PERCIE
I called Grandpa that night after coming 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 the last time you get laid? 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 island. My kitchen island.” I grimaced as the memory flashed 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 a lady.”
“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 about lately.”
“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 did lately, and I had no plan on telling him. “You don’t have to do that. The last 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 a complete 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 welcome, 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 you later.
Wear
Keith: Wear makeup.
Percie: Come naked instead.
Keith: You wish.
Can’t Hailey just come
rather stay in bed naked than coming to you.
I grimaced.
Percie: Ur impossible
Keith: Ur adorable
Percie: g2g
Keith: Later
family. I was still in my tedious black 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.
college tour. When her dad called me two days ago to help Hailey, I didn’t think twice because she didn’t have made
direction awkwardly. She noticed me before I could get closer to her. I looked down
cleared my throat when I was about a few feet away.
“Hi.”
to me. Her hands were still on the bag on her lap, but I thought I
I was a little bit
Did you bring your schedule?” I asked
of
She stood up.
hand to
so I walked ahead of her. Then I noticed her following behind me. I paused, and she
hand on her
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
without
what?”
you,” she answered right
would never hurt you, Hailey. Why are you scared of
at her hands and never made any eye contact
like a monster? I had
my hands
brooding all the
that bothered you, huh?
“No, I don’t.”
back on me a long time ago. But I promise I won’t hurt you, and I will try not to look
She nodded.
when I recognized who are approaching
already,
I’ll
He laughed, leaving us.
roommate for a
Really?
“Your turn.”
I was confused.
word about
“Oh, that. Brooding.”
know. I said that already.” She
“That doesn’t count?”
shook her head.
“Okay. Um, ugly.”
She sighed.
together to hold my smile.
I love to draw. To sketch, I mean. I like
smiled. Her eyes glittered.
“But I stopped.”
sudden. Jesus, we were like
tell me, read because I knew it
“Grocery.”
a halt. ”Grocery?”