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11
PERCIE
Thirteen months ago…
We talked every day until Thursday. I missed talking with her on Friday, though. I asked Grandpa if they would come with me tomorrow. I was a little excited to see her again. This time I wouldn’t disappoint and upset her.
I picked up my grandparents at their home. I already dropped by at the flower shop for Emma. I knew what she liked.
“Look at you. Finally, the old Percie.” Grandpa patted my back.
I rolled my eyes. “We met last week, Grandpa.”
“You look a lot better today, Percie.”
“About that.” I laughed. I was actually eating like a starved animal. “I have to go to the grocery after I see Emma.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
“Don’t worry about it. Grace would love to do that when she sees you like that.”
Grandma showed up and opened her arms wider to hug me. My heart melted. My parents didn’t care about me, but these two loved me like their own s
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Broken Bad Boy 12
PERCIE My classes ended, and I still found no message from Hailey. I rechecked it. Nada. I walked to the bench where I found her before. Then there she was. She was talking to someone, and that someone just made my blood boil. I strode in their direction at a long pace. Before I could get closer, Cassie saw me first. “Hey, Percie. Meet my new friend. We have classes together. Hailey—” I cut her off and grabbed her away from Hailey. “Stay away from her, Cassie.” I didn’t think it was a coincidence. “I don’t wanna see you talking to her again. You can’t be her friend. That’s impossible. Someone like you who doesn’t have the same interest as hers can’t ever be her friend. You two are like night and day. You can’t fool me, Cassie.” She glared at me, and I glared back. “Go.” She grabbed her things and walked away. I look at Hailey, hugging herself and looking down at her feet. “St
Broken Bad Boy 13
PERCIE Eight months ago. Emma had been practicing her race on weekdays for five months now since her application was accepted. Her neurosurgeon cleared her to join the Paralympics after running some tests. She was not the best or the fastest, but I was so proud of her determination to join the race for a cause. We’d been visiting her every Saturday for five months. Still, no words from my parents. I almost got caught when they didn’t show up on Friday. Instead, they visited her on Saturday just like us. I didn’t insist on asking permission from them to see Emma since everything about us was doing just fine. I didn’t want to give more trouble to Emma more than I already did. She had to focus on racing. Emma extended another couple of months in rehab just to let me visit her every Saturday. She’d been busy with her blog as well. She encouraged paraplegic patients to join sports. She’d meet her followers every
Broken Bad Boy 14
PERCIE The dinner with the Wards became regular every weekend—Saturdays with my grandparents and Sundays at Hailey’s. The only difference today was, I was going with her instead of driving there alone. “Dad wants us to stop at the grocery first before going home.” I faced Hailey. “And what he wants this time?” “He wants me to buy candles. They used the candles he bought yesterday when the electricity had a short circuit at home.” “What’s he going to do with the candles this time? Didn’t he call someone to fix it?” “It’s done, but we need candles for Mom’s cake.” I froze. “Hailey, wait. What’s with the candles and cake? Is your mom’s birthday today? And you didn’t mention it to me?” She shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “I thought it’s not a big deal, and it’s just us like every dinner over weekends.” “Still, it’s your mom’s birthday. Remind me to buy a gift, ev
Broken Bad Boy 15
PERCIE Eight months ago… “Nothing, Percie. I thought maybe she’s tired in the flight, and she wanted to take a rest first,” Grandpa explained. I wasn’t entirely convinced. There was more to it than what these oldies were telling me. “Grandma, since you’re done and ready, can you check on Emma while I’m in the shower. Please?” “Of course, Percie. You go ahead. I’ll be with Emma. I’m also famished.” There was something odd going on that I couldn’t point my finger on it. I stared at both of them intently. Grandma took her purse and walked out of the door. “What’s going on, Grandpa? Is there something you’re not telling me?” “Like what?” Grandpa asked back. “Like secrets, you, Grandpa, and Emma are not sharing with me.” “Go shower, Percie. I don’t have secrets to tell you.” Disappointed, I blew a huge breath before I walked into the bathroom.
Broken Bad Boy 16
PERCIE “Oh, she said—” “Dad!” she shouted, dropped the fork. Then she stood up and left us at the dining table. A moment later, a bang followed from upstairs. “You pissed her off, Keith.” My words came out defensively. “Sorry about that, Percie. She’s so shy,” Lillian said. “Only to me.” I drunk my water then wiped my mouth with a napkin. I stood up. “Don’t apologize, Lily. I’m the one who provoked her. Let me check her up if you don’t mind.” “Go ahead.” I knocked on her bedroom door. “Hailey, it’s me. Can I come in?” I waited, then knocked again. “Hailey, please? I apologize if that embarrassed you.” She still didn’t answer. I twisted the doorknob, but it was locked. Shit! I was screwing this up. I took a huge breath then walked down. I took the paper bag I bought for Lillian and joined them in the dining. They were done eating.
Broken Bad Boy 17
PERCIEEight months ago… “Go, Emma! You can do it!” Grandpa was shouting as soon as the race started. Hundreds of participants had joined in different categories. Emma was one of them. “Em! You can make it to the finish line!” I yelled as loud as I could. She may not be as fast as the others, but she made me so proud. My heart swelled. What could I say? I was her number one supporter. I couldn’t help but laughed as Emma tried so hard. Still, she was left behind by a few participants. I followed her through as she raced with them. I also brought a towel, her backpack, and bottled water. I strode from the crowd of cheerers, but I couldn’t avoid bumping with the people busy cheering their athletes. In just less than fifty meters, Emma was already exhausted. My throat clogged. Looking so pale as white, she sweated profusely. “Em, are you okay?” My voice shook. She halted in the mi
Broken Bad Boy 18
PERCIEI masked my smile with a frown and crossed my arms over my chest. I wanted to show Hailey that even if she came back to our apartment didn’t mean anything to me.“What are you doing here, Hailey? Aren’t you supposed to be with your parents?” My voice was firmed.“Dad drove me here. He said I should apologize for what I did during dinner,” she answered quietly, not meeting my gaze.“Then where is it?”Her gaze snapped to me with furrowed brows. “Where is the what?”I did a low growl. “The apology Hailey.” Deep inside, I was grinning. We were still in the hallway, and I was patiently waiting to hear it from her.“Um. I’m sorry.” Her voice came out a whisper.“Not sincere enough,” I deadpanned.Pink blossomed on her cheeks while she twisted her finger. “I said, I’m sorr
Broken Bad Boy 19
PERCIE Eight months ago… I hugged Emma, still unconscious in bed. “Please, I need you. I still need you. Don’t you leave me alone again? Our parents disowned me, Em. I have no one left. I lost you once, and I can’t lose you again. Please, hang in there for me. You’ll have my kidney, sweetheart. Please, Emma, do this for me once again. I love you, and I can’t live without you. Please? Why didn’t you tell me? What’s with the secrecy? How about our promises of no more secrets, huh?” I cried and begged for her, hoping that maybe, she could still hear me, hoping for a miracle. “Percie, let the doctor see Emma.” Grandma touched my shoulder. I didn’t move. I couldn’t let go of Emma. I ignored them and sobbed. “Son, we have to let them treat Emma. Please, let them do whatever is necessary to help her. Time is running out, Percival.” Grandpa grabbed my arm. “No.” I shook my head. “You all lied to me.” “Percival, we need
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