Broken Bad Boy

25

PERCIE

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.”

She laughed out loud, hitting my hand playfully.

I laughed 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 too late. 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. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“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 slacked open.

“What?”

“You’re lesbian?” I whispered.

“Yeah.”

“Wow! You’re hot.”

She laughed. I looked at Hailey one more time.

***

Hailey left early. I guessed she had planned 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 place.

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 class this morning and shared lunch together.

“You look hot!” I exaggeratedly told her.

She laughed out loud. She wore a white crop top and a tight leather red mini skirt that barely covered

her round ass, complemented with black knee boots and fishnet 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 me laugh.

“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— the classic 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’s lackeys.

“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 too late,” 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 classmate that I recognized,

but nobody saw her here. Where did she go if she wasn’t here? Somehow, I felt relieved.

“Percie, glad you came, man.” Remy patted my back, and he was alone. A part of me was relaxed.

“Yeah, thanks. Nice party, man.” I played cool.

“Where is your girl?” Well, I didn’t see that coming.

“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 the last 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—spiked 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.