PERCIE
Thirteen months ago…
We talked every day until Thursday. I missed talking with her on Friday, though. I asked Grandpa if they would come 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 met last week, Grandpa.”
“You look a lot better today, Percie.”
“About that.” I laughed. 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.
causing everyone around to look at
arm again. “Your voice, silly. You’re not in
they teach you here how to hit too? You
are mine.” She pointed at the flowers.
this time. “Of course, these are for
simple flower could make her happy like
call me to stink. Thank you. These are beautiful.”
and Grammy. Don’t I get a hug? I swear I
I chuckled.
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 before
last time I ate a donut, Perce. Thank you,
wiped the powdered sugar besides her lips while she licked
down.
she said while
her favorite flavored water. She drunk a
miss this. I miss eating donuts.” She took
got whatever
“They won’t allow me to eat too sugary,
They both gave
to stay healthy. That’s
she was hiding something from me. I saw nothing. “Okay.
many calories, so I have to avoid eating those things. I can eat,
“I’m
my
You’re getting used to hitting
classes right now. They said once I get out, that’s the time I make plan whether I go
you, Emma? If you can take online classes, and it won’t interfere with your treatment, Then what’s their problem? Is it about money?
She just shrugged.
after your release. You already have a room in the apartment
She pouted.
“What?”
She didn’t answer.
is it,
her lips into a thin
more
want to join the marathon.”