My Dark Romeo

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content, child abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, graphic violence, and substance use.

A week later, Dallas is feeling hopeful about her relationship with Romeo. However, she’s devastated when she notices more petals fall off her rose. She considers sharing her concerns with Hettie one day, but Romeo bursts in and initiates sex. Hettie dismisses herself to give the couple privacy. Afterward, Romeo notices that Dallas seems down. She admits she’s upset because although their relationship is changing, it isn’t real; Romeo doesn’t really know anything about her. He listens as she opens up about her dreams, including her desire to have “a house gutted from within and turned into a library” (291). She then probes Romeo about himself, saying she wants to get to know him better. Romeo dismisses himself to his office.

Distracted by his confused feelings for Dallas, Romeo leaves the house to spend time with Oliver and Zach. When he gets home later, he avoids Dallas, comforting himself that he doesn’t miss her.