worry. 

"How are you? Want something to eat?"

Romeo smirked, though his eyes were tired. 

"I’m good,Miss Val. I am not hungry."

She nodded, but her brow furrowed. 

"Oh, alright. What do you need then?"

Romeo walked past her, stopping right in front of Alexander.

 "Uncle, I need to talk to you." 

He said, his voice steady but edged with urgency.

Mr Alexander looked up from his newspaper, his dark eyes bored, like Romeo was an annoyance. 

"What is it now?" 

He said, his tone flat, not even setting the paper down.

 "Make it quick."

Romeo’s voice trembled, sadness creeping in as he spoke. 

"It’s about your wife, Uncle. She’s been humiliating me every day,calling me names, slapping me, making me do servant work. She even framed me for stealing her necklace and got me arrested. I can’t take it anymore."

Mr Alexander barely glanced up, his face unchanged, like he hadn’t heard a word.

 "And what do you want me to do about it?" 

He interrupted, his voice cold, flipping a page in the paper.

Romeo’s eyes widened, shock hitting him like a slap. 

"What do you mean?" 

He muttered to himself, his heart sinking. 

"Why would he ask that?"

The door opened, and Madam Tracey walked in, her heels clicking. She sat beside her husband, her smirk sharp. Alexander looked at Romeo again. 

"Well? What do you want me to do?"

Romeo hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor, his fists clenching. 

"I want to leave this mansionm.”

He

said, his voice breaking. 

"For good."

Alexander’s eyes widened, shock flashing across his face as he glanced at his wife. Madam Tracey’s mouth dropped open, her blue eyes bulging in surprise. 

Even Miss Valerie, peeking from the kitchen door, gasped, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief.