《Broken Bad Boy》


 Chapter 1: Prologue

    Chapter 1: Prologue


    PERCIE


    Dustin¡¯s party is superb.


    I constantly checked my phone for a text from Emma since I arrived at the condemned abandoned


    house. At this moment, she was enjoying the party at Chloe¡¯s, one of her closest friends.


    I still couldn¡¯t believe that high school life was finally over. It would only mean one thing¡ªwe were


    getting older. In a few months, we were be both attending college and moved into one apartment as


    we¡¯d nned.


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    I sipped the soda that started to warm in my grasp. Unlike my friends, they managed to sneak a few


    beers into the party.


    My friends were already with their girls. Well, except for me.


    The pop music was ring too loud for my taste. I preferred ssic and alternative rock¡ªthe only thing


    that Emma and I did not get along with. She loved pop singers¡ªHarry Styles, in particr. Thank God


    she wasn¡¯t like a Bieber fan or Kpop because I would delete her ylists if she liked them too.


    I looked around the living room that they turned into a dance floor. It was crowded. Everyone was


    dancing¡ª drunk or not, despite the floor strewn with old chewed dirty rags.


    I went to the porch and settled into the empty rickety chair, the only ce left empty. The music wasn¡¯t


    too loud in this area, and the cool air didn''t smell like rat piss and shit.


    ¡°Hey, Percie.¡±


    I was startled in my seat before I could even begin to appreciate the dark sky. When I thought I would


    be alone for a while, I was wrong.


    ¡°Why are you alone tonight? Where¡¯s Emma?¡±


    I recognized that voice without looking. The Queen B herself. The Queen of Bullies.


    ¡°Yup. I¡¯m alone.¡± As if she didn¡¯t see the obvious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m leaving in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring her here? Her ssmates are down there, dancing. Dustin throws a pretty


    awesome party, right?¡±


    ¡°Sorry to break it to you, but I would never bring her here with all these wasted boys everywhere.


    Where is your boyfriend, Cassie?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a boyfriend. You know that.¡± She must be rolling her eyes. Cassie was a knock-out blonde


    with gorgeous toned legs that could run a mile, but the rest was ugly.


    I knew, but I was not going to be her boy toy because I could get her to bed with me. Could she not


    even get the clue?


    I could smell her perfume as she got closer to me. She started running her fingers through my head to


    the tip of my messy brown hair. Then she gripped my shoulders, massaging them.


    ¡°Stop it. Show yourself some respect.¡±


    She stopped and rounded to my front. ¡°Are you gay, Percie? Or is it because of Emma?¡±


    I chuckled sardonically and narrowed my eyes at her. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare include Emma in this


    conversation?¡±


    I squeezed my eyes shut, took a deep breath, and looked at her. A hint of pain crossed her eyes. If I


    didn¡¯t know she was a bully, I might feel terrible. ¡°Look. I like you. You¡¯re cool and pretty, but I do not


    sleep around because I want to prove to everyone about my sexuality.¡±


    She pouted her shimmery lips. ¡°Fine. I''m sorry.¡±


    My phone buzzed before I could reply. Save by the call. It was Emma. I could get away from her and


    this ce.


    ¡°Hey, Em. Want me to pick you up right now?¡± I rose from my seat and walked out of the porch. I left


    Cassie alone, still standing there.


    ¡°Yes, P. How''s the party? You can pick me upter if you want to stay longer.¡±


    ¡°No freaking way. I''ve been nning to get the hell out of here before I even arrived. My friends are


    upied with--you know, as we speak. I''m on my way.¡±


    I was a party person. I had a fair share of experiences. I had a lot of fun before Emma came into my


    life. Everything had changed. Not because of her, but because I wanted to be a better person than I


    was before. Tonight, Em forced me and left me no choice.


    I strode downstairs and made my way out from the crowded dance floor. I rushed to the parking lot


    before my friends saw me sneaking out of the party. I started the engine as soon as I got in my car.


    Justin Bieber''s song sted in the speakers.


    I dialed Emma. She picked up right away.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in the car? Text me when you¡¯re here. Take care. Love you.¡±


    ¡°Stay inside, Em. Until I¡¯ll call you toe down. Love you too. Bye.¡± I hang up the call and push my


    phone into my pocket.


    Dustin would be pissed off once he found out I left without telling him, but he was probably busy


    banging around with random girls.


    ***


    A few minutester, I stopped in front of Chloe¡¯s house.


    I unlocked the door for Emma as I watched her wave goodbye to Chloe from her window.


    ¡°Hey. How¡¯s the party?¡± I asked as she got in.


    She closed the door after her. ¡°It was fun. Chloe gave this to me.¡± She showed me a bracelet.


    I held her hand to take a closer look. It was pretty and girly. A personalized handmade charm bracelet


    made of beads with a heart that connected her name and Chloe¡¯s.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m jealous. My name should be here too.¡± I pressed and tightened my lips together as I faked a


    frown.


    She barked out,ughing, hitting my hand yfully.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a guy. I let her make for you. My name and yours, happy?¡±


    I grinned while she was rolling her eyes. I drove out of Chloe¡¯s front house.


    ¡°I¡¯m a guy, Emma. Very happy. Now, your seat belt, missy. I¡¯ll pay for the bracelet.¡±


    She buckled her seatbelt. ¡°No, Percival Edmund. This time, it¡¯s my turn.


    I know it¡¯s not expensive, but it¡¯s the thought that counts, right? Hope you¡¯ll like it.¡±


    My heart melted. Even if she didn¡¯t have to give me anything, finding her, was more than enough for


    me. I side-nced at her while she was fishing something from her purse, probably my gift.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. I was just kidding.¡± I focused my eyes on the road.


    She held my hand from the steering wheel, squeezing it. ¡°I know, but you were always giving me


    everything. And it¡¯s nothing fancy. I just want to give this to you. I hope it reminds you that I¡¯m always


    with you all the time. You know that I love you more than anything in this world,¡± she said and ced


    my hand on herp. She then hooked the bracelet around my wrist.


    I fought the urge not to nce as the tiny thrill of excitement swelled my heart. I wanted to know how it


    looked. Even if it would be too feminine for my taste, in my heart, I would still keep it.


    ¡°You know, I will like it no matter how hideous it is. As long as it ising from you. And you know, I


    love you, Emma.¡± I looked her in the eye and smiled.


    She unbuckled her seat belt and moved closer to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck andid


    her head on my shoulder.


    ¡°Em, I¡¯m driving. Let me concentrate. The road is dark around here. We can do thister.¡± I kissed the


    side of her head.


    She didn¡¯t move. ¡°You should not wait forter, P. A lot of things can happen between now andter. I


    just want to hug you. I¡¯m so happy to be your half, P.¡± She acted as if she didn¡¯t hear me.


    Something deep in me, a feeling of peace enveloped me. ¡°Emma, I¡¯m happy to be a part of you, too.


    And I love you. Now, be a good girl. Go back to your seat and secure your belt.¡±


    We reached the intersections. The traffic lights turned red. I stepped on the brake quickly, making the


    tires screech against the pavement. It both caught us by surprise. Emma quickly tightened her hold


    around my neck. The car in my front moved to speed that only left us a smoke behind.


    ¡°Jerk.¡±


    Before I could ask her if Emma was okay, the headlights reflected from her window side caught my


    sight, blinding my vision. I used my arm to cover my eyes as I squinted to take a look. It was toote.


    The car came rushing in our direction.


    It happened so fast.


    Then a car collided with us.


    A sickening sound followed.


    The impact threw us to my side.


    Everything stayed still. It was deadly quiet around us as it was in a slow-motion action movie.


    My breathing held. Emma gasping against my ear was the only thing I could hear at this moment. And I


    could feel her arms tightening around me as if something was pulling her away from me.


    Then again, followed by an extreme silence piercing my ears.


    It was just me and Emma who¡¯s still on my side.


    It now came to my senses. It took only a few seconds for me to realize that we were in an ident. I


    also knew that I was still alive as I could now feel the pain. I could smell actinic, burning my throat¡ªa


    cont and gasoline.


    Emma.


    Emma.


    Tears filled my eyes. My vision blurred. Suddenly, I was terrified, horrified. My voice wouldn¡¯te out.


    I was shaking. I couldn¡¯t speak.


    I couldn¡¯t move. It seemed that the car was too tiny for both of us.


    I was stuck inside the wrecked car.


    Emma. She was beside me, but she hasn¡¯t moved a muscle pressed against my side.


    My heart turned to ice. My eyes felt like fire.


    I couldn¡¯t breathe. The next thing I smelled was the distinct sweet metallic scent.


    Blood.

 Chapter 2: 1

    Chapter 2: 1


    PERCIE


    Iid back on the cold tiled bench with my arms as my pillow. I looked up at the gray ceiling without


    anything in my thoughts.


    I was bored to death for thest five hours, locked up for punching my boss in the face. He hit his wife


    in front of his car repair shop where I worked as a mechanic--well, used to, since he just fired me. Who


    was in the fucking hell hurt women if not some losers like him?


    I didn¡¯t like people hitting women because they would look misogynistic. When I saw him yell at his


    wife, my fists developed brains on their own. Whatever she did, that didn¡¯t give him the right to hit her.


    He could confront her privately, but he was an asshole. My anger took over me. So, I punched him


    before I even realized I did it, which resulted in me getting arrested for physical assault.


    I didn¡¯t enjoy seeing women being abused, bullied, and men thought that made them stronger. Women


    were born to be loved and respected unless they deserved to be treated the way they were. Still, there


    were so many ways a person could do other than hurting them.


    Still, I was not to judge that. What goes aroundes around.


    I ignored the footsteps. I was still staring at the tedious gray ceiling. For the whole year, my life was


    fucking is ck and white. Or maybe, it waspletely ck, like my soul. Who cares? Nobody.


    A clinking sound of keys in the steel bars caught my attention. A 40-year-old, medium build man


    wearing a blue police uniform unlocked the cell door.


    ¡°You¡¯re free to go, Matthews. Don¡¯te back. You don¡¯t deserve to be here. There¡¯s a lot ahead of


    you, young man. Get out, and enjoy your life while you can,¡± the police officer said. He inspected me


    from head to toe. I was still lying, immobilized.


    He didn¡¯t have any idea what happened to my life. My life was worse than being locked up and worst


    than being in hell, literally.


    I stood upzily, yawned, and stretched out. ¡°Who came here to bail me?¡± I was not expecting anyone,


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    especially my parents, and certainly not my friends because I didn¡¯t have anyone in my life sincest


    year. My grandparents would probably let me rot in here if they found out I punched someone because


    life was unfair.


    I followed him as he walked towards the im desk.


    ¡°The old man dropped the charge against you,¡± he exined while staring at me. ¡°Take your things,


    son, and go home.¡±


    I stopped by the im area. He gave me my things back--wallet, keys, and my bracelet.


    ¡°Thank you, officer.¡±


    He nodded.


    I read his name on his uniform.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Do you need a ride? I''m leaving, anyway.¡±


    My brows creased. A part of me still wanted to stay in the cell because I still had to think about looking


    for a job tomorrow.


    Then, here was this good man trying to help me. I couldn¡¯t believe he offered me a ride, even if he was


    aware that I just punched someone in the face.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, officer. I can get a cab from here. Thanks, though.¡± There were still few good people in this


    world who helped someone in need. But I didn¡¯t need him, and I certainly didn¡¯t deserve his help.


    ¡°Come on, son. Where do you live? I¡¯ll drop you off there.¡± He walked ahead of me.


    I had no choice but to follow him out of the police station. ¡°Really, sir. I don¡¯t want to bother you more


    than I already did.¡±


    He waved off his hand. ¡°You¡¯reing with me. Now, get your ass in my car.¡±


    I hid my smile while he motioned me to get in the passenger¡¯s side. I couldn¡¯t remember thest time I


    smiled. It was foreign to me anymore.


    I got in. The first thing I noticed was the smell of strawberries.


    ¡°My daughter loves that air freshener,¡± as if he reads my mind, he said before he drove us out of the


    parking lot.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your story, young man? Aside from what you did today?¡± Officer Ward asked me, giving me


    a few nces when I chose to keep my mouth shut.


    This was what I was scared of, people wanted to read me and know me. I¡¯d been sessfully avoiding


    a conversation like this. It wouldn¡¯t only hurt me, but it ripped up the wound open. The older it got, the


    more it rotten me slowly. I wished I just died that night. It was still taunting me whether I was wide


    awake, in my sleep, or with nightmares.


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer me. I¡¯m just a nosy old man.¡±


    Something deep inside me chuckled. I swallowed hard. I had to blink rapidly to push the memory of that


    night.


    He might see me as the kind of guy who shared his feelings with a stranger, but I¡¯d rather keep the past


    where it was.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Officer Ward. I¡¯m a sophomore in college at Hillston. I want to take biology. Then maybe, one


    day, pursue Medicine specializes in Neurosurgery.¡±


    I was so notfortable telling everyone about my life, about my n. Sincest year, after the horrific


    ident, I had kept myself away from people. I ignored everyone, including my parents. I¡¯d never been


    with anyone, just my grandparents, who were very considerate enough to look after me when my


    parents should have.


    I couldn¡¯t even look at every girl¡¯s eyes. They would only remind me of her. I¡¯d been an ass and cruel to


    everyone who thought they knew me, my pain, and my loss, but they didn¡¯t have a fucking clue why I


    became who I was today¡ªthe cold and callous Percie.


    ¡°You surprise me. I couldn''t imagine you choosing that field.¡±


    I chuckled. I knew what he was doing. He knew I have had built walls, and he tried to get into those


    walls.


    Considering that I¡¯d never shared this with anyone, I admired his tenacity. But I still had a lot of time to


    change ns or maybe not n at all.


    ¡°Call me Percival, sir. That''s just a n, Officer Ward. I could change my mind anytime, but that was


    my first choice, though.¡±


    He pulled over at the intersection. Whenever I passed by in a ce like this, sometimes, it became too


    much, too nostalgic. I wished I could rewind at least 10 seconds. I could probably avoid that to happen.


    I closed my eyes and released a shuddering breath.


    ¡°Have dinner in my house, Percival. It¡¯s almost dinner anyway. I¡¯ll send you home after.¡±


    I stared at him incredulously. This man was impossible.


    ¡°Officer Ward, you really don¡¯t have to do this. Why are you even inviting me to your home? You don¡¯t


    know me. I could be a bad person.¡±


    He nced at me in disbelief, seemingly taken aback. ¡°Are you, Percival? A bad person?¡±


    I sighed in defeat. ¡°Fine. Don¡¯t me me or put me back in jail if I n on stealing your collections or


    your gun, then run away.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not worried about that. First of all, call me Keith. Second, I don¡¯t have


    collections, and third, you can steal my gun, but I doubt if you even know how to carry this,¡± he says,


    pointing at his pistol still tucked in the holster of his belt.


    I shrugged. ¡°I watched Wild Wild West movie.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t depend on what you see. YouTube is one of those things you should avoid when learning


    something new. I don¡¯t think you can even think of pulling a trigger. I may be old, but I doubt you are


    violent, Percie. You may have had difficult times, but I know you are just trying to be distant and try


    avoiding people to get into your life. That doesn''t mean you are a bad person. You still have a good


    heart.¡±


    You don¡¯t even want to imagine what I¡¯ve been going through.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good heart, Keith. You definitely have no idea who I am and what I did.¡±


    He stopped the car in front of a blue-grey two-story house.


    You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.

 Chapter 3: 2

    Chapter 3: 2


    PERCIE


    Thest time I saw a house like this was when I was with her. Just that memory alone felt like I''d been


    stabbed in my heart over and over again.


    ¡°Son, let me ask you one thing. Why did you risk yourself punching your boss when you saw him hitting


    his wife?¡±


    My eyes narrowed at his intrusion.


    ¡°Is it a defense mechanism? Or because you didn¡¯t like him abusing his wife in front of everyone?¡±


    I opened the door and got out silently. He didn¡¯t want to go there.


    He leaned his arms against the roof of his car and said, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna know, son, but whatever it is, I


    know it¡¯s hard for you, and it may take some time. But you will get there.


    My nose red in anger and in pain. I pressed my lips together to stop from blurting out something he


    wasn''t ready to hear.


    I just punched someone a few hours ago. I couldn¡¯t punch him, and besides, he was a police officer. He


    had no bad intentions. All he was trying was to give some advice to someone who was a lost cause like


    me.


    I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get over this with so that I can go home.¡±


    He smiled, and it irritated me. ¡°Trying to get rid of me soon, Percival? Well, if you keep your knuckles in


    your pocket, you won¡¯t see me sooner.¡±


    I groaned and raked my fingers into my tousled brown hair. ¡°You have no idea, officer. I don¡¯t know why


    you are doing this? This isn¡¯t a part of your job helping the offender by driving him home, feeding him


    dinner, and also not in a job description of a police officer to be a shrink.¡±


    He patted my back. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside, Percie.¡±


    I followed him into the house. He dropped the keys in a small bowl, then hang his coat on the rack.


    Then he led the way to their living room. There was a brown couch with a small ss coffee table and


    one snow globe on top.


    ¡°That¡¯s my daughter¡¯s. Her grandma gave that to her. Make yourself at home, Percie. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    I nodded.


    How could this man read every thought I had? First, the strawberry air freshener. Now the snow globe.


    He was lucky he had a normal family, unlike mine, a very dysfunctional one. Since that ident, my


    family had never been like before, and it would never be back to normal.


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Mom and Dad med me for that ident. They wished I died there. They even disowned me. I


    couldn¡¯t me them, though. I wished I did die that night because until now, I was constantly ming


    myself too. I was more like a walking dead without emotions, no soul, and no heart. I died that night as


    well.


    I heard footsteps and whispersing from upstairs. Judging by those voices, that must be Keith and


    his wife. I rose from my seat and faced them as soon as they climbed downstairs. Keith was already in


    a white shirt and blue jeans while his wife was wearing a loose shirt and yoga pants.


    ¡°Percie, I¡¯d like you to meet my wife, Lillian. Lillian, this is Percival.¡±


    I shook the hand she offered and gave her a smile that I¡¯d never done for months. ¡°Nice to meet you,


    Lillian. Your husband here just brought an offender to your lovely home.¡±


    She shook and squeezed my hand before releasing it. ¡°Keith would never bring here an offender like


    you, Percival. He has a good judge of character. He may find you charming, and I can see you¡¯re a


    handsome young man.¡±


    My face heated. I looked down.


    ¡°Oh, honey, stop making him blush. Let¡¯s prepare the dinner before Percie ns on running away.¡± He


    kissed her on her cheek.


    ¡°Have a seat, Percival. I¡¯ll just set the table. I''m done cooking before you arrived.¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Thank you for having me, Lillian. It¡¯s been a long time since I had dinner with a family.¡±


    She gasped. Sadness crossed her beautiful face.


    I regretted it right away. I wished I could just keep my mouth shut.


    She walked right into me and hugged me, which caught me off guard. ¡°Oh, sweet boy. You are


    wee anytime you want. I¡¯d love you to join us over dinner. I¡¯ll let you meet my daughter, Haylie.


    She¡¯ll be down in a minute.¡± She ran her hands on my arms.


    I missed my mom doing like this to me. After the ident, she had changed. The sweet and thoughtful


    woman I knew for neen years has turned into a sour and cold-hearted mother.


    I felt so ashamed of Keith and Lilian. They were good people.


    ¡°Thank you. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good ideaing over here just to eat your food.¡±


    Sheughed. Her rich voice echoed, warming my heart and crushing it at the same time. I missed


    hearing peopleugh genuinely, not the ones with full of sarcasm like my mom.


    ¡°Oh, honey. All you have to do is knock. Anyway, I¡¯ll go and set the table before you run away.¡±


    Keith sat on the couch.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you set the table, Lillian.¡±


    Keith chuckled behind my back. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare, Percie? Nobody touches her kitchen, utensils, and


    food until she''s done serving. Even cleaning, me and Hailey had never bothered helping her.¡±


    Lillianughed again before she went to the kitchen.


    ¡°You have a beautiful family, Keith,¡± Ipliment him heartily as I sat back on the couch.


    He smiled brightly. ¡°Thank you, Percie. My wife meant what she said. You cane over anytime or


    call me first as you like. Up to you. I¡¯ll save my number on your pher.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too much already, Keith. Thank you, though.¡± I¡¯d never interacted this long or sat with them in a


    home sincest year if I wouldn¡¯t count my grandparents. It felt a little awkward, but not with Keith. At


    least, not anymore.


    Lillian called out from the kitchen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Hailey toe down. Have a seat here, Percie. Don¡¯t you mind if I call you Percie?¡± Lillian


    asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. If I¡¯ll tell you no, you might kick me out of the kitchen, or worse out of your lovely home.¡± I


    was surprised that I managed to crack a joke. It had been a long time since I was able to say


    something funny or sweet.


    She pecked me on my cheek. ¡°Have a seat, dear.¡±


    I froze in my ce. My eyes widened a little bit. No woman ever kissed me and treated me like her son


    since forever.


    ¡°Sit down here, Percie.¡± Keith motioned his hand at the empty chair on his left.


    Her wife must be a good cook judging by what was on the table. A roasted chicken with rosemary and


    thyme. I could literally taste the spices in the air. Also, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, green


    sd, and dinner rolls bread.


    A momentter, Lillian came back with their daughter this time.


    As my gaze flew towards them, I gasped. My life suddenly froze as if everything surrounding me had


    turned to ice. In a split second, I felt like I¡¯d been transported to a year back. It felt like a d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    This is impossible. In my breathless moment, my eyes widened. I could feel my jaw drop. My heart beat


    faster. I could even feel it against my ribcage.


    I wanted to run away, but I also wanted to run into her and hug her at the same time.


    How was this even possible? No way. I am Imagining this.


    She stood around her height¡ªfive foot five inches. Her brown wavy hair ended just around her chest,


    just like her, but lighter. Her bushy eyebrows were furrowing, with her enormous brown eyes staring


    back at me. She also had high cheekbones, entuated with her little nose, exactly the same as hers.


    She slightly parted full red lips.


    ¡°Percie, this is my daughter, Hailey. Honey, that''s your Dad¡¯s friend, Percie.¡± She was only wearing a


    dolphin printed shirt with matching a pajama bottom.


    I blinked twice, or maybe more, and swallowed hard. I didn¡¯t even realize I was holding my breath for


    too long until I was already catching it. I held my hands at the edge of the table to support myself from


    falling when I stood up. My legs wobbled, and I felt like an idiot when I noticed her walking towards her


    dad¡¯s back and stopping in front of me.


    She smiled shyly, showing her dimples. She was just as beautiful just like her. ¡±Hi, Percie. Nice to meet


    you.¡± Even her voice was almost the same as hers.


    She offered her hand for a handshake. I looked down at it, thinking if I should shake it or not. But I


    didn¡¯t want to be rude, or they would think that I was weird or germaphobic. My hands were still


    trembling with shock now that she was in my reach.

 Chapter 4: 3

    Chapter 4: 3


    PERCIE


    Fifteen months ago¡­


    We were in an ident. My ears still tingled from the silence after the impact.


    I couldn¡¯t move. Emma was pressed against me.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°E-Em?¡± I coughed. My voice trembled. ¡°Em?¡± My throat choked up.


    She didn¡¯t respond. She didn¡¯t move.


    I wanted to shake her badly, but I was so weak to do so. I smelled blood. It rolled down my temple to


    my face and neck.


    The smoke started to sting my nostrils.


    I started to hear noises from outside the car. Themotion escted.


    The sirens of the ambnce resounded.


    Although my eyes were blurry, I whirled my gaze around and saw a bunch of heads surrounding us and


    the shes of lights.


    I thought I was okay.


    I could still remember the paramedics who arrived and took me from the collision. Unfortunately, Emma


    wasn¡¯t. I was still shaking with fear with what happened and for Emma.


    They brought us to the hospital by separate ambnce. Even if I wanted to refuse and go with Emma


    instead, I didn¡¯t have the strength.


    All I wanted right was for her to be okay. I wanted to scream out these indescribable feelings¡ªrage,


    fear, despair as it all came back to my senses, but my voice came out a pitiful cry.


    ¡°Emma?¡± My parents came rushing to where the bed Iid in.


    ¡°Mom. I''m sorry,¡± I told them about Emma. They left and never came back.


    I still didn¡¯t know anything about Emma¡¯s condition. They had to drug me when I struggled to go down


    from my bed to check up on her, and the drug didn¡¯t help me.


    ¡°How¡¯s she? The girl was with me?¡± I asked the doctor about Emma, and it was not good news. I felt


    the world fell onto me.


    I wouldn¡¯t wonder why none of them came back. They med. Well, I would take the fall even if they


    had to hate me. That was the punishment I had to endure for the rest of my life.


    I almost killed Emma. They discharged me after twenty-four hours of observation.


    ***


    Emma had been in aa for three days. After the CT scan and MRI results, Emma had a spinal cord


    injury. Something about her T6 paraplegia or SCI T6 paraplegia. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t sound good.


    One thing I was sure of, she had paralysis and wouldn¡¯t be ever to walk for the rest of her life.


    She was still unconscious. The next time I peeped in her door, they removed the tube, and she was


    breathing with the help of the oxygen. Still, there were so many things attached to her that looked


    scary.


    It felt like I carried the whole world around my shoulder to see her in that position. She must be in pain.


    The worse part was, I was not allowed to see her in her room.


    I wished I could change position with her. What happened was all my fault.


    My heart broke. What about her future? How did she take the news? Did she me me too? Of course,


    she did. I was sure she hated me.


    Life was so unfair. I was the one here standing and walking on my own. She took all the force.


    Emma woke up five dayster. Her paralysis, I guess, was permanent now. I was still sneaking into the


    hospital. Emma then found out that my name was not on her visitor¡¯s list.


    I finally got a chance to talk to her on the eighteenth day. She was alone.


    She looked better. Still beautiful even when her eyes were closed. I finally held her hand after the long


    eighteen days, and it was a relief.


    ¡°Hey, Em.¡±  My eyes started to sting. I had to look up to control my tears from falling, but I failed


    miserably. I wiped my face and nted a kiss on her knuckles. I wanted to say something. I just didn¡¯t


    know what to say or where to start after what I put her through.


    ¡°Perce?¡± I was startled in my seat.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯ll never show up.¡± Her words were like a whisper. I missed her voice. Her eyes were wide


    as she stared at me with a smile on her face.


    I blinked and swallowed the guilt down. Somehow, relief washed over me that Emma seemed happy to


    see me. I was still speechless, though¡ªand surprise to see her talking.


    Guilt was an understatement of how I felt. At the same time, I was beyond grateful. I stared closely,


    searching for the sadness on her face and in her eyes. I knew her, masking her emotions was not one


    of her best suits.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have all day to just staring at each other. The visiting hour is limited, Perce. If you¡¯re ming


    yourself because of what happened, please, don¡¯t.¡± She slightly shook her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I just threw all her dreams away. It was difficult to breathe, knowing it was all my fault. I¡¯d


    been crying all day and night, but it didn¡¯t even help.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ming you. Thest thing I remembered, you said to me to go back to my seat and secured


    my seatbelt, but I refused,¡± she said slowly.


    Still, it didn¡¯t help with my guilt. I looked down at our hands. I sniffed and wiped my tears again. All I


    could do was nod as if it was okay, but I was far from okay.


    ¡°Mom and Dad won¡¯t let youe, I know. I asked them if you came here to see me. They said you


    never give a damn about what happened. I figured outter on that they didn¡¯t allow you to see me.¡± My


    parents were the worse person in the world, cklisting me. I sneaked all the time when no one was


    around, just to take a glimpse of her.


    I couldn¡¯t look at her in the eye again. I nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay, Perce. The moment I woke up, I thought of you.¡± She paused. ¡°Say something,


    please?¡± She squeezed my hand. ¡°Mom and Dad didn¡¯t tell me if you were okay. I¡¯m thankful you¡¯re


    here now. I really miss you, Perce.¡±


    When she started crying, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore. My heart was crashing. I got up from my chair and


    sat beside her. I pulled her into my arms, hugged her so tight, and burst into a cry. She wrapped her


    arms around me too. We both cried for a few moments.


    ¡°I really want to see you the moment I was released, but they wouldn¡¯t allow me. I had to sneak in to


    see you from outside your room. I¡¯m so sorry, Emma. I wish I could reverse the situation. It¡¯s killing me


    to see you here in bed while I didn¡¯t get any injuries. I wish I¡¯m the one lying where you are right now.


    I¡¯m so sorry, Emma. I know apologies won¡¯t help you, but I¡¯ve never felt so helpless until right now.¡±


    I wiped the tears from her face. I pulled some tissue on her bedside and let her blow her nose. I did the


    same, making her giggle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, Perce. That was meant to happen. I already epted my fate. I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay,


    though, and please stop ming yourself.¡±


    Why she have to be so kind and epted her injury? It made me guiltier.

 Chapter 5: 4

    Chapter 5: 4


    PERCIE


    It had been a week since I met Hailey. I was not supposed to think about her, but I couldn¡¯t just stop,


    and it was starting to get annoying. It was maybe because they somehow looked alike.


    I started looking at myself in the mirror, counting our simrities.


    She didn¡¯t talk much, as if socially withdrawn. She only said five words during the entire dinner then


    she excused herself.


    Keith mentioned that she would be starting her college at Hillston this semester. What a coincidence.


    My stupid inner-self somehow hoped for the possibility that we might bump with each other.


    As he promised, he took my number. Now, we were constantly exchanging texts. He even invited me


    for dinner again. I made an excuse that I couldn¡¯t make it, which was the truth. I had to meet Grandpa


    every Saturday.


    But Keith didn¡¯t buy my excuse. So I had to meet him again. Grandpa was relieved that I started talking


    to someone again.


    I took the flowers I bought on my way. After taking a huge breath, I knocked on the door. I could feel my


    palms sweating in nervousness. My pulses were throbbing everywhere. I squeezed my eyes shut as I


    waited for the door to open.


    ¡°Percie,¡± someone just called my name, and the smell of apple cinnamon wafted my nose.


    I opened my eyes to see the beautiful Hailey before me. Her hair was braided. Her brown eyes were


    staring at me. She quickly dropped her gaze the moment she noticed I was staring back at her. Well, I


    was checking her out.


    She was a sight to behold. I preferred girls with less makeup like Hailey.


    I could count the freckles on the bridge of her nose. She applied lipgloss. This time, she wore a


    sweater with skinny jeans and ts.


    Before I could go far checking her from head to toe, I cleared my throat. ¡°Sorry.¡± Where are my


    manners?  ¡±Good evening, Hailey.¡±


    She smiled timidly. ¡°Evening. Please,e in.¡± She stepped back, letting me in.


    I closed the door behind us. I second thought of giving her the flowers or to Lillian.


    ¡°Mom is in the kitchen. Dad is still on his way. He stops by at the grocery store to buy something Mom¡¯s


    asked him to.¡± Well, those were the longest words she ever spoke.


    ¡°Um. I-i um, I b-brought flowers,¡± I stuttered. This never happened before. What the fuck is wrong with


    me?


    I offered the flowers to her. She just stared at the bouquet in my hand, then looked up to me, then back


    to the flowers as if thinking twice to take them or not. Well, this was getting awkward.


    ¡°Um, okay.¡± Finally. ¡°I¡¯ll give them to Mom. Thanks,¡± she said quietly. That wasn¡¯t so hard, was it?


    I sat on the same couch.


    Lillian came out from the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. ¡°Percie, d you could make it. Come


    here and hug me,¡± she says, offering her arms for a hug.


    Before I could walk towards her, she almostunched herself into me. Her hug was so tight as if out of


    excitement. Sometimes I felt grateful that they¡¯d treated me nicely. I still couldn¡¯t find reasons why I


    deserved the treatment they gave to me.


    I was a horrible person. They didn¡¯t have any idea who I was and what I did. I couldn¡¯t allow them to get


    close to me like this. This was too much. When I started caring for people, they tended to get hurt


    because of me.


    ¡°Thank you for having me again, Lillian.¡±


    She pulled away. ¡°Thank you foring, dear. And for the flowers. So sweet of you.¡±


    The moment you find out who I was, you will never be able to say the sweet word again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t just eat your food without bringing something for you, Lillian.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°Oh, Percie, you really don¡¯t have to bring anything but thank you again. Have a seat,


    dear. Keith is on his way.¡± She then looked at her daughter. ¡°Hailey, sit with Percie for a while while I¡¯m


    preparing the table.¡±


    Hailey gave her mom a nod.


    Lillian strode back to the kitchen, leaving Hailey and me alone. My heart beat ufortably fast.


    I sat back on the couch. Hailey did the same across mine.


    The silence was killing me. I didn¡¯t know if I should start the conversation or I should just admire


    Hailey¡¯s beautiful face while she was dwelling on this awkward situation.


    I licked my lips and cleared my throat that caught her attention. Her eyes were enormous.


    ¡°You don¡¯t say much, do you?¡±


    Her cheeks turned pink. She shook her head.


    ¡°Me either. I don¡¯t talk much.¡±


    ¡°Um, Dad said, you¡¯re attending at Hillstons.¡±


    My mouth gaped as I stared at her. She really had an angelic voice that hit my heart painfully.


    If my heart beat faster, this time it was wild, making me almost breathless. I blinked to let myself be


    aware that I was still here in reality. This is so fucking strange.


    I licked my lips again. ¡°Yeah. Sophomore next semester. I heard you¡¯ll be attending at Hillston, too.¡±


    Her gaze flew up to me. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m nning to take English Lit.¡±


    My heart fluttered. I never thought it was possible because I could see her writing or teaching


    Literature.


    ¡°What book did you read today, Hailey?¡± I asked curiously.


    Her eyes widened again. Why did she always look at me with disbelief? ¡°I um. I read The


    Identicals.¡± Interesting.


    I knew about that book.


    Someone unlocked and closed the door that interrupted my thoughts.


    ¡°Percie, you¡¯re here?¡± Keith¡¯s voice sounded so merry.


    I met Keith midway. ¡°No. It¡¯s his ghost who tried to haunt you tonight.¡±


    He was still in his uniform. He hugged me and chuckled. ¡°Good to see you again.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t say the same thing to you, Keith.¡±


    He watched me for a moment before he barked outughing. I missed a moment like this. I missed the


    genuineugh from the people around me.


    ¡°I miss you too, son. Let me just bring this to Lily. Be right back.¡± He went to Hailey and kissed her head


    before going to the kitchen.


    I wandered around their living room which I wasn¡¯t able to do thest time I was here. I saw photo


    frames hanging on the wall just beside the stairs. The photo of Keith with some cops. Then the photo of


    the three of them with Hailey during graduation.


    I remembered the photo I had with her that I still had in my room. I took a deep breath. Every time I


    remembered how happy we were that day. It even hurt like hell.


    I moved to the next one in a ck frame. It was Hailey and a boy in her age. And they exactly looked


    like. My brows furrowed as I stared closely at the picture. A sudden knot formed in the pit of my


    stomach.


    In a split second, I was leaning against the wall. I felt my world just spun around me. What the fuck?


    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready!¡± Lilian¡¯s voice from the kitchen startled me.


    My chest was still heaving with exertion when Keith patted my shoulder.


    ¡°Come on, Percie. Let¡¯s have dinner.¡±


    I wiped the beads of sweat on my forehead.


    ¡°Okay.¡± That¡¯s the only word I coulde up with at this moment. Even my voice, I barely recognized it


    was my own.


    Tonight, Lillian served roasted beef, garlic roasted potatoes, Hellenic sd, and cornbread. I took a


    good portion of what was on the table. The smell alone made my mouth water. Lillian could cook. I


    gave her that.


    ¡°These are really delicious, Lillian. Thank you for having me again.¡± I shoved another slice of meat, and


    it melted in my mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like the dinner, Percie. How was your visit to your Grandpa?¡±


    I gulped down my water. ¡° It was good, thank you. I¡¯m meeting Grandpa every Saturday since his


    house is only a forty-five-minute drive from my apartment.¡±


    ¡°How about your parents, Percie?¡± Lillian asked.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    It was not our topicst week, so maybe this was the time to talk about it¡ªit was long overdue. I


    swallowed hard.


    I nced at Lillian and Keith, patiently waiting for my answer. ¡°We¡¯ve never talked sincest year,¡± I


    replied honestly. ¡°Grandpa is paying my tuition and my apartment. My job at the car shop didn¡¯t pay


    much before my boss fired me.¡±


    At the corner, Hailey remained silent, but I could feel that she was also listening.


    ¡°Sorry to hear about that, honey. I didn¡¯t mean to pry.¡± She gave me an apologetic looked.


    ¡°To sum it up, they disowned me. They have the right to, though, Lillian. I¡¯ve done some horrible things.


    I¡¯ve hurt people I cared about. That¡¯s why I¡¯m surprised that you people still weed me into your


    home and allow me to join your dinner.¡±


    The silence and waiting were nerve-wracking.


    I was waiting and looking for the judgment and horrific looked on their faces. Or maybe there was a


    grain of sympathy hinted in their eyes. But nobody had started to break the silence.


    My food suddenly didn¡¯t look appealing to me anymore. I didn¡¯t know if I should stand up, leave, and


    never look back orughed about it. All I could clearly hear was my own breathing from the silence


    until, finally, Keith cleared his throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Percie. Whatever you did in the past, and whatever your parents decided for you, don¡¯t let


    those things hold you back. Your failure should not redefine you. Make use of your time to prove to


    them that you are a better person than who you were from your past.¡± He patted my arm.


    I nodded.


    ¡°Oh, honey. I know this is a delicate topic, but I want you to know that we¡¯re here. You are not alone.


    I¡¯m not judging you, Percie. No one. Whatever happened in the past, it¡¯s in the past.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Some feelings in your past will take over if you will allow yourself to dwell on it, like guilt. It may be


    hard, but you have to ept that it happened, and it happened for a reason,¡± Lillian added.


    ¡°So, I kind of checked your apartment building, and I like it. The neighborhood seemed safe. Keith and I


    are nning to rent an apartment for Hailey. We¡¯re looking for a roommate to share with her. Do you


    know anyone?¡±


    I stopped chewing my food. I couldn¡¯t believe it. Of all the apartments in this city or close to the


    campus, why she had to choose the building where I stayed? This was not good. With my mind already


    clouded with her image, how could I avoid her?


    ¡°Does she prefer a female or a male roommate?¡± Do I really have to ask? I stole a nce at Hailey.


    Our gazes met longer this time as if we were in a silent conversation. I saw something reflected in


    those eyes I wished I didn¡¯t.


    Now my curiosity kicked in. Who was the boy beside her? Where was he now?


    ¡°At least a female, but I¡¯ve already checked every upant. They¡¯re not looking for a roommate.¡±


    I took a huge breath. I would definitely regret this. ¡°She can stay with me for a while until you can find


    someone looking for a female roommate.¡±


    Before I could take it back, Lillian and Keith were already grinning and gripping Hailey¡¯s arms.


    What the fuck did I just do?

 6

    6


    PERCIE


    Fourteen months ago.


    My life was doomed the moment I walked out of the house where I grew up. I just lost everyone I loved.


    I lost my home, Emma, my family, friends, and even myself. I knew I was still alive because I could still


    feel the excruciating pain when I thought of them.


    My old life two months ago was near perfect, and everything went ording to n until that incident


    had drastically changed my life.


    I loathed myself. But I guessed I deserved to feel every agonizing pain I felt right now.


    When I arrived at my grandparent¡¯s house, they were already waiting for me. I could see the pain in


    their eyes.


    I cried until I gave up, but the pain was still there. It was even worse.


    I couldn¡¯t eat. The food was upsetting my stomach.


    I couldn¡¯t sleep. The nightmare was constantly visiting me the moment I closed my eyes.


    I kept myself awake, listening to our favorite songs over and over again until my ears gave up.


    I avoided them getting into me, afraid that if they got closer, I would lose them too.


    I stayed in my room for two weeks. They brought food for me every meal. The first week, I almost


    copsed. I couldn¡¯t stomach what I put into my mouth.


    I was too weak to get up.


    My vision blurred. My world spun.


    I started shivering and sweating at the same time. At that moment, I wanted to die, but at the same


    time, I had a promise to keep. That was how I realized that I still had one reason left to live¡ªEmma


    and the promise I made.


    The second week, I had no news about Emma. That depressed me too much. My parents never


    contacted me when I left that day. Grandpa told me that Emma wasn¡¯t transferred to the rehab center.


    She got an infectionst week before her scheduled transfer. She had to take some antibiotics until


    she¡¯d be free from infection.


    That news broke my heart again. I took the courage to text Chloe that she might have news about


    Emma since they were close friends. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t tell me much other than the news that I


    already knew.


    The third week came, I was hopeless and miserable, and it was killing me slowly. I never showered,


    never shaved, never brushed my teeth, and never changed clothes. I barely ate, just to keep myself


    from staying alive. I guessed I wasn¡¯t ready to die after all. It still scared me shitless.


    Finally, I used the bathroom. I stripped my clothes off and stepped into the cold running water. I was


    shivering. I wasn¡¯t numb after all. I felt the icy water pricking my skin. My teeth started to grit. I held as


    strong as I could to stop from chattering.


    I reached for the razor that I ced in the soap dish with my trembling hand. I ran my thumb against


    the de to test if it was sharp enough¡ªit stung, it hurt, it bled. My skin split open. Blood started


    running through the water.


    I shut my eyes closed, blocking every horrible memory I had as I ced the de on my wrist above


    my pulse. I pressed and deepened the sharp edge into my skin.


    I held my breath. My heart beat faster. I could feel my pulse against the thing that could end my


    miserable life while I shut the agonizing pain from my now bleeding wrist. Warm liquid continued


    running through my wrist. Then I thought of Emma.


    Everything is gonna be okay.


    I was in the middle of taking myst huge breath when the banging on the door brought me back to the


    horrible reality. The razor dropped to the floor. The clinking sound reminded me of what I¡¯d done. Of


    what terrible decision I just chose.


    After closing the water, I grabbed the towel, wrapped it tightly around my waist, and got out of the


    bathroom. I checked my wrist. It was bleeding but not noticeable enough. I guessed it didn¡¯t cut the


    artery, just a thin slit across my wrist. I pulled some toilet paper and pressed it to stop the bleeding.


    I walked into my room. Grandpa was already sitting in my bed.


    ¡°Thank God, Percival. You finally think of taking shower after twenty-one days. Look at yourself. You


    look emaciated. Your bone is poking out from your skin. And you shower, but you didn¡¯t shave? Put


    some clothes on, and we have some ces to go. I¡¯ll be waiting in the car. So you better hurry up, son.


    We don¡¯t have all the time in the world.¡± He was a little bit exaggerating things. He stood up and patted


    my still wet back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go out, Grandpa. I¡¯m staying.¡± For thest twenty-one days, I heard my voice talking. It


    sounded strange to my own ears.


    ¡°Hurry up, Percival Edmund. You can¡¯t lock yourself up here for the rest of your life. Now wear some


    clothes, or I will let you lock up in a psychiatric hospital. Your choice, son.¡±


    I looked at him directly in his sad eyes. He didn¡¯t look like he was joking. I still felt so weak even to


    stand up long, but I managed to ask. ¡°Where are we going, Grandpa?¡±


    ¡°To see Emma.¡±


    My heart fluttered. My eyes widened. I blinked twice to make sure that I heard him right. ¡°Come again?


    What do you mean to see Emma?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    He didn¡¯t answer me, instead, he walked to the open door and left me with an unanswered question.


    He peeked his head from the half-opened door and warned me, ¡°Five minutes Percival, or I¡¯m going


    with you.¡±


    I froze.


    He chuckled before he finally left.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna see Emma.¡± I ran back to the bathroom to shower properly¡ªshaved, brushed my teeth, and


    groomed well. I even wore something good to look better for Emma. I knew for sure she would notice


    that I lost some weight.


    Grandpa and Grandma were already in the car when I went down to their garage.


    ¡°Look who finally showed up?¡± Grandpa said.


    ¡°You look good, Percie, but not that good. Too much of that smoothie is not good for you,¡± Grandma


    said sarcastically.


    ¡°Thank you for stating the obvious, Grandma. That helped you a lot with the grocery budget. I¡¯m


    already a burden,¡± I bantered, making Grandpa chuckle. He then drove down to the main road.


    ¡°Yeah, keep it like that, and I will throw you to the mental hospital,¡± Grandma warned me.


    I swallowed the guilt of what I did before Grandpa showed up in my room. I could bleed to death right


    now if he was justte for about ten seconds. I guess that was not my moment yet.


    I looked out the window. I wasn¡¯t supposed to see these magnificent views like a blur as we passed by,


    yet here I was.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to be your burden, Grandma.¡±

 Chapter 6: 5

    Chapter 6: 5


    PERCIE


    Fifteen months ago¡­


    ¡°I knew what you have, Emma. I knew about your condition. Why can¡¯t you me me? Yell at me or


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    hate me? It makes me guiltier. Why do you have to be so cool about this?¡± I shook my head and stood


    up from her bed. I scratched my head out of frustration.


    ¡°You sound okay with this. I hate seeing you like this. It¡¯s killing me, Emma. Tell me why it¡¯s so easy for


    you to ept all of these?¡± My voice rose a little.


    Her lips quivered. Jesus. Nothing in this world I did right. I settled beside her again as I dwelled my own


    agony.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Em. I don¡¯t know what to do. I don¡¯t know how to put myself in this situation. I don¡¯t even


    know what to do with myself without you. I don¡¯t mean to yell at you. I¡¯m just so frustrated and lost that I


    am so useless to you.¡± I kissed her forehead. ¡°Emma, I love you. I would do anything if given a chance


    to be in your position. I want you to walk again, Em.¡±


    ¡°Perce, I love you too. Please, stop ming yourself. I needed to ept this, Perce. It happened.


    Nothing¡¯s gonna change this. I have to move forward and forget about the grudge. I may stay in a


    wheelchair, but most paraplegic people like me have survived and lived longer. I can still go to college


    or take online sses. I can still function, although I have to work with my wheelchair and stay seated. I


    just need some skills on how to function on daily living.¡±


    I looked at her in the eyes, searching for sadness or grief in there. All I saw was the same Emma


    before the ident. The more I got the fact that she had epted everything so quickly, the more I


    wanted to hurt myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Emma. I¡¯ll help you with everything I can. I will never leave you. We¡¯ll stick together like


    before,¡± I reassured her.


    ¡°No, Perce. You have to go to college at Hillston. We can still talk every day over the phone. In the


    meantime, I need to stay here for a while until I can function alone by myself.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°No, Em. We stick together. I will stay here and help you every day. End of


    discussion. I will attend college, but not this year. Let me at least help you, Emma. Please?¡±


    ¡°Perce, No! You won¡¯t gonna stop because of me. Go to college, or I¡¯ll never talk to you again. Mom


    and Dad have arranged a rehab facility for me until I can function on my own. I¡¯ll be fine there. When


    I¡¯m ready, that¡¯s the time I will attend college with you. Promise me, Percival? Promise me you¡¯ll go to


    college this year?¡±


    I slumped myself into the chair and blew a huge breath.


    She was so stubborn.


    ¡°You can help meter when I¡¯m done in rehab. That¡¯s a promise. You can stille and see me every


    weekend if you want to.¡±


    It didn¡¯t make me feel any better. I looked at her in disbelief, but I had no choice but to agree with her.


    She may not be able to walk again, but I wanted her to enjoy her life after the rehab. This was one way


    to help her. If I would stop her, it was like I was holding her life.


    ¡°I promise, Emma. I¡¯ll visit you every weekend, even every day for as long as I can.¡± I held her hand.


    She squeezed it and smiled at me. ¡°Thank you for doing this to me, Perce.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Emma Peyton.¡±


    I left her room when she finally fell asleep. I had to enroll in Hillston. I had an eptance letter from


    them. I had to do what I promised Emma.


    ***


    I stayed in my room when I got home from the hospital. Emma would be transferred to a rehab center


    in Jefferson, an hour ride to Hillston. I could see her often when I started college. I could already feel


    my heart soaring with hope.


    My bedroom door flew open. Mom was standing with a furious look. Her hands were on her hips.


    I sat up in bed.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here? How dare you visit her in the hospital? The moment you brought her


    into that hospital bed, you lost your right to visit her. I will call the police to drag you out if you will n


    on seeing her again, Percival!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°You already stole her life away from her. You threw her dreams away. Don¡¯t you have a conscience in


    your heart?¡± Her voice pierced in my ears, stabbed my chest, which brought me back to the night of the


    ident. I had to blink to push back that memory behind my mind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this to me, Mom. You already forbid me for days. Do you think I nned that ident? It


    hurts to see her just lying in that bed while I¡¯m here sitting free. If you care for her, I care a lot for her


    too.¡±


    ¡°Get out of my house! I don¡¯t wanna see your face again. I don¡¯t care if you sleep in the street or take


    drugs or die in hunger. Just get out of my house. I want you gone when I¡¯m back!¡± She dashed out,


    mming the door behind her.


    I stared transfixed, even if she was already gone. I didn¡¯t even realize I was already crying until my


    tears already fell from my eyes. My world just turned upside down. I didn¡¯t know what to do this time.


    I was so lost.


    I wasn¡¯t allowed to see Emma again. Mom just kicked me out of my home.


    I packed up all my essentials, including my PS5,ptop, iPad, books, and sketches. I carried them with


    me and ced the boxes in the back seat and my bags in Dad¡¯s carpartment.


    I still have little money left in my ount. I could stay in a motel for a few days. Then what? I couldn¡¯t


    even afford to rent an apartment.


    Grandpa was thest option I had.


    Shaking, I drove away to Berkeley, two hours from home. I was sweating. The image of that ident


    kept rushing back in my head.


    I couldn¡¯t lose focus. I couldn¡¯t let what happened control my life. I needed to do this for Emma.


    My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I only had my breakfast. The red neon logo of May¡¯s Diner


    came to view. I parked the car and hopped out. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open of the


    diner.


    The smell of coffee and greasy food hit my nostrils. I sat on an empty table beside the wall size ss


    window. I ordered arge soda, cheese sticks, onion rings,rge fries, and burger.


    I fished out my phone and dialed Grandpa¡¯s number. He picked up immediately. Maybe he was


    scanning on the phone when I dial. Grandpa had been busytely with his new Twitter ount.


    ¡°Hello, Grandpa. Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°Percival, how are you doing, boy? How¡¯s Emma? I didn¡¯t get to see both of you again. From what I


    heard from your father, she¡¯ll be in rehab soon.¡±


    My heart stopped beating. I couldn¡¯t let Mom stop me from seeing Emma. She already kicked me out.


    What more damage she could do to me? Emma was all I had left.


    If they had the right to stop me, I had the right to stop them too. Emma was an adult. They couldn¡¯t


    control her anymore.


    ¡°Yeah, about that Grandpa.¡± I bit my bottom lip when my emotion clutched my chest. ¡°Mom kicked me


    out of the house. She warned me not to see Emma again. And Emma will be transferred to Rehab


    facility at Jefferson¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Oh, boy. I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡±


    ¡°I need your help, Grandpa. I need a ce to stay for a while. I need to find a job to rent an apartment


    and buy a car. I don¡¯t even know how to pay my tuition, but I already promised Emma that I would go to


    college. Then everything started falling apart.¡± The hot prick of tears stung my eyes. My throat was so


    tight I could barely continue talking.


    ¡°Percival, don¡¯t worry about everything. I will help you. And you wille with me when I visit her. I can


    get you an apartment, Percival. Why are you even overthinking about it? If you will attend Hillston this


    semester, I got your back, son. Tuition is not a problem. As long as you keep your head straight. Let


    me take care of you. Now get your ass over here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Grandpa. Be there soon.¡± I hang up the call.


    For the first time in eighteen days, I smiled and sighed with gratitude. Grandpa and Grandma were in


    Berkeley.

 7

    7


    PERCIE


    I called Grandpa that night aftering home from dinner at Ward¡¯s house.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s a good idea to live with a young woman on the same roof? I¡¯m not worried about you,


    but about that girl. She¡¯s a cop¡¯s daughter, Percival.¡± He sighed from the other line.


    ¡°And what is the problem there? She won¡¯t stay here long once she finds a roommate.¡±


    ¡°And if she won¡¯t? You¡¯re a young man, Percival. How about the temptations? When was thest time


    you getid? Or jerked off yourself?¡±


    My face heated with embarrassment. Why grandpa had to remind me of my boring sex life? Jeez.


    ¡°Jesus, Grandpa. Can we not talk about my sex life, please?¡± I rolled my eyes. This is not the topic I


    wanted to talk about with him, but he had a point.


    ¡°Up to you, Percival, but if it helps you improve your social skills, then go ahead. Just treat her right,


    and behave, okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that a grade-A jackass, Grandpa, especially not to a woman. And please, don¡¯t remind me of


    my ex-boss because I¡¯m not going to apologize for what I did.¡±


    ¡°How about punching your ex-roommate and kicking him out of the apartment?¡±


    ¡°I have rules, Grandpa. If he couldn¡¯t follow simple rules, then I had to kick him out. I told him not to


    bring women to my apartment, but he didn¡¯t listen to me, and he banged her on the kitchen


    ind. My kitchen ind.¡± I grimaced as the memory shed back in my head. I shook off that thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re gross and rude, Percival. You could have given him a warning not to kick him out while that


    poor girl still around.¡±


    I clenched my jaw. Still my fault, huh?


    ¡°I know. That was a jerk moved, but my anger took over me. I felt bad for that girl, but I was not sorry


    for him.¡±


    ¡°Whatever, Percie. As long as you¡¯ll keep your junk inside your pants, I have nothing against it. Just


    remember she¡¯s ady.¡±


    ¡°I know, Grandpa. Don¡¯t worry about my junk. She¡¯ll move in here next week. And I have something to


    tell you that I¡¯ve been thinking abouttely.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I want to search for a job, Grandpa.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, Percival. The semester is about to start. Focus on your study. Make me


    proud, son. I¡¯ll increase your allowance. I have enough money to pamper you. Just be a good boy.¡±


    I felt guilty because he didn¡¯t know much of what I didtely, and I had no n on telling him. ¡°You don¡¯t


    have to do that. Thest one was enough.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you work in that repair shop if it was enough? Don¡¯t tell me you wanted to keep yourself


    busy because I know that¡¯s aplete bull. I was just waiting for you to ask, but you never did.¡±


    It was not enough that was why I had to work. I was beyond grateful for having my grandparents,


    supporting me. What they did to me was too much, and I didn¡¯t want to abuse their generosity.


    ¡°You worry too much, Grandpa. I¡¯m just doing fine.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t search for another job. You need to focus on your study. And stay away from trouble,


    Percival. Emma won¡¯t be happy with what you did.¡± He just had to remind me over and over again.


    ¡°Thanks, Grandpa. Keep taunting me of my own guilt.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, junk head.¡±


    I groaned. "Say hi to Grandma for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Bye.¡±


    Grandpa sent someone to clean the whole apartment two days ago. It was spotless. Although I never


    touched too much of this apartment, I still kept it clean after I made a deal with Grandma.


    I woke up early and brewed coffee. I took a shower, shaved, and brushed my teeth while waiting for the


    coffee. I checked my phone after dressing up in a gray HSU shirt and jeans. I reminded myself that


    today Hailey would be staying here with me.


    Keith: Percie, we¡¯ll be there in an hour. Miss my handsome face?


    Remind me again how he became a cop? I rolled my eyes.


    Percie: Let me take a sip of my coffee before I gag.


    Keith: I know you miss me, son. Stop the brooding already. See youter.


    Percie: I¡¯m ring. Wear a ski mask.


    Keith: Wear makeup.


    Percie: Come naked instead.


    Keith: You wish.


    Percie: Can¡¯t Hailey juste over without you?


    Keith: She can. I¡¯d rather stay in bed naked thaning to you. Winks.


    I grimaced.


    Percie: Ur impossible


    Keith: Ur adorable


    Percie: g2g


    Keith: Later


    I brought the mug with me on the couch after pouring hot coffee. If I wasn¡¯t arrested that day, I wouldn¡¯t


    meet Keith and his family. I was still in my tedious ck and white life. My life was still boring, though.


    At least, I had someone to call a friend. Keith didn¡¯t pry me about my life. That was what I was thankful


    for.


    I met Hailey once during her college tour. When her dad called me two days ago to help Hailey, I didn¡¯t


    think twice because she didn¡¯t have made friends yet.


    I saw her immediately sitting on the bench under the tree. I walked in her direction awkwardly. She


    noticed me before I could get closer to her. I looked down to the path I was walking, counting my steps


    in my head.


    I cleared my throat when I was about a few feet away.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    She didn¡¯t look up to me. Her hands were still on the bag on herp, but I thought I heard her say hi


    back.


    What was I going to do with her? I was a little bit rusty atmunicatingtely.


    I drew a huge breath. ¡°Are you ready to go? Did you bring your schedule?¡± I asked her because I knew


    she was done with enrollment.


    She just nodded. Jesus, this was going to be hard for both of us. Or she was just shy when I was with


    her?


    She stood up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡± I motioned my hand to where we headed to.


    She didn¡¯t move, so I walked ahead of her. Then I noticed her following behind me. I paused, and she


    almost bumped into my chest.


    She gasped her hand on her chest.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you at least say a word? You¡¯re not mute or deaf. So please, at least tell me about the course


    you took, or how did you find the school so far? The campus. Did you make any friends? Or how about


    you tell me a word about yourself, then I¡¯ll tell you a word about me.¡± I wanted to pull my hair out of my


    frustrations.


    ¡°Um, scare,¡± she whispered without looking at me.


    ¡°Scared? With what?¡± What the fuck?


    ¡°With you,¡± she answered right away.


    I sighed. ¡°I would never hurt you, Hailey. Why are you scared of me?¡± I asked desperately.


    ¡°You look scary.¡± She was still looking at her hands and never made any eye contact with me again.


    I touched my face. What made Hailey scare of me? Do I really look like a monster? I had a thin line


    scar, but it wasn¡¯t visible unless you took a closer look.


    ¡°How am I look scary, Hailey?¡± I ced my hands on my hips, waiting for her answer.


    ¡°You¡¯re brooding all the time.¡±


    I felt the smile spread across my lips. ¡°Oh, that bothered you, huh? I thought you read scary books all


    the time.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    "Look, Hailey. I don¡¯t have a reason to smile. The world has turned back on me a long time ago. But I


    promise I won¡¯t hurt you, and I will try not to look scary, okay?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Good.¡± We started walking towards the building when I recognized who are approaching us. My ex-


    roommate.


    ¡°Got a y toy already, Matthews?¡± Rhys snorted.


    ¡°Fuck off, Rhys, or I¡¯ll break your jaw again.¡±


    Heughed, leaving us.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    ¡°Sorry about that. He was my roommate for a month. I kicked him out.¡±


    Hailey said, okay. Really? That¡¯s all?


    ¡°Your turn.¡±


    I was confused.


    ¡°A word about yourself.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that. Brooding.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°I know. I said that already.¡± She frowned.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t count?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Okay. Um, ugly.¡±


    She sighed.


    I pressed my lips together to hold my smile.


    ¡°Okay, Art. I love to draw. To sketch, I mean. I like to sketch.¡±


    She smiled. Her eyes glittered.


    ¡°But I stopped.¡±


    She frowned all of a sudden. Jesus, we were like kids.


    ¡°Your turn. And don¡¯t tell me, read because I knew it already.¡±


    ¡°Grocery.¡±


    I stopped to a halt. ¡±Grocery?¡± I snorted. ¡±Why?¡±


    She added. ¡°I never went to the grocery store sincest year.¡±


    ¡°And why do you hate grocery stores?¡±


    ¡°My brother was killed.¡±


    I gasped. I froze in the middle of the hallway of the Literature building. A sudden chill swept over me. I


    ignored the students bumping into me.


    I swallowed hard. I blinked my eyes many times to push back the thought in my mind. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hailey.


    I was being insensitive. You don¡¯t have to tell me about it, but thank you for telling me.¡±


    We started walking again.


    I didn¡¯t say a word after that. Why did she have to talk something about her loss? Maybe she wanted


    me to understand why she was so withdrawn, or she wanted me to open up to her. Or maybe, she


    sensed my losses as well. But we weren¡¯t there yet. It would take a lot of time.


    After our tour, I decided to take her to the nearest coffee shop. We chose a small table near the


    window. I ordered coffee while she chose atte and donut too. She reminded me a lot of Emma, who


    loved donuts like her.


    I broke the silence. "So, we¡¯ll be roommates, huh?¡±


    ¡°I guess so. Don¡¯t worry, you have all the space you need. I¡¯ll stay in the room,¡± she said in a low voice.


    She grabbed hertte, running her finger on the top of the lid.


    ¡°That¡¯s not how roommates work. You don¡¯t have to lock up yourself in your room Emma¡ª¡± I froze.


    Shit!


    My words or that particr word shocked her.


    I blinked and cleared my throat. ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡±


    She blinked, then nodded.


    Why did I just call her Emma? Now she must be wondering who was Emma.


    ¡°I cane to help you pack up your things,¡± I suggested.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much. My dad and I can do it. Thanks, though.¡±


    ¡°Okay, but if you need help, tell your dad to call me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I have rules, though,¡± I said, and that made her look at me instantly.


    ¡°No boy or boys allowed.¡±


    She smiled. She was cute when she did that. I blinked that thought away.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°No girl or girls are allowed for me too.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, Percie. I¡¯ll stay in my room. Just warn me first if you have visitors,¡± she told me shyly.


    ¡°That¡¯s one of the rules, Hailey. And it applies to both of us.¡±


    ¡°So you don¡¯t have a girlfriend?¡± Deep crimson spread across her cheeks. She wasn¡¯t expecting to ask


    that question, and neither did I.


    ¡°No, Hailey. I don¡¯t have a girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. It just came out.¡± She bit her lip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize. You¡¯re free to ask me anything.¡± I wanted to make her feelfortable since we¡¯d be


    roommates soon. It was crucial for us--tomunicate and at least adjust ording to our differences.


    I also wanted to know more about her.


    ¡°Thanks for letting me stay with you.¡± She smiled. Despite her being so shy, her eyes made her look


    mesmerizing.


    I shouldn¡¯t have thought about her like this. I just couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, but it¡¯s not free and not permanent.¡±


    She flinched.


    ¡°Just kidding, Hailey. You really have to loosen up around me. And if you won¡¯t find a roommate soon,


    you can stay as long as you like. Your dad will help me pay the rent. So it¡¯s your apartment too.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a sister?¡±


    My breathing stopped. I felt a chill rush through me.


    I shook my head. ¡°No.¡±

 8

    8


    PERCIE


    Fourteen months ago¡­


    ¡°Oh, boy. Did you just apologize? I can¡¯t believe you can still remember words. I thought your brain is


    drained, too.¡± Grandma snorted while raising her brow.


    ¡°Stop making him feel guilty, Grace. Look at him. He doesn¡¯t have any more left in him other than his


    skin and bones. Why won¡¯t you try to cheer him up by telling him about his new apartment.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± I asked quickly. I felt something new inside me. Excitement? Hope? ¡°You found an


    apartment for me?¡±


    Grandma hit Grandpa¡¯s arm yfully. ¡°You, old mutt. Can¡¯t keep your mouth shut for a while, can you?


    Now, where is the moment of surprise there?¡±


    Grandpaughed. ¡°Surprise my butt. He got one surprised already. I think that¡¯s good enough for him to


    get outside his hell hole.¡±


    After the longest three weeks, I found myself smiling. ¡°Thanks to both of you.¡±


    Grandma waved her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t thank us yet. You¡¯ll pay for it, Percival.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I will, Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, pay me by eating and grooming yourself. I don¡¯t want your apartment will smell like a rotten rat.


    And I don¡¯t want to see you looking homeless. What would people think of us? That I starved you to


    death in my care?¡±


    ¡°Fine. That¡¯s a deal.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now get out of the car. We have to see Emma dear,¡± Grandpa said.


    The parking area of Jefferson Neuro Rehab Facility was huge. The name was in a bold letter of the


    four-story building.


    I followed my grandparents to the ss sliding door to the reception area. The smell of citrusy air


    freshener wafted my nose.


    An Asian receptionist smiled. Grandpa told her about Emma¡¯s information. Then she typed something


    on the keyboard. She told us the room after we signed in the logbook.


    The anticipation overwhelmed me as we rode in the elevator. My heart started to beat again.


    ¡°Rx, Percie. You¡¯ll copse before you even see Emma.¡± Grandma must have noticed me fidgeting.


    I faked a grin at her.


    The elevator finally slid open after like an eternity. I took a deep breath before I stepped outside. We


    passed by some patients just like Emma. I noticed one pressing on the pad of his motorized wheelchair


    then it moved forward. His legs were gaunt. Only his skin covered the bone that wouldn¡¯t look like a


    skeleton, and a pair of blue socks covering his feet.


    He looked and smiled at me. He didn¡¯t look old than his early twenties. ¡°You must be Perce?¡± His voice


    was a little raspy.


    I froze. Only Emma called me by that name.


    My eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s me.¡± I offered my hand. We shook hands, and he


    introduced himself as Jonah.


    ¡°Nice to finally meet you, Perce. Emma mentioned you a lot.¡±


    Grandpa patted my shoulder before I could say more.


    ¡°See youter, Perce!¡±


    Grandpa already opened the door for us. I took a breath before walking in.


    I saw Emma immediately sitting in the wheelchair like Jonah, with aptop on herp. She paused in


    the middle of what she was doing. She looked surprised as I was.


    Emma still looked the same thest time I saw her. She tied her hair in a neat bun. She was wearing a


    white daisy printed shirt and a light pink pajama bottom, and a pair of pink socks.


    I couldn¡¯t wait for a moment. I dashed and knelt in front of her. I stared at her intensely, making sure


    this wasn¡¯t a dream.


    She closed theptop and took my hands while she wandered her eyes from my hair to my face down


    to my body.


    She must have noticed something different in me. My eyes filled with tears. I let her down again.


    ¡°What happened to you, Perce?¡± Her eyes narrowed at me.


    I shook my head. I couldn¡¯t look at her in the eye anymore.


    ¡°Perce, what happened? Mom said you ran away from home. You never told anyone. Nobody knew


    where did you go. Why did you do that? And what happened to you? Are you sick? You look so thin, so


    boney.¡±


    I held her hands and kissed them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Emma. I have to go far away for a while. I couldn¡¯t


    swallow my guilt if I had to stay at home. That house only reminded me of how reckless I was. I¡¯m sorry


    for noting here to see you soon.¡±


    She started to shake. I threw myself into her. She hugged me tightly while she shook into a sob. I felt


    guiltier from lying, but I had to do it. At least she wouldn¡¯t confront my parents for throwing me out of


    their home.


    ¡°Stop crying, Emma. I¡¯m fine, and I¡¯m here now.¡± I pulled away and knelt again before her.


    ¡°You look ugly, Perce. Did you join a hunger strike?¡± This time she smiled and wrinkled her nose.


    ¡°Yeah. Grandpa and Grandma starved me to death. They said, I¡¯m a huge pain in their asses,¡± I said


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    with a hint of mischief while ncing at the two standing behind me.


    They chuckled and sauntered towards Emma. They kissed her on the cheek.


    Grandpa was the first one to talk. ¡°You look great, darling.¡±


    Emma grinned. ¡°Yeah. Unlike some stupid here who ran away then joined hunger strike for a month.


    Good to see you both, Grandpa, Grandma.¡±


    Grandma sniffed and hugged her. ¡°How are you doing here, honey?¡±


    Emma smiled brightly. ¡°I¡¯m good. I learned a lot already. I made friends, and I write something on a


    you, Perce?¡±


    I rose to my feet. I didn¡¯t know where to start, because honestly, I had not done anything other than


    killing myself with guilt.


    The two oldies were now sitting on the couch. Emma moved her wheelchair and motioned me to move.


    She let me sit in her bed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll still attend college like I promised, Em. Grandpa found an apartment for me, and we¡¯re going to


    check it after.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that, despite your hunger strike.¡±


    I looked down at her legs then up to her face.


    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Don¡¯t worry about me. Now, what really happened to you? I know


    you¡¯re not telling me the whole story.¡±  The worry in her voice was fairly palpable.


    She held my hands, squeezing them to let me know it was okay, which I was not. I flinched when her


    fingers touched the fresh wound that I hid with Band-Aid.


    Her horror and shock were so deep. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this is what I think is this Percival? Are you still


    ming yourself? What in the hell did you do to yourself? Is this what you did all this time by killing


    yourself with guilt? You didn¡¯t even visit me for the past two weeks because you were busy with what?


    Hurting yourself!¡± She yelled at me. Her eyes swam with tears.


    I raised my hands to wipe those tears, but she pushed my hand away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    ¡°Emma, please, let me¡ª¡±


    She stopped me. ¡°What? Exin? You don¡¯t have to, Percival. I may be paraplegic, but I¡¯m not blind.¡±


    She drove her wheelchair away from me.


    I managed to grab the arms of it. She hit my hands to let her go.


    ¡°Emma, please? I came here to see you, not to upset you. Just hear me out.¡±


    She pretended not to listen to me. She strode her wheelchair towards the door, leaving us alone.


    ¡°Why did you have to lie to her, Percival? Why were you still protecting your parents who threw you out


    like a rag?¡± Grandma threw me a re before walking outside with Grandpa.

 9

    9


    PERCIE


    Thirteen months ago¡­


    I left that day from rehab, defeated, but it wouldn¡¯t stop me from seeing her again. I wanted to prove


    that it was a stupid mistake. And I had no n on doing it again.


    Despite my defeat, I still had one reason to move forward. My grandparents brought me to my new


    apartment. I didn¡¯t even know that Grandpa was busy furnishing while I was busy trying to kill myself.


    The fully furnished two-bedroom apartment met my taste. The ck leather couches in the small living


    room with 46¡± t tv screen mounted on the wall, a 60¡± framed art poster of my favorite football team,


    taken during their championship game. A small kitchen with stainless steel appliances and what caught


    my attention was thetest coffeemaker. Then the coal-colored cupboards, countertops, and kitchen


    ind.


    My dark blue-colored bedroom had queen size bed, two nightstands, and a closet of the same color.


    There was a small bathroom attached to it.


    I checked the other room. It was also furnished with cream wallpaper, reminding me of Emma.


    That was perfect to start a new life. I was supposed to be celebrating these gifts. Grandpa covered my


    college tuition and my monthly allowance as well. But something was missing¡ªsomething was still


    hollow inside me.


    If Emma didn¡¯t get her injury, that empty room would be for her. We¡¯d be spending breakfast, watching


    her favorite Netflix shows, and walking to campus together. But that was only a dream.


    Emma loved fashion. Fashion design was her n when she got into college. Then in a blink of an eye,


    I ruined her dreams.


    I stood up behind the kitchen ind while I watched Grandma relished Grandpa¡¯s work. I couldn¡¯t


    fathom the sadness I felt inside that I left Emma alone while she was mad at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like the apartment, Percie?¡± Grandpa asked.


    I was leaning my elbows against the ind. ¡°I love this, Grandpa. I think this is a little too much, you


    know. I didn¡¯t expect it came with a fully furnished one. Just a bed would be enough. These must cost


    you a fortune,¡± I said shyly.


    ¡°I thought Emma would love toe over after her rehab. Give her time.¡±


    ¡°She would love this, you know.¡± I whirled my head around.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re staying on the same roof, but I didn¡¯t even notice you already tried killing yourself. For God¡¯s


    sake, don¡¯t do that again, Percie. There¡¯s too much life ahead of you. This is not the end. Emma would


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    not appreciate it if you sessfully killed yourself. She would hate you. Do you want that?¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I hugged Grandpa. His words stuck in my head and stabbed into my chest at the same


    time.


    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore, being alone in my own sorrow. I cried on his shoulder. Suddenly, a feeling of


    relief enveloped me.


    ¡°You, silly boy. If I knew you¡¯re nning on killing yourself, I¡¯ve shaved your head instead.¡±


    ***


    I moved to my apartment a dayter. I changed my n of taking an Art. Instead, I took Biology rted


    subjects.


    I was looking at the in white ceiling in my room when my phone buzzed. I received a message from


    an unknown number.


    :Perce


    I sat quickly in bed and typed my reply.


    Perce: Em?


    : Who else?


    Perce: Strawberry


    : You¡¯re allergic


    I grinned like an idiot. It was really Emma.


    I leaned against the headboardfortably.


    Perce: Ugly Emma


    : Skeleton Perce


    I chuckled. I saved her number into my phonebook.


    Perce: But you love me


    My girl: More than anything


    Perce: I know. I love you too, Em. Does that mean I¡¯m forgiven?


    My girl: If you promise me not to do stupid again. No matter what happens.


    I took a huge breath. I smiled as I typed my reply.


    Perce: Promise, Em


    My girl: Good


    My phone rang. My heart fluttered instantly.


    ¡°Em?¡± My voice squeaked.


    ¡°This is my new number. Dad got me a new one. Just don¡¯t call me every Friday, okay? That¡¯s their


    visiting day.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve heard. How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing good. Stop worrying about me.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t help it.¡±


    ¡°You should check out my blog. I¡¯ll send you the linkter. I have lots of followers. Mostly from someone


    like me.¡±


    My heart broke with the words someone like me, but at least she sounded happy.


    ¡°And what¡¯s your blog all about, Emma?¡± I snorted.


    ¡°I shared my daily activities. It¡¯s like My Day on social media. They shared with me too. I got a lot of


    positive feedback. They said that I¡¯m inspiring many people. Instead of losing hope, they will do


    something progressive. It doesn¡¯t mean you lose the ability to walk, your life ends there, Perce.¡±


    My eyes stung. I squeezed them and bit my lip to stop from trembling. I was such a horrible person. I


    almost ended up my life when so many people who had disabilities were trying to live normally. I


    admired Emma¡¯s advocacy in inspiring people like her to feel like they were still a part of society


    despite their disabilities.


    ¡°Wow, Em. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± I wiped my tears that I didn¡¯t even realize they fell.


    ¡°Really? That means you will support me?¡±


    ¡°As long as it makes you happy, Em.¡±


    ¡°Great. Because I¡¯m nning to join the wheelchair marathon. That would be in six months, Perce. It


    will be held in New York. There¡¯s also in Boston, but it will be in eight months. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s too early for you? Did you ask the doctor about it?¡±


    She was so enthusiastic about all of these. That made me worry. What if this was all her fa?ade to


    make me feel better? But I knew Emma very well. What you see was what you got.


    ¡°Come on, Perce. I still have five months. I mean, I still have time to practice and prepare for the


    marathon. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll ask an opinion from my doctors, happy?¡±


    ¡°Very, Emma.¡±


    We talked for hours until I heard her yawn. I checked the clock on my nightstand. It was almost two in


    the morning.


    ¡°Em, you need to rest now. We¡¯ll talk again tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡± She yawned again.


    ¡°Of course, Em. Anytime. Can I visit you on Saturday?¡± I held my breath.


    ¡°Of course. Do you really have to ask me?¡± She squeaked.


    ¡°Can I bring something for you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Mom and Dad will bring what I ask.¡±


    My stomach twisted to hear her mentioning them. ¡°Okay. Take care, Emma. I love you.¡±


    ¡°You too. Love you. Bye.¡±

 10

    10


    PERCIE


    I groaned when my rm went off. I got up from bedzily, rubbed my eyes, and walked outside my


    room. I led my way to the kitchen, halted when someone yelped. My sleepiness was gone in an


    instant.


    I curse under my breath.


    Hailey¡¯s wide eyes met mine. Her lips slightly parted.


    It slipped off my mind that I wasn¡¯t alone anymore. We both stared at each other for a few seconds.


    I blinked twice. Shit! I just remembered that I was only wearing boxers, and she didn¡¯t have to know


    when a guy just got up from bed, someone, or rather something, woke up as well.


    ¡±Sorry.¡± I ran back to my room. I looked down at my half-naked body.


    Fuck.


    I grabbed a shirt and sweatpants and put them on quickly. I walked into my bathroom, washed my face,


    brushed my teeth, and rinsed my face again. I sniffed my underarm.


    Why am I doing these? Did I just ask myself in the mirror? Before Hailey lived with me, I didn¡¯t even


    care how I looked and how I smelled.


    I groaned.


    When I came back, she was flipping a pancake. The first thing that came in the morning was my


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    caffeine, and the coffeemaker was already brewing. Well, I could get used to this scenario every day.


    ¡°Good morning, Hailey. Sorry about earlier. I forgot I have a new roommate.¡±


    She smiled shyly. ¡°Morning. It¡¯s okay. I also woke up this morning disoriented.¡± She continued pouring


    another batter into the pan.


    ¡°Can I help you with that?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m alright. I hope you don¡¯t mind me using your coffeemaker. I made for both of us.¡± She moved


    away from the stove, grabbed my mug, poured coffee, and ced it down on the ind.


    The smell of coffee made my stomach growl. ¡°I don¡¯t mind at all. I already told you this is your


    apartment too.¡±


    I slid into the stool and grabbed my coffee. I put a spoonful of sugar, stirred, and sipped it.


    ¡°Sorry. I don¡¯t know how do you like your coffee.¡± She put stacks of pancakes into the te, ced


    them in front of me, followed by eggs and bacon, and a bowl of blueberries.


    Wow!


    I stared at the breakfast she prepared. For how long she¡¯d been awake? She upied the empty stool


    beside me after cing two tes and forks for us.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this, you know. I can do my own.¡± I remembered me and Emma used to do this,


    but there was something different when Hailey was the one doing this.


    ¡°I know, but since I had to make for my own, I thought of making for two.¡± Her voice was barely audible.


    At least, we weremunicating.


    ¡°Thank you. How did you learn how to make breakfast? I thought Lily wouldn¡¯t allow you to touch the


    kitchen.¡± I started digging my breakfast. Her pancake was delicious.


    ¡°Mom taught me. Still, I¡¯m not allowed to cook when she¡¯s around.¡±


    She was licking the syrup from her lips when I looked at her. I had to look away and push back the dirty


    thought in my head. I should probably getid.


    ¡°So, you can cook lunch and dinner for us as well?¡±


    She looked at me quickly as if she couldn¡¯t believe that I asked her.


    ¡°You want me to cook us lunch and dinner?¡± she asked incredulously.


    As stupid as I was, I nodded. ¡°Do you think you can cook for us? If you¡¯re not busy.¡±


    ¡°Um, sure.¡± I knew she was only shy to say no.


    ¡°You can always say no, Hailey. People will use you and abuse your kindness if you won¡¯t teach


    yourself how to say no.¡± I shoved thest slice of pancake into my mouth. I gulped the remaining


    coffee, stood up, and brought my te and mug to the sink.


    She didn¡¯t say anything anymore. She was still chewing her breakfast, seemingly in deep thought.


    ¡°Hailey.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to cook for us, especially for me, but feel free to use the kitchen whenever you want.


    Thank you for breakfast.¡±


    I put all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. I leaned my back against the counter, watching Hailey


    closely like a creep. She was really cute, all feminine, and looked innocent. She had this mannerism of


    seemingly n deep thoughts while eating.


    ¡°Let me put that in the washer. You can go and shower now. We¡¯re going to campus together.¡± I took


    the dishes from her, but she didn¡¯t release them.


    We stared at each other, fighting in our heads.


    ¡°I can do it.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°Give them to me, Hailey. You girls take too much time in the bathroom. Please, just


    let me have them.¡±


    She mumbled, thank you. ¡°I don¡¯t take much time in the bathroom.¡± That made my lip curve into a


    smirk.


    ¡°Oh, Hailey. Another rule. We share and divide the work in the apartment.¡±


    She smiled.


    Hailey was nowhere to find when I shuffled to the living room.


    I knocked on the door. ¡°Hailey, you in there?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer. I nced at my wristwatch. We would bete if she wouldn¡¯t get out sooner.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    I searched for her voice. She was already waiting for me at the door.


    ¡°Oh, I thought you¡¯re still here.¡±


    She shook her head. She was wearing a simple pink shirt and skinny jeans, yet she still looked


    beautiful.


    Our ride was uneventful. I knew Hailey was itching to ask why I had Kpop songs in my ylist, but she


    seemed understood about personal matters. I stole nces at her once in a while, but her focus was


    on the road all the time.


    ¡°Give me your number so that I can call you, or you can call me when your sses are finished.¡±


    She handed me her phone. The wallpaper was Nihonga.


    I saved my number and gave it back to her. ¡°If you need anything, call me immediately, okay?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°I need more than that, Hailey.¡±


    She looked at me. ¡°I will.¡± I guessed she didn¡¯t say much in public ces because we had a good talk


    when just the two of us.


    I walked her to the Lit Building, which was not far from my first ss. I waited until her back was gone. I


    almost bumped into Cassie, smiling brightly at me.


    ¡±Percie, good to see you again.¡± She was a knockout and good in bed, but I was not interested in


    hooking up with her again. What happened was a mistake. It was one of my darkest hours.


    ¡°Yeah. See you around.¡± I didn¡¯t even look at her side before I walked away.


    She grabbed my arm before I could walk far. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Anywhere but here.


    I red at her hand around my arm. ¡°Let me go, Cassie.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so cold? Didn¡¯t we have a good time?¡±


    I liked girls, but not like her, who bullied around. At first, I thought she had changed. I guessed people


    didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Because I am cold, Cassie. I am not even new to you. Can I go now? I have sses I can¡¯t afford to


    bete.¡±


    ¡°Fine, asshole.¡±

 11

    11


    PERCIE


    Thirteen months ago¡­


    We talked every day until Thursday. I missed talking with her on Friday, though. I asked Grandpa if they


    woulde 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 metst week, Grandpa.¡±


    ¡°You look a lot better today, Percie.¡±


    ¡°About that.¡± Iughed. 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 son.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and see Emma. Make sure not to upset her this time because if you do, I¡¯ll shave your head.


    That¡¯s a promise.¡± She grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled them off.


    ¡°Ouch. That hurts.¡±


    Grandma released my hair before she got in the passenger seat. Grandpa took my seat. I had no


    choice but to sit in the backseat with the flowers.


    We arrived at the rehab center.


    ¡°Em!¡± I yelled and ran towards her.


    ¡°Perce? Oh, my God!¡± She cupped her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise.


    I hugged her tight and kissed her cheek. I wrinkled my nose. ¡°You stink, Emma. Did you even


    shower?¡±


    She hit my arm. ¡°Liar! Just got out of the shower. Are those for me?¡± She pointed to the flowers in my


    hand.


    I shook my head. ¡°No. Sorry, Em, but these are for Jonah.¡±


    Her face fell.


    Iughed my ass loud, causing everyone around to look at us.


    She hit my arm again. ¡°Your voice, silly. You¡¯re not in the street.¡±


    I was still shaking fromughter. ¡°Did they teach you here how to hit too? You hit me twice now.¡±


    She snarled. ¡°Those are mine.¡± She pointed at the flowers.


    I rolled my eyes this time. ¡°Of course, these are for you, stink.¡± I handed her the flowers.


    ¡°Cas.¡± Her smile widened. If a simple flower could make her happy like this, I would bring it in every


    visit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me to stink. Thank you. These are beautiful.¡± She smelled the bouquet.


    ¡°Hey, Grandy and Grammy. Don¡¯t I get a hug? I swear I don¡¯t stink.¡± She raised her underarms to sniff.


    I chuckled.


    We followed her to her room. I sat on her small couch while Grandpa and Grandma prepared us


    something to drink. We stopped in the donut shop beforeing over. Emma loved donuts.


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember thest time I ate a donut, Perce. Thank you, Grammy.¡± She took a big bite of donut.


    I pulled some tissue paper and wiped the powdered sugar besides her lips while she licked some of it.


    ¡°Hey, slow down. You¡¯re gonna choke.¡±


    ¡°Ameeshee,¡± she said while she was chewing.


    ¡°What? Can you talkter? Eat first, Emma.¡± I handed her favorite vored water. She drunk a good


    amount from it.


    ¡°I said I miss this. I miss eating donuts.¡± She took another huge bite.


    ¡°I thought you got whatever you asked.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°They won¡¯t allow me to eat too sugary, too salty. and too greasy.¡±


    ¡°And why is that?¡± I looked at my grandparents. They both gave me a shrug. My heart ached for


    Emma.


    ¡°They said I have to stay healthy. That¡¯s it.¡±


    I looked at her to see if she was hiding something from me. I saw nothing. ¡°Okay. And you will only be


    eating that once a month.¡±


    ¡°Since I can¡¯t run or exercise my lower limbs, I can¡¯t burn too many calories, so I have to avoid eating


    those things. I can eat, but a small amount.¡±


    I swallowed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Em.¡±


    She hit my hand yfully.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Stop it. You¡¯re getting used to hitting me, stink.¡±


    ¡°Mom and Dad won¡¯t allow me to take online sses right now. They said once I get out, that¡¯s the time


    I make n whether I go to college or stay at home and take online sses.¡±


    I clenched my jaw. ¡°Of course. They have to control you. Why do they have to stop you, Emma? If you


    can take online sses, and it won¡¯t interfere with your treatment, Then what¡¯s their problem? Is it


    about money? You have plenty.¡±


    She just shrugged.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost neen. Stay with me after your release. You already have a room in the apartment


    ready for you. End of discussion, Em.¡±


    She pouted.


    ¡°What?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°What is it, Em?¡±


    She pressed her lips into a thin line.


    ¡°We promised no more secrets between us.¡±


    ¡°I still want to join the marathon.¡±


    I groaned, rolling my eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t you join that one in Boston? At least you still have time to ready


    yourself.¡±


    She shrugged.


    ¡°Stubborn, I see.¡±


    ¡°Let her do what she wants, Percie. As long as the doctor gives her a go,¡± Grandma said.


    I sighed. If this was really what she wanted, then so be it. ¡°I¡¯ming with you, Em.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°But you have sses, Perce. You don¡¯t have to do that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I will ask my professors for essays. And this will be your first marathon. I wanna be there


    to support you. Right, Grands?¡± I looked at them for support.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there too,¡± Grandma agreed.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll be there, honey.¡± Grandpa sped his hands together.


    ¡°I guess you have supporters.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this. Thanks for the support, though. It means a lot.¡±


    I kissed the top of her head. ¡°We¡¯re in this together, didi. But you still stink.¡±


    She growled. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°You are.¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Percie.¡±


    Iughed when I heard Grandma. ¡°You don¡¯t stink. Even if you are, I will still hug and sniff you.¡±


    ¡°Eww. I won¡¯t do that.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Oh, really? Don¡¯t you love me anymore? I guess you found someone already? Is it Jonah?¡±


    She flinched. ¡°What? Oh, my God! Are you jealous of Jonah, Percival Edmund?¡±


    I grimaced. ¡°No. Why would I? I look better than him. He can¡¯t ever rece this handsome face and


    can never ever rece what we¡¯ve shared. Nobody can.¡±


    She grinned. ¡°You will always be my one and only.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not worried.¡±


    ¡°Good. because you don¡¯t have to.¡±

 12

    12


    PERCIE


    My sses 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 sses together. Hailey¡ª¡±


    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 red at me, and I red back. ¡°Go.¡±


    She grabbed her things and walked away.


    I look at Hailey, hugging herself and looking down at her feet. ¡°Stay away from someone like her,


    Hailey. She¡¯s bad news. She ys a good girl, uses you, then treats you like a dog on a leash. Don¡¯t


    fall for someone¡¯s kindness. They all have ulterior motives, especially when they just came out of


    nowhere. Choose your friend wisely.¡±


    ¡°She came over while I¡¯m waiting for you.¡± She sat down.


    I sat beside her, releasing an exasperating sigh. ¡°You have to be very careful of choosing a friend. If


    there¡¯s a mean girl in high school, there are worse types of people here. You¡¯re too kind and too good


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    to be true. I don¡¯t want to see you getting hurt.¡±


    ¡°Like someone like me will easily find a friend.¡± She shrugged.


    My brows furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Socially awkward, nerd, dork¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, I was alreadyughing my ass out loud. For the first time in history, Iughed


    out loud.


    ¡°Then how do you call me? Which part of the society do I belong to, Hailey? Monster Jock? Broody


    Ltd? Zoned Out Guys Club?¡±


    She wrinkled her nose. That was cute.


    ¡°What are those?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t read those yet in your books?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Her answer was like telling me to exin further.


    ¡°They don¡¯t exist.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°You have weirder imagination, Percie.¡±


    I stood up. ¡°You have no idea. That woman here before, I think of her as a zombie with a horn and


    fangs. She has no brains, but she whispers to everyone and takes them to herir, then eats their


    brains, skins them, then drains their blood, and throws them afterward.¡±


    She giggled. Did she just giggle? ¡±You¡¯re gonna be a good writer, Percie.¡±


    I nodded.


    My chest tightened because Emma said the same thing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home. I¡¯m starving.¡± I grabbed my backpack. She walked beside me. When I looked down at


    her, she was smiling back at me. Just beautiful.


    ***


    I woke up in the middle of the night to a terrifying voice. It was Hailey¡¯s. I dashed out of my door to her


    room.


    I knocked urgently. ¡°Hailey! Hailey, open up. Are you okay?¡± I waited for a while. A few momentster,


    the door unlocked.


    ¡°Um, sorry.¡± She looked frightened. Her hair was everywhere, sticking on her sweaty face that she was


    trying to fix it.


    ¡°Get in your bed. I¡¯ll get you some water.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Percie.¡±


    ¡°Just do what I said.¡± I strode to the kitchen and grabbed her bottled water from the fridge.


    When I came back, she was already in bed, her lower body covered with her pink nket.


    ¡°Take this. Are you always having nightmares?¡±


    She drunk the water I gave her. ¡°Sorry if I woke you up. Sometimes I have a nightmare if I have too


    much in mind.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, Hailey. I, myself, get nightmares too. Sometimes in my dreams, but mostly in real


    life.¡± I regretted saying those words, but that was the truth. ¡°I still wake up every day, dwelling with that


    same agony in that nightmare.¡±


    She was twisting her fingers when she asked me, ¡°Who¡¯s she?¡±


    Her question shocked me. ¡°Who¡¯s who?¡±


    She looked at me curiously.


    ¡°I guessed life is not always rainbows and unicorns like in your book, huh?¡± I pretended that I didn¡¯t


    hear her question. My heart ached. I wished it was easier for me to talk about my painful past.


    ¡°That zombie with horns and fangs?¡±


    She shook her head.


    God, please. Don¡¯t push it, Hailey.


    ¡°Who made you like that?¡±


    My eyes narrowed to slits. ¡°Made me like what, Hailey?¡± I was deadly serious.


    She flinched. ¡°Nothing. Forget that I asked.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But I¡¯m not ready to talk about it. It¡¯s still fresh and still hurts like hell,¡± I tell her slowly. ¡°And


    I¡¯d like to keep the past where it is.¡±


    She bit her trembled lip. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I took a huge breath. Please, don¡¯t cry.


    ¡°Stop apologizing, Em¡ªum, Hailey.¡± Fuck. I swallowed hard.


    Why did I keep calling her Emma when she was around? Maybe because I¡¯d never been with any girl


    after Emma and never been close like this with anyone.


    ¡°Go back to sleep, Hailey. I¡¯ll stay here until you fall back asleep. If you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Something was wrong with me. I couldn¡¯t feel pity towards her.


    I felt strange¡ªsomething strong made my skin tingle every time she got closer, something that made


    my heart flutter, something that gives me a butterfly effect in my stomach. And that was different¡ªthat


    I¡¯d never felt with other women and Emma. And it terrified the living shit out of me.

 13

    13


    PERCIE


    Eight months ago.


    Emma had been practicing her race on weekdays for five months now since her application was


    epted. 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 month, especially those who were near or within the city. I could say Emma was getting back on


    track.


    I heard the overhead pager calling for our flight. I already had our boarding pass through an e-boarding


    online. I pushed the cart to the line that started to line up. I had only one traveling bag, two for Emma,


    another two for my grandparents, plus her manual wheelchair for her race.


    Our parents didn¡¯t have any idea where we were traveling today.


    ¡°Em, do you need anything before we board?¡±


    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m good.¡± She was grinning with excitement.


    ¡°Make sure you¡¯ll win tomorrow, Em, or I¡¯ll leave you alone in New York if you lose.¡± I sneered. I wanted


    to annoy her a bit, and she looked funny when she flushed with anger.


    ¡°Like I care if I win or not. I just wanted to enjoy and see New York.¡± She giggled.


    I knew that was what she wanted¡ªnot to win but to enjoy. Despite her being disabled, it didn¡¯t stop her


    from enjoying her life. She even said once if she didn¡¯t get the injury, she wouldn¡¯t have experienced


    this. She wouldn¡¯t think of encouraging disabled like her and not even thought of joining any sports.


    I chuckled. ¡°What is the point of racing if you know you¡¯ll only lose?¡±


    Someone hit my back, startling me.


    ¡°Stop annoying her, Percie. We¡¯ll go to the boarding area. Just follow us when you two are done


    bickering.¡± Grandma checked her wristwatch.


    ¡°Fine. See youter.¡±


    They moved to the boarding area while I checked in the luggage. Emma was right, I wouldn¡¯t be here if


    not because of her injury, but I couldn¡¯t say I was grateful because if I still got ten seconds to change


    that night, I would still not choose that to happen. We may still be like those ordinary college students,


    and we could still do something for a cause in different ways. Maybe, not today, but soon.


    But I guess everything happened for a reason, and that night happened for a reason. It was for Emma


    to experience different ways of life. And for me to value life and live life independently. I found a job in a


    car repair shop near the school. After a month of training, I learned somehow about mechanics.


    At the jet bridge, Emma went first, then my grandparents. I followed them with her handy bag. She liked


    the window seat, so I chose that for her.


    ¡°You okay with your seat, Em?¡±


    She grinned.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Stop doing that. That¡¯s annoying.¡±


    ¡°Buzzkill.¡±


    ¡°How are you feeling? Really.¡±


    ¡±I¡¯m good, Perce. Thank you for doing this for me.¡± She squeezed my hand.


    ¡°Anything for you. And you¡¯ve been thanking me for the umpteenth time, and you¡¯re wee for the


    umpteenth time, too.¡± I squeezed her hand back and didn¡¯t let go yet.


    ¡°It means a lot that you¡¯re here with me.¡±


    ¡°You know that I¡¯m so proud of you, right? I know you didn¡¯t join this race to win. I was just messing


    with you earlier. I¡¯ll always support you in everything you want to do, but your safety is my priority too.¡±


    ¡°I know, and you¡¯re gonna miss your sses because of me.¡±


    ¡°I can make it, Em. It¡¯s only just for three days. I already informed my professors that I have toe


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    with you. They gave me special consideration, assignments and I will take special exams next week.


    Don¡¯t worry about it. Either they mark me absent or give me D in my final grade, I don¡¯t give a damn.


    This, what we¡¯re about to do, don¡¯t happen often.¡±


    ¡°You really are the best, Perce. The one and only.¡± She leaned her head on my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything for you, Emma. You should know that.¡±


    She looked up at me with a smile on her face. ¡°I know Perce, and I would do everything for you too, in


    a heartbeat. I may be paraplegic, but I¡¯m notpletely useless.¡±


    My heart ached every time she said that word. ¡°I know, Em. I know.¡±


    She slept after the ne took off. She must be too excited not to get some sleepst night.


    We arrived at the hotel almost dinner time.


    I helped Emma in the bathroom, even though she was already capable of doing it by herself. I was just


    scared for her that she might fall.


    She rolled her eyes when I didn¡¯t move before her. ¡°Perce, get out now. I need to shower and change,


    idiot.¡±


    I scratched my head. ¡°Call me if you need anything, okay?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that I did this by myself in rehab? You don¡¯t wanna see me naked, Percival.¡±


    ¡°Silly.¡± I wrinkled my nose. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go and hit the shower in grandpa¡¯s room. I¡¯ll be quick.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Perce. Take your time. My stomach is growling, and I need to do this. Now, leave. Shoo.


    Shoo.¡±


    I went to my grandparent¡¯s room. ¡°Can I use your bathroom? Emma is using the shower in our room.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you wait till she¡¯s done? She might fall in the bathroom. The bathroom in your room is not


    intended for her,¡± Grandma exined.


    ¡°You know how stubborn she is. She¡¯s hungry.¡± I could see the worries on their faces. ¡°Why are you


    both so worried? She¡¯d been doing that by herself.¡±


    They didn¡¯t say anything. Now I wondered if there was something else I didn¡¯t know about.


    ¡°Grandpa, what¡¯s going on? Emma is going to race tomorrow. What¡¯s with the worried face?¡±

 14

    14


    PERCIE


    The dinner with the Wards became regr every weekend¡ªSaturdays 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, even just flowers.¡±


    She nodded as she was done packing her bag. That was all I got.


    ¡°Are you ready to go? We still have to stop at the grocery.¡± I carried her bag since she had her books.


    She was staying with them tonight. So I¡¯d be on my own after dinner. I felt sad a little bit. I was already


    getting used to her being around, but that was how she wanted to spend time every Sunday night.


    ¡°I¡¯ming with you.¡±


    We always went to the grocery store together every week since we became roommates. I didn¡¯t want to


    trigger her memory by allowing her to go alone. Since then, she was alwaysing with me after she


    did it without a panic attack.


    She refused to see a shrink, even though how much her parents forced her to. I had the same reaction


    when my grandparents suggested the same thing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just buy candles. Be right back.¡±


    I groaned. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll wait right here.¡±


    She nodded and walked right to the sliding door.


    Thankfully, I found a gift shop. I wondered what I could get for Lillian. I didn¡¯t know what she liked aside


    from cooking. I should have asked Hailey. Cooking. The idea popped into my mind. I found a cookbook


    and let the salesdy wrap nicely.


    ¡°Where have you¡ª?¡± Hailey stared at the paper bag in my hand. ¡°What is that?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°What does it look like?¡±


    She smiled. I had noticed everything about her in a short time. As annoying as it sounded, she was


    getting prettier every day. And my stupid heart thumped like a mad.


    I liked her when she was at our apartment. She didn¡¯t care how she looked, even if she had a bad hair


    day, or just wearing her shirt and PJ bottom, or sometimes shorts, showing off her toned legs. I had to


    clench my jaw all the time and ignored that I enjoyed her presence.


    ¡°Did you just buy Mom a gift?¡± She looked even surprised.


    ¡°No. I bought this to the homeless when I find one on the street.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very sarcastic.¡± She got in the car without saying another word.


    Did I just hurt her feelings? Emma wouldugh or hit my arm if I said something like that. Or she


    pouted because she knew I was messing with her. I guessed that was one of their differences. What


    the fuck am I doing,paring them?


    ¡°Sorry about what I said earlier. I was just joking with you.¡±


    She shrugged.


    ¡°Are we back to the one-word game, Hailey?¡±


    ¡°Gift.¡±


    ¡°Unfair.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not how it works.¡± She red at me, crossing her arms around her chest.


    ¡°Fine. Yeah, I bought this for your mom. I used to buy them gifts on special asions. Since I have no


    one to buy gifts for, why not buy something for your mom since it¡¯s her birthday.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She looked even sadder.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± I smiled at her. Deep inside, I was bleeding.


    ¡°Apologize.¡±


    I raised a brow.


    ¡°Am I going to apologize, or you will?¡±


    ¡°You annoyed me. Now, apologize.¡± She pouted.


    ¡°You¡¯re ugly when you pout.¡±


    ¡°So? I know that I¡¯m ugly. It doesn¡¯t bother me anyway.¡±


    My eyes narrowed to slits. ¡°And who the hell told you that you¡¯re ugly? I swear, I¡¯ll punch them in the


    face if I hear anyone saying that to you.¡±


    She shrugged again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like that shrug, Hailey. Either you talk to me not at all. Forget about the game if you¡¯re not going


    to answer. It¡¯s stupid anyway.¡±


    I drove out of the parking lot and kept my mouth shut.


    It really pissed me off. She pissed me off by allowing those assholes to bully her. As far as I could see,


    she was far from ugly. Now they destroyed her confidence and her self-esteem.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you wanna talk to me now? You¡¯re giving me the silent treatment?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you want. Just giving it to you.¡± My stomach twisted to a knot. I didn¡¯t like this feeling at all.


    We arrived at her home, and no other words came out from her.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Lily.¡± I hugged Lillian and pecked her cheek.


    ¡°Oh, thank you, Percie.¡±


    After we enjoyed our dinner, Lillian made her wish and blew the candles. She ced a te with a


    slice of her cake in each one of us. I ate my share. It was delicious even though I didn¡¯t like dessert so


    much.


    ¡°How¡¯re your grandparents?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re still annoying likest weekend.¡±


    Sheughed.


    Haylie never said a word. I knew she was mad at me.


    ¡°How¡¯s school, honey?¡± Hailey quickly nced at her dad.


    ¡°Good, Dad. Thank you for asking.¡± She gave him a tight smile.


    ¡°Is he treating you well? Or am I gonna punch him right now?¡± Keith asked while side ncing at me.


    Her brows furrowed. ¡°Yeah. Why¡¯d you ask?¡±


    ¡°Just making sure he¡¯s not asking you to wash his boxers.¡±


    Hailey turned beet red.


    ¡°Why would I ask her to wash my boxers?¡± I retorted.


    ¡°Because she said you two shared the works at your apartment.¡±


    ¡°At our apartment. Yes, we divided the work or shared, but I never asked her to wash my clothes.¡± I


    rolled my eyes even though it was nothing but jokes.


    I stared at Hailey. Did she tell them anything we talked about and did when she was spending her


    Sunday with them? It was not that we did something inappropriate, but it made her ufortable when


    Keith asked her in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m just messing with you, Percival. Hailey never mentioned something bad about you. All she said


    was that you treated her well with respect. I¡¯m d that you two get along just fine.¡±


    ¡°Did she mention to you too that she¡¯s scared of me? That I brood all the time?¡±


    Hailey¡¯s mouth hung open. Her beautiful big brown eyes widened like saucers. Her parentsughed


    while she was scowling at me.


    I gave her a sheepish grin. That was for not talking to me.


    ¡°The first time I brought you here.¡±


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She cut her dad off. ¡°Dad, please, stop it.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying, Keith? I wanna know what was her first impression with me?¡± She looked cute


    when she was annoyed.

 15

    15


    PERCIE


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Eight months ago¡­


    ¡°Nothing, Percie. I thought maybe she¡¯s tired in the flight, and she wanted to take a rest first,¡± Grandpa


    exined.


    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.


    Emma is okay, right? I talked to myself in the mirror after my shower. I put on my clothes quickly and


    joined them.


    ¡°Oh, did I take that long in the shower?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I thought you sleep in there.¡± Emma rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, Miss Sarcastic. Can we head out already? I¡¯m starving.¡± I walked to Emma¡¯s side to grab the


    back of her wheelchair.


    ¡°One purpose of EPW is to avoid the fatigue of pushing or man-handling like those manuals. Why are


    you pushing me?¡±


    I smiled. ¡°Why the bitchiness tonight, Emma? I just want to walk beside you, and I¡¯m not pushing you,


    look?¡± I showed her my hands that I was not holding her wheelchair. ¡°You look beautiful, by the way.¡±


    She applied light makeup on her face and curled her hair with her pastel maxi dress.


    ¡°Thank you, Perce. Now, I love you more. Youplimented me.¡± Emma giggled with Grandma.


    ¡°She¡¯s weird tonight.¡± I exchanged looks with Grandpa.


    ¡°Seriously, Em. You¡¯re always beautiful, but I canpliment you every freaking day if that makes you


    giggle.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± She hit me yfully on my arm. ¡°And that makes you handsome too.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true. If you believe you¡¯re beautiful, then you have to believe I¡¯m handsome


    too.¡±


    ¡°Shut up already,¡± Grandma said.


    We choose the nearest restaurant to our hotel.


    ¡°Are you ready for tomorrow, Emma?¡± Grandpa asked.


    When I looked at her, she shrugged. ¡°Where your confidence goes?


    ¡°Just a little bit nervous.¡±


    ¡°Em, if you change your mind, it¡¯s okay. We can just go and watch. You don¡¯t have to race.¡±


    She frowned. ¡°Nothing can stop me from racing tomorrow, and it¡¯s only 200m. If I can¡¯t make it to the


    finish line, then I¡¯ll stop. I promise. I just want to experience racing.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Emma dear. Don¡¯t be upset. No one is discouraging you from backing out. We just want to know


    if you¡¯ll be okay tomorrow,¡± Grandma exined.


    ¡°Thanks. It means a lot.¡±


    We enjoyed our dinner.


    ¡°Em, you didn¡¯t like your food? We can always order another.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, Perce. I¡¯m eating.¡± Emma didn¡¯t touch much of her food. It worried me because I knew she


    loved the meal she ordered. She just toyed with her fork.


    ¡°Thought you loved that, and you said you¡¯re hungry.¡±


    ¡°I love it. I¡¯m just a little bit nervous about tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. You¡¯ve been preparing for this for five months. You can do it. If you¡¯ll get exhausted, all you


    have to do is move to the side. It doesn¡¯t matter that you won¡¯t get to the finish line. What is important is


    you¡¯ll be a part of this event.¡± I was thankful to Grandpa, trying to cheer her up.


    Emma started picking up her fork and eating her meal.


    After our dinner, Grandpa and Grandma went back to the hotel. I let Emma stayed with me for a while. I


    walked beside her while she was maneuvering her EPW forward.


    ¡°Em, whatever happens, tomorrow, always remember that I¡¯m proud of you. Your strength, your


    courage, and your determination are unmatched. You¡¯re the strongest woman I know. You¡¯ll make it to


    the finish line or not, nothing¡¯s gonna change of how proud I am of you.¡±


    She stopped her EPW, and I moved myself to her front. ¡°I know, Perce. No matter what will happen


    tomorrow, don¡¯t me yourself, never. I choose this. I want to do and experience this. For once in my


    life, I found a purpose. I wanna make you proud. I want you to stop ming yourself. I want you to


    know that that night happened for a reason, and one was to determine your faith and your strength.


    You almost gave up, Perce. Now promise me that you¡¯d be strong for me, that you¡¯d be happy for me


    for whatever I chose and decided in my life. I want you to move on and enjoy your life and do whatever


    you love doing. Just remember that I¡¯m always here.¡± She jabbed her finger at my chest.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say something like that, Em.¡± For a fraction of a moment, she terrified the shit out of me.


    ¡°In your heart, Perce, and you will always be here forever in me, a part of me.¡±


    I looked up when my eyes felt like on fire. I swallowed hard the overpowering emotions not to cry.


    I knelt in front of her and gathered all the strength I had left. ¡°Why are you saying this to me, Emma? I


    love every word you said to me, but I don¡¯t like the thought of it. Thest time you said something like


    that, that incident happened. It felt like you¡¯re saying goodbye to me. And I freaking hate it. None of us


    is saying shit like that again, okay?¡±


    Her lips started to tremble.


    ¡°Emma, please, don¡¯t cry. You¡¯ll always be a part of me, in my heart and my soul. Nobody could ever


    rece you. No one. You are my one and only, Em. I love you. I still need you. I still enjoy annoying


    you, making youugh. I still love listening to you babbling about your ns, and I can still stomach


    listening to your crappy favorite songs. Be strong for me. I need you in my life, Emma. I have no one


    left but you.¡± I wiped the tears away from her face. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Grands I said thest words. They¡¯ll


    gonna kick me out of my apartment.¡± I squeezed her hands and kissed her knuckles.


    ¡°Keep that bracelet on your wrist. It¡¯s actually beautiful.¡± She chuckled while ying the bracelet


    around my wrist¡ªthe reason why we almost died together.


    ¡°I¡¯d never take it off, beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Good. It will always remind you of me.¡±


    I stared at her with my mouth hanging open. My heart just stopped beating.

 16

    16


    PERCIE


    ¡°Oh, she said¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡± she shouted, dropped the fork. Then she stood up and left us at the dining table.


    A momentter, 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 Ie 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.


    ¡°Lily, I bought this for you. It¡¯s not much, but as they said, it¡¯s the thought that counts.¡± I gave her the


    bag.


    ¡°Thank you, Percie. How thoughtful of you. You really shouldn¡¯t have bought me a gift, but thank you


    anyway.¡± She hugged me again.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. I probably should go. Tell Hailey that I left. I¡¯ll see her on Monday.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Hailey. She¡¯ll be fine,¡± Keith says, walking me out to the front door.


    ¡°Yeah. You embarrassed her. You knew she was shy, but you didn¡¯t stop the first time she warned you,¡±


    I defended Hailey even though I should not have.


    He didn¡¯t say a word. He grinned instead.


    ¡°You¡¯re annoying. I better go before I punch you in your big abdomen.¡±


    ¡°Take care, son.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Call me if you can¡¯t send Hailey. I¡¯ll drop by to take her.¡±


    I feel terrible about Hailey, even if it was her dad who pestered her. It still upset me. I took a huge


    breath then drive back to my apartment. When I got inside, it was so eerily silent, and I missed her right


    away.


    I fished out my phone and typed a message.


    Percie: Hailey, can we talk?


    I pressed send. I noticed Hailey had seen my message, and she was typing back. I waited. No reply.


    She was still mad at me.


    I dialed. I was done waiting. She didn¡¯t pick up until it reached the voicemail. I ended the call


    disappointed.


    Percie: Hailey, I know you read my message. Can you please, at least, say something? You can curse


    me or call me names. Just say a word.


    I hit the send button. I sounded desperate, but who gave a fuck.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lee: Mad


    My lips spread to a grin.


    Percie: I know. I¡¯m sorry.


    Percie: Sad


    Lee: why?


    Percie: coz ur mad at me


    Lee: sad


    Percie: That¡¯s my word


    Lee: I know, but I¡¯m sad too


    My stomach twisted. Shit! Whatever I felt every time I talked and saw her wasn¡¯t normal anymore. This


    shit was scaring me.


    Percie: Why are you sad, Lee?


    I swore silently. I just called her Lee.


    Lee: Who¡¯s Lee?


    Percie: Why are you sad?


    I rubbed the back of my neck. I was really screwing this up. She was not going to talk to me again for


    good.


    Lee: You can¡¯t just ignore all my questions, Percie. You can answer and pretend that we don¡¯t know


    each other. I¡¯m not gonna tell anyone. I know you don¡¯t trust me. What upsets me is that I don¡¯t know


    anything about you. I don¡¯t even know your full name. We¡¯ve been living under one roof for more than a


    month, but I don¡¯t even know your favorite color.


    I read her message over and over again. It was killing me. I couldn¡¯t let her get into my life more than I


    already let her. She would hate me if she knew who I really was and what I did. At the same time, I was


    not ready to lose a roommate. I was not ready to lose her just yet.


    Percie: What do you wanna know?


    Lee: Who¡¯s Lee?


    Percie: You


    Lee: You?


    Jesus Christ. I groaned.


    Percie: Hailey Ca Ward, ring a bell?


    Lee: Why are you so sarcastic all the time?


    Percie: This is me, Lee. A walking sarcasm.


    Lee: Why Lee?


    Percie: Ask your mom why did she give you a middle name Ca. Is it because your dad calls her Lily?


    Lee: Why not just call me Ca?


    Sorry, but I got to choose a name to call you.


    Percie: None of your business


    Lee: Ugh! I¡¯m just asking. Why so grumpy?


    Percie: Because you are asking me with nonsense


    Lee: Bye


    I squeezed my eyes shut. Damn it!


    I called her number instead. I was tired of texting.


    ¡°What do you want, Percie?¡± She was really pissed at me.


    I chuckled. I was impressed and pissed off at the same time. ¡°Why did you text me bye?¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t answer a simple question, then why waste time talking?¡±


    ¡°Are you always this brave when not face to face, Lee?¡± I liked calling her Lee. It sounded personal and


    intimate. That was why I saved her number as Lee.


    ¡°At least I have one thing I¡¯m brave of.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be scared of me, Lee. We¡¯ve been living here together for a month, and I never


    harmed you even once, have I? What do you wanna know about me?¡± I felt beyond desperate.


    Honestly, her presence made sense of the world to me. ¡°I¡¯d tell you as long as I could.¡±


    I wanted her to trust me before I could trust her. What scared me most was if she would run away after


    I told her the truth. I couldn¡¯t gamble what we had right now.


    ¡°I want you to answer me if I ask.¡±


    I blew one shuddering breathe. ¡°Promise me one thing.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t run away from me, and you won¡¯t leave this apartment once you learn who I


    am. I promise you, I will never hurt or harm you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡ª that¡¯s too many promises, Percie.¡±


    ¡°Just promise me first.¡±


    She didn¡¯t say it. She didn¡¯t want to promise.


    I rubbed my free hand over my face. The line went off. Just fucking great.


    She hung up.


    My jaw dropped. I was torn between pissed off and admired her at the same time. She couldn¡¯t


    promise, and it hurt a lot, knowing she didn¡¯t and couldn¡¯t trust someone like me.


    Am I this horrible?


    I froze. The door unlocked open then closed.


    I walked out of my room. Was it Grandpa?


    But it wasn¡¯t.

 17

    17


    PERCIE


    Eight 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 butughed 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.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    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 middle of the road. Shen then started withbored breathing. She was on the left side


    of the road while I was following her from the right. What¡¯s wrong with her?


    As my heart beat wildly in my chest, I froze deadly in my tracks as if I just turned into a stone. I wanted


    to cross toe to her, but my feet weighed tons.


    ¡°Emma! Em, you can move away to the side now, sweetheart!¡± I yelled. ¡°I think that¡¯s enough. You¡¯ve


    already made me proud.¡± I started to shake. My body chilled with dread.


    She didn¡¯t respond.


    My heart just stopped. I felt like someone just threw me a bucket of water. Realization hit me hard in my


    chest. This was what all about¡ª about what she told mest night. No, Em.


    ¡°Emma, I¡¯ming to you!¡± I shouted louder than before.


    My breathing caught. Emma didn¡¯t move.


    Her head fell forward. She wasn¡¯t moving at all.


    I froze again, staring with my wide eyes.


    My breath stopped. My blood pounded in my ears. All I could hear was my grandparents¡¯ voice


    shouting for help, but I couldn¡¯t just move. I was so shocked by what I saw until someone shook me for


    attention.


    ¡°Percie, we have to take Emma to the hospital,¡± Grandma said with a trembling voice.


    Speechless, I turned to face Grandma. Her tears just fell from her eyes like a stream.


    I shut my mouth close. I didn¡¯t know I was crying until I wiped my tears on my cheeks, and my vision


    blurred.


    Grandma grabbed my hand to cross the street. People gathered around when the athletes had passed


    by.


    I was just watching there, my body numbing. Everything just faded around me. I felt lost again.


    The paramedics ced Emma on the stretcher. They already put an oxygen mask on her.


    Grandpa kept mentioning Emma¡¯s name. They immediately pushed the stretcher inside the ambnce


    and closed the door behind them. I let them take Emma away from me, and I couldn¡¯t do anything than


    watched the vehicle drove off.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get to the hospital, Percie. Now!¡± Grandpa ordered.


    ¡°Yeah. The¡ªthe hospital.¡± I stuttered. Either way, I followed him with Grandma out of the crowd.


    ¡°What happened, Grandpa?¡± My voice came out a squeak. ¡°She¡¯s gonna be okay, right?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk in the hospital, Percie. I can¡¯t answer you right now.¡± Grandpa snapped.


    ¡°I thought she¡¯s okay.¡± Those were thest words that came out from me.


    I stayed silent in a cab as we rode to the hospital. Grandpa and Grandma didn¡¯t talk to me anymore. I


    closed my eyes instead and prayed over and over again that Emma would be okay. I recalled jumbled


    thoughts in my head, but nothing made sense.


    The doctor came out from where Emma was checked in.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the rtive of Emma Holmes?¡± the doctor asked.


    I raised my hand. She didn¡¯t ask again the moment she saw me.


    ¡°They are my grandparents.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s Emma, doc?¡± I asked right away. I saw her name written in her blue scrub suits.


    ¡°I¡¯m Dr. Elena Mills, the Nephrologist on duty.¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Nephrologist? Doesn¡¯t she need a neurologist?¡±


    Grandpa cleared his throat. ¡°Dr. Mills, can you tell us how¡¯s she doing?¡±


    I saw the grief in grandpa¡¯s face. Grandma wrapped her arms around herself.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Grandpa?¡± I raised my voice a little bit out of frustration.


    ¡°Let the doctor tells us, Percival.¡±


    ¡°Do you know when was thest time she had hemodialysis?¡± Dr. Mills asked.


    What is she talking about? I held my hands up. ¡°Whoa! Whoa! Hold on. You must be talking about the


    wrong patient, the wrong Emma. My Emma has Spinal Cord Injury, lower limbs paralysis, and she


    doesn¡¯t have a kidney problem. Please, go away.¡± I waved my hand at her. ¡°I need a doctor who can


    tell me what happened to my Emma.¡± I red at her.


    ¡°I know, Percie. This is all shocking, but she¡¯s telling us the same Emma, your Emma, and our Emma,¡±


    Grandpa admitted guiltily.


    ¡°What do you mean she¡¯s the same Emma, Grandpa? Emma¡¯s kidneys are okay. Please, I want to see


    Emma right now.¡±


    I strode to one of the rooms separated by curtains and searched for Emma. I drew all the curtains until I


    found her lying in bed. I stopped dead tracks.


    I almost didn¡¯t recognize her. She was my Emma. She has tubes, probes, wires attached to her. The


    sounds from the machines and monitors were deafening.


    I stood there in front of her and kept shaking my head. I tried telling myself that this wasn¡¯t Emma, and I


    was just having a nightmare again, but the more I looked at her, the more reality hit me hard. It¡¯s her.


    Grandma kept rubbing my arms, but it didn¡¯t help. ¡°What happened to her, Grandpa, Grandma? Tell me


    why Emma looks like this? Like¡ªlike a pufferfish?¡± I shook myself to cry.


    ¡°She¡¯s been on dialysis for three months now, Percie,¡± Grandpa exined.


    ¡°And you, Grandma, and Emma had no n on telling me about it? How could you keep something like


    this from me? How could she do this to me? And why she had to join that race if she was sick?¡± I pulled


    my hair and cried until I was too exhausted and dragged myself down the floor.


    ¡°You know why, Percie,¡± he answered quietly.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know why Grandpa. Please, just tell me!¡± I helped myself up to sit beside Emma. I couldn¡¯t


    stand any longer. My energy had drained down. I was so emotionally, physically, and mentally


    exhausted. I covered my face with my hands and shook to cry.


    This wasn¡¯t happening again.


    ¡°The ident damaged Emma¡¯s only right kidney. Her condition also caused her to have urinary tract


    infection, then recently acute kidney failure,¡± Grandpa exined.


    ¡°What do you mean her only right kidney? What happened to her left?¡± My brows furrowed in


    confusion. Why wasn¡¯t I aware of this? Why did she keep it from me? I was beyond confused. I couldn¡¯t


    remember Emma had kidney surgery.


    My mind couldn¡¯t process anything. At this moment, nothing made sense.


    It was so frustrating. Why did she have to hide it from me?


    ¡°She was born with a solitary kidney, Percie,¡± The doctor answered.


    ¡°Then why do I have two?¡± I faced the doctor.


    ¡°I can donate one kidney, right? I¡¯m sure we¡¯re a perfect match. Please, doctor, she doesn¡¯t have to go


    on dialysis. I am giving my kidney. I¡¯ll do it right now. What should we do? Sign papers, cross-matching,


    our veins, same DNA. We¡¯re twins and Didi. Please, do it right now.¡± I grabbed Dr. Mills¡¯ hand and


    begged her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Percie.¡±

 18

    18


    PERCIE


    I 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 sorry, okay. I was just


    embarrassed.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you hang up on me? I wasn¡¯t done talking.¡±


    She froze. Her eyes widened. Now she realized what she did.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hang up on you. I was already in the elevator. There must have been a bad reception inside.¡±


    She shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m still upset. Are you going back to your house tonight?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Maybe I should start learning signnguage in YouTube, Hailey.¡±


    She shook her head again. I groaned, frustrated.


    ¡°I mean no. Um, about the promise¡ª¡±


    ¡°Forget about that.¡± I cut her off and marched to the living room.


    I tried to forget our conversations over the phone. I knew she was following me. This time, she sat


    beside me on the couch.


    ¡°Why did you ask me if we would just forget about what we talked about over the phone?¡±


    I clenched my jaw. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna talk about it. Just drop it.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    When I looked at her, she was pouting.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She rose from her seat, walking away.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To my room. I guess I¡¯m done with my apology. Since we¡¯re done talking, I¡¯ll call it a night.¡±


    My mouth hung open. I couldn¡¯t believe she just said that.


    ¡°Just like that? Instead of spending your night with your parents, you came all the way here to


    apologize. Now you called it a night and going to your room. That¡¯s it?¡± I rose from the couch.


    She then stopped. ¡°You want me to forget what we talked about earlier, then yes.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    Yeah, Hailey rolled her eyes. Wasn¡¯t she full of surprises?


    I must admit. She was cute.


    ¡°Fine.¡± I shrugged.


    ¡°And you know what? You¡¯re an ass. Do you know how hard it is to have a gut talking to you? I almost


    copsed in the elevator, trying to pull myself together. Then, you just wanted me to forget what we¡¯d


    talked about over the phone. And yes, I¡¯m going to my room to sleep and snore.¡±


    She just made me speechless, and it never happened before. Ever.


    ¡°Now, who¡¯s brave when talking over the phone?¡± she added before shepletely left me alone in the


    living room.


    ¡°Hailey, wait!¡± Jesus. She ignored me, pretended she heard nothing. This woman was really infuriating.


    I just found my match. Perfect.


    I took a huge breath. Now, I was beyond pissed off.


    My chest tightened. My stomach twisted into a knot.


    I didn¡¯t like these feelings. I wished there was a switch button I could turn on and off whenever I wanted


    to shut it off. And the worse part, I couldn¡¯t just let her go to sleep while she was angry at me. I


    swallowed my pride and knocked on her door.


    ¡°Open up, Hailey!¡± I yelled as I kept knocking.


    ¡°Go away, Percie! I am trying to get some sleep.¡± I heard her just right behind her door.


    My lips curved to smile. ¡°You¡¯re not sleeping.¡±


    ¡°I said, I am trying to get some sleep.¡±


    ¡°Now, open your door, or I¡¯ll open it myself. I have a spare key of your room, Hailey.¡± I wasn¡¯t going to


    go that far. I needed her to trust me, and not the other way around.


    A few momentster, she twisted the doorknob. I stepped back, preparing myself for her outburst.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± She red at me.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± I said calmly.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we done talking?¡± she asked back with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Where did you buy your courage, Lee? In Amazon? At Target, or Best Buy?¡±


    Her lips pressed to a thin line as she crossed her arms over her chest.


    ¡°Hailey¡ª¡±


    ¡°What do you want? I have sses tomorrow morning. I need to get some sleep so I can wake up


    early.¡± Her voice calmed down a bit. Still, she wasn¡¯t impressed with me.


    ¡°I know, Lee. We went to campus together every day for over a month. Can Ie in?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t expecting her to move aside to let me in. She always surprised me.


    She went to her bed after closing the door behind her. She then got inside her nket and leaned her


    back against the headboard. I joined beside her and did the same. We stayed silent for a while,


    contemting our unusual situation.


    I took a deep breath and squeezed my eyes shut when I found myself just ran out of words. Instead,


    the smell of a strawberry assaulted me. When I opened my eyes, Hailey was observing my face


    shamelessly.


    I swallowed my nerves. ¡°My twin just died a few months ago.¡±


    She gasped. Pain filled her eyes.


    ¡°We¡¯re in a car ident before I started freshman. She got a spinal cord injury. She was paralyzed for


    months. Then,ter on, she developedplications in her kidney. I was hopeless, helpless that she


    didn¡¯t want me to help her. It was killing me. I could still help her, but she made me promise. She left


    me no choice but to honor it.¡±


    Hailey remained silent.


    ¡°Since that ident, I lost everything. I lost her, my dreams, our dreams together. My parents disowned


    me. They med me for what happened to her. I couldn¡¯t me them, though, because they were


    right. I was driving the car that night. Then I helped her race. Eventually, I put her in aa. She died


    in the end. I ended Emma¡¯s life. I destroyed Emma¡¯s future.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the Emma¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s my only Emma.¡± I chuckled. ¡°She wrote me a letter. I couldn¡¯t read it, not until after the


    funeral. I didn¡¯t even wanna know what was inside. I would kill me. Somehow, I knew it was her way of


    saying goodbye to me.¡± I let go of a shuddering breath. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to let her go. I¡¯d just took her


    back when we were fifteen. I can¡¯t let her go just yet. For many times, many days, I wished I was the


    one who died, and not her. She deserved a beautiful life. She was so kind, funny, loving, and forgiving.


    While I was the worse version of her and the worse brother she¡¯d ever had.¡± My voice cracked the end.


    Perce,


    By the time you¡¯re reading this, that means I¡¯m already dying, oratose, or dead. I¡¯m writing this


    because I want you to know how much you meant to me.


    God brought us together for a reason. We¡¯re DiDi for a reason, and for me, that reason is you. Thank


    you for being the best twin brother I could ever wish for. You gave me everything I could ever have and


    want.


    I still remember when you saved me from your jock of a friend. You punched him when he¡¯s trying to hit


    on me. You¡¯re always there for me.


    I want you to help me onest time, Perce. I know you are willing to risk everything to help me, but


    please, don¡¯t do such a thing. Please, help me to let me go peacefully.


    Promise me that you would be happy with my decisions. Promise that you would make use of every


    second you have of your life for a good purpose. Make every best of it. I want you to show me when I¡¯m


    already up there watching over you that you live a wonderful life.


    I¡¯m so grateful that God let us meet again. I may be gone by now, but you will always be in my heart till


    forever.


    I love you forever and always.


    Yours,


    Emma

 19

    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 to talk to you.¡± I stopped and raised my head from Emma¡¯s body as soon as I heard


    the doctor.


    ¡°Follow me to my office, please?¡±


    I sat down in the bed, looked at her one more time before I stood up. I wiped my face and walked away


    from Emma.


    I walked back to her and kissed her forehead. ¡°I love you Em. I¡¯ll do everything for you. Don¡¯t give up


    just yet.¡±


    ¡°Percival, we have to call your parents and inform them about Emma. I¡¯m not gonna lie to you. Once


    they arrive, you might not be able to see Emma again,¡± Grandpa said regrettably as he raked his


    fingers through his graying hair.


    ¡°They¡¯re not going to kick me out once they find out I¡¯m gonna donate my kidney to Emma,¡± I said


    dismissively.


    ¡°Emma has reasons why she didn¡¯t tell you¡ª¡±


    I cut him off. ¡°And what is that? Tell me, Grandpa. Did she make you promise not to tell me about this?


    Tell me, what are those reasons. She fucking deserved my kidney if you just only being honest with me


    from the start. I could still help her before this happens. I¡¯m the only reason why Emma is unconscious


    in a hospital bed right now. This is all because of me.¡±


    ¡°Percie, she made her decision.¡±


    ¡°Fuck that decision. Have you forgotten what I did to her? The reason why she has been suffering for


    months, it¡¯s because of me. Don¡¯t you understand that? This is the only way I can repay her. She


    deserves to live than me. She has a lot of reasons to live. She has so much life ahead of her. Me?


    Nothing! She is the only reason why I still want to live. If I lost her again, I¡¯d rather die!¡±


    Shock shed across their faces. They hadn¡¯t said a word after that.


    I went into the doctor¡¯s room where Dr. Mills was waiting for me or us.


    I slumped my ass into the chair. ¡°Do what¡¯s necessary.¡±


    ¡°Let me be straight with you, Percival. She¡¯s in a deepa right now. Even if they start her HD right


    away, I can¡¯t tell you when she¡¯s gonna wake up. Her blood urea and creatinine are at their peaks. Her


    blood pressure shoots up, and still, she has no urine output.¡±


    The universe just came crashing down on me. I understood what she¡¯d just told me after reading tons


    of medical books when Emma had SCI. I could hardly breathe. I knew what that meant.


    Grandpa fished out something in his back pocket and handed a folded white paper to me.


    ¡°Percival, Emma told me to give this to you if¡ª¡± He swallowed. ¡°If she won¡¯t make it.¡± He took a deep


    breath. ¡°Take this, Percie.¡±


    ¡°She will make it. I make sure of that.¡± I took it with a trembling hand.


    I opened the paper slowly. It was Emma¡¯s penmanship.


    A letter.


    I heard Dr. Mills¡¯ name being paged overhead. I folded the paper and slipped it into Emma¡¯s bag. Dr.


    Mills left the room immediately.


    I grabbed Emma¡¯s backpack and left my grandparents alone in the doctor¡¯s room. I strode my way out


    of the hospital without looking back.


    When my phone vibrated from my jeans pocket, I knew it wasn¡¯t good news. I prepared myself for


    whatever it would be. I didn¡¯t bother checking the caller ID. My phone almost fell from my trembling


    hand after hearing Grandpa¡¯sst words.


    I loved Emma more than she¡¯d ever known. If it wasn¡¯t for her, I would have definitely lost myself to


    grief. I made a promise to her, and as much as how hard it was, I had to keep that.


    I took a cab back to our hotel where I spent thest night eating her favorite ice cream that I hated.


    Because I lost in her game, I had to swallow each spoonful of her ice cream. Her imageughing at me


    rushed back at me like a strong whirl of wind.


    I forced myself to feel numb. I didn¡¯t want to feel anything¡ªI couldn¡¯t feel the pain. If I felt the pain, I


    would fall apart. I couldn¡¯t do this to her. I had to be strong, and to be strong was to be numb.


    We went back to see Emma the very next morning to im her from the hospital morgue.


    We arrived at the airport, the very same airport where we traveled happily to New York with only one


    goal¡ª to let Emma race in the Paralympics. This time, we came back with two reasons, grief and loss.


    ¡°You, worthless!¡± It was my mother, yelling after she just pped me across my face. But I didn¡¯t feel


    anything. It was just like air blew on my face.


    Everyone around who witnessed gasped. Who gave a fuck? I didn¡¯t even bother looking at her. I moved


    forward and pushed our luggage.


    ¡°You killed Emma! You killed her! I will never forgive you! I loathed you. You¡¯re not my son anymore,


    Percival!¡± Mom shouted and followed me. I ignored her behind me as I continued leaving until I reached


    the parking area.


    Dad grabbed me by my shirt, pushed me against his car. His eyes filled with rage, anger, and pain.


    ¡°How could you let her race, Percie? You let her die there. You sent her to her death. You, worthless


    piece of shit.¡±


    I didn¡¯t react. I thought of my father as if invisible.


    Grandma came between my parents and me, ring at them. ¡°Enough both of you! You don¡¯t know


    anything about what happened there. You don¡¯t know anything about what Emma has wanted in her


    life. All you wanted was about your business and your money. You never cared what she wanted. You


    both never asked her what she needed. And you would never know how Percie helped Emma. Do I


    have to remind you how you throw your daughter away because she has a defect?¡±


    They gasped in shock.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I ignored the looks on their faces. They deserved that. I got inside the car after loading our luggage into


    the back of our car.


    My parents took care of Emma. They arranged her funeral. Whether they like it or not, I would see


    Emma onest time. Or I would create a scene that everyone would never forget. I was done trying to


    be a nice son, which I was not in the first ce.


    This time, it was my choice.

 20

    20


    PERCIE


    ¡°You¡¯re not the worst person or the worst brother, Percie. You survived that ident for a reason. It¡¯s


    for you to find out what are those reasons¡ªyour purpose in life. She would be devastated, and it would


    break her heart too if you got the injury instead of her. Do you wanna see her in your position? How


    would you feel seeing her struggling and ming herself for what had happened to you? Do you think


    she can survive the way you did after being disowned by your parents? You¡¯re stronger than you think


    you are. Give yourself extra credit. That¡¯s one of the reasons why you survived. You wouldn¡¯t and never


    give up on her. That¡¯s another reason. You survived for her. I think that¡¯s enough for Emma.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t begin to imagine Emma struggling to survive when she was in my situation. Would my


    parents disown her too? She had somewhere to go to¡ªher old family. But Emma loved me so much. If


    I was the one who got the kidney problem? What if they both failed to function?


    My stomach dropped. My heart was just crushed.


    Emma would be willing to die for me.


    I wiped the tears rolling down my face. I had not thought that far than wishing of going back to that


    moment. I knew Emma. No matter how positive a person she was, she would me herself for what


    happened. She would be willing to give up herself to save me. She was so kindhearted and loving and


    would give up everything for me in a heartbeat.


    I felt Hailey¡¯s hand squeezing mine. I sniffed. I couldn¡¯t even face her. I felt weak, ashamed, and guilty


    at the same time.


    ¡°I burned down our house.¡±


    She gasped.


    Her eyes were enormous. I could see the horrific looked on her face.


    ¡°I told you, Lee. I¡¯m not a good person.¡±


    She didn¡¯t let go of my hand like I was expecting. Instead, she tightened her grip.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I continued talking the moment she kept my hand in her grip. ¡°I went to take Emma¡¯s things after the


    funeral, but my parents would not allow me. Instead, they called the cops and let them drag me out of


    their house. I went back that night and burned down the house. I made sure that my parents were not


    there, though. I didn¡¯t even know why I didn¡¯t consider them dying in the fire. I think I still have humanity


    left deep down in me. Or maybe because they are still my parents no matter what. Or Emma would


    never forgive me. I was just so mad at them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Percie.¡± She squeezed my hand. Her lips trembled.


    ¡°Her things are the only thing I have left, and they wouldn¡¯t let me have them. They are so selfish. My


    grandparents told me that my parents are nning on donating the clothes and keep some of Emma¡¯s


    things in the stock room, for what? They will throw them away sooner. And I can¡¯t let them do that.¡±


    ¡°I have a twin brother too. I lost him when we were ten. We went to the grocery store a few blocks from


    the house. We were just going to buy snacks and then came back. We loved gummy bears. I still


    remember when the man pointed a gun at the cashier and asked for cash. I froze in my tracks. Caleb


    was standing beside him, paying at the cashier.¡± She shook to cry.


    I moved closer to her, pulled her into me, and wrapped my arms around her. Finally, she let her guard


    down. I hushed her, ran my fingers through her hair, and kissed the top of her head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me, Lee. I know how hard it is to share. It hurts no matter how long ago it was. It


    still reminds us of the people we lost. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m sorry that you have to go through that.¡±


    ¡°When he noticed Caleb was looking at him, he shot my brother instead of that man.¡±


    A gasp escaped my lips. Jesus Christ. I couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine a ten-year-old girl watching her


    brother shot. I shut my eyes closed.


    ¡°He took all the money that the cashier offered and left. The cashier survived, and my brother died. He


    surrendered after my brother¡¯s burial service. That¡¯s how Dad became a cop¡ªto catch bad guys like


    him.¡±


    We stayed right there for a moment.


    She had the most painful experience at a young age. Her brother was taken away from her in front of


    her in a horrible way, but she stayed strong.


    I didn¡¯t know how she managed to survive without even seeing a shrink. I admired her even more. She


    was the strongest person I knew.


    ¡°Our ssmates med me. That I was jealous of the attention he got. They called me the ugly twin.


    Caleb was the star of the school. He yed on the baseball team, while I didn¡¯t have any talents like


    him. He was my hero when someone bullied me, though. After I lost him, nobody fought for me in


    school, and the bullying was getting worse. I stayed at home and was homeschooled until my


    sophomore. When dad got transferred here, that was the time I started going to school again. I was


    very thankful that nobody bullied me anymore. I made sure to keep my head down all the time. But the


    idea of being ugly and having no talent had already stuck in my head.¡±


    I broke our hug, cupped her face, and looked straight in the eye, deep into her soul. I wanted her to


    know that she was the most beautiful thing I saw right now. ¡°Hey, you are far from ugly. You are


    beautiful, strong, talented, and smart. Your dad told me that you were honor in your ss. You were


    great during your piano recital. Don¡¯t you ever look so low at yourself? They bullied you because they


    saw something in you that they never had. They were jealous of both of you, Hailey.¡± I wiped the tears


    away from her cheeks.


    I guessed we both dwelt with losses that we forgot the beauty of life, of ourselves.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault that your brother died that day. At least he got his justice. The person responsible is


    already locked up. Don¡¯t you ever listen to the people who like to bully? He did it because they wanted


    attention. They thought they were tough and looked cool when they hurt people. They are probably hurt


    or victims too, but that doesn¡¯t give them the right to make fun of someone. That is just so wrong.


    They¡¯re sick, Hailey. They wanted to ruin other¡¯s lives, and they made you believe that they were better


    than you were. The truth is, you are far better than them.¡± I kissed her forehead onest time.


    I checked her out when her sobs lessened. She didn¡¯t answer me back. She just fell asleep in my arms.


    I ced her pillow at the back of my head andid myself down, and let her head rest on my chest.


    I closed my eyes and ran my fingers through her hair until I fell asleep.

 21

    21


    PERCIE


    Eight months ago¡­


    My parents arranged a three-day funeral for Emma. I was there every day. We bumped constantly, but I


    didn¡¯t give a damn about them and their feelings about me.


    They loathed me, so I did the same. They disowned me, and I did the same.


    Emma was sent to her grave in thete afternoon on the third day. I was with my grandparents, who


    were there with me all the time. I left after throwing white ca lily to Emma for thest time. I walked


    away without looking back.


    I just lost Emma. I lost everything¡ªa reason to live, hope to have a better future, and I just lost the only


    person who cared about me. I lost everything that day because Emma was my everything.


    I stopped at an old rusty bench just outside the cemetery. I sat and remembered how we met again.


    ¡°Percival,e down! I would like you to meet someone.¡± I heard Dad yelling from the living room.


    I ignored him. I was sketching an anime character I created in my sketchbook when he called my name


    again.


    ¡°Busy. Not interested!¡± I yelled back.


    A few minutester, I heard a soft knock on my door.


    I groaned loudly. ¡°Jeez. Can I have a little time for myself?¡± But I knew that wasn¡¯t my parents¡ªthey


    weren¡¯t used to knock.


    I stood up from my bed and opened the door. ¡°What?¡± I snapped.


    My heart leaped from my chest. I knew for sure my eyes were wider to see who was right in front of


    me. I swallowed hard. My lips dried instantly. How did it even possible? I even forgot to blink, scared


    that she would disappear before me.


    She chuckled.


    She had the same wavy brown hair as mine. Hers was longer down her chest. We had the same brown


    eyes, nose-shaped, and lips.


    I was almost a foot taller than her, but the rest, we were almost identical. She was just a girl, and I was


    a boy.


    ¡°Did you see yourself in me, Percival?¡± she said with a smile on her face.


    How could this even be possible?


    I walked closer to her and paused. I watched her closely, scanning her face. I could count every freckle


    on her face. That was how close my face was to hers.


    ¡°Nicely done. Who¡¯s your surgeon?¡± I cupped her face with my hands to make sure she was real, or it


    was just some kind of hologram.


    Her face was warm and smooth.¡±I didn¡¯t undergo stic surgery. At least, not yet. I might lift my nose a


    little ¡®cause yours is perfect.¡± She was real.


    I released her face. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    I saw my parents approaching in the corner of my eye.


    ¡°Emma. Emma Peyton Holmes.¡± She offered her hand for a handshake.


    I shook it immediately.


    My smile widened. I felt an instant connection with Emma Peyton, or maybe because we both shared


    the same DNA.


    ¡°She¡¯s staying with us, Percie,¡± Dad said with a hint of guilt in his voice.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter.¡± Mom sounded like Dad.


    For once, I didn¡¯t care. I already got it without any exnations. Whatever their reasons were, I didn¡¯t


    give a damn.


    ¡°Good,¡± I said shortly.


    I looked at my parents, grabbed Emma¡¯s hand, and dragged her inside my room. She was looking back


    at my parents, but she did neither refuse toe with me.


    ¡°So, Emma Emma Peyton, why showed up just now?¡± I sat back in my bed, leaning against the


    headboard.


    She sat in front of me, Indian style. It was strange to see a woman version of yourself in front of you.


    ¡°My name is Emma Peyton, not Emma Emma Peyton.¡±


    Iughed. ¡°I know. Just messing up with you. You¡¯re beautiful, Emma. So, if I happen to be a girl, am I


    gonna be as beautiful as you?


    Sheughed. ¡°And if I happen to be a boy, for sure I¡¯m handsome as you. Don¡¯t tter yourself.¡±


    Iughed out loud.


    Then she suddenly looked down at her hands. ¡°A couple of months ago, my parents died in a car


    ident. Then I found out that I¡¯m adopted. So I searched the address of the adoption center. They


    gave me the name of my biological parents. My aunt Emily brought me here. She¡¯s my foster mom for


    a while,¡± she exined quietly.


    I felt the anger brewing in my blood at my parents, but at the same time, I was d we found each


    other again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss, Emma. And about the adoption. Obviously, we¡¯re both innocent at that time, but


    how about your adopted parents, were they good with you. Did they treat you well?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah. They were loaded just like your parents. I mean, our parents. They spoiled me. I¡¯m the only


    child they had. I was happy. In fact, they treated me like their own because I had no idea they were not


    my real parents until theirwyers told me.¡± Her eyes delighted with joy, but I still saw a hint of sadness.


    I was d she was in good hands.


    ¡°Did they exined to you? Our parents.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°They said they couldn¡¯t afford to raise two children at that time. When they found out


    that the couple would adopt me had a good ie, they let them.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still unfair, but I¡¯m d I finally meet you, Emma. I always wanted a sibling, you know. But you¡¯re


    not allowed to go out on a date until you¡¯re twenty-one.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop me if Dacre Montgomery asks me out.¡± Sheughed loudly.


    ¡°Who the hell is Dacre?¡±


    ¡°How about you, Percival?¡±


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Percival Edmund Matthews. Just call Perce. I¡¯m still single, Emma.¡±


    She grinned sheepishly. ¡°Your name is ugly. Sounds oldie. And you can¡¯t stop me if I wanna go out on a


    date. And why I¡¯m finding it hard to believe that you don¡¯t have a girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t found the lucky girl just yet. And don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll tell Mom and Dad about yourpliment.¡±


    Sheunched into me to cover my mouth. I caught her hands immediately and let them wrapped


    around her lean body. She tried to fight, but she failed anyway. I was stronger and bigger than her.


    ¡°We may be twins, sweetheart, but I¡¯m bigger and taller than you.¡±


    She shouted for help when I tickled her stomach. ¡°Stop! Stop! Please, stop. I¡¯m gooooona peeeeeee.¡±


    Iughed so hard. My bedroom door flew open.


    ¡°What are you doing to her, Percie?¡± Mom came rushing to us to release Emma from me.


    ¡°She said my name is ugly.¡± I released Emma and told Mom while looking at her, who was red as a


    tomato. Mom and Dad looked amused at what they saw between us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give her a hard time, Percie,¡± Mom said before they left.


    ¡°No promises!¡±


    ¡°So, back to the topic at hand, Emma Emma Peyton. Do you have a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Are you ready to go home, Percie?¡± Grandpa asked.


    I nodded. ¡°I guess so.¡±

 22

    22


    PERCIE


    Remy Larkin showing his signature smirk to the girls who nced at him was not news anymore. He


    was the definition of a ss A jerk.


    Who wouldn¡¯t notice him, by the way? When he walked like he was on the runway. He got the looks,


    money, and power from his dear daddy. Well, some girls liked guys like him, owning a little bit of


    poprity.


    He surprised me when he patted my shoulder¡ªthat never happened sincest year we had the same


    sses together. Then he dropped.


    I snorted. ¡°Remy, you patted the wrong guy, dude.¡±


    ¡°No, man. Come to my party at the Frat house. Bring your new girl, Matthews.¡± He smirked, and it


    pissed me off. There was something nasty about this invitation that I could smell from a mile.


    What I found hard to believe was how he remembered my name.


    I narrowed my eyes at him. I could see the glint in his eyes. ¡°New girl?¡± Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t have any


    idea about the girl he was talking about.


    ¡°Come on, man. Thest time I saw you with a girl¡ªwhen was that? Uh, atst year end¡¯s party. Wit¡ª


    what¡¯s her name?¡± He patted his finger on his chin. ¡°Cassie, right? Yeah, Cassie.¡±


    I clenched my jaw hard enough my teeth would crack. I still remembered how I pressed Cassie against


    the wall in that Frat house. I was drunk, but I remembered everything I did.


    I had no n on going to any party again, but after burning my parent¡¯s house, I wanted to forget what I


    did by drowning myself with alcohol and releasing my anger. It didn¡¯t do any good to me, though. When


    Cassie started flirting with me, I didn¡¯t resist. It didn¡¯t end that night. She became my fuck buddy for a


    few days.


    Every time I slept with her, I had to push back the thought of how Cassie and her friends treated Chloe.


    They called her names because Chloe was overweight. I didn¡¯t sleep with her for vengeance, but I


    stopped it because she was a bully.


    ¡°Let me set the record straight, I didn¡¯t bring her there. I went there alone.¡± I rolled my eyes and walked


    away from him. I knew he was still following me. I didn¡¯t know what he wanted from me, and I wouldn¡¯t


    give him the satisfaction of allowing him to get under my skin.


    ¡°Whatever, Matthews. Juste to my party and bring your girl.¡±


    I paused to face him. ¡°Just for an ideal of curiosity, what do you exactly want from me, Larkin? I¡¯m not


    going to your party, and I am telling you now. Whoever the girl you¡¯re talking about won¡¯t be there with


    me.¡± I tried hard to be calmer, but my hands already formed into fists, itching to punch his smirk off his


    fucking face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll invite her instead, then?¡± He raised his brow, challenging me.


    ¡°Invite anyone you want. Who gives a fuck?¡± I left him alone at a quick pace to get the hell away from


    him. My mind was still drilling the thoughts of the girl he was referring to¡ªhis next victim.


    Before I could think further, someone grabbed my arm. I cursed under my breath, groaned, and


    squeezed my eyes shut.


    ¡°Percie!¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to give me a heart attack?¡± I snarled at Hailey before I even opened my eyes. I didn¡¯t


    have to¡ªI knew that voice with all my being¡ªher touch, her tiny hands around my arm, her


    overwhelming presence. Since my swapping of memories that night, we grew closer.


    ¡°You were running out of the building, so I had to catch you up before you could go far. Why are you so


    grouchy?¡± Hailey asked, frowning.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have my number?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    Again, I cursed under my breath the moment I recognized the voice behind me. Hailey¡¯s eyes widened


    and tightened the grip of the books pressed against her chest. And so as her grip around my arm.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Remy. Matthew¡¯s friend.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. Since when did I be his friend? He offered his hand to Hailey. Hailey just looked


    at him like he came from another.


    I cleared my throat.


    Finally, Hailey shook his hand. ¡°Hailey.¡±


    Remy smiled, showing his dazzling white teeth. I took a huge breath to control my anger, not to punch


    the smirk off his face.


    ¡°I invited Percie, and youe to my party with him at the Frat house this Saturday, Hailey. Hope to


    see both of you there.¡± When Remy used his charms just like he usually did to every woman he wanted


    to get into their pants, that was a red g.


    My nose red in annoyance. Hailey was going to be his next victim if I would not do something about


    it.


    Hailey gave him a small smile enough to show him appreciation. She looked at me with furrowed


    brows. She must have noticed that with what was going on, it did not amuse me.


    ¡°See you both on Saturday, Matthews.¡± He patted my shoulder. ¡°Hailey, pleasure meeting you.¡± He


    smiled at her once again before he walked away.


    ¡°I thought you don¡¯t have a friend, Percie,¡± she said as she joined me in the hallway.


    ¡°I guess we just became friends less than five minutes ago. We had sses togetherst year, but we


    never talked.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to his party?¡± she asked with hesitancy.


    I stopped, facing her. ¡°Are you interested in going to his party, Hailey?¡±


    She wrinkled her nose when she noticed that I wasn¡¯t in a mood to talk about Remy and his fucking


    party.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ve never gone to a party like that.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Good.¡±


    She looked up at me. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. You were running away from him, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. He must have noticed me with you before. He invited me and wanted me to be at his party


    because of you. If you want to go, I will send you there.¡± My stomach twisted into a knot. My offer


    wasn¡¯t exactly genuine, but if it would make her happy, I could watch her from a distance.


    I knew what Remy was up to when he invited me. He wanted a new girl to toy around like Hailey, who


    was innocent and maybe still a virgin. And I¡¯m not going to let that happen. He was a jock, slept with


    every woman he wanted. He wouldn¡¯t take Hailey seriously. He would just hurt her once he was done.


    Fuck!


    Hailey startled me with a nudge.


    ¡°What?¡± I just snapped at her.


    ¡°You zoned out and cursed.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    I couldn¡¯t believe I just said that out loud.


    ¡°I was saying that Dad is nning on buying me a car. He said you could help me choose the car since


    you were a mechanic.¡± The excitement in her voice was palpable. Her smile just made my heart flutter,


    and it was unsettling how she managed to do that to me. Hailey was getting more beautiful every day.


    ¡°Do you have a driver¡¯s license?¡±


    She nudged me. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you buy a car before?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Forget that I asked. That was insensitive.¡±


    ¡°I drove Dad¡¯s car once. When I passed by the grocery store, I had a shback. I hit the car into the


    garbage can.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and squeezed it.


    She looked up at me. ¡°Dad said, you helped me a lot since I stayed with you. Every Sunday after you


    left, he allowed me to use his car, and I came home safe. I need to have a car so that you can go to


    school alone without waking up early morning.¡±


    ¡°You are not a burden, Hailey. If that¡¯s what you¡¯re trying to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I know your sses won¡¯t start an hour after my ss Percie. You can still get an hour of sleep, and


    you also have to wait for my ss to end. You already let me stay in your ce. I realize how much I


    abused your generosity and kindness.¡±


    I chuckled and shook my head. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable. Did you hear meining?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°I started to have a normal day since I met you. I guess we both have benefited from this little


    arrangement, don¡¯t you think? I like the thought that you¡¯re going to school and going home safe as


    well. It made me sleep well at night.¡±


    ¡°And you can¡¯t go out on a date as long as I am with you.¡±


    ¡°Date? Who said I¡¯m going on a date?¡± I unlocked my car. We both got in.


    ¡°My ssmates asked me if we are dating. They were happy when I told them that you are my


    roommate and we¡¯re like siblings.¡±


    Fuck me now. I wanted to punch someone in the face. She thought we were siblings? Just kill me now.


    Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You are not nning on buying a car because you can¡¯t go out on a date when you¡¯re with me and


    because those guys out there might think that we¡¯re dating, are you, Hailey? Don¡¯t reverse the story


    because I¡¯m not nning on dating someone.¡± I swallowed hard. I liked her a lot. So much it hurt that


    she thought I was like her brother. Ouch, Hailey. You just threw my hopes out of the fucking window.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡ª¡±


    I gritted my teeth and gripped the steering wheel, making my knuckles turn white. I red at her. ¡°Then


    what it is? You never heard meining. If you want to buy a car, I¡¯ll help you, but not because I


    can¡¯t date someone when you¡¯re with me. That¡¯s the most ridiculous reason I¡¯ve ever heard!¡±

 23

    23


    PERCIE


    I stepped on the brake. The tires screeched. Our body whish as the car stopped to a halt. I was too


    angry to notice that the traffic lights just turned red. Damn it, Hailey.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I checked for her. She was holding her chest and breathing rapidly.


    ¡°Lee.¡± I regretted it right away. What was I thinking, letting my emotions clouded my judgment? I


    cupped her face and looked her in the eye. Everything shed back at me, of what happened months


    ago when I saw the reaction in her eyes.


    She blinked rapidly, constantly nodding. Thank God she always wore her seatbelt whenever she rode


    with me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hailey. I was just angry. This won¡¯t happen again. I think you should buy a car. The sooner,


    the better. I can¡¯t risk your life like this.¡± I stared at her in the eye longer until she gave me a reassuring


    smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I was just a little bit shaken.¡± Her voice didn¡¯t lie.


    The horns behind us started me. I cursed silently. I drove carefully this time. I still remembered the


    wrecked of my dad¡¯s car after that ident. I might be walking to campus if I used my car during that


    incident.


    ***


    I¡¯m sweating everywhere after checking Hailey¡¯s car from the engine, carburetor, wires, interior, and


    tires. I also changed the oils. Her Honda ord 2019 would run like brand new. Although it ran long


    miles already, that man in the selling garage didn¡¯t actually lie. This car was worthy of her dad¡¯s money.


    ¡°Lee!¡± I called while wiping my sweat off my forehead. I had to remove my white shirt before start


    checking her car. The garage of her father was a little a bit smaller now her car was already here.


    ¡°Pe¡ª¡± She stopped when she saw me. I ignored the tingles as she checked me out sweaty, greasy,


    half-naked in her dad¡¯s garage.


    ¡°Hailey, try to start it now.¡± I closed the hood of her car.


    I was running out of patience when nothing happened. I looked back at her. Her face was a deep


    crimson.


    ¡°Um¡ª¡± She blinked rapidly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± I asked harshly. Remember, Percie. I¡¯m like her brother.


    ¡°Um, nothing!¡± She snapped, ring at me.


    I bit my lip to hold my smile. Fine, I bite it. Nothing, just like you said.


    ¡°Then get inside your car because it won¡¯t start by itself.¡± I rolled my eyes.


    I knew the key wasn¡¯t with her, but she was already inside the car. And she didn¡¯t ask from me. I


    knocked on her window while dangling the key.


    She was still blushing. What was she thinking? My interests piqued me.


    ¡°You can¡¯t drive when your mind is in the gutter, Hailey.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Just give me the key.¡± She offered her hand.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Really, Hailey? Not even a thank you?¡± She hurt my feelings, honestly. I fished out the key from my


    pocket and put it in her hand. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    I left her alone, snatched my shirt from the coat rack, and put it on quickly.


    ¡°Lily, Hailey¡¯s car is good as new. She can drive that to our apartment. I¡¯m going home to take a


    shower. Do you need anything before I go?¡±


    She gave me her usual motherly smile and pecked me in my sweaty face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sweating, Lily.¡±


    She just giggled. ¡°Thank you, Percie. Why don¡¯t you wait until dinner?.¡± There¡¯s nowhere I¡¯d rather be,


    but my feeling is hurt.


    ¡°This Sunday, Lily. Promise.¡±


    ¡°Okay, my dear.¡±


    I pecked her on her cheek. ¡°Got to go.¡±


    I walked out of the house and drove away without saying goodbye to Hailey. I didn¡¯t know what was


    wrong with her or what was wrong with me? I knew one thing, though, but I¡¯d rather deny it than admit


    to myself that I was slowly, painfully, falling for my roommate.


    I showered the grease and oil-stained away from my body. I was still in the middle of wearing my shirt


    when I heard a loud knock on my bedroom door. I rushed my way towards to open it.


    ¡°Why did you leave me behind?¡± Angry Hailey¡¯s voice snapped me out of my misery.


    For a moment, I wanted to kiss her to shut up. But looking at her so pissed, her hands on her hips while


    ring at me, I¡¯d rather sleep to slumber.


    I didn¡¯t answer her. I ran my palms in front of the shirt,bed my wet hair with my fingers. I walked


    out of my room without a single wording from me.


    I was turning into sensitive and soft when she was with me. My emotions were turning into a whirlwind


    when she was around, and I didn¡¯t like it. She was making me feel like a human, an ordinary guy like I


    used to be. But I didn¡¯t like my old self, who undoubtedly got hurt. And the feeling was awful.


    A few months ago, I didn¡¯t care what people thought of me. I didn¡¯t even give a fuck about them. I had


    my world, and they had theirs. It drastically changed the moment I met Keith, Lily, and Hailey.


    ¡°Percie, I¡¯m talking to you.¡± She followed me to the kitchen.


    I opened the fridge and drunk the OJ from the juice box.


    ¡±What¡¯s wrong with you? Ew. When did you start drinking from the carton? I should buy for my own


    next time. Are you drinking the milk directly from the carton too?¡± She was wrinkling her nose when I


    looked at her.


    I belched out.


    Her eyes widened. Her hand flew to her mouth.


    I walked away from her to the living area and slumped my ass to the couch. I pressed the TV remote


    and scanned some shows. She was still standing beside me with her hands on her waist.


    I could see her in my peripheral vision. Her patience was wearing thin. I stopped scanning when it


    distract my mind away from her.


    ¡°Is this your way of saying to me that I should search for a new roommate soon?¡± Well, I didn¡¯t see that


    I froze in my seat. It didn¡¯t even ur to me to kick her out of our apartment. I swallowed the bile rising


    from my throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m not kicking you out of here, Hailey. What would your parents think of me?¡± I threw her a nce


    before I focused again on the show on TV. ¡°But if that¡¯s what you want.¡± I didn¡¯t mean that. I hoped she


    would bite it.


    ¡°You always thought about them. I¡¯m d you respect my parents, Percie, but if you¡¯re notfortable


    with me being around anymore, I would understand. I¡¯ll start searching for an apartment far from here


    even without telling them.¡±


    I squinted my eyes at her. ¡°What in the hell I¡¯m not kicking you out from here you didn¡¯t understand?¡±


    My voice boomed in the living room, causing her to flinch.


    She looks terrified.


    I regretted it right away. Seeing how Hailey react only made me realize how much she meant to me. If


    she was hurt, so did I. In the end, I was hurting myself back.


    I couldn¡¯t let her go. She was the only person who kept me sane. The only one who made me closer to


    normal.


    She started shaking.


    I cursed silently.


    ¡°Thank you for fixing my car.¡±


    She ran away from the living room. Then her door mmed shut, the whole floor shook. If it was not


    her room door. It was the main door.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± I fisted my hands stronger that turns my knuckles into white. Before I could even think of hurting


    myself, the ss table crashed down the floor into pieces.


    ***


    I dialed her number, but she didn¡¯t pick up, and I started to worry. I couldn¡¯t keep on calling her. I


    couldn¡¯t distract her if she was driving. I tried to take a breath to calm my nerves, but it didn¡¯t even help.


    It¡¯d been an hour since she ran away. I constantly checked the time on my phone. I leaned my back


    against my car while waiting for her. I scanned around the parking lot, but her car wasn¡¯t around.


    I called her mom before I went outside the apartment. She didn¡¯t go there. Her mom said not to worry,


    but I couldn¡¯t help myself. It was my fault. Again, it was all my fucking fault.


    I got in my car and listened to some rock music on Spotify. My nerves calmed down a bit, but my mind


    always went back to Hailey.


    I closed my eyes and leaned back. A light that streaked through my windshield forced my eyes to open.


    I sat straight instantly in my seat.


    Quickly, I got out and walked towards her car, but then another car parked beside hers. In an instant, I


    knew who car that was.

 24

    24


    PERCIE


    ¡°Hailey, where have you been? I¡¯m worried hell, and you didn¡¯t even check your phone for my call. You


    can¡¯t just run away like you just wentpletely off the face of the earth.¡± I tried hard to calm my voice,


    but that asshole¡¯s smirking before me had pissed me off.


    ¡°Hey, man. Hailey was with me the whole time.¡±


    Piercing Hailey with my gaze, I had to turn my attention to the asshole who answered me instead.


    ¡°What do you mean she was with you the whole time?¡±


    Hailey cleared her throat. ¡°He saw me at the ice cream parlor.¡± Wow! How convenient? ¡±We drove to


    the nearest park and ate ice cream there.¡±


    My nose red. My chest constricted. How could I be so fucking dumb? I couldn¡¯t believe she spent


    time with him instead.


    ¡°And you have no n texting me that you¡¯re actually okay?¡± I faced Hailey again.


    ¡°Man, why are you angry with her? It¡¯s not that you two are dating. She can go with anyone she likes.¡±


    I clenched my jaw. My blood was boiling. Control your temper, Matthews. ¡±And let me guess that


    anyone is you? Then what? You can use her like how you used and threw all the women you slept with


    once you were over with them?¡±


    ¡°And what is your problem if I sleep around? It¡¯s not that they are not aware of my rules before sleeping


    with me. Everyone is aware that I don¡¯t date.¡±


    ¡°My problem? Seriously, Larkin? I don¡¯t give a fuck about your sexcapades. Why did I suddenly pique


    your interest and pretend that we are friends? Why now? Because you want something from me? You


    want to use Hailey to be your next girl toy?¡±


    I just hit the nerve. His hands form into fists. He may be taller and bulkier than me, but I was not afraid


    of him. I had nothing to lose.


    ¡°Watch your words, Matthews! You know who are you talking to!¡± he warned me.


    ¡°Oh, yeah? And I¡¯m so terrified right now I can pee in my pants. Who isn¡¯t aware of you and your father


    anyway?¡±


    ¡°You watch your tone if I were you, Matthews! And Hailey is an adult, and she can decide whether she


    wille with me or not. It¡¯s her choice and not yours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Both of you!¡± Hailey cut in. She faced Remy. ¡°Thank you, Remy. Raincheck for your


    party?¡±


    ¡°Hope you¡¯lle, Hailey. You won¡¯t regret it.¡± Remy smirked at me and smiled at Hailey.


    I wanted to punch him in his fucking face my body vibrated.


    Once Remy was gone, she red at me. ¡°What is your problem?¡±


    ¡°You know what¡¯s my problem,¡± I answer dryly. ¡°d you¡¯re okay, by the way, and you enjoyed your ice


    cream.¡±


    ¡°No, Percie. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s your problem. Care to tell?¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable.¡± I shook my head and walked to the apartment building instead.


    I heard footsteps behind my back. She was following me but held the urge to stop and turn to face her.


    I still found it hard to believe that she had ice cream in the park with Remy Larkin of all the people. She


    was aware of who he was, and yet she didn¡¯t care. Did she like him?


    I cursed in my breath. Hailey was so na?ve about what Remy was capable of doing.


    The elevator slid open, and she got in before I could. She was still pouting. I stayed silent when she


    didn¡¯t say a word. She was stubborn, I gave her that, and I was stubborn, too. Let us see who would


    crack first. I fished out my keys in my jeans pocket, but she already shoved her key in the keyhole of


    our apartment door.


    ¡°You won¡¯t talk to me anymore?¡± she asked harshly.


    If I could ignore the pain in my chest and my knuckles, I could ignore her as well.


    I kicked my shoes off andid down in my bed. I shut my eyes closed and tried to forget what had just


    happened earlier. My door flew open. When I lifted my head, it was Hailey walking into my room.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you at least knock? What if I¡¯m butt naked?¡± I narrowed my eyes and sat on my bed.


    ¡°Want some pizza?¡± Well, that was random.


    ¡°And that¡¯s the reason why you barged into my room to ask me if I want pizza?¡± I sneered.


    ¡°What else?¡± she sneered back.


    I snorted. ¡°You really have an attractive attitude, Hailey. Didn¡¯t you eat ice cream already? Do you want


    to be fat? Larkin likes his girls skinny.¡± It was way out of line, but I was beyond mad.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You know what I mean, and don¡¯t be so naive. Is he the reason why you want to have


    your own car? So that you can go out with him? Were you nning on going to a party before he came


    to invite you?¡±


    Her eyes widened. Her mouth gaped, then shut closed. She wanted to say something but hold her


    thoughts back.


    She took a huge breath before walking out of my room, closing the door behind her.


    Iid back on my bed with my heart crushed in my chest.


    ***


    I went to campus for two days alone without taking the breakfast she made for me every morning. I


    stopped in the diner to eat like I always did before Hailey came into the picture. She was so stubborn. I


    admired her tenacity.


    After we encountered that night, she was avoiding me like a gue. I still checked on her every time I


    finished my ss to make sure nobody bullied her. She seemed okay, though. She made friends with


    girls name Megan and Victoria, and they looked decent.


    I got in the diner, took my seat, and ordered my usual lunch.


    ¡°Hey, Percie.¡± I looked up at the girl smiling and standing beside my table.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said and smiled back.


    Lexie Heights was my ssmate in my anatomy ss. She was pretty with strawberry blonde hair,


    piercing blue eyes, full lips, with a cheerleader body. She was around five foot four inches tall, and she


    always wore a skirt just above her knees.


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Can I sit?¡± She pointed at the empty seat across mine.


    ¡°Sure. Have a seat. My treat.¡±


    Her smile widened, then she shook her head. ¡°No, Percie. I can buy my own.¡±


    ¡°No, really. My treat. And it¡¯s rude to reject an offer, and I only offer once. So take it.¡±


    Sheughed. ¡°Fine. Why are you alone this time? Where is Hailey?¡±


    I froze. How did she know about Hailey? I cleared my throat. ¡°She¡¯s probably with¡ª¡±


    Her eyes widened, gaze focusing on the door.

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    I turned my head, swearing silently. The shock on Hailey¡¯s face twisted my gut to see me with Lexie


    together. She stopped at the door, causing her friends to stop too.


    I swallowed hard and looked back at the girl in front of me. It was not that we broke up or I was


    cheating on her.


    The waitress approached and asked Lexie about her order.


    Lexie looked at me. ¡°Are you sure you want me to sit with you?¡±


    My brows furrowed. ¡°Of course. Why not?¡±


    ¡°Um, Hailey might think something, you know,¡± she whispered.


    I chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re just roommates. I don¡¯t think she cares if I¡¯m talking with girls. I¡¯m not stopping her


    to make friends either. Or even go out on a date. She is a big girl. She can take care of herself.¡±


    ¡°Okay. But why do I sense some sarcasm and jealousy?¡± She beamed at me.


    ¡°Nuh. I was like a brother to her.¡± I looked to my right. Hailey was looking right at before she averted


    her gaze to her friends.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s how she looks at her brother. She likes you a lot, Percie.¡±


    I looked at Lexie incredulously. ¡°What? That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Hailey likes you. Trust me.¡± She smiled, raising her brow. I wished she was true, but it didn¡¯t feel that


    way. The feeling wasn¡¯t mutual at all.


    ¡°Yeah, of course. She likes me. Like her brother.¡±


    Sheughed out loud, hitting my hand yfully.


    Iughed too while Hailey was narrowing her eyes in our direction. I narrowed back. What¡¯s wrong with


    her?


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. I mean, she likes you like like you, but never as her brother.¡± She rolled her


    eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s what she said,¡± I told her.


    She giggled like a schoolgirl in front of her celebrity crush. Lexie was actually funny and genuine. Why


    didn¡¯t I notice her before? Maybe because I was too busy ogling at someone who would never be mine,


    someone who never looked at me the way I looked at her. Or maybe, I was too blind to see what was


    right in front of me.


    She nudged my hand.


    ¡°Are you saying something?¡±


    She grinned. What¡¯s with this girl?


    ¡°You do really like her, don¡¯t you? But you both are so blind to see or maybe, too shy to admit your


    feelings for each other.¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Do you carry a magic ball with you? Just eat and stop pushing what¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°But you wish it is.¡±


    I closed my eyes and released a sigh.¡±I like her, but her parents trusted me of her, and I can¡¯t just break


    their trust. Besides, she¡¯s too good and innocent to be with me. I¡¯m not what you think I am, Lexie.¡± I


    looked at her to see her reaction, but she didn¡¯t even give me a hint of surprise or judgment.


    ¡°I sense desperations.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you say, Lexie.¡±


    ¡°People made mistakes, Percie. We are not perfect, that¡¯s why we are human. We¡¯ll die eventually, but


    I don¡¯t wanna die with regrets. If I were you, I would grab the opportunity and do something I love doing


    before it would be toote. Chances won¡¯t wait for us, or someone else will.¡±


    My mouth gaped.


    I put my fork down. Lexie remembered me of Emma. She did what she loved while she still had a


    chance.


    ¡°You really are something, Lexie. I didn¡¯t think of you as a person with wisdom.¡±


    She shrugged and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m full of surprises, ain¡¯t I¡±?


    ¡°Who sent you here?¡± I asked.


    Now she looked confused. ¡°Who sent me here?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, do you have wings?¡± I asked and looked at her seriously.


    She stared at me like I grew another head.


    ¡°Strawberry.¡±


    ¡°What about strawberry?¡± she asked, confused than ever.


    ¡°Nothing. Just messing with you.¡±


    She leaned back. Her face lit up.


    ¡°Are you going to Larkin¡¯s party tomorrow night?¡±


    ¡°Are you?¡±


    She shrugged.


    ¡°Come with me then.¡±


    Maybe Hailey would be there, and I couldn¡¯t let her go without someone watching for her. She didn¡¯t


    belong to that kind of party.


    ¡°She would be there, would she?¡±


    I studied her face, but I didn¡¯t see anything suspicious.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then. She needs someone to watch for her.¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this, Lexie?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°Because you like her, and I like you as a friend. You are not like anyone on campus. You may be are


    broody and grumpy, but you are a good person, Percie.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m far from good. I¡¯m warning you now.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. That won¡¯t scare me off. Don¡¯t let Hailey worry about me because I¡¯m not a threat.¡±


    I furrowed my brows.


    ¡°I like pussies,¡± she said proudly.


    My mouth cked open.


    ¡°What?¡±


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You¡¯re lesbian?¡± I whispered.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Wow! You¡¯re hot.¡±


    Sheughed. I looked at Hailey one more time.


    ***


    Hailey left early. I guessed she had nned on going to a party tonight. I texted Lexie an hour ago that


    I was going to pick her up at her apartment. She then replied and gave me her address. It was not far


    from my ce.


    I found out that she liked Megan. Jesus! I was still finding it hard to believe that she was actually into


    girls, but she was a good person. We met after ss this morning and shared lunch together.


    ¡°You look hot!¡± I exaggeratedly told her.


    Sheughed out loud. She wore a white crop top and a tight leather red mini skirt that barely covered


    her round ass,plemented with ck knee boots and fis stockings. She also put on some


    glittery eye shadow and red lipstick.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not straight? I can do you right now?¡± I teased her.


    ¡°Ew. You¡¯re not my type.¡± She faked her gag, making meugh.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never slept with guys?¡± I pressed.


    ¡°Of course, I did. Let¡¯s go and see your girl.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not my girl.¡± Yet. My stomach twisted. Something warmed inside me. Maybe I was wishing


    Hailey was my girl, but the fact just hurt like fuck.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be soon. And stop being stubborn before Larkin takes her away from you. Don¡¯t let the good one


    get away, Percie.¡± I¡¯ll keep that in mind.


    I gripped the steering wheel stronger to contain my anger because just the thought of Remy touching


    Hailey made my blood rush up my head.


    I grabbed Lexie¡¯s hand and strode through the crowded room. The party had just started, but the smell


    of booze, sweat, and vomit were thicker in the air. This time, no pop music¡ª the ssic rock was


    booming through the sound system. I couldn¡¯t help but followed the tempo.


    I scanned the crowd for Hailey, but I didn¡¯t see her anywhere.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here. She¡¯s not here!¡± Lexie yelled into my ear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up!¡± I yelled back.


    We checked every room on the second floor, but we couldn¡¯t find Hailey. I groaned in frustration. My


    suspicions were about to be true. The fact that I couldn¡¯t find Remy as well, I was damn scared for her.


    I ran my fingers through my hair many times.


    I still thanked God she wasn¡¯t in with all those making out in every room I barged in. And most of those


    guys were Remy¡¯sckeys.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you just call her? It will save us time. Stop being stubborn already and let us save your girl


    before it¡¯s toote,¡± Lexie suggested.


    ¡°Go check out some hot chicks, and I¡¯ll check for Hailey.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°You know what? I want to strangle both of you. I¡¯ll let you know if I see her.¡±


    I gave up when I couldn¡¯t find her everywhere in this house. I asked her ssmate that I recognized,


    but nobody saw her here. Where did she go if she wasn¡¯t here? Somehow, I felt relieved.


    ¡°Percie, d you came, man.¡± Remy patted my back, and he was alone. A part of me was rxed.


    ¡°Yeah, thanks. Nice party, man.¡± I yed cool.


    ¡°Where is your girl?¡± Well, I didn¡¯t see thating.


    ¡°She¡¯s down with her friend,¡± I lied. If he insisted, I would pretend to be with Lexie. I watched from


    upstairs while everyone was down dancing.


    ¡°Good you bring her here. Why don¡¯t you join us for some games?¡± Of course, he always had on his


    sleeves. But I didn¡¯t want to let history repeat itself.


    ¡°Sorry, Remy, but I suck at games. Maybe next time. Thanks though. I¡¯ll go down check on my girl.¡± I


    patted his shoulder just like how he patted me.


    My mind went back to thest time I was with Emma. I missed her terribly. Every fucking day.


    I was waiting for Lexie¡¯s update, but still, nada. I wanted her to enjoy this party, and she put too much


    effort into her dress, her hair, and makeup.


    My phone vibrated.


    Lex: Bored?


    Percie: Yup. Ready?


    Lex: No girls. Sure.


    ¡°You can crash at my apartment.¡± I looked at already tipsy Lexie.


    ¡°Are you sure? Hailey won¡¯t mind?¡± She leaned her head back, massaging her temples.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t. And it¡¯s not that I¡¯m gonna bang you. How much did you drink?¡±


    ¡°That drink they might have¡ªspiked it.¡± She slurred. Of course.


    ¡°You¡¯re silly. Watch yourself next time, Lexie. What if wasn¡¯t with you? You¡¯d be in trouble when you


    wake up in the morning.¡±


    As soon as I led her way into my apartment, I sensed something.

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    I locked the door behind me and cleared my throat. Hailey was already frozen in her ce to see Lexie


    with me. Poor girl, she didn¡¯t have a clue. But deep inside, I was d to see her here, safe.


    ¡°Hailey, I¡¯m Lexie. Percie and I have sses together.¡± She waved her hand while her eyes barely


    opened. She had to lean into me to keep standing.


    Hailey hadn¡¯t moved a muscle. I must admit that judging by her reactions right now, Lexie was right that


    Hailey liked me.


    ¡°She hates me,¡± Lex whispered. Regret was thick in her tone.


    ¡°Thought you went to a party.¡± I opened the conversation since she was still dumbfounded to reply to


    Lexie.


    ¡°I said to think about it, and I thought you¡¯re not interested in Remy¡¯s party,¡± she said dismissively,


    ring at Lexie.


    ¡°It¡¯s legit. She hates me,¡± Lexie whispered again, causing Hailey to re further.


    ¡°I went with Lexie because I thought you would be there with your friends.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my cup of tea, and I have a group study with Megan and Victoria.¡± She slumped down to the


    couch. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re busy and bring apany. I don¡¯t wanna waste much of your time.¡±


    I exchanged looks with Lexie, who looked amused in her state. Lexie mouthed the word jealous to me.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You sleep in my room. I¡¯ll be on the couch.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll be on the couch. That¡¯s your room,¡± she argued while we walked to my room.


    ¡°Take my room. End of discussion.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re starting a World War III.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She stole a nce at Hailey. ¡°I think you should talk to her, Percie. You have to exin. She thinks that


    you¡¯re nning on banging me. And I don¡¯t want her to hate, you know. I like Megan.¡±


    ¡°We have rules, and one of them is not to bring any guys or girls into the apartment,¡± I said dryly.


    Her eyes grew big. ¡°Then why did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m not going to bang you.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m still a girl, and you still have to exin it to her. It¡¯s unhealthy to keep secrets from your


    roommate, and she clearly misunderstood what she just saw a while ago. And I bet my fifty, Hailey¡¯s in


    love with you.¡±


    ¡°We are not keeping secrets, and that¡¯s her problem if she thinks I brought you here to sleep with you.


    And she¡¯s not in love with me. She cares, maybe. Or she¡¯s attracted with me, but so do I.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean, Percie.¡±


    ¡°Then what do you mean?¡± I grabbed a clean nket from the closet and a pillow from my bed.


    She grabbed my arm, looking guiltier. ¡°I think I should go home. I¡¯ll call Uber.¡±


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No. You¡¯re roofied. And it¡¯s already two in the morning. Stay here, Lexie. Sleep in my bed, and I will


    crash on the couch.¡±


    She grabbed the nket and a pillow from me. ¡°I¡¯m not gonna use your filthy nket. You might have


    jerked off in it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I might have jerked off a couple of times,¡± I admitted with augh.


    ¡°Eww. Can¡¯t you guys just do it in the bathroom?¡± She wrinkled her nose.


    ¡°That¡¯s ufortable, silly. But I did it in the bathroom. And that nket is clean. I promise.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! Stop talking about jerking off. Talk to Hailey. I will stay here and wait for you. You should respect


    and obey the rules if she¡¯s doing the same. She has the right to disagree with you, you know, for


    bringing me over here.¡±


    I sighed in defeat. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go and talk to her.¡±


    She beamed, giving me a thumbs up.


    Hailey wasn¡¯t in the living room anymore, and neither in the kitchen. The moment I was standing at her


    door, I second thought of knocking. But Lexie had a point. I have to respect and obey the rules if Hailey


    was doing the same, and I was the one who made them anyway.


    I knocked and waited. No response.


    I knocked again, and still no answer. Did she fall asleep? Was she mad at me for bringing Lexie into


    our apartment? Did I really have to ask? Was she really jealous, though?


    I grabbed and twisted the doorknob, and it surprised me that it wasn¡¯t locked. I called her name and


    peeked my head. Like always, her room was tidy and smelled strawberries. It was dark. Only themp


    on her nightstand gave light in the room. She was lying on her right side. I helped myself in and closed


    the door behind me.


    My heartbeat skipped a beat the closer I got.


    A smile formed on my lips. Hailey wasn¡¯t covered with a nket, but she had AirPods in her ear. Her


    eyes are closed.


    I sat at the edge of her bed. The mattress pressed down.


    She jolted and turned to face me. Her eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°What are you doing in my room, Percie?¡± Her tone was low but firm.


    ¡°I was knocking many times, but you didn¡¯t answer me. Apparently, you¡¯re wearing that thing,¡± I


    exined.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡± She red, sat, and leaned back against the headboard.


    ¡°You plugged your Airpods on because you think I was gonna sleep with Lexie?¡± I pointed out.


    She was still ring. ¡°My question, Percie. And it¡¯s none of my business what you do with your


    life.¡± Ouch.


    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna exin why I brought her here, and I¡¯m not breaking our house rules, Hailey. I brought


    her to the party to search for you because I thought you went there to meet Remy. She got drunk.


    Someone spiked her drinks. When we left the party, I was trying to do the right thing, and I was the


    reason why she went to that party in the first ce. To help me.¡± After I exined, she looked intently


    into my eyes.


    ¡°Why did you search for me there?¡±


    I shrugged before I answered her truthfully, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go to that party.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just ask me as normal people do? We are roommates, Percie. We live in the same


    apartment. You can only text me or leave me a note.¡±


    I took a huge breath. Lexie was right again. I was stubborn¡ªtoo stubborn. ¡°You were not talking to me,


    and you were avoiding me like gues. And I thought you want to go to the party.¡±


    ¡°And you weren¡¯t avoiding me?¡± She red back.


    I bit my lower lip, nodding as I admitted my fault.


    ¡°I was mad at you for snapping at me, and you had ice cream with fucking Larkin when I told you to


    stay away from him. Instead, you defy me. He is not good for you, and he won¡¯t treat you right. He¡¯s the


    opposite of your prince charming, Hailey.¡±


    She opened her mouth to say something but closed back. She ended up shaking her head.


    ¡°Would you talk to me if I talked to you?¡±


    She dropped her gaze down her fingers.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± I held her hands. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna see you getting hurt, Lee. You are too innocent


    to be a part of Remy¡¯s life. I care about you a lot, and if I see you hurt because of him, I wouldn¡¯t, and I


    couldn¡¯t just watch you while you¡¯re hurting yourself. I would not hesitate to give him what he


    deserved.¡±


    Her gaze flew back at me with wide eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t like him, Percie. I don¡¯t like someone like him. I


    turned him down when he asked me out.¡±

 27

    27


    PERCIE


    What the fuck?


    ¡°He asked you out?¡± My voice raised. I pressed my lips into a thin line before I spoke again. ¡°And just


    now you told me?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I mean. You ignored me, so how am I supposed to tell you when we were avoiding each other.¡±


    ¡°Did he insist?¡±


    She stared at me right into my eyes. ¡°He said just once, but I said I like someone else, and he asked


    who.¡±


    I swallowed the lump forming in my throat while wishing it would be me. My heart thumped faster in


    anticipation.


    ¡°And?¡± My tongue thickened in my mouth.


    ¡°I said I like you,¡± she whispered shyly.


    I thought my world just spun around, then abruptly stopped. Wait a sec? Did she just say she liked me?


    A smile spread across my lips and slowly, deliberately formed into a wide grin. My face ached.


    I squeezed her hands and caressed her knuckles. ¡°Did you mean it, Hailey? Or you were just trying to


    avoid Remy?¡± I could clearly hear the joy in my voice.


    She didn¡¯t meet my gaze. Though she nodded, I still wanted to hear it from her. ¡°I want to hear it,


    Hailey.¡±


    She looked at me with a shrug. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter now. You have already Lexie just right next door.¡±


    ¡°It matters to me, Lee. Like how you matter to me. And about that.¡±


    She blinked as if she couldn¡¯t believe what she just heard.


    I moved closer to her without breaking eye contact. I cupped her face with my hands and caressed her


    cheeks with my thumbs. Her face was so soft and smooth. And the way she looked at me right now¡ª


    with anticipation brewing in her eyes, was adorable. I wanted to crush my lips and kiss her senselessly


    until we were breathless.


    ¡°I like you too, Hailey. So much. I know I¡¯m not good for you, but I will do my best to be good and be


    deserving of your trust, care, admiration, and your kindness,¡± I told her with all my heart that I¡¯d been


    bottling up in my chest.


    She nodded again. My heart would burst out from my chest at any moment.


    ¡°Would you go out on a date with me?¡±


    Then the most beautiful smile spread across her face.


    Her answer caught me by surprise when she alsounched herself into me.


    ¡°Okay. I take that as a yes.¡± Iughed.


    She pulled away before I could hug her back. ¡°Sorry, got too excited.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯d been thinking about asking you for a while now. I just don¡¯t want you to withdraw back and


    not talk to me again. And I want more of that from you.¡± I tucked her hair behind her ear. She was so


    beautiful, and I didn¡¯t deserve someone as pure-hearted as her.


    ¡°What about her?¡± Finally, I was hoping she would ask.


    ¡°I¡¯m not her type, Lee. She likes girls, and she likes Megan, your friend.¡±


    Her eyes grew big, covering her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°Yeah. So, no need to be rude to Lexie,¡± I teased. ¡°She¡¯s just a friend.¡±


    Her face instantly turned red. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I let her sleep in my room. I¡¯ll stay on the couch, okay?¡±


    Her brows quirked up. ¡°You can stay here. We¡¯ll fit here together.¡±


    She has no idea how hard I had been trying to control myself when she was this close to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Lee. I will stay on the couch tonight.¡±


    She nodded, but she was not good at hiding her emotions. I stood up from her bed and kissed her


    head.


    ¡°Get some sleep. I¡¯ll go check on Lexie. Be nice to our guest in the morning, okay?¡±


    She smiled.


    ¡°Night, Lee.¡±


    ¡°Night.¡±


    ***


    I woke up to the murmur and smell of coffee. I rubbed my eyes and stretched my limbs until I


    remembered I was on the couch. My mind went up to the eventst night. I was going on a date with


    Hailey. For the first time in like eternity, I had some nning to do.


    After doing my bathroom chores, I went directly to the kitchen, only to find Hailey and Lexie busy


    preparing breakfast. Lexie was already wearing Hailey¡¯s shirt and Pajama bottom. They were chatting,


    but I couldn¡¯t quite catch what was all about.


    ¡°Morning,dies.¡± I smiled.


    Lexie elbowed Hailey. They seemed both speechless, just staring at me as if I was Thor visiting their


    kitchen. No pun intended.


    ¡°Morning, Percie,¡± Lexie greeted back with a wink.


    Finally, Hailey made her way towards me, beaming. She was so pretty and fresh in the morning.


    ¡°Hi.¡± I was all speechless when she did that.


    ¡°Morning.¡± She murmured, wrapped her arms around my neck, and pecked my lips. Wow! I could


    definitely get used to this.


    I froze in my track. Hailey pulled back before I could squeeze her and kiss her back.


    She grabbed my hand to follow her.


    ¡°Hailey made the breakfast, and I¡¯m just a help,¡± Lexiemented. She settled in on a stool across


    from us. Hailey and I chose the same spot. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulled her in, and


    kissed her on her cheek. She looked surprised, but she offered a smile.


    We had breakfast with a light conversation about stuff at school. When I caught Lexie ncing at us


    and trying to hide her smile from Hailey, I gave her a warning look.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just send Lexie to her apartment. I¡¯ll be quick.¡± I told Hailey after our breakfast. She was reading a


    book on our couch.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I already have a ride, and it will be here soon.¡± Lexie had already her things ready.


    ¡°I told you I¡¯m sending you home.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a lot of things to do today.¡± Her phone rang at the same time.


    ¡°No one can stop you, can¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the cab!¡± she sang merrily, grabbing her purse.


    ¡°At least let me send you down.¡±


    She ran away towards the door, yelling bye.


    ¡°Text me as soon as you get home!¡±


    Once Lexie was gone, I took a seat beside Hailey on the couch. My pillow and nket were still here.


    She was pretty engrossed with the book. But what I could appreciate right now was her beauty, just so


    captivating.


    I was too drawn, and I didn¡¯t even realize she was already staring back at me.


    I cleared my throat. ¡°So, ready?¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For our date.¡±


    Her eyes erged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you changed your mind.¡±


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t change my mind. We didn¡¯t talk about when, though.¡±


    She was right.


    I didn¡¯t mention it to her, but I already talked to Grandpa about my n.


    ¡°So, ready then?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°Sure. Where are we going? At least let me choose an appropriate dress to wear.


    ¡°No need to wear anything fancy.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Are we going somewhere far?¡±


    I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. I could smell her shampoo as I tucked my chin on top of her


    head.


    ¡°Not far. And how are your friends treating you?¡±


    ¡°No need to threaten my friends. They want to meet you.¡± She sat straight.


    ¡°Really? Did you tell them about us?


    She nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡± My gazended on her biting her bottom lip.


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Unless you want me to kiss you.¡±


    She looked funny, blushing as she pressed her lips into a thin line.


    ¡°You can invite them over and have some girls¡¯ bonding or girls¡¯ night or whatever you girls do. Just no


    boys allowed. Only me.¡± Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    She giggled.


    I pulled her closer to me, wrapping my arms around her petite body. She looked small, but we fit just


    perfectly right.


    She grabbed my hand and kissed my bruised knuckles. ¡°Have you tried to let this checkup?¡±


    I swallowed as I felt her soft wet lips touching my skin. ¡°No broken bones, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯d you do that? Punched the coffee table.¡±


    ¡°I will rece it.¡± When I came back, the shattered sses were wiped clean.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about recing what you broke. It¡¯s about talking, opening up by expressing your emotions and


    letting them out of your chest.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not good at that since I lost Emma.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should see a shrink together.¡± Her suggestion made me think, but I didn¡¯t think it was


    necessary.


    ¡°How about we share and open up when we¡¯re together.¡±


    She turned to face me. ¡°I think that¡¯s a good start.¡± She then traveled her gaze down lips, leaving it


    there for a moment. The process was making my body tense. My skin tingled with fierce anticipation. I


    was a guy, but I was the breathless one. Yeah, damn right, I was breathless.


    Her lips were quicker than the sh as she pressed against mine. Before I could get ahold of what just


    happened, she was already standing, beaming down on me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go them.¡± She was already gone while I was staring down at the reaction on my crotch.

 28

    28


    PERCIE


    ¡°Wow! Who owned this ce? Or are we trespassing?¡± I saw the amazement in Hailey¡¯s eyes as she


    wandered to the property of my grandparents.


    The two-story sto house had a huge frontwn, beautifulndscapes, and a deck to theke at the


    back of the house that Hailey was about to see.


    Grandma loved this ce so much and had been with them for a long time. As a real estate business


    proprietor, they knew clients would put big money into a property like this.


    ¡°We would not trespass on our first date, Lee. This belongs to my grandparents.¡± I was holding her


    hand as we marched to the front door.


    Thest time I visited this ce was myst summer with Emma before we started our senior year.


    Nothing had changed with the interior. Our family pictures were mounted, then thest picture I had


    with Emma and my grandparents was just above the firece. The living room had the same furniture.


    One thing has changed, I came back without my family, but with Hailey.


    I fulfilled one Emma¡¯s favor, to live my life like how she wanted me to be. My heart still ached from


    losing her, but I had Hailey with me now to start making memories. With her, I felt like I wanted to be


    alive again, and my heart started beating again.


    I ced our bag on the couch. ¡°Have a seat first, Lee. Let me check what we have here to take


    something to the deck.¡± I faced her, tucking her loss strand behind her ear. ¡°Or you want a tour first?¡±


    She was gripping my free hand as she widened her eyes. ¡°Wait, there is a deck?¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited. Nothing fancy, but yes, there is. Why do you think I brought you here


    if we would only stay here in the house? We could have just went to see a movie or have dinner in the


    restaurant. I thought you¡¯d love to see a new scenery instead.¡±


    ¡°You just surprised me.¡± She pouted.


    I lifted her chin. ¡°Hey, sweetheart. I just want to make our first date memorable and special. Then one


    day, you have something to tell to your grandkids.¡±


    Now she just rolled her eyes at me. ¡°You¡¯re making fun of me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not, but I don¡¯t wanna screw this up.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the kitchen. Then we can see the deck. Thank you, Percie.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. I should be the one thanking you, Lee. You chose me to be your date.¡±


    ¡°I never thought you¡¯d ask, let alone like me.¡± We gathered some prepared sandwiches, fruits, some


    soda, juice and water, and some tes and sses, then put them together into the basket.


    ¡°What¡¯s not to like about you? You never try to be someone else. I like that you have a beautiful family.


    You appreciate simple things. You care about the feelings of others. And your wit, you being you,


    reserved, kind¡ªthat¡¯s what I love most about you.¡± I went upstairs to grab a nket. When I went down


    to hand it to Hailey, she was still in there.


    ¡°You okay?¡± I carried the basket with me, held her hand as we walked outside through the back door.


    The fresh air was just amazing.


    ¡°I never thought you¡¯d know me well in a short time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a very observant guy.¡±


    She stopped when her gazended on the wooden deck beside theke. I used to y with Emma


    every summer when our family chose to spend our vacation here. Hailey¡¯s brown eyes that I adored


    were as big as saucers right now. Her red lips formed an o shaped, then spread wide.


    ¡°I take it that you like it. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never seen ake?¡± I teased her.


    She hit my arm yfully.¡±I sawkes, silly, but I thought we just sit in there and have a dry pic.¡±


    ¡°Are you disappointed?¡± I knew she wasn¡¯t.


    She bumped her arm to me. ¡°Can we get there already? No ¡®gator in there, is there?¡± She held my arm


    hurriedly to follow her.


    ¡°No ¡®gators. I promise.¡±


    Sheughed. Her sweet voice echoed around the ce.


    The deck was renovated. There were still traces of wood debris.


    We stopped at the edge of the deck and ced our things. I spread the nket while Hailey was still


    taking her time admiring the deck.


    ¡°I love it.¡± She then ced the basket on the side and the two cushions on the other side.


    ¡°d to hear it.¡± The weather was good for a weekend getaway. The smell of fresh air from theke


    made me realize what I¡¯d been missing.


    Slowly but surely, I was putting myself back together. Hailey has saved me from destroying my life.


    The sound of the leaves, the wind, and the birds chirping¡ªI would not rece them with anything as


    long as I was with the person I cared about.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Here voice jabbed me back to reality.


    I looked at her. Her eyesced with worry.


    I assured with a smile. ¡°Never been better.¡± I looked back at theke. The peaceful and quiet air breeze


    created waves as they touched the water, making it wonderful to look at. It was just deep below my


    shoulder. I still remembered the deep.


    ¡°You remember something about her, do you?¡± Hailey touched my arm.


    ¡°What made you say that, sweetheart?¡±


    ¡°Your eyes lit up.¡±


    ¡°My eyes lit up every time I saw you.¡± I smiled at her, took her hand, and kissed her knuckles. ¡°I¡¯m


    happy you¡¯re here with me, Hailey.¡±


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy that I¡¯m here with you,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I zoned out a bit, but yes. This ce reminds me of Emma.¡±


    ¡°d you have beautiful memories with her.¡± Her smile filled with sincerity. ¡°How deep is that?¡±


    ¡°Just around my chest. Do you wanna swim?¡±


    She shook her head immediately.


    ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t swim?¡± I asked,ughing.


    She shook her head again.


    ¡°I should teach you one of these days.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± She asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Of course. We can¡¯te over all the time only to look at thiske. We need at least to swim, right?¡±


    ¡°Can I at least dip my feet into the water?¡±

 29

    29


    PERCIE


    I rose to my feet andughed as I took her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    She didn¡¯t hesitate and joined me. We sat side by side and dipped our legs into the water.


    ¡°Are you sure nothing is gonna pull our feet down?¡±


    ¡°You watch too many scary movies.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    She shook her head while smiling like a little girl.


    ¡°Sweetheart, no more head shaking. At least say yes or no.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, it feels good. The water is not that cold but not warm either.¡±


    ¡°I guess I really missed a lot having a good time like this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you have a good time with me.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure, Hailey.¡±


    I let her stay like that while I prepared our food. She could be very talkative once she started trusting


    someone. She talked most of the time while I just stared and admired her like a schoolboy.


    After we enjoyed our food, I ced the two cushions side by side and patted my side. Hailey joined me.


    I let her head lie down on my arm instead.


    ¡°I never did this before.¡± I could barely hear her voice. She leaned her head closer, ced her hand on


    her chest.


    ¡°d your first is with me.¡± I kissed the top of her head. I smiled as I looked up at the clear blue sky. I


    knew Emma was watching down on us.


    I know you are there, Em. I missed you, and I will always love you.


    ¡°Did you tell Keith that you¡¯reing with me today?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I looked down at her. My body suddenly reacted the moment our eyes met. I could feel her racing


    heartbeat against my skin. She had the same effect as mine.


    I ran my thumb on her cheek, to her nose. I pulled back no matter how I wanted to trace down her lips.


    My skin started tingling. I felt like burning. I had sex, experience with other women, and I knew when


    they were turned on, just like what Hailey was experiencing right now. She may know it, but she was


    not used to this just yet.


    She looks surprised, flushed, and edgy. Her fingers were gripping my shirt unknowingly. I let my gaze


    wandered down a bit¡ªdown to her parted lips, then up again to her eyes¡ªthey almost turned into


    obsidian ck.


    ¡°Hailey, don¡¯t do this, sweetheart. I am barely holding on a fine thread.¡± My voice was raspier. My throat


    parched dry.


    She quickly dropped her gaze, releasing her grip. I managed to hold her hand and pressed it against


    my chest. I wanted her to feel that we were on this together.


    ¡°Is it okay with your dad that we are dating? Does he know?¡± I asked slowly.


    She nodded.


    ¡°Answer me, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I told my parents that I¡¯ming here with you today, and they said to¡ª¡± Her face turned


    crimson.


    ¡°To?¡± I was raising my brow.


    She snatched her hand and hit my chest yfully. ¡°Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Stop what? We¡¯re having a conversation, Hailey.¡±


    ¡°Mom said to stay safe! Happy now?¡± She snapped.


    I chuckled. ¡°Very. Did they really expect us to have sex on a first date?¡±


    She groaned irritably.


    ¡°I thought we already agree to no more secrets?¡± I lifted her chin.


    ¡°I never forget about that. But you¡¯re making fun of me. I¡¯m just not used to talk about sex with you.¡±


    ¡°You prefer not to talk about sex with me at all?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Percie. It¡¯s just¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just?¡±


    ¡°Gah! I don¡¯t have, you know¡ª and you have a lot more experiences than me.¡± She forced herself to


    look down.


    ¡°You never did before,¡± I finished it for her.


    She released a huge sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing, is it?¡±


    ¡°What is?¡± She still sounded irritated.


    ¡°To speak freely with me. And I would never judge you.¡±


    ¡°I know. Just give me some time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere, sweetheart. And it¡¯s okay. I did not ask you to go out on a date with me only to


    get into your pants.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. But I can¡¯t stay a virgin for the rest of my life.¡± The way she said it, it was more like a


    I chuckled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mock me. Admitting it to you is already embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°Look at me, sweetheart.¡± I tucked the strand of her hair that fell to her face. I forced her to meet my


    gaze again. ¡°I¡¯m not mocking you. We are not here to ask you to sleep with me. You will not stay a


    virgin for the rest of your life, and it¡¯s not embarrassing if you haven¡¯t had a sexual experience. You still


    have time to explore that. Don¡¯t rush things, okay?¡±


    ¡°Jeez, thanks.¡± She sighed again. ¡°What an awkward first date conversation with your boyfriend talking


    about not having had sex and him telling you not to rush and take time to explore.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    Suddenly she froze, covering her face with her hair, hiding her flushed face with me.


    I knew why, and I was more than ecstatic to hear iting from her.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Hailey?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Percie.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°I think I just said¡ªoh my god. This is so embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°Nothing is embarrassing about what you just said. We¡¯re on the same page here. Now don¡¯t hide your


    beautiful face from me.¡±


    Instead of talking to me, she moved closer to me, and our faces were merely an inch apart. I could feel


    her warm breathing on my face.


    I didn¡¯t want to disappoint her or embarrass her further. I moved my face closer at her. Her lids flutter


    closed. As much as I wanted to suppress my inner hunger, there was nothing in this world I¡¯d rather do


    than to please my girlfriend. It still sounded strange in my head, though, but I¡¯d love the idea of it.


    Tentatively, I pressed my lips against hers, without moving. She sighed to our lips and tightened the


    grip on my shirt as if her green light. I cupped the back of her head and pressed my lips further.


    She cautiously parted her lips, and I moved mine slowly, softly, and chastely. She kissed me back,


    wrapping her arms around my neck. I rolled over, moved on top of her, and caged her between my


    arms. I pressed myself onto her lightly, just to feel her body against mine.


    Our lips moved together rhythmically. She opened her mouth as soon as I traced my tongue on the


    seam of her lips, asking for permission. I could taste her now¡ª tastes so sweet and addicting¡ªI


    wouldn¡¯t and couldn¡¯t stop kissing her. When kissing a random woman, it felt different than kissing the


    woman you cared about. There were affection, trust, emotions involved. And this was I felt being with


    Hailey.


    She moaned into our mouth.


    I was already hard, pressed against her, and she could feel me poking against her lower belly. I needed


    to stop it, but I couldn¡¯t control it anymore. I wanted more of her¡ªthe taste of her lips, her body pressed


    against mine, and I wanted more like the air I breathed. But this was Hailey. I broke the kiss, nting a


    kiss on her swollen lips once again.


    Her heavy-lid eyes flutter open, staring back at me. I smiled at her, assuring her that we were still on


    the same page.


    ¡°I have to stop, Lee. I honestly really don¡¯t want to, but I don¡¯t want¡ª¡±


    She pressed a finger on my lips to stop me from talking. ¡°I know.¡±

 30

    30


    HAILEY


    ¡°Honey, are you sure I can take your car?¡±


    I was typing a reply to Percie that we were almost at the parking lot.


    ¡°Honey?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mom. We already talked about it. And it¡¯s fine. I can ride along with Percie. Trust me he


    doesn¡¯t mind.¡± I averted my gaze to Mom, driving my car after I sent my text.


    She gave me a meaningful smile. She and Dad had been asking me if how did my date go? Of course,


    I left a few details about the date¡ªthe detail about us kissing.


    ¡°You¡¯re blooming, honey. You really like him, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s okay, I guess.¡± Though okay was an understatement. Percie was great, despite our differences.


    ¡°Okay doesn¡¯t fit the description, Hailey.¡± Mom was amused than ever.


    I shrugged. ¡°I think he likes me too.¡±


    ¡°He asked you out. Of course, he does. What¡¯s not to like about you?¡±


    ¡°Now, you sound like him. That¡¯s what exactly he said yesterday.¡±


    ¡°He seems a good guy. Just take care, okay. Dad likes him too.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re still referring to¡ªyou know. Don¡¯t worry¡ª¡± Saved by the message, and Mom just parked the


    car.


    I instantly saw Percie waiting for me outside his car. Every time I saw him, he just stupefied me, made


    me speechless. Sometimes, I asked myself what he found interesting in me when I was nothing special


    ¡ªI was far from the woman he slept with¡ªthat Cassie. I was far from Lexie, who was apparently into


    girls, and I was far from those girls who always giggled when Percie arrived. But Percie didn¡¯t seem to


    mind them¡ªas if they didn¡¯t exist.


    Now he was walking in our direction, and I felt like I was going to copse. My heart thumped


    ufortably fast.


    Percie was only wearing a white shirt, pinot-colored jacket, and ripped jeans, but he looked just so


    perfect.


    Mom was already out of the car, hugging Percie. ¡°I¡¯m gonna borrow Hailey¡¯s car. I¡¯ll give it back on


    Wednesday.¡±


    He stuffed his hand in his pocket. ¡°Sure. No problem. I¡¯ll be her ride.¡±


    ¡°I know I can trust you with her.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lily.¡±


    ¡°You two, go ahead. You¡¯re gonna bete for sses.¡± Mom kissed me on my cheek before she got in


    the car.


    Percie¡¯s arm was already wrapped around me while Mom was waving goodbye to us, and she didn¡¯t


    seem to care. She even beamed at Percie. I knew she always liked him, even I found him awfully weird


    the first time we met.


    Once Mom was gone, Percie tightened his arm around me and whispered, ¡°I missed you.¡±


    Goosebumps erupted all over my skin, and I had to bite my lip before I shivered in a good way.


    ¡°You did not miss me?¡± He always liked to tease. ¡°That¡¯s not what I read in your text.¡±


    ¡°I missed you, okay. Can you let me go now?¡±


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t wanna be seen with me on campus?¡± He sounded upset.


    I lifted my gaze because Percie was a living post, standing six feet and two inches tall. ¡°Why did you


    think that?¡±


    He let me go and stuffed his hands in his pockets. His mood had changed drastically to this old


    brooding Percie. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He signaled towards the gate.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ashamed to be with you, okay.¡±


    ¡°And you thought I am the one who¡¯s ashamed to be seen with you on campus?¡± Maybe. I hadn¡¯t


    thought about our rtionship outside our box.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I haven¡¯t gotten that far.¡±


    ¡°Wow, Hailey. Just wow!¡± He walked past me, and I couldn¡¯t match his pace.


    I still followed him as he joined Lexie and my friends on the bench.


    ¡°Why so grumpy in the morning?¡± Even Lexie noticed him.


    He released a huge breath. ¡°Just woke up on the wrong side, I guess.¡±


    ¡°You two okay?¡±


    I went to join my friends Victoria and Megan when I felt like I did not exist anymore.


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯re fine.¡±


    Lexie was side-ncing at me, widening her eyes as if asking me what was wrong.


    I shrugged because, honestly, I didn¡¯t know why he was so sensitive. I was new to this rtionship just


    like him. I was still adjusting to his lifestyle, to the school, to be living with my boyfriend under one roof,


    and then my parents kept checking out on me if I was okay with the living arrangements and my


    studies. I felt all the pressure, and I couldn¡¯t tell Percie about it. He had a lot on his tes as well.


    ¡°We should go, Hailey.¡± Megan checked the time on her phone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna be called for recitation,¡± Victoria said.


    ¡°Sure. Just give me a sec.¡± I faced Percie.


    ¡°See you in the ss, Percie. Bye, girls!¡± Lexie left towards the building.


    ¡°I should go,¡± I told him. ¡°We¡¯ll talk after the ss?¡±


    He nodded, pressing his lips together. His dimples popped out. One of many things that made him


    attractive.


    I tiptoed to kiss him on the side of his lips. ¡°I¡¯m not scared anymore.¡±


    T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He froze. When I stepped back, he was still staring at me.


    ¡°Laters.¡±


    I silent my phone before I entered the ss.


    ***


    ¡°So, how¡¯s he?¡± It was Victoria. She was sipping her drinks louder than necessary just to get my


    attention. I told them about Percie and me. Now they kept pressing me to spill more details, which I


    would never get used to it.


    ¡°I told you, guys.¡±


    ¡°You told us nothing.¡± Megan red at me.


    ¡°I told you we went¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we know that you two went to his grandparents¡¯ cabin, had a pic, then went home. Where¡¯s


    the deets?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s he? Is he¡ª¡±


    Oh, thank God! Finally, I was saved when they arrived.


    Percie squeezed me with a hug from my back. ¡°Sorry, we¡¯rete. Did you guys order anything?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Lexie offered.


    Percie sat beside me while Lexie chose to be with Megan and Victoria.


    ¡°So, Percie. How¡¯s your date?¡± I rolled my eyes at Victoria.


    ¡°Well, if I¡¯m the one to tell, I don¡¯t filter, and I would only end up getting ignored for a week. So, better


    ask Lee. I¡¯m sure, she would tell you if she enjoyed it or not.¡±


    ¡°No chance,¡± Megan replied.


    Percie chuckled beside me.


    ¡°Give this two a break. Why don¡¯t you, Megan, ask me what I like.¡± Lexie just cornered Megan,


    sandwiched between Victoria.


    I found Percie¡¯s hand under the table on my thigh while we were watching Megan blush crimson.


    I pressed my thighs together when he squeezed my knee. My eyes flew up to him, but he only gave me


    a knowing smile. I tried to ignore the sensation I felt. It felt good. At the same time, it made me throb in


    ache and build pressure between my legs.

 Chapter 31

    HAILEY


    After our dinner, he suggested he would do the cleaning. Even if I wanted to argue, knowing Percie, he would end up winning.


    I started reviewing my notes while I could hear him talking to his grandpa over the phone. I kept my door open if he ever wanted to say good night before he slept.


    An hourter, the light from the living room turned off. I was done with homework as well. I checked my phone and I found three messages from Percie.


    Percie: Wanna talk for a while?


    Percie: Sleeping?


    Percie: Night then, sweetheart


    Hailey: Night then


    Percie: Can Ie over?


    Hailey: You''re just behind the door


    Finally, he emerged, looking hot in his sweatpants and a shirt. He never ceased to amaze me.


    "Hey."


    "You''re doing your homework?" He checked my desk behind me.


    "I''m done, actually." I stretched my arms. "And you?"


    "I did a quick read on the couch." He pulled me up and stared at me that made my legs wobble. My entire body came to life.


    He traced my cheek with his thumb. "So beautiful."


    "You''re not bad yourself." I bit my bottom lip, and I was already pressed against him. I could feel every inch of his muscles against my skin.


    "And when you do that, I''m doomed."


    I released my lip and licked them.


    "And that."


    I swallowed hard.


    "Let me tuck you in." He held my hand, pulled my nket down. "Get in."


    "I can do it myself, Percie."


    "Just stop arguing, Lee. Let me take care of you."


    "Do you always do-"


    He snapped his head at me. "Do what? Tuck my girlfriend in bed and make her sleep? I intend to that." "What do you mean?"


    "I never had a serious girlfriend. And if you''re asking me if I had sex. I did. Now get in bed, sweetheart."


    "I never doubted that." My voice came out low and sounded like I was upset.


    "I don''t mean to hurt your feelings, but I was not a good person before I met you. If I happened to meet you before everything fell apart, that I could tell you that I have a serious rtionship."


    "It''s better, to be honest than lied." I got in bed, and he also joined me.


    "Nowe here, and kiss me goodnight. We still have sses tomorrow."


    "Can you stay here for a while until I fall asleep?" I moved closer to him, wrapped my arm around his tight abs and my leg above his.


    "That''s my intention, sweetheart. Now my kiss."


    I lifted my gaze, meeting his. He leaned down and pressed his lips against mine.


    Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you''re on ?e5s.org to catch every twist and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now!


    My eyes flutter closed as I enjoyed our shared kiss. I felt his hand behind my back, running up to the back of my neck as we deepened the kiss. I never had intimate like this with anyone, but with Percie, I feltfortable. I felt like I had kissed many men.


    I moved my hand up his chest, feeling his heartbeat as wild as mine. Something inside me warmth at the thought that we shared the same effect.


    Before I could enjoy it further, he broke the kiss, pecking my lips one more time. I knew we were still working in progress. If he wanted more, I would be willing to give it to him.


    I would never be ready if I thought of preparing myself. When it happened, it happened no matter where or what situation or ce we would be.


    "I could kiss you all night, but we need to take it slow." He was breathing hard, his eyes still closed, and his voice was deep and raspier.


    "What if I don''t wanna slow?"


    His eyes flew open. "Sweetheart, it''s just your body reacting, your brain producing pheromones-"


    "Don''t talk to me about science. I am trying to brave here, Percie."


    "And I admired you for that." He smiled knowingly.


    "You can just say we will do it at the right time."


    He squeezed his eyes shut, doing deep breathing exercises. Once he calmed down, he looked down on me. "I wanted you the first time I saw you, and it never changed. I still want you, but we will only do that if you''re so certain that you won''t regret it. And when youpletely trust me, that you''re willing to lose your virginity to me, Hailey. Once we do that, you can''t take it back, and I can''t give it back to you. I know nowadays, it''s not a big deal anymore, but at least you will gonna have a great time."


    I nodded. He was right, even if my body didn''t give me the same satisfaction/


    "And one more thing, I don''t want you to do because you''re feeling obligated to lose your virginity, and you''re already an adult and still a virgin. There''s nothing wrong with being a virgin if you haven''t someone you could trust to lose it with. Sex is good, but it would be better if you''re doing it with someone you care about."


    "I care for you, and I trust you."


    He was running his fingers on my back. "I know, Lee. And I''m grateful. Do you like kissing me?"


    I met his gaze. "Yeah," I answered without hesitation.


    "And I do too. A lot. And it''s because you care about me and you trust me. It''s not because you''re attracted to me, or you found me hot and handsome."


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    I rolled my eyes. "You''re so full of yourself."


    "You don''t find me hot and handsome."


    "Shut up. Night, Percie."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Oh, are we done kissing?"


    "Night."


    "Where did Lily go?"


    "To visit Grandpa. And she kept telling me that I like you a lot."


    "Do you?"


    "Your ego, Percie."


    "Come on, sweetheart. Admit it. It''s not so bad to admit that you like me a lot."


    "Tell me about Emma." I''d been dying to ask about his twin sister. I was just scared that he would shut me out.


    "You two are alike." This was the first time he opened up without hesitation.


    I pinned my chin on his chest. "How so?"


    "The first time I saw you at your house, I thought you were her. Then I realized that I was still dwelling with my loss." He breathed deeply. I knew how painful it was to talk about the people we loved that we lost.


    "Her hair was lighter than you and mine. She had the same eyes as yours. Only yours are bigger and round. Hers just mine. It''s weird that I first saw my sister in you, then I have developed feelings for you. But you two weren''t alike after all." "You like me because I looked like her?"


    His brows furrowed. "No. I like you because you''re you, Hailey. And maybe because at first, I was longing for someone or attention. For years, I have had her as my best friend. She''d been there for me, my wingman. Sometimes, those who didn''t know Emma thought she was my girlfriend because she was Holmes and I was Matthews. And we justughed it off."


    I listened to him attentively, and so the beating of his heart. I couldn''tpete against and sought attention against Emma. She was his soulmate, his everything, and Percie was still in the process of healing.


    He sighed a long and deep exhrating sigh. "Then here Haileyes."

 Chapter 32

    HAILEY


    "And is it a bad thing?" I frowned. He must have noticed the tone in my voice.


    He lifted his head and stared at me with brows knitted in confusion. "Did I mention it''s a bad thing that I met you?"


    I dropped my gaze with a shrug. "I don''t know."


    He faked his yawn. "Know what? Before we fight over something nonsense, let''s sleep, Lee." He moved on his side and pulled me into a tight hug. I loved it when he called me Lee because no one did. It felt intimate, and he made me feel special.


    I did not move a muscle even if I was already crushed. It was even hard to breathe, but he smelled good. He always did.


    "Hailey." He groaned.


    "You faked your yawn. You can just tell me if you don''t wanna talk about it," I told him the truth.


    "We agreed on sharing, and this is what I''m doing even if it hurts because I believe in us, that we can make this work no matter how big our differences are, and even if I''m a lost cause and we''re still healing for our losses." "You agreed, but it doesn''t mean you have to talk and share about it when I want to."


    "Jesus." He was getting mad. "No one can force me to do something against my will, Hailey. Even my Grands told me to see a shrink because it would help me cope with losing Emma, but I refused. I still don''t want to." "Why are you doing this then?"


    "Sometimes, you''re so dumb. Good night, Hailey." He quickly loosened his arms around me but was also quick to pull him back.


    "Don''t go."


    "Not running away if that''s what you think I am doing. I said I will put you to bed, then that''s what I''m going to do." This was one thing I admired about Percie. He kept his word.


    "I''m sorry."


    "Night."


    I didn''t respond. I didn''t move.


    Minutes passed, I was still wide awake. Percie''s breathing slowed down, but I couldn''t sleep. I made him angry before going to sleep. Jeez, why was I making everything difficult for both of us?


    Minutes more had passed, and I couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Percie?"


    "I''m awake, sweetheart."


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to pry."


    "It''s okay, Lee."


    "Night then."


    "Night." He kissed the top of my head before we sleep. I hoped this time was for real.


    ***


    "Lee, can you start the car. I''ll be there in a minute."


    I caught the key he threw to me. "Sure."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Did you bring your coat? It might rain today." He was still biting his toast. He woke up earlier than me. When I woke up, he was already gone. He was Facetiming with his grandma. "Don''t know you''re a weather enthusiast."


    He chuckled. "You wouldn''t believe it if I tell you that Grandma told me about the weather here."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah. Now, go and get your coat. I have an umbre in my car."


    I grabbed my coat on the rack before I went to kiss him on his cheek. "See you down." I still wasn''t getting used to showing off affection in public, but Percie didn''t seem to care.


    A few momentster, I was in his car that smell strawberries my favorite, and the music sted in the sound system. It sounded like a girl group that I could not understand a word of it. I lowered down the volume. "What the heck?"


    Before I could move out to the passenger seat, Percie was already there. "I don''t mind if you drive."


    My eyes widened in surprise. Guys like him with their cars were very territorial. "Really?"


    "Just you." He leaned closer to kiss me on my lips. "You."


    I grinned like an idiot before I pulled out of the parking lot. "What''s with that music?"


    "I don''t know either."


    "Is it Emma''s?"


    "Yeah. She and the Kpop."


    "Kpop, huh?" I heard about Korean Pop, but I hadn''t gotten a chance to listen to their music. That was why the lyrics didn''t sound familiar. "Korean Pop."


    "I know, Percie. I still live in the modern world."


    He gripped my knee, causing me to startle.


    "Sorry." I focused back on the road. We both had a bad experience on the road, that was why I was a little bit careful.


    "Sorry. I don''t know you''re ticklish." I could feel his gaze on me, prating my bones.


    "I am not."


    "So you''re only ticklish for me."


    "Don''t tter yourself."


    "d to know."


    "I said "


    "I heard you the first time, Lee. I was just messing with you. I''m just d you trust me."


    I stole a nce at him. "What do you mean?"


    "Well, you seemfortable talking to me now, and we kissed, we slept in the same bed="


    "And nothing happened." I rushed my words out. Blood rushed up from my chest to my neck, and I was sure my face was crimson right now. I remembered waking up, and his junk was awake as well. I swallowed hard. "Oh, there will be."


    I kept my mouth shut.


    He instantly noticed my silence. "Lee, we need to befortable talking about it."


    I rolled my eyes. "Sex. You can say the word sex, Percie."


    "Sex. Fine."


    "It''s you that made me speechless, okay?"


    He turned his head to me. "Why?" He seemed serious with his question.


    "I''m driving, and you know my skill is a little bit rusty."


    "Come on, Lee. It''s just me."


    I red at the road, and it didn''t require me to answer him anymore.


    Thank God we arrived. I needed some air. The tension in the car was so thick I could slice it. I pulled out the key and threw it to him. Even by surprise, he managed to catch it. Did he y balls?


    I shut my eyes close and breathed deeply once I was outside his car. I gasped in shock to open my eyes. Percie''s nose was already merely an inch from mine. With wide eyes, I stepped back until my back hit the door of his car. "W-what are you doing?"


    "Tell me, Lee. Are you scared of me?" He stared at me with his fierce gaze, making me squirm.


    "N-no?" Oh, crap.


    "No or No?"


    "You''re being ridiculous. We''re on campus, Percie. A little space, please?" I bit my bottom lip, and his gaze dropped. I released it right away.


    Before I could get my back my footing, he pressed his lips against mine. A gasp escaped my lips. I was about to kiss him back, but his lips were gone. All I could do was touch my lips like a stupid. "Come on, Lee."


    "You could ask nicely," I said with a little dismay.


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    "Why would ask to kiss my girlfriend?"


    "Not about the kiss, silly."


    "So you like my kiss." I knew he was teasing me, and he won.


    "Of course, I do."


    "That''s what I wanna hear. Come on." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "So why do I make you speechless, Lee?"


    "Can we not talk about it?"


    "We''ll talk about it sooner orter, Hailey."


    "Whatever."


    "I''ll see youter, sweetheart." And here we go again, he just kissed me in front of my friends.


    ***


    After ss, I found missed calls from Percie and a text about four hours ago.


    Percie: Damn it, Lee. Answer my call.


    Hailey: Percie, where are you?


    I waited for a minute. He did not reply. My message wasn''t seen either. I started to worry. His text seemed urgent.


    I dialed his number when he did not reply. My call went directly to his voicemail. What''s going on?"


    When I went outside the building, the rain was pouring. Crap. And I forgot my coat in his car. So much of him reminding me of the weather. "Where''s Percie?" I was startled by the voice behind my back. Sometimes, he gave me a creep.


    "Can''t reach his number."


    "It''s raining. And he left early."


    I stared at Remy. "Why?"


    "Do you think you should be the one to know his whereabouts?" Good question. "Let me help you to your car." He showed me his umbre. "It''s okay. I''ll wait for him here."


    "Look, I''m just trying to help, okay. He must have an emergency. He didn''t finish our ss, and he excused himself to the professor. I''m sure he tried contacting you." "He did, but my phone was silent."


    "So, let me help."


    I looked at him, searching for his motive, but he seemed sincere. "I rode with him."


    "Of course. I forgot you''re his roommate. Then at least let me send you to your apartment."

 Chapter 33

    HAILEY


    The rich smell of leather assaulted my senses as I took the passenger seat. I guessed Remy loved luxury. I was not into cars, but I was sure this one had cost a fortune. It was a sleek ck convertible, and it was smaller than Percie''s. He assisted me with my seatbelt. Every time he came closer, I froze. There was something about Remy that I didn''t feel every time I was with Percie.


    Remy made me skeptical, no matter how good his intentions were.


    I swallowed hard as I looked at my side.


    "You''re gonna copse if you keep on holding your breath. I don''t bite, Hailey."


    "I-I know." I swallowed again.


    "Are you cold?"


    I shook my head. I didn''t know why I was shivering. Maybe because it was raining outside? I guessed I was notfortable around him because it had nothing to do with the temperature inside his car but the chill of distrust.-this was the only reason I coulde up with.


    "Are you sure you''re okay?" He pulled up to the main road. The rain was still pouring heavily. The wipers worked fast against the windshield, and I could barely see what was ahead of us as we drove through the main road.


    "I''m fine." My voice came out a pitiful whisper. I wrapped my arms around me. I wasn''t wet, yet I felt I was soaking. My body turning to ice as chills seeped through me.


    "Just rx. We''ll be there in no time." The more he talked, the more he gave me a chill.


    I was terrified of something I didn''t understand that I could barely speak. How could I when Percie had been warning me to stay away from Remy, yet here I was. I''d never nned on talking to him, much less riding in his car, yet here I was. Cramps churned my gut. My pulse raced.


    Percie''s voice knifed right into my chest.


    "S-stop the car."


    "What?"


    "I said stop the car!" I spat the overpowering fear out of me as I red at him.


    He looked shocked. "It''s raining outside, Hailey."


    "Just stop the car, Remy!"


    "Is it because"Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "Stop the car or I will jump." I didn''t know what came into me, but I needed to get out of his car.


    He pulled to the side of the road, still confused. "You can''t find a ride around here."


    "I''m gonna be fine." I pushed the door out.


    "But I don''t like the idea of you standing in the rain!" he yelled from his car.


    As soon as I was out, the chilly air and rain assaulted me, almost knocked me down. My heart plummeted. I wrapped my things to my chest, but I was still shaking.


    "Hailey!"


    "Go away!"


    "What''s wrong with you? At least let me call you a cab. I will stay here until it arrives."


    I started walking away from him, but his car kept following me. I could barely against the rain.


    Then I ran.


    I wanted to get away from him.


    It was silent, nothing but the rain patting on the ground and the gust of chilly wind against my body.


    I was soaking.


    Dread and fear crept into my skin. I shivered further.


    I cried for no reason. Tears and water filled my eyes, making my vision blur.


    I pitied myself. There was a part of me that I couldn''t just shut off-the part of me that I wished it died with my brother-this horrible feeling thatughed at me, taunting me.


    I jumped and shrieked to the car halted in front of me. I stumbled, coiling myself into a ball, crying, shaking, as I begged it to stop.


    "Hey, hey. It''s me. Stop, stop, it''s just me." That voice. That voice sounded familiar. These hands were holding me, the smell, the warmth of his touch, and his embrace.


    "Sweetheart, calm now. I''m here now," she whispered into my ear. His voice soothed me.


    But still, my body kept shaking. This time, it was from the cold. Slowly, I opened my eyes and allowed myself to calm. "P-Percie?"


    "Yes, it''s me, Sweetheart."


    I wrapped my trembling arms around him, my hands grasping onto him. I felt lifted off the ground, then deposited in his car. "H-how-?"


    "You''re shaking. No more talking. I need to warm you up." He was talking, but I could sense the anger, regrets, and anguish in his voice.


    I knew he wanted to scream, hit something, me someone or himself, but he chose to swallow the boiling up rage down.


    Once we were inside the car, without a word, he wrapped me with his jacket and the coat I left earlier. If he was the old Percie, he could be yelling at me right now, shoving it to my face how stupid I was, and I''d rather hear it from him than keeping it in his chest until he exploded.


    I blinked up the tears swimming in my eyes.


    He steered the car toward the familiar road in eerily silence.


    We arrived at the apartment building. He didn''t put me down even if I insisted on walking to our apartment. He still hadn''t spoken a word.


    I sat on the chair, waiting for his instructions. The faucet in my bathroom squeaked.


    A few momentster, he came in. He was also wet, but he didn''t seem to care. "Percie "


    He shushed me. "Let me get you out of your clothes before you catch colds." "I can do it myself."


    "Let me help you, Lee." His voice was calmer than the ocean, and it was scaring me.


    I let him do what he wanted, leaving me vulnerable for him. I started to shiver, but this time, not of fear, but his gaze and scrutinizing stare. As he watched me while he dropped every piece of clothing I had, his eyes traveled as well. When I was only on my pair of underwear, he stopped. He looked taken aback as soon as he realized that I was watching him all this time.


    He swallowed and blinked off to whatever he had in mind while stripping me. "Let''s get you in the tub."


    I went in silently.


    "Call me if you need anything."


    "You might wanna join me or at least change to something dry."


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    "I''ll be fine."


    I soaked myself for a while. If Percie didn''te on time, I didn''t know what happened to me. What was I thinking in the first ce riding with Remy? Or walking alone in heavy rain.


    I wiped my tears, thinking how so helpless I was. If I did not meet Percie, if I was just stronger like anybody else, I wouldn''t have been so powerless like this.


    Thump. I startled.


    Thump


    Thump


    I quickly got off the tub and wrapped the towel around my chest.


    "Fuck!"


    "Stop! Stop it!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.


    "Damn it!" Another punched on the wall.


    "I said stop!"


    He froze, rested his head against the wall he punched and breathed heavily.


    "What did the wall do to you this time?"


    Percie turned to face me and swallowed hard. His eyes narrowed, filled with pain, anger, and guilt.


    His jaw clenched. His nose red. Well, his knuckles were bloody busted.


    "You turned me down, Percie. Every time you''re mad, you hit something. Poor thing, if they could only scream in pain. That''s exactly how you feel, but instead of opening up to me, you used your fist." He couldn''t look at me anymore.


    "I was dying to talk to you, but you kept on cutting me off. I could feel it in my bone that you''re struggling, that you''re boiling inside, and I was waiting for you to yell at me how stupid I was for leaving my coat behind." That was how finally meet my gaze. "It was my fault."


    "None of these is your fault. I promised your mother that I''ll take care of you, not leaving you at school."


    "Just for a second, forget about my mother because thest time I checked, I was an adult, and I could decide on my own and do what I want." My eyes started to burn again.


    "How could I? When I promised I would give you rides, but I broke that promise. And then I tried calling you, and you didn''t pick up until my phone battery drained. I was driving fast just to get back to you, but still, I rante. And I found-" He blinked back the tears and pursed his lips when they trembled. "I couldn''t go through that again¡ª"


    "Through what again, Percie?" My brows knitted. My heart broke for him. "Per-chee!"

 Chapter 34

    HAILEY


    Hatching!


    "Jesus!" Percie was beyond mad. He strode in my direction while I was rooted in my ce. His eyes aze with fire, cheeks burned furiously.


    "I''m fine." My hands flew to my towel, gripping tightly as my shield.


    Before he could reach out to me, the doorbell went off. Who would be here at this time?


    "Get dress. Something thick."


    "Who''s-?"


    He red at me. "Just do what I say!"


    I jumped. "Fine." I rolled my eyes, walking back to my room.


    I did a quick shower before I changed to my sweatshirt and sweatpants.


    "Mom, what are you doing here?" I joined Mom on the couch.


    "I''m here to return your car. Your grandpa is okay. He told me that you should call him sometimes. How are you doing? Percie just told me that you left your coat in his car."


    I wondered what else Percie told Mom. I didn''t want her to worry about me. Then I heard something in the kitchen.


    "I''m fine. It''s not that I''ve never been under the rain before." I covered my nose with the sleeve of my sweatshirt when I was about to sneeze.


    "This will help."


    I looked up at Percie, carrying two steaming mugs. He offered one for me and one for Mom.


    "Thanks." I gave him a timid smile.


    "Thank you, honey."


    I noticed his knuckles were already clean. He may have disinfected it after he opened the door for Mom.


    "You''re wee. I''ll leave you two alone to catch up."


    When Percie was gone, Mom touched my knee. "You okay, honey?"


    "I might catch colds, Mom, but I''m fine."


    Mom was not convinced. I could see the concern on her face. "That''s not what I meant, Hailey."


    I pulled my knees closer to my chest. "I''ll live."T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "But I want you to be more than just to live. I can sense the tension between you two, and I saw his hand. What happened?"


    So Percie left that details. "We argued, that''s all." I sipped my tea.


    "You two still have so many things to learn with each other, but nothing can beat a good talk."


    "Thanks, mom." I smiled, feeling relieved that she didn''t tell me to stay away from Percie.


    "He''s a good guy. He wouldn''t be this mad if he doesn''t care about you, or if you didn''t do something to anger him."


    "I know."


    Percie came back, holding his phone. "Lily, your cab just arrived."


    "You''re leaving right away?" I asked urgently.


    "Yes, honey. Your dad is at home."


    "You could have just kept the car at home. I''ll take itter."


    "I came here to check on you as well." She kissed my cheek. "I have to go before uber charges me double." "Percie, honey."


    "I''ll send you down."


    My mom stopped him. "I know my way to the lobby, honey."


    I sipped my tea when my mom was gone to ignore the prating gaze Percie had been pinning at me.


    When I couldn''t hold it anymore, I rolled my eyes. "Just say it, and let''s get this over with."


    "I''m not mad at you, Hailey."


    "You''re mad at yourself because you felt like you let me down. I get it." I met his gaze this time. "And hurting yourself felt like the only way to repent yourself, right?"


    His nose red as he shook his head in disagreement. He sat on the armrest of the sofa. "Why the fuck did you not call for a cab when you can''t reach me? And why in the "


    "I couldn''t reach you."


    "My phone battery was drained. I was away and kept calling you that I would bete."


    "I''m fine, ain''t I?"


    "I saw you" I felt like it was harder for him to voice out how he saw me earlier. He rose from his seat, his hands on his pocket. "I couldn''t even begin to imagine how scared you were alone "


    "I wasn''t alone." I put the teacup on the side table before I looked at him.


    His red could split me in half. "What do you mean you''re not alone."


    I dropped my gaze to my hands as my throat had gone dry. "I was with-Remy." My voice was deadly quiet that I could barely hear it.


    "What the fuck!" His voice filled with rage, echoing in the entire apartment. "What in the fuck, Hailey? How many times did I tell you to stay away from him? That he''s not good for you!" He growled in anger. "Stop cursing."


    "Fuck!"


    I was startled in my seat, my hands shaking. My tears ran down my cheeks. I was not scared of him, but I realized that what I did would end up hurting him.


    The mming of the door jolted me again. He just left. He left me. So much ofmunicating.


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    Great.


    ***


    I woke up, sweating. My body was burning. My throat was dry as a desert and my nose clogged.


    I thought I had a fever. I tried to get from bed no matter how my body felt like a million needled pricking me.


    I walked right to my medicine cab to find a sticky note with a message.


    Take a tablet when needed.


    P


    My heart swelled. I bit my lip when it trembled.


    He came back, but he didn''t wake me up. My chest constricted.


    I went back to my room after taking the medicine with me. There was a bottle of water on my bedside table. I took the tablet and slept again.


    I woke up to a cold hand patting my forehead. I was sick, and I didn''t want to get up.


    "You need to get up and take some food. You''ve been asleep all day."


    "Lexie?"


    "Hey, pretty." She turned on the light.


    I sat on the bed, confused. I tried to open my eyes through the gleam assaulting me. "What are you doing here?"


    "Your hot of a boyfriend called me that you''re sick, and he was pissed off. He cursed every word in his sentence. I barely understood." She sighed. "Remy? Really?"


    I met her gaze. "You don''t know, and Percie doesn''t know" I sneezed.


    Lexie pulled some tissue from the box and offered it to me. "I thought you could use some." "Thanks."


    "Did he hurt you?"


    "Percie? No."


    "No. Remy."


    I shook my head. "He offered to send me here when I couldn''t reach Percie. At first, I was hesitant, but he had a point. Then I realized how would Percie react when he found out Remy sent me home. So I told him to stop the car¡ª" "In the middle of the road, raining? Seriously, where are Megan-well, she was with me. Where is Victoria? And what''s the use of the app on your phone?"


    I shrugged. "It didn''t ur to me."


    "And he left you alone?"


    "He wasn''t impressed. He followed me, but I ran. Then Percie found me."


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    "You could have hurt or worse, or a thug could find you. What were you thinking? You have my number, Hailey. I couldn''t me Percie for going ballistic because what you did was stupid."


    "Jeez. Thanks." I rolled my eyes.


    "Do you know where he went and where he is right now?"


    I shook my head.


    "Good. He''s my friend, and you are too, but what you did was stupid, and you hurt Percie." She rose from my bed and walked out of my room.


    "Where are you going?"


    "To get some food before Percie hangs me."


    I went to the kitchen. Lexie was scooping something from the container.


    "Your mom called. I told her you''re sleeping. I answered your phone, by the way. It''s irritating your parents called you every minute." She ced down a bowl of steaming soup. "Dig up. It''s a canned chicken noodle soup." "Thanks. Where''s Percie?"


    "I''m not in the liberty to disclose?"


    "Really?" I rolled my eyes and stared at her in disbelief.


    Lexieughed. "Fine." She rolled her eyes as well while watching me scoop and dug in the soup. "His grandma fell. Well, he slid in the bathroom."


    "What? How is she?"


    "Nothing serious. The old woman is stronger than an Arabian horse. She has bruises on her ass, but she''ll live. She''d be discharged tomorrow. You know how Percie is with his grands. He didn''t tell you?" "We didn''t get to that part."


    "He''ll be here tomorrow. He''s still pissed off, though."


    "Thanks for pointing the obvious. I know you want me to feel bad. Well, good news, I feel terrible."


    "Good. And of all the people, why Remy for fuck''s sake? I don''t know the whole story, but they seem to like to have bad blood. You can make up to him, though."


    My eyes lit up with hope. "How?"


    "He''s your first boyfriend, isn''t he?"


    "Why do I feel that your idea of making up to him is not something I won''t agree with easily?"


    "Pft! I''m not asking you to sleep with him."


    I sighed. Thank god.


    "Take your meds and wear something." She swirled her finger. "Not that baggy."


    "Where are we going?"


    "You can walk, right?"


    I rolled my eyes. "Duh."


    "Good."

 Chapter 35

    HAILEY


    "Wait. We''re going to see Percie?" I pulled my hand back. "No. He would not be so happy to see me. Besides, I''m sick, remember?"


    Lexie rolled her eyes. "Sick? Colds? That''s what''s stopping you to apologize to someone you love?"


    "Who said I love him?" I red stubbornly.


    "Isn''t that obvious? You can deny all you want, but I don''t buy if you said you''re not in love with Percie, and besides, he needs you right now, Hailey." She put a little emphasis on besides.


    My face heated. I guessed, maybe she was right, but I was not going to admit it to her. "You told me that his grandma is okay, and her injury isn''t so bad."


    "Oh, my God. You''re so clueless who much Percie''s struggling right now. He''s torn between staying here with you and in the hospital. That''s why he asked a favor to keep an eye on you before his grandma is gonna be discharge. That dude is madly in love with you, Hailey. You mean the world to him. And please, don''t break his heart by acquainting with Remy. He''d been gone through enough." Lexie was done with me. She grabbed her purse and was ready to leave. "Lex, wait!" I called her urgently. "You''re leaving?"


    "Yeah, I''m done here." She was already walking towards the door.


    "Just wait, please? Let me change my clothes." I watched her pause for a while before she turned around, grinning, flipping her hair, and walked back. "So that''s speech was a lie?"


    "Is it that effective?"


    My shoulders sagged. I wished that was all true. "I have doubts, but it doesn''t matter. You''re right about one thing. Percie needs me right now."


    "Silly." She hit me yfully on my butt, causing me to jump.


    "What was that for?"


    "He may not tell you everything, but I could feel it in my bone that what I said is what I saw. Trust me, Percie is like your knight in shining armor with a heart of gold."


    Thirty minutester, we were on the road to the hospital. Still, I did not text him because if I did, he would only tell me to stay put and rest. I was hoping he would talk to me when we got there.


    My heart was beating a mile as soon as the hospital logo came to view.


    "Rx. He doesn''t bite." Lexie must have noticed my anxiousness.


    "I''m fine."


    "You''re not. In a sec, you''re gonna pee in my car seat. Forget what I said earlier. Just think of being there for him. He might have anger issues, but he''s one of the good guys."


    "I know."


    "Good."


    I was counting my steps as we got closer to Percie''s grandma''s room. My heart almost stopped. He was there outside on the bench, his head against the wall with a paper cup in his grip. "Percie?" Lexie called him first. "Is your grandma okay?"


    The shock in his face was prominent the moment his gazended on me. "What the hell is she doing here?" He stood up, ced the cup on the bench.


    The moment those words came out of his mouth, I froze. I felt like my world just came crashing down on me. He hated me. Lexie wasn''t right after all.


    I dropped my gaze down. If there was a way I could just disappear or run away, I already did, but my feet were just rooted to the floor.


    "I told you to look after her while I''m still here. And not to bring her to the hospital. She needs some rest." His words were firm. I could literally see him ring at Lexie.


    "She''s fine. She took her meds before we came over. And it''s just flu. You''re overreacting."


    I gasped in shock. His shoes came to my view. "You okay?" When his voice earlier was firm and harsh, right now, it sounded like a luby. The back of his hand touched my forehead, down to my neck. "You should have stayed rested." I swallowed hard. "I''m fine."


    "Doesn''t sound fine to me, Lee." Oh, god, that nickname he gave me.


    I cleared my throat, gathering all my strength left to meet his gaze. "I feel better now."


    "You have to." A gasp slipped my throat. I didn''t see thating when Percie pulled me into a hug. "I wish I was with you. I couldn''t bear the fact that you''re sick alone."


    Before I could hug him back, he pulled away, staring right back at me, then kissing my forehead. "I still don''t like the idea of youing here to the hospital."


    "If that makes you feel better, she actually didn''te here for you, jerk. She came to visit your grandma." It was Lexie that made me chuckle.


    "You hurt my feelings, Lexie." Percie snorted.


    "Now makeup and kiss already. We don''t have all night. And the old woman is probably waiting."


    Percie cupped my face, anticipation quickly brewing all over me. But it didn''t happen. "I''m so sorry for running away-"


    "It''s okay."


    "No, it''s not okay. It should never be okay, running away from our problem. And I left you even though I knew you''re sick. What kind of person in the right mind would do that to someone he cared about. I couldn''t even breathe the guilt out. I''m so sorry, Hailey."


    "It''s all good. You''re here with your grandma. It''s all my fault anyway. I should be the one apologizing."


    "Then where is it?"


    "Fine." I rolled my eyes. "I''m sorry."


    "Okay. Now, chop-chop," Lexie urged.


    "She''s annoying sometimes."


    "I know." I smiled.


    His grandma was still awake, chatting with his grandpa, and they stopped as Percie entered. Their gazes flew to us.


    "You must be the roommate. Hailey, right?" His grandpa said to Lexie as he joined us.


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    My throat choked up. My heart just crashed. I wanted to dash out of the door and nevere back.


    "George, stop being silly," scolded his wife.


    Then he came to me. "Nice to finally meet you, Hailey." He squeezed me into a hug.


    "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Matthews."


    "Just call me grandpa, honey." He then hugged Lexie. "You would be a good nurse or doctor someday, honey." Wait, he knew Lexie took care of me?


    We chatted for a while. Grandpa cracked some jokes and told us about Emma. Apparently, it was true that we had a resemnce. Percie constantly cleared his throat to warn grandpa when he told us about his life as a kid, but nothing could stop gramps.


    "Oh, he''s a bully."


    "Really?" we chorused.


    "You were a bully when you were a kid?" Lexie stared at Percie with pure surprise. "Aren''t you full of surprises?" She followed withughter.


    "I was a kid, attention seeker, and my parents were constantly away. When they came back from trips, all they did was see the school principal."


    His grandparents listened to him with warmth in their eyes. I could feel it in my bones that they loved Percie like their own son. "Wow! What changed you?"


    Sadness and grief were so deep in his expression. Silence stretched.


    "Sorry," Lexie apologized.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Emma," I whispered.


    "Then she''s gone."

 Chapter 36

    HAILEY


    Oh, my God! My eyes nearly popped out from each socket. I threw my books and ran towards Percie, folding my clothes. "What are you doing?" "Hey. How were your sses?"


    I grabbed my shirt from his hand.


    "The hell?" He red at me.


    My eyes narrowed to slits. "The hell? Privacy, Percie. Does it ring a bell?"


    His brow arched. "On yourundry? I saw you almost naked, and they''re just clothes, Hailey."


    I looked down. Oh, my God! My panties are neatly folded like they were ironed. My cheeks burned. I was beyond mad at the same time I was impressed. "A kiss would suffice."


    I took all my folded clothes. "Kiss my butt."


    "I will."


    "Shut up." I brought them to my room. When I came back, he was still folding my jeans-the only clothes left unfolded.


    "You don''t do that again, got it? No going through my clothes."


    He offered it to me. How did he know how to fold like in those boutique clothing. "You''re wee."


    He sat down on the couch, extending his legs on our new coffee table. I hoped he wouldn''t break it this time.


    "How''s your grandma?"


    "How am I? I''m doing great. And I just spent 2 hours practicing how to fold while watching that stupid video on a tutorial. Thank you very much, Hailey. My very appreciative girlfriend." Now I felt terrible. "You don''t have to do that, you know." I joined him on the couch.


    "You cook, keep the apartment spotless, do yourundry, you still have time to study, and you just came out from colds. I thought it was a good idea to help."


    I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him on his cheek. "Trust me, boyfriend. I appreciate every little thing you did for me. You''re the best roommate and boyfriend. You just surprised me. And I''m not used to someone, especially a guy folding myundry and touching my stuff."


    "Get used to it because I will do more than folding yourundry."


    "You''ll do what now?"


    He turned to face me. "Like this-" he surprised me with a kiss-a kind of kiss that we didn''t do in public. As soon as tongue sought for entrance, I gave in right away.


    While his lips and tongue were busy exploring my mouth, his hands traveled from my back down to my bottom. In a swift motion, I was already straddling him.


    I kissed him back as I meant it and let the fire raced through my veins. I kissed him the same way he kissed me deep and passionate. Each swiped of his tongue against mine, I moaned.


    It just felt so good that every cell in my body responded. I felt like on fire burning. Every inch of my skin was tingling. Every sensation of my nerve ending and pulse I wasn''t aware I had intensified.


    My muscles began to tighten. I was moaning, grinding into the growing bulge in his jeans, deliciously poking against my core. And the process was maddening as the throb worsened.


    I couldn''t stop as I felt nothing but delirious with ecstasy until a cry tore out from me.


    Mortified.


    That was the only thing that came through my head when a wave of bliss washed over me.


    Percie. What would he think about me after all of this? Every inch of his touch on my back created nothing but a soothing effect.


    But what have I done?


    "You okay?" Those were the first words that came from him. He was still catching his breath. His chest heaved.


    "No." I rushed to get out of him. I couldn''t and wouldn''t want to see the judgment flitting on his face. I bolted to my room and tucked myself in.


    "Lee, can Ie in?" He knocked slowly.


    "No. Go away!"


    "That means, please,e in." The door creakedter. The mattress sunk from my side.


    Not a moment passed by, he pulled me into a tight hug and kissed the side of my head. "Your first, I guessed."


    "Don''t embarrass me, please?" My voice shook.


    "Nothing to embarrass about it. You''re amazing, and I''m honored to be a part of your first."


    "It''s your fault too." Jeez, I should stop talking. My heartbeat hadn''t calmed a bit. My skin was still warm and sensitive when he nted a kiss on my neck. I quickly reacted.


    "I do take a part of the responsibility. I initiated, and I don''t regret any of it. How do you feel now?"


    "I don''t wanna talk about it. And forget that it ever happened."


    "No can do. That was the best thing to ever forget. We like each other, Hailey. I like you a lot never a day passed by, I didn''t think of kissing you, feeling you against my touch, and if it makes you feel better, I always think of loving you even in my sleep."


    My pulse skyrocketed. It was stupid that even the words like kiss, touch, and love truly affected me if they came from Percie. And every time his breathing fanned the back of my neck, goosebumps erupted in my skin.


    "How do you feel about it?" I pulled my hand out of the nket and wrapped it around his.


    "I don''t think you wanna hear about it." He chuckled.


    "Was it lewd?"


    "Very."


    "Oh."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Thank you, Lee."


    I turned my head to meet his gaze. "For what?"


    "For sharing with me these wonderful experiences."


    I blinked rapidly to push back the thoughts in my head.


    "What is it?"


    "What is it what?"


    "You froze."


    "Nothing." I swallowed.


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    "Lee, we agreed not to keep secrets."


    "I can''t tell you."


    My back vibrated with his groan. "Don''t make me warn you."


    "And what would you do?"


    "Don''t make me, sweetheart."


    "Does it hurt?"


    He cleared his throat at my question. "At first?"


    "No. That."


    "Oh." Hisugh vibrated through me. "Yeah, it does."


    "C-can you touch me?"


    "Lee," he warned me. But why would I listen if I wanted to be touched by someone I trusted.


    "You don''t want to." The sound of dismay in my voice made me want to crawl away from him, but he already tightened his arms around me.


    "You''re not running away every time you thought you are embarrassed. And I had nothing I wanted to do than give you what you want if you are sure-hundred percent sure about this."


    "I am." My throat had gone dry. What came over me? But I could be left untouched for the rest of my life if I would not initiate.


    And I trusted Percie.


    My breathing held the moment his hand snaked inside the nket, throwing it away. And my pulse started ringing in my ears.


    I closed my eyes.


    "Tell me when to stop." His voice became so deep and throaty.


    I couldn''t reply.


    He started touching my shoulder, down to my stomach through my shirt, but I felt like I was already naked-the warmth prated through the thinyer of fabric of my clothes. I was already biting my lip.


    I gasped. His hand covered my breast, cupping it, squeezing a little bit. Then he started kissing me from my neck. The process was killing me. I bent my neck, giving him more ess.


    "Oh, god."


    He then lifts my shirt up above my bra-I was using a front sped-he undid it in one click. I squeezed my eyes shut in anticipation.


    "Don''t close your eyes, Lee. Be brave and look how gorgeous you are," he whispered into my ear before he cupped and kneaded my breast in a slow and surely rhythm.


    I did as he said and watched what he did to me. I bit my bottom lip to hold my moan. It looked dirty and erotic, but I started to enjoy it. When he pinched my nipple between his fingers, twisting it, that was the time I cried. My hand flew to my mouth.


    "Is it too much?" His voice was getting low and shaky.


    I shook my head.


    "Word, sweetheart." He let go of an unsteady breath.


    "Don''t stop."


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    "I won''t." He did the same on my other breast, and I was writhing and moaning before he was done.


    He stopped.


    I lost my control. I threw away my shame. I held his hand, cing it below my abdomen. "Touch me more."


    "Lee."


    "I want to feel being touched. If it''s not too much to ask."


    "Nothing is too much from you. But are you sure?"


    "If you''ll ask me "


    "Sweetheart, I''ll give you want you to want that is only if you won''t regretter on."


    "I won''t," I assured him.


    "Have you tried or did-"


    "I tried, but I felt ashamed before I could just do it if you want to." I pushed my head against the pillow.


    He unfastened the skirt I was wearing. "Every time I do something, you froze, why?"


    "You do that to me."


    "Is that a good thing?"


    "You always made me stupid and speechless every time you got closed to me."


    "So did I. Even until now." He panted a kiss on the shell of my ear before he slipped his hand into my panties. His sudden move made me grip his arm in support.


    I used to shave. Since I started college, I waxed my own.


    "Fuck me," he murmured against my neck before sucking my skin, at the same time dividing my folds apart with his fingers. He then pressed a finger on my sensitive, wet, and most sensitive entrance.


    I felt mortified about how wet I was. I could feel it against his slicked fingers as he explored, rubbed, and spread my wetness all over. He only just started, but I was already dizzy with needs.


    I was moaning as he started to move his finger in circles, making me more wet and sensitive.


    My muscles were taut with tension. And I couldn''t help but follow his rhythm as he quickened the speed. I curled my fingers around his arm, clinging desperately as I began to feel the unspeakable. The sensation was building up. The pressure had my eyes rolled back and had me flew higher and higher.


    "Don''t stop," I pled, "please?" I didn''t care if I sounded desperate. All I wanted was to fly.


    "Look at me," Percie ordered. My eyes flew open, and I turned to him.


    He covered my mouth with his searing kiss as he delved his finger into my entrance. We moaned together as he sunk it in further. His thumb hit my nub.


    He thrust in and out, and I was fully impaled.


    I cried into our mouths while he was grinding his bulge against my butt.


    We shook and shuddered as we weed our pure ecstasy.

 Chapter 37

    HAILEY


    "So, how''s your baby grumpy?"


    I pretended not to listen to Victoria. I opened my book instead. I was about to start reading when Megan shut the book close.


    "What the hell?" I red at them as they twisted their lips at me. "He''s in his ss."


    "We saw him earlier, and he looked like he just hit the jackpot. Later, Lee," Megan mimicked Percie''s voice.


    "Then what else do you wanna know?" I suddenly remembered what we didst night. After that eventful moments, he went to his room to change, and so did. When he came back, I already changed to PJs. We had dinner together in serenity. "Hey." Megan nudged me. "We''re waiting here."


    "Omg." Victoria covered her mouth instantly, staring at me with wide eyes. "You finally slept with him," she whispered.


    I looked around to make sure that no one listened. "We did not."


    "You''re lying." Victoria did not buy my words. It was shown all over her face.


    "I don''t buy it. Look at her." Megan pointed at my face. "She''s all dreamy, flushed, and your pupils are dted."


    I rolled my eyes. "Think whatever you like."


    "Ah, they did it once. That''s why she can still walk straight."


    "What the hell are you talking about?" I narrowed my eyes at them, but I was so damn nervous. My heart was beating fast.


    "Yeah, agreed." They high-fived together.


    "He''s a good guy if he got so easy on our not-virgin-anymore-friend."


    I shushed them. "Lower your voice down."


    "Why? What''s wrong if you don''t wanna just hump on someone to throw away your virginity. I''m not against those who preserve them for their future husband than just banging around, and when they get pregnant, they will throw their babies to the adoption center."


    "She now gets the point." Victoria elbowed Megan.


    "Leave me alone. How''s Lexie, by the way?"


    Megan pressed her lips together to hide her smile. "But you already met his grandma."


    "We just visited her in the hospital. That''s all."


    "But it''s a big deal to your baby grumpy that his grandma likes you."


    "Why do you keep him calling baby grumpy?" I asked.


    "Because he''s cute when looks all grumpy."


    "More likely, he''s hot in all angles," Victoria answered Megan. "Don''t get jealous. Just telling the truth."


    I didn''t know if I should get jealous or be grateful that I had a boyfriend like Percie.


    Finally, our professor entered. I opened my book again when the gushes and murmurs started. I searched for the source of gushing until my gazended on the one and only Remy Larkin.


    Megan and Victoria kept on elbowing me from side to side as Remy was a few steps closer to us.


    The rain incident came shing back at me. All of a sudden, I felt someone just threw a bucket of cold water at me when I realized what he was doing.


    "Is this seat taken?" he asked politely.


    "Find your seat, Mr. Larkin. We don''t have all the time in the world," our professor said from the front seat.


    "Found one, sir. Thank you," Remy replied.


    "Okay, then. Let''s start with page fifteen in your book."


    "d to see you''re okay," he said in a low voice.


    I ignored him, even if his presence was not too hard to ignore. He was making the room suddenly small.


    "You can''t ignore me all semester, Hailey." That got my attention.


    "You''re not serious." I red at him.


    "Deadly."


    I stared at him in disbelief.


    "I dropped this subjectst year."


    "Then why now? To show me that you could be my nightmare all this semester?"


    He looked taken aback. "Of course not. How can I convince you that I don''t have hidden agenda here? I just wanna be your friend."


    "Why me? There are students here who would die to be in your wings."


    "I wanna pick the right friends this time."


    "Or you wanna pick me because of Percie."


    "It alwayses down to him, isn''t it? Do you even know him well?"


    "I know well enough that I trust him more than you." I picked up my thing and changed my seat to an empty one beside Victoria.


    ***


    I searched for Percie after my ss. He texted to meet him in the coffee shop.


    He was already with Lexie when I arrived. He had not seen me yet when I wrapped my arms around behind him.


    "Hey." I kissed his cheek.


    "Wew. It''s disgusting how sweet you two are. I wanna gag right now."


    "Hey, Lexie." I upied the seat beside Percie. "Hey, you okay?" I asked him when he seemed silent.


    "He knew," Lexie said.


    "About what?" I asked in confusion.


    "Remy is your ssmate now."


    I studied Percie. His jaw clenched, staring outside the window. "What''s the deal between you and him? I know it''s before you met me."


    He ced a cup in front of me. "I don''t wanna talk about it. Your too sugary coffee." He then kissed me on my cheek.


    "We eventually have to talk about it." I met his sad eyes.


    "Promise. When I''m ready."


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    "Deal."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "So, it''s true then?" Lexie asked.


    "Unfortunately, yes. How did he even know I was sick?"


    "Mother-"


    Hey." Lexie held his hand. "Calm down, bad boy."


    I felt that their conflict had gone too far, now that I''ve encountered Remy twice in such a short time.


    "If he wanted to be in my ss, then so be it. It''s not like I have to mingle with him. I already changed my seat since he chose to sit next to me."


    "Fucking Larkin." He growled.


    "I''m so not impressed with you cursing every word you said."


    "Sorry, sweetheart. He''s just doing a pretty bang-up job in getting into my skin."


    "I''m here for you. Just don''t give him a chance to get into you again."


    "You." He pointed at me. "Never give him a chance to get into me."


    "Loud and clear, boss."


    He smirked at me.


    "Oh boy. I''m leaving." Lexie rose from her seat. "See you bothter. Please, don''t make out here. Wait until you get to your apartment. This ce is pretty convoluting and disgusting already." "What is she talking about?" I asked out of curiosity.


    "A lot of things happened in this coffee shop, and you don''t need to know the details."


    "Let''s go home."


    "Already?"


    "Do you have another n?"


    "Damn right I have."


    We ended up at theke house. As soon as the door shut behind us, I was already pressed against the wall as he attacked me with a searing kiss.


    "Wait."


    "What?" he asked me. He looked annoyed.


    "Why are we here? I mean, I am notining, but how long are we gonna stay here?"


    "I''ll send you to your parents tomorrow. I told them I wanna spend some time with you. Your dad, well, he gave me a long speech before he agreed, but your mom has no problem other than reminding me to finish college first h and h." Iughed. "Oh, my god. My parents are so embarrassing."


    "I wish I have parents like yours, Hailey." I wished I knew how to fulfill it. I was just grateful that despite how his parents treated him, he still ended up being a good person.


    "I don''t have things."


    "Taken care of."


    "You didn''t-"


    "No. I went with Lexie to buy things for you."


    "What? Sometimes I wanna get jealous of how close you two are."


    He chuckled. "May I remind you again that she''s into girls. I just thought I don''t wanna spend a long time shopping after your ss when I could do it with Lexie. Instead, we could spend more time here together."


    "Whatever. But you didn''t have to, you know."


    "You made it pretty clear yesterday not to touch yourundry and stuff."


    "I guess I should take it back."


    "Can I kiss you now?"


    I pressed my lips to him before he could talk more. We did a lot of talking already.


    We ended up cuddling on the couch. I started unbuttoning his shirt. I wanted to touch what was beneath his shirt. I expanded the palm of my hand on his chest. He was not bulky or thin, but he had enough muscles in the right ces. His abs constricted every time I traveled my fingers to ces I longed to feel against my skin.


    "Do you work out?"


    "I used to."


    "Why''d you stop?"


    "I didn''t. I just go down the apartment building. There''s a small gym, and I go whenever I have time."


    "Do you y balls?"


    He looked down on me. "You wanna know, or you already knew."


    I shook my head. "I knew nothing about your past, aside from Emma, and you being a bully when you were a kid."


    "I used to y in high school, but I didn''t make it because of misconduct."


    I giggled. "What did you do?"


    "I punched my coach."


    My eyes widened in shock, amused at the same time. "Why?"


    "He thought I waste because I was making out with "


    "Emma."


    "Yeah."


    I wrinkled my nose. "Ew. Gross."


    "Yeah. Emma only stayed in our house during our senior, but she sometimes had sleepovers. Only a few people knew about our real rtionship before the ident. If you see Emma with me for the first time, you can tell that she''s a clingy girlfriend."


    "Am I gonna be clingy?" I watched closely how he would react.


    His lips spread into a wide grin. "I''d love that because right now, I am a damn possessive boyfriend." Suddenly, I was lifted and ced on top of him as he kissed me hungrily.

 Chapter 38

    HAILEY


    "Can I pick up tomorrow night?" he was insisting for a hundred times.


    "We already talked about it. I''ll see you on Monday morning, Percie."


    He wasn''t impressed with my decision, but I knew he''d respect it in the end. I already spent my whole Saturday with him. He rubbed the back of his neck before he knocked on my parents'' door.


    "You can go now. I''m sure the squirrel can''t kidnap me to itsir," I cracked a joke before he left me with those sad eyes. "If you change your mind."


    "I won''t." I cut him off. "Now go before Mom would ask you what we did in theke house."


    "And what if they''d ask you?" His eyes glinted with mischief.


    "We sat on the deck, ate our lunch, talked about school projects-"


    "And we made out. That was a whole lot of" I covered his mouth with my hand when I heard footsteps from the house.


    "Go," I warned him with a look. He was right, though. We made out on the deck, on the couch, in the kitchen, in the bed. Every time I tried to make a move, he stopped me, saying I was not ready. Sometimes, I thought he didn''t want to make love with me, or I wasn''t attractive enough that would interest him. But one thing I was sure that I had an effect on him was, I turned him on somehow-maybe because we were kissing-maybe it affected every man as well. "Got to go, Lee. Call me." He kissed me on my lips. "Gonna miss you." He kissed me again before he finally walked away.


    I went to my room and did a quick shower. I started doubting myself. I dropped the towel and looked at my reflection in the mirror from head to toe. My wavy chestnut hair had enough volumes. My amber almond-shaped eyes staring back at me, I thought my best asset. My body, I had never been overweight. I had enough curves in the right ces. My boobs were not big, but not small either. I had a t stomach that most guys wanted in women. My friends told me that I had great legs could run a mile. But right now, I wasn''t sure about it anymore.


    I put some clothes on and went down to meet Mom.


    "Going somewhere, honey?"


    "Yeah. I just need a haircut."


    Mom''s brows quirked up. Then a proud smile spread across her lips. "Go ahead. I hope you''re doing this for yourself, honey. Percie already liked your hair."


    I smiled back. "Doing this for myself, Mom."


    "You can drive my car. It just came from the shop. It works just fine." She gave me the key with her card.


    "Mom, I still have cash."


    "Go ahead, silly. Take it. Buy something for yourself."


    ***


    Four hourster, my hair transformed into mussedyers of textured midi, and I asked the hairdresser to put bangs to add an edgy look. And I was pleased with my new look. I also bought a few things and lingeries to add to my small wardrobes. Like what I said to Mom, I was doing this for myself.


    I got back home. Mom was already sleeping. I threw myself to bed. I was a little bit exhausted, but my phone buzzed for a new message.


    Percie: Snoring?


    Hailey: I don''t snore


    Percie: Why still up?


    I sat down and dialed instead.


    "How about you? Shouldn''t you be at the party?"


    I knew a friend of Remy was throwing out a party tonight. I was invited by one of my ssmates, but it was not my crowd.


    "I don''t party anymore, Lee. Now, why are you still up? Miss me?" he whispered thest words.


    "I went out to buy something."


    "Seriously, Lee? Didn''t I just tell you to call me?"


    "Well, thest time I checked, you''re my boyfriend and not my designated driver."


    "Well let me make things clear, Hailey, this boyfriend of yours can be your DD, your ve, your maid, your lover-"


    "My lover? Then why-" I stopped myself. Good god! What''s wrong with me? I sounded so desperate right now.


    "Lee?"


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    I hung up the call, threw myself back to bed, and stared up at the ceiling. My face heated in embarrassment. I was startled by the ringing of my phone on the bed. I knew it was Percie. I ignored it and washed my face instead. I should do something and made myself busy than thinking that would make me crazy.


    Starting tonight, I would forget about sex. Maybe Percie was not the right person for me. Maybe, someone out there was.


    Percie: Lee, answer me, or I will knock on your door right now.


    Hailey: Got to sleep. See you on Monday.


    Percie: We need to talk


    Hailey: No. Monday


    Percie: Just answer my call, and we''ll talk for a minute. Just 1 min.


    I knew he wouldn''t stop, and right now, I was not in the right mind to talk to him face to face.


    I answered when he called.


    "We agreed on no more secrets, Hailey. What''s gotten into your mind? Are you doubting us? Is it about what happened earlier in theke house?" "No. I''m fine."


    "When women said fine, they certainly not telling the truth. You were saying about my lover-"


    "Just drop it, Percie." I groaned in irritation. I was beyond embarrassed, and I wanted to end this conversation and forgot it even happened.


    "I''m not gonna drop it until we talk about it."


    "Well, I''m not interested."


    "Hailey-"


    "Beep. Beep. Your time is over. Bye." I hung up the call. I''m done. He couldn''t control what I had to say or what I should do. Thank God he did not call me again.


    I woke up to the banging of my door and that voice I couldn''t be dreaming, but what the hell was she doing here?


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    "I''ming!" I yelled in irritation. I opened the door to Victoria and Megan. "What time is it? And what are you both doing here?"


    "Get dressed, and your hair is amazing," Megan ordered. They entered before I could invite them in.


    I rubbed my eyes. "Why?"


    "Seriously, Hailey. What kind of world did you live in? Haven''t you checked out our messages and calls?" Victoria asked. Her voice filled with sarcasm.


    I propped my hands on my hips. "Well, it''s already Sunday and at two in the morning."


    "Lexie and Percie are in trouble."


    I was already wide awake when they mentioned Percie and Lexie''s names. "How? I was just talking to Percie a while ago."


    "Just get dressed. We''ll exin in the car."


    "How did you get in?" I asked as I pulled something to wear.


    "We''re not vampires, you know." Megan picked up a shirt for me.


    "Through the door like a decent person does. Wear this and hurry up." Victoria grabbed my new shorts.


    In less than ten minutes, we were already in Megan''s car. Mom had not said anything, but she wasn''t happy about me going out at two in the morning.


    I started reading their messages. My skin was full of goosebumps as I started ying the video taken by someone watching what they were doing to one of the freshmen students. I heard about these stupid games that they would snatch and kidnap students, ce them on the spot and ask questions under a polygraph in front of everyone and those watching on a live website. They drugged them to avoid lying.


    The worse part was, they have certain punishments if they didn''t like the truth or if a victim refused to y their stupid games.


    "When was Lexie taken?"


    "Two hours ago."


    "What about Percie?"


    "I called him when you did not answer. He said he would take care of it." Of course, he would.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 39

    HAILEY


    We arrived at the old warehouse where the party was held. It was crowded that we could barely make it to see their stupid game. Two students were assigned to record the game. The crowd startedughing when one of the jocks asked an overweight student who looked so drunk. If he wasn''t tied, he might have fallen off the chair.


    Anger raged beneath my skin as I noticed Remy was one of the jocks, and he seemed not enjoying the way they treated the poor guy. But if what Victoria and Megan had told me was true, their parents were elite club members. That was how they became buddies. And it seemed that he didn''t have a choice but to be a part of this, or he would look weak, and he would be the target of these stupid rich kids.


    "Where''s Lexie?" I asked Megan. I couldn''t call Percie. He needed his undivided attention in searching for Lexie. Once he knew I came over to help, he would just be mad at me. "Percie hasn''t still called."


    "Why don''t you call him? He might answer you."


    I looked at Victoria. "He would, but then he needs to focus on searching Lexie and not worrying or yelling at me for being here."


    "And if we find her, I am sure there''s someone is watching her. What should we do then? Punch him?" Victoria said.


    "Our next guest to be under your polygraph is " I thought he was Adrian. "Who''s excited to know the darkest secret she''s hiding?"


    "She?" we asked in unison.


    My throat choked up when everyone yelled in excitement. I looked around and realized how could they watch someone suffered, hurt, scrutinized, and humiliated in front of them and those who were watching.


    I gasped. Two guys were dragging Lexie. She was struggling to get lost against the two guys around Remy''s height.


    "Oh, my god." My hands flew to my mouth. My eyes watered at the sight. Lexie was still wearing the clothes yesterday before we left. "We need to do something."


    "Someone tried to stop like this, you know what happened? He reced the girl he tried to save, and he happened to have done a terrible thing in his past. He just disappeared. Nobody knew where he went after that." "Maybe we should call the police," I suggested.


    "And then what? No one would dare talk. Even your father can''t help them, Hailey. Trust me. You know these guys. They have connections," Megan replied.


    "Our guest is Lexie Heights. A sophomore student." Lexie was struggling even if she knew there was no point. How dare they could do this. Anger coursed through me.


    "You all are assholes. Son of bitches. Motherfuckers, spoiled brats! If you think you can make me talk with your stupid games, then go ahead!" Lexie yelled at them. The crowd just boo. What''s wrong with them? They thought it was funny? Remy was still standing like a statue, unmoving, but he seemed not pleased. His nose red as he watched the two guys holding Lexie still. Another guy beside Remy whispered something to another jock on his right and then nodded. Whatever it was, it was not good.


    "Here''s question number one. Are you guys ready for the big revtion of who Lexie Heights is that nobody knows?"


    As always, the crowd went crazy.


    "Where is Percie? I thought he would do something?" Megan had been anxious since Lexie''s number was up. I guessed she really cared about her.


    "I''m sure he''s doing something," Victoria assured her.


    "But they''re gonna humiliate her right now!" Megan shouted at Victoria.


    "We need to buy him some time," I suggested, my pulse racing.


    "What do you have in mind, Hailey? If you have something cooked up, now it''s the time." Megan held my arm. "Please?"


    "Question number one. Remember, these questions are random, and all our guests have voted to be on this stand today." "What the hell?"


    "I told you these guys are crazy," Megan said.


    "It''s a yes and no question. Did you sleep with one of your professors in freshmen?"


    The crowded went nuts.


    "Fuck you and your father, your mother, and your sisters!" Lexie eximed.


    "If you won''t answer this with yes and no, you will get your punishmentter." I could see Andrian was just swallowing his rage down.


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    "Yes. I fucked your sister."


    "I''ll take her seat!" I swallowed hard after my words came out of my mouth. I was only hoping Percie was doing something to stop this stupidity.


    "What are you doing?" I could clearly hear the shock in Megan and Victoria''s voices.


    "Saving our friend."


    I could barely step forward as I got everyone''s attention. It was now or never, or they would throw stones at me. I had to do this to buy Percie some time. Remy''s eyes widened as his gazended on me. He didn''t see iting. Well, so did I. I never would have imagined myself to be in the center of these hundred pairs of scrutinizing eyes, but at least I didn''t just watch my friend get humiliated. At least, I did something.


    "Whoa! Whoa! Look who''s here? Now, this night is just getting better and enthralling," Adrian announced. He was enjoying this. It was all over his face.


    "No!" I jolted to halt in the middle when Remy stopped Adrian. "She''s not gonna take Lexie''s ce. It''s not in the rules of this game. I made this game, remember?"


    "You''re right, and not in the rules too, to get someone reced, Remy. Come on, man. This is getting better. Who''s with me?"


    I watched the crowd roar, boys and girls, drunk or not, stupid, assholes, named it. They were excited.


    "Let''s get this over with." I didn''t know where did I get this strength and confidence. I just didn''t know myself anymore or how did I change. But tonight, I had only one purpose to save Lexie. "Great. Come over here, babe."


    "Don''t babe her, or I will break your ugly face, asshole!" she yelled at Adrian.


    "Well, I love my girl feisty, babe. Or do we have something inmon, babe?"


    She ignored Adrain''sment. "What the hell are you doing here, Hailey?"


    I got to have a closer look at Lexie. She was slightly groggy, but maybe, her drug was started wearing off. "To save you."


    "Even if you can save me tonight, Percie will still kill me. Are you crazy? What''s gotten into you?"


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    "Enough of this chit-chat, girls. Our viewers are waiting," Adrian interrupted us. "Bring Lexie inside."


    "You''re gonna be in great trouble, Hailey. They''re going to bring out your deepest secret. Your hair looks good on you, by the way."


    I swallowed hard. My heart was beating wildly in my chest. I started to feel my nerves overpowering my senses as I took the seat in front of hundreds of students and these jocks. Remy shook his head before he walked away. "Since she volunteered herself, and we did not prepare her questions. Let us ask from the audience instead."


    I was nudged by the guy on my left and offered me to drink what was on the bottle.


    "I''m not thirsty."


    "Drink this. This will help you calm your nerves."


    "I''m not nervous."


    "You will. So I suggest you drink it, or I will force you to drink it."


    I red at him. "You will all regret this." I grabbed it from him and drunk the content. A few momentster, my vision blurred. My body felt hot and energized as if I had been running for hours, but I was not catching my breath. I tried to blink repeatedly to clear my sight. But maybe this was the effect of whatever they let me drink.


    My throat was dry as if I had been under the sun for hours. "Hey, Adrian. Can I have some water?"


    "You''re not in a restaurant, babe."


    "But you''re good wearing a waiter uniform, dude." I shut my mouth up. My eyes widened. Why did I just say that? It even garneredughs from the audience. "Your head is so big like Megamind, but your mind isn''t that mega, is it?" The audience startedughing.


    "Do you think you''re funny?" He red down at me. His face flushed with anger.


    "Well, I am the one here tied into the chair. And it''s, whatever I drunk is the one talking. I swear." I shrugged. "You''re a bitch, you know, attention seeker, son of bitches like you all are." What the hell? My brain wouldn''t slow down. "You think you''re all better than us because daddy dearest has deep pockets. Well, tell you what, you all are losers without money, no real friends, and I bet no one would even hire you if you work in the diner. You know nothing about hardships, no talents, and these guys you call friends are not your true friends. The truth is, you all are stabbing behind each other''s back. Am I right? You hate each other. That''s the " Before I could continue, a fist blows my nose. My body hit the floor with a thud, my head bounced with the impact. I thought my world spun. Then everyone was rushing, yelling something about fire.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Before my eyes closed shut, I heard sirens.

 Chapter 40

    HAILEY


    "What the hell were you thinking?" I was still pressing a tissue against my swollen nose, wincing in pain. "Who are you now, Hailey? I don''t recognize you anymore?" Dad was shaking with anger down at me. "It was my fault, Mr. Ward. I went to your house to tell Hailey about Lexie," Victoria said as we gathered in the precinct.


    "No. It was my fault. I was the one who told Victoria to go to Hailey-"


    "I don''t care who''s fault who! You all could have gotten hurt. Why didn''t you just call the police or call 911?"


    "And tell what, Dad?" I met Dad''s gaze. "That someone held a party? As far as I know, it''s not illegal."


    "Underage drinking. Taking of drug substance. How about bullying? I don''t care if they own the city, I still took an oath to protect the people."


    "Are we under arrest, Mr. Ward?"


    "No. But you will stay here until morning." Dad turned to me. "And you are grounded. You will stay and go to school from home."


    "What? That''s unfair, and I''m already an adult to be grounded." I added a rueful smile.


    "It''s not up for debate, young woman. Your mother would be furious about this."


    "Go ahead. Say it, Dad." Okay, I screwed up and paid the price of my actions, but it might have not ended soon if I didn''t provoke that asshole. "Are you gonna cut my allowance too?" "Stop talking, Hailey. That''s the drug talking," Megan chided me.


    "You, son of a bitch!" someone just screamed that caught our attention. Then a thud followed.


    "Oh, my god!" Megan yelped. "What was that?"


    At the corner, there was amotion. I knew exactly who screamed. I rushed towards Percie surrounded by the cops, but none of them seemed to pull him away.


    "You punched my girlfriend, asshole. You punched a woman! You punched, Hailey, you fucking sonofabitch!" Percie was on top of Adrian, punching his face. "I will fucking kill you!"


    Adrian was blocking Percie''s punches with his arms, but he must have been caught off guard before he received Percie''s punches. His face was bloody.


    "Stop these two!" Dad ordered. "Are you just gonna watch these two idiots brawl? This is a police precinct and not a damn cockfight!"


    "Percie, enough!" I yelled at him. Someone gripped my arms before I could get in the center to pull them away.


    "You''re saying?" It was Dad.


    I stared at him in confusion and in disbelief with my mouth hanging open.


    "I will sue you and let you rot in jail!" Adrian yelled at Percie with his bloody face. I didn''t even feel pity for him in a bit. He deserved it after what their victims had gone through in their hands.


    "Sure. Ward''s daughter will file aint of assaulting her, and Miss Heights for kidnapping and drugging her. And wait, cyberbullying and bullying. We have all the evidence. Anything you might wanna say before us, you should call yourwyer?" said the officer on my left.


    "You maybe are rich, kid, and pulled strings to cut you loose, but we, here, you can''t bribe us. You better think about your move. After what you did to Hailey, you deserved more than punches." It was Dad''s captain this time.


    Adrian finally realized what he did, and what would happen to him if he nned on suing Percie. "Can I go home now?"


    "You know your way out," the Captain said. "Party is over. Get back to work.


    "Thank you." I thought my lungs just copsed when Lexie threw herself into me.


    I hugged her tight. "Shouldn''t you be in the hospital?"


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    She pulled away. Her makeup was smeared all over her face. She must have been crying. "I was so scared. I knew about their stupid game. Once you''re under their radar, you can''t escape. When I got snatched, I knew it was the end of me. Then you stood up and saved me. I realized how much you care for me, and you would do everything to help me even if it ends up risking your life in the end. I owe you my life, Hailey."


    I hugged her again. "You did the same for me. I guessed we''re now even." I giggled as I wiped my tears.


    "Percie is gonna kill me," she murmured.


    "You mean us?" At the corner of my eye, Percie was ring at me while Dad was talking to him-if stare could kill, I was already ashes at this moment.


    "I''ll take the fall."


    "Good luck with that. As if he didn''t know the whole story." I kept my gaze glued at Percie.


    "Like your new hair, though. And those shorts are to die for. What''s changed?" she asked me. I thought no one would notice.


    "Nothing." Percie was still ring at me, but I saw a hint of admiration somewhere deep in those dark orbs.


    "I see," Lexie said.


    "What?"


    She pointed at Percie behind her.


    "No. He saw me after that party."


    "Oh. That''s why he''s pissed off. I could literally see the fire inside his throat ready to toast us."


    "I''ll handle him."


    "No, let me do it first."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I held Lexie''s hand. "No, Lex. You''ve been through a lot for the past twenty-four hours. What you need right now is rest. And you might wanna talk to Megan. You wouldn''t be here if it wasn''t for her."


    "I will. Thanks again." She kissed me on my cheek.


    "Anytime, Lexie."


    "Good luck with him."


    "Oh, I need more than luck." I smiled at her. My nose still hurt, but ording to the medic, thankfully, Adrian punched like a girl, it didn''t do any further damages.


    My pace towards Percie and Dad was calcted. "Dad, I wanna go home. Can Percie send me?"


    He nodded to Percie without a word at me.


    "Dad?" I called him urgently when he started walking away.


    "Go home, Hailey. We''ll talk at home."


    I nodded even if it was against my will. I couldn''t me him for being mad at me. I made a terrible decision. I could have hurt more, humiliated that I couldn''t get away with it. But done was done. It happened, and I couldn''t take it back.


    Percie hadn''t said a word as we walked out of the precinct. His hands were in pockets, and he seemed to be in deep thoughts or fighting his urge to curse the hell out at me. The tension between us was frightening. The silence was deafening. I remained calm even if I was shaking deep inside.


    I swallowed hard as we reached his car. For the first time, I didn''t know what to say first or how to apologize. I knew it was my fault, but I had to do something for my friend. I didn''t regret doing that.


    "Percie" Before I could even start, I found myself pressed against his car, his hands cupping my head, his lips against mine as he covered my shock with a searing kiss.


    He wrapped me with his tight embrace after that and whispered in a shaky voice, "Damn it, Lee. Don''t do that again."

 Chapter 41

    HAILEY


    Percie looked right into my eyes, and my heart just broke to see how deep sadness lingered in. "Come home with me." "But Dad-"


    "We would understand. I''ll take the fall." He took a deep breath, not breaking eye contact. "I need you right now." He pressed his lips against my forehead. "I-I thought I''d lost you. I couldn''t watch it again. You couldn''t know the feeling of watching someone you love someone you cared about slipping through your finger-or through your sight until they''re gone. And I''d rather die before I''d go through that again, Hailey."


    I nodded, and I didn''t know if I should answer or kiss him again.


    "Don''t ever do that stupid heroism again. Come with me. I need to feel you because right now, I feel like I''m still dreaming of you that every time I want to reach out to you, you slip through my grasp."


    I cupped his face. "I''m here. I''m alive. I''m right here with you."


    "Please?"


    The ride was taking us so long to arrive at our apartment. My hand is in his grip, he wouldn''t let it go. He sometimes caressed it or nted them to his lips and kissed each knuckle.


    He was still shaking with what happened earlier, so did I. I couldn''t believe what I had done. I couldn''t believe that I was this person-but I loved who I was right now-strong-willed.


    I gripped his hand as soon it trembled while he was inserting the key to its keyhole.


    "Let me." I helped him unlock the door.


    Once we were inside, he wrapped his arms around me from behind and kissed my head.


    I turned around and tiptoed to kiss his lips. "I was scared. I was scared of making my own decisions. But when I saw what they were doing to Lexie, something had snapped me out of my box. All I could think was to save Lexie. I''m sorry if made you worry."


    He held my hand and ced it on his chest, where his heartid and nodded.


    I tiptoed again. Before I could kiss Percie, his eyes lit up as if his primal instincts kicked in-he cupped the back of my head and crushed his mouth into mine, ravaging me like I was hisst meal.


    I took the gasp in, kissing him back like I meant to be since I saw the pain in those eyes.


    I sagged. A moan rippled through me as Percie thrust his tongue inside my mouth, making me ache for more.


    I arched my back, pressed my body, my breasts against him, seeking the relief of pain and the throb between my thighs.


    When he broke, I woke to a bucket of cold water pouring down on me.


    Quite the opposite of what I saw in his eyes, though-they were brewing with lust and anticipation.


    Before I could say something, he held my hand, and I followed him to wherever he led me to his bedroom.


    Now my skin tingled. My lips dried. Is it what I think it is?


    I swallowed hard once we were inside, and he shut the door closed. I had run out of ideas of what to do or say next and waited for hismand.


    I stood in front of him as he slipped his shoes off, then he knelt to unzip my boots and took them off one by one. He then looked at me, slowly rising at my level.


    He touched my hair, slipping his fingers through its strands. "You look beautiful. I hope you did not do it for me, or other guys, but for yourself. Anyhow, you still look beautiful with your old hairstyle, even if you''re bald or with greying hair. Your beauty shines from within you, Lee."


    I remained speechless, butterflies in my belly pping erratically.


    He pulled his shirt off, still making me gasp every time I saw these rock-hard abs. My fingers itched to touch.


    I held my breath as he took a step closer. Slowly, he leaned over. The anticipation was killing me every second.


    Before our lips touched, he whispered, "I was wrong to wait for the right time. When there was no right time. The moment I saw you with a bloody nose, I wanted to kill myself, but then I still don''t wanna die until I have you and make you feel good you won''t ever forget for the rest of your life."


    A smile tilted my lips. "Though I wasn''t good enough for you."


    He red down at me. "You''re not serious."


    "Then show me how you wanna make me feel."


    He crushed his lips into mine. I kissed him back, unable to hide my hunger. I traced my fingers against the skin of his block of abs, up to his broad chest. His muscles like cut granite contracted against my touch. My hands traveled up to his back while his hand slipped through the edge of my shirt.


    I raised my arms, and he pulled it over my head. I was wearing the new set of red underwear I bought today.


    He licked his dry lips.


    I unbuttoned my shorts, let them drop down my ankles.


    He let go a shuddering breath this time, then guided me to his bed.


    Before he crawled down, he stared at me. "Are you sure?"


    I nodded. I wasn''t aware I was gripping his sheets when he shredded the rest of his clothes, leaving his boxers on. But I could feel and see what was beneath. His bulge was prominent, protruding, and it had me thinking if it would fit. He has a little monster in him.


    I was snapped out of my stupor by a kiss. "You can always change your mind."


    "I won''t." I held my breath as he unsped my bra, freeing, and exposing my breasts for the first time.


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    "Gorgeous." His voice was raspier. He lowered his head to kiss my neck, down to my cor bone. Then he flicked his tongue on my peak nipple.


    I gasped and arched my back, attempting to push my heated flesh into his mouth- he granted my inner thoughts-capturing it into his mouth.


    He licked, traced, andved it like his favorite ice cream. He did the same to another, leaving me writhing under him. Atst, he sucked it hard, sending bolts of electric lightning right through my core. Then his teeth grazed and scraped against my flesh in a delicious way.


    He then left my sensitive peaks, hardened against the cold. He traced his tongue down my belly, licking my navel.


    I moaned again.


    The trust and intimacy between us made mefortable in his bed. He then stopped just at the edge of my panties.


    I remained quiet as he slipped his fingers through my panties, pulling them down my feet. He then dragged his kisses from my toes to my legs, up to my thighs.


    I gasped in shock. My eyes grew wide as Percie pulled his boxers down. He stood there naked and proud, fisting his massive monster.


    When he crawled back down to me, he bent my leg, spreading me. "I could smell how wet you are, Lee. But I still have to prepare and ready you." He dragged his finger from my pubic down to my wet slit.


    I nodded. I lost my voice. All I could think of was how good would this feel when he was inside me.


    "Word, Lee."


    "Y-yes."


    He finally moved his finger down my nub that had me gasp at how sensitive it was. He kissed me slowly as he moved the pad of thumb up and down my slit until it coated with my wetness. Slowly, he inserted and glided a finger into me. I could feel how tight I was or how thick his finger was, but it didn''t hurt. In fact, I started to move my hips up to match his rhythm.


    "Feels good." I moaned to our mouths. He moaned too.


    He added another finger. This time, I arched my back as the extreme pleasure intensified.


    "Oh, god." I broke the kiss to breathe.


    Before I could fly high, he pulled his fingers, bent down, and licked and sucked the center of my entrance, and ate like hisst meal-as if his life depended on it.


    I cried in pleasure.


    Before I could take another cry, he hovered me and covered my cry with his mouth, kissing me passionately as he allowed me to hold his steely length. It jerked against my grip, and he hissed as I squeezed him and guided him to an aching


    core.


    He was really big and long.


    He slowly positioned himself. Before he could push down, he flipped us andid us back down. "I want you to be in control, Lee. Take control, sweetheart."


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    I lowered my head and kissed him as I slowly guided him inside. We moaned as his crown notched into my slick entrance. It stung a little bit, it stretched, and I felt so full as his crown sunk inside me.


    "Take it slow, Lee. Take the time to adjust, how deep you want, the angle you can take me."


    "I want you to be inside me now."


    "As long as I won''t hurt you."


    I lifted my hips a little bit, and we watched his length deep in me in an excruciating inch by inch.


    I let go of a shuddering breath.


    "You okay?" He rushed out his words through gritted teeth.


    "Yes." I panted. I was seated on himpletely. I slowly lifted myself, and I could feel every inch of him pulling out of me. Then I sat back down, causing him to blow a few breaths out.


    "Fuck." He groaned.


    Am I not doing it right?


    He flipped us again. "I don''t wannae before you, sweetheart. Wrap your legs around me. Tell me if it''s too much, and I''ll stop right away."


    "Please, Percie," I begged.


    He moved before I could even finish his name. It was slow at first. As soon as I tightened my legs around him, he sped up and pound into me over and over again.


    "Oh god!" I was delirious. My nails dug into his back. I was so wet I could hear our flesh pping, our moans, his curses, my prayers. The tight grip of my inner walls I could feel dragging against his length every time he thrust. I felt I start pulsing.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My muscles tightened.


    Every inch of my skin tingled.


    "I''m close too, sweetheart." He slipped his hand between our slick bodies, rubbed my clit, and I thought I exploded.


    "Oh god!" I threw my head back, quivered, screamed his name as I raptured into a million pieces.


    Percie pulled me into a hug, murmured sweet words, and roared as he emptied inside me. He was still catching his breathes, moving at azynguid pace until I calmed in his arms.


    He lifted his head, kissing me slowly, deeply, and it felt like he wanted to tell me something.

 Chapter 42

    HAILEY


    It was amazing!


    I was not exhausted of some sort, but I had barely enough energy left to breathe when he drew me into his arms and never let me go. His sigh of contentment was a relief that there would be no awkward moment after sex-one of the post- sex things I heard and read in books.


    I let myself sag into his arms, nuzzling my nose into the crook of his neck before I closed my eyes. We stayed like that for a long while.


    Perciezily trailed his fingers on my back down to my spine while I just ced my hand on his chest, feeling the rises and drops as he breathed.


    Things came into my mind was there anything going to change between us? What should I say if he built back his walls? Should I pretend that I did not enjoy my first time or pretend it did not happen? And so on. "What now?" When I couldn''t bear the thoughts spinning in my head.


    He kissed the top of my head and lifted my chin.


    I looked up at him, and he was smiling at me. His hair was all over the ce. My face suddenly heated. My eyes grew wide, wondering how I looked post-sex. My hair? Oh my god!


    "Most beautiful thing I''ve ever seen." He kissed my lips. "Your mind is spinning a mile. I can literally hear it."


    "I was just thinking how awful I look right now." I bit my lip.


    "If you do something like that, we can''t get out of here until tomorrow." A sweet smile appeared on his face. "I just told you¡ª"


    "What I wanna hear."


    "I never lied to you, Lee. I may hide things that I am not ready to talk about it, but I would never lie to you." His eyes were bewildered as he took his time checking me out from head down to my lips to my chest and my exposed breast with a slow smile that stretched from ear to ear.


    The way he looked at me made my face me.


    He then traced his fingertip on my tummy and stopped just right below my navel. "I still couldn''t believe how lucky I am to be your first. I''m honored, and I would never forget this experience for the rest of my life. I will forever treasure you and this moment, Lee." He kissed me one more time. "Stay. Don''t move. You must be sore."


    "Where are you going?" I asked urgently.


    "Let me just take a towel."


    "No." I was quicker on my seat and crawled out of his bed. I was standing naked in front of him, looking down at the aftermath. There was a stain of blood on his sheet. My lips had just gone dry. I wanted to apologize for staining his sheet, but then he came to me and hugged me instead.


    "I''m sorry if I hurt you." He wrapped his arms around me, securely and possessively.


    "I don''t care. It''s worth every moment." I snaked my arms around him as well.


    "Let me ready the tub so that you can soak yourself."


    "You have a tub in your bathroom?" I marveled.


    "No. I chose this one, thinking Emma would like your room." I didn''t like the sadness in the tone of his voice, but I knew how it felt when you still had ns to do with someone you cared about, and then you came home, they were gone. "I''m sorry."


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    "It''s alright." He kissed me on my forehead.


    I ended up soaking in the tub while he was preparing something in the kitchen. I was sore, especially those muscles between my legs. For the rest, I felt amazing.


    I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I almost didn''t recognize myself in my near neen years. I looked different after I cut my hair. Right now, I looked unrecognizable with a healthy pink glow on my cheeks, my eyes twinkling. My lips were red, swollen, and fuller.


    "Lee?"


    "I''m done." I wore my baggy shirt, but this time I didn''t put on my PJ bottom.


    Percie was waiting at my bedroom door, wearing an admiration look on his face. "It''s morning, so I prepare breakfast."


    When he looked at me that way, it was my undoing. I wrapped my arms around him and felt him. I wanted to make sure that I wasn''t dreaming, that what happened earlier was real. I inhaled his manly scents, and his cologned into my lungs. "Thank you."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "For what?"


    "I don''t know. For everything."


    "It wasn''t supposed to happen. That wasn''t entirely a part of my n."


    I pulled away quickly, stepped back, and stared at him in disbelief and despair. My eyes watered. "You''re regretting it happened?"


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    "What?" His eyes widened in shock. I was sure he noticed the painfully obvious brewing in my eyes as he looked at me. "No!"


    "Then why are you telling me this?" My voice was hard. My chest heaved.


    "Jesus, Lee." He stepped forward tofort me, but I stepped back every time he did that. "Let me exin first, and please, listen to me."


    I was not going to cry. I was stronger than this. I gathered my strength, looked at him, and waited for what he was about to say.


    "After seeing you in that position, I nearly lost my bnce. Regrets, pain, and loathed to me those were what I felt at that time. I failed to keep you safe. Every second was excruciating. What kind of man I was? What kind of boyfriend I was, Lee?"


    "Why are you keep on ming yourself for my decisions? You can''t keep me safe all the time, Percie. If I made bad decisions, it''s because I''m still learning. I also want to live the way I want and not the way how you want me to."


    "I know, Lee. But you can''t me me if I me myself. I care about you, and seeing you hurt, breaks my heart. And If I was given a second chance, I would spend every minute I had to be with you and not watching you receiving a punch from that son of a bitch."


    "I just want to do something."


    He nodded. The sorrow and pain in his eyes were so deep it hurt to look at. "I asked you toe here with me, not to sleep with you. But I always wanted to, and you know that. I just wanted to spend time with you in my arms, to feel you that I did not lose you and that we''re still together. That you''re safe. Then you''re here, looking so fucking hot with your new haircut, so sexy, my stupid brain couldn''t process other than I wanted to kiss you and take you to my bed, and you''re gorgeous as fuck, I lost my self-control. Well, scratch that, I threw my self-control out of the window. There has never been the right time anyway. The right time is always now, not tomorrow or in the future."


    I couldn''t contain my smile. "So, it wasn''t that awful, huh?"


    "Fuck no. It was amazing. Every second of it. Don''t ever think like that again." I barely managed to nod. I was in his arms again. "You''re the best thing that ever happened to me. You''re my rainbow after the rain, as cliche as it may sound, Lee. But that''s the truth." He looked at me right into my eyes, deep into my soul. "You''ve been the piece that I''ve been missing, Lee. Now that I have you, I feelplete again."

 Chapter 43

    HAILEY


    It''s Monday. Since I spent my Sunday with my parents, I hadn''t seen Percie asides from video calls. I was excited to see him.


    Percie said it was better for me because if I stayed with himst weekend, he couldn''t keep his hands to himself. As if I everined. Considering that I was still sore, it wasn''t good for me, as well, to stay closer to him for the past twenty- four hours.


    I met Victoria and Megan on my way to the building when amotion suddenly appeared around us. "What''s going on?" I asked with pure shock.


    All I could hear was my name. I looked around. I found students taking pictures of me some took selfies even if I didn''t give them my permission, even this feeling social media influencer that I thought her posts were nothing but nonsense. "Hey, guys. This Eve, and I''m with Hailey Ward right now. You know her, right? Guys, don''t forget to tweet #womenempowerment. Bye!"


    I was pinned in the middle of the students with their phones snapping to take my pictures. I felt like a deer caught in the headlights as the shes red at me. I wanted to dash out of the crowd. I was suddenly terrified. I realized that every action I did, came with serious consequences.


    "Hailey, how did you do your hair?"


    "Hailey, what''s the lipgloss you''re using?"


    "I like your shirt." That girl. She winked. I remembered her with one of those bitches who kept clinging to Remy.


    Ugh, this is too much.


    "Guys, leave her alone." Victoria and Megan grabbed me in my arms as they tried to pull me out of the crowd. "What the hell was that?" I asked when we finally made out of those students. My heart was still in my throat.


    "Your video had been trending on Twitter. You know that-how you¡ª"


    "I don''t wanna talk about it. That was not the best of my character."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Actually, it was," Megan said. "You mean the best version of you?"


    I rolled my eyes. It was ridiculous.


    "She doesn''t have any idea." Victoria shook her head in amusement.


    "#ExpelledAdrian and #AdrianTheBully along with you #HaileyGirl Power are still trending. They''ve been asking for your Twitter ount."


    "Well, d that I don''t have one because I don''t like people checking out my life, watching my posts like a creep."


    "But when you started going against Adrian, you should know the consequences, but the good part is, you stopped that stupid games, and you stop Lexie from getting humiliated. And you stopped them from doing any further damage to the students." Megan stared at me, admiring. "I was shocked, and I''d never even imagined that you have that in you. "I''m so proud of you, Hailey. Whatever made you do that and brought the inner strength you have, I''m just d it did, and you just saved our friend."


    "So who did the fire?" I asked out of curiosity. I was nning to ask Percie, but we never got to that questions part.


    "No one knows," Victoria replied.


    "Really? It''s not Remy?" I whispered.


    Megan narrowed her eyes at me. "That''s impossible. What made you think he''d burned down his friend''s old warehouse?"


    "I saw him leaving the warehouse. Who else" I stopped. I felt a bucket of cold water just thrown down on me. "Oh, my god." I covered my mouth with my hands


    "Hailey, are you okay?" Megan nudged me.


    "Yeah. Why?"


    "You just froze, and you looked pale."


    "Nothing." I released a deep breath.


    "Where''s Percie?"


    "His ss starts after an hour."


    "So, how''s the two of you?" Victoria asked. There was something in her question that made my face flood with heat.


    "We''re good." I tried to put an act to it. I didn''t want them to know that I already slept with Percie.


    "So no fight then?" victoria''s perfect brow arched.


    I gazed at her. "Why would we?"


    "Well, considering how protective and possessive Percie is, and he''s like carrying the world around his shoulder, and he just watched you getting the punch by one of his mortal enemies, he would punch everyone he came across with." "A little dramatic scene happened like don''t do that again, Lee. I thought I''d lost you. What the frog were you thinking?" I mimicked his voice.


    "I surely don''t sound like that."


    When I heard his voice or sensed him behind me, I instantly froze, and my heartbeat was erratic. This time, it still beat like a horse galloping inside my chest, but I had this feeling of excitement and contentment.


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    I turned around, and damn, he looked hot in his blue shirt and jeans. His eyes twinkled. The broody that I knew seemed to have loosened a little bit. "Hey," that''s all I could say. My mind went nk. I guessed Percie still made me speechless in a freaking good way, despite we should pass through that phase. "Hey, you. You were talking about me." He kissed me on my nose before he whispered, "You''re a sight for sore eyes."


    "Miss you too," I murmured. "Thought your ss is not in an hour."


    "I came early to see you."


    "Thanks." My smile wouldn''t obliterate from my face.


    "I wish I have someone who would do that."


    Meganughed at Victoria. "Wait for your turn, and maybe you should have stopped ignoring when guys start to make a move."


    "I have tastes with men, you know. Who''s not just interested in getting into my pants."


    "Don''t set your standard as high as the Everest, Victoria."


    "Well, she''s the Queen," Percie reacted.


    "Where''s Lexie, by the way?" I asked.


    Megan just blushed. "I don''t know."


    "We knew, Megan," Percie replied.


    "You knew what?"


    "Oh, my God!" Victoria rolled her eyes. "Jeez, this is not the 18th Century. Who cares if you like Lexie? What matters is what makes you happy." "Whatever."


    "Girls, can I borrow Hailey before your ss starts?"


    "Thought you''d never asked. Bye!"


    They left us. Percie held my hand, and I followed him wherever he wanted to take me.


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    "I missed you, sweetheart."


    I nced at him. "I missed you, too."


    "How are you feeling?"


    I stopped and stared at him. "I''m good. Why''d you ask?"


    "I just wanna make sure you''re okay." He stared at me. His gaze prated through and through that made me squirm, my skin tingling everywhere.


    "We''re talking over video calls. We chatted and texted. We talked over the phone, too."


    "I just found out about the tweets. I thought you already knew."


    "I don''t care." I looked down. "I''m not gonna check it out whatever it is, Percie. If that''s why you''re worried."


    "You can''t stop me from worrying about you, Lee." God, his voice, so filled with concern and sincerity.


    "I''m okay. You know me well. If something''s bothering me, you will be the first to know."


    "Good."


    "Can I ask you something?"


    "Sure. Anything."


    "Do you happen to know who burned down the warehouse?"


    He looked at me for a while, narrowing his eyes at me. "Wait. You think I did that?"


    "Well " I swallowed hard. Guilt choked me up.


    "Considering that I burned my parents'' house, my reputation precedes me. And you think I have something to do with burning the warehouse?" He averted his painful gaze and huffed. "I was only asking, Percie. You can say no if you didn''t do it."


    "Thank you for your honesty, Hailey." He shook his head before he left.


    "Percie!" I called out urgently, but he didn''t stop. He just walked out on me and never looked back.

 Chapter 44

    PERCIE


    Once you made one mistake, people forgot your good deeds. What stuck in their heads was that one mistake. Thest person I thought would never judge me was Hailey. When I saw those judgy eyes staring at me, I snapped. Now I left her. Not because I was mad at her, but at myself. I cared about her more than anything, but seeing her questioning my sanity, I couldn''t bear that look. I had to go away for a while.


    I found myself walking away from the campus. I stayed for a while outside my car, wondering who burned down that warehouse. No students would dare. I knew that. Unless someone who hated Adrian or those rich stupid kids. I scratched my head in frustration.


    I shouldn''t have left her like that alone. I should have been straight with her.


    Hailey deserved to know the truth. My conscience was clear, yet what the fuck I was still doing here?


    "Damn it!"


    "Is something wrong? Is Hailey okay?"


    My nose red. Thest person I wanted to see when I was pissed off just appeared before I could do something right.


    "Back off, Larkin."


    "Hey." He held my arm.


    My jaw clenched. I red at his hand, gripping my arm. "If you keep your hand in three seconds¡ª"


    "Okay." He released it right away. "Are you okay?"


    "Why do you fucking care?" I growled at him.


    Larkin was not the type of person who easily got intimated. He was a jock, after all. All he cared about was his fucking life. No one else. Just like those losers.


    When it came to Hailey, I was overprotective and distinctively possessive. Every man asked about her, it made my blood boil, especially this fucking Larkin, and I was already beyond fucked up of leaving her alone. "Matthews," he called my name before I could manage to get away from him.


    "What in the fuck of back off you did not understand? Why the fuck are you still here talking to me and not throwing a fucking party after what Adrian had done to Hailey?" It took every ounce of my sanity left not to throw punches at him. Fortunately, ording to the video and what I heard from students, Remy was already out of the warehouse when Adrian hit Hailey. "Because I''m also concern about Hailey." Wow! He had the gut to say it to me.


    I snorted and rolled my eyes. "Well, this is first, and I''m really finding it hard to believe. Aren''t your only concern is yourself, Larkin?"


    "Aren''t you? Why the fuck did you leave her or allow her to go to that party in the first ce? Aren''t you Hailey''s boyfriend? And may I remind you that you did forget her to pick up?"


    Fuck! My jaw clenched hard.


    I took a deep breath instead of punching him. "You remind me of how terrible a person you are. I should have given you what you deserve right now for leaving Hailey there alone in the middle of the road under the heavy rain, but then I should me myself as well. She was sick because of you, asshole. And it would be best for her and us if you stay the fuck away from her."


    "What if I don''t?" His thick brow quirked up.


    "Are you testing me, Larkin?"


    His chin lifted.


    "What do you want from her exactly? She doesn''t like you, and she has me? What else do you want? Put her life in misery? Why don''t you fucking find someone who would enjoy yourpany? Surely, Hailey did not. Otherwise, she wouldn''t risk her life running away from you."


    "Putting her life in misery? How about what you did to your sister?"


    Before I could decipher what he just did to get under my skin, my first struck his jaw. Just listening to the words misery and sister together, I already took the bait. My fucking weakness.


    "Mention my sister again, you wouldn''t get only a blow. I don''t care if I stay in hell for the rest of my life, but I would not allow the words about my sister woulde from your filthy mouth." I was already coring him. He just hit the button that he shouldn''t even think to try. He just crossed the line he shouldn''t, and I was fucking tired of him fawning over Hailey. "Don''t ever fucking mention my sister again." I released him and grabbed my backpack on the ground.


    If I did not think of Hailey if I got to jail for beating the hell out of Remy, I would still be punching him on the ground.


    With a crooked grin, he said, "You still didn''t get it, do you?"


    "You''re still talking, Larkin?"


    "You still don''t have any fucking idea until now why I despised you, do you?"


    "Why do I give a fuck about you despising me?"


    "Well, you should. You''re the reason for my fucking misery in the first ce, Percival! Every time I saw you walking and living, you gave me every misery! You''re a constant reminder of my loss, of someone I could and would never have." He was mad at me it was an understatement, but I didn''t know why.


    The only reason I could think of was, he liked Hailey. But his vulnerability had me questioned again.


    "What the fuck are you talking about?" My brows knitted in confusion. Despite everything had me confused, my rage was still brewing inside me. My knuckles itched.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He barked outughing, mocking me. He then looked up. His eyes swam with tears. With his chin trembling, he scoffed. "I guessed she kept her promise till herst breath."


    Goosebumps erupted on my skin. I felt rooted in my ce. I wanted to ask further, but my mind raced, scanning every word he said. No. No, no, no.


    He sniffed. "I hope you''re happy now." He then walked away, leaving with frightening questions.


    ***


    I skipped sses.


    I went back to my apartment. I needed answers. At the back of my mind, I wished what I thought was wrong. I wanted it to be wrong. I grabbed one of Emma''s boxes from the storeroom. They''d been here for a while now, but I never had the gut to scan through them. It felt like I was invading her privacy even if she was gone.


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    I closed my eyes shut. That was the first time I didn''t flinch when I said the word gone, even if it was only in my head.


    I opened the box after a few hesitations. It wasbeled Personal.


    The first time I saw, was her notebook with heart stickers. I took it out, then some cards-valentines and birthday cards. These were probably from her friends and admirers. I didn''t know Emma had a boyfriend before that ident. Anyhow, it didn''t stop me from disregarding my suspicions.


    My hand froze before I could even grab those pictures. My heart turned to ice. I felt a twist of the knife in my chest. It was not out of anger or jealousy but from the guilt that Emma had left someone important to her. Why didn''t she ever tell me about Remy?


    Jesus. I blew a shuddering breath.


    My doubts were right after all.


    Emma and Remy.


    I took the pictures and scanned them one by one. These pictures looked like taken before I met Emma, then during our junior and senior, mostly during football games. Thest one, she was already in rehab. "Jesus, Em."


    I turned the picture.


    Em,


    Forever my girl.


    Rem


    "Oh, my god." My heart filled with so much guilt. I just wished she did not hide it because of me.


    Remy had the right to hate me after all. What he was doing to catch Hailey''s attention was to get his revenge, or he also saw something like the way I first Hailey?

 Chapter 45

    PERCIE


    It had been a while since I came back to visit her. I had been dwelling with grief, pain, and regret of losing her. I was still in denial until I found out I wasn''t alone anymore so was Larkin.


    I cleaned up dried leaves on her grave and ced lilies just right beside other lilies. My brows knitted while I took a seat. Who came to visit Emma? These flowers still looked fresh.


    "I''m a bad brother, aren''t I? I missed you so much, Em. I know it''s been a while. I haven''te here often, it''s not because I don''t love anymore or I have forgotten you. I just can''t ept the fact that you''re not here with me anymore. It still hurts. I''m so sorry." I pulled one of the cas out of the vase.


    "You''re beautiful as this ca. You''re pure, always faithful to the people you cared about. I wish we had more time together so that you had the chance to tell me the special guy you ever loved. Did you ever n on telling me about him? Why didn''t you tell me, Emma?"


    "Because you wouldn''t have approved." I was startled by the voice behind me and squeezed my eyes shut.


    I remained seated. His shadow hovered the grave. He then took the old Ca, recing it with a new one. "What made you so sure I wouldn''t like you?"


    He sat beside me. "Well, for starter, I was a bully, dubbed as the great Remy Larkin, the quarterback, could have everything and everyone in a snap of my fingers. Until I met Emma during the game. Sure you remember me. Everything''s changed. I''ve changed because I wanted her the only girl I couldn''t have, but I didn''t give up."


    He poured out his emotions in front of Emma and me. It was hard to listen not to revisit and reimagine Emma alive. At the same time, I felt her alive in Remy.


    I took a deep breath. Tears filled my eyes as I nodded in amusement as he reminisced how they spent time together.


    "After almost two years, we had our first date. I asked Em if what did she tell you. She told me that she would be with Chloe, doing their homework."


    I stared at him in disbelief and chuckled. "What the fuck? All those times, she was with you?"


    "Could you me her? Well, maybe not all the time, but that was how we met so that you wouldn''t have your suspicions."


    "I wouldn''t have known if you did not tell me earlier." I chuckled. My chest tightened. "I''m still finding it hard to believe. Until I got through her stuff. She was a sneaky little thing."


    "You would do anything for love, I guess."


    I stared at him. Now I could clearly see how lost and devastated he was. I had despised him for quite a while now because I thought he was so shallow. But behind the fa?ade of his bad-boy image, he was lost in grief.


    "You still love her?"


    "Always will," he answered without hesitation. "She''s the best thing that ever happened to me."


    "I wouldn''t me you for hating me. For a long time, I med myself for putting Emma in a terrible position. And then for losing her. I''m still wishing I was in her situation. What I put her through was unimaginable." "No one could have foretold that ident. It was the drunk driver''s fault."


    "Yet you med me."


    "Yes. And what you did in New York."


    I looked down. Guilt filled my chest. "I wasn''t aware Emma was sick. I swear. She and my grandparents kept her illness from me. It took me by surprise when she was already gasping for air in the middle of the road." "I was there. When you left the hospital, I asked the doctor if I could donate my kidney, but it was toote."


    The chill seeped through my bones. I couldn''t believe someone like Remy Larkin would do something for Emma to live.


    "You dropped your subjects¡ª"


    "I just lost her. I didn''t know what to do. I couldn''t look at the book. All I saw was her. Everywhere I went, everything I did. I had to do it, or I lost my mind." "Does my parents know about you and Emma?"


    "Yeah."


    "They liked you, of course. My parents were opportunists."


    "You still haven''t talked to them?" His face fell.


    I shook my head. "They disowned me."


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    "That''s why you burned down their house."


    Iughed. "You knew about it, huh?"


    "Yeah. After what they did to you, I would have done the same thing. My father isn''t fond of me as well. I just don''t like the idea of my father have expectations I have to live up to. Losing Emma did a great impact on me. And my father wasn''t so pleased."


    "I knew exactly how did it feel," I agreed.


    "Being an heir isn''t as luxurious as what people might think and see in us. I have huge shoes to fill, but I''m a person of my own. They can''t tell me what to do anymore."


    "Good for you."


    "So why are you here?" he asked me. His voice wasn''t filled with anger anymore. So did I. It felt good to talk to someone who knew Emma very well. I even felt the burden lifted off my shoulder.


    "It took a while for me to check her stuff I have in my apartment." I pulled a picture I took with me and offered it to Remy.


    He blew a huge breath before he took it. "I can''t believe Emma still has this."


    "Now you have it." Our conversation felt like we knew each other for a long time. I felt an instant connection with Remy despite I almost punched him earlier and despised him for months. Right now, I felt nothing but relieved and contentment. "This is our first date."


    I scoffed. "Really? How original?"


    "Where did you take Hailey on your first date? At the Lakehouse?" He was smirking at me.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I narrowed at him. "How the fuck did you know?"


    "You''re very predictable." He looked even amused,ughing at me.


    "I''m not."


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    "Fine." He rolled his eyes. "I took her to my parents'' boat on our second date."


    Iughed out loud. I even did a little exaggeration, lying on the ground. "Couldn''t have been better."


    "Shut the fuck up."


    "No can do. I think Emma and I just loved the water."


    "Can I have this?"


    "It''s yours. What are your interests with Hailey." I sat back, staring at him closely to search for the real intentions in his eyes. I only saw deep sadness.


    "I think we both saw something in her that we couldn''t deny."


    "At first. When I got to know her, Emma and Hailey are two different persons. If you wanna be friends, I have no reasons to be against it. But that''s all. She''s my girl, and I would not definitely share her with you." "Your girl? Sharing?"


    "Yeah. She''s not your type."


    "Oh, Percie. It seems that Hailey has a ma with bad boys."


    I tried hard not to end this conversation with a bloody brawl in the cemetery. "I take my words back that you and Hailey could be friends." I rose to my feet. "Stay away from Hailey."


    "Jeez, Matthews." He rolled his eyes. "Loosen up a bit. I like Hailey. I wouldn''t deny that, but a part of me, I know I have no fight against you. And I don''t think I''m ready to be in a rtionship right now. Just to be clear, you both are good together that I wanna gag."


    "Bitter much?"


    He checked his watch. "You better go. Her sses are just about to end."


    "You skipped sses too."


    He offered his hand for a handshake. "See you at school?"


    "See youter."

 Chapter 46

    PERCIE


    After that ident, it took me a while to drive a car. Honestly, I was busy trying to kill myself. If it wasn''t for Emma, I might not be able to do it again, but she kept reminding me that it was not my fault. When Remy patted my back and said drive safely, he reminded me of her.


    I followed him back to school and parked the car beside his. I was still checking my message when someone was shouting outside. My stomach tightened as soon as I recognized that voice.


    "Seriously? This fucking sister killer? This is how you spent your free time. You so went too low, Rem." It was Adrian. He was ring at Remy. He looked like he just came out of bed with tousled blond hair and bloodshot eyes. He must have been drinking. He was a mess. "And hey, you asshole! Your girlfriend will pay for what she did to me!"


    My angerbusted in my chest. Before I could say something, Remy grabbed a hold of my arm. "He''s drunk."


    "She won''t get away with this. Mark my word!" His feature tightened, ring at us.


    Remy''s face turned red. His gaze narrowed. "Go home, Adrian. You did this to yourself."


    "So you''re on his side now. You two like best buddies now after what he did to your fucking girlfriend. Have you forgotten that you made sure on us that you would take avenge of her death?" "Calm down, Adrian, and watch your tone." Remy was hanging on a fine thread.


    I could sense his anger boiling in his veins. I admired his patience.


    Adrian stared at him in disbelief. "I couldn''t fucking believe this. Kyle, Calix, and Yly would be so damned pissed about this. I can''t believe you, of all the people whom I trusted most is leaving me hanging."


    "I''ve been warning you for weeks not to pursue that stupid game, but you did not listen to me. I knew it would go south. Do you think I enjoyed watching you humiliating people? You don''t seem to understand that they have feelings, they have friends and families that you''re hurting, Adrian, but you went way out of the line. I won''t and can''t help you this time."


    "You can''t do that. You''re part of this!" Heunched to Remy, pushed him against the car.


    Remy jerked out of his hold, remained calm. "I was part of that. I left before you hit someone, and people who have watched that had witnessed that I wasn''t there anymore."


    "You can''t get out of this. You will go down with me, Larkin."


    "Don''t threaten me, Adrian."


    "If I can''te to you, I wille to the people you care about, including that bitch!"


    The moment he spat the word bitch out, he made my impending anger ze so hot.


    And just like that, I didn''t miss the anger that ran through Remy''s as he pushed Adrian back. "You won''t dare touch a strand of Hailey''s hair, or I swear to god I will destroy you and your family!"


    "I knew it. You''re fucking in love with her. That girl doesn''t even worth my time, but if that''s how I can get into you, I will have the time¡ª"


    Adrian stumbled to the ground. His anger reced with shock as he stared at Remy with wide eyes, gripping his bloody nose.


    "Listen to me very carefully, Adrian, and I would only say this once. So you better keep and stuck this into your small brain. One, you wouldn''t dare mention to say the word bitch and Hailey in a sentence. Second, you spread these words to your remaining friends that if they touch or talk about Hailey and her friends, I swear to God, I will upload the videos of what you did to that poor guyst year. Remember, I wasn''t part of it, yet until now, my conscience is killing me. Andstly, you and I are not friends, never have been. We were acquainted because of our family business. That''s all. Nothing more." Remy stood straight, fixed his shirt, and left Adrian on the ground.


    Adrian was about to say something when I red down at him. He shut his mouth back.


    "Let''s go," Remy said to me. "Don''t worry, what he said back there was not true."


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    "Which one?" I asked as we entered the campus.


    "You know which one."


    "He said a lot of things back there."


    He chuckled and shook his head.


    "So you''re leaving F5?"


    His brows knitted. "F5?"


    "Fucking Moron 5."


    He barked outughing. "Really? That''s how you called us?"


    "Couldn''t think of even better."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Fair enough. I could have chosen a better crowd, Matthews, but I was so lost, angry, and grieving, and there they were. They had time for me while my father hadn''t. When I thought they were helping me cope, I was wrong. They''re dragging me down that dark hole."


    "What made you realize?"


    He arched a brow. "Are you trying to Dr. Phil me?"


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    "No." I shook my head. "But is it working? It was an honest question, Larkin."


    "I know. You''ve been in that shit. People, students never respected me. They feared me. Hailey feared me. I could see in those terrifying eyes. That was the reason why she left my car in the middle of the road, even raining. I followed her for a while until I saw your car rushing. I didn''t wanna cause more trouble and pain-" He chuckled bitterly. "I couldn''t believe I even thought of your pain when you''re nothing but an asshole."


    I sighed and raked my fingers through my hair. "You didn''t know what I felt that day. It came crashing back at me like a huge wave. That ident still haunted me. When I saw Hailey, that was one of the moments that I thought of giving up. But then, when she clung to me, I rethought, someone still needed me. She saved me."


    "I think we need to see a shrink." Heughed again.


    I scratched my head. "Yeah. I think we do."


    "You missed the ss, Matthews." Lexie surprised me with fire brewing in her eyes. I knew exactly why she was pissed at me right now.


    "Good to see you again, Heights," Remy said.


    "What the fuck is going on? And why in the fuck are you with this asshole after what he put Hailey through? Have you forgotten what his goons did to me? Are you out of your mind?" Her face darkened with anger as she stared at Remy. "And you, dude, do you think you can just apologize, and we wee you with open arms?"


    "Lexie, that''s enough."


    "Wow! Do you two like sharing gossips now? How would Hailey react to this? You choose wisely the people you invite into your life, Matthews. You may be friends today, but he can be your great enemy tomorrow. And it would be toote for you to realize that he''s already stabbed you in the back." Lexie just walked away.


    I was shocked by her outburst before I could reply.


    "I''m sorry about that. I guess I didn''t realize what horrible I have been doing until now."


    "She''lle around." I watched her back as she walked away. Deep inside me, I felt terrible. I couldn''t lose a friend who had been there for Hailey and me. She was right on one thing, though. Nowadays, it was hard to determine real friends with those who were just trying to blend in and stab you in the backter. But Remy Larkin was worth a try.


    When I turned around, those gorgeous almond eyes were staring at me with pure shock and pain.

 Chapter 47

    PERCIE


    "Hey." I gave Hailey the brightest smile that I could master. I didn''t want this moment to be awkward. Judging by the look on her face, she was shocked to see me with Remy, and she wasn''t entirely pleased. "Hey." Her expression remained confused.


    "Hungry?" I kissed her nose. "I know you have a lot of questions. I''ll exinter."


    "I''m starving." Remy broke the tension, rubbing his abdomen.


    Hailey''s brows knitted even more in confusion, giving a what-the-hell-is-going-on look.


    "Let''s find a ce then," I suggested.


    "I know just the right ce," Remy replied.


    "Of course, you do." Victoria snorted.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "That''s Victoria," I introduced her to Remy even if she was crossing her arms over her chest, narrowing at him.


    "The not-so-friendly-for-someone-like-you. What''s your hidden agenda this time?" She lifted her chin, and so as her brow.


    Remy shook his head. "None."


    "I don''t believe a single word you said."


    "That''s good then that it is just a word." Remy smiled as he noticed Victoria wasn''t a friend at all. "Do you have a nickname, Victoria?"


    "It''s Queen for you," she emphasized the word queen.


    I tried to contain my smile. "Your friend is something," I whispered to Hailey, wrapped in arms.


    "She is."


    "I bet my fifty bucks they will get along in less than a week."


    "Don''t even try. You don''t know Victoria at all."


    "We''ll see about that." I was confident I would win.


    "Enough of this awkward situation and tension. It''s suffocating. Let''s eat. I''m famished. Remy Larkin, your treat." Megan grabbed Victoria and walked away.


    "Follow me. It''s okay with you, Hailey?" Remy seemed sincere as he asked my girlfriend.


    Hailey just gave him a quick nod.


    ***


    Remy chose the ce. It''s a Bistro just near the campus.


    "You alwayse here with F5?" I asked Remy, sitting to my right. Victoria and Megan were across from us. Hailey hadn''t said a word throughout the ride. "No."


    "With your girlfriends then?"


    Remy stared at Victoria. "What made you say I have a girlfriend?"


    "You and your goons always have girls snaking around you like poison ivy."


    Remyughed. I even joined him. "What a good metaphor you have, Queen. But to answer your curiosity, I don''t have girlfriends. Well, for almost a year now. And honestly, I haven''t moved on if that''s what you wanna know." I watched Hailey''s reaction. There was a slight surprise reflected in her eyes. I wasn''t a jealous person, but I felt a squeeze in my chest.


    "Well, you have fallen so madly in love with her. I thought you and goons have this pact not to fall for girls or pretend not to have hearts. What happened?"


    "She died."


    An involuntary gasp of shock escaped from the girls, including Hailey.


    "Oh, my god! I''m sorry," it came from Hailey.


    "Thanks." He smiled timidly at her.


    Our order finally arrived, breaking the silence on the table.


    "Dig up. Don''t worry. I don''t a have no n on poisoning you, Queen."


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    "Just me? That''s marvelous and terrifying at the same time," Victoria replied. "But this smells good. At least, I''m full before I die."


    "No one is dying today," Megan said.


    I looked at Hailey beside me, squeezing her knee under the table. "You haven''t said anything since you saw me with Remy. It''s bothering me."


    She lifted her gaze at me. "If this is what you thought is the right thing to do."


    "How about you? What do you think about this?" I needed her honest opinion, and I still wanted her approval. As much as I wanted to consider Remy as a friend, if Hailey was not on board, I had to prove to her that Remy had good intentions. "It''s a little bit overwhelming, but I could get used to him being around."


    "Thanks. It means a lot to me, Lee."


    "What changed?" She started eating.


    "I''ll tell youter."


    "Okay."


    "Is the menu meet your taste, Megan?" Remy asked.


    "Yeah. It''s good, actually."


    "Good to know."


    "Why''d you ask?"


    "An honest review from valued customers means a lot to me."


    I chuckled, shaking my head. "You own this ce? Sorry for the word, sweetheart, but fuck me."


    "Very original, huh?"


    "Roninstory, seriously? Who gives a bistro name like that?"


    "It''s not my idea, but don''t lie. There''s a ring to it, right, Hailey?"


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    "It sounds like an old Japanese book, but the menu is more on Italian food."


    "Ronin is his middle name, Lee."


    "Oh, sorry." She wiped her lips.


    "My mom is half-Japanese."


    "I see," Victoria ventured. "Do you own a sword?"


    "I yed fencing."


    "Of course, you do." Here was the sarcasm again, but I enjoyed having them around.


    Amused, Hailey reacted, "What''s your deal with Remy, Victoria?"


    "He seems to have a lot of talents and skills. That''s all. He yed balls, as well. Do you know that? I don''t know what else he enjoys ying."


    "I should be offended, Victoria, but I let it pass since my reputation precedes me. I can''t go back in time and change what I did, but I intend to prove to Matthews that I''m not that person I was yesterday. You may see me as this bully, feared, and overconfident, but what people didn''t see is what I feel deep inside, who I truly am behind this facade. I struggled to find my identity, deal with my grief, and I don''t have real friends. Unlike you, guys. Deep inside, you all are way better than me and have a life better than."


    "I''m so sorry, Remy. We all deal with our issues and grievances differently," Hailey muttered.


    "I''m an asshole, and it pains me to admit my mistakes when all people see in me is the almighty Larkin."


    "I don''t see you as the almighty, Larkin. But you''re right on one thing, though. You''re an asshole."


    "Jeez. Thanks for the boost of confidence, man."


    "Everyone has hups once in a while, but doesn''t give us the right to seek harm to others and act as if they are better than us," Megan spoke up.


    "You''re right. I''ll make this right," Remy dered with a deep sigh of realization.


    "You haven''t apologized to Hailey."


    Our attention diverted to Lexie in the aisle, still ring at Remy.

 Chapter 48

    PERCIE


    "You''re still upset with me?" Finally, we got back to our apartment.


    She dropped her bag on the couch, her books on the coffee table before she took a seat. Her silence was killing me. I wanted to fix it before this night ended. "Lee, you have to talk to me." I sat down on the rug, took off her socks. She didn''t resist.


    "I''m just tired."


    "Did anyone bother you while I was gone?"


    "Besides those fame-hungry bee-tches? No. I was bombarded by students when I arrived. What''s the big deal?"


    I massaged her foot. "It''s a big deal when you went up against Adrian."


    She looked at me. "Massaging my foot, really? That''s how you make up to me after you left me alone?"


    "No, Lee." I shook my head. "I was upset="


    "You mean mad," she corrected me. "Very mad. Scary mad."


    I shook my head again. "I wasn''t mad at you. It just caught me by surprise that you looked so little of me."


    "I was merely asking a valid question."


    I massaged another foot. "I guess you were. Considering my rep and anger issues, I think I overreacted when all you wanted was the truth. I''m so sorry, Lee."


    "Don''t do that again. We already talked about this more than once."


    I smiled at her. She looked gorgeous. How did I be so lucky?


    "Don''t look at me that way."


    "How am I exactly looking at you right now?" My smile widened.


    She wrinkled her nose.


    "You missed... me?"


    "No!" she replied defensively, but I could read her thoughts right now. She grasped what I had in mind.


    "Liar."


    "That doesn''t exin why you and Remy suddenly are best of friends."


    "I promised you, I''ll give you answers, but right now, I''m more into" I rose from the floor and joined her on the couch. In one swift motion, I was on top of her. "What are you doing?" Her eyes widened in surprise. Her hands were on my chest.


    Reaching down slowly, I angled my lips on hers. Unable to resist, she locked her lips with mine. I instantly moaned as she kissed me the way I wanted to kiss her. I liked her like this, giving in to her desires. She threaded her fingers into my hair as she opened her mouth to me. I quickly slipped my tongue inside, tasting, teasing her as I rocked my hips between her thighs, fueling her.


    She bucked her hips up, grabbed handfuls of my hair. "Percie."


    I didn''t want her to beg. I broke the kiss and pulled her shirt over her head, and unsped her bra. I lowered my mouth to her neck, tracing kisses before I licked the little cherry on my tongue. She gasped as I sucked and released it with a pop. Before I moved to her other breast, I looked at her. She was all flushed and aroused, biting her bottom lip with eyes shut closed.


    I sucked deeper, swirled my tongue around her are. Then I moved my mouth to her t stomach. I unbuttoned her jeans, pulled down her feet. She did not resist. Thank fuck. "Percie."


    "Hold on to my neck." I picked her up bridal style and carried her to my room.


    I gripped her thighs and yanked her to the edge of the bed. She gasped in surprise. I knelt between her legs as I spread her wide, so vulnerable, yet I could see the wetness in her entrance.


    "Percie!" she shrieked, mping a hand over her mouth. She was aware of what I was about to do.


    "Stay still, Lee." I never went down on any women, but with Hailey, I knew it would be worth it. "This is mine now, Hailey," I said before I went straight to my prize.


    She moaned in my alternate suck and nip, then I licked and dipped my tongue inside her. She didn''t have to tell me if she enjoyed what I was doing. Her wetness said everything. And I nearly came in my pants. It didn''t take any longer, her inner muscles clenched around the tip of my tongue.


    The moment I slid my finger inside her, she arched her back, rolled her hips as she convulsed around me.


    After I made love with her, we cuddled for a while, but I knew she wanted to understand the truth behind me taking Remy into our circle.


    "I have something to show you." I pulled a letter from Emma that she slipped in her notebook. "I found this in Emma''s stuff after I had a little confrontation with Remy today."


    Hailey unfolded the letter and started reading it. It was short, but I felt that she wanted me to grant the only wish she had about her rtionship with Remy.


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    "Oh, my god!" She mped her hand over her mouth and stared at me in shock.


    "Yeah. I''m shocked too. After what I found out from Remy, I couldn''t me him for why he hated me. I took away the only person who mattered to him."


    "You don''t mean that." She ced a hand on my chest.


    "It felt that way, Lee. Imagine if he took you away from me, I couldn''t bear it."


    "That ident was an ident. What happened in New York was her choice. Even if you knew before she ced herself in that race, you couldn''t stop her if that was her wish. I knew you, Percie. You love her. You would always give her what she wanted"


    "And that choice had put her life in danger, and I ended up losing her."


    "That''s her choice to make, Percie. You can''t stop her, and she knew her condition. One way or another, you''re just prolonging suffering. I''m so sorry."


    I nted a kiss on her fingers. "It''s okay to have Remy as my friend?"


    She looked at me, really looked at me. "Do you think you can trust him?"All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''d be more careful. But I should give him the benefits of the doubt. If Emma had learned to love him, I should give him a chance."


    "Then, it would be fine by me."


    "He likes you. Whether he likes you as a friend or more than that, I want to know if you''refortable around him. If not, we don''t have to meet together."


    "It''s hard not to when he''s your friend, silly. And you''re starting to overthink about this."


    "He likes me as friends, or however he puts it, I''m with you. I will always choose you, and-" She paused and sighed. "I-I want to be with you."


    "I know, Lee. Sorry if you have to make adjustments for me."


    "That''s the price that I''m willing to take wholeheartedly." She smiled before she kissed me. Sheid on her back, showing off her perfect and round tits. Her nipples just called me to be sucked.


    "Eyes up here." She snapped her fingers at me.


    "Just worshiping these perfect tits." I cupped one in my hand.


    ***


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    Our doorbell went off before I could kiss Hailey again.


    "Expecting any visitors?"


    "No." Aszy as I was, I got up from bed and walked out of my room to pick up our clothes from the living room.


    "Give me a sec!" I yelled again when the doorbell went off again with loud banging this time.


    Hailey was following. She took her clothes from me and ran to her room.


    As soon as I put my jeans on, I went to open the door.


    "Wha took you so long to open your damn door?" It was the outraged Lexie, helping herself in.


    "Well-"


    She raised her hand. "Don''t answer that. I could smell sex all around you. Where''s Hailey? You don''t have to hide her away from me. I know you two have been sleeping together." She went through to knock on Hailey''s room. "Do you think it''s wrong to sleep with my girlfriend?"


    She stared at me, giving me an odd look. "Are you kidding me? I''ve been waiting for this. You know the tension between you two was thicker than the fog in Grand Banks."


    "I don''t know where that is." I knocked on Hailey''s. "Lee, it''s Lexie."


    "Do you still knock?"


    My brows knitted. "Of course. I respect her privacy."


    "You two are the weirdest couple."


    Hailey emerged. "What is it?"


    "Do you know Remy is the one who burned the warehouse?"


    I blinked to gather my thoughts.


    "How did you know?" Hailey asked.


    "He told me."

 Chapter 49

    PERCIE


    I couldn''t tear my gaze away from her as she sat across me in the living room. She was biting her lip as she was reading her book, then taking notes. The pink gloss on her lips entuated the pink glow on her face. Lexie was scrolling on her phone, then typing whatever made her busy to divert her anger from me.


    I should be doing the same, but I''d rather take my time admiring the close to perfect of a girlfriend of mine.


    Her simple sleeveless pink blouse didn''t hide her round tits, and her high waist white shorts didn''t help me get off from hard-on as she showed a lot of skin on her thighs and toned legs.


    "Just go and make out already." I could feel Lexie rolling her eyes.


    Hailey''s eyes met mine. Her smokey eyeshadow made her more astonishing.


    She''s just a real deal.


    Smart. Hot as fuck. Fascinating.


    A total package.


    "What?"


    "Your boyfriend has been eye-fucking you, and you have no idea?"


    "Lexie," Hailey chided her. Her cheeks turned crimson.


    "What? Go ask him, and he won''t deny it." She gave her a disgruntled look.


    My phone vibrated, diverting my attention from them. "He''s here." Just the time I rose to my feet, the doorbell went off.


    "I''ll get it." Lexie rose to her feet.


    I moved to join Hailey. "You sure you''re okay with this?" I was helpless to keep my hands to myself. I pulled her into my arms and kissed my pride on her shoulder.


    "Hey, guys." It was Megan, waving.


    "Hey." Hailey was startled in her seat.


    Victoria and Remy joined us as well with boxes of Pizza and sodas.


    "Remy," I called him to follow me to the kitchen.


    "Nice apartment."


    "Thanks. Even a disowned Matthews can have a nice loft. I might think of changing my surname." I snorted.


    "You''re not serious, are you?"


    "They hated me. I should do the same. My grandparents furnished this for me. I couldn''t afford even to buy a microwave," I admitted.


    "If you need anything-"


    "Hold on to that thought." I chuckled. "I''m good, man."


    "Did Lexie tell you something?"


    "Why did you talk to her?" I eyed him.


    "She obviously hates me. I can''t me her. I just wanted to clear things between us."


    "So, how did it go?"


    "Well, aside from one page of paper back to back telling me of how terrible I was, she told me that she would ruin my life, skew me with her pen before she would kill me if I messed up with you and Hailey. Well, she gave a little emphasis on Hailey."


    I smirked. "That''s Lexie."


    "You have a good friend who would willing to hurt to protect you. I admired her tenacity."


    "She''s into girls."


    "I know. And don''t ask me how."


    My jaw clenched. "Did your friend take advantage of her while she was in your ce?"


    "Fuck no. I would not let those idiots do that. When I found out she was taken, I told them not toy a hand on her. And I asked Lexie myself."


    "Is that why did you burn down the warehouse? You all are falling apart."


    "I wanted to destroy the party. The only thing I could think to free Hailey." I could feel there was something more.


    So I waited.


    "I knew you''re working on something. I saw you there. And you wouldn''t just stand there and watch Lexie get humiliated."


    "By your friends."


    Pain crossed his face. "I thought the best and the fastest way before Hailey could spill something she shouldn''t was to put that warehouse on fire." The heaviness of his words made him sigh shakily.


    "I think I awe you a thank you."


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    "That won''t be necessary. I know Lexie means a lot to you, and I''m sure Emma would be d that I did it."


    "Did anyone know about it?"


    "I told Adrain before he figured it out," he answered without hesitation.


    "How did the members of F5 take it?"


    "It''s F4 now." He chuckled. "Who cares? Adrian is out of control. What I heard from Kyle today, his parents weren''t impressed at all."


    "But?"


    "Those videos, even if his family managed to take them down, it''s over. The damage was done, and he''s suffered from the consequences of his actions."


    "I don''t want Adrian or them toe after Hailey. I didn''t take you to my apartment or meet my friends to be on my side. I did this because of Emma." "I know."


    "Guys, what took you two so long? Don''t tell me you two are making out." It was Lexie calling us from the living room.


    "We should join them."


    We settled on the living room. Lexie decided to watch a thriller movie a story of a family. The husband tried to protect his family at all costs from his past. It was toote, though. His past started to haunt him back. The movie made me realize something I still had an unfinished business with my past.


    ***


    My heartbeat quickened. My hands were sweating.


    I tensed as I walked towards their house. I didn''t call my parents in advance. So this was kind of a surprise to them-my unannounced visit. I didn''t tell Grandpa and Grandma as well. I was sure they would be upset about my decision because thest time we had this conversation, I made a point that I cut any connections with my parents and that I had nothing to do with them anymore.


    Before I could move on with clear conscience, I had to do this. This wasn''t easy for me, but I wanted to settle things between me and my parents.


    The door swung open. One of their staff allowed me in, telling me that my parents are at the back of the house.


    I shoved my hands inside the pocket of my pants. It was a little unnerving to meet my parents-the same people who threw out of their lives without hesitation.


    We still carry the same blood, the same DNA, but nowadays, blood and DNA weren''t the basis of a real family anymore.


    "Hello, parents." I leaned against the door jamb, staring at the vastwn.


    "You must be broke to have guts toe over." My mother didn''t even put down her teacup. There was no surprise or excitement in her voice or on her face.


    I should feel bad right now, but it surprised me that I didn''t feel anything either.


    "Good to see you, Percival." It was my father. He gestured to the empty chair to his right side. "Join us."


    "I don''t drink tea, but thank you."


    "Then what are you doing here?"


    "Gemma, it''s been months. You''ve been seeing a therapist. It''s time for you to move on," my father said. The word therapist surprised me, though, but that doctor she was seeing was terrible at her job.


    "I didn''te here to apologize or admit my mistakes and made my peace."


    "Do you need money?"


    "They say money can''t buy happiness, and I do believe in that saying. Do you, mother? Because it looks to me that you''re dwelling with your pass. I, on the other hand, had moved on. Don''t get me wrong, I love my sister so very much, but two days ago, I realized that I have to settle my past to move on."


    "Don''t ever talk or mention about Emma. You killed her." Her voiceced with vile.


    "Yet no one was suing me a bloody murder. Here''s what I thought. You gave Emma away because it was her fault to have a defect? Or was it because you couldn''t ept the fact about it?" "Percival," my father warned me.


    "And then you figured out her parents just died-very wealthy parents, I must say. You took her back because you thought you could manipte her. How does it working out for you?" She rose from her seat. The chair fell in a thud. "How dare you?"


    I didn''t show her any emotions to satisfy her. I remained calm. My father was already standing, unimpressed by this confrontation went.


    "I loved your sister that you took away from me."All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t think you know the true meaning of love, mother. You shouldn''t have given her away. I could have spent more time with her. That ident could have happened, but she could be alive until now. But your selfishness took her life. You also hid her away from me. I could have saved her, but you took that opportunity away from me, mother."


    "You are the reason why I lost my daughter!" she was yelling at me, always was every time she talked to me. Her eyes filled with rage. As much as I didn''t want to see her in pain, she did it to herself.


    "You are the reason why you lost two children that day. Anyway, good to see you two. Father, I apologized foring unannounced." I turned around and walked away. "Percie!"


    I ignored my father calling my name.


    "Percie, where do you think you''re going?" It was my mother. The temptation of stopping and turning back to her was so strong, my muscles taut. But that was not why I came here.


    I came here to tell them that I was okay-that I moved on and happy.

 Chapter 50

    PERCIE


    "So, how did it go?" Hailey asked over the phone. I''d been watching her window from the street where I parked my car. The lights were still on.


    "You should have seen their faces." I was not proud of what I did, of how I left. Everything didn''t go as I nned, the moment my mother did not even show a little remorse to me.


    "It didn''t go well, I see." There was sadness in the tone of her voice.


    I sighed.


    "I take that as a yes."


    "Can I see you?" "Percie "


    "All you have to do is walk out of your house, Lee. I wanna see you." I wanted to see her. I wanted to get rid of this unsettling emotion in the pit of my stomach. I knew only Hailey could help me.


    "Wait a sec." She must be studying. The surprise in her voice made my heart flutter. Then her shadow appeared on the curtain of her room. "You''re here."


    "Yup. Can Ie? Or up to you, youe down. I just wanna talk to you." I sounded desperate because I was.


    "We''re talking." She must be rolling her eyes right now.


    "I know, Lee. But it''s okay. Just stay on the window." It wouldn''t be enough, but I would take whatever she could offer to me right now.


    "Don''t be silly. See you in a bit," she was whispering. She must be outside of her room, down the hallway.


    I unlocked my car the moment she appeared outside the door.


    "Hey." Her smile was wide as she stared at me. She pressed her lips to mine before I could reply.


    "I should surprise you a visit all the time."


    "I thought you could use one." Her eyes lit up.


    "A kiss? I could use plenty."


    Her smile widened. "What are you doing here, Percie?" There was something in Hailey that could light up the entire world. Maybe her sincerity, her kindness. Everything about her was pure, and I was scared I could taint it.


    "I missed you," I told her the truth. After I met my parents, I went to Roninstory, had a little chat with Remy. But I still felt empty. I still needed someone who could fill that void. I knew exactly where to find it. That was how I ended up here. "I missed you too." She framed my face with her hands, caressing my cheek with her thumb. "You okay?"


    "I''ll be fine now that I see you." It was adorable, and the ache in my chest intensified.


    I''m madly in love with Hailey. I couldn''t evenst a day without seeing her, without talking to her. It was crazy.


    Hailey was myfort, my band-aid to my wound, my console to my losses.


    "Everything is gonna be okay, Percie. I promise you that." She kissed me again. I loved it in her when she never hid her desires and what she wanted.


    Every part of me ached, craved for her. But I couldn''t take her back to our apartment. I melted to her. I took what I could get.


    I raked my fingers through her hair to deepen the kiss. I wanted to taste her. She always tasted sweet that I always craved. She moaned into our mouths as our tongues battled.


    Our kiss went slow, wet, and gentle. We were taking it slow as if we had the time in the world. I hoped we had.


    After losing my sister, I realized we couldn''t know when we would be ourst time if we could even have a chance to say goodbye to the people we cared about, to the people we loved. Time mattered.


    We broke the kiss with a long sigh. Our foreheads pressed each other.


    "Did I disturb you?"


    "No. I was just reading my book. It''ste. Why are you still out?"


    "I went to see Remy."


    "How is he?" Her question was genuine.


    "He''ll be fine," I assured her.


    "And you?"


    I leaned back.


    "You don''t wanna talk about it. It''s okay."


    "I want to. That''s why I am here."


    "I thought you''re here because you miss me." Her words had me smiling.


    "I always missed you when you''re not in arms, smartass." I held her hand, squeezing it. "My mother is still mad at me. I nned to, maybe apologize, admit my mistakes, but I snapped out when she said something terrible. They were calling my name when I left. I don''t know when I can go back again."


    "Give them some time."


    "I have been patient. But I guess they are still in denial."


    She squeezed my hand back. "Time will tell. I haven''t fully recovered. That incident is still haunting me in my sleep. I can''tpare your situation to mine, and I couldn''t even begin to imagine what you''ve been going through, but in my experience, I have to remind myself that God has a n for my brother and me. I keep our best memories together alive in my mind and my heart. Your parents, your mother will forgive you. They''re still dwelling with their loss." I took her hand, nting it to my lips. "Thanks, Lee."


    "You''re one of the best things that have happened in my life. I''m always here for you, Percival Matthews."


    ***


    Three days ago, I received a call from Grandpa, inviting me for a weekend. I knew it wasn''t a weekend getaway, but a courtesy call.


    I took Hailey with me since they kept on asking about her.


    Everything was doing great before we left, but I wasn''t sure if I could pull it through. It had been more than a year since thest time I drove through this intersection.


    The traffic light turned green. My breathing suddenly caught in my chest. I tried to block a certain memory out of my head. My grip tightened against the steering wheel. I was sure I was nched. I could feel the sweat forming on my skin.


    Hailey didn''t have any idea. She was still scrolling on her phone, sitting in the passenger seat.


    I tried to bnce my breathing, but it didn''t help.


    I went deadly cold as I recalled the image in my head.


    "Oh, god," she muttered.


    I squeezed my eyes shut. "Lee?" I called her name. At least I thought I remembered calling her name.


    I felt hands framing my face. "Percie, breathe. Deep breathe. It''s okay. I''m here. Just breathe."


    I did as she said.


    The honking of cars jolted me in my seat. "Lee, c-can you drive? I''m not feeling so well."


    "Of course." I could feel and hear Hailey rushed to get out and help me.


    I leaned against the car as I tried to take deep breaths.


    Warm air rushed through my face. Sun streaked through my skin.


    I opened my eyes slowly. I was outside. Cars passed by, some were mad that I caused traffic. But right now, I didn''t give a shit.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Throughout our ride, Hailey kept on checking out on me.


    If it happened before, I was not going to admit it, but after what we shared, I told her where it happened, and she did not even judge or show me pity.


    Finally, we reached the iron-wrought gate of my grandparents'' property.


    "Are you ready?" I asked her when she suddenly stopped in front of the gate.


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    "I''m nervous."


    "Don''t be." I chuckled. "It''s just Grandpa and Grandma. You''ve already met them."


    "Yeah. In the hospital."


    "We can go back if you want."


    She rolled her eyes. "I don''t want them to think that I''m a having cold feet. Let''s go and get this over with."


    "Lee?"


    "Don''t tell them what happened in the intersection. I don''t want them to worry."


    "Of course." She nodded and gave me a tight smile.


    "I''ll see a shrink if it makes you feel better."


    "Promise?"


    "I''ll do it for us and my sanity."


    We parked in front of the house or the mansion because it was arge, impressive house surrounded by massivewns and a golf course at the back. We entered the dramatic entrance of at least 13 rooms house with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic view.


    "Oh, Hailey dear. Good to finally see you here." It was Grandma with her radiant look. I wished my mother was excited as she was.


    "This is a lovely-um-" She wandered her eyes around. "Home."


    "Don''t be silly. You''re always wee here." Grandpa hugged Hailey out of delight.


    "Good to see you, too, Grandma."


    "Cool down your horses. Come here, hug Grandpa."


    I sauntered closer. "Since when did we do hugs?"


    He hugged me and hit my back. "Your Grandma is upset." Oh, I see.


    "Why am I in trouble? What did I do this time?" I asked ignorantly.


    "Yes," Grandpa answered, "but in the meantime. Help Hailey to her room. She must be tired from the ride. And you will stay in your old room." "We have a lot to talk about, Percie," Grandma said. Oh, boy.


    "Can I tour Hailey first?"


    "Go ahead. But we have something to discuss after dinner."


    Fuck.

 Chapter 51

    PERCIE


    "So, dear, your dad is a policeman?" Grandpa started. As if he didn''t know already.


    The baked salmon was delicious, and it looked like Hailey was enjoying the dinner as well.


    "Leave the girl to enjoy her meal," Grandma said. "How''s the salmon, dear?"


    "It''s really good, Grandma. Thanks for inviting me over." Hailey smiled at her. "And yes, my dad is a cop. That''s how he met Percie." "I''ve been telling Percie to bring you over, but you know my boy."


    Hailey''s gaze met mine. "I understand. I''m not really good at meeting people. Percie is the first guy to invite me to meet his family." "Aren''t you lucky, son?"


    I ignored Grandpa''s remark. Instead, I shoved a slice of asparagus in my mouth. The proud smile on Grandma spread across her face.


    "He never brought any girls home, Hailey. I thought my grandson had the n to join a convent of St. Celibacy."


    Haileyughed and shut when she realized herugh was a little louder. "Really?"


    "Don''t believe it, Lee. He''s just messing with you?"


    "Am I now? Since you were fifteen years old, you never had a serious girlfriend. I mean, I knew you''ve been fooling around, but I never met any girlfriends of yours. So as your parents and Emma dear." "Whatever floats your boat, Grandpa."


    "I''m just you''re happy, son. Thank you for making my grandsone around again, Hailey. Did he stop punching walls?" Grandpa said with a nod.


    "I''m d I could help."


    "Oh, god." I put my cutlery down. "If you think you can embarrass me in front of Hailey, don''t even try. She knows me well."


    "Well, that''s good to know because I''d been telling you for months to see a shrink, but since you mentioned opening up to Hailey. That''s good news."


    Suddenly, I recalled what happened earlier. My heart sunk. When I nced at Hailey, she gave me a smile of reassurance.


    "Actually, I''m still nning on seeing one." As much as it was hard to admit, I had to tell them the truth. They deserved it. They had been my backbone since my family disowned me.


    "Is everything okay?"


    I told myself I wasn''t going to tell anyone. "I''m not doing very well. I''ve epted the fact that Emma is not gonnae back. But when we passed by that intersection, I had a shback. Maybe I have PTSD."


    "Don''t diagnose yourself, Percie. But since you suggested seeing a doctor, I''d be d to help."


    I nced at Hailey again. She mouthed, "I''m proud of you."


    After our dinner, I took Hailey to my favorite spot of the house. I intended to leave this side during our tour. The huge closed veranda. I slid the floor-to-ceiling window. The gash of cold wind entered. I took a nnel nket draped on the sofa and wrapped it over her shoulder.


    Hailey hadn''t said a word other than holding the nket, but she kept staring at the vast view of the golf course towards the ocean. That was what made this space very special.


    I wasn''t a romantic type until I met Hailey. And this ce was a perfect romantic set up.


    I wrapped my arms around her from behind. "What''s wrong?"


    She leaned her head against my chest. "What''s wrong is, this is so perfect." She sighed in contentment.


    "Is that a bad thing?"


    "Yeah. Because I might don''t wanna go back to our apartment. No wonder you left this part on our tour earlier. This is so unreal, Percie."


    "Can you keep a secret?" I asked her incredulously.


    She turned around to face me. "What is it?"All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I kinda went down to the cer and took one bottle of wine." I grinned sheepishly.


    Her eyes grew big, mouth hanging open. "You didn''t do that."


    I pointed at the bottle on the coffee table.


    "Oh, my god. We''re gonna sleep in the car tonight." She tried harder to contain herugh. Her face went crimson. "You''re a very very naughty boy." We were about to enjoy the wine I took from Grandma''s collection when I heard footsteps.


    "Dear, you don''t mind if I borrow Percie for a few minutes?" I knew exactly what she wanted to talk about.


    "Of course." Hailey smiled.


    "You can call our staff if you need anything, dear. Or just tell Percie whatever you want."


    "I have everything I need. Thanks, Grandma."


    "I''ll be right back." I kissed Hailey on her forehead. "Stay right here."


    Grandma took me to the library. I swallowed down the guilt and nervousness as I scanned around their hardbound books.


    "What were you thinking?" It was Grandpa. I didn''t notice him when I came inside. I guessed I wasn''t paying attention.


    "I''m afraid I don''t know what you''re talking about." I knitted my brows, just to convince them I didn''t have any ideas why they were upset.


    "Don''t bullshit me, Percie."


    "I swear, Grandpa. I didn''t know what you''re talking about. Can you be a little more specific? I''ve done something I''m not proud of for the past few weeks. That''s quite a long list." "Do you think it''s funny?" He was really upset.


    "Just answer your grandpa, Percie."


    I stared at Grandma and blinked. I opened my mouth and closed it back when I found it hard to find the right words.


    Grandpa shook his head in disappointment.


    "I know, I''m nothing but a pain in your ass and your disappointment. I''m sorry."


    "Why did you go to see your parents?"


    I found an empty seat. I sat down across Grandma.


    Grandpa was on the desk, crossing his arms over his chest. I felt terrible and ungrateful. Just the sadness in those eyes, I couldn''t repay, and I didn''t know what to do to make amends for them.


    "I wanna make things right. I wanna move on. When you gave me that apartment, and I met Hailey, my perspective had changed. I wanted to change my life. Both of you and Hailey gave me reasons. She makes me happy. For the first time in months, I learned how to smile again. She knows what happened to Emma and me, and Mom and Dad, yet she never judged me. In order to move on with my life, I wanted to talk to them, but instead, Mom still hasn''t changed." "What were you expecting? That she would just wee you back and forget what she thought you did? That woman is vile."


    "When I thought her words wouldn''t affect me, I was wrong. She''s still my mother, after all. I still see the anger, the disgust in her eyes. How did you know?"


    "Your father called me," Grandpa replied.


    I looked down. "I''m sorry, Grandpa, Grandma."


    "If that''s your reason, I''m not angry at you."


    "That''s it, I swear. I didn''t go there to provoke them. I just want to make things right. But I guess they don''t need it anymore."


    "I''m sorry, son. Maybe they need more time."


    I smiled sadly. "Hailey said the same thing."


    "She''s a wonderful girl. And I see the love when she looks at you." Grandma gripped my shoulder.


    "I hope you''re right, Grandma." I looked at her, squeezing her hand on my shoulder.


    "I''ve never been wrong." She pulled me into a hug, tucking her chin on top of my head. "I''m happy for you, Percie."


    "It means a lot that you like her."


    "She''s a keeper. Don''t ever break her heart."


    "Not nning to." I suddenly remembered something. "Grands, did you know Emma had a boyfriend?"


    "I wasn''t aware Emma was dating someone," Grandpa said.


    "So did I, not until I found out two weeks ago."


    "How?"


    "I opened her stuff, Grandma. I found a letter for me and some pictures of her and the guy. I actually knew him before I found out about their rtionship. That guy is an asshole. He hates my guts." "Language."


    "Sorry. Then I finally found out the reasons why he despised me."


    "Who''s he?"


    "Remy Larkin."


    "The Larkin, Larkin?"


    "You know his father?"


    "Of course. In fact, we have yed golf together."


    "But he''s an asshole."


    "I bet he is. I think I just know Remy. Poor boy."

 Chapter 52

    PERCIE


    "You don''t have a n to get drunk, do you?" Grandma added before I walked out of the library.


    "No promises," I sang.


    "Percie?"


    "I said no promises."


    I went back to Hailey. She was already sitting on the ottoman. One thing I noticed was the lit candles in every corner of the ce. "Hey, you''re back. Are we gonna sleep in your car?"


    I smiled. "Not tonight. How did these candles get here?"


    "I don''t know. One of the staff, her name is Donna. She just started lighting candles. The smell is incredible. I thought this is your idea."


    "Nope, but I''ll thank her and Grandster." I uncorked the wine, poured two sses, and I offered a ss to Hailey. I sat beside her and wrapped my arm around her.


    I raised my ss. "Happy two months, Lee."


    She looked beyond shock as she stared at me. I leaned over to kiss her lips.


    "Happy two months." She sipped her wine.


    "Don''t ever tell your dad that I corrupted you to drink wine."


    "If you can keep a secret. This tastes so delicate."


    "You love it?"


    "Yeah."


    "I''m gonna take one new bottle before we leave."


    "You can''t just steal from them." She held herugh.


    "Who said of stealing? They knew I took a bottle. I said I made no promises to get drunk tonight."


    "Thank you." She stared at me with those big startling eyes. I couldn''t resist kissing her. She instantly responded, kissing me back.


    "I wish I cane to your room tonight."


    Hailey giggled. "Not tonight, silly."


    "I know." We poured another drink before we stared at the dark skies.


    "Do you think she would like me?" she asked me out of nowhere.


    "Emma?" "Yeah."


    I wrapped my arms around her as sheid her back on my chest. "She would you. She was friendly, joyous, and free-spirited." I grabbed my phone and opened a website. "I wanna show you something. I hadn''t checked this out since she passed away."


    "Are you sure you wanna do this?" Her voice filled with worry.


    "I''m good, sweetheart."


    "You meant what you said earlier?" I could feel the hesitation in her tone.


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    I kissed the side of my head. "About seeing a shrink? Yes, I meant it." I topped the video with more than one hundred thousand views.


    My heart ached when the video started. I still missed Emma so much, but I could still live while I celebrated her life.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "She''s Emma." My hand trembled against the phone.


    "She''s beautiful. Her smile is so bright. I''m nothing like her." Hailey steadied the shaky phone as she wrapped her hand around mine.


    Emma was smiling at the camera even if she was in her wheelchair. Her light brown hair was almost blonde against the lighting. She had been answering questions from her followers that she wrote down on paper.


    "Who inspired me? I have a lot of people I''d like to thank who inspired me to make this blog. Of course, you''re one of them. Also, to you guys who have lost their ability to walk. It''s the end of our world. We can still make a difference by inspiring people, giving them hope, make our friends, loved ones, and family happy. It''s not because we''re stuck in this chair, our dreams are over. Remember Stephen Hawkings? He made a difference. Even if he''s gone, he left his legacies to us and the next generations."


    "She so strong and inspiring. I admired her." Her voice cracked, and she sighed deeply.


    I closed the video and ced my phone on the table. "You''re like Emma, more than you realized, Lee. May I reminded you how you saved me and how you saved Lexie. Those students who came to thank you. You just inspired them." "I haven''t thought about that." She turned to face me.


    I framed her face with my hand as I looked at her in the eye. "You don''t have to go the street to inspire people or to post your My day on social media to be an inspiration. I''m proud of you, Hailey. You''re the kind of person who sees the best in people. You never gave up on me, even if I was an asshole most of the time. Besides, you''re fucking hot. Your gorgeous eyes, sinful lips, and your huge heart made me fall for you, Hailey." My confession didn''t shock me sideways. It was bound to happen. It freed me from the restraint of emotions.


    Her face seized a mix of shock and satisfaction. I gathered her into my arms and pressed her against my chest. She was soft, warm, and delicate against my hard one. We just fit perfectly. I let myself lose in her warm embrace as she wrapped her arms around me. I closed my eyes. My heartbeat grew stronger it beat for her. She knew that by now.


    I was so proud of myself that I told her how I felt even if she hadn''t said her feelings back. In my heart, I knew she cared for me. That was all that matters.


    Hailey made me whole, made me feel like a human-a man-a man capable of love. She taught me the beauty of life and love.


    ***


    I woke up early. We didn''t get to our bedrooms. We fell asleep on the carpeted floor after ourst third drink. I carried Hailey to her room. She stirred on our way.


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    "Hush, sweetheart. Get some sleep." I let her get some more rest because, in the afternoon, I had to take her back to her parents. After I put her to bed, I went down for a run. When I came back, I took a shower.


    My heart was in a gallop as I pulled my strength together and unlocked the door. Grands didn''t change or put Emma''s things in the box.


    We always came together for a monthly visit to Grands. This had been her room with a pink and golden motif. This room reminded me a lot of her, everything about her, and our memories together.


    My knees finally gave up. I took a seat on the edge of her bed. Then my gazended on the framed on her table. It was our picture after we yed golf.


    The door creaked open before I could grab the photo. "Can Ie in?"


    I smiled at Hailey, even if it was hard at this moment. I offered my hand. "You''re awake."


    "An hour ago while you went for a ran."


    "Really? Why didn''t you join me."


    "You seemed to have fun." She reached out to my hand.


    "Not so much without you."


    She took the picture and sat down on the floor between my legs. "How old were you in this picture?"


    "Sixteen. I just met her a year earlier."


    "Your eyes really radiate life. I wish I would see this again."


    I kissed the top of her head. "I''m happy, sweetheart."


    "I know the feeling of losing a sibling a twin. Half of us died with them as well." She looked up at me. "I want to see that glow in your eyes again, not only when you look at me, Percie, but every time you open your eyes."

 Chapter 53

    PERCIE


    After my confessionst night, it was the space between us as I started driving away from her was the hardest thing I had to endure.


    She waved goodbye one more time before she walked towards the door of her parents'' house.


    My phone buzzed as I pulled to the main road. It was a call from Remy. I suddenly remember what Grandpa told me before Hailey and I left. "Sup?"


    "Are you up to watch a game?"


    "Where?"


    "yground."


    "It''s today?"


    "Yeah. Where the hell have you been?"


    "I went to see Grands."


    "Oh, I see."


    "Are youing?"


    "Be there in ten." I steered the car to the campus road."


    "Is Haileying?"


    "Nope. I just sent her home. Why?"


    "Thought the girls are gonna join."


    A small smile curved up my lips. "You mean if Queen Victoria is joining? Why don''t you just call or chat with her? Or however, you guysmunicate these days?"


    "You sound like my grandfather." Heughed out loud. "I thought the more, the merrier."


    "Why don''t you just admit that you like girls who y hard to get?"


    "Man." I could feel him scratching his head.


    "See you in a bit. Gotta drive, Larkin."


    "See you."


    I dialed Hailey right away.


    "Hey, guy."


    "That''s new." I chuckled. "Hey. Um, did your friends invite you to watch a football game?"


    "Yup, but I told them I''m staying home. Why?"


    "Well, I just remember the game is tonight, and Larkin just called me."


    "And you want me to go with Victoria and Megan."


    "If your dad allows you."


    "Percie, I''m an adult."


    "I know, sweetheart. But I don''t want you to sneak out."


    "I know. See youter then?"


    "Can''t wait."


    I arrived at the parking lot and searched for Remy, but I couldn''t find him.


    I type a text to him.


    Percie: Where are you?


    I sent and waited. When Remy did not reply, I searched for his car where he usually parked. It wasn''t there.


    I dialed his number. Remy didn''t answer my call.


    He couldn''t be messing with me. Why he had to let Hailey and her friendse over if he changed his mind. Something was wrong.


    A thousand rm bells went off in my head.


    I went back to my car and waited. He might have picked up Victoria or the girls.


    I dialed Lexie. As if she was waiting for someone to call, she picked up right away.


    "I was about to call you." Lexie seemed nervous and agitated.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "What for? Are you okay?"


    "I''m not, Percie. I mean, I''m okay. Where are you right now? Let mee to you."


    My worry worsened when she started bbering. "I''m waiting for Remy. What''s going on, Lexie?"


    "Where are you?" she asked again.


    "I''m here at the parking."


    "Wait for me there." She hung up.


    I stared at my phone in confusion. Lexie sounded terribly worried, and I couldn''t contact Remy. What the fuck is going on? Panic seized through me.


    I started to think that something was wrong with Remy, but I didn''t want to go that road. My blood turned to ice, my veins freezing over. Pain, guilt, remorse, anger, and fear-a lot of fear assaulted me. "No." I raked my fingers through my hair as I leaned back against my car. My knees just weakened. I hoped I was wrong. I hoped he was not stupid enough to take that bait.


    "Percie!" My gaze flew to running Lexie towards me.


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    "Tell me this is not what I think it is, Lexie." My voice shook. My body turned ice cold.


    "Let''s go. I''ll drive." She quickly went to the driver''s seat. She knew me so well that I couldn''t drive when I was not in the right mind.


    I got in the passenger seat. "Where to?"


    "The clearing."


    "Jesus. Is he out of his mind? Does he even know what he''s doing?" My jaw muscle ticked.


    "That''s the only way out, or he loses his reputation forever."


    I red at Lexie. "Who the fuck cares about his reputation if he gets hurt? Considering Adrian has been under the driver''s seat since he was in diapers, how could he beat him?" "Maybe a miracle." She shrugged.


    "He doesn''t have to do that." I suddenly remembered Emma. How she tricked me just to join the Paralympics?


    "He wants out, Percie. He wants true friends. He chose you. That''s all that matters to him."


    "Everyone I cared about got hurt when they became close to me." My stomach churned.


    "That''s not true." She stole a nce at me while she was driving.


    "It is, Lexie. My sister, Hailey, and you. And now the moment I gave him a chance, he''s doing this stupid thing that he''s not good at."


    "You can''t stop him if that''s what he wants. If that''s the only that he can get his way out."


    "I wished he waited for me. I could have talked to him about it." My hands formed into fists.


    "It''s his choice. Let''s just pray he would make it to the finish line. You know that road there is terrible."


    "How do you know much about this race?"


    "I have a friend who raced once." Her voiceced with sorrow.


    "What happened?"


    "Don''t worry, he lives, but when he didn''t win. He had to drop and transfer to another city. That''s the deal he made. It''s because he kissed the wrong girl. Well, it''s actually a right girl, but at a wrong time." "Jesus." I shook my head.


    My phone vibrated. It was Hailey. "Hey, Lee."


    "We''re here. Where are you?"


    "Sorry, sweetheart. There''s been a change of n."


    "What happened?" Her voice filled with worry.


    "I''m with Lexie. But it''s Remy."


    "Is he okay?"


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    "I hope so."


    "What do you mean you hope so?"


    "Who''s driving?"


    "Megan. They picked me up."


    "Right. Tell her to drive to the clearing."


    "What''s in the clearing."


    "Just tell her to go to the clearing, sweetheart. We''ll see you soon. I''ll exin once we get there."


    I leaned my arm against the window, thinking if I could do something, but there was more I could do than hope for Remy to finish this stupid death race.


    We arrived at the clearing. It was far from the main road, in the middle of the forest. A lot of cars were already here, ready to watch the race between Adrian and Remy. "Let''s go." Lexie rushed out of the car.


    "We''ll wait for them to arrive."


    "No, Percie. The race started ten minutes ago." She dragged me towards the lines of the car.


    "Are you sure? How did you know?" Goosebumps erupted all over my skin.


    "I''ve been telling you the whole time, did you not get it?"


    Motherfucker! Now I got why Remy invited me to watch the game. He wasn''t referring to the football game it was this stupid death race.


    My worry, my guilt just turned into waves of rage that rolled through me.


    As we joined the groups waiting for the race to reach the finish line, I asked one of them that I recognized in one of my sses.


    "Who''s leading?"


    "Of course, it''s Adrian. You can still ce your bet right there," he replied excitedly, pointing at the group of Calix and Yly.


    I narrowed my eyes at him before I left.


    Lexie came back, wearing a furious looked on her face. "Remy is losing. Even the bets, it''s all for Adrian."


    "I know. I just asked that asshole. He gave me the same answer." I wanted to hit something. I scratched my head instead.


    "Percie!" It was my girl. The suppressed anger quickly cooled down the moment I saw Hailey and her friends marching in our direction.


    I met her halfway and squeezed him into a tight hug. "You came." I released a shuddering breath. My gut clenched greatly. Emotions threatened to erupt. "I''m scared, Lee."


    "Is it true?" she asked as she pulled away. The pain syed over her face so raw it ripped my heart open. We''d just got to know Remy, but considering he was the love of my twin''s life, and he did this because he chose me, I knew exactly how Hailey felt.


    I nodded. Before I could hold her back, screeched and roars erupted, deafening me. I stopped dead in my tracks. Everything seemed to stop around me. My attention went through the roaring and smoking vehicle first to arrive. My breathing caught. The car was not stopping, not even curving-it went straight to the tree.


    Fuck!


    Toote to realize it wasn''t Adrian''s car-it was Remy''s.

 Chapter 54

    PERCIE


    "Remy!" I screamed as I rushed towards the wrecked car. Terror closed around my throat as I watched the aftermath, broken sses, smoked, crumpled metal. I was suddenly brought back to that ident, making me fall to the ground. Shell-shocked, I felt my life was sucked out of me.


    Everything blurred around me. Rushes pushed through me here in there, yet I was still kneeling on the ground as my gaze fixed to Remy.


    I couldn''t take it anymore. I couldn''t handle another loss. Jesus, not again.


    "Percie! Percie!" Someone was nudging me, but I couldn''t respond. I couldn''t move. It felt like I would fall apart if I did.


    "Percie,e back to me, please? Come back to me." That voice was so familiar, that touch, those eyes.


    "Percie, please?"


    Hailey. My emotions wreaked havoc in my heart.


    "You need to get up."


    "Get up?" I asked in confusion.


    "Yes. Please?"


    What happened?


    My gazended on the car again. "Remy!"


    Hailey held me. "Let them do their job."


    How did the medic get here so fast? How long did I ckout?


    "What happened?" I asked Hailey.


    "You just dropped to the ground and like froze for a few minutes."


    I never let my gaze break-away while they carried Remy out of the car.


    "He''s gonna live. He should. He should, Lee." I couldn''t stop talking. I said those words over and over again until Hailey led me the way back to my car.


    "I need to see Remy," I ordered harshly.


    "You will, but we can''t see him right away. He needs to be checked up or undergone surgery if needed." It was Lexie who answered. "Let me drive to the hospital."


    ***


    I was pacing back and forth in the waiting area. The wait was excruciatingly long, and it felt like an eternity. It had been a few fours, and we hadn''t had gotten any news aside from what was expected. Remy went into surgery. "His father just arrived," Lexie informed me.


    "What happened to my son?" His voice echoed throughout the hallway. He was just as old as my father, but he had a few pounds on his weight.


    A nurse came over, meeting him halfway. I couldn''t hear anything other than murmurs from the nurse, but based on his reaction, the nurse just told him the status of Remy inside the operating room. It wasn''t good. "How did it happen? Who are you? Do you know my son?" He marched closer. I didn''t know if I should be d he was asking about Remy or be pissed off. He wasn''t aware of anything about his son''s extracurricr activities. "You should probably ask Adrian. He challenged Remy to race with him," Lexie answered. I couldn''t face him when I was carrying the guilt and anger.


    "And why in the hell he did that?"


    "I mean no disrespect, sir. But shouldn''t you know what his friends had been doing to your son?"


    "What are you talking about? They''re like brothers."


    "Not anymore," Lexie answered with disinterest.


    "I don''t understand." His brows met as he looked at Lexie.


    "You should talk to him. I''m sure he would exin."


    "How do you know my son?" This son of a bitch was still confused. He really didn''t give a shit about Remy.


    Lexie threw me a re, telling me that she needed help.


    "Remy wanted out from his friends. The only way out was to race against Adrian. Your son isn''t so happy about his friends anymore. Apparently, they like to y around by bullying students they think are under them." "That''s not true." He red at me.


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    "You could ask your son once he wakes up."


    He narrowed at me. "Aren''t you Presley''s son?"


    "Disowned, yes. I am," I proudly said and met his gaze.


    "I''m sorry about your sister."


    "Thank you."


    He checked the time on his watch. "I''m gonna bete for an important meeting. Can you call me when Remy gets out from surgery?" He picked up a card from his jacket pocket and gave it to me.


    Motherfucker. His meeting was more important to him than his son, who was fighting for his life in the surgery.


    I took it from him. "Of course."


    He left like his fucking ass was on fire. Then the members of the F5 walked in as if they bought the hallway.


    "What the fuck are you doing here, Matthews?" Kyle asked, face filled with cruelty.


    "I could ask you the same thing."


    "Get the fuck away from here." It was another moron, Calix.


    "You and your moron friend who put Remy in that situation. Shouldn''t you be with Adrian celebrating for sessfully nearly killing Remy? Or you''re here to gather info so that you can go tell Adrian that he won and finally got what he wanted." "This happened because of you bitch," Kyle spat out. usation grew in his voice.


    If it wasn''t for Lexie, I already broke his nose, but she managed to hold my arm before I couldunch a punch at Kyle.


    "This bitch has nothing to do with what happened. Remy just realized how cruel and stupid you all are who only choose to bully someone who is small than you. Get out of here before I call the cops and tell them that you orchestrated that illegal drag racing that put Remy''s life on the brink of death."


    Shock and fear showed on their faces, but they vanished quickly. They talked to each other before they agreed to leave.


    "Just so you know, I told Remy not topete with Adrian, but I couldn''t stop him. He said he wanted out," Kyle said before he left, joining his goons.


    "Guys, you should go. I''ll call you if I got any news," I told them. "Lexie, please send Hailey home. This would take more hours before Remy wakes up after the surgery."


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    "No. You need to rest." I didn''t have the strength left to argue with Hailey. "I promise I''ll call once I have some news. Victoria, Megan, please?"


    "I want to stay a little longer," Victoria said.


    "There''s nothing we can do at this moment. You need to go home and rest. You cane over in the morning," Lexie said, rubbing her arms. "How did this happen?" I asked myself.


    "Hey, don''t ever me yourself," Lexie gripped my shoulder. "This is Adrian''s fault. He should be locked up in jail. Where the hell is he, by the way?" "Hiding," Megan answered.


    "We''ll talk about this tomorrow. Lee, please, go with Lexie." I looked at Hailey, still terrified.


    "We can stay in the apartment. I''ll leave a message to Mom," Hailey suggested.


    "Okay."


    She leaned over to kiss me on my lips. "Call me if you need me. Are you sure you''ll be okay?"


    I met her worried gaze. "I''ll be fine. Go, get some rest."


    When they finally left, I found myself alone in the waiting area, dwelling with the pain until I could hold the unshed tears for a while.


    The wait was incredibly slow and awful. I squeezed my eyes briefly when the image of the car wreck seemed to start shing back into my head.


    I finally gave up on containing my emotions. Tears blurred my vision. My chest squeezed tight I could hardly breathe. The numbness I carried for months was gone, washed away with waves of emotions in my chest.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Tears flowed fast I couldn''t control anymore-tears of pain, of relief and gratitude that there was still a chance Remy could get through this. I cried on the bench. Tremors shook through me.


    My life was on the brink of falling apart. I finally realized what it took to care for the people around you-it came with a price of love and pain. It felt like my heart was splitting open at the thought of losing someone I cared about again. Every time I started caring for someone, they tended to get hurt because of me.


    This cycle has to end now.

 Chapter 55

    HAILEY


    There were thousands of scenarios swirling in my brain. That thought made my head spin even more.


    I was pacing in the kitchen, waiting for the coffee to brew. In the living room, it felt like no one was there so silent. We were all in deep shock. I didn''t even get enough sleep. I kept on turning in bed, constantly checking my phone on the nightstand. Still, I got nothing.


    It was unnerving.


    Victoria was still a little bit shaken. She may deny the fact that she didn''t give a crap about Remy, but behind her brave and bold facade, I knew she cared about him more than she''d like to admit.


    I brought cups of coffee to the living room. Still, nobody moved. Everyone was in their sad positions. If there was no incident like this, we couldn''t hear each other in the living room with our spirited conversations-Lexie flirting with Megan while Victoria was stalking Remy''s social media ounts before sharing thetest updates on us.


    Right now, for coffee lovers, none of them even took a nce as I ced the cups down the table.


    "Guys, we have to think positive and pray for his fast recovery," I broke the silence as I sat at the armrest of the sofa.


    "Fast recovery? We haven''t heard anything from Percie." Lexie grabbed a cup on the table, slumped back to the sofa, and pulled her knees over her chest just like before. She stared at the steam on the coffee in deep thoughts. "There''s nothing wrong with being optimistic," Megan said.


    "Why the fuck did he have to be so stupid of betting his life? What kind of friends do that? Like why couldn''t they ept the fact that Remy wanted out? And if I want to move on, no one can''t stop me. Screw reputation if I''m already dead!" The word dead made me shiver.


    Remy is strong. He had survived after losing her girlfriend. I knew he would make it.


    Even if I had a poor encounter with him before we became friends, I started to like him. His true intentions seemed genuine.Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I don''t wanna hear the word dead and Remy in a sentence." My gaze pinned at Victoria. She''s been crying in the bathroom since we came to the apartment. "I hate that guy, but I never wished him dead." "Hate? That''s a little bit strong, don''t you think? Maybe when he wakes up, it''s time for you to pull up your big girl''s pants and admit that you''re in love with Remy. Life is too short, Victoria," Lexie spoke. "In love? Don''t you think that''s a little bit of a strong word?" she bantered back.


    "You just dislike the fact that you''ve been watching him with different girls every day, but you heard him. He doesn''t have a girlfriend," Megan added.


    Victoria red at Megan.


    I grabbed a cup and rose from my seat. "Let me check my phone."


    "About time. If I won''t hear anything from Percie within an hour, I''ll go to the hospital. Maybe Percie went to find, confront Adrian, and give him what he deserves," Lexie said.


    "I wish it''s that easy. If I know, Adrian is already out of the country."


    I paused midway and turned around. "What do you mean, Megan?"


    "If the rumor is true, Adrian''s parents are getting divorced."


    "I don''t wanna be cruel, but good for him. No wonder that scumbag is an asshole." Victoria rolled her eyes and sipped her coffee.


    I went to grab my phone on the nightstand. I had a missed call from Percie. I quickly redialed his number.


    "Hey, Lee. How''s your sleep?" His voice wrapped with sorrow, telling me this wasn''t a wake-up call.


    I smiled through my tears. "Didn''t get any. Girls are still here. How-how is Remy? Girls are dying to know." I shut my eyes closed and held my breath, hoping to hear some good news. "He''s out of the surgery."


    "Oh, thank god!" I was grinning from ear to ear. My eyes flew open, tears rolling down my cheeks. I wasn''t aware the girls were already behind me until they leaned closer to listen to my conversation with Percie. "Hey, you''re on speaker." I hit the speaker icon on my phone.


    "He''ll live. He got a few crack bones. Still under sedation. If there are noplications within twenty-four hours, he''s gonna pull through. He''s under observation, and I couldn''t get in. I''m not a family member. That''s all I can tell." We sighed in relief in unison.


    "If ever you''d get a chance to sneak into his room, can you tell him that he''s gonna pay for making us all worried? Trust me, I''m gonna break his nose."


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    "Lexie, calm down. Let that stupid get his full recovery before you''re gonna break another bone."


    "So, we''re not allowed to visit him?" Victoria asked hesitantly.


    "Once he''s transferred to the private room, we can," Percie replied.


    "That''s great news. Have you contacted his father?"


    "He''s asshole father, you mean?" Lexie scoffed.


    "Yeah, I just gave him the news before I called Hailey."


    "What did he say?" I asked curiously.


    "He''s relieved."


    "And?" Megan asked.


    "He''s on a trip?"


    "What the hell?" I asked in shock.


    "Yeah. He''s a heartless piece of shit. He traveledst night on a business trip. Like, don''t people do videoconference nowadays?" The anger vibrated in Percie''s voice. "How could he " he cursed under his breath. "Remy has us, Percie," I told him. My heart broke for him.


    "I told him to allow me to be on Remy''s visitor list. He didn''t even care. So I suggested not allow his friends to visit Remy. He only replied he''d contact the hospital." "Motherfucker!" Lexie spat out.


    ***


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    Three dayster, Remy woke up. It was scary and heartbreaking to see him in bed attached to proves, legs with screws and wrapped with cast and bandages. His face was still swollen and bruised.


    "I feel like shit." Remy''s first words as soon as he saw us. His voice was low. I could even feel him ufortable and in pain.


    "You also look like shit," Victoria chided him.


    "Good to see you not running away, Queen." He chuckled.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I read yourment on Twitter."


    I looked at Victoria. She just blushed crimson.


    "Did she now? Well, that''s not what she said days ago." Lexie walked closer to his bed and shook her head. "I really wish I could punch you right now. What you put us through, breaking your nose won''t suffice, asshole. In fact, my knuckles are itching right now." She sighed shakily. "Don''t ever do something like that again. That''s the perk of having friends, Remy. You don''t have to decide alone anymore. You have us."


    He dropped his gaze down, tried to nod, but he still had neck support. He bit his trembling lip.


    "You almost gave us a heart attack." Megan smiled.


    "I''m sorry. Did Dad-" He scanned around the room.


    "He''s an asshole," Victoria spat out.


    "An apple doesn''t fall far from the tree."


    "You and your father are nothing alike. You did not run away from your responsibility. You correct your mistake and face your issues. You value friendship even if it put your life in danger. Maybe you''re stupid for not asking our opinion, but you are better than him. Way better. Sorry but not sorry. I have to agree with Victoria. Your dad is a grade A a-hole."


    He smiled at me. His gaze searched the room again, looking for someone I knew exactly who.


    "He''s not here, Remy." I bit my lip when it started trembling. I looked up when my eyes were swimming with unshed tears.


    "Where''s Percie, Hailey?"


    "I haven''t seen him nor heard from him since two days. He just went off the grid."

 Chapter 56

    PERCIE


    Call me coward, an idiot, but after watching Remy''s lifeless body, fighting for his life for the choice he made, I couldn''t take it anymore. I had to go away.


    Since the doctor said that Remy would pull it through, I was beyond relieved that I didn''t have to carry the guilt with me for the rest of my life. It hurt as fuck as I walked out of his room while he was still unconscious. I just wished I could say something to him before I left, but on the other thought, it would just make it difficult for me.


    When someone said to me right now that everything happened for a reason, I already punched him in the face. If the reason for losing Emma was finding Remy, it was bullshit a fucking cruel twist of fate. Why the fuck they both had to suffer? Why did I have to watch them suffer? It felt like a deja vu, all over again. I couldn''t think about them without that horrible image of Emma and Remy lying in the hospital bed. "Percie?" I snapped out of my misery to another misery in front of me.


    "Yeah." I sat straight. My chest was as heavy as a thousand tons.


    "You mentioned that you med yourself for all the people you cared about''s suffering. Why is that?"


    "You know why." I nced at her quickly before I averted my gaze to the flowers at the corner of her room. Grandpa said she was the best in town-Dr. Reed.


    "Do you like flowers, Percie?"


    "How does it help me?"


    "Healing takes time, Percie. It''s a process, maybe a long process. And it depends on you if you wanna help yourself heal fast."


    "For more than a year, I figured."


    That''s right. Healing doesn''t happen overnight, Percie. I am here to help you help yourself get through that process. If you won''t open up and talk to me, I couldn''t help you."


    Of course, Grandpa paid you to do your job. "Did you lose someone you love?"


    "Yes. It also took time for me to heal. She''s my sister. She left me a child. But the session is not about me."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I dropped my gaze to my hands on myp. I toyed the bracelet around my wrist. "My girlfriend, Hailey. She loves flowers. Her middle name reminds me of those flowers. Ca lilies. Emma loved lilies as well." "That''s great. Sometimes, we see the people we lost in other people or even things. Sometimes, we tend to hold on to that thought to relive them or those memories and tend to forget the real issues of loss, Percie." "You mean I relive my dead sister on my girlfriend because they love the same flowers?" I narrowed at her.


    "Did it cross your mind?"


    I rose from my seat. My anger started boiling.


    "It''s okay. Missing someone we cared about is normal. It won''t be if we don''t. You don''t have to feel guilty."


    "I don''t feel guilty. I''m not guilty." I red at her, still in the same position, her leg crossed over the other. Thinking of Emma while I kiss Hailey was just gross. I flinched. Jesus. "Hailey is not Emma. Emma is dead." "See? You now can see the difference. You both love two different women in your life. You''re able to start epting the truth about your loss."


    I slumped my ass back down the veryfortable sofa.


    She''s good. I give her that.


    "You''re feeling the pain, and that''s a part of being a human. You have emotions, and you are still grieving."


    Feeling distraught, I met her gaze. "Why do those people I care about tend to get hurt when they''re with me. Do you believe in jinx?"


    She shook her head. "I don''t. People get hurt because of the choices they make. It''s not on you. You can''t control how they live their lives. You can''t and shouldn''t choose for them. What you can do is, tell them how you feel about it." "What if it was toote to tell them how I feel about it?"


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    "Then all you can do is be with them, make them feel better, make them realize that it''s okay to make a poor choice once in a while. Your presence is more important to those who care about you, Percie."


    ***


    I went to the hospital to check on Remy. Two days ago, I turned off my phone. I knew Hailey would be mad at me for my decision, and I might get my Grands worried as well. But I had to get away for a while. I felt suffocated with what was going on in my life. All I needed was to be better for myself and for those people that I loved.


    In my heart, I knew I wasn''t doing any better. I was going down the road of depression. I started losing hope again. I started losing my path. I med myself constantly for something I couldn''t control.


    The pain was constant in this life. That was how I thought. But I didn''t want to watch my life slipping through my fingers. So as my family, my friends, and Hailey.


    Sneaking in wasn''t exactly the best idea, but I didn''t want to bump into my friends or someone I knew. Considering my experience in the hospital didn''t help me a bit. But I promised never to abandon a friend. Still, guilt seeped through me for notmunicating with any of them.


    I met the nurse assigned to Remy in the hallway. "How''s he?"


    "He''s recovering well." She smiled in assurance.


    I nodded and smiled back in relief. "Thank you."


    Rubbing the back of my neck, I felt torn between backing out and peeping through the small ss window on the door to have a glimpse of Remy. Unfortunately, thetter won out. I let go a shaky breath, squeezed the knob, and pushed the door slightly. I slipped my head in the small opening.


    I froze in my position. My breathing held.


    I blinked a few times, assuming my imagination or what I saw was ying tricks on me.


    My heart sunk.


    I felt like someone just threw a bucket of ice water into my face. I felt like my world just pulled under my feet, and I fell into the abyss of darkness.


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    Feeling like I swallowed shards of broken ss down my throat, I stepped back, grasping the wall as I felt I was about to fall. Someone grabbed my arm before I dropped down the floor.


    Jerking that hand off of me, I walked away.


    My eyes blurred.


    My mind went nk.


    I ignored murmurs and buzzes of my name behind me. I was beyond heartbroken if I still had the heart to get broken.


    I''d had suffered through my fair share of pain, loss, and suffering. But today, there was no worse pain than watching the love of my life in the arms of another man.


    "You okay?" Someone asked me.


    I stared at him in shock. "Huh?"


    "Percie, right?"


    I swallowed again. "Yeah."


    "Is my son okay?"


    Oh, the motherfucker. "Better than okay." I leaned against my car as I felt lightheaded. How did I get in here? I had no idea. Tears filled my eyes.


    My shoulders shook as I cried out the pain in my chest. I didn''t know if the whole world was conspiring against me, or I just didn''t have a chance to be happy.


    I dialed a number on my speed dial. "I wannae home."

 Chapter 57

    PERCIE


    I had not shed a tear, which honestly made things worse.


    I stared at the house in front of me. It was a miracle how I got in here unscathed. And I didn''t know how I was still standing. The main door swung open, revealing my dad. His walk forward felt like an eternity before he reached closer to me. "You can shove anything into my face all you want. I don''t give a fuck. I wanna stay. You can call the cops and let them drag me out, but I will stille back. I have nowhere to go right now where no one will find me. This is thest ce they''re gonna look for me." I wiped my face.


    His eyes widened. "Are you in some kind of trouble?"


    "With the authority? Not that I know of. Can Ie in?"


    He nodded quickly. "Did you bring something with you?"


    "No."


    Dad guided me inside and locked the door behind me. "Can you ask your driver to keep my car in your garage?"


    "Of course." He took the key from me.


    "If Grands will call and ask if you hear anything from me, tell them nothing." I walked past him upstairs. I must admit their new house was way better than the old one-the perks of being in a real estate business. "What''s going on, Percie?" I could feel the worry in his voice. "Let me help you."


    I stopped in the middle. "I''m gonna be fine. And you''re already helping. Thanks, Dad." I realized I didn''t know which doors to go.


    "Second to the left." He must have read my mind. "I''ll ask Berta to bring something for you. Are you hungry?"


    "I just wanna be alone right now, Dad."


    "I''ll be in the library."


    I mmed the door shut the moment I was inside. The room was fully furnished with metallic blue and dark grey furniture and a dark sheet on the king-size bed. Then I noticed a photo frame on the small study table. I stepped closer. To my surprise, it was Emma and me before our high school graduation. Emma took a selfie, and I just photobombed in.


    A small smile curved up my lips. "I missed you, Em. I just wish you''re here. I don''t know what to do, how to bear this pain inside my chest." I ced the photo back into its ce.


    Iid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. I watched the iron pendant-inspired light hanging above my head as I recalled to myself what had just happened in that room. I tried to shut my emotions off, but it was excruciating than I thought to ignore. I blinked back the tears, but it was toote. They rolled down at the corners of my eyes.


    I might have fallen asleep. I woke up with no idea where I was. Blinking against the re of the sun streaming through the curtains, I looked around the expanse of the room.


    Exhaustion didn''t fit the word to describe how I felt right now. I felt like I just woke up from a thousand years of deep slumber, yet I could still use a week of sleep. I felt drained out of energy and emotions. The image in that room reyed back in my head.


    The door squeaked open, forcing me to open my eyes. My mom came to view.


    "Are you here to kick me out? Can you hold it a little longer?" I didn''t move.


    I watched her as she stepped closer and sighed. It was surprising to see her seemingly calm than ourst conversation. She took a seat at the corner of the bed. She looked at me closely for a few moments before she smiled-the kind of smile that filled with concern and sympathy towards their children when they had their first heartbreak. I must be dreaming right now.


    I dragged myself to sit and lean against the headboard. I watched her closely-she didn''t reach out nor talk until an awkward silence stretched out between us.


    "Why are you in my room, Mom?" I shut my eyes closed. "I mean in this room."


    She looked around and smiled again. "I thought it would meet your taste. Just like your old room, only a little bigger and modernize. No more posters and toys, though."


    My brows knitted even more. "Why are you making this room for my taste?"


    "Your Grands came overst week. Well, it was enlightening. I didn''t realize the pain you endured of losing your sister and how you suffered alone because of what I did." She swallowed hard, eyes watering.


    I sighed shakily. Another walking down painful memoryne, I see.


    "It was all my fault. I decided on my own on giving up Emma for adoption. I wasn''t ready to be a mom, let alone a mom of two. Your dad didn''t talk to me for weeks. I suffered from post-natal depression as well. When Emma came looking for her biological parents and seeing how the two of you get along so fast, the sight just filled my heart with warmth and love that you two were together again. Then it all faded when you and Emma got into an ident. I thought of punishing you, but I went too far. I kept Emma away from you."


    "I hope what you did to me made you happy." I looked away.


    "Your Grandpa made me realize what terrible I was as a mother. I know there''s no way to go back and fix what I did to you. And if Emma is here, she would not be happy with what I did to you. All I want is a second chance, Percie. I''m so sorry." "Wow! This is pretty convenient, eh? What exactly do you want from me, Mom? I have nothing left other than Grands. What could possibly have to pique your interest in me."


    "All I want is to be your mother again. That''s all. You don''t have to trust my words right now. Let me just prove it to you." She reached out for my arm, making me freeze. She then squeezed it.


    If I was being honest, I missed a normal conversation like this. I missed my family. I missed a mother''s touch, but now it was tainted with pain, mistrust, and anger.


    She rose from her seat. Her eyes filled with sorrow, and I thought regrets. "If you''re hungry, you can go down to the kitchen. I can prepare your favorite sandwich." The words favorite sandwich made my stomach growl. It was our favorite. A small genuine smile curved up her lips.


    "Whoa. We''re not there yet." I rolled my eyes.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "I''ll send Berta then to bring something for you to eat. You need to shower. You''ve been asleep for half a day, Percie."


    "What?" Did I sleep that long?


    "It''s Monday, and you just missed your sses, Percival." She walked to the door. "You won''t skip school tomorrow. I already talked to the school head that you''re sick, but I couldn''t give another excuse for tomorrow."


    "Thanks." I barely heard my word. "And Mom?"


    "Yes?"


    "Can I have that sandwich? Um, make it two."

 Chapter 58

    PERCIE


    I snatched another sandwich on the te and apple on the fruit basket before I dashed out of the kitchen. "Finish your breakfast, Percie!" Mom called out.


    "Gonna bete!"


    "You need to call your Grandpa, Percie." Mom followed me outside the house.


    My car was already in the driveway. Mom''s driver gave me my car key. "I will. Thanks, Elliot."


    "Percival!" Mom''s annoying voice made me stop.


    I groaned. "Fine. I''m gonna bete for my ss."


    "You''reing home tonight, right?" I watched her eyes light up with hope.


    "Sure. Can I go now?"


    "Drive safe, honey."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    I looked at her again. I had not heard the word honey in a long time. I still felt cynical about a sudden change of heart. At this moment, I needed them and a room to stay.


    My skin crawled up with tension and fear of bumping into Hailey. I changed my parking spot. I reminded myself next time that I would borrow one of the cars at home. I kept my head down, making sure no one would notice me. I didn''t pass by where I usually went to meet Hailey. Just mentioning her name in my head felt like stabs into my chest.


    "Percie!" Fuck! Way to blend in. I did not stop. "Percie!" Lexie called my name urgently. She must have been following me. She grabbed me on my arm before I could turn around. "What the fuck? Where the fuck have you been?" Her voice filled with anger.


    I showed no emotions, blocking any familiarity as I looked at her. Anger flitted from her eyes, recing with shock. I made sure she would not call and approach me again as I stared back with cold and cruelty slicing through her like a knife. She flinched. "Are you okay? What happened to you?" Her voice finally cooled down.


    "I''m fine. Perfectly fine." I turned around.


    The moment I started to take a step, she held my arm again. "You''re not fine, Percie. You''re not yourself. You''re dwelling with such great pain. Whatever you''ve been going through right now, you''re not alone. I''m here. We are here. Have you even cared what Hailey had been through with you? Did you even think how hurt and sad she is without hearing anything from you? She''s broke, Percie. Don''t be so selfish."


    I almost gave in, but I blinked it off. I faced Lexie again. As I tried to be a tough bastard even if it was all but a show, I smiled. My smile was evil. "I''m sure she''ll be fine."


    The long and awful sses finally ended. I stayed in the room for a moment. Even the toughest person had a weakness. I put my walls back and my charade as I walked out of the room. Deep inside, my heart was bleeding. How could she betray me? After I confessed my feelings, this was what I got in return. I thought she cared about me, but that little doubt had finally given me an answer-she had feelings for Remy-Remy fucking Larkin of all the people.


    Jesus Christ. I''m a mess. I found a bench when my emotions turmoiled inside my chest. My chest constricted over and over again. How could I get away from this without suffering from intense pain? Maybe there was something in Google that told me how to move on fast. Fuck that.


    "Fuck." I pulled myself together only to break into a million pieces right before my eyes. Hailey just appeared out of nowhere. It was toote to build my walls back. She was already in my arms, wrapping me with her soothing warm hug. She shook in my arms. "Where the hell have you been? I''ve been worried sick for days, Percie. I thought I''ve lost you." She tightened her arms around me and froze when I didn''t give a shit.


    "I''d bete for my appointment." My voice came out as cold as ice. I should give myself more credit and an Academy Best Asshole Award.


    She pulled away, staring at me in shock. She swallowed hard. I was guessing she already figured out that I knew about her betrayal.


    I trusted her with my life, my heart, my secrets, yet this was how she gave in return.


    "Is something wrong?" Her voice shook.


    "Nothing is wrong, Hailey. Everything is perfect like Sunday."


    "I don''t believe a word you say, Percie. Did something happen? What the hell is wrong with you? I''ve been worried sick, and all you can tell me is nothing wrong."


    The muscle in my jaw ticked. "Why the fuck people keep asking what the hell is wrong with me? Do I look dead?"


    She flinched. "Why did you just leave without even talking to me? We''re worried about you. No one knows where did you go. Even your Grands. Remy has been asking you, and I couldn''t give him answers." Fucking great. "Well, you have something to say to him now." I shrugged with disinterest.


    "Did I do something that upsets you? Are we really okay? You don''t sound like yourself." Tears formed in her eyes. If she didn''t shatter my heart, I couldn''t even watch her like this. I would do everything to make it stop. But right now, I just watched her wipe her tears that never ran dry.


    "Maybe you should stop asking me that question and start asking yourself instead." I took a nce at her one more time before I walked away.


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    "Percie." It even broke me apart to hear her calling my name, and I couldn''t turn around and pull her into my arms tofort her and tell her that everything was going to be okay.


    It was bullshit.


    Nothing was okay.


    It was not going to be okay.


    I couldn''t trust her again.


    "Percie!" she called my name again.


    At the corner of my eyes, her friends, including Lexie had been watching us the entire time.


    ***


    "Damn it! When I can get some time alone to myself?"


    I went home right after I saw my therapist. The same old shit I had to endure all over again as I shared with my therapist. And what did I get after pouring my shit out? It''s a start. It''s a fucking start. I''d been pouring my shit out for the past days, and yet we were still starting. Jesus Christ.


    "Open this damn door, or I will tear it down myself!"


    I froze in bed. What the hell is she doing here?

 Chapter 59

    PERCIE


    How the hell did she find me?


    I drew in a long shuddering breath as I opened the door. I was wide awake, wincing in pain as Grandma kept on hitting me with her clutch.


    "Ow! What the hell?" I managed to block her with my arms. "What are you doing? Stop it!"


    She didn''t stop. "I won''t stop until I get the answer on what the hell are you doing here?"


    I stared at her in disbelief. Then I suddenly realized what she meant. I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Good to see you too, Grandma." I sat on the edge of the bed.


    "You will stand up and drive me to your apartment. I paid a hefty amount not for you to just desert it because you''re stupid again. You wille here and stay with your mom and dad on weekends. Now get up, or I will let my driver drag you out of the house."


    I remembered Grandma like this when I stayed with them before visited Emma for the first time. She was wearing the same anger in her eyes.


    "Can you give me a few days?" I bargained.


    "No."


    "Grandma, please?" I begged.


    "No."


    Mom came in. "Go ahead, honey. I mighte and visit you."


    "I like it here." I shrugged.


    "Oh, you can''t fool me, young man. I may be old and grumpy, but I know when someone is hiding from his troubles. And you chose to run away than to face it. You are better than this. And where the hell is your phone? I''ve been calling you for the past few days. Your grandpa was worried sick when Hailey dear couldn''t reach you."


    I looked down. My chest crushed.


    "Who''s Hailey?" I scratched my head when Mom asked.


    Grandma looked at Mom. "Oh, he didn''t tell you, did he?"


    "Grandma, please?"This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Hailey is his girlfriend. She''s a good girl. And I couldn''t find any reasons what''s their problem was. They seemed happy when they came over the weekend."


    "Why don''t you invite her over dinner, honey?"


    "We broke up, Mom." The word broke up sounded so strange. That was the first time I mentioned it to anyone.


    "They didn''t, but your son is an idiot. Instead of talking about what went wrong with Hailey dear, he chose to ignore her and walked in the campus like a freaking zombie." "What''s wrong, honey?" My mom seemed genuinely wanted to know.


    "She''s with someone else."


    Grandma scoffed. "That''s not true. That youngdy was devastated. She was crying when she called us. She said she was worry about you that she couldn''t reach you. It''s not like you who just disappeared without talking to her and your friend. You did not even visit Remy in the hospital after risking his life to chose you." She propped her hands on her hips. "Stupid kids nowadays."


    I scoffed back. "You don''t know a crap, Grandma."


    "Then make me understand. I might consider it, giving you a day to contemte because you both are perfect with each other. I saw how she looked at you. That youngdy cares about you, Percie. And I''ve never seen you so happy when you were with her. Just mentioning her name, your eyes lit up like a Christmas tree."


    "Jeez, thanks, Grandma. We''re just not meant to be together."


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    She rushed towards me and hit me again. "Don''t be an idiot!"


    "She doesn''t love me the way I do, okay. I told her how I felt, but I got betrayed in return."


    "Oh, honey. There''s maybe some kind of misunderstanding. I can feel your pain, Percie. Did you ask her the reason? And how did she exactly betray you?"


    I blinked back the tears. "It doesn''t matter now. I thought she cares about me. I love her, you know. So much it hurts like shit. But she clearly likes somebody else." "I''m still confused," Mom said.


    "Nothing more confusing than being in a good rtionship then suddenly she''s in another man''s arms the next day." Fuck. It hurts. But thank god I finally got it out of my chest.


    "You saw Hailey with someone else? With whom?"


    "Yeah, with I thought my fucking friend."


    "Language." Grandma hit me again.


    I rubbed my arm where she hit me. "I thought after our heart-to-heart talked, he didn''t have any hidden agendas. Lexie is right after all. I shouldn''t have trusted him. I thought he''s done with his revenge plot. I was wrong." "That''s impossible."


    "What''s so impossible with it, Grandma? I saw Hailey so cozy in his arms in the hospital."


    "You may saw me with Remy, but that''s not what you think it is."


    My breathing held.


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    My heart stopped beating.


    My pulse rushed in my ears.


    Hailey walked in. She''d been listening to us all this time, and she was just right behind these walls.


    Fuck.


    "I was so sad and worried. I couldn''t even think straight when I couldn''t find you. I thought Adrian came after you. We asked everyone who knew you, to thest person who saw you, but none of them could tell us where you were. You just disappeared. In my heart, I knew you were just trying to grasp, or you were ming yourself that somehow Remy chose you over his friends, and he wouldn''t be in that bed if not because of the decision he made."


    I stared at her in pure shock.


    At the corner of my eye, I watched Mom with Grandma leave. It was now just the two of us in my room.


    Hailey knelt in front of me. "I cried to sleep at night after I had not heard anything from you. My calls left no returns from you. My messages were left unseen. I thought-" She wiped the tears kept streaming down her cheeks. "I thought of the worse thing you could do, but I knew you were better than that. You were stronger than you gave yourself credit for. I''ve watched you in pain, stumbled down, yet you still got up from the ground. One thing and the onlyst thing it never came to my mind was you finding someone else. Your feelings for me would not just vanish, Percie. I know your feelings for me those words you told me are true. I believed in every word you said. I still believe until now." "What do you want from me, Hailey?" I tried hard to be strong, not to give in to her words. I still did not find the answer that I''d been looking for. I needed to know the truth and to see right straight from her eyes.


    "I went to see Remy when I couldn''t reach you. I thought you went to visit him. I told him that you just left. He was worried sick and asked the doctor if he could home, but they didn''t give him clearance. Then I told him everything. I cried in front of him, Percie. I told him how I felt about you. That I was about to tell you how I felt if I saw you again, but you were gone. I was broken. It felt like I lost half of myself." She managed topose herself before she stared at me. Those tears had never stopped falling. It was devastating to watch Hailey pouring her heart out, yet, I was doing nothing. I felt powerless, helpless that I couldn''t do anything to make it stop.


    "He wasforting me. He was there for me when I couldn''t find someone to cry on. You trusted him that was the reason why I gave my trust as well. How could you ever think of me betraying you with your friend? I cried in his arms, Percie. He was telling me that everything is gonna be okay even if there''s no guarantee." She closed her eyes. Somehow, relief filled my chest, but there was another reason why I went away.


    "I left because it seemed that every time I got closer to someone, I started to care for them, learned to love them, they tend to get hurt because of me. I watched you that day, and it nearly broke me. And then Remy. I couldn''t go through that again. Then I saw you with him."


    "You ignored Lexie and pretended you didn''t care. You shut me out, Percie. Is that how you deal with your guilt and doubts? Now, you already know my side and it feels like you never even trusted me. I should give you space you badly needed."


    "What?"


    "Goodbye, Percie."

 Chapter 60

    PERCIE


    Hailey was true to her words in giving me the space I needed. She ignored me for the whole month. She even temporarily crashed at Victoria''s apartment. We rarely saw if not on the campus, but she barely looked at me. Her friends were still upset with me¡ªthey said, for breaking Hailey''s heart. Lexie was still giving me the cold shoulder. I thought I deserved it all.


    I was invited to Ward''s family dinner, and that was the most awkward dinner I''d ever had. Her words were taunting. The pain was hard to bear. As soon as it ended, I left right away and drowned myself in alcohol.


    I visited Remy in rehab as frequently as I could.


    "Shouldn''t you be with Hailey, groveling? You know, there''s a Filipino culture when courting a girl. The man ys guitar outside the house and sings for her. Why don''t you try it? It might work."


    I red at him. "Just get better, asshole."


    "What do you think I''m doing? It''s not that I can threaten my bones to heal fast." He chuckled.


    "Heard anything from your best friend?" I was referring to Adrian.


    "Maybe he''s n Cuba selling cigars or in Mexico selling Meth. Who cares?"


    "So, how long are you gonna stay here?"


    He showed me his left leg that still with a cast. "What do you think?"


    "You might wanna try again to save my rtionship since you''re the reason why we broke up," I said sarcastically.


    "Me? Or your stupidity of thinking Hailey has feelings for me. Man, that woman is in love with you and still is. She may not say it, but she''s showing it. You''re just so dumb and don''t have any idea how much you mean to her. You nearly broke her. You''re lucky, Matthews. So damn lucky, but your luck is gonna run out if you won''t make it right."


    "I''m running out of an idea. I apologized. I sent her flowers which I saw in the garbage the next day. I went to their family dinner, which was the most awkward dinner I''ve ever had. I even joined her with her friends who hate my guts. I don''t know what to do. Maybe I will just write a love letter and pour my feelings out into words like old era." I rolled my eyes.


    I was hopeless.


    I didn''t know what to do, my head hammering.


    "I think that''s a good idea."


    "Good idea, my ass." I stood up and pushed him in his wheelchair towards the lobby of the rehab center. "You should work on your move with Victoria."


    "Shut the fuck up. Look at me. How would she even like someone who''s stuck into this chair."


    "You''d be surprised. See you maybe after tomorrow." I patted him on his shoulder.


    "Come here when you win Hailey back."


    "Then it may take a while." I smiled with hope.


    "Just be yourself, Matthews."


    ***


    I rushed to the door when the doorbell went off. Then I realized if it was Hailey, she still had her key to our apartment. I still called it our apartment, even if she barely came over. I opened the door to a woman a few years older than my age and a man in suits around the forties maybe.


    "Can I help you?"


    "You must be Percival Matthews." She checked me out from head to toe, paying attention to my face.


    "Yes. May I know who''s asking?"


    "This is Attorney Sanders, and I''m Jenna Reduce, a paralegal. He''s your sister''swyer."


    "Emma. Emma''swyer. Does my mom know you''re here?"


    "You''re an adult, and yes, your parents do know." So far, my parents had been treating me well. I thought there was a good thing that happened in my terrible life for the past weeks. I still went to visit them and Grands whenever I could. "And the reason you''re here?"


    "Since you''re turning twenty in a few months, I would like to read your sister''s will¡ª"


    "Whoa! She had?" I asked in shock. "Howe I didn''t know about it? I mean, I don''t really care."


    "Can wee in, Mr. Matthews?"


    "I''m sorry. Where are my manners? Please,e in." I led them to the living room.


    "Your sister has assets."


    "Assets? My parents are aware of this?"


    "Yes, but since your sister was already an adult before she died, herst will would be valid."


    "Was she supposed to give it to the charity she''d been supporting before she passed away?"


    "Money, I had donated to the charity under anonymous donations. But she left something for you."


    "I don''t want any of it. Her stuff I have in my store is enough for me."


    "Maybe you should listen to me first, Mr. Matthews," Atty. Sanders insisted.


    "Fine, if you stop calling me Mr. Matthews. It makes me look old."


    "Percie, then." He pulled stacks of papers from his attache case. "Here it is. It is stated, in Emma Payton Holmes''s Last Will and Testaments."


    "Wait. Did her parents have investments or business shareholders?"This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "That was settled a long time ago. Emma has her own assets, secured bank ounts, and properties. Your parents are aware of these." "Since when?"


    "After your sister''s burial."


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    "Okay.


    "In her will, you will get the amount of one-hundred thousand dors when you reach twenty. After you get your diploma, her assets and properties, including her house in Hudson will be yours." Jenna took something from her bad. "And this should be personally delivered to you." She gave me a small Man envelope.


    "What''s this?"


    "You can open itter. Here''s your copy. From now on, I''ll be yourwyer until you finish college. Right now, you can''t fire me. You may reread the Will and review those documents." "Did she give something to my parents?"


    "They handle Emma''s share in Mills and White inc. Do you have any questions?"


    "Many, but give me time to process this." I looked down at the envelope in my hand.


    "Of course. Feel free to contact us anytime, or you cane over to the office whenever you have questions or concerns." "Thanks."


    As soon as they left, I peeled the man envelope open. To my shock, the content was a small ck velvet jewelry box. "What were you thinking, Emma?" I chuckled. "Toote, don''t you think?"


    The anticipation was killing me. I slowly opened the box.


    My eyes widened in shock.


    It was a ssic engagement ring in white gold or tinum band with the biggest glittering stone I''d ever seen. When I turned around, I gasped. I wasn''t aware I was not alone anymore. Before I could hide what was in my hand, it was toote. Hailey had already seen it.

 Chapter 61

    PERCIE


    "Hey." I moistened my lips. I wanted to say something-anything, but words wouldn''te out.


    "Hi." Surprised, she swallowed. Her gaze dropped to the box in my hand, then nced back at me.


    I waited for her to start, but it didn''te.


    "Oh, uh." I looked at the box. "This is not for you." I went silent, stunned. Then something in her expression caused me excruciating pain. Finally, it came to my senses. "I mean, this is not mine. I mean, it''s mine now. It''s from Emma." I stopped. I screwed big time. "This is one of a few things she left for me."


    "I understand. You don''t have to exin," she interrupted, eyes glittering. "Anyway, I juste here to take my things."


    "What do you mean?" I stalked her to the living room.


    "Victoria is looking for a roommate. As we agreed before, I''ll leave as soon as I find a new roommate."


    "Don''t leave, please?" My voice choked with raw emotions.


    "I can''t stay here."


    "Why not? This is yours too, Hailey. Don''t you get it? You belonged here!"


    She stepped back.


    "I''m sorry," I rasped and crossed the distance between us. "Fuck. I don''t want you to go because of me. If you can''t stomach me as your roommate, let me be the one to leave." "You can''t do that. Your grandparents gave you this apartment, and I am just renting a room from you."


    "No." I shook my head repeatedly. "We both belong here, Hailey. You know that."


    "I don''t feel I belong here anymore. Please, don''t make this hard for both of us."


    "What else do you want me to do, Hailey? I''ll do it. Just tell me what it is."


    "You can''t do anything about it anymore, Percie."


    "I know I hurt you. I broke your heart and your trust. But please, give me another chance?"


    "I''m still hurt, and I''m still healing. I need some time. And if you care enough for me, you will wait until I''m ready." She walked away and entered her room. She was gone.


    My mouth opened, but nothing came out.


    ***


    Weeks passed...


    I was alone, daydreaming of the day Hailey would open the door and walked in, but it never came. Those nights were torture. Those times I spent together, those memories we shared, her touch, her smile, and the way she looked at me. Even her taste, I could still savor her.


    Everything lingered in my head.


    We still exchanged pleasantries whenever we bumped into each other. She was still the most beautiful thing I''d ever seen, though. When she smiled, even not at me, she still lit my life.


    I had not given up.


    Being with Hailey had changed me that I didn''t know it was possible. When I thought setting free the one I loved to avoid them from getting hurt was the right thing to do, I would rethink again because it was definitely bullshit.


    I longed to have her in my arms again. I longed for her touch, for her love. I''d only realized how much she meant more than life itself when she was already gone.


    But I was only giving her time. Because I loved her so much, it hurts to think of giving up and letting her go.


    I was still giving her the time she needed. The ache in my chest was still raw, though even if I kept telling myself not to dwell on things that were out of my control, but it was something about my feelings towards her that I''d be d to dwell on it.


    I strolled towards Emma''s grave. It was her death anniversary. I ced down her favorite flowers before I stuffed my hands into my pockets. I stood in front of her as I gulped in deep breaths.


    "Em, I just wish you can answer me right now. I badly need your help. I don''t know what to do anymore, Em. And I don''t wanna mess it up again because this is maybe thest chance I get." "When she''s the right one, love will always find its way back."


    I turned my head. "I hope you''re right, Mom."


    She wrapped her hand around my arm. "You''re early."


    "I thought I wanted to clear my head."


    "You haven''t won her back." Dad stood to my left.


    "No luck."


    "Poor boy."


    I chuckled at Grandpa. "Laugh all you can. I won''t invite you if I get married."


    "How do you get married without a bride, silly?"


    "Just wait, Grandma. You''d be surprised."


    "Good thing, I love surprises."


    After they paid respect to Emma, they left, except Dad.


    "Good thing happens to those who wait. She still cares about you." He patted my back. "Good luck."


    "Thanks. I''ll see you at the apartment."


    I closed my eyes shut and prayed this pain would be over. It hurt even if I breathe. My eyes stung. I didn''t realize I was crying until I wiped my face dry. "You okay?" A voice to my right startled me.


    "I thought I would pay respect." She nced up at me and smiled while all I could do was stare at her.


    For thest few weeks, I never got a chance to get closer to her like this. "Thank you."


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    She nodded. "I broke a promise."


    Her words caught my attention. "How so?"


    "I promise to someone that I would be there for him and made sure that everything is gonna be okay."


    "I''m sure he would understand." My heartbeat was so hard it would explode in my chest.


    "I hope so." She squeezed my arm. "See youter."


    ***


    I arrived at Roninstory, still puzzled. Everyone was already there, including Remy. Dad and Mom weed him to the family when I told them he was Emma''s boyfriend.


    Remy suggested that he would like to honor Emma. That was why we were here.


    Remy organized a cocktail party for a cause. All the donations would proceed to the charity Emma had been supporting. My parents and grandparents invited some of their friends as well. I''d recognized teachers from our high school and college and students as well.


    "How''s the wait going?" Lexie was wearing a deep red dress.


    "Excruciatingly slow."


    "Good." She jeered. "At least you can still feel it."


    "You''re enjoying this a lot, aren''t you?" I looked down at her.


    She smirked an evil smirk. "You can do this."


    "I can, Lexie. I''m not so sure if she can, though." My gaze found her. She was with her ssmates. She seemed preupied to even noticed us-pretty preupied with that asshole I recognized from her English ss. "Oh, boy. If re could kill."


    I released a breath. "Shut up."


    One of Emma''s favorite songs echoed in the system. Students gathered at the center. I remained at the corner and snatched a drink when the waiter passed by us.


    "You can''t get drunk, idiot." I turned my head to Remy. He could stand now with his supportive device. I was impressed with his fast recovery.


    "Who said of getting drunk?" I pinned my gaze at Hailey-she looked breathtaking in her blue silk dress. I stared at her in astonishment.


    "Why don''t you go, dumbass, and ask Hailey to a dance?" he suggested.


    "I don''t think she''d like to dance with me."


    "There''s no harm in trying, Matthews." He patted my back.


    "He''s so dumb sometimes. Gotta ask Megan than wait for you to pull your head out of your damn ass." Lexie walked away.


    "Fine." I rolled my eyes. "I''ll go." When I found the courage to ask her to dance with me, my dreams just vanished, and I skidded to a stop when she was already dancing with someone else.


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    "It''s not toote. Now go before I hit you with this walker. And no more what-ifs. I''m tired of you babbling about how much you love Hailey, yet you never win her over."


    I swallowed the nervousness clogging in my throat as I got closer to them. They seemed to enjoy dancing. But she was my girl, and she shouldn''t be dancing with somebody else.


    I cleared my throat. "Excuse me. Hailey." My voice was raw.


    They stopped, and the guy narrowed at me.


    "It''s okay, Jace." Hailey pulled her hands away from the Jace guy. She turned at me with eyes lighting up like stars.


    "Are you sure?" he asked Hailey. His brows pulled in a deep frown. His looked was cynical.


    "Yes." When the Jace guy walked away, Hailey turned to look at me and smiled.


    "Can I "


    "Thought you never asked."


    Dumbfounded, I ced a hand on her back and grasped her hand.


    "No." Just a single word from her made me freeze. She let go of my hand, instead, she wound them around my neck. This way, it would make me closer to her, our body touching. My heart pounded, nearly exploded in my chest.


    "Good idea." I could barely hear my own voice. I tightened my hands on her waist, traveling down the back of her spine so that our bodies would be closer together.


    I kept my eyes pinned on her as we danced, particrly on her face. I missed a moment like this it was just the two of us.


    I remembered what my dad said to me earlier.


    Her lips curved into a shy smile the same smile when we were newly roommates.


    "Hailey, can I ask you out on a date?"


    "Yes."


    I wondered if it was possible for someone to die in happiness because I certainly did. My smile widened. Then a rumble ofughter bubbled up inside me. Hailey shook as she tried to contain herughter as well. I pulled her closer to my chest in a warm tight embrace.


    "Lee, I''m sorry for what I put you through. I just wanna let you know that I would apologize to you every day for the rest of my life until you learn to forgive me."


    She loosened her arms around me and framed my face with her hands. "That won''t be necessary. I forgave you a long time ago. When you love someone, you don''t just love them for their perfection, you also love their ws." I was beyond speechless.


    "We made mistakes, and we learned from them. I don''t need you to be perfect, Percival Matthews. All I need from you is to be yourself. That''s what made me fall in love with you. And I love you more for not giving up on me, on us." Tears crested my lower lids and slid down my cheeks.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I love you, Percie, so much."

 Chapter 62

    PERCIE


    The feel of her tight, warm wet folds around my stiff cock made me moan in pleasure.


    "Fuck yes." I looked at her, stark naked, dark eyes staring back at me. My hips flexed of their own will, sending my hard cock even deeper into her heat. My hand encircled around her slender waist, pulling my cock out slowly, and then she began to slide it slowly in, rolling her lips teasingly.


    She bit the bottom of her lip to stifle her moan. She failed anyway. I cupped her full round tits with my hands and sat up to suck her small bud nipple into my mouth, circling with my tongue. The sound of her moan was like music to my ears. "Percie." She arched into my mouth, asking for more. I tugged and bit her nipple with my teeth, causing her to gasp. I did it again, sucking alternately.


    Something about how she called my name in pleasure made me hungrier. I flipped her over on her back. Sheid there with her big dark eyes, staring back at me, wild hair spreading all over my pillow. Her skin gleamed in the low light. She was a sight to behold.


    "You''re fucking perfect, Hailey. I don''t even know why I deserve someone like you?"


    "I still choose you again and again. You''re lesser scary, but I still fall in love with that person. Nothing''s gonna change mind right now."This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I leaned down and kissed her softly on her forehead, down to her nose, and I finally settled on her lips.


    "You''re the strongest woman I know. You''ve seen the worse and the best part in me, and you still chose to stay with me." I pressed forward, flexing my hips. Her lids drifted closed and rewarded me with a long moan along with my name and prayer. Fuck, yeah.


    I started to thrust deeper and faster, sucking the sensitive part on her neck. She cried out in pleasure, meeting every thrust in the middle until her cry turned into broken moans.


    My cock throbbed deep in her.


    She clenched so hard around me. I lost myself. One deep thrust, she stiffened beneath me, then she shuddered and moaned my name as she engulfed her orgasm.


    With her fingernails wed my skin, her wetness flowed around me, a shockwave of heat surged through my spine, sending it right to my cock.


    My blood roared through my veins.


    My entire body jerked as I spilled my release inside her, screaming her name.


    ***


    "I''m gonna go for a run." I kissed the back of her head as she wore my shirt she picked up on the floor. "Wanna join me?"


    "I''m not really a runner." She pressed her lips together, her eyes gleaming.


    "Fine, but when Ie back, you''re gonna burn some calories." I chuckled.


    She turned around, dropping her gaze to my lips. "On the other thought, maybe you should stay, and let''s burn some calories together."


    I pressed my lips to hers. "Tempting, but you should get ready. Mom will be here shortly. She can''t find us naked together."


    "Go ahead then. Enjoy your run." She kissed me and stared at me again.


    "What is it, sweetheart?"


    She wrapped her arms around me and sighed in my chest.


    "Lee?"


    "I''m just happy. That''s all."


    "I''m beyond happy." I cupped her face, traced her cheeks with my thumbs, and met her gaze. "I love you, Hailey."


    "I know."


    I did my run and came back with fresh pasties she liked. I heard a gasp as I stopped at my door. When I opened it, Hailey was startled, eyes wide, staring at me as if I just caught her in apromising position. My bedside drawer was opened. I knew exactly what she found. She closed her mouth and swallowed as I entered the room.


    "Hey."


    "I, um. I-I didn''t mean to um. I was not snooping around. I swear. I know it''s a vition of your privacy and a breach of trust. When I opened the drawer, it was there, and I was curious. I shouldn''t have checked this out." She dropped the box inside the drawer with a trembling hand. She then shut the drawer closed.


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    "It''s okay, Lee. It''s not a secret, and I''d love you to vite my privacy more often." I smiled to assure her I was not upset or pissed off at her. But-"


    "I have nothing to hide from you. I knelt before her. She was sitting at the edge of a well-made bed. "If it makes you feel better, I did not buy that for you¡ª" Her eyes dropped to her hand.


    "Fuck." I held her hands. "That''s not what I meant. What I mean is, I did not buy it. It''s one of the assets Emma left in my name. That ring was intended to be purchased after her death. I don''t want to pressure you that''s why I kept it in there." I lifted her chin to meet my gaze. "We just get back together, and thest thing you want is my proposal. We still have to finish college. But in my heart, you''re already a part of my future."


    "You don''t have to exin. I understand."


    "Do you like it?" I smiled.


    "Too big for me. I mean too sophisticated, but it''s beautiful."


    "I see." I pulled the drawer opened and grabbed the box. I flipped it opened and pulled out the ring. "It''s engraved in the band, saying. The light of my life." I looked at her, still eyeing the ring. "You''re the light of my life. Trust me. I have no fucking idea how Emma managed to n everything ahead of time. She was like a psychic without a crystal ball."


    She smiled shyly at me.


    I held her hand and slipped the ring to her ring finger, and it fit perfectly as if Emma knew Hailey''s ring size. I chuckled. "Perfect."


    "Wow." That was all she had to say.


    "Take that as a promise ring that whatever is going to happen, if we fight, have misunderstandings, and I''m sure we are gonna have many arguments, but promise me that you won''t give up on me on us, Hailey."


    "But promise ring doesn''t look like this. The stone is so big for my finger."


    "Tell that to Emma." I chuckled.


    She frowned. "Not funny."


    "But a woman shouldn''tin over a man''s choice of ring, should she?" I kissed her hand.


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    "But I can''t wear this. I mean, this is an engagement ring, Percie."


    "Yeah. It looks like it."


    "This is an engagement ring. You can''t deny it."


    I knew it was a three-carat FL rity Emerald cut engagement ring in a tinum band.


    "I told you, it''s a promise ring to me. One day, when we are both ready, I''ll propose to you over a romantic dinner."


    She rolled her eyes. "You don''t have to do that nor tell me."


    "I''m assuring you right now that I''d rather stay old alone than marrying and having kids with another woman. You''re my present and my future, Hailey. Take my words because I''m not gonna love anyone else than you." I kissed her cheek. The doorbell just went off. "I''m gonna shower. That''s probably my parents."


    "I''m gonna be with them while you''re in the shower."


    I pulled my shirt off. When she was about to go out of my room. "And Hailey?"


    She turned to me.


    "You''re not gonna take it off. That''s what the promise ring for. It''s supposed to be worn all the time."


    She smiled. "I know I didn''t have a choice in this matter."


    I shrugged. "Just making sure we''re on the same page."


    "Just your page, Percie."


    "I love you, though."


    "I think that''s all that matters."

 Chapter 63

    HAILEY


    Percie''s parents visit turned into a small party. His grandparents, my family, friends, and even Remy came over. It was just a click on Percie''s phone everyone we cared about came over.


    Mrs. Matthews had been great to me. She squeezed me into a hug when she saw me wearing her son''s engagement ring. She held my hand and looked closely at the ring on my finger. "This is so beautiful." She smiled. "Beautiful for a beautiful young woman. Please, don''t break my son''s heart."


    "Thank you, and I have no intention to." I did a quick nce at my man chatting with Remy and his father at the corner of the living room."


    "Now, I can rest. Percie has just been through a lot to have another heartbreak, but I know he''s in good hands. Thank you, dear." She kissed me on my cheek. Percie saw us, and he was smiling at me. When his mom left me in the kitchen, I tried my best not to roll my eyes when Victoria, Lexie, and Megan joined me.


    "You''re fucking engaged."


    I tried to mask my happy face to a frown to Lexie. "We''re not engaged." I hid my hand behind my back.


    "Do you think you can fool me? Show me your fucking ring, and let me judge if Percie did not cut his budget." She offered her hand, and I just looked at it. "That won''t be necessary, Lexie."


    "We''ll see that one way or another. Now show it to us, or I will shout from here that you''re freaking engaged. You choose," Megan warned me, her brow arching. Victoria waited patiently. Her arms crossed over her chest.


    "I''m gonna count from one to five, Hailey."


    "Fine, but this is a promise ring. And we''re not engaged," I insisted.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Oh, my freaking God!" Victoria gushed as soon as I showed my hand to them.


    "Is everything okay in there, girls?" It was Remy, checking on us.


    "We''re freaking great!" Victoria yelled back. "Oh, my. Oh, my. Lucky bitch." She examined the wless stone on my finger.


    "That costs a fortune."


    "He''s fucking rich, Megan," Lexie replied. "You''re engaged, huh?" she pursed her lips in amusement.


    "I said "


    "I heard you the first time, Hailey. Percie is just trying not to scare you, silly."


    I frowned and thought again. I guessed no matter how I tried to deny the fact, I was really engaged to Percie now.


    Wait. Why am I even bothered? I loved him with all my heart and soul. I didn''t think I could breathe without him in life. Percie was the air I breathed. My entire world.


    Oh, my God! I was such an idiot, sometimes.


    "What?" I asked when they kept staring at me.


    "You''re grinning like an idiot," Megan answered.


    "Oh." I smiled at them. "I realized why would love even scare me? He loves me, and I love him. What''s there to scare? Thank you for making me realize how lucky I am to have someone like Percie in my life." "Then it settled. Just don''t break his heart because I''m gonna break yours."


    "Jeez, Lexie. Calm your horses." Megan rolled her eyes.


    "And you, babe. I''m lucky to have you in my life as well." She pecked Megan on her lips.


    I blinked as I looked away. I was still not used to the fact that they were dating. "I''m gonna go and join them, guys. Coming?"


    I joined my parents chatting with Percie''s parents. Mr. Matthews mentioned something about Cuba.


    "Honey, we were just talking about Adrian. Remy told us that someone identified Adrian in Cubast week," Mrs. Matthews filled me in.


    "Is he okay?"


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    "His father cut out his funds. I''m not so sure. I already called the guy who gave me information about Adrian to contact me if he''s able to get in touch with him. Nothing''s gonna do any good for him there. I''ll take care of his expenses back and send him to an exclusive school," Mr. Matthews exined.


    "Thank you. I hope your man there will give us some good news. It would be a relief. Is Percie aware of this?"


    "He does. He''s the one who asked me if I could pull something strings for Adrian."


    "d to hear." Hope-filled my chest. My heart swelled. After what Adrian did to me, Percie still wanted to make sure Adrian was safe.


    "Honey, when are you gonna tell us about your engagement?"


    I gasped in shock.


    My hand flew to my mouth, and that hand with the ring on. My mom was still waiting. Happiness and excitement in those pairs of eyes made me weepy.


    "Hey." A hand squeezing on my shoulder almost startled me. I didn''t have to look up to confirm it was Percie''s. I was quite familiar with his touch-a touch that made my heart skip a beat, made my skin tingle, and a touch offort as well. "Honey?"


    "Yeah. We''re engaged." I beamed. My facial muscles ached.


    "Oh, my God! Congrattions!" Mom just lost control and pulled me into a hug. "I''m so happy for you. I know there''s only one man who can make you happy and make you step out of yourfort zone."


    "Congrattions to both of you." Mr. Matthews smiled at me. His eyes gleamed with unshed tears. I lost my girl, but I couldn''t wait to wee you into my family, Hailey."


    I gripped his hand. "I''m not recing Emma because she was just a wonderful woman, and she''s irreceable. But thank you. It means a lot that you''re happy for us."


    "I''m happy for both of you and Percie, honey. I guess my baby just grew up so fast."


    "Please, Dad. We''re not getting married until we finish college. That''s a promise I''m keeping for you."


    "Whatever you two have decided," Dad agreed.


    Mrs. Matthews smiled at me, wiping her tears on her cheeks. "I''m speechless."


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    "So do I," Percie said, kissing the top of my head. "She still made me speechless most of the time."


    "Silly." I pressed my lips to his hand on my shoulder.


    "Can I also congratte Hailey?"


    I looked up at Remy, smiling down at me. I stood up, wrapping my arms around him. "Thank you." I breathed deeply when my eyes swam with tears. "You''re the closest to a brother to me, and you''ve been there for me when I needed someone to hear me babble my issues."


    "Congrattions, Hailey. You made my best friend the happiest. What else I could ask for more?"


    I pulled away and kissed him on his cheek. "Thank you."


    ***


    When everyone left, I helped Percie clean up in the kitchen. He was done vacuuming the floor, wiping the table in the living room. He was cing the dishes in the dishwasher, and I was done wiping the ind.


    I slid to the stool and watched him finish the remaining work we had. I was still finding it hard to wrap my head around the fact that this man loved me, and I was engaged to him.


    I was just daydreaming months ago when I first met him in the kitchen in my home. Truly, God moved in mysterious ways. I would have never imagined my dreame true. He was out of my league. He was too perfect, too mysterious, too scary, too attractive to even give me a second look.


    Every time I saw him, every time I heard his voice, every time he looked at me and got closed to me, he made me speechless. Even until now.


    Love is truly blind.


    Love is intense.


    And when you met the right person who could make your heart beat again, you should hold him tight and never let him go. There''s only one the right one for you. And mine is Percival Edmund Matthews. "Sweetheart?"


    I blinked. "Percie?"


    "You''ve been staring at me for a whole minute."


    "Just the whole minute?"


    His face broke into a huge smile. "I love you."

 Epilogue

    HAILEY


    Six yearster...


    It was Sunday morning, and Percie just came back from his run. It was a part of my daily routine to wake up early since we got married almost three years ago, just right after I graduated from college.


    "Baby, you came back early." I kissed him on his lips.


    He was sweating everywhere.


    I gave him a towel. "And please, don''t wake them up until Grands and your parents arrive. Mom and Dad are on their way."


    "I missed you as soon as left the house." He smiled, wiping off the sweat on his forehead.


    I rolled my eyes. "I thought after what we didst night, you won''t miss me until you go on your business trip on Monday."


    I suddenly remembered how we made lovest night. He never ceased to amaze me. I could guarantee the saying rock your world was so real. He was still hot in bed. The sex was always amazing even if we''d been together as a couple for almost seven years now.


    "You''re daydreaming aboutst night." He pulled me out of my walking down memoryne.


    "Recalling," I rephrased. "Why would I if I can have you anytime, right here, right now? And I know you wouldn''t deny me."


    "Never, my wife." He kissed me again.


    "Now go hit the shower before they arrive."


    Percie was true to his words. After he graduated from college in Business Management-he eventually had to change his n from Medicine-he proposed to me in a romantic dinner. Of course, I said yes to him.


    We still fought, even on simple things. We saw the same therapist together for almost two years. He stopped punching walls and things. He managed to pass by that intersection without having a panic attack. Our life, I could say, was near to perfect.


    Three hourster, my parents arrived. His parents and Grands followed. I still got in touch with Lexie and Megan even if they transferred to another State for their works, and we still met on holidays and constantly did video calls. We just did it earlier.


    Remy and Victoria got engagedst year. And they would be here any moment now.


    We still celebrate Emma''s death anniversary. But today was a celebration of life my husband''s birthday.


    His office did an advance party for himst Friday, and today was a backdoor pic party with my family.


    The weather outside was perfect.


    My family already settled on the long table we prepared earlier. We catered some menu, but Dad and Dn decided to make barbecue.


    The barbecue was about to be really when the gate opened through the monitor.


    "They''re here," I informed my husband.


    "About time." He smiled.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    A few momentster, Remy and Victoria arrived. My mouth hung opened as I stared at them walking in.


    I broke out inughter before I rose from my seat. "Oh, my god! Congrattions!" I pulled Victoria into a hug. She had her baby bump maybe around three months. It was visible with the tight dress she was wearing. "Way to stole my party, asshole." My husbandughed before he hugged Remy.


    "Sorry, asshole. My baby couldn''t hold after your birthday.


    "Congrattions! I''m happy for you. And please, don''t fucking tell me you''re announcing your wedding date today as well." Percieughed.


    I kissed Remy on her cheek. "Congrats! I''m happy for you, Remy. You''re gonna be a dad."


    "I am." He hugged me and kissed me on my cheek.


    They joined at the table after they surprised everyone with their baby announcement.


    "I just met you two weeks ago, and I couldn''t have guessed you''re pregnant, silly."


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    "Sorry, but we have to keep it a secret for a while."


    "It''s okay. I''m so happy for both of you."


    The staff brought the cake to the center of the table. The food was ready.


    A familiar sight brought so much feeling of happiness to my chest. Dn let go of their hands as those eyes widened the moment they found me. Covering my mouth with my hand, my bundle of joy ran towards me.


    I practically leaped forward to meet them halfway. "Hey, Darling Emma." I kissed her on her chubby cheek. Then Emmerson wrapped his tiny hands around my neck to kiss me on my lips. "My sweet boy. Go give your daddy your birthday kisses." Our twins Emma and Emmerson were two years old. They were the best gift I''d ever have when I found out I was pregnant just right after Percie proposed to me.


    Percie was ecstatic and rushed our wedding. Our family was beyond excited than us to prepare the nuptial. We decided to leave it to them, and the grand garden wedding just happened where we were right now, at the back of our three-story Alliance modern style home Emma left for us.


    My life had never been perfectly surrounded by people close to my heart. My family was growing, and I made sure to give them all my love and attention.


    My gaze found my husband staring at me. He was already wishing in front of his candle-lit birthday cake. I smiled at him. My heart filled with so much love it leaked through my eyes.


    "I love you," I mouthed those three words before he blew his candles. Our kids pped their tiny hands. Their father rewarded them kisses.


    Percie let me conquer those walls of fear, guided me to pass through those darkest tunnels. Together, we found the light.


    ***


    The End


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