Daniel and I were currently in the library, sitting on the carpeted floor next to each other, leaning our backs against the bookcase. I was reading one of the books while Daniel had his head rested on my shoulder to read along with me. We were in the back of the library, away from everyone else's views. I didn't want to go to gym class today so Daniel suggested we just stay in here until it was Mr Turner is supposed to come in for our next tutoring session since it was Friday already. Daniel tried to convince me to ditch Mr Turner and leave but that didn't work since I kept refusing. I may hate tutoring but if I need it, then I should stay and get better with my knowledge. I was keen yet nervous for after since Daniel is going to finally be taking me to 'The Nova Lounge' where he wanted to introduce me to his friend, Thomas. We will also get to watch him perform with his band called 'The Valor'.

When the bell rang, I put the book back on the shelf before walking over to one of the desks to wait for Mr Turner. Luckily the time we spent with him went quickly, Daniel was eager to leave and admittedly, so was I. It was a relief to be able to leave and relax for the day. On our way to the place, Evelyn messaged me a reminder that I was supposed to meet her later today at a diner close by where Daniel and I were going. Ruby was covering for me since Evelyn wanted me to go with her early to the place to meet the guy alone but because I wanted to hang with Daniel, I lied and said I would be with Ruby, studying for English. 

I laughed silently when Daniel quickly exited the truck to open my door for me when we arrived. As soon as we entered the place, we were bombarded with the loud thumping of the speakers from the music playing. The coloured lights flashed around as everyone danced wildly. It was an unusual surrounding but I loved the energy everyone had, it made me want to join in. The only thing that I wasn't fond of was being pressed against strangers. Daniel wrapped his arm around my waist to lead me backstage where his friend and his band should be. There were four guys in the dark but dimly lit room. 

The guy that I'm guessing is Thomas noticed us enter and was quick to get up. He walked over with a wide toothy grin. "Daniel! Hey! It's been a while huh!?" Thomas exclaimed as he patted Daniel on the shoulder. Daniel grinned.

"Yeah, I've been busy" he replied with a shrug but didn't elaborate on it. Thomas glanced at me then at Daniel again with a smirk.

"Are you two..." Thomas trailed off as he pointed at us.

"No, we're not dating" I answered.

"Well I was going to say fucking but ok" he shrugged nonchalantly. I looked at Daniel with wide eyes but he just shook his head and mouthed 'ignore him'. Thomas took a sip of the bottle of beer in his hand before offering some to Daniel. I was relieved when he shook his head in response because he was still going to be driving after. Thomas then turned to me to offer it.

"I'm good thanks" I politely declined. He shrugged before taking another sip.

"So you excited to hear us perform?" he asked me.

"Actually yes since Daniel told me how great you guys are as a band," I beamed. Thomas grinned smugly while Daniel huffed.

"I mean, we are pretty amazing, we're the best of the best" he gloated proudly. Daniel rolled his eyes as I chuckled.

"Bullshit, you wish you bastard" Daniel insulted but I'm guessing it's in a joking tone.

"You wound me, Daniel," Thomas said sarcastically as he placed his free hand over his heart. "Anyway, let me introduce you to the rest of the band." He led us over to his friends. Daniel pulled me closer to his side protectively since he never removed his arm from my waist. I wasn't complaining though, I enjoyed the feeling I got every time he did it. It made me feel safe and secure in his embrace. 

"The one hitting his head with the drumsticks like a dumbass is, Felix," Thomas introduced, pointing at the guy lying down on the couch doing exactly what he said. The guy named Felix paused his movements to glare at him.

"Get fucked you piece of shit" Felix snapped, pointing at Thomas using one of his drumstick in his right hand. Thomas chuckled as he gave him the finger.

"The guy playing the guitar is Storm," he continued, next pointing to the guy practising the electric guitar. The guy named Storm looked up at us and simply nodded while Daniel nodded back.

"Is that his actual name?" I whispered to Daniel.

"Shockingly, yes" he whispered back. That's a first but it's a unique name. I liked it, it was cool.

"And last but not least, the one lazily sleeping on the other couch is Atticus" Thomas finished off. Atticus snored loudly while hugging a small cushion before trying to get comfortable on the couch.

"Who's the girl?" Felix asked, looking at me.

"This is Harmony" Daniel introduced while grinning down at me. I awkwardly waved and rubbed my right arm. All three men now had their curious eyes on me. 

"Are you two-" Felix began but Daniel and I both knew what he was going to say.

"No," we said in unison.

"Well ok then," Felix said, raising both his hands up in surrender.

Thomas hit Atticus with a pillow to wake him up but he just grumbled curse words at him while flipping him off. Daniel sat on the other side of the couch where Felix was sitting and I sat next to him. It was nice getting to know Daniel's other set of friends. I mean the first impression wasn't great considering what I was asked but they seemed like funny and wild people. When Atticus woke up, I got to officially meet him face to face. He kept asking about why Daniel brought me here because it was the first time that he has ever brought someone, let alone a girl, over to meet them. I didn't want to let that get to me but it did make me blush. 

Thomas kept poking fun at Daniel to the point where Daniel looked like he could punch him in the face. He immediately eased up after I held onto his fist and leaned into his side. Thomas though kept going on with his teasing while Felix, Storm and Atticus were telling him to shut up. It would probably be best if he listened, though I don't think Daniel would intentionally hit him. When one of the workers popped in to notify the band that they were about to perform, Daniel and I left to let them prepare. 

"Now welcoming 'The Valor's' to the stage!" the owner of the bar announced through the mic. 

Everyone cheered loudly as Thomas, Storm, Atticus and Felix walked onto the stage. I grinned and unconsciously started bouncing on the balls of my feet. Daniel grinned before grabbing my hand and leading me through the crowd, towards the front. The band picked up their instruments and began to play their song as Thomas sang. I was cheering loudly. It felt like I was at a concert with all the coloured lights and the smoke machine producing way too much smoke everywhere. The music may be rock music but I still loved it. They were very talented, I'm surprised they haven't made it in the big time yet but I'm sure they will one day. 

Daniel spun me around making me throw my head back and laugh. With a bigger crowd forming to dance and cheer, I ended up getting pushed making me stumble into Daniel's chest. He instantly wrapped his arms around my waist while I clutched his shirt, still chuckling. It seems like we always end up in a situation where we end up somehow close together as if we look like a couple to others. If Ruby saw us now, she'd freak out with excitement and start squealing, she wouldn't even care if people heard her fangirling.

"Thank you for today Daniel" I shouted over the music. 

"Don't thank me, everyone deserves to have a little fun without their parol officer" Daniel joked.

I chuckled, knowing he meant Evelyn. It was probably bad of me to laugh at something directed at my best friend but it was kind of true, I had to agree with him. Evelyn is overprotective but it gets to a point where she tries to control me so that she prevents me from doing things that I want to do but she deems as 'not me' or something that would hurt me. Evelyn can't do anything to stop me but she would scold me and try her very best to make sure I didn't come back to such a 'dangerous' place or a place that would make me feel 'out of place'. I can't blame her for the way she thinks of me since she only knows what I'm willing to share. So the rest she assumes and I don't correct her, it's better not to so I wouldn't get questioned.

Once the band finished playing a couple of songs, they left to go backstage again. We decided to take a break and sit at the lounge area towards the side of the dancefloor while others continued to dance to the music playing through the speakers again. Daniel draped his arm over the back of the couch, behind my head as we sat next to each other, both grinning and slightly sweating from dancing. Before he could speak Thomas, Storm, Felix and Atticus all decided to join us on the couch across from us. When Thomas sat close to me, Daniel pulled me towards him and away from Thomas.

"There's no need to be possessive man, I'm not going to steal your girl" Thomas teased. Daniel rolled his eyes and gave him the finger as the others laughed. I couldn't help but laugh silently myself.

"We saw you guys from the stage, are you sure you two aren't at least dating?" Atticus asked with a raised brow.

"We're sure," Daniel said. I nodded even though I hated the fact that we were just friends but I guess I can't complain, it was better than nothing.

"Well if you're not dating her than you wouldn't mind me asking her out instead" Thomas suggested, smirking mischievously. That made Daniel narrow his eyes at him. 

"I'd be flattered but sorry I wouldn't be interested, no offence or anything," I said apologetically, not wanting to offend him. Thomas chuckled.

"Trust me, there's no offence sweetheart, I understand that you're in love with my pal here" he joked. I glanced down as my cheeks heated up. Daniel leaned to the side to reach over and smack Thomas upside the head.

"Shut up fucker" Daniel ordered.

"Since when did you become so invested in Daniel's love life?" Storm questioned Thomas.

"Since I like this one" he replied, pointing at me. Felix rolled his eyes.

"He says that because last time a girl came here that knew Daniel, was crazy obsessed and kept yelling at Tom just because he was never here when she was" Felix explained. I looked at Daniel with a frown but he seemed more confused than I was. I don't think he was aware of what he was referring to.

"I don't remember hearing about this" he mumbled.

"Why would we mention a crazed obsessed girl to you? If you came when she did, I swear she would probably attack you then attack anyone else for getting in her way" Atticus scoffed.

"That bitch almost smashed me with Storm's guitar because I told her I wouldn't give her Daniel's number" Thomas grumbled bitterly. 

"Well seems like you were lucky you missed out" I joked.

"Trust me, I'm relieved that I wasn't here for that," Daniel said.

"I'm glad she stopped coming here once security kept throwing her ass out back onto the streets, she was out for blood, mostly your blood" Felix stated, pointing at Daniel.

Wow, that must have been way too much to deal with. I can't help but think that that girl must have been way too crazily in love with him. But I also couldn't help but giggle at Daniel's facial expression. His eyes were wide and his mouth was slightly parted in shock. He looked mad, shocked and surprised all in one facial expression. The others kept going on and on describing the girl that would almost stalk Daniel before I moved here. They told crazy stories of she would do just to see him. Daniel snapped out of his shocked state to look at me and glare jokingly when he heard me.

"What?" I asked innocently with a smile.

"What are you laughing at?" Daniel retorted. He was resisting the twitch of his lips.

"The fact that you look so scared, it's funny," I replied with a chuckle.

"Scared? How dare you speak so lowly of me" Daniel said in mock offence. I rolled my eyes. He then leaned forward to tickle my sides. I bursted out laughing and tried to move away from him but he used one hand to hold me by my hip.

"I'm s-sorry!" I exclaimed, still laughing.

Daniel finally stopped, moving back a bit while grinning. I took a couple of deep breaths before pouting and slapping his arm lightly as he chuckled. Thomas glanced between both of us. A knowing smirk formed across his lips and he then joined his hands together to create a heart in front of us. Daniel rolled his eyes while I shook my head but tried not to laugh. Thomas seemed like the goofball out all of them and I found that quite amusing. Although he looked like the serious type and maybe a bit intimidating, he was the opposite.

I took my phone out my pocket to check the time but my eyes widened when I saw that I had seventeen missed calls from Evelyn and five messages from Ruby. Ruby was asking me where I was and that Evelyn was getting impatient. I could tell by the many missed calls she's left me. I'm surprised she didn't call any more than that. Damn it, I didn't notice the time go by but I didn't know I'd stay until eight. I was supposed to meet Evelyn, Ruby and Kylee by six-thirty. I'm so dead, Evelyn must be furious after I had promised her that I'd be on time and meet the guy. I'm hesitant to call back because when she's pissed, all hell breaks loose. 

Daniel frowned when he noticed my pale face. "Are you alright?" he asked. I shook my head.

"No, I was supposed to meet Evelyn like two hours ago and now she's pissed, she's been calling me none stop" I explained in a panic. 

"It's fine, I'll drive you there, don't worry, she can't do anything, she's not the boss of you" he tried to reassure me. 

"I know but I promised her that I wouldn't be late, it's already late," I said.

"Come on, we'll go now and if she says anything, let me know and I'll handle it because it was my fault that you were late," he said. Despite my anxiety, I smiled up at him.

"Thank you but I'll deal with her, I'll just have to get there first" I declined. He nodded.

We left the place after we explained the situation to the other four. Ruby messaged to let me know that she was still there but Evelyn was not happy. It made me shiver at the thought of having to face her wrath. I can handle her but she's still difficult to talk to when she's in one of her 'moods'. I shouldn't be scared of my best friend though it's hard not to be after knowing her for more than half my life. She has the ability to intimidate people and make them feel inferior. It's bad but she only does that whenever she's truly beyond her boiling point. Though that doesn't excuse her actions or words during her temper tantrum. 

I was brought out of my thoughts when my phone rang in my pocket. It made me jump in my seat. I ignored Daniel's little snicker at me and took my phone out. Unknown number, huh? I wonder who could that be. I was hesitant to answer. Anyone who calls that comes up as unknown makes me uneasy. Though this one made my stomach churn. There was an even more negative feeling I was getting. I answered it nonetheless in case it was just Kylee calling since I didn't have her number yet. 

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hello, is this Harmony Wright?" an unfamiliar voice ask.

"Yes, this is she" I replied.

"I'm Silas, a work friend of your mother, I just wanted to ask if you knew why she hasn't been answering any of my calls? You see she left early from work because she didn't look very well and I wanted to check up on her" he explained. My worry started to spike. She went home early? I thought she would have messaged me or call me if she did. She usually would. And if she was unwell, then I needed to make sure she was ok. 

"I'm sorry, I'm not at home at the moment but I'll make sure to go home now to check on her" I stated.

"Thank you so much, have a good night and tell her to get some rest," Silas said before hanging up.

"You ok?" Daniel asked, glancing at me.

"Yeah but can you please make a pit stop at my house, I need to check on my mother if that's alright," I pleaded.

"Of course" he nodded.

Daniel took a turn in the opposite direction of the diner and headed to my house. I hope that there was nothing to worry about but I wanted to be sure that she was alright, especially since she's home alone. I prayed that it was all in my head and that I was overthinking. When Daniel grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze of reassurance, it eased my conscious though not a lot. I still appreciated his attempt to calm me. 

I was quick to sprint into my house after Daniel parked in front. I called out for her but I was met with silence. There was little light in the house from the moon dimly shining through the windows and glass door. When I set foot past the hallway, into where the kitchen and living room were, my heart dropped to my stomach at the sight. My breath hitched and my eyes widened. My mother was lying unconscious with blood smeared on her forehead. It was dripping onto the white-tiled kitchen floor. 

I rushed over to her and kneeled down to lay her head onto my lap. Daniel kneeled beside me and handed me a cloth to press against the wound on her head. Tears were starting to blur my vision but I tried to prevent them from falling. I didn't want to breakdown, not now. I had to wait until the paramedics would come and help her. I wanted to wait until she was in good hands. I don't know what happened but that wasn't what was most important, what was important was making sure she was ok and not in any more pain. 

Daniel wrapped one arm around my shoulder and I leaned my head on him. My breathing was coming out uneven and shaky. Even with Daniel whispering calming and soothing words, it didn't stop my shaken state. Luckily, It didn't take long until I heard the deafening sound of the sirens from the ambulance. Daniel got up to answer the door for them. The paramedics came in to check on her and to put her on a gurney. One of them turned me away from the sight to question me. Daniel stayed by my side the whole time until I was able to leave to go to the hospital. 

"Excuse me?." We turned around to face the person who was addressing us. He had dark brown crew cut hair, emerald eyes, a rectangular jawline with a slight stubble. 

"Yes?" I replied with a frown. 

"I know we haven't met but I talked to you on the phone, I'm Silas, I'm sorry for what happened but I promise you she'll be ok, she's a strong one," Silas reassured me, smiling softly.

"Thank you" I mumbled. Daniel and I followed Silas into the ambulance and headed off to the hospital. I leaned forward to grab my mothers hand into mine. I laid my head on our enclosed hands. Daniel put his arm around my waist to comfort me. The tears that I was holding back had escaped and were now streaming down my face. I took a deep shaky breath. 

"Please be alright, please" I pleaded quietly.