I was frozen in shock, staring at the amazing work Daniel had done for me. No one has ever done this for me though I guess that would be because it's illegal and uncommon. Although it sounds stupid, it made me feel special even though it's probably a bad thing that he spray-painted the side of a building. I mean it's not like anyone hasn't done things for me back home but just not this extreme. The funny thing is if I were to take a photo of this and send it to Maddie, she would agree with me and tell me to go nab this man before he's taken.

"See this is why I've been ignoring you lately, I wanted to get this done by your birthday," Daniel said. So that's why he was avoiding me the past week. I'm relieved that it wasn't something that I did, it was just for my birthday.

"So you did this on your own all for my birthday?" I asked, turning towards him with a frown. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked down.

"Well yeah, it's your special day so I had to do something" he shrugged. My lips quirked up as I threw my arms around his torso making him take a step back in surprise. Even though this was the kind of reason why I didn't want him to know about my birthday, so he didn't have to waste any time or money on me, it was a sweet grand gesture that I loved. Any form of art, I appreciated and admired. He had a gift for spray painting. It may not be the most appropriate but nothing can stop creativity in my opinion.

"Thank you, Daniel, this is the best gift I have ever received, you're an amazing artist" I mumbled into his shirt. He wrapped his arms around my waist and placed his head on top of mine.

"Anything for you sweetheart" he muttered. 

My cheeks heated up and I bit my bottom lip since I couldn't stop smiling like an idiot. Sometimes I hated when I couldn't control my reactions because it's hard to hide my feelings when my expressions and the blush at any moment could give it away. It's a skill to hard feelings for someone else, I swear. I pulled away slowly from his body to look up at him. He brushed a strand of my hair that had fallen in front of my face behind my ear while looking into my eyes. I yelped when he suddenly picked me up into his arms. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck, terrified that he'd drop me at some point. Even though I know he's strong, I don't think I could ever stop worrying about being dropped if he was startled or something.

"Don't you trust me?" Daniel asked, raising a brow as he walked away from the alley.

"I do but that doesn't mean I won't be any less terrified about being picked up like this" I admitted.

"Well you're in good hands, don't worry" he reassured me.

"Ok, but if you drop me, you have to live with a guilty conscious because you physically hurt me" I threatened though I knew it was a terrible one. Daniel threw his back and laughed.

"I'll make a mental note of that" he joked.

I rolled my eyes before resting my head against his shoulder as he walked down the street. He soon stopped in front of an antique shop. The name on the sign read 'Miracles Of The Past'. I loved the name, it interested me. I've always wanted to go to an antique store though there wasn't any near mine or my grandmother's place. If I could, I would buy a few things to decorate my room with from vintage stores like this. Daniel set me down to my feet and took out a key from his pocket. This is different than before considering he had to pick the lock back at the arcade but here, he had a key so he either knew the manager or the owner. At least, I hope he did because then that would be better so we wouldn't get in trouble if we get caught.

Daniel took my hand and gently tugged me inside. I followed him into the dark. He closed the door behind me before turning on all the lights.

"Wow" was the only thing I could utter out as I looked around at all the antique items.

They looked absolutely stunning. It made the place feel homey and comfortable. I immediately knew that this would be my favourite store to come to. The one thing that caught my eye was a duplicate copy of Van Gogh's greatest work, 'The Starry Night'. I hope that I can buy it next time I'm here in the daytime so I can hang it on my wall as inspiration and also an item that would give me determination. He may have been a tortured artist, who's story always makes me tear up, his work still had an impact because it was the very framework that made me want to be a future artist after I first saw it when my grandmother took me to an art museum when I was around seven years old.

Daniel tugged my hand again towards the couch. We sat next to each other but I was still looking around in amazement a the two-story store that had some guitars and bicycles hanging by strings on the ceiling. It was a dim store but still set a calming atmosphere. Daniel draped his arm behind me on the couch and took a quick glance around before staring at me. I smiled but was taken aback at the sight of his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as he stared at me. I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from laughing though it was cute.

"What?" he asked while tilting his head with a frown.

"You're blushing" I pointed out.

"Lies" he dismissed. I giggled and poked his cheek.

"Yes you were, I made you blush, I love that," I gushed. Daniel crossed his arms and glared at me.

"I do not blush" he argued.

"Well you just did, but don't worry guys who blush are sexy" I flirted, winking at him.

Did I just say that out loud? Oh god, I'm an idiot!

I immediately regret saying that as soon as I blurted it out. I should have kept my mouth shut. I'm about to expose myself and I haven't even had a sip of alcohol. I don't know why all of a sudden I decided to say that. It felt too forward and I'm never forward, I wanted to go backwards so I wouldn't be embarrassed. Daniel's wide shocked eyes weren't helping my speeding heart. It felt like I was hyperventilating but I was only taking multiple deep breaths. I wanted to both curse and scold myself. "Oh shit, I'm sorry I don't know why I just blurted that out, it's not like me, I shouldn't have said anything" I instantly retracted my previous words. I rubbed my right arm and looked down to avoid his gaze. 

"No no! Don't apologize! I like it when you say things like that, it's hot" he proclaimed. I glanced up at him with a frown.

"You do?" I questioned with hesitation.

He gave me a toothy grin before nodding. He then cupped my cheek and tilted my head up to look at him properly in his mesmerising amber eyes. He brushed his thumb across my cheek to my bottom my lip, staring at it before looking back at me. We then leaned our foreheads against each other. I placed my hands on the back of his neck, threading my hands through his hair. It was like we were in a trance as if the whole world didn't exist and it was just the two of us together. We sat in comfortable silence like that for a bit until I glanced up at his closed eyes. I know it would be wrong and Evelyn would definitely disapprove of it but I wanted to make the first move and kiss him even though I have no idea if I'll get a similar positive reaction or not.

I pushed away any doubts that I had for a quick minute so I could muster up the courage to do what I wanted. I quickly tugged his head down to connect our lips together before I could chicken out. I started to panic when I got no response. I was going to pull away but then Daniel wrapped his arms around my torso, placing his hands on my lower back to push our bodies closer together until we were pressed up against each other and he was kissing me back with just as much force and passion as I was. I had to stop myself from smiling so I didn't ruin the moment between us even though on the inside, I was freaking out with excitement. It was a euphoric first kiss. 

I got lost in our kiss that I didn't notice until I felt my back hit the soft cushion of the couch with Daniel hovering over me. I should probably stop but I guess the part of my conscious that's saying to just go with it and enjoy myself won. He licked my bottom lip, asking for entrance. I parted my lips and our tongues instantly clashed, fighting for dominance. I ran my fingers through his hair, tugging it, earning a moan from him. Just as my fingers found the hem of his shirt, a phone ringing interrupted us. Daniel pulled away and groaned in frustration as I huffed in annoyance. Of course, an interruption to ruin a perfect moment but it wasn't from my phone, it was from Daniel's unfortunately. He pulled out his phone and answered the call with a scowl.

"What?!" Daniel snapped. He rolled his eyes at something the person said on the other line as I propped myself up onto my elbows. A look of irritation crossed his face as he hung up the phone without saying goodbye.

"Who was that?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Fucking Evelyn" Daniel grumbled. I raised a brow. That's a first she would willingly call him. I wonder why. There must be some reason unless it's just to scream at him.

"That's weird, why would she call you?" I questioned.

"She wanted to know if I had 'took you away' somewhere" he rolled his eyes.

"Of course, she blames you for my absence" I sighed. I guess I shouldn't really be surprised when it comes to Evelyn. She has that much hate for one person and I will never truly know why. I'm annoyed though she would interrupt us just for that crap, just when it was getting good.

"What doesn't she blame me for?" he sarcastically asked.

"Why does she have to ruin a perfectly good moment?" I grumbled bitterly under my breath.  Daniel's lips curled up into a smirk. "What?" I asked. He leaned forward until we were mere inches away from each other, our lips brushing against one another. My breath hitched as I stared into his eyes yet again as if I were in a trance being hypnotised.

"Do you want to continue where we left off?" he whispered.

I nodded eagerly while glancing at his lips. We were about to kiss again until this time my phone rang. Daniel and I both groaned in annoyance. I wanted to crush my phone at this very moment. I regret bringing my phone with me inside, I should have just left it in Daniel's truck but I was worried that my mother might call me. Daniel had carried it in his pocket since I didn't have any. It was fun while it lasted. Daniel sat back in his seat before handing me my phone. I rolled my eyes as Evelyn's name popped up on my screen along with the image of the both of us from before we moved, dressed up for Christmas at my grandmother's house. 

We were both smiling and hugging. Those were the good ole days. Now I'm trying to avoid her on my birthday. My how times have changed. I felt like a kid more than an adult. More now than ever since as soon as I answered it, even though I really shouldn't after the way she treated me today, I regretted it. I should have declined the call but I didn't. She had instantly started rambling on about where I went and that I shouldn't have run off like that, scolding me. I couldn't get a single word in.

"Can I speak Evelyn?" I interjected, my voice going up.

"What could you possibly say to make this situation any better?" Evelyn snapped.

"How about don't go blaming me? Me walking out of my own surprise party is not my fault, I'm not going to apologize just because you're making a big deal out of something so stupid" I fumed.

"See! I mean when did you become such a...."

"Leave her the fuck alone Evelyn, you're not her mother" Daniel seethed into the phone after grabbing it from my hand.

"You're with fucking Daniel! Have you really stooped that low Harmony!?" I could hear Evelyn scold through the phone and it wasn't even on speaker. Daniel hung up the phone after that.

"God she's a pain in the ass" he exasperated.

I sat up properly and nodded in agreement. I will, unfortunately, admit there are times when Evelyn can be annoying. Ever since I came here, it's like all her mind ever goes to, is Daniel. I mean so do I but for her, she thinks about how much she hates him and what a terrible person he is but never elaborates on the topic. That was part of the reason why I never stayed away from him when I first met him at her father's wedding. Because there was never a good enough reason to stay away, I only knew the one thing that he did, that's it. He proved that he's the opposite of what Evelyn has told me. 

"Do you want to go back to the party?" Daniel asked. I shook my head. 

There was no way I'm going back there. Right now I was way too upset with Evelyn to go see her in person at the moment. Maybe tomorrow or something but right now, no. I'm afraid I might snap at her and start yelling if she says scolds me, judges me, insults me, or mentions/blames Daniel in any way. I can barely hold my anger at times like this. I wish she would get the hint that she is not my mother and that it hurt to hear her utter such insults to me when I've done nothing wrong but be a teenager trying to enjoy her senior year but apparently in her books, that's a crime for only me to do.

"I think I should just go home before my mother starts to worry about me because knowing Evelyn, she would have probably called her by now to let her know that I've disappeared and have been acting up or something" I explained as I stood up. 

Just as I finished my sentence, my phone vibrated in my hand. I glanced down to see that it was a message from my mother. I could tell she was starting to worry about my whereabouts since Evelyn called her to tell her about my 'abrupt' exit. She's going to have so many questions for me when I get back home, great. I probably won't tell her about what happened today with Evelyn just so she won't get even more worried than she already is. 

"Why do you put up with Evelyn if even you seem to not like her?" Daniel asked as he copied my actions.

"I guess it's because I've known for so long that every time she acts up like this, I hope that she'll go back to being the way she used to be, someone who was fun to be around with and was actually caring" I replied with a shrug.

"Well to me it seems like she's a shit friend" he stated as we walked out of the antique shop. He made sure to lock the door behind him.

"She can be good sometimes" I tried to defend her though I don't know why. 

Today she made me feel terrible about myself. I don't even know if it was because she was drunk or tipsy or if it was because she just wants to have a go at me by being pissed off for no reason. I know at times she can be genuine and kind but ever since I got here, it's been different. She's become more aggressive. Occasionally I'll see the side of her from my childhood, the one that was there by my side to always put a smile on my face but now I'll also see the side of her that I don't like but can't do anything about.

"She's horrible and you know it but you put up with her because you're too good and she doesn't deserve your forgiveness or kindness," Daniel declared. I hid my smile as we both got into his pick up truck and drove off.

"Thanks but I guess I just have hope, hope that one day she'll stop all this and our friendship can go back to the way it was before where we could enjoy ourselves without drama" I admitted. He shot me a quick side glance and frowned.

"I don't want you to get hurt," Daniel mumbled softly. I grabbed his hand and intertwined it.

"Don't worry, I can handle Evelyn, she doesn't scare me and hey, as long as I got you by my side, nothing can hurt me" I reassured him. Daniel's lips twitched up. We sat in comfortable silence on the way back to mine. I felt at ease having my hand in his. My mind wasn't focused on the mess that unfolded today. My mind focused more on reminiscing on that kiss and what the hell it meant. I don't know how to bring it up and ask. When he stopped in front of my house, my mood instantly faltered at having the night end already. "Thank you for tonight Daniel, I really needed it, you made me feel so much better," I said. Daniel leaned in and pecked my lips. I was taken aback by his actions. 

What was that?

"As I said before, anything for you" he grinned. My cheeks heated up but this time I didn't look away.

"I'll see you on Monday?" I asked. he nodded. I kissed him quickly before opening the door and walking up to my door. 

Inwardly, I was praying that he wouldn't confront me about the kiss. As much as I loved it, I didn't want him to suddenly backtrack on it. I wanted to sleep tonight with the memory of my first kiss ending semi-perfect because of the interruption that ruined it. He may have done all this for me but I've met guys that change their minds instantly retract their actions of being nice or doing something that actually makes me feel special, which in the end hurts inside and makes me feel like absolute shit. I did not need that again. I would need to prep myself though that would be a bit depressing for me to do.

"Wait!" Daniel called out to me. I spun around with wide eyes to see him running up to me. My heart was racing. Damn it, I hope it wasn't something bad. My thoughts were running with ideas of what he could have wanted. When he stopped in front of me, he held out a small floral patterned bag that said 'happy birthday' on it. I was completely off but it was better than what I was thinking. I took the small bag the size of my hand from him before tilting my head and smiling.

"You didn't have to get me anything," I said as I glanced at the gift then back at him. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked off to the side.

"I know but I still wanted to get you something extra that you would love and actually hold, instead of just spray painting that mural for you" he explained.

"Well thank you, I know I'll love it" I beamed up at him.

Daniel nodded before kissing my cheek and whispering goodnight. I watched as he left into his truck. I walked inside and ran upstairs, into my room, going past my mother's room where she was sleeping already. Thank god, I won't have to answer any questions, not tonight. I can figure out what excuse I'm going to give her tomorrow. As soon as I got into my room, I closed the door and grinned widely. Today may have ended badly with Evelyn, It ended well with Daniel. 

I collapsed onto my bed and placed Daniel's gift on my lap. I contemplating on whether to open it today or tomorrow. I'm impatient to wait so I reached inside but my eyes widened when I took out a small black velvet box. I opened the box to reveal a galaxy necklace with a purple nebula pendant on a silver chain. My lips instantly curled up into a smile for probably the tenth time today. I was at a lost for words. The necklace was breathtaking. It was better than any crystal one. I was quick to clasp on the necklace and stand up to walk over to my full-length mirror.

I brushed my fingers over the necklace, staring at the reflection of it. This is something I didn't expect. I never wanted a gift nor did I ask for it but it was sweet of him to do all this for me. Usually, I don't get anything for my birthday other than probably my favourite dinner or something. I was always fine with it because I still had fun but it was nice to receive something like this. Though I hope he didn't spend too much money on it. When I looked up I noticed a little card on the floor. It must have fallen out when I grabbed the velvet box. I quickly picked it up and skimmed over the cursive writing that I recognised was Daniel's, of course. 

Happy Birthday beautiful

I hope you enjoy your gift, it took me three days of searching through the web for something to get you until I realized the one thing you love, well other than me and art, is the galaxy. And you don't deserve the shit Evelyn gives you, you deserve the whole galaxy and one day you will have everything you ever wanted. 

Ok, now I'm done being sappy, turn over the pendant for a surprise. Until Monday beautiful.

I giggled at the end of it. I put the card down on my nightstand, not wanting to lose it before turning the pendant over to see that he had it engraved. My breath hitched at the sight of a date written on it. This date was special. It was the exact day and month we met at the wedding when I bumped into him, practically knocking him over because I was clumsy and in a hurry. In small letters, it said in neat letters 'when I realized...' I didn't want to overthink on what it meant but I had hope that it meant what I'm thinking it does or else that kiss tonight was for nothing.

My phone started blaring my ringtone making me jump and spin around to where my phone sat on my bed. Crap, I forgot that I didn't put it on silent. I rushed over to answer it so it would shut up and not wake my mother up. She needed as much rest as she could get before she has to go back to work on Monday but except she won't be doing nightshifts as often luckily.

"Harmony! Where the hell have you been all night!?" Ruby's concerned voice yelled over the phone.

"I'm fine if that's what you're asking, I was with Daniel" I replied. It was silent for a minute and I thought she hung up. I looked at my phone to see that she didn't. I furrowed eyebrows and frowned. "Are you ok Ruby?"

"You...were...with...Daniel? And you're not going to tell me about anything that happened tonight between you two?" Ruby calmly asked. It was terrifying because I could hear her taking deep breaths. Ruby pretending to be calm should frighten just about anyone.

"Um...." I trailed off. "I can tell you if you want I guess," I shrugged.

"Yeah you better, I'll come over now to pick you up and you can sleepover at mine if that's ok with Camilla," Ruby ordered. Camilla was my mother's name and Ruby knew that after coming over to my house quite a few times and sleeping over.

"Uh sure, go ahead I'll just leave her a note by her nightstand so she knows when she wakes up and I'll wait out front for you," I told her.

"Ok, I'll be right over, vroom vroom I'm on my way bitch" Ruby joked. I laughed and shook my head. 

I hung up after saying goodbye. I changed into some black tights and a plain green oversized hoodie before packing an overnight bag and writing a note to my mother for when she wakes up. I snuck into her room and placed it on her nightstand before exiting the house with my bag over my shoulder and phone in my pocket. I sat on the steps to my door and held the pendant in my hand to stare at it with admiration. My feelings for him keeps growing every day, it's becoming dangerous.

I looked up when I heard the sound of a car stop in front of my house. Ruby was leaning out of the passenger window with a wide toothy Cheshire cat grin. She looked like she was about to fall out. Oh god, I hope she's not drunk from the party. It's passed 2 am in the morning. The party would have finished an hour or two ago because Carlson and Mariah would have gone home to sleep around midnight or something. I don't know if they drank a lot or not. I know Evelyn did. At least she's not driving. I got up and walked over, getting into the backseat of the car to see Kylee at the wheel in her pyjamas. Ruby was bouncing in her seat while Kylee looked irritated.

"I'm excited for the gossip that is to come!" Ruby squealed as Kylee drove off. She rolled her eyes.

"Ignore her, she's still drunk from the party, I've been trying to get her to shut up but she's way more hyper and annoying than she usually is when she's under the influence" Kylee explained. Ruby glared and gave her the finger.

"Fuck you my friend" Ruby whispered. Kylee huffed and slapped her hand away.

"This is going to be a long ride" Kylee grumbled. "P.s if you're wondering why I'm here, it's because she's incompetent to drive while I haven't had a single drink and I also wanted to know what happened tonight but I wasn't bothered to change and neither did she since I was crashing at her house" Kylee explained the answer to my unspoken question.

"Welp I guess we all prefer comfort over jeans tonight huh?" I joked with a grin.

Ruby and Kylee chuckled and nodded in agreement. On the way to Ruby's, she kept dancing in her seat to every song that played on the radio. Kylee was not kidding when she said Ruby is more hyper when drunk. She needs some water to help though I don't think she's over the top drunk. When we got to Ruby's, she was quick to run into the kitchen to make popcorn and to get some drinks. Her parents were still away but they'll be coming back on Monday after school. Once we settled onto the carpet of Ruby's living room, they both stared at me expectantly.

I told them everything from when I left the party to when I got home. They both stared at the pendant in amazement. When I told them about the kiss with Daniel, Ruby kept singing 'I told you so' repeatedly while Kylee smirked and drew a heart in the air with both her index fingers to tease me. I rolled my eyes at the two but smiled nonetheless. I needed this. A day with my friends and with the guy that occupied my thoughts constantly. I know I'll end up forgiving Evelyn but after and if she apologizes genuinely.

But for now, I'm going to enjoy my night with Ruby and Kylee where I feel comfortable and not worried about Evelyn or Daniel. Though I couldn't help but think that I'm terrified of what will happen on Monday between Daniel and me now that we've kissed. I prayed that it didn't ruin anything between us but I guess that could potentially be wishful thinking. I sighed while Ruby snored and Kylee slept with her head on Ruby's stomach since we were all on the floor, sleeping on a bunch of blankets, passed out. I was still wide awake with my thoughts keeping me up. I looked out the window of the living room at the sight of the full moon. I didn't know whether I should be excited or nervous for Monday but all I know is that right now, I was dreading for that day to come.