Broken Bad Boy
9

PERCIE

Thirteen months ago...

I left that day from rehab, defeated, but it wouldn't stop me from seeing her again. I wanted to prove that it was a stupid mistake. And I had no plan on doing it again.

Despite my defeat, I still had one reason to move forward. My grandparents brought me to my new apartment. I didn't even know that Grandpa was busy furnishing while I was busy trying to kill myself.

The fully furnished two-bedroom apartment met my taste. The black leather couches in the small living room with 46" flat tv screen mounted on the wall, a 60" framed art poster of my favorite football team, taken during their championship game. A small kitchen with stainless steel appliances and what caught my attention was the latest coffeemaker. Then the coal-colored cupboards, countertops, and kitchen island.

My dark blue-colored bedroom had queen size bed, two nightstands, and a closet of the same color. There was a small bathroom attached to it.

I checked the other room. It was also furnished with cream wallpaper, reminding me of Emma.

That was perfect to start a new life. I was supposed to be celebrating these gifts. Grandpa covered my college tuition and my monthly allowance as well. But something was missing-something was still hollow inside me.

If Emma didn't get her injury, that empty room would be for her. We'd be spending breakfast, watching her favorite Netflix shows, and walking to campus together. But that was only a dream.

Emma loved fashion. Fashion design was her plan when she got into college. Then in a blink of an eye, I ruined her dreams.

I stood up behind the kitchen island while I watched Grandma relished Grandpa's work. I couldn't fathom the sadness I felt inside that I left Emma alone while she was mad at me. "Don't you like the apartment, Percie?" Grandpa asked.

I was leaning my elbows against the island. "I love this, Grandpa. I think this is a little too much, you know. I didn't expect it came with a fully furnished one. Just a bed would be enough. These must cost you a fortune," I said shyly.

"I thought Emma would love to come over after her rehab. Give her time."

"She would love this, you know." I whirled my head around."

"We're staying on the same roof, but I didn't even notice you already tried killing yourself. For God's sake, don't do that again, Percie. There's too much life ahead of you. This is not the end. Emma would not appreciate it if you successfully killed yourself. She would hate you. Do you want that?"

"Thank you." I hugged Grandpa. His words stuck in my head and stabbed into my chest at the same time.

I couldn't take it anymore, being alone in my own sorrow. I cried on his shoulder. Suddenly, a feeling of relief enveloped me.

"You, silly boy. If I knew you're planning on killing yourself, I've shaved your head instead."

***

I moved to my apartment a day later. I changed my plan of taking an Art. Instead, I took Biology related subjects.

I was looking at the plain white ceiling in my room when my phone buzzed. I received a message from an unknown number.

:Perce

I sat quickly in bed and typed my reply.

Perce: Em?

: Who else?

Perce: Strawberry

: You're allergic

I grinned like an idiot. It was really Emma.

I leaned against the headboard comfortably.

Perce: Ugly Emma

: Skeleton Perce

I chuckled. I saved her number into my phonebook.

Perce: But you love me

My girl: More than anything

Perce: I know. I love you too, Em. Does that mean I'm forgiven?

My girl: If you promise me not to do stupid again. No matter what happens.

I took a huge breath. I smiled as I typed my reply.

Perce: Promise, Em

My girl: Good

My phone rang. My heart fluttered instantly.

"Em?" My voice squeaked.

"This is my new number. Dad got me a new one. Just don't call me every Friday, okay? That's their visiting day."

"So I've heard. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good. Stop worrying about me."

"Can't help it."

"You should check out my blog. I'll send you the link later. I have lots of followers. Mostly from someone like me."

My heart broke with the words someone like me, but at least she sounded happy.

"And what's your blog all about, Emma?" I snorted.

"I shared my daily activities. It's like My Day on social media. They shared with me too. I got a lot of positive feedback. They said that I'm inspiring many people. Instead of losing hope, they will do something progressive. It doesn't mean you lose the ability to walk, your life ends there, Perce."

My eyes stung. I squeezed them and bit my lip to stop from trembling. I was such a horrible person. I almost ended up my life when so many people who had disabilities were trying to live normally. I admired Emma's advocacy in inspiring people like her to feel like they were still a part of society despite their disabilities.

"Wow, Em. I'm so proud of you." I wiped my tears that I didn't even realize they fell.

"Really? That means you will support me?"

"As long as it makes you happy, Em."

"Great. Because I'm planning to join the wheelchair marathon. That would be in six months, Perce. It will be held in New York. There's also in Boston, but it will be in eight months. What do you think?" "Don't you think that's too early for you? Did you ask the doctor about it?"

She was so enthusiastic about all of these. That made me worry. What if this was all her façade to make me feel better? But I knew Emma very well. What you see was what you got.

"Come on, Perce. I still have five months. I mean, I still have time to practice and prepare for the marathon. Don't worry, I'll ask an opinion from my doctors, happy?" "Very, Emma."

We talked for hours until I heard her yawn. I checked the clock on my nightstand. It was almost two in the morning.

"Em, you need to rest now. We'll talk again tomorrow."

"Sure. I'll call you tomorrow." She yawned again.

"Of course, Em. Anytime. Can I visit you on Saturday?" I held my breath.

"Of course. Do you really have to ask me?" She squeaked.

"Can I bring something for you?"

"Don't bother. Mom and Dad will bring what I ask."

My stomach twisted to hear her mentioning them. "Okay. Take care, Emma. I love you."

"You too. Love you. Bye."☐☐