Broken Bad Boy

14

PERCIE

The dinner with the Wards became regular every weekend—Saturdays with my grandparents and

Sundays at Hailey’s. The only difference today was, I was going with her instead of driving there alone.

“Dad wants us to stop at the grocery first before going home.”

I faced Hailey. “And what he wants this time?”

“He wants me to buy candles. They used the candles he bought yesterday when the electricity had a

short circuit at home.”

“What’s he going to do with the candles this time? Didn’t he call someone to fix it?”

“It’s done, but we need candles for Mom’s cake.”

I froze. “Hailey, wait. What’s with the candles and cake? Is your mom’s birthday today? And you didn’t

mention it to me?”

She shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “I thought it’s not a big deal, and it’s just us like every dinner over

weekends.”

“Still, it’s your mom’s birthday. Remind me to buy a gift, 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’m coming 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 always coming 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 sales lady wrap nicely.

“Where have you—?” 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 would laugh 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, comparing 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 glared at me, crossing her arms around her chest.

“Fine. Yeah, I bought this for your mom. I used to buy them gifts on special occasions. 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.” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

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 placed a plate 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 like last weekend.”

She laughed.

Haylie never said a word. I knew she was mad at me.

“How’s school, honey?” Hailey quickly glanced 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 glancing 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 uncomfortable 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 glad 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 parents laughed

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.”

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.