HAILEY
“Honey, are you sure I can take your car?”
I was typing a reply to Percie that we were almost at the parking lot.
“Honey?”
“Of course, Mom. We already talked about it. And it’s fine. I can ride along with Percie. Trust me he doesn’t mind.” I averted my gaze to Mom, driving my car after I sent my text.
She gave me a meaningful smile. She and Dad had been asking me if how did my date go? Of course, I left a few details about the date—the detail about us kissing.
“You’re blooming, honey. You really like him, don’t you?”
“He’s okay, I guess.” Though okay was an understatement. Percie was great, despite our differences.
“Okay doesn’t fit the description, Hailey.” Mom was amused than ever.
I shrugged. “I think he likes me too.”
“He asked you out. Of course, he does. What’s not to like about you?”
“Now, you sound like him. That’s what exactly he said yesterday.”
“He seems a good guy. Just take care, okay. Dad likes him too.”
“If you’re still referring to—you know. Don’t worry—” Saved by the message, and Mom just parked the car.
I instantly saw Percie waiting for me outside his car. Every time I saw him, he just stupefied me, made me speechless. Sometimes, I asked myself what he found interesting in me when I was nothing special—I was far from the woman he slept with—that Cassie. I was far from Lexie, who was apparently into girls, and I was far from those girls who always giggled when Percie arrived. But Percie didn’t seem to mind them—as if they didn’t exist.
Now he was walking in our direction, and I felt like I was going to collapse. My heart thumped uncomfortably fast.
Percie was only wearing a white shirt, pinot-colored jacket, and ripped jeans, but he looked just so perfect.
Mom was already out of the car, hugging Percie. “I’m gonna borrow Hailey’s car. I’ll give it back on Wednesday.”
his hand in his pocket. “Sure.
know I can
“Thank you, Lily.”
ahead. You’re gonna be late for classes.” Mom kissed me on my cheek before she got in
arm was already wrapped around me while Mom was waving goodbye to us, and she didn’t seem to care. She even beamed at Percie. I knew she always liked him, even
arm around me
my skin, and I had to bite my lip before I shivered in
miss me?” He always liked to tease. “That’s
okay. Can you
Don’t wanna be seen with me on
lifted my gaze because Percie was a living post, standing six feet
hands in his pockets. His mood had changed drastically to this old brooding Percie. “Let’s go.” He signaled towards the
ashamed to be with you,
am the one who’s ashamed to be seen with you
I haven’t gotten that
past
he joined Lexie
the morning?”
released a huge breath. “Just woke up
“You two okay?”
went to join my friends Victoria and Megan when I felt like I
“Yeah. We’re fine.”
at me, widening her eyes as
and then my parents kept checking out on me if I was okay
should go, Hailey.” Megan checked the time on her phone.
wanna be called for recitation,”
a sec.” I
the class, Percie. Bye, girls!” Lexie left towards
I told him. “We’ll
nodded, pressing his lips together. His dimples popped out.
to kiss him on the side of his lips. “I’m not scared anymore.”
I stepped back, he was still staring