Sample RJ Journal

Dear Diary -- 8 June

So – my life had been just another typical Renaissance dream: daughter of one of the most prominent men in Verona, with parents always on the brink of separation, with an overly bawdy nanny reminding me of my lusty love-life yet to come. But of course, Daddy’s beef he has with the Montagues got the best of him again– well – let’s say his temper isn’t one of his redeeming qualities. Not like Mom’s a whole lot better, either. I mean, she’s not exactly known for her people skills. She called Daddy an old fart this morning. But enough about the awesome family values we openly display in public. Back to Daddy’s beef with the Montagues. Apparently Daddy’s daddy’s daddy’s somebody – (long time ago stuff) had a beef with a similar relative of the Montagues. Not even really sure what it’s about. Anyway – Daddy met Montague out in the street and was about to cause some damage when the Prince showed up. Anyway – long story short – Daddy’s in deep doodoo if he’s caught shakin’ it up in the street again. Way to let ‘em know who’s boss, Daddy-poo.

As if my life wasn’t already complicated enough, Mom called me in for “the talk” today. You know what I’m talking about. But Mom realized she isn’t exactly up for Mother-of-the-Century award and had Nurse supervise the conversation. I’m not sure who’s worse: Nurse gets all reminiscent about stuff and re-emphasizes my already too-obvious non-existent bond I have with my mother – and then Mom asks me what I think about getting married. Hello?! I’m like, thirteen years old, but then Mom brings up the fact that she was already my mother when she was my age. Great. Mom and dad – thirteen years ago…Good thoughts in – bad thoughts out. Anyway, apparently Paris, the Prince’s relative, asked Daddy if he could marry me. And I’m like, who the heck is Paris. Nurse says he’s cute. Nurse thinks any man that can walk remotely upright on two legs is cute. But Mom cut the conversation short and said that he’s rich and from a good family, and he actually wants to marry me. Which made me think: by the way she talked, am I really that undesirable that she should emphasize: “he actually wants to marry you.” Whatever. That’s all that I have to say – whatever, Mother. I told her what she wanted to hear – that I’d look at the nincompoop – but I would “never marry without parental consent.” If I can even find some man to marry me since I’m so unworthy. Nurse told me to have a good time at Daddy’s party tonight anyways. I hate these parties. It’s not like anyone will dance with me anyway. I’m so depressed now. My life sucks. I’m thirteen and my life sucks. I’m destined to end up just like my mother – married to an older man I hate, stuck in a house with nothing to do but be a trophy for my too-gorgeous-for-me-to-deserve husband, with children that I can never build a bond with because I’m still a child too. I don’t want to grow up yet. I don’t ever want to grow up.

* * *

So Daddy’s party wasn’t a total bust after all. Daddy “crushed a cup” with a few old pals and was way more mellow than usual. He even told Tybalt to cool it – and I thought they were about tied for the “Personality Princess” award. I always thought Tybalt was wound just a little too tight. Ever since he went to that French school and learned fencing, he’s always looking for a reason to show off his skills. He needs a girlfriend to tie him down and make him miserable. That’s exactly what he needs. What he needs is someone like my mother.

So anyway, I met this guy at the party. Not Paris – some other guy. He pulled me aside and said this super-romantical stuff to me and held my hand. Like, no guy has ever held my hand before. Ever. He made me feel really special. And then – you’re not going to believe this – he kissed me. Twice. I was totally walking on air. A real-live guy – MY AGE – who likes me. Or at least, he acts like he does. But then the Nurse had to find us and ruin it. She told me Mom wanted to talk to me, and when I came back, he was leaving. But here’s the part you’re never going to believe. I felt something for him. It was a totally new feeling for me. I mean, come on, I don’t exactly have an overly exciting social life. But what I felt for this guy was so different – I know it must be something special. Maybe even love. There’s isn’t exactly a whole lotta love floating around our household for me to recognize if that’s what it is. But, I think it is. I can’t write down his real name cause if Mom or Daddy finds this, they’ll have a fit. I -so- don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight. I’m way too excited. I can’t believe this is happening to me. Me – Juliet Capulet – in love. Who would have thought? Thank you, lucky stars.

With all my heart,
Juliet