HAILEY   After our dinner, he suggested he would do the cleaning. Even if I wanted to argue, knowing Percie, he would end up winning. I started reviewing my notes while I could hear him talking to his grandpa over the phone. I kept my door open if he ever wanted to say good night before he slept. An hour later, the light from the living room turned off. I was done with homework as well. I checked my phone and I found three messages from Percie. Percie: Wanna talk for a while? Percie: Sleeping? Percie: Night then, sweetheart Hailey: Night then Percie: Can I come over? Hailey: You’re just behind the door Finally, he emerged, looking hot in his sweatpants and a shirt. He never ceased to amaze me. “Hey.” “You’re doing your homework?” He checked my desk behind me. “I’m done, actually.” I stretched my arms. “And you?” “I did a quick read on the couch.” He pulled me

HAILEY   The rich smell of leather assaulted my senses as I took the passenger seat. I guessed Remy loved luxury. I was not into cars, but I was sure this one had cost a fortune. It was a sleek black convertible, and it was smaller than Percie’s.  He assisted me with my seatbelt. Every time he came closer, I froze. There was something about Remy that I didn’t feel every time I was with Percie. Remy made me skeptical, no matter how good his intentions were. I swallowed hard as I looked at my side. “You’re gonna collapse if you keep on holding your breath. I don’t bite, Hailey.” “I-I know.” I swallowed again. “Are you cold?”  I shook my head. I didn’t know why I was shivering. Maybe because it was raining outside? I guessed I was not comfortable around him because it had nothing to do with the temperature inside his car but the chill of distrust.—this was the only reason I could come up with.

HAILEY   “Wait. We’re going to see Percie?” I pulled my hand back. “No. He would not be so happy to see me. Besides, I’m sick, remember?”  Lexie rolled her eyes. “Sick? Colds? That’s what’s stopping you to apologize to someone you love?” “Who said I love him?” I glared stubbornly. “Isn’t that obvious? You can deny all you want, but I don’t buy if you said you’re not in love with Percie, and besides, he needs you right now, Hailey.” She put a little emphasis on besides. My face heated. I guessed, maybe she was right, but I was not going to admit it to her. “You told me that his grandma is okay, and her injury isn’t so bad.” “Oh, my God. You’re so clueless who much Percie’s struggling right now. He’s torn between staying here with you and in the hospital. That’s why he asked a favor to keep an eye on you before his grandma is gonna be discharge. That dude is madly in love with you, Hailey. You mean the wor

HAILEY   “So, how’s your baby grumpy?” I pretended not to listen to Victoria. I opened my book instead. I was about to start reading when Megan shut the book close. “What the hell?” I glared at them as they twisted their lips at me. “He’s in his class.” “We saw him earlier, and he looked like he just hit the jackpot. Later, Lee,” Megan mimicked Percie’s voice. “Then what else do you wanna know?” I suddenly remembered what we did last night. After that eventful moments, he went to his room to change, and so did. When he came back, I already changed to PJs. We had dinner together in serenity. “Hey.” Megan nudged me. “We’re waiting here.” “Omg.” Victoria covered her mouth instantly, staring at me with wide eyes. “You finally slept with him,” she whispered. I looked around to make sure that no one listened. “We did not.” “You’re lying.” Victoria did not buy my words. It was shown all over her face.

HAILEY   We arrived at the old warehouse where the party was held. It was crowded that we could barely make it to see their stupid game. Two students were assigned to record the game. The crowd started laughing when one of the jocks asked an overweight student who looked so drunk. If he wasn’t tied, he might have fallen off the chair.  Anger raged beneath my skin as I noticed Remy was one of the jocks, and he seemed not enjoying the way they treated the poor guy. But if what Victoria and Megan had told me was true, their parents were elite club members. That was how they became buddies. And it seemed that he didn’t have a choice but to be a part of this, or he would look weak, and he would be the target of these stupid rich kids. “Where’s Lexie?” I asked Megan. I couldn’t call Percie. He needed his undivided attention in searching for Lexie. Once he knew I came over to help, he would just be mad at me.  “Percie hasn’t still call