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.”

She stopped and rounded to my front. “Are you gay, Percie? Or is it because of Emma?”

I chuckled sardonically and narrowed my eyes at her. “Don’t you dare include Emma in this conversation?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, took a deep breath, 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 you. You’re cool and pretty, but I do not sleep around because I want to prove to everyone about my sexuality.”

She pouted her shimmery lips. “Fine. I’m sorry.”

My phone buzzed before I could reply. Save by the call. It was Emma. I could get away from her and this place.

“Hey, Em. Want me to pick you up right now?” I rose from my seat and walked out of the porch. I left Cassie alone, still standing there.

“Yes, P. How’s the party? You can pick me up later if you want to stay longer.”

“No freaking way. I’ve been planning to get the hell out of here before I even arrived. My friends are occupied with— you know, as we speak. I’m on my way.”

I was a party person. I had a fair share 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 be a better person than I was before. Tonight, Em forced me and left me no choice.

I strode downstairs and made my way out from the crowded dance floor. I rushed to the parking lot before my friends saw me sneaking out of the party. I started the engine as soon as I got in my car.

Justin Bieber’s song blasted in the speakers.

I dialed Emma. She picked up right away.

“Hey.”

“You’re in the car? Text me when you’re here. Take care. Love you.”

“Stay inside, Em. Until I’ll call you to come down. Love you too. Bye.” I hang up the call and push my phone into my pocket.

Dustin would be pissed off once he found out I left without telling him, but he was probably busy banging around with random girls.

***

A few minutes later, I stopped in front of Chloe’s house.

I unlocked the door for Emma as I watched her wave goodbye to Chloe from her window.

“Hey. How’s the party?” I asked as she got in.