Broken Bad Boy

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

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 blaring too loud for my taste. I preferred classic and alternative rock—the only thing that Emma and I did not get along with. She loved pop singers—Harry Styles, in particular. Thank God she wasn’t like a Bieber fan or Kpop because I would delete her playlists if she liked them too.

I looked around the living room that they turned into a dance floor. It was crowded. Everyone was dancing— 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 place 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 classmates 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.”

front. “Are you

chuckled sardonically and narrowed my eyes at her.

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

shimmery lips. “Fine.

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

me to pick you up right now?” I rose from my seat and walked out of the porch. I left Cassie

party? You can pick me up later if

out of here before I even

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

lot before my friends saw me sneaking out of the party. I started the engine

Bieber's song blasted

dialed Emma. She picked up right

“Hey.”

the car? Text me when you’re here. Take

too. Bye.” I hang up

left without

***

minutes later, I stopped in

as I watched her wave goodbye to Chloe from her

How’s the party?” I asked as she got

closed the door after her. “It was fun. Chloe gave

her hand to take a closer look. It was pretty and girly. A personalized handmade charm bracelet made of beads with a heart

should be here too.” I pressed and tightened my lips together as I

barked out, laughing, hitting my

make for you. My name and yours,

rolling her eyes. I

Very happy. Now, your seat belt,

Percival Edmund. This time, it’s my

it’s not expensive, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Hope you’ll like

she didn’t have to give me anything, finding her, was more than enough for me. I side-glanced at her while she was fishing something from her purse, probably

have to do that. I was just kidding.” I

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

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,

it is. As long as it is coming from you. And you know, I love you, Emma.” I looked her in the

closer to me. She wrapped her arms

here. We